Category Uncategorized

It’s been a turbulent 12 years or so in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era at Manchester United, a period dominated by talk of ‘projects’, ‘philosophies’ and ‘transitions’.

In truth, the Red Devils have tried it all, from hiring and firing managers at will, to changing directors and CEOs, to even shaking things up at ownership level.

The result? A worst-ever Premier League finish last season, with things again hanging in the balance this time around.

So many problems, so many people to blame, although one consistent theme remains the inability to acquire a truly consistent, world-class figure to lead the line.

Not since Robin van Persie’s breathtaking debut season in 2012/13 has any United player reached 20 Premier League goals in a season, with the club veering from short-term, Edinson Cavani-shaped fixes, to long-term, expensive gambles like Rasmus Hojlund.

Ruben Amorim and INEOS are crying out for that next Van Persie, or Ruud van Nistelrooy or even Dimitar Berbatov to deliver the goods, with this season again another tale of frustration.

Every Premier League Golden Boot winner at Man Utd

As already stated, it was that man Van Persie – following his controversial switch from Arsenal – who last truly hit the ground running among United centre-forwards, scoring 26 league goals to fire Ferguson to his 13th and final title, while claiming the Premier League Golden Boot as a result.

The Dutchman had also received the honour the year prior during his last campaign at the Emirates, taking the award from the 2010/11 recipients of hero turned nemesis, Carlos Tevez of Manchester City and that man Berbatov.

A maverick talent in every sense, that campaign was the balletic Bulgarian at his very best in a United shirt, scoring 20 times as United romped to the title, memorably scoring that hat-trick to sink Liverpool at Old Trafford.

Far removed from the high-press, relentless talents of the likes of Tevez before him, Berbatov was all silk and intelligence, making up for his lack of pace and power by playing the game at his own speed.

While never truly prolific, the one-time Tottenham Hotspur man remains one of just five players to have won the Golden Boot while playing for United, with that list unsurprisingly completed by Van Nistelrooy (2002/03), Cristiano Ronaldo (2007/08) and Dwight Yorke (1998/99).

Whether anyone will reach such heights again at the Theatre of Dreams remains to be seen, and while patience continues with regard to Benjamin Sesko, time is swiftly running out for Joshua Zirkzee.

Why Man Utd’s new Berbatov is on borrowed time

To defend the modern or current crop, Fergie’s great sides all had a string of forwards who could carry the burden.

For every Yorke, there was an Andy Cole. For every Van Nistelrooy, a Louis Saha. Or for every Van Persie, a great like Wayne Rooney.

That depth, that competition, is no longer there, a fact perhaps best highlighted by the lack of action afforded to Zirkzee of late, with the Dutchman merely a bystander to proceedings this season.

With Sesko the leading number nine, Amorim has also deployed Matheus Cunha through the middle for trips to Anfield and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, thus reducing Zirkzee’s hopes of featuring even further.

While the 24-year-old doesn’t appear to have been too wounded by such a status – having creditably been seen celebrating with his teammates in recent weeks – the writing does appear to be on the wall with regard to his United career.

As journalist Samuel Luckhurst put it, he was “reduced to a fleeting waterboy” against Spurs.

Once hailed as “the modern-day Berbatov” by Billy Meredith, such is his fleet of foot and deft touch, such traits have also been his undoing, with his self-proclaimed ‘nine and a half’ role seeing him become unsuited to Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.

At a time when the Portuguese coach is looking for his next Viktor Gyokeres, a powerful, pacy forward to run the channels – alla Sesko – the former Bologna man is anything but, instead better served linking play and dropping deep to kickstart attacks.

In a different side and in a different era, Zirkzee may well have thrived as a complementary talent to Rooney, Tevez and co, although in the age of one man up top, he does appear to be the face that doesn’t fit.

Indeed, it isn’t as if the Netherlands international has really made his presence felt when he has featured, scoring just seven times in 54 games for the club, only three of which have come in the Premier League.

Yet to score in 2025/26, albeit while totalling just 90 minutes, the £105k-per-week marksman appears destined to depart in 2026, be it in January or next summer.

