Ruben Amorim had some strong words for a £120,000-a-week Manchester United star in front of the rest of the squad at their Carrington training ground, it has been revealed.
Amorim says Man Utd “have a lot to do” after Tottenham draw
The Red Devils boss bemoaned United’s inability to kill off Tottenham and insisted they still have “lots of problems” after a dramatic 2-2 Premier League draw.
Matthijs de Ligt struck deep into stoppage time to rescue a point for United, who faced a first loss since a difficult September following Spurs goals from Mathys Tel and Richarlison.
“We have a lot of problems. We are just in the beginning. I know that sometimes the results show to people that we are improving. We are improving but we have a lot to do,” Amorim reflected candidly.
“You can divide the game into the final 10 minutes and also when we have to take out Harry Maguire, then suffer two goals and then losing Ben. To overcome everything and manage to score is a good thing.
“If you look at the rest of the game, I think we were comfortable in the game but we should do better. Be more aggressive, feeling the environment in the stadium that the three points were there, the space was there and I think we felt too comfortable during the game.
“We need to expect that in one play anything can happen and change the mood of the stadium. Today was that. I think we control well the game, but we need to do better because the game was there to take.”
It was the first time United faced Spurs since the Europa League final, and it has now been revealed that Amorim was fuming with one of his players after the defeat in Bilbao.
Man Utd slammed Ugarte in front of teammates during Carrington meeting
The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell wrote an in-depth story on Amorim’s first year in charge at Old Trafford.
He revealed that Amorim wasn’t happy with Manuel Ugarte following the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham and let him know in front of his Man Utd teammates during a Carrington meeting.
Amorim felt that Ugarte ‘had let his work rate slide from their time together at Sporting’ adding that the midfielder ‘had gotten comfortable and said he did not recognise him as the same player from their first stint together’.
Whitwell added that ‘criticising a former player in front of his team-mates certainly caused a ripple of reaction among those in the squad’ and ‘showed them that Amorim was hard, but broadly fair, when it came to assessing application’.
Games
55
Goals
2
Assists
6
Yellow cards
15
Red cards
0
Minutes played
3,239
The Uruguay international, on £120,000-a-week in Manchester, is yet to be fully trusted by Amorim during the 2025/26 season, considering that he’s started just two Premier League games so far.
Playing under 350 minutes in all competitions, Ugarte has been preferred to Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in central midfield, so by the looks of things, he still has plenty of work to do to get back in Amorim’s good books.
Casemiro's stance on new contract as Man Utd make U-turn and contact his agent
India will face the winner of Thursday’s clash between Bangladesh and Pakistan, while Sri Lanka are out of contention now
Karthik Krishnaswamy24-Sep-20251:20
Chopra: Very little the bowlers could do against Abhishek
India are in the final of Asia Cup 2025, where they will meet the winner of Thursday’s Super Fours clash between Bangladesh and Pakistan. Sri Lanka are out of contention, and their game against India on Friday is now a dead rubber.India sealed their place in the final with a 41-run win over Bangladesh that was, for the victors, both comfortable and discomfiting. Bangladesh never really looked in contention at any point during their chase of 169, with their limitations as a T20 side exposed by the depth and variety of India’s bowling. But they would feel they should have made a much better fist of that target, after their bowlers had done brilliantly to haul India back when Abhishek Sharma had seemingly put them on course for 200 and beyond.Related
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Abhishek continued his magnificent tournament, following up his 39-ball 74 against Pakistan with a 37-ball 75, but India struggled when he wasn’t at the crease.Their innings followed a pattern not unlike Pakistan’s against their bowlers on Sunday: a strong start followed by a dramatic slowdown when the ball became older and harder to time. India scored 95 runs in overs 3-11, when Abhishek ran rampant, and just 73 runs in the 12 overs either side of that stretch.In the end, Abhishek’s innings proved the difference between the teams. Bangladesh didn’t have anyone in their line-up with that level of relentless boundary-hitting ability, even if Saif Hassan showed the promise in their ranks, hitting five sixes in a 51-ball 69.Bangladesh begin brightlyBangladesh could have dismissed Abhishek for 7 off 8 in the third over, had the wicketkeeper held on to an edge off Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who came into an XI with as many as four changes, and bowled brilliantly with the new ball, swinging it prodigiously while also hitting the deck hard.The wicketkeeper who shelled that chance – and Bangladesh’s captain on the night – was Jaker Ali, standing in for Litton Das who was ruled out with a side strain.That moment ended the first chapter of this match, which Bangladesh dominated without quite being able to separate Abhishek and Shubman Gill. Tanzim had beaten Gill’s bat twice in the first over, and left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed had used his swinging arm ball cleverly to take the ball away from Abhishek’s hitting arc in the second. By the end of the third over, India were still going at less than a run a ball.Abhishek and Gill take overGill began the counterattack by stepping out to the first two balls of the fourth over and hitting Nasum for four and six. That began a torrent of boundary-hitting that Bangladesh seemed powerless to stop. Abhishek looked unstoppable once he got to grips with the conditions, hitting Mustafizur Rahman for two sixes in the fifth over, peppering the off-side boundary with four fours off Mohammad Saifuddin in the sixth, and carrying on in similar vein beyond the powerplay.In all, Abhishek hit five sixes and jumped to joint No. 7 on India’s all-time T20I six-hitting charts. He has now hit 58 sixes in just 21 innings; Suresh Raina, with whom he drew level, hit 58 in 66 innings.2:57
Chopra questions India’s batting order logic
Experimental India slow downIndia were 112 for 2 at the start of the 12th over, and Bangladesh seemed powerless to stop Abhishek. But they did, via a run out manufactured by Rishad Hossain’s brilliance at backward point. He dived to his left to stop a dab from Suryakumar Yadav and sprang up, ready to throw in one motion, leaving Abhishek with little chance of regaining his ground at the non-striker’s end.That moment changed the complexion of the game, exposing India’s middle order to an issue that has troubled every line-up in these conditions in the UAE – the difficulty of starting innings against the old ball. Bangladesh’s bowlers did their bit too, with Mustafizur, Tanzim and Saifuddin finding plenty of purchase with their slower cutters and with Nasum varying his pace cleverly, and India only scored 56 runs across their last nine overs. Hardik Pandya, who was out off the last ball of the innings for 38 off 29, did the bulk of the scoring.India’s slide looked worse for coming against the backdrop of batting-order changes that didn’t come off on the day. India promoted Shivam Dube to No. 3, and sent in Hardik, Tilak Varma and Axar Patel above Sanju Samson, who did not get to bat at all.Handshakes all around after India completed an easy win•AFP/Getty ImagesSaif wages lone fight as Bangladesh fade awayBangladesh seemed in with a real chance at the halfway mark, but the required rate kept slipping further and further away from their reach. Jasprit Bumrah, once again bowling three overs in the powerplay, struck in his first over, and looked close to unhittable with the new ball, finding prodigious swing and at one stage beating Parvez Hossain Emon’s bat six times in eight balls.And then, just as Emon had seemed to shrug off that early struggle with a six off Bumrah and a pair of swept fours off Varun Chakravarthy, he fell while miscuing a slog-sweep in Kuldeep Yadav’s first over, the seventh of the innings.Then it became a game of two ends. At one end, Saif showed off his hitting range, particularly off Axar whom he hit for three sixes. At the other, batters came and went, with Jaker’s run-out dismissal in the 13th over, while trying to steal a quick single to get Saif to his fifty, effectively bringing Bangladesh’s challenge to an end.All that remained was for Kuldeep to pull off his customary two-wickets-in-two-balls trick, for India’s fielders to shell a series of catches to extend Saif’s innings into the 18th over, for Bumrah to come back and pick up a second wicket, and finally for part-timer Tilak to roll his arm over and end the match with three balls to spare.
Liverpool have now reportedly sent scouts to track RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, who is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after young talents around European football.
The Reds will be relieved to have an international break. It’s been a disastrous month or so for Arne Slot’s side, who have lost five of their last six Premier League games and were just humbled by a superior Manchester City side. In the space of 11 games in a fresh campaign, the champions’ crown hasn’t just slipped, it has crumbled.
After FSG spent over £400m to break Liverpool’s transfer record twice in the summer, Slot simply must turn things around. The Dutchman will be given time to do that – Liverpool have never been a side to make rash decisions – but the pressure is certainly growing on the Dutchman.
