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With a World Cup looming, Mauricio Pochettino and his squad are facing legitimate questions – can they answer vs Japan?

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Anyone who follows the U.S. men's national team knows the weight of this city. Columbus is the USMNT's spiritual home. There have been so many great national team nights in Columbus, so many big moments in which the USMNT defied the odds.

Perfect timing, then, for the U.S. to return to Ohio for a vital friendly. It's a friendly, yes, but an important one. For years, Columbus has seemed to be where the USMNT have gone when the program needs a win. Tuesday, surely, feels like one of those nights.

The U.S. heads into this game against Japan on a low. Losses to Panama, Canada, Turkey, Switzerland, Mexico and, most recently, South Korea – with a run to the Gold Cup final sandwiched between – have put this team's collective back against the wall. With a World Cup looming, Mauricio Pochettino and his squad are facing legitimate questions.

"It's nothing to shy away from," striker Folarin Balogun said. "America's a huge country with so many people, so many supporters and that's kind of what you sign up for by representing such a huge, huge nation. When things are going well, you know that you have millions of people behind you, so you can't take the good without the bad. We know we need the results, because that's the thing that confirms everything.

"From a psychological point of view, it's difficult to lose. It's not what I prepare for. It's not what I train for. At the end of the day, we're training to win and to give the fans something to care about. Losing is not something anyone is satisfied with, I can tell you that for sure."

How will the USMNT approach the match? How could the tearm turn the tide? Will veterans such as Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams help reverse course? Or will Pochettino, as he insisted on Monday, "stick with the plan" and continue tinkering with lineups and tactics against Japan?

GOAL looks at five keys for the USMNT against Japan.

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  Pulisic to step up?

  It's not that Christian Pulisic played poorly against South Korea, his first game back with the USMNT after a summer of controversy. He was no better or worse than most of the other USMNT starters. Yet here is a different standard, particularly after his decision to skip the Gold Cup.

  Even putting that aside, the South Korea game was a prime example of what a superstar presence can do. Son Heung-Min was the perfect outlet, one that allowed his side to play through him in moments of pressure. It's not just that he created the two goals, which he did, but he was also a reference point, one that clearly inspired his team while giving them much-needed moments of danger.

  The USMNT didn't have any that on Saturday. Pulisic was active, but never dangerous. He didn't complete a single dribble, none of his four shots hit the target and his passing was mediocre, at best. He got on the ball plenty, but didn't  assert himself. Given everything, it was fair to expect more.

  It's not that the USMNT definitively needs Pulisic to be "the guy" every game, even if it certainly helps. There are moments, though, in which players of quality need to go above and beyond – that's in part what makes them players of quality in the first place. This Japan game seems one of those occasions, a game in which Pulisic can both silence his doubters and help lift the USMNT out of its current state.

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  Folarin Balogun or Josh Sargent?

  To be fair, striker Josh Sargent wasn't really put in a position to thrive against South Korea. The style of play and the flow of the game just didn't suit him. It happens. It did, however, suit Folarin Balogun, so that brings us to the question: who starts?

  Pochettino and his staff have a lot to balance with that decision. Does benching Sargent hurt his confidence amid his ongoing USMNT goal drought? Is Balogun fit enough to play extended minutes? Will this game resemble the South Korea game, or will it be one that allows Sargent to play more with the ball on his feet?

  "Just coming on in that sort of game against such a good opponent, I noticed when I was on the bench that there was space to run in behind, and I just thought that's maybe what the team needed," Balogun said on Monday. "I wouldn't say it was instructions to go forward and get in behind, it's just how the game was going. There were opportunities to try and look for spaces."

  Balogun, of course, is very good at running into those spaces. Sargent, meanwhile, has generally been good at making the most of them when he finds them. Both players might be necessary at some point at the World Cup, but who is the best fit for the Japan match?

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  The importance of Chris Richards

  It was night and day, wasn't it? You can acknowledge that the state of the game had changed or that South Korea had taken their foot off the pedal, but you also have to address the impact that Chris Richards' arrival had on the second half of Saturday's match.

  Richards, by any measure, is among the USMNT's best players. In fact, you could argue that he is the team's best right now. He really took a leap forward at the Gold Cup and has continued to build momentum since winning a trophy with Crystal Palace. All good teams start from defense, of course, and Richards is far and away this team's best defender.

  Pochettino said postgame that the staff was simply taking precautions with Richards, who was dealing with "some issues" from recent games with Palace. The aim was to protect him and limit him to just 45 minutes.

  Fair enough. Now, a few days later, Richards seems more necessary than ever as the U.S. look to step up against a talented Japan attack that includes top players such as Kaoru Mitoma, Takumi Minamino and Takefusa Kubo.

