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There’s been a bit of upheaval in the directorial department at Newcastle United over the past year, but Ross Wilson has forged a neat working relationship with Eddie Howe, and the pair are looking to make improvements at St. James’ Park.

Last year, Howe and his squad defied many odds to lift the Carabao Cup and restore a place in the Champions League. It all came together, and while the sale of talisman Alexander Isak this summer threatened to knock things out of kilter, United have made progress in recent weeks, with new heroes emerging.

Bruno Guimaraes remains the Magpies’ all-inspiring leader, but Malick Thiaw has risen to the occasion since arriving in the Premier League this year, becoming a different kind of driving force for the Tynesiders.

Howe's new leaders at Newcastle

Isak was never a vocal talisman in Howe’s Newcastle squad, but, before the summer transfer window, he led by example on the field, scoring 27 goals across all competitions last season and notching in the Carabao Cup final.

However, Newcastle banked a record fee for his signature, and Guimaraes has only raised his game this term, both from a technical and leadership standpoint.

Though a new forward focal point has yet to properly establish himself, Thiaw has taken to life in the Premier League seamlessly, and Bruno has actually remarked that the imperious German defender is “the future of this club”.

It says something of his character and technical quality that he has arrived from AC Milan for around £35m and swiftly stepped higher than Sven Botman. As per Sofascore, Thiaw, 24, has won 74% of his aerial duels in the Premier League, completing 88% of his passes and yet to make an error.

He’s some player, and Bruno is too, but United may actually have a younger member of their squad who is shooting through the form rankings in the English game, starting to prove he could be the pick of the bunch.

Newcastle made a better signing than Bruno & Thiaw

When Newcastle signed Lewis Hall from Chelsea for £28m (after a season-long loan move throughout the 2023/24 campaign), they knew they had struck a bargain for a young full-back with a wealth of potential.

However, injuries have damaged the 21-year-old’s chances of establishing fluency since that move became permanent, and so it’s interesting to see him playing so well in recent weeks, finally building toward the elite player he could, should, become.

Described as “the best player on the field” by reporter Andy Sixsmith after his monstrous display against Tottenham, Hall has overcome his injury problems and is now reminding the Premier League that he is one of the best in the business. Indeed, with more performances like these, it won’t just be those of a Toon persuasion advocating for him to be on the Three Lions plane across the pond next summer.

Lewis Hall vs Tottenham

Match Stats

#

Minutes played

90′

Touches

75

Shots (on target)

3 (0)

Accurate passes

36/43 (84%)

Chances created

0

Dribbles

2/2

Recoveries

6

Tackles won

4/4

Interceptions

2

Clearances

4

Duels won

8/15

Data via Sofascore

As per FBref, Hall actually ranks among the top 7% of full-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 11% for progressive passes, and the top 5% for through balls and tackles won per 90.

This is a frighteningly rounded player, his formative career as a centre-midfielder fostering a dynamic skillset that is charging his journey to the top. If the England international can keep fitness levels on his side, then he will only get better and better on Tyneside, potentially even becoming Howe’s main man.

In this, he might become one of the best signings of the PIF era. Already, it is clear that his name belongs in such a conversation, but Hall needs consistency now. Who knows, maybe he could climb up to loftier ground than the likes of Bruno and Thiaw stand on.

There’s also the matter of him arriving from Chelsea after being awarded the Cobham side’s Academy Player of the Year award. Pinched from a direct rival, Hall is developing into a player who will rival the likes of Marc Cucurella for the left-back crown down the line.

With so much room still for growth, there’s every chance that Hall could be Howe’s main man in the not-too-distant future.

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Posts ByKelan Sarson 6 days ago

Chelsea’s opening goal in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal on Sunday should have been disallowed under IFAB Law 11.

Arsenal unable to take all three points against ten-man Chelsea

With Moises Caicedo being shown a straight red card after fouling Mikel Merino in the first half, the Gunners would’ve been expecting to pick up what could be a crucial three points at Stamford Bridge, but the hosts refused to lie down.