The solutions could yet come courtesy of even more spending in the January transfer window. There’s been something missing from the current squad so far this season and as the Premier League becomes more physical, Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes could adjust their strategy.
Liverpool’s struggles have already sparked several rumours ahead of the winter window, too. The likes of Antoine Semenyo and Wilfried Singo have been among those mentioned as potential reinforcements, but it remains to be seen whether the Reds splash the cash once again.
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Semenyo would certainly add another attacking spark to a frontline full of talented players who are currently struggling to find form. The addition of someone who needs no introduction to Anfield goals could go a long way towards solving Slot’s problems. Meanwhile, Edwards and Hughes also have one eye on the future and those who will make an impact in years to come.
Liverpool send scouts to track Yan Diomande
As reported by Bild in Germany, Liverpool scouts have now been spotted watching Diomande at RB Leipzig. The 19-year-old winger has impressed in the Bundesliga this season, scoring three goals and assisting another three in 10 league games, and has attracted the interest of PSG as well as those at Anfield as a result.
The teenager is not short on confidence or ambition, having compared himself to Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior when speaking to reporters about his current role models to Transfermarkt.
It’s not just the left-winger, himself, who believes in his ability though. Talent scout Jacek Kulig praised Diomande for the “brilliant” spell of form that he’s enjoyed in recent months to attract the likes of Liverpool and PSG.
FSG enter race to sign "world-class" £79m star for Liverpool
India have beaten Pakistan twice already in this Asia Cup, but Sunday’s final is the only match that matters now
Shashank Kishore and Danyal Rasool27-Sep-20252:06
Aaron: Pakistan have a ‘huge point’ to prove against India
Big picture: Finally, an India-Pakistan Asia Cup finalForty one years have passed since the first Asia Cup in 1984, and India and Pakistan have finally made it to the summit clash together. They have played each other twice along the way, with India winning both contests comfortably, but the cricket has been overshadowed by a lack of handshakes, angry verbals, and provocative gestures that are rooted in the military conflict between the two nations earlier this year.It’s clear Sunday’s final isn’t just another India vs Pakistan match. There are massive political undercurrents both sets of players have had to wade through which has created plenty of controversy. India sticking by their government’s advice and refusing to shake hands with Pakistan was the start, and it has snowballed into multiple ICC hearings and financial penalties on both sides.But even two commanding wins in the run to the final will amount to nothing if Suryakumar Yadav’s men lose on Sunday. Especially after he said that he felt this wasn’t even a rivalry anymore, given the recent lopsidedness of results in India’s favour. That’s likely to bring a different kind of pressure.For Pakistan, an Asia Cup title would cover the scars of an ordinary recent history. Their record against India – 12 defeats in 15 T20Is – places them firmly as underdogs in this contest. They have had a curiously difficult time in this tournament, winning just two titles, while India and Sri Lanka have won eight and six respectively.1:37
Decoding Agha and Suryakumar’s struggles
Salman Agha’s men are, however, having one of those tournaments where they are building up steam from disappointing beginnings. Pakistan were on the ropes against Bangladesh but found the necessary burst of energy to come from behind, win, and qualify for this final. Beating India now in the match that matters would lift the pall of pessimism and gloom that has shrouded their cricket lately. But if they are beaten again, Pakistan will be aware that no series where they lose three times to India can truly count as an encouraging one.In terms of spectator interest, after two lukewarm Sundays at the Dubai International Stadium, this one promises to be different. The dream past organisers may have chased in vain for a vast majority of the Asia Cup’s existence has been realised in Dubai. Will the fans turn up in large numbers? Indications are they will, with the Asian Cricket Council expecting a sellout.For once, the rivalry needs no selling. Now for the cricket