There is no getting away from the fact that Chelsea have not had the start to the season they would’ve been hoping for.

Enzo Maresca’s side lost their opening game of their Champions League campaign, and with their defeat against Manchester United on Saturday, they have amassed just eight points in the Premier League.

Fortunately, the Blues’ League Cup clash away to Lincoln City tonight provides them with a chance to bounce back with a convincing and entertaining win.

With that said, the manager should also use it as an opportunity to play some of the younger players in the squad, like Estevao and another Cobham product.

The Chelsea youngsters who should start with Estevao

Starting from the back, tonight’s game surely gives Maresca the perfect opportunity to hand Jorrel Hato another competitive start in Blue.

Appearances

111

Starts

102

Minutes

9121′

Goals

4

Assists

9

Goal Involvements per Match

0.11

Minutes per Goal Involvement

701.61′

Points per Game

1.86

The Dutchman may still only be a teenager, but he’s already got an enormous amount of experience, making 111 appearances for Ajax before leaving this summer.

Moving into the middle of the park, the manager should bring Andrey Santos into the team from the start.

The young Brazilian was brought on in the 21st minute for the West Londoners on Saturday, and all things considered, did rather well, completing 100% of his dribbles, completing 51 passes and earning a 7/10 match rating from the Standard’s Simon Collings.

Then, when it comes to the wide players, one of them has to be Estevao, who was taken off early at Old Trafford due to Robert Sanchez’s ridiculous red card.

The dynamic attacker might not have scored his first competitive goal for the club yet, but he provided a brilliant assist in the game against West Ham United and has generally looked a threat whenever he’s been on the pitch.

However, he’s not the only youngster who should be given the chance in attack tonight.

The Cobham ace who should start vs Lincoln

While every game is important for Chelsea, especially in cup competitions, the level of tonight’s opposition provides the club with an opportunity to give some academy talent a proper runout.

In The Pipeline

Therefore, Maresca should bring Shumaira Mheuka back into the squad, and not only that, but hand him what would be just his second start.

Yes, the young Englishman did get a few runouts in the first team last season, including a start against FC Copenhagen, but given his age, it would have been unfair to expect too much of him.

So with that said, why should he come back into the team tonight?

Well, simply put, because he is on fire this season.

For example, in just six appearances, totalling 523 minutes, the Birmingham-born goal machine has put the ball in the back of the net seven times for the youth sides.

In other words, the 17-year-old gem is averaging 1.16 goals every game this season, or one every 74.71, which makes it easy to see where talent scout Jacek Kulig is coming from when he describes him as “the next big thing from Cobham!”

Finally, it’s not just at club level where the youngster is flying, as in 16 appearances for England’s U19s, totalling 970 minutes, he has scored eight goals and provided three assists.

Ultimately, given the level of the opposition tonight and his recent form, Maresca should look to start Mheuka for Chelsea against Lincoln City.

Chelsea ready to open agent talks to sign "spectacular" £61m Arsenal target

The Blues are preparing to make a move for a new forward, who is also being targeted by the Gunners.

ByDominic Lund Sep 22, 2025

And that was all she wrote. Another transfer window done and dusted, and despite some late-stage drama, Liverpool must be rather pleased with their market activity over the past couple of months.

With the clock winding down on deadline day, Liverpool felt they were honing in on a statement signing for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, but Oliver Glasner had other ideas, refusing to subscribe to the sale of his star defender without an adequate replacement welcomed to Selhurst Park.

Guehi, 25, had completed his medical in FSG’s London complex, and the submission of a dealsheet was all that stood in the way of his move to Merseyside.

It’s a blow, for Guehi is one of the finest centre-halves in the Premier League, but Arne Slot still has top-class options in the position, with sporting director Richard Hughes having warded off interest in Joe Gomez and signed Giovanni Leoni, 18, from Parma for £30m.

And though Liverpool missed out with that one, their lob certainly didn’t fall wide of the mark in regard to Alexander Isak, who is very much a member of the Premier League pace-setters.