In fact, Trevoh Chalobah opened the scoring for Enzo Maresca’s side just after half-time, although the north Londoners were ultimately able to come away with a point, as Mikel Merino was able to level things up just over ten minutes later.

Speaking after the game, Maresca made it clear he had no problem with Caicedo being given his marching orders, although he did question why Tottenham Hotspur’s Rodrigo Bentancur was not sent off for a similar challenge last month.

However, Mikel Arteta may have complaints of his own, with VAR being accused of going “completely blind” and missing Enzo Fernandez in an offside position during Chalobah’s opening goal.

IFAB’s Law 11 describes offside offences, and Fernandez’s position battling against Cristhian Mosquera certainly meets the criteria for ‘interfering with an opponent’.

A player in an offside position at the moment the ball is played or touched* by a team-mate is only penalised on becoming involved in active play by:

interfering with play by playing or touching a ball passed or touched by a team-mate or interfering with an opponent by: preventing an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing the opponent’s line of vision or challenging an opponent for the ball or clearly attempting to play a ball which is close when this action impacts on an opponent or making an obvious action which clearly impacts on the ability of an opponent to play the ball

However, the goal stood and Maresca’s side managed to hold out for a draw, despite having ten men for most of the game, so Arteta arguably has a right to feel aggrieved the Gunners were unable to extend their lead at the top.

Arsenal should have taken three points regardless

Although there is a case to be made that Chalobah’s goal should’ve been ruled out, Arsenal will be kicking themselves, given that Caicedo’s early red card presented them with a golden opportunity to pick up a victory.

Arteta concurs that it was two points dropped, saying after the game: “I think overall it’s been a really positive week because the difficulty was immense.

“But I have this flavour that today we should have and we could have won the game and we haven’t. That’s a learning point from it.”

Arteta must drop 4/10 Arsenal star who lost every single duel vs Chelsea

Arsenal were not at their free-flowing best as they drew with Chelsea.

ByMatt Dawson Dec 1, 2025

That said, the north Londoners shouldn’t be too disheartened, as getting a point at Stamford Bridge is still a good result, and they have a healthy lead at the top of the Premier League table, currently sitting five points clear of Man City.

The Houston Astros are open to trading longtime middle-of-the-order bat Kyle Tucker, and the trade packages are starting to materialize as opposing teams line up for his services.

The 27-year-old Tucker, who hit .289 with 23 home runs and 49 RBI in an injury-riddled 78 game campaign last season, has received trade interest from the New York Yankees and the Chicago Cubs.

For any package involving Tucker, the Astros are seeking Yankees starter and AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil, according to Jon Heyman of the . In talks with the Cubs, the Astros are interested in outfielder Seiya Suzuki and corner infielder Isaac Paredes, according to Ken Rosenthal of

For what it's worth, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer spoke of Suzuki's future in Chicago, and it didn't sound like he was going anywhere.

"I've got a great relationship with both Seiya and [his agent Joel Wolfe]," Hoyer said on Wednesday. "We've had conversations about his role, DHing, all those things, but ultimately, he's a really good player. I expect him to be a Cub," Hoyer added.

It's clear that the Astros hold Tucker in high regard, so it will take quite the package to acquire him after his solid career in Houston thus far.

Mitchell Starc strikes back with an early inroad before stumps in his 100th Test

Andrew McGlashan12-Jul-2025

Australia suffered a dramatic collapse of 7 for 68 under the new Sabina Park floodlights as West Indies’ quicks enjoyed the conditions with Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph and Justin Greaves sharing all ten before Mitchell Starc struck back with an early inroad in his 100th Test.Starc, who had earlier collected a duck, went close on numerous occasions before removing debutant Kevlon Anderson, who inside-edged onto the stumps attempting a drive. West Indies had been forced into a makeshift opening pair of Anderson and Brandon King after Mikyle Louis, who had been recalled in place of the struggling Kraigg Brathwaite the match after he reached 100 Tests, and John Campbell picked up injuries in the field.Losing just one wicket in 45 minutes against this Australia attack with a pink ball under lights could be considered a success with King and Roston Chase doing well to see out the day. As has been the case in the first two Tests, the value of Australia’s total will only really be clear once West Indies’ innings develops.Related

