Tottenham Hotspur have made a strong start to the Thomas Frank era, and a win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League on Saturday would consolidate the feel-good feeling down N17.

However, Bournemouth claimed themselves three points when visiting north London earlier this year, and Spurs failed to make their dominance count in a 2-2 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex last week, albeit pulling back from a two-goal deficit.

No such stumbles can be afforded in this one, though Wolves languish in the division’s bottom spot and without a point on the board.

And, moreover, the in-form Richarlison is up against one of his favourite opponents once again.

Richarlison could be key vs Wolves

Dominic Solanke has scarcely had a sniff throughout the opening weeks of the Premier League season, with his injury issues compounded by Richarlison’s resounding form.

The Brazilian, 28, was rumoured to be on the move after lifting the Europa League under Ange Postecoglou, but here he remains, and he’s repaying the faith, with three goals and one assist from four appearances in the top flight so far.

Pundit Alan Shearer has praised the one-time Everton striker for his “phenomenal” start to the campaign, having struggled for form and with injuries over the previous two years in white.

And it would hardly be a surprise to see him continue his purple patch against the Old Gold.

Wolves

12

6

Leicester

15

6

Everton

7

5

Southampton

12

5

Leicester

13

5

Supplementing Richarlison, Xavi Simons might be gunning for a starting berth on the left flank after a promising start to life in London, the 22-year-old playmaker joining from RB Leipzig for £51m in the summer.

However, Frank should unleash Brennan Johnson if he wants to ensure victory against a Wolves backline that is currently there for the taking.

Why Frank should unleash Brennan Johnson

It was Johnson, 24, who bundled in the winning goal as Tottenham defeated Manchester United to lift the Europa League, and after scoring in successive league matches to start the Premier League season, it looked like he might be taking his game to the next level.

However, he was hooked before the hour mark against the Cherries, having made some poor decisions and drifted through a painful defeat. The Welshman is yet to return to the starting line-up.

However, he scored 18 times across all competitions last year and has a natural instinct for goal to combine with his “frightening” pace, as noted by content creator HLTCO, who also described the versatile winger as a “nightmare to defend against”.

With Richarlison seemingly determined to star as Tottenham’s chief goal-getter this term, Johnson could add an impactful dimension by taking his place back on the left flank, ranked as he is among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for non-penalty goals scored per 90, as per FBref.

And that’s not to say that Simons cannot enter the fray and make an impression, perhaps operating from deep, pulling strings and opening up passing lanes for the goalscoring duo if the Lilywhites need to press for a late winner.

In any case, Tottenham have plenty of tools to secure all three points against struggling Wolves.

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ByEthan Lamb Sep 26, 2025

Derbyshire Falcons broke their duck for the season and recorded a first Blast victory at Trent Bridge since 2013 as Samit Patel delivered a reminder to his former club that he can be a match-winner even at the age of 40.The veteran left-arm spinner, who took 208 T20 wickets in 21 seasons in Nottinghamshire colours, claimed another three for 14 as the Falcons consigned the Outlaws to a third straight defeat on their own turf, going down by 46 runs as they finished on 153 for nine chasing a target of 200.Opener Aneurin Donald’s 73 off 34 balls gave the Falcons a platform that was ultimately exploited by Brooke Guest (37 off 24) and Ross Whitely (35 off 16) in an unbroken sixth-wicket partnership of 65 of 33 balls out of 199 for five, after leg spinner Calvin Harrison had taken three for 32.Home skipper Joe Clarke posted his third half-century of the season but with Matt Montgomery’s 27 the next best score, his side were never in serious contention, leaving them with just two wins from their opening six matches. Afghanistan’s teenage spinner Mohammad Ghazanfar (two for 26) and on-loan Fynn Hudson-Prentice (two for 38) backed up Patel with the ball.Put in, Derbyshire were 61 without loss in their batting powerplay, Donald riding his luck profitably as he survived chances on five and 39.Harrison found some turn to bowl Caleb Jewell with his first ball and was involved again as Donald, having raised his sixes tally to five after going past fifty in 25 balls, found the all-rounder’s big hands at wide midwicket off left-arm spinner Liam Patterson-White, who returned the favour as Wayne Madsen holed out to cover, giving Harrison a second wicket.Rob Lord, on his Blast debut, picked up his maiden wicket as Patel failed to clear mid-off before Harrison had Martin Andersson leg before sweeping. But Guest and Whitely, the latter smiting two sixes as Australian pacer Sams conceded 30 in his last two overs, took Derbyshire to their highest total of the season.A stiff task quickly became harder for Notts as Ghazanfar removed Lyndon James, caught at midwicket, and Jack Haynes, leg before, in his first seven deliveries before Freddie McCann somehow managed to shovel a ball from Fynn Hudson-Prentice over his own shoulder and on to the stumps, leaving them 22 for three before a horrible moment at the start of the sixth over saw wicketkeeper Guest and Ghazanfar, running in from mid-on, collide going for the same catch off Clarke on 25, with neither man holding on, after which a dazed Ghazanfar left the field, thankfully only temporarily.Clarke was dropped again at extra cover on 46, the shot taking him to his third fifty of the season, but a 55-run partnership with Matt Montgomery (27 off 19) ended when the latter was bowled by Patel, who celebrated extravagantly as the Notts skipper slapped a wide delivery straight to Pat Brown on the extra cover boundary at 99 for five, picking up his third in his next over as Tom Moores missed.Sams was caught on the cover boundary, Patterson-White and Lord falling to Brown in the last over as Notts finished on 153 for nine.