From fighting his way back after being jeered off against Newcastle United in December, Zirkzee does appear to be up for the challenge, although such are the demands that Amorim places on his strikers, this might not be one he can win.

Unless something drastic does occur, INEOS’ £36m man will sadly be the latest victim of the post-Ferguson striking curse. Where will that next Golden Boot winner come from?

Forget Sesko: Man Utd's "terrible" dud is now becoming INEOS' worst signing

Manchester United made a huge mistake in spending big money on one first-team member.

By
Ethan Lamb

Nov 13, 2025

Manchester United have now made a U-turn and made contact with Casemiro’s agent over a new contract, and the midfielder’s stance on signing a new deal has been revealed.

Kobbie Mainoo has been unable to get a look-in as of late, with Ruben Amorim predominantly opting to give the former Real Madrid man the nod in central midfield, alongside Bruno Fernandes, who has been utilised in a deeper role this season.

Consequently, it is now looking increasingly likely that Mainoo will depart in the January transfer window, with the youngster potentially in line to follow Scott McTominay to Napoli, despite the fact Amorim wants to keep hold of him.

With the central midfielder’s place in the World Cup squad at stake, it is understandable that he is looking to receive more game time ahead of the summer, but Amorim is in a tricky position, given that Casemiro has been indispensable this term.

Recently, the 33-year-old has even been compared to United icon Nemanja Vidic, and it has subsequently emerged that he could be rewarded with a new contract as a result of his fine form, despite widespread reports suggesting United have been hesitant to offer him fresh terms.

Casemiro's stance on signing new contract at Man Utd revealed

According to a report from United In Focus, Man United have now performed a U-turn and contacted the midfielder’s agent about a contract extension, with transfer expert Graeme Bailey revealing Amorim’s stance on one of his star players signing a new deal.

Bailey said: “I’m told Amorim would be open to him staying, and if Casemiro is ready to take a drop in salary and work with United on a deal, it is not inconceivable that he stays.”

Not only is the manager open to keeping hold of the veteran midfielder, but the player himself is also personally receptive to the idea of remaining at Old Trafford, and positive talks have already been held.

The ex-Real Madrid star has certainly turned a corner since Jamie Carragher infamously told him he was finished at the top level and to move to Saudi Arabia or the MLS.

Indeed, the 80-time Brazil international has only missed one Premier League match this season, which was due to suspension, amassing three goals and one assist in his opening ten matches.

Of course, the five-time Champions League winner is more well-known for his stellar defensive attributes, and his ability to win back possession has been on display regularly over the past year, averaging 4.09 tackles per 90, which places the maestro in the top 1% of midfielders.

Consequently, it would make sense to offer Casemiro a new deal, but it would have to be at reduced wages, given his age, with the central midfielder currently the highest-earning player in the squad.

Man Utd's highest earners have been named and ranked Weekly wages: Manchester United FC 2025/26 highest-paid players

We at Football FanCast have gathered all the information on exactly how much the wages of each player is at Manchester United.

ByLuke Randall Sep 4, 2025

On Saturday evening, the Los Angeles Angels squeaked by the Seattle Mariners, 5-4, thanks to a walk-off home run by Mickey Moniak. While the desired end result was achieved, the process left something to be desired by the home side.

They may not have needed the Moniak walk-off if the bottom of the eighth hadn't gone so poorly. L.A.'s Taylor Ward smacked a leadoff double to begin the frame with the score tied 4-4, then reached third on a wild pitch. With No. 2 hitter Jack Lopez at the plate it seemed all but assured the Angels would find a way to get a run across the plate.

But, for some reason, a suicide squeeze was called. And it went catastrophically wrong.

Lopez laid down the bunt, but the ball barely rolled an inch past home plate. Lopez, assuming it would roll foul, stayed in the batter's box. But Ward was already on his way. It led to a bizarre visual in which Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh easily tagged out the runner from third, who nearly slid into his own teammate, and then Raleigh tossed it to the first baseman to tag Lopez out just as easily.

Just a mess.

The Angels went from a runner on third with nobody out and the middle of the order coming up in a tie game to two outs and no men on. Truly impressive to go from an ideal situation to an utter disaster with merely one decision.

