Manchester United have previously been a club associated with being the home to numerous top-level attackers who have helped aid their success in the Premier League.

However, the last few years have been a struggle for the Red Devils, with Ruben Amorim unable to create a frontline capable of achieving success in various competitions.

His side only registered 44 goals in England’s top-flight throughout 2024/25, with no player able to register double figures for goals, with Amad and Bruno Fernandes both only scoring eight times.

Such a record was the fifth worst in the division, with three of the sides registering fewer goals subsequently being relegated – highlighting the club’s lack of success in such an area.

One of the players who struggled at Old Trafford during the aforementioned campaign was offloaded during the recent window, with such a decision potentially being a mistake given his form as of late.

Rasmus Hojlund’s form away from United

Back in the summer of 2023, United forked out a fee in the region of £72m for striker Rasmus Hojlund from Italian side Atalanta, with real hope he could end their goalscoring worries.

The Dane did manage to meet expectations in his first year in England, scoring 16 times across all competitions, with five of his efforts coming in the Champions League.

However, he struggled to impress in 2024/25, only netting five Premier League goals, even going 21 games without a goal at one stage, which further highlights his lack of impact in the final third.

The Red Devils board decided to ship him back to Serie A, with the forward joining Napoli on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy should they finish in a Champions League spot.

Hojlund has already managed to impress in Naples, already scoring four times in his first six outings for the club – including a double in Europa against Sporting CP.

His form has also transferred to international level, as seen by his latest showing against Belarus, where the 22-year-old netted twice and also laid on an assist for former teammate Patrick Dorgu.

Despite his recent success on the pitch, he’s still valued lower than one current United player who’s managed to find some impressive form over the last couple of weeks.

The United player who’s worth more than Hojlund

In an attempt to bolster the club’s attacking department, the United hierarchy splashed over £200m on new attacking talent during the recent summer transfer window.

Matheus Cunha joined in a £62.5m deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers after he scored 15 goals in England’s top-flight during the 2024/25 campaign.

The Brazilian was also joined in attacking areas by Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, with the Cameroonian international also costing a pretty penny at £71m.

Like Cunha, he also managed to impress last time around, subsequently scoring 20 times and being one of just five players in the division to achieve such a feat.

The aforementioned duo were joined by centre forward Benjamin Sesko, leading to the board forking out £74m for his signature from Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig.

At just 22, he’s already impressed in his professional career, as seen by his tally of 21 goals in all competitions last season – 13 of which came in Germany’s top-flight.

He has bags of time to develop into an elite-level forward, but he’s already shown glimpses of his quality during the early games of his career at Old Trafford.

Games played

7

Goals scored

2

Shots on target

1.4

Chances created

1.2

Aerials won

3.7

Touches in opposition box

4.2

Duels won

4.9

Fouls won

1.6

Sesko, who’s been labelled “incredible” by one analyst, has scored in each of his last two outings for the Red Devils, currently sitting as the club’s joint top scorer in the Premier League for the 2025/26 campaign.

His underlying stats also demonstrate his impressive nature, winning 3.7 aerial duels per 90 – a tally which makes him the perfect focal point for Amorim’s side – something which they have lacked in recent times.

As a result of his immediate impact in Manchester, Sesko has seen his market value soar in recent months, with the Slovenian international now valued at £103.6m by CIES Football Observatory.

Such a value is higher than that of the departed Hojlund, with the Dane now only valued at £67.9m by the same site after his recent demise at Old Trafford.

The early signs for the new big-money addition are all positive, but it’s crucial he continues to build on his early success at avoiding suffering the same fate as the Dane.

As for the latter, it’s great to see the youngster regaining his feet after a tricky few years in the North West, but his departure could be one the Red Devils live to regret.

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Man Utd look like they’ve snapped up the next Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford…

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While Keshav Maharaj was in tears, his team-mates could hardly believe the win as well

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Jun-20251:22

Hayden: Beating Australia at Lord’s a ‘phenomenal result’