Pink-ball theatre: Unplayable deliveries, unbelievable catches and T20 batting in Test cricket

Australia were handily placed on 129 for 2 shortly before the dinner break with Cameron Green and Steven Smith well set, but Green fell to a wonderful delivery from Seales shortly before the break and then things started to happen quickly in the final session. Shamar Joseph removed Smith and Beau Webster while Travis Head fell to a stunning catch by substitute Anderson Phillip.Seales, Shamar Joseph and Greaves carried West Indies’ bowling after Alzarri Joseph was forced to leave the field due to back problems and was sent for scans. Meanwhile, Louis injured his knee when it was jarred in the outfield and Campbell took a blow in the chest at short leg.Substitute Anderson Phillip pulled off a stunning catch to dismiss Travis Head•Associated Press

The day had significant intrigue before a ball was bowled when it was confirmed that Australia had omitted Nathan Lyon for the first time where he was available for a Test since 2013 as they went with an all-pace attack. West Indies, meanwhile, thought conditions warranted recalling their specialist spinner Jomel Warrican. There was purchase for both West Indies’ spinners but considerable assistance for quicks throughout on a well-grassed surface, with life very difficult as day turned to night.The tempo of the early exchanges belied what would come later. Sam Konstas, who was dropped on 1, and Usman Khawaja battled through the first hour for 21 runs and went on to compile the longest opening stand of the series. By lunch, Australia were 50 for 1, having struck just four boundaries, although a sluggish outfield was partly to blame for that.Konstas was given a life when debutant Anderson spilled a chance at third slip in the fifth over and was skittish in his running early on, twice being at risk of being dismissed had there been direct hits. Having done some hard work against the new ball, he was trapped lbw by Greaves to leave him one innings in the series to make a mark.West Indies thought they had Green before the interval when Seales won an appeal lbw, but Green reviewed with a second to spare and the ball was sliding past leg stump. Aside from that moment, Green built on the positive work of the second innings in Grenada and, after tea, unfurled a couple of crisp drives.Khawaja had absorbed a lot of pressure and good deliveries before falling to a stunning catch by Shai Hope as he edged Shamar Joseph from around the wicket.Australia left out a fit Nathan Lyon for the first time since 2013•Associated Press

Smith was quickly out of the blocks, pulling his first boundary powerfully through midwicket, and took three more in a row off Greaves before being given a life on 24 when Warrican couldn’t cling on to a stinging return catch. With Alzarri Joseph off the field, Chase had to juggle his pace bowlers and resorted to twin spin of himself and Warrican for a period in the middle session.Shortly before dinner, Seales, who has been outstanding through the series, produced a wonderful delivery which straightened to Green to clip the top of the bails – replays showed that if the ball hadn’t deviated, it would have hit the middle of the bat.When Smith and Head resumed under the glare of the floodlights, it was clear that batting would be tough and that the batters weren’t going to hang around. Smith was beaten by the first ball of the session and then edged wide of the slips before being distracted by the clock at the Courtney Walsh End, which needed covering with a black cloth.Smith slashed an edge over the cordon against Shamar Joseph before a repeat was well caught by King at first slip. There was no repair act from Webster this time as he edged behind.Head hadn’t hit top gear as he initially tried to repel the bowling, but then attempted to launch Greaves over the off side and was spectacularly held by Phillips, running to his right of mid-off and flying horizontally to hold the catch.Bat-throwing time had clearly been declared. Alex Carey had already lofted a six over mid-off against Greaves and then edged behind. Pat Cummins launched three sixes as he flung the bat at nearly everything before picking out long-on. Shamar Joseph took his series tally to 17 wickets when he removed Josh Hazlewood.