to live up to expectation.Recent formIndia WWWWW (last five matches, most recent first) Pakistan WWLWLIn the spotlight: Shubman Gill and Abrar AhmedShubman Gill has a highest of 47 in five completed innings at this Asia Cup. While there’s nothing to suggest an apparent lack of form, Gill’s manner of dismissals on a couple of occasions were like echoes of old habits. Against Oman, he was beaten and bowled by late inswing from left-arm seamer Shah Faisal. Against Pakistan in their second outing, Faheem Ashraf got one to duck back in to beat the inside edge. Gill’s looked sparkling in every innings, and has fed off Abhishek’s fast starts. Yet, that one defining knock in this tournament has remained elusive.2:25
Mumtaz: Fakhar, Shaheen, Abrar key for chance of victory
Abrar Ahmed has an economy rate of 5.02 this Asia Cup. No other bowler (minimum eight overs) has gone at less than six. His two games against India was a story of contrasts – he conceded just 16 on the first Sunday, but 42 – nearly 37% of his conceded runs all tournament – the second time around. With India getting off to good starts all tournament, Pakistan will turn to Abrar to reel them in, either immediately following the Powerplay, and perhaps even during it.Team News: Bumrah and Dube to returnHardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma pulled up with cramps and spent large parts of India’s defence of 202 against Sri Lanka on the sidelines. But there’s no major concern about their availability for the final. Jasprit Bumrah and Shivam Dube, who rested on Friday, will be back. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana will make way.India (likely): 1 Abhishek Sharma, 2 Shubman Gill, 3 Suryakumar Yadav (capt), 4 Tilak Varma, 5 Sanju Samson (wk), 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Shivam Dube, 8 Axar Patel, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Varun Chakravarthy, 11 Jasprit Bumrah2:02
‘India shouldn’t let complacency creep in for the final’
With Pakistan keen on power hitting through the middle overs, there has been some speculation Hasan Nawaz could make a return after missing the last three games. However with quality spin, like India’s, his Achilles heel, they are likely to stick with their combination over the Super Four stage, and go in unchanged.Pakistan (likely): 1 Sahibzada Farhan, 2 Fakhar Zaman, 3 Saim Ayub, 4 Hussain Talat, 5 Mohammad Nawaz, 6 Salman Agha (capt), 7 Faheem Ashraf, 8 Mohammad Haris (wk), 9 Shaheen Shah Afridi, 10 Haris Rauf, 11 Abrar AhmedPitch and conditions: An eye on the dewIt’s like autumn in Dubai, they say. That means it’s only marginally less hot than summer. Night-time temperatures are a searing 36 degrees Celsius. End September-early October can also mark the onset of dew, which hasn’t been a major factor yet in this Asia Cup. Teams have also mostly been training away from the main ground in Dubai – on an outfield that is a mix of astroturf and grass – so it becomes that little bit harder to assess when the dew comes in and what impact it can have on the match. As for the pitch, the one at the very centre of the Dubai International Stadium, where the average first-innings score in all T20s over the last five years is 156 – and India chased down Pakistan’s 171 for 5 in 18.5 overs a week ago – will be used. Spin should play a vital role.Stats and trivia: Can Abhishek go past Kohli? On Friday, Abhishek became the fourth Indian, after Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar, to score a hat-trick of half-centuries in T20Is. Can he become the first to score four consecutive fifties? In two of the last four Asia Cups (2016 in T20Is and 2018 in ODIs), India have finished the tournament unbeaten. They have now entered the final on the back of six straight wins. Arshdeep Singh became the first Indian to 100 T20I wickets earlier in the competition. On Sunday, Hardik could join him in the club – he needs two more. Against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi, Abrar delivered the most economical four-over spell by a spinner in Asia Cup history, with figures of 4-0-8-1. UAE’s Ahmed Raza produced 3-0-6-1 in 2016 Haris Rauf, who wasn’t a certainty in the first XI early on in the competition, has surged to become the joint-top wicket-taker (with Wanindu Hasaraga) in Asia Cup T20s. He has 17 wickets in 10 games at an economy of 7.73.Quotes”It would be wrong to say a Pakistan-India match doesn’t carry more pressure. It’s the final. There’ll be a similar amount of pressure on both sides. The pressure of a final is different, of course.”