Temba Bavuma, captain: “[Sum up your emotions] It’s been a special couple of days. At some point, it felt like we were back in South Africa with all the support in the stands. We’ve prepared hard for this, we’ve worked hard for this moment. We came here with a lot of belief, I think also with a lot of doubters, and we’re happy that we were able to play well enough to get that type of result. It’s been a special moment for us as a team, a special moment for all the people back home. Probably it will really sink in in a couple of days, but yeah, it’s been special.”[On the feelings of a WTC final and the heartbreaks] Definitely the energy was there. I think us as a team, we’ve been wanting this. We’ve been knocking at that door, being relentless, getting ourselves into positions where we can be in the finals. We’ve gone through the heartache, we’ve gone through the disappointment, and seen it with past players who’ve come before us. The sun is on us at the moment and that responsibility, we’ve been carrying it and hopefully this is one of many.”[On Kagiso Rabada] Yeah, KG [Rabada] is a massive player. A couple of days ago, I went to the ICC Hall of Fame meet. I think in a couple of years, KG will be one of those guys. When he came into the game, there was controversy behind him. He was motivated to do what he needed to do, and like a champion, he came and did what he did. [On Aiden Markram] Unbelievable. A couple of months ago, people were asking why Aiden is in the team. I think stats are important, but character is something that we look at. A guy like Aiden, he carries all those traits. We knew in the second innings we were going to have to come out and play and he led it in true Aiden fashion. Again, another massive player for us. Character has been a big thing for us as a team and those two guys are the ones who carry that.”[Significance of this moment] I think us as a team, we got ourselves into the final. There were doubts as to the route that we took, supposedly playing weaker teams. We’re happy that we were able to perform like this, and hopefully that kind of squashes that. I think for us as a country, here’s an opportunity for us to… as divided as we are at times, to forget all of that, rejoice in this moment and just be one. I’m sure the people back home will be celebrating it with us, and you can trust that we’ll be celebrating it massively as well.”Temba Bavuma of South Africa lifts the ICC World Test Championship Mace in celebration with his team•ICC/Getty Images

Aiden Markram (Player of the match): “Weird how things work out if you get a duck in the first innings and you come into the second innings with quite a few concerns. Ultimately, you need a bit of luck here and there and spend some time in the middle and find some runs. I’m just really grateful it worked out nicely. Lord’s is the place every Test cricketer wants to play. Playing a final here is incredibly special with all the members there, but also plenty of South African fans that made the trip and plenty at home as well that have supported us through it. It was one of the most special days.”It’s always one side of the sword, I guess. You either absorb and bank on yourself scoring later, but I think when you look at the wicket and the quality of bowling, you’ve probably only got x amount of balls out there to face and it’s about maximising scoring out of those balls. Everyone played with their intent, and it certainly helped in the second innings.”I had plenty of bits of banter with him (Nathan Lyon) on the field, and I just kept saying to him he’s one of the best in the world, and if this thing keeps spinning on day four and five, he’d have been an absolute handful. So, always great to play against some of the best in the world, and not just only him, but plenty of the players on that side. Really chuffed for our boys to have got over the line, of course.”To be very honest, a lot of it came from him (Bavuma). He’s always led from the front for us. He’s been incredible for us, specifically in this campaign in this last two, three years. He was never going to give up and found a way to score runs, really important runs, and build an important partnership for us to get close, and those sort of knocks are something that I think a lot of people end up remembering.”Kagiso Rabada: “Oh man, I can’t describe it in words how I feel at the moment! Obviously, just extremely happy throughout the entire season. I think we’ve played really well, we’ve worked really hard, and I think we deserve to get into this position. There were people saying that we weren’t playing a good enough opposition, but I think that’s rubbish. We came here, and we played the best team.”Australia have been magnificent all season, and we had to be in our A game to beat them. Thank you for your support. Today, or rather these last four days, felt like a home game. So thank you guys for turning out, and keep turning out.”1:53

Steyn on SA’s WTC win: ‘We saw the biggest of the biggest come through’