Why Liverpool signed Alexander Isak

Liverpool did it. After receiving the fondest of farewells at St. James’ Park, Liverpool welcomed Isak from Newcastle United for a British record £125m fee.

It’s certainly been one of the most unsavoury transfer sagas in recent memory, but Liverpool and FSG and the supporters won’t care a jot, not now that they have welcomed a player who pundit Jamie Carragher hailed as “the best striker in the Premier League” last season.

The 25-year-old scored 27 goals across all competitions and landed the winning strike as Newcastle beat Liverpool to lift the Carabao Cup in March, instrumental in guiding Eddie Howe’s side back into the Champions League.

Liverpool might have already signed Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt in a £79m deal this summer, but Isak gives Slot the complete set in the final third, a clinical striker and skilled in linking up with his teammates.

Exciting times ahead for the Anfield side, not least because Isak will find an almighty bunch of players to combine with, the likes of Mohamed Salah and co.

And, of course, German playmaker Florian Wirtz, whose record-breaking £116m transfer fee lasted all of two months.

Liverpool have hit the jackpot on Florian Wirtz

In May, transfer rumours concerning Wirtz began to intensify. Manchester City and Bayern Munich joined Liverpool in a race for the 22-year-old, and it was Slot’s side who secured the prized signature, underscoring a shift in the European power rankings.

Wirtz hasn’t had the most electrifying start to life in England, playing a neat assist for Ekitike in the Community Shield but yet to register a goal contribution across three Premier League fixtures. Still, his world-class potential is undeniable, hailed by sports media professional Cristian Nyari as a “truly generational talent”.

Former Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes has even called him “the best midfielder in the world” for his efforts in his homeland, winning the 2023/24 Bundesliga Player of the Season after playing a talismanic part in winning the top flight undefeated in Xabi Alonso’s system.

Wirtz has much still to give, but there’s little question that he has what it takes to become the defining player of the era ahead at Liverpool, perhaps even more so than a superstar striker such as Isak.

FBref’s data delineates Wirtz’s wide range of quality, as he ranks among the top 9% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists and progressive passes, the top 4% for through ball and successful take-ons, and the top 11% for assists per 90.

Slot has proven himself over the past 12 months at Liverpool to be one of the most tactically astute coaches in the business, and there’s every faith that he will fashion Wirtz into one of the biggest hitters the Reds have seen.

His market value certainly attests to that.

Wirtz was Liverpool’s record signing until Isak came along, but CIES Football Observatory values actually demonstrate that the German is regarded as having a higher ceiling, boasting a market figure of as high as £152m.

Isak, while still regarded as one of the most lucrative players in the game, amid his £125m move, comes in at a peak value of £100m. Given that the Sweden forward has already enjoyed three years on Premier League pitches, scoring at a clinical rate throughout, it wouldn’t be unfair to suggest that Wirtz might prove to be the cream of the crop after settling into life in a new sphere.

Even without lighting up the Premier League over these first few weeks, Wirtz has showcased an underlying tenacity and robustness, with Sofascore recording that he has won 55% of his ground duels and averaged 1.7 tackles per game.

The goals will come, and the assists too. Of course, when working behind a focal outlet such as Isak, there’s sure to be plenty of optimism around Wirtz’s capacity to dazzle, his creative skill feeding through to the world-class goalscorer.

Market Movers

In any case, what really matters is Liverpool have landed two of the finest footballers in the game, and Slot now has all that he needs to make it a season for the ages on Merseyside.

Now worth more than Isak: Liverpool wanted to sign "one of the best in the world"

With Alexander Isak joining Liverpool for £125m on deadline day, do the Reds rue missing out on “one of the best players in the world” worth more?

