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West Ham United are now working on a January signing to replace Max Kilman, who has been “nowhere near good enough this season”.

West Ham have struggled from a defensive point of view so far this season, having shipped 25 Premier League goals, the second-highest of any side, behind only Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have taken just two points from their opening 12 games.

Although results have been much-improved in recent weeks, with the Hammers taking seven points from their last three games, they have been unable to fix their defensive issues, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last nine Premier League games.

Even in the 3-2 victory against Burnley earlier this month, Nuno’s side looked shaky at the back, with Alphonse Areola making an error leading to a goal, before Kilman went on to give away a penalty in the 2-2 draw at AFC Bournemouth last time out.

It appears as though the 28-year-old’s latest mistake may be the final straw for the Irons, with a replacement now wanted in the January transfer window…

West Ham working on January move for Max Kilman replacement

In an interview with Football Insider, former scout Mick Brown has now confirmed West Ham are looking to improve their centre-back options this winter, saying: “West Ham would like to upgrade on Max Kilman,

“They’ve assessed that he isn’t good enough for where they want to be, so the next step is identifying somebody who they can bring in to improve.

“They will already be aware of some who might be available and working to find out about others.

“Kilman, though, is definitely somebody who they think they can improve upon because his performances have been nowhere near good enough this season.

“In that game against Bournemouth, first of all he gave away the penalty, and then it was his mistake which led to the second goal as well.”

Wayne Rooney has since suggested the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man was lucky to avoid being sent off too, saying: “It’s a penalty, and it has to be a red card, he’s six yards out. It’s a clear goal-scoring opportunity, so it baffles me that it isn’t a red card”

It is no surprise the Hammers are looking to bring in a new centre-back, given that the Englishman has struggled at times this season, failing to win any of the three duels he contested in the victory against Burnley.

Reporter Joshua Mbu also took to X to single the centre-back out for criticism for his performance against the Clarets.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers man is one of West Ham’s highest earners, raking in £100k-a-week, and given that he hasn’t earned those high wages so far this season, it may be worth cashing in this January.

West Ham looking to reignite talks to sign Ligue 1 defender amid Max Kilman uncertainty Related West Ham looking to "reignite" talks for 23-year-old they were once "close to signing"

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side will be busy in January.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Nov 20, 2025

Glasgow Rangers were hit with a big blow during the summer transfer window when Hamza Igamane moved on from Ibrox to sign for Ligue 1 outfit Lille.

The French side swooped in to sign the Morocco international for a fee of £10.4m, thanks to a release clause in his contract, after he spent just one full season in Glasgow.

Igamane showcased his quality on a regular basis in the 2024/25 campaign, as shown in the graphic above, and that is why it was such a blow for the Scottish Premiership giants to lose him in the summer.

The right-footed centre-forward arrived at Ibrox in the summer of 2023 as a 21-year-old and inexperienced striker, and Philippe Clement provided him with the chance to play regular football and develop.

Igamane, as evidenced by his goal tally last season, took advantage of the chances that Clement, and later, Barry Ferguson, offered him on the pitch, which earned the striker his big-money move to Lille.

Unfortunately, replacing the Moroccan centre-forward has proven to be a task too difficult for Kevin Thelwell, as the club’s current striker options have struggled this season.

Ranking the first-team striker options at Rangers

Rangers swooped to sign Youssef Chermiti from Everton for a fee of £8m, the most they have paid for a player since the £12m move for Tore Andre Flo in 2000, and agreed a deal worth up to £4.2m to bring Bojan Miovski in from Girona.

On top of signing Chermiti and Miovski to make up for the departures of Igamane and Cyriel Dessers, the Light Blues decided to keep hold of Brazilian forward Danilo, leaving Russell Martin with three centre-forward options.

Danny Rohl has inherited those three options and it still remains to be seen which of those three is his preferred option. Danilo has started four games, Chermiti has started three games, and Miovski has started three games across the manager’s six games in all competitions.

The Brazilian striker has been the most effective option, so far, with a return of two goals in three Scottish Premiership appearances under the German tactician, whilst Miovski is yet to score for him and Chermiti has scored once.