MatériaMais Notícias

Com diversos problemas físicos, Fagner não tem rendido o esperado nesta temporada pelo Corinthians, e o questionamento sobre o aproveitamento do camisa 23 voltou à tona nos últimos jogos.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFora de CampoApós empate do Corinthians, Neto crava os quatro rebaixados no BrasileirãoFora de Campo23/10/2023CorinthiansANÁLISE: Empate não esconde displicência, e Corinthians joga com alma de rebaixadoCorinthians23/10/2023CorinthiansMano reconhece Corinthians abaixo contra América-MG e manda recado à torcida sobre rebaixamentoCorinthians22/10/2023

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Uma possibilidade levantada seria deslocar Fagner para o meio-campo, onde ele exerceria a função de volante, algo similar ao que Mano Menezes fez com Alessandro durante a primeira passagem do treinador pelo Timão. Mano também promoveu o mesmo teste com Mayke no Palmeiras.

Mano gosta da ideia, mas não pretende fazer grandes mudanças táticas em meio a instabilidade do Corinthians no Brasileirão. A equipe está apenas três pontos à frente do Vasco, primeiro time dentro da zona do rebaixamento.

continua após a publicidade

– Fagner poderia fazer uma função de volante ou como extremo, como já fiz aqui com o Alessandro, como o Palmeiras faz com Mayke na segunda linha. Este é o pior momento para você fazer alguma inovação. O momento é de instabilidade. Se o treinador começa a inventar demais, vocês começam a chamar de professor pardal, as coisas não andam bem. Não vou fazer isso neste momento – disse o treinador após o empate com o América-MG.

A principal crítica da torcida corintiana em relação ao camisa 23 envolve a condição física do atleta, e isso tem muito a ver com uma série de lesões que ele tem sofrido desde o ano passado. Recentemente, o lateral-direito teve uma lesão na panturrilha que o tirou de combate por pouco menos de um mês.

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Mesmo assim, Mano Menezes vê Fagner em crescimento e acredita que a atuação do camisa 23 diante do América-MG foi a melhor desde que o treinador assumiu o comando do clube alvinegro.

– Fagner já está retomando um pouco daquilo que foi no Corinthians e é uma referência, estava voltando de um período longo, estava difícil, achei que talvez tenha sido o melhor jogo dele desde que cheguei – avaliou Mano.

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Com contrato até o fim de 2024, Fagner não é unanimidade no Parque São Jorge e o jogador pode entrar em uma ‘lista de negociáveis’ na próxima temporada. O camisa 23 não acredita em fim de ciclo no Corinthians e quer dar a volta por cima, buscando sofrer menos com lesões e voltando a ser uma peça fundamental para a equipe em 2024.

Leeds United endured a frustrating return after the international break, though their defeat to Burnley was marred by an alleged incident involving Hannibal Mejbri.

Leeds lose out against Burnley at Turf Moor

Clashes between newly-promoted sides tend to be combative in nature, and that was certainly the case as Scott Parker’s Clarets saw off the challenge laid before them by Daniel Farke to take all three points at Turf Moor.

Brenden Aaronsen was one of several underperformers on the day for the Whites in what became a forgettable occasion for the visitors despite their vastly superior chances, leaving them three points above the Premier League relegation zone with eight matches played.

After the match, Farke made it clear that his side won the statistical battle on the day and can feel hard done by that they didn’t take something in Lancashire, though conceded that goals win games when all is said and done.

He said: “You can’t have better statistics than we did today in an away game in the Premier League. When Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City travel here even they won’t have better statistics. We won each and every statistic but in football it is also just about goals. They were more effective than us today.”

Nevertheless, Burnley midfielder Hannibal was at the centre of an alleged spitting incident after a complaint was lodged from a supporter in the Leeds United section.

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ByTom Cunningham Oct 18, 2025

BBC reporter Adam Pope said on X: “Leeds United are aware of an allegation of spitting by a Burnley player believed to be Hannibal. The authorities are investigating after a complaint was made from a supporter in the Leeds United section at Turf Moor.”

With that in mind and an investigation now launched, further developments have come to light regarding the potential consequences of yesterday’s controversy if he is to be cited.

Hannibal Mejbri could be suspended if found guilty

Speaking to MOT Leeds News, former referee Keith Hackett has said Hannibal could be banned for a minimum of three matches if the allegation of spitting relating is found to be true after the investigation takes place.