By
Ben Gray

Sep 2, 2025

Shadman Islam’s second Test century set a strong platform as Bangladesh went into a 64-run lead over Zimbabwe, with three wickets in hand, on the second day of the Chattogram Test. A flurry of late wickets, however, helped Zimbabwe stay in the hunt. Bangladesh headed into stumps with Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam batting on 16 and 5 respectively.Debutant Zimbabwe legspinner Vincent Masekesa took three wickets, while Blessing Muzarabani, Wellington Masakadza and Brian Bennett took one each.Bangladesh openers Anamul Haque and Shadman put together an enterprising stand, after Zimbabwe were bowled out on their overnight score of 227, with No. 11 Muzarabani lasting just one ball in the morning session. Shadman got off the blocks with a flurry of boundaries, which included couple of serene straight drives. He also struck the ball well through the covers, while Anamul, playing his first Test in more than two years, seemed to focus on reading the pace of the pitch. He struck four boundaries in the day’s first session, as the pair reached the century stand shortly before lunch.Muzarabani ended Zimbabwe’s wait for a wicket soon after lunch when he trapped Anamul lbw with a full delivery that held its line to beat the right-hander. Anamul made 39 off 80 balls and added 118 with Shadman for the first wicket. Shadman and Mominul Haque continued Bangladesh’s solidity with a 76-run second-wicket stand. Mominul struck a straight six among his three boundaries in his 33 off 64 balls, before hitting one straight to Ben Curran at deep midwicket.Brian Bennett ended Shadman Islam’s stay•MUNIR UZ ZAMAN/AFP via Getty

Zimbabwe got another next ball when Brian Bennett trapped Shadman lbw for 120 off 181 balls. Shadman looked in control during the second session too, hitting a further seven boundaries including a six. Interestingly, it was only the second six in Shadman’s Test career.Mushfiqur Rahim and Najmul Hossain Shanto deposited Bennett for a six each on either side of the tea break. Mushfiqur struck Bennett for two more fours in his next over, before he struck Masakadza for two fours, through backward point and with a slog sweep. Shanto clattered a pull against Richard Ngarava but fell shortly afterwards. Shanto gave Nick Welch a simple catch at short midwicket, handing Masekesa his first Test wicket.He added a second when he had Jaker Ali caught and bowled for 5 in the 75th over. Soon Mushfiqur was run-out after a misjudgement. He hared out of the crease after hitting Masekesa for a single towards mid-on. Wessly Madhevere threw down the stumps, with Mushfiqur well short of the non-striker’s end. Nayeem Hasan became Masekesa’s third victim when he edged to Sean Williams at second slip, after making three off 23 balls.

Jude and Jobe Bellingham face a potentially unwelcome distraction away from the field, with the Daily Mail reporting that their parents have parted ways. It is claimed that Mark and Denise Bellingham have separated, having spent much of the last five years living apart as their time has been split between England, Germany and Spain – as they helped Jude and Jobe to thrive at club level. It is claimed that Mark is “growing close” to another woman.

• Getty
  

  Split reports & splitting time between different countries

  Police sergeant Mark and Denise, who previously worked in human resources, are said to be bringing a marriage that has spanned more than two decades to a close. They gave up their own careers in order to further those of Jude and Jobe. The pair are credited with having masterminded meteoric rises that now have the Bellingham brothers on the books of European heavyweights Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund – having both stepped out of the academy system at Birmingham City in their native West Midlands.

  Rumours of a split began to surface when Mark and Denise were spotted sitting apart when watching Jobe in Champions League action against Athletic Club. German media outlets reported at the time how there was a supposedly “dangerously tense atmosphere” in the Bellingham camp – with Mark only talking to a close family member during the match.

Advertisement

• New partner for Mark & concerns regarding Jobe

  The now cites sources as having “confirmed that Mark has grown close to Shelley Punshon, a detective constable in the West Mercia police”. Ms Punshon has posted a picture on Facebook of the pair looking comfortable in one another’s company, with one comment reading: “Lovely couple”. Punshon has also stated that they are “off to Santorini soon”, with a Greek getaway being hinted at.