Lancashire bookended their season with trophies as Gaby Lewis’ century secured the inaugural Metro Bank One-Day Cup women’s competition over Hampshire.Ireland international Lewis led a brilliant chase of 289 with 141 off 143, helped by an exceptional 72 from Seren Smale – with whom she put on 144.Lancashire started the season by winning the Vitality T20 Women’s County Cup, and added a second piece of silverware of 2025 when Ailsa Lister sprinted through a single with nine balls to spare.For Hampshire, whose total was underpinned by Maia Bouchier and Georgia Adams’ fifties, it was a double One-Day Cup heartbreak – after they lost to Worcestershire Rapids in the men’s competition final on Saturday.Chasing 289, Alice Clarke was run out by a Freya Kemp direct hit in the fifth over, but it was a blip before Lewis and Smale seized the initiative and put their side on the winning march.Despite never pulling away from the required rate, the pair oozed control as they both serenely scored half-centuries as they added 144 together to break the back of the chase.Both survived strong run-out shouts in their 60s before Smale was brilliantly caught at short midwicket by Kemp, and then Fi Morris was undone by a Naomi Dattani direct hit from the boundary.Threlkeld copied Smale’s low-thrills approach to guide Lewis to three figures – brought up after 121 balls and celebrated with a modest fist pump the moment the ball left her bat for a single.Lewis never looked in trouble, blocking where appropriate but also finding the ropes in all areas of Utilita Bowl – striking 16 fours in total.Lancashire skipper Threlkeld got her side even closer to the winning line before flailing to midwicket – handing former England bowler Freya Davies the final wicket of her career before retiring.But Lewis and Lister ticked the final 46 runs off with relative ease to spark the celebrations.Earlier, having been stuck in, Bouchier and Rhianna Southby got Hampshire off to a flier as they found the boundary at will in a 70-run opening partnership.Southby was caught at mid-on, but Adams continued to keep the momentum with Bouchier – the pair putting on 48.Bouchier came into the season with low confidence after a nightmare Women’s Ashes campaign, but has been crucial for Hampshire at the top of the order.She passed 1,000 runs across the Vitality Blast and One-Day Cup on her way to a run-a-ball fifty – her eighth of the season – in an innings of high-quality.Bouchier chipped to mid-on, but again it didn’t impact Hampshire’s impetus, as Freya Kemp bashed a quick-fire 41, with Adams supporting in a 75-run alliance.Even when Kemp squirted to cover, Abi Norgrove found runs flowing with Adams – who followed her semi-final century with a classy 77.With 300 on the cards, Lancashire pulled Hampshire back with regular wickets at the death. Grace Potts had already dismissed Southby, and added Norgrove and Nancy Harman to take three for 47.
The international break is something of a blessing and a curse for Arsenal.
On the one hand, it gives the club respite from their current injury crisis, but on the other, they have to wait two weeks to make amends for the draw away to Sunderland.
However, even though they saw their lead cut on Sunday evening, Mikel Arteta’s side are in a great spot in the Premier League.
Moreover, despite injuries, the side is full to bursting with talent, including one player who’s starting to look like another Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The latest on Lewis-Skelly's future at Arsenal
It would be fair to say that, aside from their run in the Champions League, last season was something of a disappointment for Arsenal.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
However, there were at least a couple of positives to come from it, such as the emergence of Ethan Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly.
The latter was more of a surprise to most, and yet over the course of the campaign, he became a far more significant part of the side, effectively becoming Arteta’s first-choice left-back.
In fact, by the end of the season, the 19-year-old had made 39 first-team appearances, totalling 2306 minutes, and even made his full debut for England, during which he scored.
However, so far this season has been a totally different story for the youngster, as while he has still made 12 appearances, only four of those have been starts, and overall, he has played just 463 minutes of action.
During the last international break, Thomas Tuchel said that this lack of game time could result in him not picking the Islington-born ace.
Unfortunately, that’s what’s happened this international break.
Lewis-Skelly’s Arsenal record
Season
24/25
25/26
Appearances
39
12
Starts
26
4
Minutes
2306′
463′
Goals
1
0
Assists
2
3
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Unsurprisingly, this has led to reports that other Premier League clubs are now interested in signing the youngster in the winter transfer window.
However, the same reports make it clear that Arteta and Co are keen to keep the Hale Ender at the club, and that they expect him to play more minutes as the season progresses.
With that said, if Arsenal do decide to cash in, they do have another youngster in the side who is showing shades of Lewis-Skelly in his game.
Arsenal's new Lewis-Skelly
Even though Riccardo Calafiori and Pieiro Hincapie are his competition at left-back, the Arsenal player who is showing shades of Lewis-Skelly in his game this season is Cristhian Mosquera.
Now, that might sound like a leap to begin with, but “similarly to Lewis-Skelly,” per analyst Ben Mattinson, the Spaniard has shown an immense level of “physical maturity for his age.”