Ultimately, nobody wants to see this sort of incident emerge in the aftermath of any football match. For now, it will be down to the authorities to conclude exactly what happened and to dish out the appropriate punishment.

Now, Leeds will take some time to prepare for the visit of West Ham United next Friday, offering another major opportunity to stray further away from the relegation zone after a mixed start to the campaign.

Farke’s side don’t have any problems when it comes to chance creation, but the German coach will hope his side can tighten up at the back before the Hammers make their way to Elland Road.

Glamorgan wrapped up a second consecutive three-day win to propel themselves up the table after an all-round performance to blow away Northamptonshire by eight wickets at Sophia Gardens.Northants had a respectable day from a troubling 49 for 3 to make Glamorgan bat again in the evening session, preventing the innings result. Saif Zaib’s 71 along with gritty knocks of 66 and 56 from Lewis McManus and Luke Procter respectively weren’t enough to pile on pressure into a final day.Set just 66 to win thanks to shared wickets, with Asitha Fernando the best of the bunch with twin three-fors, Glamorgan eased to victory despite an early wobble at 6 for 2. Sam Northeast and Asa Tribe negotiated the Ben Sanderson charge with the ball to see the hosts home.Northants entered day three in an unlikely position after Andy Gorvin dismissed George Bartlett controversially and nightwatcher Calvin Harrison in the penultimate over on day two. The goal for the visitors had been to bat as long as possible from 190 behind.Procter continued to impress with the bat, leading from the front. His stubborn effort to support James Sales’ stroke-playing was not too dissimilar to Sam Northeast and his array of partners on day two for their half-century partnership kept Glamorgan bowlers at bay.The hosts eventually struck, Sales with a false shot to edge behind, a common theme in this match as the former England youth international still has to wait for a second half-century for the season despite six matches played.Rob Keogh was next to go before lunch, also one of the Northants batting contingent with worrying form at the start of this season. Zaib’s season of ups and downs consists of two ducks and two hundreds but he found some middle ground,making the most of an aging ball together with Procter and then Lewis McManus for a couple of milestone partnerships.McManus also found a way to play himself into form after an inconsistent start to 2025. Making most of his time at the crease, the keeper-batter spent the majority of his innings scoring at a strike-rate under 30 in a slow-scoring day while Glamorgan looked to wrap up the final wickets.A few attacking shots from McManus did get brought out when persisting with the tail-end against plenty of loose bowling and a short-ball ploy to the majority by the expensive three-wicket-taking James Harris, playing a key part in making Glamorgan bat again as the visitors passed 300, making for a respectable day.With 20 overs to secure the win with a day off, the Glamorgan batters stumbled their way to victory in a bizarre day of events which saw the visitors have the best of the day’s play. Nonetheless, the Glamorgan win breaks the run of draws between these two sides in the last three meetings.

“We’re going to witness many unbelievable innings throughout this IPL, but I promise you, by the end of the tournament, this will be in the top five,” Michael Clarke says

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Mar-20253:21

Was Shardul the better choice to stop Ashutosh at the death?

“Incredible.” “Phenomenal.” “This innings will be remembered for a long time.” Just some of the praise former cricketers showered on Ashutosh Sharma after he had wowed them with his 31-ball 66 not out to give Delhi Capitals (DC) an unlikely win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Monday night in IPL 2025.Speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s T20 Time Out show, Ambati Rayudu, who knows a thing or two about playing pressure innings in the IPL, said, “The most impressive thing is that he was calm, and he was calculative. He was playing good shots. There was no sign of panic. We’ve seen that last year also [when Ashutosh was with Punjab Kings], he’s played some incredible innings.”This guy has calmness under pressure, and I feel he has the game as well. Especially the balls that are pitching up, yorkers, he has that whip. Breaks those wrists and…”Related

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Ashutosh stuns LSG as DC complete one-wicket heist