Keshav Maharaj: “It’s special. I think tears won’t even describe what we feel right now. It’s just a privilege and honour to be able to lift the cup and the title, and to be a part of it. For everyone out here and everyone back home, it’s super special for us and the boys. It’s just what our country’s about, to see the unity over the last five days and throughout the season. It’s super special and we’re very grateful as a team, as a nation and as our proud country.”100% [special to see so many South Africa supporters at Lord’s]. I think without the crowd here today, we probably wouldn’t be in this position over the last four days. So we’re grateful and thankful to everyone that’s here and from abroad that’s supporting us. Thank you very much.”I don’t think that far ahead. But there was an opportunity that could have closed this out, but I think the emotions will have probably squared me into the right direction. Just like I said, thank you to everyone that’s here, back home, to everyone around the world that’s been supporting us, to adversity, we’ve stood strong as a team, and here we are today to raise the trophy that’s eluded us for a number of years.”But we honour those before us, to those that are here, and to those that have come, we love you, appreciate you, and continue supporting us. We’re doing good things as a team and as a country, and may this just be the stepping stone of better things to come.”Marco Jansen: “[Feelings] I don’t know what to say. I was sitting there just praying and then luckily we got the job done. They made us think twice there, but I’m just happy that we got the job done. [Feeling in the changeroom] Yeah, in the change room there were a lot of nerves. A lot of guys [were] quiet, myself included. To have the fans here, to hear them cheer us on every single ball, every single run – you can’t ask for anything more, and obviously the families are here as well.”We’re just happy we could do it. [A few words on Aiden Markram?] I can’t say that exactly… but unfreaking believable. What a player, what a guy to have on your team. He’s a fighter, Temba – both of them, fighters to the nail. I think that’s what dreams are made of. Dreams are meant to be achieved. We’re going to celebrate really, really well.”An emotional Keshav Maharaj celebrates the win with Lungi Ngidi•ICC/Getty Images

Shukri Conrad, head coach: “Yeah, I think mine [eyes] are worse than Kesh’s, but they are so thrilled, really ecstatic for these guys. Something we don’t talk about often is the bigger picture of South Africa, but this was for South Africa and everything that goes in my country. To be able to deliver something like this, truly special.”I think we obviously got the best of the batting conditions, 280 was always going to be a stiff task. But when our two senior pros, Aiden and Temba put that big stand together, I felt that was obviously where the game was won for us. I was the one to say Temba shouldn’t keep going [because of the injury]. I was the one to say, ‘No, I think Temba should stop’. But both of them, the partnership was critical. It didn’t matter what the flow was. They always know better than the coaches anyway.”Lungi Ngidi: “[Emotions right now] Yeah, look, I’m speechless right now. The other evening, obviously with that spell, it was to try and break the game open. A lot of excitement at the time as well, which is probably what kept me going throughout that spell. But right now, I’ve got no words for how I feel, to be honest with you.”I’m very proud of what the boys have achieved today. It’s been a long journey. It’s been a lot of hard work as well. The blood pressure is really high right now. But most I’m very proud of what the guys have been able to achieve today.”David Bedingham: “[Feelings] Amazing. Obviously nervous, but the way that Aiden and Temba went about it made us calm. I didn’t feel calm going into the innings. Thank goodness we got over the line. [On the wicket] The sun plays a massive factor here, and I think we got luckier with the conditions, but we’ll take it. It’s been 27 years, and I am so thankful we got over the line. I am so thankful for everyone watching here and back home.”Kyle Verreynne: “I am just relieved. I was sitting there watching the first morning… well, the morning session and kept thinking, ‘please, I don’t want to go bat, I don’t want to go bat’. Obviously, Aiden did beautifully well. When I walked out to the middle, I was the most nervous I have ever been. I have my partner with me [David Bedingham] and we got over the line.”[What does it mean to SA?] Means a lot. You can listen to the whole ground singing. While we were on our way back last night, and you see the guys in the street singing songs, it is incredible. Probably getting a little emotional now. We had a tough time as South African cricketers. It’s incredible.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Pela última rodada da primeira fase do Campeonato Paulista Feminino, o Palmeiras visita a Ferroviária nesta quinta-feira (14), às 21h, na Arena Fonte Luminosa, em Araraquara (SP) em busca de uma vaga na semifinal do torneio. O duelo será transmitido pelo SporTV.

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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Na décima rodada, a atacante Amanda Gutierres marcou um hat-trick e o Verdão goleou o SKA Brasil pelo placar de 11 a 0 no dia 2 de setembro, no Estádio Jayme Cintra, em Jundiaí (SP). Com o resultado elástico, as Palestrinas garantiram a quarta colocação da tabela, somando 21 pontos em 10 jogos (seis vitórias, três empates e apenas uma derrota), 33 bolas nas redes e 10 gols sofridos.

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A Ferroviária está na quinta posição, com 19 pontos, dois a menos do que o Verdão. Se a equipe de Araraquara vencer, toma o quarto lugar e se garante na semifinal do estadual. Segundo o regulamento do campeonato, os quatro primeiros colocados avançam após essa primeira fase. Dessa forma, o Alviverde precisa ao menos empatar para poder seguir no torneio.