More than that, though, the 21-year-old has also shown a remarkable mental maturity, which was on full display when he came on and played almost the whole game away to Liverpool, and then started the club’s opening Champions League game against Athletic Bilbao.
While he may have been described as a “monster” by Gunners insider Hand of Arsenal, where most young defenders would need their hand held by a senior teammate or go crashing into ridiculous challenges, the former Valencia gem is thoughtful about when he goes in for a tackle or block.
However, that’s not to say he is adverse to the more physical side of the game, as, just like Lewis-Skelly, he is someone who “loves to battle with physical attackers,” according to Mattinson.
Moreover, while most fans and pundits alike expected the exciting youngster to play a minor role this season, the Valencia-born titan is following in the Hale Ender’s footsteps from last season and playing a far more significant role than most predicted.
For example, he has already made 12 appearances, five of which have been starts, totalling 597 minutes.
Finally, like the Englishman, he is not solely limited to playing a single position, as in addition to playing at centre-back, he can do a job at right-back.
Ultimately, there are some differences between them, but in terms of mentality, raw ability, and attitude, there are plenty of similarities between Mosquera and Lewis-Skelly.
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He thumped 60 off 22 balls as Afghanistan seek victory for a place in Super Fours
ESPNcricinfo staff18-Sep-2025Sri Lanka dominated proceedings for 18 out of 20 overs, but in those two overs, Afghanistan and Mohammad Nabi grabbed the momentum, and indeed the upper hand, as Afghanistan tore into Sri Lanka – primarily Dunith Wellalage – to score a whopping 49 runs off the final two overs and end on 169 for 8.Nabi ended on an incredible 60 off 22 balls, run out off the final delivery of the innings, as he saved his best for last against Wellalage, who had earlier dropped Nabi when he was on 6.For context, Wellalage, a left-arm spinner, was left to bowl the final over after Maheesh Theekshana had been left out of the XI, and the seamers had been bowled out earlier in the innings. That gamble seemed to have paid off for large parts of this innings, as Nuwan Thushara picked up figures of 4 for 18, while Chameera was unlucky to go for 50 runs in his four.Dasun Shanaka, the nominal fifth bowler, had gone for 29 runs, but picked up a wicket, while Wanindu Hasaranga had gone wicketless but was miserly in giving away just 18. But none of that accounted for leaving Wellalage against Nabi, a specialist spin hitter, at the last.Wellage attempted to bowl quick and flat, but he was no match as ball after ball was sent into the stands – over long-off and cow corner, time and time and time and time and time again. It was a brutal display of hitting, and one that a player as young as Wellalage will do well to try and put out of his mind sooner rather than later.But for Afghanistan, it was just what they needed in a must-win game.
Italian national team coach Gennaro Gattuso has apologised to fans after Italy’s heavy 4-1 defeat to Norway. The coach believes the match was split into two distinct halves, with Italy performing well in the first but collapsing in the second due to fear and fragility. Italy now wait for the draw to learn who they will face in the play off in March.
Norway's historic qualification to the World Cup finals
Italy entered their decisive qualifier against Norway needing a near-impossible 9-0 victory to secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Despite the daunting task, they made a promising start when Pio Esposito opened the scoring, giving Italy a 1-0 lead that they held until half-time. However, the match dramatically shifted after the break.
Norway responded with authority as Antonio Nusa equalised, before Erling Haaland struck twice to put the visitors firmly in control. Jorgen Strand Larsen added a fourth, sealing a dominant 4-1 win for Norway at the San Siro. The result confirmed Norway’s return to the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998.
The match also saw a tense incident involving Italian defender Gianluca Mancini, who provoked Haaland, prompting the Norwegian striker to react angrily. Haaland had to be restrained by his club teammate Gianluigi Donnarumma before the situation escalated.
Manchester City goalkeeper Donnarumma commented on the loss, believing that Italy switched off in the second half when he said “the big problem was that we stopped playing in the second half.”
He added: “It was a totally different match in the first half, we never let them out of their own half. We’ve got to do that for 95 minutes rather than 45, that is for sure.”
AdvertisementGetty ImagesGattuso's apology to the fans
Earlier, Gattuso criticised the travelling supporters who protested against the Italian team after their late 2-0 win over Moldova. However, following Italy’s 4-1 loss to Norway, Gattuso apologised in the post-match press conference. He said: “We must apologise to our fans because 4-1 is a heavy defeat. It's a shame because we had a very good first half, where we played as a real team.