James Tavernier

2.9

4

+1.1

Bojan Miovski

2.16

1

-1.16

Thelo Aasgaard

1.63

1

-0.63

Djeidi Gassama

1.43

1

-0.43

Nicolas Raskin

1.07

1

-0.07

As you can see in the table above, only Miovski ranks within the top five players with the highest xG in the Premiership this season, and he has underperformed his xG by 1.16 goals.

It is hard, therefore, to rank the Macedonia international any higher than bottom of the pile because he has had enough chances in front of goal to have more than one league strike to his name.

Chermiti ranks in second place, as he also has one Premiership goal but has only started one match, and that leaves Danilo in first place, with three goals and one assist in all competitions, per Sofascore.

The fact that the former Feyenoord ace can be considered the best striker option at the club with three goals to his name in November, though, shows that the club have failed to replace Igamane’s influence in the final third.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

It is, therefore, unfortunate that there is a former Rangers academy graduate, who left the club for nothing, currently shining and looking like he would have been their next Igamane at Ibrox.

The former Rangers star who could have been their next Hamza Igamane

Robbie Ure, per Transfermarkt, left Glasgow on a free transfer to sign for Anderlecht’s academy in the summer of 2023 at the age of 19, after only making three appearances for the first-team.

The then-teenage Scottish centre-forward scored one goal in three games for the senior side. After his first senior goal, against Queen of the South, teammate Scott Arfield described the striker as “magic” in their post-game interview.

Ure had scored 17 goals in 37 B team matches and five goals in ten Youth League games at academy level, per Transfermarkt, but was not given more than three appearances for the first-team, despite scoring in one of them.

The Scotland U21 international went on to score 12 goals in 38 games for Anderlecht’s Futures team in 18 months in Belgium, before sealing a move to Swedish side Sirius to play regular first-team football.

Since his move to Sweden, Ure has made a name for himself with a return of 11 goals and four assists in 28 starts in the Allsvenskan in the 2025 campaign for Sirius, per FotMob.

xG

10.54

Top 9%

xG on target

11.13

Top 9%

Goals

11

Top 11%

Chances created

44

Top 1%

Assists

4

Top 11%

Touches in the opposition’s box

116

Top 9%

Duels won

157

Top 7%

Duel success rate

43.5%

Top 30%

As you can see in the table above, the former Rangers marskman ranks incredibly highly among forwards in the division for scoring goals, creating chances, and winning duels.

This shows that he has been outstanding technically and physically at first-team level in Sweden. Now, if Rangers were linked with a promising 21-year-old striker with his statistics this season, supporters would surely be excited by the prospect of that signing.

The Gers already had him on their books, though, and did not give him enough opportunities to shine at senior level before he decided to move on at the end of his contract in 2023.

Rangers just lost an incredibly exciting and talented young goalscorer, in Igamane, and they could have had their next version of the Moroccan if they had kept hold of Ure and given him chances to impress at Ibrox.

He scored goals at youth level at Ibrox, he scored in one of his three senior outings for the club, he scored goals for Anderlech’s academy, and now the youngster is scoring goals regularly at first-team level in Sweden.

Rohl can finally bin Souttar by unleashing Rangers' rarely-seen "colossus"

Danny Rohl should drop this Glasgow Rangers flop from the side in order to unleash this rarely-seen star.

3 ByDan Emery Nov 17, 2025

Rangers, therefore, already had their next Igamane in the making at the club, but they were unable to convince him not to walk away for nothing in 2023, which they will surely regret in hindsight.

Liverpool have complained to the Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) about the decision to rule out a goal by Virgil van Dijk during Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Manchester City. The Reds have raised "serious concerns" after seeing Van Dijk's effort chalked off as Andy Robertson was ruled to be offside when he ducked out of the way of Van Dijk's header as it flew past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Liverpool fume at disallowed goal

With Liverpool trailing 1-0, Van Dijk thought he had equalised when he headed home a corner in the 38th minute of the game but saw referee Chris Kavanagh rule out the goal and the decision backed by video assistant referee, Michael Oliver. The Premier League confirmed the decision, explaining: "The referee's call of offside and no goal to Liverpool was checked and confirmed by VAR – with Robertson in an offside position and deemed to be making an obvious action directly in front of the goalkeeper."