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+ Leila consegue medida protetiva contra líderes de torcida organizada do Palmeiras

O último confronto entre as equipes aconteceu pelo Campeonato Brasileiro no dia 20 de maio, no Jayme Cintra. Na ocasião, o Palmeiras venceu a Ferroviária por 4 a 1, com todos os gols de Amanda. A partida foi o 18º confronto do histórico acirrado: são seis vitórias alviverdes, seis empates e seis derrotas, além de 28 gols marcados e 29 contra.

FERROVIÁRIA x PALMEIRAS

Local: Arena da Fonte Luminosa, em Araraquara (SP)
Data e hora: 14/9/2023, às 21h (de Brasília)
Árbitro: Rogério Fernando Alves Junior
Assistentes: Leandro Aires Cossette e Gabriel Alexandre Tostes Fleming
Onde assistir: SporTV

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Tudo sobre

Onde assistirPalmeiras

KL Rahul has compared the Headingley surface to a subcontinent pitch, saying run-scoring will not be easy on the final day of the first Test.India, led by Rahul’s memorable 137 and Rishabh Pant’s second century of the Test, set England a target of 371. England reached 21 for 0 at stumps, still needing 350 for a win, and Rahul expected a “very interesting” final day.”I think the first two days, being as hot as it was, the pitch has taken a bit of beating,” Rahul said in an interview with at the close of day four. “The crack seems like it’s opening up. There’s a bit of rough there, and the wicket is really dry. Mostly, it’s like a subcontinent wicket on day five.Related

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“[The] day five wicket won’t be as easy, but knowing how England play and their style of cricket, they’re going to come hard and try and score boundaries and try and score runs as quickly as possible. We need to keep that in the back of our heads and try and bowl as straight as we can. Try and be patient and really not give them those boundaries, make them earn their runs. It should be a very interesting day.”The match was evenly poised when play began on day four, with India two down and leading by 96 runs. They lost their captain Shubman Gill early in conditions ripe for swing bowling, but Rahul and Pant dug in. India managed only 28 runs in the first hour of play but lost just that one wicket, despite the ball moving around.”It was very different this morning,” Rahul said. “It almost felt like it was the first time we were actually in English conditions. The ball was seeming around, it was overcast. There was a bit happening from the wicket.”The first couple of days when we batted, there wasn’t much. There was a bit of swing in the air, but nothing off the pitch. But this morning it was a really good spell. I just felt like I needed to play tighter and make sure that we don’t lose too many wickets and make sure that I kill the first session. I was trying to play as straight as possible. At least defend as straight as possible.”KL Rahul recorded his third century in England•Getty Images

Rahul also said that playing the second unofficial Test for India A against England Lions helped him acclimatise to the conditions in England better and got him into that “tempo of playing Test cricket again”.”[I felt if] I get some time to spend in the middle, it would be really good just to bat against the Dukes ball, just get used to the cold conditions and windy conditions and just spend some time leaving a few balls and just getting that tempo again of playing Test cricket,” Rahul said. “That really helped me come here early and adjust to the conditions. Just get that tempo right and feel comfortable wearing the whites again and getting used to seeing the red ball coming at me.”That really helped me in terms of prep, and obviously, I’ve been here before, I’ve played a few Test series here. So I knew what to expect, but again, every series is different. This time the bowlers are different, the conditions are different, so it was just about switching on and trying to do the simple things right and yeah, coming here early really helped me.”Rahul praised Pant, with whom he forged a 195-run stand for the fourth wicket.”When Rishabh walks in, you just let him be,” Rahul said. “He knows what’s best for the team and for him and how he can do that. Obviously, everyone’s different. Rishabh’s a very different player. He does the job for the team, so you just let him be and make sure that he’s doing the simple things right. We’ve had a few partnerships before as well, so we enjoy batting together.”

There was little resistance from West Indies in the first T20I after Tazmin Brits led South Africa to 183 for 6