“There were two games. In the first half, the team played very well, We lacked distance, we were more compact in the first half, we never gave them any space.
“In the second half, we struggled enormously. We gave our opponents space, we let them into our area.
“There is a lot of disappointment. The lads deserved a different evening, but instead we got everything wrong and they hurt us.”
Gattuso also pointed to the turning point of the match, noting that Norway’s goal immediately after the restart created fear. He said: “The game changed when they had their first shot on goal in the first 30 seconds of the second half.
“In the second half we conceded a goal after 30 seconds [two goals within 30 seconds] and then our fragility came to the fore.”
He then outlined how Italy must improve ahead of the play off in March 2026. He said “Matches last 95 minutes, and in this one our flaws came to the fore. If we concede a few goals, we start to panic. We'll face up to it, take responsibility, and in March we'll need 95 minutes like the first half. There's not much time between now and March, we need to work on our weaknesses.”
Italy's qualification scenario
For Italy, the defeat means they must once again face the pressure of the play offs. The Azzurri will learn their path to the 2026 World Cup when the European play off draw takes place on Thursday, and they are assured of being one of the top seeds. Despite this advantage, the stakes remain high. Italy have not appeared in a World Cup since 2014, suffering painful play off exits to Sweden in 2018 and North Macedonia in 2022. The upcoming play offs therefore represent a crucial opportunity for the national team to finally return to the sport’s biggest stage and end over a decade of absence.
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GettyGattuso prepares for the playoffs
Gattuso will use the coming months to carefully assess the team’s strengths and weaknesses, aiming to develop tactical solutions that give the Azzurri the best chance of returning to the World Cup.
The central midfield department is arguably one of the most important areas of the pitch, but it’s often been a struggle for Manchester United over the last couple of months.
Bruno Fernandes has often been called upon to drop into a deeper role and fill the void at the heart of the side – a position that has become his own after the £200m additions in the final third.
A partner for the Portuguese international has been on the agenda for Ruben Amorim in recent months, but their hunt has so far been to no avail, with no new midfield additions made since his arrival 12 months ago.
33-year-old Casemiro has often been the man called upon in the Premier League this season, with the Brazilian making a positive impression – as seen by his tally of three goals to date.
However, given his age and current contract situation, he’s likely to depart Old Trafford at the end of the campaign, which could see the issue at the heart of the side rear its head once again.
As a result, INEOS are currently on the hunt for a new deep-lying option to fill the void for years to come, leading to one player being strongly linked with a move in the near future.
Why United are so keen on signing Anderson in the coming months
Over the last couple of weeks, United have ramped up their interest in a January deal to secure the signature of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.
It was reported earlier this week that Amorim’s men have already reached out to the Reds over a potential deal, with discussions taking place over the conditions of the transfer.
However, the 23-year-old would be a hugely expensive signing, with Sean Dyche’s men currently setting the asking price at a staggering £100m for the youngster.
Young English prospects always come at a premium in the modern market, but is the asking price at present a fair price for a player of Anderson’s quality?
His underlying stats from the current Premier League campaign certainly make for good reading, with the former Newcastle United academy graduate ranking top of 13 separate metrics at present.
Elliot Anderson for Nottingham Forest
He’s completed 113 passes into the final third, with his tally of 706 passes completed, the most of any player in the division – subsequently offering Amorim’s men a hugely talented orchestrator.
However, the hierarchy are undoubtedly hunting for a more defensive option at present, with any addition needing to be dominant without the ball to allow Bruno to flourish.
Luckily for United, Anderson has also excelled in such an area, currently entering and coming out on top in more defensive duels of any player in the division in 2025/26.
Other numbers, such as 8.8 progressive passes, with 8.6 of which being into the final third, further highlight the all-round quality the 23-year-old possesses despite his tender age.
Anderson has also transferred his talents onto the international stage, now cementing himself as a key member of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad over the last few months.
He featured for 85 minutes against Serbia on Thursday night, making the most tackles and winning the most duels of any player – further backing up his incredible defensive abilities in the Premier League.