However, Liverpool have now been in touch with the PGMOL and refereing chief Howard Webb to express their "serious concerns" about the decision, as reported by . The Reds "do not accept that the decision to disallow the goal" was "subjective" and feel that Robertson was not affecting Donnarumma's vision. Liverpool also think "the usual checks and balances that are central to the VAR process did not take place" and feel if they had, then a different decision may have been reached. 

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'Wrong decision' – Slot blasts decision

Liverpool manager Arne Slot made it clear he did not think the right decision had been made by the match officials. He told : "I think it's obvious and clear that the wrong decision has been made, at least in my opinion. Because he [Robertson] didn't interfere at all with what the goalkeeper could do. Immediately after the game someone showed me the goal that the same referee allowed City against Wolves last season [John Stones’ last minute winner]. So, it took the linesman 13 seconds to raise his flag to say it's offside. So, there was clearly communication. That could have influenced the game in a positive way for us because in the first half we were so poor.

"We would have been lucky going 1-0 down at half-time, let alone if it was 1-1 or 2-1 down. So it has been an influential decision, which is not to say that we then would have had a result over here because you cannot predict how the second half would have gone."

Van Dijk reacts to controversial call

Van Dijk was also quizzed on the decision after the game but did not want to waste time talking about it any more. He told : "In football the officials are deciding the key decisions and we have to deal with it on the pitch. There is no point discussing this from my point of view. The reality is that we lost 3-0 and that is a big blow. It doesn't matter what I say [about the goal] because anything I say will be in the media and the whole international break will be about my comment on the decision. I just focus on the fact we lost. You guys can debate if it should have stood."

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Getty Images SportLiverpool in crisis?

Liverpool went on to lose 3-0 at the Etihad as the defending champions suffered their fifth Premier League defeat of the campaign so far. Television pundit Roy Keane insisted the struggling Reds "are in crisis" after their latest defeat and believes they looked a "really weak team" against Pep Guardiola's side despite a summer of heavy investment.

However, the international break does allow Slot and his team some time to reset after falling eight points behind league leaders Arsenal. Liverpool return to action against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League and then continue their Champions League campaign against PSV.

Outspoken Mario Balotelli appears to have taken an X-rated swipe at Patrick Vieira after seeing the Arsenal legend relieved of his duties as manager of Genoa. Italy international Balotelli had found himself frozen out by a one-time team-mate and has taken aim at those that he considers to have acted in a “selfish” manner, with the enigmatic striker pointing out that “Karma is a b*tch”.

Serie A woe: Why Vieira was sacked by Genoa

World Cup winner Vieira spent 12 months at the helm with Genoa, having been appointed in November 2024. He picked up just 10 wins from his 37 games in charge, with the club enduring their worst-ever start to a Serie A campaign in 2025-26.

Genoa sit rock-bottom of the Italian top-flight with just three points to their name from nine fixtures. Vieira found himself falling under mounting pressure as a result, with the decision eventually taken for a mutual parting of ways.

AdvertisementGOAL/GettyBalotelli takes aim at Vieira & Co in social media blast

Ex-Manchester City and Liverpool striker Balotelli is among those have welcomed a change in the dugout, with the 35-year-old watching on from afar after becoming a free agent in the summer of 2025. Taking to social media, the mercurial frontman said: “Karma is a b*tch”.

Balotelli went on to add, in an apparent dig at Vieira and his coaching team: “Now Genoa can finally focus on people who truly love the environment, the fans and the crest, and who deeply believe in the idea and the fact that Genoa deserves to be at the top. The great work done by Gilardino and Zangrillo has not been lost.”

After making a point of tagging Alberto Zangrillo, Alberto Gilardino and Vieira in his post, Balotelli continued: “It was just exploited selfishly and badly by those who came after, taking advantage of what they had built with hard work, respect and passion. They exploited the immense work of Gilardino and Zangrillo, their commitment and dedication to these colours, without really understanding their value. Now let’s focus on Genoa and the Genoese! Come on Genoa! Come on guys! I believed in you and I still do.”