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Jun-2025Tazmin Brits slammed a career-best 98 not out, off just 63 balls, to lead South Africa to a 50-run win in the opening T20I against West Indies in Cave Hill on Friday. There was little resistance from West Indies with either the ball or the bat, though two individual efforts stood out: Jahzara Claxton’s three top-order wickets and Jannillea Glasgow’s 53 not out from 44 balls in the second half of the chase, but it was far too little.Asked to bat, South Africa lost captain Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp to Claxton inside five overs, and finished the powerplay on 44 for 2, but Brits and Nadine de Klerk were already starting to go fast. The two brought up a 71-run stand for the third wicket in just over six overs, Brits very much the aggressor, scoring 42 of the runs in that partnership.De Klerk fell in the 11th over for 21, Claxton again the bowler with the wicket, and though there was no major contribution from the rest of the batters bar Chloe Tryon’s 16 in nine balls before she was run out, Brits batted through the innings, hitting nine fours and four sixes.Faced with a target of 184, West Indies started quickly, but lost wickets quickly too. They got 47 in the powerplay, more than South Africa had, but they lost an additional wicket, including the big one of captain Hayley Matthews. And by the end of the eighth over, they were five down and gasping.The fight came from Chinelle Henry and Glasgow in their 81-run stand for the sixth wicket, but West Indies had fallen too far behind for the partnership to have an effect on the outcome. In any case, Henry and Glasgow couldn’t quite get going, even though they batted together for 11-and-a-half overs. Henry’s 26 took 32 balls, and Glasgow went at a rate of 120.45, remaining unbeaten at the close, having hit five fours in her innings.

Glasgow Rangers have held positive Ibrox talks with a leading Gers manager target to replace Russell Martin.

Managers who could replace Martin at Rangers

Sunday’s 1-1 Scottish Premiership draw with Falkirk proved to be the last straw for Martin at Rangers, who was dismissed that evening.

Gers chairman Andrew Cavenagh and vice-chairman Paraag Marathe have since written an open letter to Ibrox supporters, telling fans that a ‘rigorous, thoughtful recruitment process is already underway’ to find a new manager, with the pair ‘treating it with the urgency it deserves’ and are ‘deeply involved’.

A number of targets have already been linked with a move to Glasgow, including former Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl who is “appreciated by senior figures” at Ibrox.

Another candidate currently out of work is Sean Dyche. The former Everton and Burnley boss has been without a job since leaving Goodison Park, and he is thought to be very keen on moving to Glasgow.

In Europe, there have also been more names mentioned to come in and replace Martin. Dutch head coach Mark van Bommel is another “interested” in replacing Martin, whereas Spanish manager Quique Setien is also on the Gers’ radar after leaving Beijing Guoan.

Martin upgrade who's "similar to Postecoglou" in running for Rangers job

The Ibrox hierarchy are on the hunt to find an upgrade on Russell Martin at Rangers.

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A ‘fan favourite’ and one of Rangers’ top targets, though, is former Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard, and there has now been a positive development over a return to Glasgow for the former title winner.

Rangers hold positive talks with Steven Gerrard

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Rangers have now had ‘positive progress in talks with Gerrard’ over a reunion at Ibrox.

It was stated on Monday that discussions were set to continue and that negotiations are complex, however, the ball appears to be rolling in regards to a move back to Glasgow for the 45-year-old.

Gerrard, who plays an attacking 4-3-3 system, averaged 2.15 points per game during his 192 matches in charge of Rangers between 2018-2021, winning the Scottish Premiership in 2020.

His assistant from his time at Ibrox, Gary McAllister, was even asked about a return to Rangers with Gerrard on Monday, to which he said:

“We had a wonderful time there. We really enjoyed our time there. Steven did an amazing job to get that 55th title.

“He’s always going to be linked with Glasgow Rangers, he loved his time up there. You never know what can happen.”

Rangers look set to take their time when appointing their fourth manager of 2025 due to the current international break, but by the looks of things, a return to Ibrox for Gerrard is a real possibility.

GOAL reviews the major takeaways from Americans playing in MLS, including Freese helping NYCFC seal narrow playoff win

The MLS playoffs are here, and they haven’t disappointed. For matches decided in regulation, the average margin of victory is just 1.44 goals.

And American stars have been at the forefront. From Matt Freese strengthening his case to be the USMNT’s No. 1 goalkeeper ahead of the next World Cup to Diego Luna and Alex Freeman facing early playoff exits, Mauricio Pochettino is getting a look at key pieces of his national team pool in high-pressure moments.

How they respond will be critical, especially with the November friendlies just around the corner.

GOAL looks at the major takeaways from USMNT players in MLS.

ImagnWhitecaps send message in Game 1

FC Dallas beat the Whitecaps to secure the seventh seed on Decision Day, but the Canadian side ensured there would be no repeat. The Blue-and-White crushed The Toros 3-0, and while Thomas Muller got the headlines for shining in his first playoff appearance, Sebastian Berhalter deserves his due. 

Berhalter had a hockey-like assist, but he probably would have had more on the night if his teammates converted. He had four scoring chances created on the night, along with 18 passes into the final-third. He was also impressive with long balls, connecting on six accurate ones. And he added four defensive contributions. 