  News of an uncoupling is unlikely to have come as a surprise to Jude and Jobe, as they will be fully aware of family dynamics, but they could do without any distractions at present – with the former being left out of the latest England squad as he continues to make a full recovery from shoulder surgery, while the latter has been struggling for starts at Dortmund.

  The claims to have been told by sources in Germany that “concern is increasing within the club at the impact the domestic troubles in the Bellingham family are having on Jobe, who is said to be particularly close to Denise”.

  The insider said: “It's obvious to the management that Jobe is struggling with personal matters. He has struggled to make friends in the team, rarely goes out socialising in Dortmund and spends most of his time in his house alone. The atmosphere and tension in the family is affecting his performances on the pitch. At the recent match his parents attended they came and left alone and didn't speak once. There are worries that Jobe feels very insecure and pressurised by what is going on.”

• Getty/GOAL
  

  Roles that Mark & Denise fill for Jude & Jobe Bellingham

  Mark Bellingham courted controversy in August when confronting Dortmund officials after Jobe had been replaced at half-time in a Bundesliga season opener. Friends and family are now said to be banned from the tunnel and dressing room area.

  Mark acts as an agent for Jude and Jobe, helping to negotiate transfers, salary packages and sponsorship deals. He was once a decent amateur footballer himself, netting more than 700 career goals across spells with 20 different clubs between 1994 and the late 2010s.

  Denise, meanwhile, handles financial affairs for her sons. She is joint-director of several companies set up alongside Mark. It remains to be seen how business affairs will work in the wake of a reported split.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• What next for the Bellinghams? Club & international commitments

  Both Jude and Jobe have spoken glowingly of their parents down the years, with the role that they have played in helping to maximise undoubted potential being talked up. They must now try to ensure that focus remains locked on professional matters – with Jobe in the latest England U21 squad while Jude is counting down the days to a return to action with Real Madrid against Getafe on October 19.

Despite getting back to winning ways against Hibernian, Rangers’ summer recruitment has once again come under fire after a focus on youth over experience, with former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart not impressed by 49ers Enterprises so far.

Martin "grateful" for Rangers victory

Several rumours suggested that another poor result against Hibs would spell the end of Russell Martin’s Rangers tenure. The former Southampton manager has endured a disastrous few months in Scotland and felt the full force of Ibrox’s frustration last time out in the Scottish Premiership when fans called for his dismissal. One week on, however, Martin’s finally got the Gers back to winning ways.

There would have been a feeling of relief this time around Ibrox, as Rangers eased past Hibs and into the last four of the Scottish League Cup. Martin, likely among those relieved, expressed his gratitude after his side handed his tenure a glimmer of hope.

The Rangers boss told reporters: “I think I enjoyed it more than any other game this season – maybe the Plzen on. Just really pleased, really grateful. The players and the staff stuck together this week.

“Not easy circumstances, but it was a really good performance – a lot of good stuff against a good team and maybe could have scored a couple more.

“It was never going to be easy. We should have been better than we are and have been, but hopefully today they would have enjoyed the way we did it. I enjoyed the performance. It looked way more like the way I hope we are going to be. I thought the fans were brilliant, and I hope that, in time, they feel differently about me than they do now.”

Related Rangers must rue losing their own homegrown Bukayo Saka for £0

Rangers lost a talented young player this summer and he is already being compared to Bukayo Saka.

Posts ByDan Emery Sep 23, 2025

There is still a lot more work to do though. Martin and others will be well aware that one victory does not solve the problems that the Gers have. It also doesn’t end the criticism that is still falling the way of the 49ers.

Stewart doesn't "understand" Rangers' recruitment decision

It was all change at Rangers in the summer. A total of 14 players arrived and only a handful – if that – have managed to impress at Ibrox. It has so far reflected incredibly poorly on the 49ers’ first summer at the club and Stewart has been particularly confused by their decision to sign Mikey Moore over the more proven Vaclav Cerny.