South Africa finished the day one on 418 for 9 against sloppy Zimbabwe

Himanshu Agrawal28-Jun-2025

How much luck is too much? Long before 19-year-old Lhuan-dre Pretorius became the youngest ever to score 150 in men’s Test cricket, he had been given four reprieves thanks to a mixture of the umpiring and the absence of DRS. After getting lives on 30, 54, 55 and 127, Pretorius ended up scoring 153 off 160 balls. At the time of his dismissal, he alone had scored more than half of South Africa’s total against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.By the end of the day, Corbin Bosch’s maiden Test hundred added to fellow debutant Dewald Brevis’ counterattacking 51 from 41 deliveries earlier in the day, as the visitors finished day one of the first Test on 418 for 9.Pretorius arrived when South Africa were reeling at 23 for 3 in the 15th over. At the time, Tanaka Chivanga had all three wickets, while Blessing Muzarabani and Hamilton Masakadza supported him by keeping it tight. Masakadza’s figures at that stage were 5-0-9-0 and Muzarabani’s were 5-4-5-0, having started with four maidens.Related

Stats – Lhuan-dre Pretorius, youngest to score 150 in men's Tests

T20 star Brevis wants to be 'the same guy that plays all formats'

The extra bounce on the pitch meant Muzarabani beat the bat several times early in the day, even as Chivanga struck thrice. The first breakthrough came in the sixth over when Tony de Zorzi edged to Brian Bennett at third slip for a 16-ball duck. The next wicket came when off the last ball of the 13th over, Mathew Breetzke also jabbed to Bennett at the same position. The appreciable bounce left Breetzke looking at his fingers as he walked back.The third wicket then fell in the 15th over when David Bedingham pushed hard at a length ball on the fifth stump and edged to first slip. That was when Pretorius began to hit back at Zimbabwe. Facing Masakadza in the next over, Pretorius launched him for six over long-off and then drove for four wide of mid-off. He ended the 18th over with another boundary, motoring along to 17 off his first 16 balls.Muzarabani continued to bowl tightly at the other end, but could only manage to keep the runs down. Like de Zorzi, Wiaan Mulder also struggled to find rhythm, apart from driving Masakadza for four. But Mulder was run out in the 23rd over after a mix-up with Pretorius left him well short at the non-striker’s end; Muzarabani’s direct throw broke the stumps cleanly.At 55 for 4, it was down to the two debutants, Pretorius and Brevis, and they repaid South Africa’s faith. But Pretorius was living a charmed life. In the 25th over, Chivanga could have had his fourth when Pretorius, on 30, chased a ball outside off. There was a clear noise as the ball passed the bat, prompting a loud appeal for caught behind, but the umpire remained unmoved. The absence of DRS only added to Zimbabwe’s frustration.File photo – Tanaka Chivanga struck early on the first morning•Getty Images

Just after lunch, Pretorius reached his half-century off 53 balls, after which Brevis deposited Vincent Masekesa for six over midwicket and followed up with a straight four to end the 30th over. Chivanga, Muzarabani, and Masekesa managed to restore some control briefly.Masekesa trapped Pretorius plumb in front on 54 with a delivery that turned in and beat an attempted reverse sweep, but again, the umpire was unmoved. In the next over, on 55, Pretorius mistimed a pull off Chivanga, but the ball flew over the keeper’s head, his third lucky escape.Brevis, meanwhile, showcased his attacking instincts in the longest format. He smashed Masekesa for three sixes in the 36th over, bringing up his fifty in just 38 balls. However, in the next over, Muzarabani dismissed him for 51, as he toe-ended a pull to mid-off, ending a game-changing 95-run stand.Pretorius soon lost Kyle Verreynne, but continued to find boundaries regularly. He reached his century off 112 balls, hitting his third six with a beautiful punch over long-off off Bennett. Bosch, at the other end, played more calmly, focusing on rotating the strike. Their partnership crossed fifty as South Africa maintained a steady scoring rate, thanks largely to Pretorius.Pretorius’ final slice of luck came on 127, when he attempted a punch off Bennett and was beaten on the outside edge. Once again, there was a faint sound, but the umpire ruled in his favor. Eventually, he was dismissed after tea, in the 65th over, when Pretorius skied a pull off Chivanga to mid-on.That ended a dominant 108-run stand for the seventh wicket, but Bosch took over and frustrated Zimbabwe alongside the tail. He reached his fifty in the 71st over, flashing at a wide delivery from Muzarabani that flew over the slips for four. Keshav Maharaj supported him with a handy 21, including two sixes, in a 41-run stand, which ended when Masekesa stuck.With two wickets remaining and South Africa nearing 350, Bosch went on the offensive. From 61 off 91 balls, he accelerated to finish unbeaten on 100 off 124, hitting five boundaries in the process, including a drive, a pull, and a swat off consecutive deliveries from Masekesa. Codi Yusuf, also on debut, supported Bosch with 27, including five fours.Bosch was on 84 when Muzarabani dismissed Yusuf. At that point, South Africa had 389 runs on the board. In the company of last man Kwena Maphaka, Bosch not only reached his century in the final over of the day but also took South Africa past the 400-run mark.