There’s no question of disagreeing there. Ashutosh, after all, walked out at No. 7 in DC’s chase of LSG’s 209 with the scoreboard reading 65 for 5 in the seventh over. There was support, first from Tristan Stubbs (34 in 22) and then from IPL debutant Vipraj Nigam, who scored 39 in 15 balls and outscored Ashutosh in their seventh-wicket stand. But Ashutosh was the one who completed the job, something he hadn’t always succeeded in doing last season.”I was very normal at that time [with nine wickets gone] and told myself that if he [Mohit Sharma] takes a single, I’ll finish it with a six,” Ashutosh told the DC media team after the game. “I had full confidence in my ability. I really enjoyed being out there, and my hard work paid off.”[The mindset is to] just follow the basics and believe in my ability. I was just following the process and wanted to take the game as deep as possible. My plan was to accelerate in the slog overs and ensure I batted till the 20th over.” He did, finishing the job with a six in the third ball of the last over off Shahbaz Ahmed.”We’re going to witness many unbelievable innings throughout this IPL, but I promise you, by the end of the tournament, this will be in the top five,” JioStar expert Michael Clarke said. “That was a match-winning effort, single-handedly turning the game around. His team was out of the contest, gone, and he stood up on his own. All he needed was the strike – everyone knew he was either going to hit a six or a four. Honestly, you just have to sit back, applaud, and embrace that innings, no matter which team you support. It was phenomenal.”Vipraj Nigam and Ashutosh Sharma added 55 from only 22 balls•Associated PressAt one stage in his innings, Ashutosh was 20 off 20 balls. With two fours. When he finished, with a strike rate of 212.90, he had five sixes and five fours. The bowling – LSG are missing their entire first-choice Indian pace attack because of injuries – wasn’t great, and that might be something that bothers the franchise all season.”Once you’ve done it before, you enter the next season with even greater self-belief. He’s also played another season of domestic cricket, where he has been smashing the ball around and scoring plenty of runs, so he came in full of confidence,” JioStar expert Sunil Gavaskar said. “From the very first ball, he was striking it cleanly from the middle of the bat, sending it deep – these weren’t just occasional sixes clearing the boundary, they were landing in the stands, again and again. This innings will be remembered for a long, long time, not just because of the quality of stroke play, but because of the high-pressure situation.”DC next take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 30, also in Visakhapatnam.

A “unique” manager turned down the opportunity to join Nottingham Forest before Evangelos Marinakis appointed Ange Postecoglou, it has been revealed.

Marinakis and Forest move swiftly to appoint Ange

After publicly commenting on his poor relationship with Marinakis, Nuno Espirito Santo was dismissed just three games into the new Premier League campaign, in what has to go down as one of the harshest sackings in the division’s history.

The Forest owner wasted no time appointing a replacement for the Portuguese manager, who led the Tricky Trees to Europe for the first time in 30 years, with Postecoglou arriving on Tuesday.

Reacting to the news of Nuno’s departure during Serbia vs England coverage, Roy Keane made it clear he has “no sympathy” for the 51-year-old, as the sacking was always to be expected, given Marinakis’ tendencies.

Postecoglou will also be under pressure to hit the ground running, particularly considering Nuno will be a tough act to follow, and it has since emerged that the Australian wasn’t the only manager being considered for the role.

According to a report from Spain (via Sport Witness), Rayo Vallecano manager Inigo Perez turned down the opportunity to replace Nuno at Nottingham Forest, after emerging as one of the hierarchy’s main choices.

Perez was on the final shortlist, which consisted of just three names, but the move fell through, with the 37-year-old turning down a move to The City Ground, as the ‘timing and conditions’ of the offer were deemed unsuitable.

Related Nottingham Forest eyed up "unbelievable" 3-4-2-1 manager before Ange move

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Posts ByDominic Lund Sep 9, 2025 "Unique" Perez impressing in La Liga

While a move to The City Ground ultimately didn’t tempt the young manager, a move to another club may be on the cards at some point in the near future, given the job he has done at Rayo Vallecano.

The Spaniard led the La Liga club to an eighth-place finish in La Liga last season, securing qualification for the UEFA Conference League in the process, which was a major improvement on the 17th-place finish from the previous season.