Stewart’s not wrong, either. Cerny enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Rangers last season – scoring 18 goals and assisting another nine in all competitions – but will ultimately go down as another one that got away. Moore, by comparison, has so far played 327 minutes for the Gers but is yet to find the back of the net.

In what could see them finally get one over on Real Madrid, Liverpool could yet hijack the Spanish giants’ move to sign an England international when 2026 arrives.

Slot slams "stupid" Ekitike red card

Away from potential incomings, it was one of Liverpool’s summer signings who stole the headlines for the wrong reasons against Southampton. After emerging from the bench, Hugo Ekitike was perfectly placed to score another late winner for Liverpool as they edged past the Saints in the Carabao Cup.

For a brief moment, the Frenchman was the hero of the hour. And then he continued his celebration by replicating Lionel Messi’s famous shirt celebration to receive his second yellow card and subsequent red card in the 86th minute. It’s a moment that he won’t be forgetting anytime soon and one that Arne Slot slammed in his post-match reaction.

The Dutchman told reporters: “I told him if you score in a Champions League final in the 87th minute after outplaying three players and hitting it into the top corner I can maybe understand that you are like ‘this is all about me’.

“I’m old-fashioned, I’m 47 and old and I haven’t played at this level but I did score a few goals and if I had scored a goal like this I would have turned around and walked up to Federico Chiesa and said this goal is all about you, not about me. “So needless, not smart, you call it stupid, I call it stupid as well.”

"Really difficult" – £150k-p/w Liverpool star admits he wasn't at "level" Slot wanted

The player is feeling much better now.

ByCharlie Smith Sep 24, 2025

It’s fair to say that the manager didn’t hold back when sharing his true feelings, but that’s the type of mistake that cannot happen at Europe’s top clubs. It’s the type of mentality that attracts players in the first place and the type that is now reportedly tempting a Real Madrid target.

Jarrad Branthwaite tempted by Liverpool move

As reported by Caught Offside, Jarrad Branthwaite is now tempted by a move to Liverpool and Manchester United, which could yet see him reject the chance to join Real Madrid in 2026. The Spanish club have admired the England defender from afar, but could see any potential move hijacked by Premier League opposition.

Speaking about Branthwaite’s desire to join a big club, Caught Offside’s Mark Brus wrote: “Everton have sometimes had to sell their star names to bigger clubs, though they’ll obviously hope to be able to keep Branthwaite for as long as possible. As per my sources, though, it’s well established that the talented young Englishman has the desire to play for a top club.”

Brus also claimed that Man United are expected to submit an offer worth as much as £60m to sign Branthwaite in 2026. Whether Everton deem that worthy of selling their star man or Liverpool decide to match that price is the big question.

It would certainly steal the headlines if one of the Toffees’ most important players jumped ship to Anfield.

Stuttgart midfielder Chema Andres has drawn comparisons to Rodri following his impressive start in Germany, with rumours now stating that Real Madrid are considering re-signing him next summer. While the former Real Madrid youngster is "privileged" to be compared to the Manchester City midfielder, he is not particularly a big fan of the comparisons.

Chema on song for Stuttgart

Having spent a measly €3 million for 50 per cent of Chema's rights over the summer, Stuttgart have seen the the Spanish wonderkid make rapid strides since he joined from Real Madrid. What initially seemed like a bargain has proven to be an even greater value, with Chema now a regular feature in head coach Sebastian Hoeness' plans. The Madrid academy graduate has played in eight of Stuttgart's 10 games this season, registering an incredible 94 per cent passing accuracy. Not only is he a commanding presence on the pitch from the defensive midfield role, but has also started to unlock his ability to create danger in the final third. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportChema doesn't like to be compared to Rodri

His initial displays for Stuttgart have seen him being labelled as a "Rodri-type" profile, a tall defensive midfielder who keeps things tidy in possession and is authoritarian while winning the ball back. Chema, though, is not a big fan of comparisons. 