Heading into their showdown with Manchester United at Old Trafford at the weekend, Sunderland might well be judged as the favourites to pick up another early Premier League win over their hosts, despite the stature of their opponents.

Whilst it has been well documented in recent years, the drastic slide at the Theatre of Dreams, the Black Cats will still feel amazed that they’re four points ahead of Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils when making the trip down to Manchester, with just one defeat from their opening five league clashes lifting them all the way up to fifth in the early standings.

Regis Le Bris has managed to turn the one-time promotion nearly-men into a well-oiled unit in the daunting top-flight, with the defence – in particular – gaining many a plaudit, even so soon into the 38-game marathon.

Sunderland's incredible defence

Glancing at the Premier League table briefly, only two teams in the entire rest of the division have a sterner defensive record than Le Bris’ men, with Arsenal and Manchester City only leaking three goals so far this season.

Despite their newly promoted status having the potential to work against them, the Wearsiders have only given up four goals themselves, with both Omar Alderete and Robin Roefs sticking out as two standout aspects of this water-tight defence.

Alderete’s tough approach to proceedings – which has seen him average a commanding 4.3 duels won per league clash away from powering home this header against Nottingham Forest – has already resulted in Sunderland-based journalist Andy Tomlinson heralding him as an “unbelievable” signing, with the Paraguayan making his transition to the testing English game look effortless so far.

He has undoubtedly been backed by Roefs, constantly putting in game-changing displays, with the Dutchman coming up trumps with six huge saves last time out to deny Forest a goal in a 1-0 away win.

Slight rumours are swirling in the air that Mukiele, who is yet another sterling defensive signing, could be ruled out of the Black Cats’ upcoming trip to Old Trafford, with injury concerns being spoken of.

Yet, even if this gossip is proved to be true, Le Bris will know he does have some substantial depth to call upon, in the form of another particularly valuable defensive titan…

The "stunning" star worth more than Alderete & Roefs

With Luke O’Nien returning back to the squad at the City Ground after injury, it does feel as if Sunderland have strong reinforcements all across their backline, in case the newly formed unit does have to be unfortunately broken up.

Daniel Ballard also coming back into the first team fold only heightens the depth at Le Bris’ disposal, with the Northern Ireland international not looking out of place whatsoever this season when thrown into Premier League action as one of the more long-standing servants at the Stadium of Light.

Before Alderete and Roefs could properly settle into their new environment, Ballard was already leaving his mark on the intense division with this bullet header finding the back of the net on the opening day.

Amazingly, this commanding effort was the 26-year-old’s seventh goal for the club, with the ex-Arsenal man pulling on Sunderland red and white now a colossal 93 times, having been hailed as “stunning” by journalist Josh Bunting.

Purchased for just £2m back in 2022 as Sunderland regularly settled for mediocrity in the Championship, it’s staggering to see the journey the authoritative number five has gone on with the club, with his value now far exceeding his modest initial price tag.

Even with the centre-back’s injury setbacks seeing him miss a whopping 71 games over his four seasons to date on Wearside, Ballard’s value – as per Football Transfers – currently sits at a healthy £9.4m.

To further add to the intrigue, both Alderete and Roefs, despite taking to English shores like a knife through butter, have worths that come in slightly under Ballard’s bumped-up valuation, with the South American just shy of his defensive counterpart at £9.3m, while Roefs sits at £6.6m as a shrewd pick-up.

Therefore, while all the new defensive purchases continue to steal the limelight, Le Bris will have full faith in Ballard remaining resolute at the back throughout the challenging season to come when thrown into action.

Not Isidor: Sunderland "monster" is becoming the club's modern day Phillips

Regis Le Bris could now have his very own Kevin Phillips at Sunderland in this monster.