What is it like to manage Balotelli? Vieira explains

Balotelli linked up with Genoa in October 2024, shortly before Gilardino was replaced by Vieira. He had previously played alongside the iconic Frenchman at Manchester City and Inter. The pair also worked together in Ligue 1 at Nice.

Balotelli failed to find the target through 10 appearances during that forgettable stint in 2018, having reportedly missed Vieira’s first training session.

Vieira said at the time of trying to handle a combustible character: “When it comes to Mario, I want to answer back, or just slam him up against the wall, or leave him hanging by his collar on the coat rack. But I can’t, as I’m no longer a player.”

He went on to say in 2020: “Mario’s mindset was difficult for a collective sport. The philosophy I wanted to put in place, the togetherness and work ethic I wanted to build, it was difficult for me to work with a player like Mario. It was really difficult for both of us to work together so we decided to go different ways.”

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Getty Images SportWhat next for Balotelli? Striker remains a free agent

Vieira is being left to reflect on where it all went wrong for him at Genoa. His final game at the helm was a 2-0 defeat to Jamie Vardy’s Cremonese. That result left Genoa rooted to the foot of the table with three draws and six losses to their name. They have, however, progressed to the last-16 of the Coppa Italia.

Roberto Murgita has been handed the reins for now, with inspiration being sought from a fresh set of eyes. It remains to be seen when and where Balotelli will be seen again. He has not made a competitive appearance in 2025, having been frozen out by Vieira, with his last outing for Genoa coming in a 2-1 defeat to current Serie A champions Napoli on December 21, 2024. He is currently without a club and waiting on enticing offers.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Botafogo divulgou nas suas redes oficiais que 25 mil ingressos já foram vendidos para partida contra o Goiás, na segunda-feira (2). Os setores Leste Inferior e Leste Superior já estão esgotados para o jogo válido pela vigésima quinta rodada do Brasileirão.

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O Alvinegro volta a jogar no Nilton Snatos depois de duas rodadas afastado da sua casa. Os dois jogos como visitante não renderam pontos ao Botafogo. O time de Bruno Lage, que construiu sua liderança muito por conta do desempenho em casa, precisa voltar a vencer para manter distância dos concorrentes no campeonato.

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Harry Kane backed the England faithful after Thomas Tuchel's criticism and pointed chants during the 5-0 win over Latvia. The travelling army of fans made their voices heard loud and clear in Riga, and this time, their songs were aimed squarely at their own manager after Tuchel’s dig at “silent" supporters following England’s 3-0 friendly win over Wales.

• Chants, cheers and cheek: England fans fire back at Tuchel

  From the first whistle, chants of “Thomas Tuchel, we’ll sing when we want!” and “Thomas Tuchel, are we loud enough for you?” roared through the stands, echoing across the Latvian capital. The England boss may have questioned their volume last week, but there was no mistaking the noise this time around. Tuchel’s men were ruthless on the pitch too, with goals from Anthony Gordon, Eberechi Eze, a Maksims Tonisevs own goal, and a brace from captain Harry Kane, sealing a flawless night and a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Tuchel takes the jokes on the chin

  Tuchel, who had criticised fans for being too subdued at Wembley days earlier, admitted he saw the funny side of the chants hurled his way. 

  "I got a bit of stick today, in the first half, pretty much in every song," Tuchel said. "So fair enough. Well done. I take it and good humour, good sense of humour. They had a reason today from my last comments and I guess that's fair enough. I got a bit of stick and I found it quite creative. It made me smile and this is how it has to be. It's British humour and I surely can take it. No harm done. It's so important. They are here and I said the support in Serbia was brilliant, and we are very sure the support in America will be absolutely brilliant.

  "We need it. It makes such a difference if you go out as a player or as a coach and you see the fans behind the team and singing. We want to make them proud, we want to make them happy. They should be happy to watch us and they should be able to identify with how we play. We are on our way to build something and top performance from them."

• Kane bats for the fans

  Kane wasn’t about to let the supporters’ loyalty go unnoticed. After leading the charge with two goals, taking his staggering season tally to 21 in just 13 games, the England skipper made sure to set the record straight.