  Richards should almost certainly be in the XI. The question is what it looks like around him.

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  A potential tactical tweak

  Richards can admit it: he prefers playing in a back three. He's used to it on the club level. After several years of playing in that system for Crystal Palace, he's entirely comfortable as a wide centerback.

  Could that be a tactic Pochettino embraces? It's been a talking point and, if the manager does go that route, it would be easy to see why. With more attack-minded fullbacks such as Sergino Dest and Max Arfsten, or perhaps even a wingback in Tim Weah, the USMNT could consider a system that would allow those players to go forward with more defensive stability behind them.

  "I think some people look at it as a bit more defensive," Richards said, "but, if you play it right, it's more attacking than anything. It's about winning the ball in our half of the pitch, but also allowing your wingbacks to be creative and to do what they do best – which is run up and down the pitch and serve the ball in or, in Sergino's case, take people one-on-one. Max is the same way. He's really good offensively, going forward in a one-on-one situation."

  Arfsten is comfortable with the formation. He's played in a similar setup with the Crew, having made the transition from winger to wingback to fullback.

  "In the Gold Cup, I played as a standard fullback in a four the entire time, so I feel I've adjusted," Arfsten said. "Whatever the coach wants. If he wants me to play higher up as a wingback or play a bit further back and more defensive responsibility, no matter what he wants me to do, I'm going to embrace it."

  There's no guarantee a back five is the right way to go. Maybe this team does end up being best equipped to play a back four by the World Cup. At the very least, though, it's a good option to have.

  "I personally like playing the five in the back, and I think we could benefit from it," Richards said, "but I think, playing a four, we had some success this summer, too. Whatever system they put us in, we're ready for it."

Not giving up on their pursuit, one European club are now reportedly preparing to launch their biggest offer yet to sign a talented Liverpool star this summer.

Liverpool announce Ekitike arrival

Welcoming yet another expensive arrival, Liverpool officially announced the signing of Hugo Ekitike in a deal worth an initial £69m with £10m in potential add-ons. The Frenchman’s arrival takes the Reds’ summer spending to almost £300m and, according to reports, they’re still not done with their spending spree.

It’s easy to see why Liverpool splashed out to sign Ekitike. The talented forward scored 22 goals and created a further 12 in all competitions last season and has often found himself at the centre of praise in recent years.

That praise includes the words of former Liverpool star Steve Nicol, who told reporters: “This guy can score every type of goal possible. He doesn’t just score goals in the penalty box, he scores goals from outside the box as well. He links play up, he sets people off, he scores goals with his head, he can do everything.”

Joining arguably the most dangerous frontline in the Premier League, the former Eintracht Frankfurt man could line up next to Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo next season as the champions look to retain their crown in style.

Scouts sent: Liverpool eyeing move to sign new 6 foot 3 Guehi alternative

He’s caught the eye of the Reds’ scouts.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 23, 2025

Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes aren’t done there, however. Reports suggest that they still have some unfinished business in the transfer window.

The likes of Marc Guehi remain on their shortlist as they aim to add a centre-back to their list of incomings, whilst Darwin Nunez and one other Liverpool star could still be heading for the exit door even as pre-season gets underway for Arne Slot’s side.

Bayern now "intent" on signing Luis Diaz

According to transfer reporter Ben Jacobs, Bayern Munich are now preparing an offer worth up to €80m (£69m) to sign Luis Diaz from Liverpool this summer. The Premier League champions have reiterated the stance that the South American is not for sale all summer long, but Bayern’s incoming offer is likely to put that to the ultimate test.

Earlier reports indicated that Diaz set his sights on a move to the Bundesliga giants this summer, but has Liverpool standing in his way as things stand.

Of course, if those at Anfield did sanction a move to sell the winger then they could turn towards Real Madrid’s Rodrygo to land what would be a blockbuster replacement.

Even at £69m, however, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool finally give in to Bayern Munich’s pressure and sell a player who Jurgen Klopp once dubbed “absolutely incredible”.