By
Kelan Sarson

Sep 30, 2025

For a club once blessed with the likes of Paul Scholes and Roy Keane, the midfield unit at Manchester United has now long been a cause for concern, amid a string of errant additions in that department.

Since the days of Scholes himself, or even Michael Carrick more recently, the Red Devils have seen so much upheaval in the centre of the park, with perhaps the longest stable pairing of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era emerging as Fred and Scott McTominay – two players dubbed “not good enough” by Keane.

£89m was dished out on Paul Pogba. £40m was splashed out on Donny van de Beek. An ageing Casemiro, meanwhile, joined for a fee that could reach £70m, having since been joined at Old Trafford by fellow South American, Manuel Ugarte, on a £50m deal.

So much investment, yet such little reward, with Ruben Amorim left with a squad so ill-suited to his 3-4-2-1 system, having yet to settle on a first-choice partner to everpresent skipper, Bruno Fernandes, in that midfield two.

There is perhaps a sense that United will live to regret this summer’s recruitment decisions, having gone all in on a new-look forward line of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, albeit while neglecting to strengthen in the engine room.

While the INEOS hierarchy flirted with a £100m plus move for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, no such deal was struck, with the recent suggestions indicating that the club might now have turned their attention to another Premier League sensation – Adam Wharton.

The latest on Man Utd's interest in Adam Wharton

It has become a common theme of the last decade or so for United to have hesitated over moving for a player in their youth, only to then be forced to pay over the odds for that talent later down the line.

Indeed, the Red Devils had come close to prising a teenage Moises Caicedo from his native Ecuador for a measly fee of just £4m, albeit with a complication surrounding his representatives seeing the midfielder move to the Amex instead. Now he’s the “best” midfielder in the Premier League, according to Gary Neville.

Even this summer’s marquee £74m arrival, Sesko, was offered to United for just a fraction of that cost at £2.5m, back in 2019, although with the powers that be again spurning that opportunity.

A repeat scenario appears to have occurred with regard to Wharton, with respected journalist Andy Mitten having revealed that the Old Trafford side were offered the chance to sign the England international prior to his exit from Blackburn Rovers, only to have misgivings over the optics of signing an inexperienced figure from the Championship.

The now 21-year-old ultimately joined current side Crystal Palace for a fee rising to £22m back in February 2024, since enjoying a meteoric rise that includes earning a place in that summer’s Euro 2024 squad, while also playing his part as the Eagles romped to FA Cup glory last term.

While yet to truly establish himself at international level, the silky left-footer is one of the top-flight’s brightest talents, with reports over the summer indicating that he was deemed a viable alternative to Baleba amid United’s midfield search.

The latest claim is that Amorim and co could even look to lodge a £60m bid for the youngster in 2026, albeit with prior reports outlining that the Conference League outfit would be looking for more than £100m for their prized possession.

Games (starts)

6 (6)

Goals

0

Assists

0

Big chances created

5

Pass accuracy*

81%

Key passes*

1.8

Successful dribbles*

1.0

Total duels won*

53%

Possession lost*

8.5

Although Wharton’s familiarity with playing in a midfield pairing would be beneficial, whether he is worth such an extreme outlay remains to be seen. Might Amorim consider looking to the academy instead?

Why Jack Fletcher can be Man Utd's own Wharton

The lack of academy promotion has been a glaring issue in the Portuguese’s tenure thus far, with the 40-year-old perhaps sharing the view of Sir Jim Ratcliffe that the youth ranks have “really slipped” of late.

While the ex-Sporting CP boss did memorably name eight teenagers on the bench for the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in February, amid a first-team injury crisis, only Chido Obi, Harry Amass and Tyler Fredricson have debuted during his tenure.

With the midfield department looking so short of depth in the senior set-up, however, with Kobbie Mainoo rounding off the quartet of Casemiro, Fernandes and Ugarte, that is certainly one area of the pitch where in-house reinforcements could be needed.

There are high hopes for Sekou Kone, signed for just £1m last summer, although in terms of producing a homegrown Wharton, it is 18-year-old Jack Fletcher who undoubtedly fits the bill.

Son of ex-United star and current U18s coach, Darren, the teenage playmaker joined the club from rivals Manchester City alongside his twin brother Tyler back in 2023, representing a real coup for those at Old Trafford.

While still yet to make his senior debut, Jack – who turns out for England at youth level – was part of the matchday squad for that night away at Spurs earlier this year, having featured on the bench for five league games in total in 2024/25.

An elegant left-footer, in the mould of Wharton, Fletcher’s brief promotion was just reward for a fine season all-round in the academy set-up, having provided 15 goals and assists in 22 recorded games across all fronts, as per Transfermarkt.