Speaking to , he said: "People compare a lot, but I don't like it. He's a great player, and we're at very different levels. He's a world-class player, and I'm just starting my career. It's a privilege and a blessing that people see some similarity between us. To be compared to someone of that stature is incredible. Physically, we're somewhat similar, and our playing style may be similar, but comparisons in football aren't good."

When asked which players he looks up to, Chema added: "I'm watching the German league a lot these days. I'm paying attention to Kimmich. Physically, he doesn't look like me, but I think he's spectacular on and off the ball. He recovers and organises. Everything Bayern does goes through him."

A return to Real Madrid on the cards?

Los Blancos still hold 50 per cent of Chema's rights and reportedly have a buy-back option of around €10 million (£9m/$12m). According to reports, Madrid are considering re-signing the 20-year-old next summer, along with Como sensation Nico Paz. Chema is seen by Madrid as the ideal backup to Aurelien Tchouameni. 

The Stuttgart star, however, is not in any rush, adding: "Madrid is where everyone wants to be, where every player wants to play. But you have to understand that life goes in stages. My time there was over, and the best thing was to change destinations and start a new life, with other projects and motivations.

"After seven years, Real Madrid is very important in my life. Returning isn't something I'm thinking about right now. I'm happy in Germany. Football is huge, and there are great clubs. Sometimes people focus only on Real Madrid, but every player has his own path. The future will tell."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty Images SportWhen does Chema Andres play next?

Before returning to action with Stuttgart on October 18, when they face Wolfsburg, Chema could play a role in Spain U21's friendly against Norway on Friday, followed by a U21 European Championship qualifier against Finland next Tuesday.

MatériaMais Notícias

Depois de Murillo, Moscardo, Biro e Wesley, outra joia do Terrão está na mira de Vanderlei Luxemburgo no Corinthians. Trata-se de Léo Agostinho, atleta de 18 anos que começou na lateral-direita mas pode atuar tanto como meia quanto como ponta pelo lado direito.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasGoiásNa base da precisão, Estudiantes vence Goiás de novo e enfrenta o Corinthians na Sul-AmericanaGoiás09/08/2023CorinthiansCorinthians pode ser punido pela Conmebol após torcedores queimarem dinheiro contra o Newell´sCorinthians09/08/2023CorinthiansPróximos jogos do Corinthians: onde assistir ao vivo, datas, horários e calendárioCorinthians10/10/2023

+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

A versatilidade de Léo é o que vem chamando a atenção de Luxa, que observa o jovem de perto. A comissão técnica já integrou o atleta a alguns treinos com os profissionais, e a ideia é que até o final da temporada ele possa fazer sua estreia no “time de cima” do Timão. Léo ainda não foi relacionado para jogos no profissional.

Com contrato até o final de 2025, Léo é tratado como grande promessa dentro das categorias de base do Corinthians e possui multa bilionária, avaliada em 200 milhões de euros (R$ 1,076 bilhão na cotação atual). O Timão é dono de 80% dos direitos econômicos da joia.

continua após a publicidade

+ Veja tabela e datas das oitavas de final da Sul-Americana

O garoto já recebeu sondagens do Cruzeiro, Santos e de equipes do exterior, mas o staff do atleta optou pela permanência do garoto no Parque São Jorge.

Léo Agostinho esteve com o Sub-17 na temporada passada e marcou oito gols em 24 jogos, ficando em quarto lugar na artilharia do clube na categoria. Em 2023, ele disputou nove partidas pelo Sub-20 e ainda não balançou as redes. O técnico Danilo não quis utilizá-lo durante a derrota por 5 a 1 diante do Palmeiras, na ida da semifinal do Brasileirão Sub-20.

continua após a publicidade

يستأنف ريال مدريد مشواره في الدوري الاسباني لكرة القدم، بعد الفوز على برشلونة بهدفين لهدف واحد، على ملعب سانتياجو برنابيو.