Eight-wicket victory over Central Sparks maintains slim hopes of qualification

ECB Reporters Network10-Jul-2024

Thunder kept alive their slender hopes of Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy qualification with a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Central Sparks at Worcester.The win was set up by the excellent bowling of left-armers Tara Norris (four for 18) and Sophie Morris (three for 31) as Sparks were bowled out for 144 in 42.4 overs. Only captain Eve Jones (38 from 62 balls) threatened to play a match-shaping innings for the home side in an error-strewn team batting display.Thunder then cruised to 147 for two with a whopping 21 overs to spare as third-wicket pair Emma Lamb (71 not out, 84 balls) and Katie Mack (52 not out, 69) added an unbroken 122 from 134 balls.The northerners’ win lifted them above their hosts in the table and maintained their interest in the qualification picture. Sparks, on the other hand, are left with little more than pride to play for in their remaining games.Thunder chose to bowl and inflicted serious early damage, abetted by the home batters’ reluctance to get on the front foot. Sparks stumbled to 52 for four after 13 overs with all the casualties bowled or lbw as they stayed back in the crease.Norris struck the first two blows, Chloe Brewer lbw and Abi Freeborn bowled leg stump. Left-arm spinner Sophie Morris delivered the next two, both bowled as Davina Perrin played down the wrong line and Courtney Webb was caught in two minds and saw her middle stump hit.Skipper Jones was the exception to the top-order indecision but perished in pursuit of her sixth four when she chipped Sophie Morris to mid on.Katie George and Bethan Ellis managed some partial repair work with a stand of 36 in 11 overs before George (23, 43) was bowled through the gate by Norris. Emily Arlott soon fell, brilliantly caught by wicketkeeper Eleanor Threlkeld diving at full stretch to her right off Naomi Dattani.Norris collected her fourth wicket when Ellis (33, 53) played across the line and was bowled middle stump. Threlkeld pounced again when Georgia Davis edged Hannah Jones and an untidy innings concluded in ramshackle fashion when Grace Potts and Hannah Baker differed on whether a single existed and the latter was run out by Alice Clarke’s throw.Clarke was then on the receiving end of a deadly throw, from Ellis, as she fell in the second over of Thunder’s reply. A fine ball from Potts left Seren Smale’s off stump leaning back and the score 25 for two but with such a low score to defend, Sparks needed to keep taking wickets. They didn’t, as Lamb and Mack settled quickly to ease their side towards victory.Lamb swung Ellis over mid-wicket for six to reach her half-century in 66 balls, Aussie import Mack followed to hers in 67 and victory was achieved in the most comfortable and leisurely fashion.

Dwarshuis is back in Australia’s squad for the final two T20Is while Reddy may be ready to return to action for India

Andrew McGlashan05-Nov-2025

Mitchell Marsh and Suryakumar Yadav exchange smiles•Cricket Australia via Getty Images

Big Picture: Who will strike gold on the coast?

It’s not often an India series is overshadowed but, in many Australian cricket circles at least, this T20I series is not the major talking point, although it is far from insignificant for those involved. The day before the fourth match, with the series locked at 1-1, the Ashes squad dropped and it will likely continue to be picked over in the days ahead.There are even fewer links in Australia’s squad for this series to the upcoming Ashes with Travis Head and Sean Abbott having been released. Josh Inglis, who will have a quick turnaround into Sheffield Shield cricket after the series is done, is the only one who remains who is among those to be involved in Perth.Related

• Short outlines clear pathway to next T20 World Cup

• Arshdeep, Sundar help India level the series against Australia

• Arshdeep's career highlights the balancing act T20 cricket imposes on India

• Head leaves T20I squad for red-ball Ashes preparation

India were excellent in leveling the series in Hobart. The chase was an example of their immense batting depth in T20 cricket. Only Tilak Varma had a strike-rate below 125, Washington Sundar, playing his first game of the series, hurried the game to a conclusion with some powerful strokeplay and Jitesh Sharma played with confidence having also come into the team.Tim David batted brilliantly for Australia, a continuation of his evolving role higher up the order which has the makings of a critical change to the team’s T20 plans heading into the World Cup. His 74 off 38 included one of the biggest sixes seen. However, the home side couldn’t quite recover from losing Mitch Marsh (who had only faced 14 balls by the eighth over) and Mitch Owen in consecutive deliveries against Varun Chakravarthy, although Marcus Stoinis’ well-constructed 64 was another positive for them.For Australia the last two matches of this T20 series played across Thursday and Saturday bring an end to an intensive run in the format. They are the last before the selectors will need to name a T20 World Cup squad although BBL form may yet play a part.