The highlight of those involvements undoubtedly came in the EFL Trophy away at Barnsley, with the 5 foot 11 midfielder scoring twice to complete a remarkable comeback for United’s U21 side, including netting an outrageous strike from range on the volley.

The current campaign has seen Fletcher flit between a midfield role and a left-back berth, although he has still scored twice already in all competitions, representing a creative, forward-thinking outlet wherever he is deployed on the pitch.

Despite his recent full-back switch pointing to a potential future at wing-back in Amorim’s side, it is as a left-sided central midfielder where Fletcher is likely to flourish, with analyst Ben Mattinson suggesting that he has “everything you’d want” for that latter role.

A player who “glides around the pitch with elegance and power”, according to Mattinson, the teen’s likeness to Wharton is evident to see, with United likely to save themselves a huge outlay if they do look to those at Carrington instead.

Having already missed their chance with Wharton in the past, perhaps the Red Devils should view the Palace man as a ship that has sailed. They already have their own future midfield star in Fletcher anyway.

Man Utd can replace Hojlund with "the best talent the academy has ever seen"

Man Utd fans can get excited about this prospect

ByJoe Nuttall Oct 14, 2025

Manchester United are reportedly set to reject any January transfer requests from Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee, despite the duo’s growing frustration over a lack of minutes this season. With key players expected to miss several weeks due to the Africa Cup of Nations, manager Ruben Amorim views both Mainoo and Zirkzee as crucial squad members for the winter period.

Man Utd will not sell Mainoo and Zirkzee in January

Manchester United have made it clear that Mainoo and Zirkzee will not be allowed to leave the club during the upcoming January transfer window, regardless of any personal requests to move, as per . Both players have grown concerned about their limited playing time under Amorim this season. However, the Red Devils’ stance is firm, with the Portuguese coach insisting that “they are our players and we need everyone to have a good season.”

Mainoo, who requested a loan move in the summer, has seen little change in his situation since. The 21-year-old midfielder has featured eight times across all competitions but has yet to start a Premier League game, with his only start coming in the Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town in August. Meanwhile, Zirkzee, who returned from a hamstring injury in late summer, has played just over 80 minutes in total this term and is reportedly frustrated about falling behind Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo in the pecking order.

Amorim has publicly acknowledged that he understands the frustration of players who are not getting minutes but remains adamant about maintaining squad depth through the busy winter schedule.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMainoo and Zirkzee needed during AFCON period

Manchester United’s refusal to sanction departures for Mainoo and Zirkzee stems from both strategic and logistical concerns. The club will lose multiple first-team players to international duty during the Africa Cup of Nations, including Mbeumo, Amad, and Noussair Mazraoui, all of whom have been central to Amorim’s system. With AFCON starting before Christmas and concluding on January 18, United expect to be short-handed for at least six domestic fixtures.

Amorim’s tactical setup, a flexible 3-4-2-1 system, relies on adaptability, particularly in attacking and midfield positions. Mbeumo’s absence will create a significant void in the right-sided role, while Amad’s creative influence will be missed in the attacking midfield zone. Mainoo is seen as a potential solution in midfield to complement Bruno Fernandes or provide rest for Manuel Ugarte, while Zirkzee could serve as an auxiliary forward to cover for Sesko or operate in one of the playmaking roles currently occupied by Mbeumo or Amad. As per the report, the manager also views retaining the pair as a way to manage morale within the squad and ensure adequate competition for places.

Both stars want to reintegrate in national teams ahead of World Cup

Mainoo’s development remains a topic of internal debate at Old Trafford. The young midfielder has managed only 228 minutes this season, including one full appearance in the EFL Cup, but Amorim continues to see him as a long-term successor to Fernandes in the creative midfield role. Critics have suggested that the manager has been overly cautious with integrating Mainoo, while some within the club believe his composure and passing range could be vital once fixtures pile up around Christmas.

Zirkzee, on the other hand, is still struggling to regain his form following a lengthy injury layoff that forced him to miss pre-season entirely. The Dutch forward, who cost £36.5 million, has found opportunities limited due to Amorim’s preference for more mobile attackers. Yet, his versatility as a withdrawn forward or link-up player makes him a useful tactical option when United need to alter their attacking shape, particularly with AFCON absences looming.

Internally, both players are aware that consistent performances during the winter months could dramatically alter their prospects. For Mainoo, earning regular minutes could strengthen his case for a spot in England’s 2026 World Cup squad. Zirkzee, meanwhile, knows that proving his worth could reignite his standing in the Netherlands national setup and secure his long-term place at United.

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Getty Images SportHow much playing time will Zirkzee and Mainoo get?

Manchester United are unlikely to make major moves in the January window, with the focus instead on internal adjustments to weather the upcoming player shortages. Amorim’s emphasis will be on maintaining balance within the squad while giving fringe players like Mainoo and Zirkzee more responsibility during the AFCON period. Both players are expected to feature more heavily in rotation and may find themselves starting in several key matches across December and January.