  "I know Thomas came out after the last game and said the fans weren't great, but I don't think you can question our away support ever," he told ITV Sport. "The way they were tonight was fantastic. And look, we've qualified for another major tournament. We know the England fans enjoy going out – and America's going to be a special place to play – and we've got something to look forward to now. Yeah, credit to them for travelling out here and showing the noise they did."

  While Kane’s goals grabbed the headlines, it was his leadership that really caught Tuchel’s eye. The England manager was full of praise for his star man’s relentless work rate and commitment.

  "It's a pleasure to have him. He's in excellent shape, mentally, physically, in top form, top shape," Tuchel said. "Apart from scoring another two goals, look at the goal in the 85th minute from [Eze], we have a ball loss and Harry goes all the way back to his own half and puts his head down in another sprint defensively.

  "As a captain, as the No 9, there's no real need to do this. No one will ever blame him if he didn't do it. But he does it, and that sets the standards. That is so brilliant to see, because he helps us win the ball and this in the end results in the goal from [Eze]. Harry is ready to put in the intensity and the shift that is needed."

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  The perfect qualifying run: Unbeaten, untouched, unstoppable

  England’s 5-0 triumph over Latvia wasn’t just another win; it completed a perfect qualifying campaign. The Three Lions have won every game and haven’t conceded a single goal on the road to the World Cup. Tuchel’s side became the first European nation to book their place at the 2026 showpiece, setting a marker for the rest of the continent. England will round off their qualifying campaign next month with matches against Serbia and Albania before regrouping in March for pre-tournament friendlies.

Legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is in stunning form and could now extend his stay at Bayern Munich beyond his 40th birthday. With contract talks planned for December and Marc-Andre Ter Stegen injured, speculation is also mounting over a sensational return to the Germany squad for the 2026 World Cup despite the shot stopper having retired from international duty.

• Bayern planning December talks over new deal

  Bayern are preparing to open contract talks with Neuer in December over a new deal that could see him play beyond his 40th birthday, according to a report from . The veteran goalkeeper, whose current contract expires at the end of the season, has been in imperious form of late, prompting the club to consider extending his stay into the 2026-27 campaign.

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  Extension impact on Alexander Nubel's future

  A new contract for Neuer would have significant consequences for Alexander Nubel's future at the club. Should the Bayern captain extend, a permanent sale of Nubel next summer is considered highly likely. The 29-year-old, currently on a long-term loan at Stuttgart, has a contract with Bayern until 2029. However, the report states that another loan move is out of the question, and Stuttgart do not have the financial means to secure him permanently.

• Renewed speculation over Germany World Cup role

  Neuer's outstanding performances have also reignited public debate about a potential return to the German national team for the 2026 World Cup, particularly with current No. 1 Ter Stegen facing a lengthy injury spell. Former Bayern and German Football Association (DFB) director Matthias Sammer recently added fuel to the speculation, telling : "If we can afford to do without our best players, then we shouldn't throw away the World Cup title."

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  What next for Neuer and Bayern?

  While a return to the national team remains speculative, Neuer's immediate future at club level is becoming clearer. The upcoming talks in December will be decisive in mapping out the final years of his illustrious career. For now, he remains the undisputed No.1 for Vincent Kompany's side as they compete in the Bundesliga and Champions League. An extension would cement his legendary status and solve Bayern’s short-term goalkeeping plans, while forcing a definitive decision on the future of his long-term heir apparent, Nubel.

Chelsea are now firmly in the race to sign an England international also wanted by Barcelona, who has been described as “one of the best” in Europe.

Blues miss opportunity to go top of the table

The Blues squandered their chance to go top of the Premier League table on Saturday afternoon, with Fabio Carvalho bagging a stoppage-time equaliser for Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, to ensure the spoils were shared in a 2-2 draw.

Enzo Maresca was forced into making three half-time substitutions, given that a number of players are yet to reach full match fitness, including Wesley Fofana, who made his first Premier League start of the season.

Maresca is a little light on options in defence, having not brought in a replacement for Levi Colwill during the summer transfer window, with the Englishman set for a lengthy spell on the treatment table due to an ACL injury.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, however, signing a new centre-back is on the to-do list, with Chelsea now firmly back in the race to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who nearly joined Liverpool in a £35m deal on deadline day.