وقد ارتفع رصيد ريال مدريد للنقطة 27 في صدارة ترتيب الدوري الاسباني لكرة القدم، بينما تجمد رصيد برشلونة عند النقطة 22 في الوصافة.

وكن ريال مدريد قد سجل هدفيه في المباراة عن طريق كيليان مبابي وجود بيلينجهام في الدقيقتين 22 و43، وأحرز فيرمين لوبيز لصالح برشلونة في الدقيقة 38.

اقرأ أيضاً.. فيديو| مبابي يهدر ركلة جزاء في مباراة ريال مدريد وبرشلونة

وكان ريال مدريد الطرف الأفضل في اللقاء وأتيحت له أكثر من فرصة للتسجيل، وأضاع ركلة جزاء عن طريق كيليان مبابي تصدى لها البولندي تشيزني. موعد مباراة ريال مدريد القادمة بعد الفوز على برشلونة في الدوري الاسباني

يلتقي ريال مدريد مع فالنسيا، في الجولة الحادية عشر من الدوري الاسباني على ملعب سانتياجو برنابيو، يوم السبت المقبل 1 نوفمبر في تمام العاشرة بتوقيت مصر.

Manchester United could now join the race to sign a Premier League player who has been described as an “absolute gem” of a footballer.

Amorim backed by former Man Utd player

It’s fair to say that Ruben Amorim is feeling the heat as Red Devils manager, not least after the humiliating EFL Cup penalty shootout defeat to Grimsby Town last month.

Despite this, former United defender Phil Jones has shown his support for the Portuguese, suggesting he still believes he is the right man for the job.

“I’ll tell you where I’m at with Amorim… I like him. I like the transparency he has between the players and the fans – and I think that’s certainly been something we’ve missed over the last few years. I think certain previous managers have missed a trick, because if you’re transparent with this fanbase, they will back you all the way; they will sing your name and cheer for you.

“Look, he came in straight away and said things were going to get worse before they got better, and that’s been the case. I like his authenticity. He is who he is, and he’ll face criticism for it. But he’s not going to change for anyone. He owns it. He inherited a squad which wasn’t his, halfway through a season, who were used to playing a different way. Let’s just give him time.”

United are by no means the finished article, and they still need to strengthen certain areas of the squad after a mixed summer transfer window.

Man Utd could join race for Premier League hero

Speaking to The Boot Room, journalist Graeme Bailey claimed that Manchester United could join the race to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, should they secure Champions League football this season.

“Liverpool will be back for him, of course. But they know they’ll be one of many clubs making an offer. Now, with Guehi, it resets everything. Everyone starts at a blank slate. Guehi’s people are aware of the clubs who have already told them they’ll be making an offer next summer – clubs like Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid.

“In England, let’s see where Tottenham finish – they love him as a player. Would Chelsea come into the equation on a free transfer? Of course, they would. Man United? If they finish in the top four, of course they do.”

Guehi missed out on joining Liverpool on deadline day, despite even passing a medical, so for United to suddenly swoop in and sign him next summer would be significant, pipping their rivals to his signature in the process.

The 25-year-old is a fantastic player who has grown into a key starter for England in the coming years, with coach Michael Beale hailing him during his time working with him at Chelsea as a youngster.

“He shows a huge amount of confidence to play on the left side and his technical upbringing from Chelsea means he can use his left foot, albeit he is dominant on his right foot. When you see the teams line up, he’s not the biggest centre-back but he has a huge leap. Quietly people are realising we have an absolute gem in him.”

Guehi is out of contract at Palace in 2026, and his anger at not joining Liverpool means he is highly unlikely to sign an extension, so United should be all in on signing him on a free transfer.

Man Utd plotting to kick star out and do one of the headline deals of 2026

The Red Devils could be set to spring a surprise on the market.

1 BySean Markus Clifford Sep 6, 2025

That said, Champions League football will surely be needed for the Red Devils to get their man, and in truth, their biggest rivals still feel like the favourites to sign him.