It’s safe to say he ticks all the boxes United are looking for a new midfielder, but it remains to be seen if the hierarchy are willing to sanction such a big-money deal this January.
The United star who’s now worth more than Anderson
Despite their failures on the pitch over the last few years, Old Trafford still remains the home to countless top-level talents who are looking to cement their place in club folklore.
From big-money additions to academy prospects, boss Amorim really does have a hugely exciting squad at his disposal in his hunt for Premier League glory.
Adding quality players like Anderson will no doubt bolster their chances of success, but it shouldn’t take away from the levels previously produced by numerous players already on the books.
There’s little debating that Bruno is the most complete central midfielder currently on the books, but he desperately needs support around him to allow the club to reach the next level.
Kobbie Mainoo once appeared as though he was the perfect player to make the midfield spot his own, but it’s safe to say his career has stagnated since Amorim’s arrival last November.
The 20-year-old catapulted himself to stardom back in the 2023/24 campaign after producing countless moments of magic in the first-team after rising through the academy system.
From last-minute winners against Wolverhampton Wanderers to an FA Cup final goal against Manchester City – it truly was a season to remember for the youngster.
His incredible form for the Red Devils even led to a place in the England Euro 2024 squad, subsequently featuring in six of the seven fixtures during the tournament.
His talents were there for everyone to see, but he’s since struggled for senior minutes under Amorim, with Mainoo only registering 12 league starts in the last 12 months.
Most of his minutes have come off the substitutes bench, with the academy graduate yet to start a single Premier League outing in the 2025/26 campaign.
Games played
25
Minutes played
1656
Pass accuracy
87%
Chances created
1.7
Successful dribbles
1.3
Tackles won
63%
Duels won
5.9
Interceptions made
1.2
Recoveries made
4.8
It was reported in the summer that the player himself requested a temporary move away from Old Trafford to gain minutes to aid his development – but such a request was swiftly denied by the board.
However, despite his lack of action, Mainoo has still received huge praise in the last few months, with former Red Devil Paul Scholes labelling him as the “nearest thing” to the legendary Zinedine Zidane.
Such a comparison is no mean feat, with the now-retired Frenchman being one of the best midfielders of his generation – as seen by his tally of seven major trophies, which includes a World Cup triumph back in 1998.
Mainoo may not have featured as much as he would have liked, but he’s seen a sharp incline in his market value, with FootballTransfers now valuing the 20-year-old at £55.4m.
Such a figure is a remarkable one, given his academy status, subsequently joining for nothing as a youngster, which highlights the work done by countless staff behind the scenes.
However, such a figure is also higher than that of Anderson, with the same site valuing the Forest star at just £45.6m despite his current £100m asking price.
There’s little doubt that a move for Anderson would improve the options at Amorim’s disposal, but it’s clear that the boss needs to give Mainoo another chance to thrive.
The youngster has bags of time to reach the next level in his development, but he’s already achieved so much in such a short period – with such talent currently going to waste under the manager.
Forget Sesko: Man Utd's "terrible" dud is now becoming INEOS' worst signing
Manchester United made a huge mistake in spending big money on one first-team member.
The relationship between Phillies manager Rob Thomson and outfielder Nick Castellanos doesn't appear to be in a great spot heading into the final stretch of the season.
Castellanos, who once started 236 straight games for Philadelphia, has seen his role diminish into more of a platoon player workload in August and September. Castellanos has started just seven of the Phillies' 17 games this month. But he had a big night Friday, going 2-for-3 with three RBIs and a two-run homer—his 250th career dinger—in Philadelphia's 8-2 win over the Diamondbacks.
Despite the victory, Castellanos sounded off about Thompson in the cluhouse after the game.
"I don't really talk to Rob all that often. I play whenever he tells me to play," Castellanos said. "And I sit whenever he tells me to sit… Communication over the years has been questionable, at least in my experience. But also, I grew up communicating with someone like my father, which is very blunt, direct and consistent."
The issues between Castellanos and Thomson have been bubbling all season long. Back in June, Castellanos was lifted for a defensive replacement in the ninth inning of the Phillies' 5–2 win over the Marlins. The following day, Castellanos was benched for making an "inappropriate comment" to Thomson, marking an end to his 236-game starting streak.
Castellanos and Philadelphia will return to the field Saturday night to continue their series against the Arizona at Chase Field.