Los Angeles got away with it this time.

MatériaMais Notícias

Coritiba e Bahia se enfrentam quinta-feira, 14 de setembro, em jogo válido pela 23ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro 2023. A bola rola no Estádio Couto Pereira às 20h (horário de Brasília) e o jogo será transmitido pelo Premiere.

RelacionadasNotíciasDicas do Lukita da Galera para apostar e lucrar nos jogos desta quinta-feiraNotícias28/09/2023BrasileirãoConfira os palpites dos jornalistas do Lance! para a 23ª rodada do BrasileirãoBrasileirão13/09/2023DicasFortaleza x Corinthians: odds, estatísticas e informações do jogo pela 23ª rodada do BrasileirãoDicas13/09/2023

O Coritiba é o lanterna do campeonato, com apenas 14 pontos em 22 jogos. O time paranaense vem de cinco derrotas consecutivas e precisa da vitória para tentar se afastar da zona de rebaixamento.

+Coritiba acerta a contratação do atacante Jesé Rodriguez, ex Real Madrid

+ Vem lucrar com a Lance! Betting na partida! Aposte R$10 e ganhe R$40 com gol de Everaldo sobre o Coxa!]]

O Bahia é o 16º colocado, com 22 pontos. O time baiano vem de um empate em casa contra o Vasco e quer voltar a vencer para se manter fora do rebaixamento. O jogo marca a estreia do técnico Rogério Ceni, recém-contratado.

+Rogério Ceni é apresentado no Bahia

???? Amanhã tem viagem e quinta jogo importante em Curitiba. É semana de estreia pra Rogério Ceni no Esquadrão de Aço! #BBMP pic.twitter.com/TmZNEqUTcM

— Esporte Clube Bahia (@ecbahia) September 12, 2023

O Coritiba terá o apoio de sua torcida no Couto Pereira, mas terá que superar a fase ruim que atravessa. O Bahia tem se mostrado um time um pouco mais arrumado, mas terá que jogar com raça para vencer o lanterna. O resultado do jogo pode fazer o Coxa começar a enxergar uma saída da zona ou afastar de vez o Bahia da degola.

O novo 1️⃣1️⃣ do Coritiba! ????????

Jesé assume a número onze do Verdão. #VamosCoxa

???? Rafa Ianoski | Coritiba pic.twitter.com/SATqyldnRW

— Coritiba (@Coritiba) September 13, 2023

+ Veja tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro

CORITIBA X BAHIA

Data e hora:14 de setembro de 2023, às 20h (de Brasília)
Estádio:Couto Pereira, Curitiba (PR)
Árbitro: Wagner do Nascimento Magalhães (RJ)
VAR:Emerson de Almeida Ferreira (MG)
Onde assistir:Premiere

CORITIBA
Gabriel Vasconcelos; Diogo Batista (Natanael), Kuscevic, Henrique, Jamerson; Sebastian Gómez, Andrey, Bruno Gomes; Marcelino Moreno, Diogo Oliveira e Slimani.
Técnico: Thiago Kosloski.

BAHIA
Marcos Felipe; Gilberto, Kanu, Gabriel Xavier, Camilo Candido; Rezende, Thaciano, Léo Cittadini; Ademir, Rafael Ratão e Mingotti (Everaldo).
Técnico: Rogério Ceni.