Speaking about the west Londoners’ interest, Bailey said: “Chelsea know all about Guehi, but this summer they opted not to bring in a new central defender, even after Levi Colwill’s injury. However, the chance to add a homegrown star, currently one of the best in Europe – it is just not logical for them not to be involved.

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“Chelsea know Guehi’s character, he is a fantastic person and everyone who meets him relays that fact – I was told by one high ranking Premier League executive that signing him is one of the ‘least risky’ transfers that anyone could do.

There could be fierce competition for the defender’s signature, however, with Liverpool still thought to be in pole position, while the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also named as potential suitors.

Guehi could be upgrade on Colwill

There are indications the Palace captain could be an upgrade on Colwill, given that he is far more established at international level, having picked up 25 caps for England, compared to just five for the Chelsea defender.

Not only that, but the 25-year-old has outperformed Colwill across a number of key defensive metrics over the past year, while also proving himself as more of an attacking threat.

Average per 90

Levi Colwill

Marc Guehi

Non-penalty goals

0.06

0.11

Tackles

1.38

1.80

Blocks

1.03

1.46

Clearances

3.31

4.63

Guehi could be a fantastic signing for Chelsea, and should they qualify for the Champions League once again, moving to Stamford Bridge is likely to be an attractive proposition next summer.

The rot has stopped. Yes, Manchester United are finally up and running in the new Premier League season – but boy did they make hard work of it.

With the horror of the midweek trip to face Grimsby still very much fresh in the mind, the Red Devils were lively from the outset this time around for the visit of Burnley, having notably seen an early penalty decision chalked off following a coming together involving Mason Mount and Kyle Walker.

Former United loanee Martin Dubravka was in inspired form in the sticks, although not even he could keep out Casemiro’s deflected effort as the hosts eventually made their dominance pay just before the hour mark, with Clarets skipper Josh Cullen ultimately credited with the goal.

A second should well have been added before the break, although Amad could only fire wide with the goal gaping, with that profligacy unsurprisingly punished by Lyle Foster just after the restart.

That effort sparked a relentless period in which Bryan Mbeumo swiftly hit back for his first Old Trafford goal, although after seeing an equaliser ruled out for a marginal offside, the visitors – with the aid of the hapless Altay Bayindir – eventually did draw level through ex-Leeds United loanee, Jaidon Anthony.

Staring down the barrel of yet another disappointing result, Anthony then turned from hero to villain after pulling back Amad inside the area, allowing a certain Bruno Fernandes to right the wrongs of last week. And didn’t he deliver…

Bruno Fernandes' performance in numbers vs Burnley

There was certainly a familiar feeling creeping in as the game reached its dying embers, with United looking set to rue their wastefulness in front of goal, while having also been the victim of misfortune.

Indeed, Ruben Amorim could hardly contain his frustration at the sight of summer signing Matheus Cunha pulling up with injury in the first half, with the lively Mason Mount also withdrawn at half-time – presumably due to his own injury woes.

The ensuing second half was one of calamity and chaos, but it is in that backdrop that United’s main man thrives, with Fernandes stepping up when needed to secure a vital three points for his manager.

Also involved in the game’s opener following a wicked delivery into the area, the Portuguese playmaker nervelessly dispatched his penalty in added time to clinch the 3-2 victory. There was to be no Craven Cottage repeat on this occasion.

Not only then the headline-maker, Fernandes was also instrumental throughout in what was a largely positive performance in attack, having notably registered six key passes – the most of any player on the pitch.

Goals

1

Assists

0

Touches

104

Pass accuracy

83%

Key passes

6

Successful dribbles

0/0

Accurate long balls

8/12

Duels won

7/16

Possession lost

19x

For a man who was yet again the division’s chief creator last term, such a display has simply become the norm, with the 30-year-old again showcasing his importance to this turbulent outfit.

While he certainly relishes his talismanic status, the former Sporting CP star can’t do it on his own. Thankfully, it doesn’t look like he’ll have to…

Bryan Mbeumo steals the show vs Burnley

With Cunha crashing out and Mount also heading for an early bath, the constant presence in Amorim’s attacking unit was that man Mbeumo, with the Cameroonian speedster marking a fine performance by netting his first league goal of the campaign.