The club’s hierarchy is confident that retaining depth will prove vital to sustaining their top-four challenge in the Premier League. For now, United’s message to both players, and to potential suitors, is simple: no exits, no exceptions.

Pep Guardiola can certainly be credited with bringing through some exciting young talent from Manchester City’s academy. The Spaniard has certainly relied a lot on academy graduates, with the Citizens’ youth sides producing some of the best up-and-coming players in world football.

Of course, it was Guardiola who gave Cole Palmer his first forays into professional football, although the England international left for Chelsea back in 2023. The best homegrown star Guardiola brought through at the Etihad Stadium is Phil Foden, who has made 327 appearances for his boyhood club.

In more recent times, Nico O’Reilly has broken into the first-team squad.

Why Pep Guardiola loves O’Reilly at Man City

There is a lot to like about 20-year-old Mancunian star Nico O’Reilly. He has shone during his short City career so far, and was even rewarded with a call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad, although he didn’t play a game.

So far, the youngster has made 30 appearances at first-team level for his boyhood club. He’s even chipped in with five goals and three assists in that time.

In 2025/26, O’Reilly has started the last four Premier League games.

The youngster has left a big impression on Guardiola, with the Spanish manager explaining he is “helping us a lot” in the senior side, before confirming he is “taking his opportunity” to impress for City.

It is easy to understand what the long-term City boss is talking about when he says those things. O’Reilly is like a Swiss army knife, able to operate in multiple positions.

A number 10 by trade, he’s played as a left-back more often than not for City, as well as in midfield and even as a centre-forward.

The versatility O’Reilly brings to the table is important in Guardiola’s squad. In many ways, his emergence has seen him leapfrog a similar profile of player in the pecking order.

The Man City star now on borrowed time

Guardiola himself summed it up perfectly, explaining that O’Reilly has grabbed his chance with both hands.

It is easy to consider him a nigh-on indispensable member of the group nowadays, with his England call-up cementing that.

However, O’Reilly’s role in the first team has meant that Rico Lewis’ opportunities have diminished this season. The 20-year-old full-back is also a graduate of City’s academy, and has played a lot of games since he broke into the side back in 2022/23.

In fact, the Bury-born star has reached exactly 100 games for his boyhood club, bringing up the milestone against Burnley last month.

He’s bagged five goals and assisted ten for the Citizens so far, including a strike in the FA Cup semi-final last season against Nottingham Forest.

Described as a “serious talent” by football statistician Statman Dave, Lewis can operate all over the pitch, just like O’Reilly. He has predominantly played at right-back, but has also featured on the opposite side and all across the midfield.

The ability to play as a right-back and tuck inside as a midfielder when his side has the ball has led Guardiola to describe Lewis as City’s “little Philipp Lahm.” However, since O’Reilly has broken through, he has seen his game time reduced, likely due to the similarity of the players.

When looking at a statistical comparison from last season in the Premier League, it is easy to see why Guardiola might favour O’Reilly.

The Mancunian star does outperform Lewis in several key metrics, although the latter did play more forward passes, with 11.9 compared to 11.

Lewis vs O’Reilly

Stat (per 90)

Lewis

O’Reilly

Chances created

0.3

0.7

Forward passes

11.9

11

Take-ons completed

0.5

1.6

Duels won

3.8

4.8

Ball recoveries

4.6

5.3

Stats from Squawka

Perhaps Lewis is on borrowed time at City. He has been leapfrogged in the pecking order by a player the same age and a vastly similar profile. It will be tough for him to nail down a spot if things continue the same way.

Last summer, he was a transfer target for a number of Premier League clubs, with Nottingham Forest believed to have made a bid.

If his lack of game time continues this way, maybe he will explore a move away from his boyhood club.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair Oct 12, 2025

Ahead of Manchester United’s trip to face Liverpool, club legend Paul Scholes has taken aim at three Old Trafford stars who are “not capable” of playing their part.

Fernandes calls for "stability" at Man Utd

While a trip to Anfield will bring back bad recent memories for United, Ruben Amorim’s side are actually facing the Reds at a good time.

Liverpool entered the international break off the back of three-straight defeats in all competitions, and are potentially vulnerable to another upset on Merseyside.

United, meanwhile, defeated Sunderland in comfortable fashion before the break in a game that featured a second goal in as many games for Benjamin Sekso and a solid debut performance from Senne Lammens. The victory has, at least somewhat, eased growing pressure on Amorim — but club captain Bruno Fernandes is still calling for more “stability”.

For the time being, Amorim’s job is safe even after another disappointing start.

As the rumours continue to surround potential candidates to replace the former Sporting CP boss, including the likes of Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, INEOS are seemingly ready to back their man.