The former New Zealand coach David Trist, who helped guide the team to the Champions Trophy in 2000, then called the ICC Knockout, has died aged 77.Trist was a pace bowler for Canterbury during a 14-year playing career then went into coaching with roles with Canterbury, South Africa, Hong Kong and Netherlands before the New Zealand job in 1999 when he replaced Steve Rixon.Though he was only in the position for two years he was able to secure New Zealand’s first piece of global silverware, which has since been added to for the men with the 2021 World Test Championship. In the final in Nairobi they beat India by four wickets with Chris Cairns scoring an unbeaten century.”Cairns was outstanding, and played an innings that he will remember forever, because it was the winning of the game,” Trist told ESPNcricinfo in a 2017 interview. “But the feeling was we could do it, and we had to do it. That was what pervaded the dressing room – although there were moments of concern, quite clearly, with losing wickets early and one or two other batsmen not quite doing what they had done previously.”But Cairns’ innings was one of his greatest, if not his greatest, innings, in so much as it won basically the only thing New Zealand has ever won. He could take the game away from you. He was a big hitter, but he was also technically very sound. He wasn’t unsettled by fast bowling, and against spin he was positive.”I think in the latter stage of that innings, the Indians went from ‘We’ve won this’ to ‘Oh shit!’ And Chris went on, of course, to get a hundred. It was a huge innings, and probably one of the most important innings in terms of New Zealand that we’ve witnessed.”Reflecting on the title, where New Zealand beat Zimbabwe and Pakistan before facing India, Trist added: “I look back on it as pleasing for the players in the first instance, and a special moment for New Zealand. Even though they were only three matches, they were very testing ones: Zimbabwe in Africa, and then us as underdogs beating two of the powerhouses of world cricket on a fair and equal environment – we caused one of the bigger upsets in one-day cricket finals.”After leaving the New Zealand role, Trist became coaching director of Christchurch’s Old Collegians Cricket Club as well as working in India and England.In a statement on social media, New Zealand Cricket said: “NZC is deeply saddened to confirm the passing of former Blackcaps coach David Trist, who died in Christchurch yesterday, aged 77…NZC extends its heartfelt condolences to David’s family and friends.”

Fast bowler provides experienced head in otherwise youthful ECB Development XI

ESPNcricinfo staff17-May-2025Lauren Filer will make her first appearance since the Women’s Ashes Test in Melbourne in January, when she takes on the touring West Indies in a T20 warm-up in Canterbury on Sunday.Filer, England’s fastest bowler, has been out of action since the Ashes whitewash with a knee injury, but will provide an experienced head in an otherwise experimental ECB Development XI, captained by Somerset’s Katie Jones.With the contest taking place in close proximity to the Vitality T20 Women’s County Cup and Metro Bank One Day Cup fixtures, the selectors have opted to give precedence to those domestic matches, and have instead opted for a youthful squad featuring several players who played in the Women’s Under-19 World Cup in January.These include the captain Jones, a wicketkeeper who was named in the ICC’s team of the tournament after claiming nine dismissals in England’s run to the semi-finals, including seven stumpings, as well as Phoebe Brett, Olivia Brinsden and Charlotte Stubbs.West Indies will remain in Canterbury after the contest, with the first T20I against England set to take place at the same venue on Wednesday.ECB Development XI: Katie Jones (Somerset; captain), Ellie Anderson (Somerset), Phoebe Brett (Warwickshire), Olivia Brinsden (Lancashire), Emma Corney (Somerset), Lauren Filer (Durham), Liberty Heap (Lancashire), Tilly Kesteven (Lancashire), Bethan Miles (Surrey), Chloe Skelton (Somerset), Charlotte Stubbs (Durham), Annie Williams (The Blaze), Genevieve Jeer (Surrey non-playing role)

تحدث آرني سلوت، المدير الفني لنادي ليفربول، عن صانع ألعاب الفريق، مشيرًا أن اللاعب بحاجة إلى بعض الوقت للتكيف مع الدوري الإنجليزي.

وتعاقد نادي ليفربول مع الألماني فلوريان فيرتز خلال صيف العام الحالي قادمًا من صفوف نادي باير ليفركوزن مقابل 140 مليون يورو وبعقد مدته خمس سنوات.

لكن فيرتز وعلى عكس المتوقع منه ، لم يستطع تقديم المستوى المطلوب منه رفقة ليفربول ولم يسجل أو يصنع الدولي الألماني في أي لقاء مع النادي الإنجليزي حتى الآن.

أقرأ أيضًا .. جوارديولا: لاعب أتلتيكو مدريد من النخبة وأتفهم سبب رحيله عن مانشستر سيتي

وقال سلوت في تصريحات نقلتها ليفربول إيكو عن فيرتز: “عليه أن يلعب وقد لعب كثيرًا، ولأنه قادم من دوري مختلف وخاض العديد من المباريات، فمن الطبيعي أن يحتاج أحيانًا إلى مباراة لا يلعب فيها بشكل أساسي كما فعلت مع محمد صلاح وغيره”.