While makeshift left wing-back Diogo Dalot deserves much of the credit for his fine work in the build-up, Mbeumo is also worthy of praise for making space for himself inside the area with a clever piece of movement, before finishing with aplomb.

The ex-Brentford man calmly slotted home with the mark of a man who ended last term with 20 top-flight goals to his name, having swiftly shaken off his fatal missed spot-kick during Wednesday’s shootout defeat.

Right from the off this time around, the £65m man – who had sparked United’s comeback in midweek with his first goal for the club – looked like a real threat in behind, having notably been denied early on by the impressive Dubravka.

It was also his prodded pass which found Amad at the back post on the stroke of half-time, marking one of five key passes that the left-footer laid on during the match. Only Fernandes provided more.

That ability to operate as a clinical, yet creative force, like Fernandes, will be invaluable for Amorim, with Mbeumo repeatedly looking like making things happen for his side in the final third, even if that resulted in him losing the ball on 15 occasions.

As The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell noted, he was simply “quality in everything he did”, having also been handed an 8/10 match rating by the MEN’s Samuel Luckhurst amid his starring role.

Having been a real outlet on the opening day against Arsenal, as well as a scorer at Grimsby, Mbeumo has settled in rather comfortably into his new surroundings – much in a similar manner to how Fernandes did all those years ago.

Still only 26 – just slightly older than Fernandes was at the time of his switch from Lisbon – the one-time Troyes winger is displaying all the signs of being the club’s next creative, attacking figurehead, with Saturday’s outing hopefully a show of things to come.

Of course, Amorim and his charges will be aware that there are bigger fish to fry ahead, yet after all the noise of the last week, the Red Devils can head into the international break on a much-needed brighter note.

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ByBen Goodwin Aug 30, 2025

Everton manager David Moyes is reportedly weighing up the idea of signing a “special” Premier League player alongside their move for Tyler Dibling this summer.

The Saints teenager has emerged as a leading target for the Blues in the current transfer window, with three bids already rejected for his services by the Championship club.

Now, Southampton chief executive Phil Parsons has produced a bullish update on Dibling’s future, promising that he won’t be sold to Everton for anything below their asking price, which is thought to be around £50m.

“We’re not a club that’s going to roll over and just accept a bid because they feel like they want him on the cheap. If you want a player, bid for them and bid well. If we lose a player, we need to give Johannes (Spors, sporting director) the funds to replace that player. But it’s really been about cleaning up the squad.

“We’ve had a really big squad for a couple of years. That’s when it comes to bringing in academy products because that’s a part of who we are. We have to produce talent from our academy. We’ll see how the window goes, but if Tyler’s here this season, he’ll play for Southampton. He’s not going to sit around. It’s the same for every player.”

He’s not the only talented young British player is being eyed up by the Merseysiders however, following a fresh transfer claim.

Everton eyeing move for "special" Sunderland teenager

According to a new report from TEAMtalk, Everton have “explored a deal” for £40m-rated Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg, having sent scouts to watch him in action last season. It is claimed that the Blues still see Dibling as their top target, but will follow Rigg’s performances in the Premier League cloesly with Moyes a massive fan of the 18 year-old. Deals for both players could amount to £90m.

Rigg is a player who could have an enormous future in the game, so the idea of him in an Everton shirt alongside Dibling is mouthwatering, even though signing both won’t be easy.

The Sunderland ace is already a key man for the Black Cats at the age of just 18, starting 37 Championship matches last season and being hailed by former teammate Jobe Bellingham after sharing the Young Player of the Year award at the North East Football Writers’ Association Awards.

“I think first and foremost Riggy really deserves it and I’m delighted that we can share it because I think it’s really special. Both of our names will be attached to that forever because I love playing with him. We’ve got a really special bond on and off the pitch, we’re really good mates.”

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ByAngus Sinclair Aug 9, 2025

While some Everton fans will understandably want to see Rigg sign this summer, seeing how he performs over the next year could be more sensibly planning, even though it is risking bigger clubs coming in for him next year.