Vancouver's two other U.S. internationals, Tristan Blackmon and Brian White, have been out of action since September, with the club remaining mum about their potential returns. Blackmon admitted its been challenging to watch the postseason from the sidelines. 

“It’s tough. Obviously, you want to be a part of what’s going on on the pitch,” he said. “But it’s been super inspiring to have a different viewpoint. Watching the guys perform every single game since I’ve been out has been incredible. So it’s definitely making me want to get back sooner than later.”

Manager Jesper Sørensen stressed he's been cautious as he sees the team having a potentially long run, so he wants both his leading striker and defender to be in full fitness. Considering the scoreline against Dallas, it's a scary thought when both return.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportLuna and Freeman miss out

Freeman narrowly beat Luna to capture MLS's top young player award announced on Thursday. Unfortunately, for both the players and MLS, the two rising American stars won't participate in the playoffs after being bounced out in the play-in stage. 

Luna's early exit was more expected. Real Salt Lake were in and out of the playoff picture for the entire season and struggled to find any consistency despite their No. 10's brilliance. Freeman and Orlando City SC's loss to the Chicago Fire should be more concerning, though. Orlando hovered near the top four all season, getting as high as fourth in May.

Yet, the team has been on a steady decline, atypical of a group coached by Oscar Pareja. Both RSL and Orlando's disappointing seasons raise questions. 

Pareja is likely safe after signing a new contract in April, but the same can't necessarily be said for RSL's Pablo Mastroeni, with even the former U.S. international stressing the need for change. And will either Luna or Freeman be around to see those changes? 

The pressure to jump to Europe isn't as high as it's been in the past, thanks to Pochettino viewing MLS as a strong league. But there's a lot more money outside of the U.S. Luna appears likely to stay, even though he mentioned during the All-Star game that he was open to a move. Yet, Freeman's future could be one to watch. 

Unless Orlando and the right back come to terms on an extension, the 21-year-old is essentially playing on a one-year contract next year, if the Lions exercise his option. Freeman made $104,000 according to MLSPA's salary release this week and has been linked with Villarreal, along with clubs from Serie A and the Premier League.

Getty Images SportFreese to the rescue

There were eight Game 1s played in the first round of MLS playoffs, and only one away team won their series opener. That team was NYCFC, and Freese played a significant part. 

Freese's four saves helped the Pigeons escape with a 1-0 win over Tim Ream and Charlotte FC. The 27-year-old's best stop of the night might have came early on, with the goalkeeper leaping in the air to stop an incredible chance by Brandt Bronico in the 17th minute.

Freese acknowledged that his breakout season has been a bit of a whirlwind.

"I love chaos. I think one of my strengths is that I'm able to weather storms and I'm able to stay composed under pressure. I can stick it out when a lot is going on, so I'm enjoying all of this," he told GOAL. "It's a huge honor to have this pressure and to have this chaos. It's a huge honor to travel for the national team, and a huge honor to be a part of this playoff run right now in New York."

Ream, Freese's international teammate, also featured on the night and was largely solid – with two tackles and two clearances. 

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Getty Images SportSoccer guy comes through

Growing up, Miles Robinson was called the "Soccer Guy" because he went to daycare rocking cleats. Considering how it's all played out for the U.S. international, it wasn't a bad call. 

The 28-year-old continued his strong run of form by helping FC Cincinnati seal a 1-0 win over their heated rivals, Columbus Crew, in Game 1 of the Hell is Real playoff edition. Robinson had two interceptions and five clearances. He was especially effective in the aerial part of the game, winning three heading clearances.

While Kevin Denkey got his due for scoring a dramatic game-winner, FCC don't win this game without Robinson's efforts. But as good as the centerback was, his U.S. international hopeful teammate, Roman Celentano, was even more effective. The goalkeeper had three saves, one clearance, and was impressive in passing, connecting on 88 percent.

The competition at goalkeeper for the USMNT is increasing, despite the fact Freese has been holding the No. 1 spot. Celentano's odds of getting a backup spot are slim, but if he keeps this up, he might be in the mix for a November call-up. 

Max Arfsten and Patrick Schulte also featured for the Crew. Schulte had a strong showing in goal, with five saves, while Arfsten provided creative spark for the visitors, completing two successful dribbles and creating a chance from his wing back position. 

Arsenal chief Andrea Berta is continuing his mission to tie down Mikel Arteta’s most crucial stars with brand-new deals, and the Gunners are now prepared to do something they’ve never done in their history.