وأضاف سلوت في حديثه عن فيرتز: ”ولكي يخرج أفضل ما لديه فمن الضروري أن يلعب مع ليفربول، وهذا ما فعله وما سيفعله في الأسابيع المقبلة”.

وأوضح المدرب الهولندي عن مستوى فيرتز: “إذا تم التعاقد مع لاعب بهذا القدر من المال، فالناس ينظرون بشكل رئيسي إلى الأهداف والتمريرات الحاسمة لكنني أؤكد لكم أنه قد يكون قد صنع ست أو سبع تمريرات حاسمة بالفعل في نهاية الموسم”.

وأتم: ”لم يحالفه الحظ في إنهاء الهجمات عندما تمنح له الفرص من قبل زملائه، ولكن بشكل عام بالنسبة للاعب يبلغ من العمر 22 عامًا، من الطبيعي أن يتكيف مع الانتقال إلى بلد آخر، ناهيك عن الانتقال إلى الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز”.

فيرتز يستعد رفقة بقية زملائه في ليفربول للقاء مرتقب يوم غدًا الأحد أمام مانشستر يونايتد، وذلك في قمة الأسبوع الثامن من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

Mikel Arteta has dropped a bombshell update on Kai Havertz's injury while admitting that Arsenal "really miss" the German forward. Havertz is currently sidelined due to a knee issue he picked up during an Arsenal training session last month. Injuries have disrupted the start of Arsenal's 2025-26 campaign, and Havertz is not due back any time soon.

Getty Images SportHavertz's injury woes continue

After remaining sidelined for the majority of the second half of the 2024-25 campaign with a hamstring problem, Havertz returned to action during pre-season. He came off the bench in Arsenal's 1-0 win over Manchester United in the opening gameweek but picked up another knee problem during a training session last month.

AdvertisementArteta's bombshell update on Havertz

Speaking to reporters, Gunners boss Arteta provided an update on Havertz's condition, admitting his recovery is still in the early stages. "With Kai, we know that it will be months with him. I don’t know if it can be weeks, you never know because this is Kai and he’s a different specimen," he said. "We really miss him. Hopefully, he will be back, and back for the long term as well, so it is very important to look after that knee. So far, he’s progressing pretty well."

Madueke latest Arsenal player to suffer injury

New signing Noni Madueke, who arrived at the Emirates Stadium from Chelsea in the summer, is the latest Arsenal star to suffer an injury setback as the winger could be out for months after sustaining a knee injury against Manchester City last weekend. Martin Odegaard, meanwhile, missed the game with a shoulder problem.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty Images SportSaka's comeback a relief for Arsenal

Amid all the injury concerns, Bukayo Saka's return against City was a huge relief for the Gunners camp. The English winger could feature again in the club's Carabao Cup fixture against Port Vale on Wednesday, before Arsenal turn their attention to a Premier League clash with Newcastle.

“What we’ve been able to achieve together alongside the support staff as well, it’s such a group effort”

Alex Malcolm05-Jan-2025Australia captain Pat Cummins says he’s immensely proud to claim a trophy that “a few” of his team-mates didn’t have after Australia closed out the Border-Gavaskar series with a six-wicket win in Sydney.”Unreal. This was one that a few of us didn’t have,” Cummins said at the post-series presentation. “It’s been an amazing series. [We’re] immensely proud. We’ve spent a lot of time together as a group over the years, so we knew we weren’t at our best at Perth, but it was never as bad as it seems. So you stick tight and double down on what makes us a really good side.”Scott Boland took 6 for 45 in India’s second innings, and finished with 10 for the Test in a Player-of-the-match display, to set up a chase of 162. The chase had some nervy moments when Australia slumped to 58 for 3 but key contributions from Usman Khawaja, Travis Head and Beau Webster guided the hosts home.Related

'You can't be that soft' – Gambhir responds to Australia's intimidation accusation