Form guide

Australia LWWWW
India WLWWWBen Dwarshuis brings left-arm variety to Australia’s attack•Getty Images

In the spotlight: Ben Dwarshuis and Abhishek Sharma

Left-arm seamer Ben Dwarshuis put together an impressive run of games against West Indies and South Africa earlier this year, but has had some niggly injuries the past month which has limited him to one T20I out of the last six. But he is back in the squad for the final two games against India, replacing Abbott, and will bring valuable variation to the attack. With Mitchell Starc having retired from T20Is and Spencer Johnson working through a long-term injury, Dwarshuis is the leading candidate to fill the left-arm pace role at the World Cup.If Abhishek Sharma hasn’t tried to hit every ball for four and six, then he’s come close. On a more serious note, he did show the layers to his game with the superb 68 at the MCG in tough conditions. He is the only India batter with over 100 runs in the series and they have come at a strike-rate of 167.16. However, in Hobart he was out-thought by Nathan Ellis’ bouncer. He needs 39 runs for 1000 in T20Is. If Abhishek reaches the mark in this match he would equal Virat Kohli’s record of 27 innings as the fastest for India and he would become the fastest globally balls faced. Suryakumar Yadav is currently the quickest from 573 balls; Abhishek has currently faced 500.

Team news: Eyes on Maxwell, Reddy may be ready

Head’s departure from the series creates a vacancy for Matt Short to return to his favoured opening position. Glenn Maxwell wasn’t quite ready to return from his wrist injury in Hobart but it’s understood he is expected to be available. Dwarshuis would appear a logical addition to the pace attack unless Mahli Beardman is handed a debut.Australia (possible): 1 Matt Short, 2 Mitchell Marsh (capt), 3 Josh Inglis (wk), 4 Tim David, 5 Mitch Owen, 6 Marcus Stoinis, 7 Glenn Maxwell, 8 Xavier Bartlett, 9 Ben Dwarshuis, 10 Nathan Ellis, 11 Matt KuhnemannIndia may consider the role Shivam Dube is currently playing after an expensive three overs in Hobart although they have all bases covered with their plethora of allrounders. Nitish Kumar Reddy may be available again after injury. “He did all his work that was needed or expected of him in fielding, batting, and bowling,” bowling coach Morne Morkel said. “He ticked all of that, so we will find out now after assessment where he is at.”India (possible): 1 Abhishek Sharma, 2 Shubman Gill, 4 Suryakumar Yadav (capt), 4 Tilak Varma, 5 Axar Patel, 6 Washington Sundar, 7 Jitesh Sharma, 8 Shivam Dube, 9 Arshdeep Singh, 10 Varun Chakravarthy, 11 Jasprit Bumrah

Pitch and conditions

There have only been two previous men’s internationals at Carrara – and one became a 10-over game – so previous evidence is limited. In the BBL the ground has the sixth-highest batting strike of venues to have hosted at least 10 matches.

Stats and trivia

• Glenn Maxwell needs one wicket for 50 in T20Is, Marcus Stoinis needs two. They could each be the first Australia men’s player to complete the 1000 runs/50 wickets double in T20Is.
• Nathan Ellis needs three wickets for 50 in T20Is.
• Tilak Varma needs nine runs for 1000 in T20Is.

Quotes

“You need to have options available. Every team across the world are playing around with options. In this game, you need to be adaptable and where certain players can give you options in different roles.”

Jude Bellingham’s treatment with the England national team may have put him off “from playing in the Premier League”, claims ex-Manchester City, Chelsea and Three Lions star Shaun Wright-Phillips. Bellingham has seen some of his behaviour questioned by those in his homeland, which could lead to the Real Madrid midfielder shunning a future return to his roots.

• Birmingham native Bellingham now a 'Galactico' in Madrid

  Bellingham stepped out of his comfort zone when leaving boyhood club Birmingham for German giants Borussia Dortmund in 2020. He is now a ‘Galactico’ at Santiago Bernabeu with La Liga and Champions League titles to his name.

  The 22-year-old has also earned 46 senior caps for his country, becoming a talismanic presence for England, but continues to attract criticism for supposed character flaws – with Thomas Tuchel having previously admitted that his mother finds some of Bellingham’s on-field antics “repulsive”.

  While some have been quick to knock Bellingham down, others continue to talk him up. Arsenal legend Ian Wright sits in that camp, with the former England striker claiming that some people are not “ready for a black superstar” before going on to say that Bellingham’s potential “frightens these people because of his capability and the inspiration he can give”.

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  Will Bellingham shun future interest from the Premier League?

  Wright-Phillips stands by those comments from his father and admits that a global superstar may start to ask questions of whether he ever wants to play club football in his homeland again.

  The Premier League title winner told : “If I was Jude Bellingham, I think it could put me off from playing in the Premier League, definitely. In England we seem to target a player ahead of a big tournament, like they’re dying to break one of them down.

  “I’ve just never understood why. You want your players going into a tournament full of confidence. Arrogant, almost. You want them knowing and thinking they can win. The press should big them up, help them, not tear them down like this. The press causes problems and puts doubts in their head, and changes the way they think.