Arsenal favourites for Premier League title after near-impenetrable start

Right now, Arsenal aren’t just Premier League title contenders — they’re the team to beat.

Arteta’s side sit pretty atop the table, and it’s no surprise given how they’ve combined defensive solidity with set-piece menace to frustrate opponents week after week so far.

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 1-1 Man City

Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal

Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid

Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

Opposition sides have found it near-impossible to carve out clear chances against an Arsenal side who’ve leaked just three goals in all competitions this season, the best record of any team in Europe right now.

Surprise Serie A title contenders Roma have also conceded just three in the league so far, but unlike Gian Piero Gasperini’s side, Arsenal are just as unbreakable in Europe as they are domestically.

Arsenal’s threat from dead balls has also been a nightmare for teams to deal with.

Time and again, they’ve capitalised on corners and free-kicks, with Gabriel already racking up four goal contributions as a direct result from set pieces this term.

The arrival of Gabriel Heinze to Arteta’s coaching staff has been pinpointed as a key reason why Arsenal have built themselves into even more of a rock-solid force at the back, and if they continue in this fashion, a first league title in 22 years looks pretty inevitable.

While their guerrilla tactics from dead balls and long-throws aren’t exactly easy on the eye, with pundit Jamie O’Hara boldly claiming that Arsenal are ‘killing the Premier League’ with this style of play, Arteta won’t be caring in the slightest right now.

Excitement around the Emirates Stadium is brewing, and the future is looking very bright as Berta looks to convince Arsenal’s star men to commit their futures at N5.

The Italian, who led a near-£270 million spend on summer transfers in the last window, has already managed to tie down the likes of Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Gabriel and William Saliba in the last few months alone.

Berta also rewarded the likes of David Raya and Leandro Trossard with pay rises, showcasing a determination to acknowledge certain members of the squad for their fine form, while it is believed that talks have been held over fresh terms with Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber as well.

However, their most vital contract discussions have centered around star winger Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal poised to hand Bukayo Saka record-breaking pay rise

The England international is back to his best and playing week in, week out after hamstring problems, with Saka causing Atlético Madrid nightmares in the Champions League this time last week.

While Saka is yet to register his first assist of the campaign, he’s already netted crucial goals against the likes of West Ham and Olympiacos to put those games beyond doubt, and the 24-year-old is vital to the way Arteta likes to play.

The Hale End academy superstar’s current deal expires in 2027, and it is imperative that Berta seals his extension sooner rather than later.

Reports suggest that Arsenal are optimistic Saka will pen an extension by Christmas, and according to journalist Wayne Veysey, the club could break a record by doing so.

Writing for Football Insider, Veysey reports that Arsenal could make Saka the club’s first-ever £300,000-per-week player, with talks ongoing over a new deal that will likely make the winger their new highest-paid star above Kai Havertz, who is on £280,000-per-week.

Over a potential five-year contract, Saka is apparently in line to earn over £75 million, which doesn’t even take into account performance-related bonuses or other add-ons.

Negotiations are said to be progressing well, and Saka is likely to sign in the “upcoming period”.

Despite a few early wins this season, Leeds United are already looking like they could get dragged into a relegation fight. Unlike fellow newly promoted side Sunderland, who are seventh in the Premier League, the Whites have eight points and find themselves in 16th.

Perhaps it is too early for alarm bells, but the 2024/25 Championship winners are only three points clear of the relegation zone, and have now lost their last two games.

Their next assignment is huge, with 19th-place West Ham United set to visit Elland Road on Friday night.

If this poor form continues, then the future of manager Daniel Farke could once again come into question for the 49ers regime.

Farke’s uncertain future at Leeds

The 2024/25 campaign was an unquestionable success for Leeds. They were guided back to the Premier League by Farke at the second time of asking, reaching 100 points and winning the title on goal difference.

You would automatically assume that the German boss would be safe in his job at Elland Road, but that was not the case over the summer. There were several reports which suggested the 49ers were ready to remove Farke from his post.

Pundits were also quick to claim that the former Norwich City boss would not be the right man to lead the club in the Premier League. Gabby Agbonlahor told talkSPORT that the German “hasn’t done it in the Premier League, he struggled as a manager,” suggesting they should sack him.

However, those rumours were squashed by the Whites’ chairman, Paraag Marathe. He confirmed at the end of last campaign that the 48-year-old would stay as Leeds manager, saying, “I have ended the speculation. He is my man.”