That’s not to say that things won’t change, however, and club legend Scholes has now slammed three players who are “not capable” of helping to save Amorim’s job.

Scholes slams Man Utd trio who are getting "found out"

Speaking to The Times, Scholes slammed Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Casemiro — describing them as “not capable” and “not strong enough” in a scathing review.

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All in their 30s, Scholes may have a point. Although Maguire has rediscovered some of his best form at times, questions are still asked about his ability to take United back into European football.

Shaw, meanwhile, continues to struggle on the injury front and remains a player that United should have replaced at this stage. Similar can also be said for Casemiro, even after he put a very bad run of form behind him not so long ago.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s mother, Dolores Aveiro, took to social media to congratulate her grandson on receiving his first call-up to the Portugal Under-16 national team. Portugal faced Turkey on Thursday in their opening game of the Federations Cup, and Ronaldo Jr came off the bench to make his debut for the Selecao U-16 side.

• Ronaldo Jr gets big call up to Portugal youth team

  Ronaldo Jr, affectionately known as Cristianinho in Portugal, was called up to the U16s squad for the first time ahead of the Federations Cup, which started in Turkey on Thursday and runs until November 4. Ronaldo Jr, aiming to follow in his father’s footsteps having already been part of the youth setups at Juventus, Manchester United and Al-Nassr, came off the bench in the dying stages of the tournament opener as Portugal ran out 2-0 winners.

  “He’s very competitive, like me when I was young, and he doesn’t like to lose,” Cristiano Ronaldo Sr said about his son.

  However, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has also been careful not to place too much pressure on his eldest child, stressing the importance of letting him grow and learn on his own. “I don’t make big pressure; I make a little. He already has pressure being the son of Cristiano. Let him make his own mistakes, but I hope that in the future he can become a professional player.”

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• Good wishes from grandma

  Ahead of the game, Aveiro posted a photo of her grandson Ronaldo Jr with the caption: “Go PORTUGAL under-16s”.

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  Junior looking to follow in iconic father's footsteps

  Ronaldo made his debut for Portugal’s Under-15 team in 2001 at just 15 years old. After progressing through the youth ranks, his rapid rise at United in the Premier League earned him a senior call-up from then Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. Ronaldo impressed in the European Championship qualifiers and friendlies, eventually earning a place in Portugal’s Euro 2004 squad, where the team reached the final before suffering a 1-0 defeat to Greece.

  Ronaldo has gone on to become Portugal’s all-time top scorer, netting 143 goals in 225 appearances. His crowning moment came in 2016 when he captained Portugal to their first major international trophy, winning Euro 2016 after defeating France 1-0 in the final. He later added another title in 2019, leading Portugal to victory in the inaugural UEFA Nations League, where he also finished as the tournament’s top scorer. Despite Portugal’s exit in Euro 2020, Ronaldo again demonstrated his consistency by winning the tournament’s Golden Boot.

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  What comes next?

  Ronaldo Sr will hope that Ronaldo Jr can handle the pressure and expectations as he prepares to build on his debut for the national youth team. The match could mark an important step towards fulfilling both his and his father’s shared dream of seeing Ronaldo Jr become a professional footballer.

Gary Stead has been appointed interim Otago coach in place of Ashley Noffke, who has left to join Pakistan’s back room