Perez’s Rayo Vallecano record

Games

61

Wins

22

Draws

19

Losses

20

Points per match

1.39

Former teammate Ibai Gomez has also spoken fondly of the Rayo Vallecano boss in the past, saying: “He’s a very intelligent person and very unique in the world of football because he liked to analyze things from a positive perspective.”

That said, it would’ve been a gamble to appoint Perez, given that he is unproven in the Premier League, with Postecoglou much more experienced, winning 13 senior trophies as a manager, including the Europa League with Tottenham Hotspur last season.

The ongoing struggles of Manchester United have Wayne Rooney in meltdown, with the club's all-time leading goalscorer calling out underperforming players and an ownership group that lacks leadership. Ruben Amorim continues to see questions asked of his future as manager at Old Trafford, with Rooney concerned by the direction in which the 13-time Premier League champions are heading.

Man Utd in turmoil: Rooney addresses serious issues

Rooney enjoyed 13 memorable years with United as a player, winning 16 trophies – including five top-flight crowns and the Champions League – while scoring 253 goals through 559 appearances. There were, however, signs towards the end of his spell at Old Trafford that things were starting to go wrong. The Red Devils find themselves on a slippery slope at present, with little improvement on show following a 15th-place finish last season and failure to qualify for Europe.

Portuguese coach Amorim has picked up just 18 wins from 49 games at the helm, as he stubbornly sticks with a flawed 3-4-3 system, and value is proving difficult to find in big-money signings made across several transfer windows. Inconsistency remains a huge issue for United, with no manager since Sir Alex Ferguson able to land a Premier League title, and Rooney fears that the Red Devils are in danger of becoming stuck in reverse.

AdvertisementGetty Images/GOALUnderperforming players slammed by Rooney

Speaking on podcast, the ex-England captain said: "What is going on at Man United? This is not Man United. I don't recognise the whole football club. I don't see players fighting, I don't see character, I don't see desire to win. I don’t see ability, I don’t see match-winners, nothing gets me off my feet. I go to a game watching, expecting, here we go again – expecting the team to lose or maybe pick up a point.

"I care for the club. I was at the football club for 13 years and what is going on is not right. And this is not all on the manager, by the way. I’m seeing players not deserving to wear the shirt. And it hurts. This is not acceptable, what’s going on. There needs to be a clear message from the owners. Whether that is the Glazers, [minority owner] Sir Jim Ratcliffe, there has to be a message of where this club is going. At the minute we are all sitting there waiting for it to crumble."

Rooney's concern for sons in Man Utd academy

Rooney, whose son Kai is a promising member of United’s academy system, went on to say: "It's not even just results on the pitch. It's everything about the club that needs fixing – Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have walked into a real challenge. We're seeing staff members getting sacked after 20, 30 years who are very important people to that football club. The culture of that football club has gone. I see it on a daily basis. I see staff losing jobs, people walking out of jobs.

"I've got two kids [in the academy] at that football club and I really hope this doesn't affect what they're doing. What I'm seeing at that football club is not Manchester United. The soul has gone from the club. It needs a new engine, a new lease of life. It needs something to kickstart that football club. I am not seeing anything which is giving me any confidence, there needs to be big changes in my opinion. Manager, players, whatever that is. Whatever it takes to get Manchester United back."

Rooney can appreciate what Amorim is going through, having endured his own coaching struggles at Birmingham and Plymouth, but went on to say of United getting wedged in a serious rut: "I just don't know what's going on. I have tried my hand in management and it didn't work out too well, I get it. Ruben Amorim is my age, he is still a young manager and I'm sure he still has a massive future, but what's going on at Man United, this is not Man United. I honestly hope he can turn it around and he does. But if you're saying to me, 'do you believe he will?', then, after everything I've seen, honestly, I've got no faith in it."

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GOALOf course: What next for Man Utd?

Following the arrival of Ineos in February 2024, as they acquired an initial 27.7 per cent stake in the club, staff numbers at United have been trimmed from 1,100 to 700. Funds have continued to be invested in the transfer market, while a new £2 billion ($2.7bn) stadium is being lined up, but the Red Devils have veered alarmingly off course and sit 14th in the Premier League table through six fixtures in the 2025-26 campaign.