However, football is a results business, and the Whites must start putting points on the board, or Farke’s job could come under fire again. In recent days, they have been linked with a new boss.

Who Leeds could appoint to replace Farke

It would be a bold call for Leeds to sack the man who got them to the Premier League, after backing him so openly. Yet, as reported this week, they have been tipped to target Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior as his replacement.

Former Leeds fullback Aidy White described it as a “huge gamble,” although his current role in France has shown just how capable a gaffer Rosenior is. He’s handled the jump to a top-flight side well after previously managing Hull City in the second tier.

The 41-year-old, who was born in London, has a positive record in charge of the BlueCo-owned side. Rosenior has managed 48 games for Strasbourg, winning 25 times, drawing 11 and losing the other 12.

One of the things Leeds have struggled with this term is not conceding goals. They’ve let in 13 so far, three more than Strasbourg’s ten. However, six of those came in games against Paris Saint-Germain, which they drew 3-3, and table toppers Marseille, which ended in a narrow 3-2 loss.

It is certainly encouraging that the Whites would be appointing a manager who is much more defensively stable. When he was sacked by Hull, their owner said Rosenior played “a more defensive style of football,” which could work well in Leeds’ favour.

That does not mean that a Rosenior side is ineffective going forward. In fact, this season Strasbourg have scored the second most goals in Ligue 1, with 17, and have the third best expected goals tally of 15.7xG.

Goals

17

2nd

Expected goals

15.7xG

3rd

Goals per game

2.12

2nd

Goals conceded

10

=4th

Clean sheets

4

=2nd

It is easy to see why writer Zach Lowy thinks Rosenior can become “one of the best coaches of the next 20 years.” There is plenty of upside to his game, given his tactical flexibility and the ability to coach defensively sound sides, yet also pose a great attacking threat.

If Leeds were to sack Farke in the near future, Rosenior could be a fantastic option to first guide them away from relegation and then build towards Premier League stability.

Farke can bin Harrison by playing Leeds academy star who's a "joy to watch"

Leeds United have a teenage prospect in their academy ranks who could replace Jack Harrison.

ByDan Emery Oct 22, 2025

On a night that saw Newcastle United’s attack take lift off against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League, former Magpie Shay Given hit back at Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge’s bizarre recent dig.

Howe: USG win a "big step" for Newcastle

Following a difficult start to their Premier League season, which was summed up by a last-gasp defeat against Arsenal last time out, Newcastle needed a good night in the Champions League. The pressure was certainly on, too. The Magpies entered their game against USG as the clear favourites and simply needed to deliver.

Goals from Nick Woltemade and Anthony Gordon quickly eased any fears about a potential upset, however, and the latter then scored his second penalty of the evening before Harvey Barnes rounded off a fine evening in which all of Eddie Howe’s attacking players shone.

Pleased with his side, the Newcastle boss spoke after the match: “Hopefully, it helps us when we return to the Premier League because we’ve been waiting for a performance like that where, really, we looked like we could score at any moment.

“It wasn’t a perfect performance, there’s things we can improve, but it was a big step in the right direction. It was an important stage as well in the Champions League because, as I said before, we have to start well.

“These competitions are so high, and the demands are so big on us that if we’re slow starters, we could leave ourselves too much to do. So, I certainly leave here in a lot healthier, positive frame of mind, and I’m looking forward to the next game.”

Up next for the Magpies is the visit of Nottingham Forest and Ange Postecoglou in a game that may see Woltemade score his fourth goal for the club to continue an impressive start.

Shay Given hits back at "idiot" Woltemade claim

It’s fair to say that some in Bavaria have been left with a sour taste after Newcastle signed Woltemade ahead of Bayern Munich in the summer. Ex-Bayern chief and current board supervisor Rummenigge even went as far as to say: “We shouldn’t fulfil every demand to make someone happy, especially the financiers at VfB Stuttgart.

Better than Gordon: Newcastle star is now one of the best in the world

Newcastle romped to a big win in the Champions League this week, with Anthony Gordon starring.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 2, 2025

“I can only congratulate those in Stuttgart for finding – I’ll use quotation marks here – an idiot who paid that much money. Because we certainly wouldn’t have done that in Munich!”

Of course, that “idiot” has now seen the towering forward score three times in six games in all competitions to make £69m look like a “cheap” deal as far as former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given is concerned.

With Forest up next, Woltemade has the chance to continue the form that earned him a move to St James’ Park in the first place and the type that will continue to prove any doubters wrong.