Deivarayan Muthu27-Jun-2025AucklandDale Phillips has switched to Auckland from Otago, but his brother Glenn Phillips will remain with Otago and will be available between his international commitments for New Zealand.This will be Dale’s first stint with Auckland’s senior side, having played for them at age-group level before shifting to Otago.Dale, 26, was recently in Chennai to train at the Super Kings Academy, expanding his range of shots especially against spin. Prior to the Chennai camp, Dale was part of the New Zealand A team that beat Bangladesh A 1-0 in the two-match unofficial Test series in Bangladesh.He was also the second-highest run-getter in the 2024-25 Ford Trophy, with 457 runs in ten innings at an average of 45.70 and strike rate of 86.38.Hard-hitting batter Bevon Jacobs, who was part of Mumbai Indians in the IPL and MI Emirates in the UAE’s ILT20 league, has also signed a domestic contract with Auckland. Rohit Gulati, the former Northern Districts fingerspinner, has now moved to Auckland and will fill the void created by the retirement of Louis Delport.Harrish Kannan, who had left Australia for New Zealand, was among four new faces on the Auckland contracts list for the first round.Auckland contracted players: Sid Dixit, Cam Fletcher, Matt Gibson, Rohit Gulati , Bevon Jacobs, Harrish Kannan, Simon Keene, Ben Lister, Jock McKenzie, Angus Olliver, Dale Phillips, Samrath Singh, Sean Solia, Lachie Stackpole, Jordan SussexLeo Carter hit six sixes in an over during a Super Smash match in 2020•Getty ImagesCanterburyLeo Carter has left Otago to turn out for Canterbury in the upcoming domestic season. Carter, who smashed six sixes in an over during a Super Smash game in 2020, bolsters a top order, which already includes Chad Bowes, Matt Boyle and Rhys Mariu.Former New Zealand Under-19 wicketkeeper-batter Jesse Frew and batter Scott Janett, who hit a century on List A debut earlier this year, are the new inclusions in Canterbury’s contract list.Canterbury contracted players: Chad Bowes, Matt Boyle, Leo Carter, Jesse Frew, Scott Janett, Rhys Mariu, Cole McConchie, Angus Mckenzie, Cam Paul, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Michael Rae, Michael Rippon, Matt Rowe, Fraser SheatCentral DistrictsBig-hitting allrounder Dean Foxcroft has returned to Central Districts and is set to represent them for the first time since 2019. Having ended his stint with Otago, Foxcroft is available for the upcoming Global Super League (GSL) in Guyana, where the Super Smash champions will compete with four other T20 teams, including hosts Guyana Amazon Warriors.Allrounder Doug Bracewell is also back on the contract list and will turn out for the side in the GSL. Bracewell had turned down a domestic contract last season to make himself available for Joburg Super Kings in the SA20.With Central Districts’ regular T20 coach Ben Smith away with Derbyshire in the UK, Craig McMillian, the assistant coach of New Zealand women, will take charge in the GSL.Central Districts contracted players: Doug Bracewell, Tom Bruce, Will Clark, Josh Clarkson, Dane Cleaver, Toby Findlay, Dean Foxcroft, Curtis Heaphy, Jayden Lennox, Ajaz Patel, Brett Randell, Angus Schaw, Brad Schmulian, Blair Tickner, Ray TooleTim Seifert will prioritise the Big Bash League over the Super Smash•CA/Cricket Australia/Getty ImagesNorthern DistrictsWicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert has opted for a casual contract for a second successive season to pursue opportunities in franchise cricket, while fast bowler Scott Kuggeleijn is back on Northern Districts’ books after having taken a casual contract himself last season.Left-arm fingerspin-bowling allrounder Tim Pringle, who had missed the last summer with injury, also returns to the contracts list after undergoing ankle surgery. Pringle, 22, was also part of the camp at the Super Kings Academy as he eased his way back into action both with ball and bat. His last competitive game was in the 2024 T20 World Cup in June last year for Netherlands.Teen prodigy Xavier Bell, who has piled on the runs at district association, club and age-group levels, has earned his maiden contract.ND contracted players: Xavier Bell, Josh Brown, Joe Carter, Katene Clarke, Kristan Clarke, Henry Cooper, Matthew Fisher, Zak Gibson, Brett Hampton, Scott Kuggeleijn, Robbie O’Donnell, Ben Pomare, Bharat Popli, Tim Pringle, Jeet RavalJack Boyle will turn out for Otago in 2025-26•Getty ImagesOtagoDanru Ferns (transfer from Auckland), Jack Boyle (transfer from Central Districts), Troy Johnson (transfer from Wellington) and former New Zealand Under-19 seamer Mason Clarke have all accepted their first contracts with Otago.Otago contracted players Matt Bacon, Jack Boyle, Max Chu, Mason Clarke, Jacob Cumming, Danru Ferns, Luke Georgeson, Jake Gibson, Andrew Hazeldine, Llew Johnson, Troy Johnson, Ben Lockrose, Jarrod McKay, Thorn Parkes, Jamal ToddWellingtonSamuel Morgan and Amogh Paranjpe are the new faces on Wellington’s books. Paranjpe, a seamer from Hutt District Cricket Club, had bagged a match haul of ten wickets to lead his club to the Pearce Cup red-ball title earlier this year.Wellington contracted players: Liam Dudding, Nick Greenwood, James Hartshorn, Nick Kelly, Callum McLachlan, Samuel Morgan, Sam Mycock, Amogh Paranjpe, Tim Robinson, Gareth Severin, Michael Snedden, Jesse Tashkoff, Logan van Beek, Peter Younghusband, Yahya ZebGary Stead will oversee the progress of the Otago players during the winter•Getty ImagesStead appointed interim Otago coachGary Stead’s first assignment after stepping down as New Zealand men’s head coach will be with Otago.Stead will take over from Ashley Noffke as interim coach and will work with Otago’s players during the winter. Noffke has stepped down to join Pakistan’s support staff. Stead will begin his new stint with Otago on June 30.”Otago have a strong playing roster and some exciting young players who have had a very good season,” Stead said in an Otago Cricket statement. “It excites me to have the chance to help these young players and the more experienced players continue to grow, and to be in a position to give back to the domestic game.”