Konstas, Webster and Boland, the unusual suspects in Australia's moment of glory

Webster hit the winning runs to cap a sparkling debut, making 57 and 39 not out, taking two catches and the wicket of Shubman Gill.The win means Australia reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time since 2014-15. Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon are the only members of Australia’s XI in Sydney who played in that series, while Mitchell Marsh and Josh Hazlewood also played in both series.The win means Australia’s men hold every bilateral Test trophy they play for, plus the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup. The victory also secured Australia’s place in the WTC final where they get to defend their crown against South Africa at Lord’s in June. Cummins, who has never beaten India in a Test series, was ecstatic to finally get over the hurdle.”It’s been such a special group,” Cummins said. “Feel so privileged to first of all have this job. But what we’ve been able to achieve together alongside the support staff as well, it’s such a group effort, families as well. They give up so much. So yeah, really proud with what we’ve been able to achieve.”Cummins was thrilled with the contributions of debutants in the series including Webster, Sam Konstas and Nathan McSweeney.”We always talk about needing a squad, especially in these five Test match series you’re rarely going to play the same XI and three debutants across series all came in, fitted in really well, and contributed at different times,” Cummins said.”Beau in his debut match this game as well, I thought was fantastic. So yeah, it feels like we’re building something nice.”Cummins was also pleased with his own contributions. He claimed 25 wickets at 21.36 for the series and also contributed 159 runs at 19.87, including match-winning scores of 49 and 41 in Melbourne where he was Player of the Match.”Pretty happy with how I played throughout the series,” Cummins said. “I thought our planning and prep coming in was really good. I was lucky I had a bit of a freshen up leading to the series, and I think that really helped me and a couple of other guys. These are the big series that you try and peak for.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Tite balançou com a proposta para assumir o Corinthians, mesmo assim recusou. Além da promessa que fez à esposa Rosemari, de que não trabalharia no futebol brasileiro neste ano, o treinador tem uma oferta na mesa de um time europeu que o agrada bastante.

Durante a tentativa corintiana de fazer com Adenor retornasse, foi conversado até mesmo com a mulher do treinador, a fim de explicar o momento do Timão e a necessidade de ter Tite novamente para estabilizar a crise institucional do clube. Porém, o técnico entende que o momento atual é a grande chance dele fazer um trabalho consistente na Europa. Na visão do profissional, um retorno ao futebol Brasil o afastaria desse sonho.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansDanilo descarta assumir o Corinthians de forma definitiva: ‘Sou técnico do sub-20’Corinthians29/04/2023CorinthiansAlessandro diz que Corinthians ainda não negocia com treinador e que Danilo pode dirigir o time contra o Del ValleCorinthians29/04/2023CorinthiansApós ‘não’ de Mano, Corinthians faz proposta e recebe sinal positivo por Róger MachadoCorinthians29/04/2023

+Róger Guedes e Paulinho são os melhores na derrota do Corinthians no Dérbi

Ainda assim, ele usou a última quinta-feira (27) praticamente inteira para pensar na conversa que teve com a direção corintiana. Não houve discussão financeira ou algo do tipo, apenas a explicação da situação em que o Corinthians se encontra em meio às tentativas de sensibilizar o treinador. Na visão da diretoria corintiana, somente Tite é unanimidade no Timão, fazendo dele o único capaz de controlar o elenco e apaziguar a torcida, dividida após a frustrada contratação de Cuca, que durou menos de uma semana.

Por conta do apego sentimental, Tite chegou a cogitar assumir o Corinthians novamente, mas após conversar com o seu estafe, optou por manter o seu projeto europeu. Ele, no entanto, alegou às pessoas responsáveis pela sua carreira que se sentia muito mal em recusar tantas vezes um time que foi fundamental para que ele tivesse projeção internacional.

+ Assine o Star+ por apenas R$32,90 por mês e acompanhe o Timão na Libertadores quando e onde quiser!

Após a recusa de Tite, o Corinthians tentou a contratação de Mano Menezes, que atualmente dirige o Internacional, mas ouviu nova recusa. Neste momento, há conversas com o estafe de Róger Machado.