  “I think if you change a player’s personality, you change how they play. That’s not always good. Far from it. I think the players need to just concentrate on what they're doing. So if I was Jude, why would I come back when I can stay at Real Madrid and enjoy life at the same time, without bad press that comes for no reason.

  “I think he’s the go-to man for England, and I sometimes do not understand why he is in the crosshairs. He’s not perfect, but he’s performing well for club and country. It’s not like he has some huge arrogant attitude, or plays badly. They should leave him be and let him prepare mentally.”

• Selection headache: How do England fit everybody in?

  Amid reports of Bellingham potentially being left out of England’s 2026 World Cup squad, Wright-Phillips added on the problem that Tuchel faces when it comes to getting so many creative talents into his team: “My approach would be first of all to tell the players that this is England, so there’s no shame around being a substitute for the team at the World Cup. It’s about getting the best team out on the pitch, not necessarily all your best players.

  “I feel like England miss a maverick at the moment. They need a creative No.10, someone who creates something from nothing, and the closest to that is Cole Palmer. Then I’d pick two wingers, maybe [Marcus] Rashford, [Jarrod] Bowen or [Bukayo] Saka.

  “But if not Palmer, then [Phil] Foden and [Morgan] Rogers are great options. At eight, you have Bellingham and then Declan Rice at six, with Elliot Anderson ready to come in for him. Bellingham has the running power, as does Declan, so they can both be up and down on the pitch. Then you have your players ahead of those two to just terrorise the opposition. You need a back four who can stop the counters. England have so much potential. I don’t think it matters too much whether it’s Foden or Palmer in that role, as long as the team is set up properly.”

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  2026 World Cup draw: When England will discover their opponents

  England, with Bellingham still very much part of the fold for now, will discover their initial 2026 World Cup opponents when the group stage draw takes place on Friday – with Tuchel preparing to piece together plans for another shot at global glory.

Liverpool are now reportedly pushing to sign a Celtic youngster in what could deal the Hoops a frustrating blow ahead of Wilfried Nancy’s arrival.

O'Neill: Celtic have restored "confidence"

As far as interim managers go, Celtic couldn’t have done a lot better than Martin O’Neill. There would have been concerns that the 73-year-old was out of ideas in the modern game, but he’s since proved any doubters wrong by getting the Bhoys back on track and rolling back the years.

Signing off in style in his final European game, Celtic secured a much-needed victory against Feyenoord on Thursday evening and O’Neill admitted that “confidence” has been restored in the squad.

The veteran manager told reporters: “Judging from last season, the format, you are looking for 10 or 11 points to qualify. It won’t be easy, but Celtic have two home games and the confidence is in the side now.

“I told my two brothers who came to the game to start my chant, so they must have done so. Might as well enjoy it while it lasts. In the dressing room, the lads are full of it.

“It’s hard to say what I thought [when I took charge]. My two daughters were all in on going for it, but my wife said I would probably mess it up. I haven’t messed it up so far. It’s been great. The results are what you live by and they’ve been terrific.

“[The new manager] has got some players who are big winners, which is great. I’m sure he will lean on some of those lads and then it’s about improving some of the other players.

“The restoration of confidence is big and it’s keeping it going after that. Winning away from home is terrific – it’s not easy away from home in Europe. It gives them belief that they can come and compete.”

The job will now be passed over to Nancy, who could be about to lose one of his best academy stars right away amid Liverpool’s interest in Derek Jikiemi.

Liverpool pushing to sign Celtic gem Jikiemi

As reported by The Daily Record, Liverpool are now pushing to sign Celtic gem Jikiemi after sending their scouts to watch the 15-year-old Parkhead wonderkid. The central defender is one of the most talented players in Celtic’s academy, but could be about to follow in Ben Doak’s footsteps by swapping Glasgow for Merseyside.

Although Jikiemi is one for the future, losing him would represent where Celtic currently find themselves in the European pecking order. They won’t be expected to compete Liverpool in the market, but they must do better to keep hold of homegrown talent.

Nancy must unleash Celtic's most frustrating player since Engels

Wilfried Nancy must unleash this Celtic star who is their most frustrating player since Arne Engels.

1 ByDan Emery Nov 26, 2025

If the teenager did complete a move to Anfield then Celtic would only receive compensation for the years that he came through their system in an added blow.

The Hoops can, however, secure their young star to professional terms at the end of the season when he’s 16 years old. Whether they get the chance to do that remains to be seen, however.

Celtic now confident they'll beat Man City to history-making first signing for Nancy

Manchester United have a conundrum in midfield which needs to be solved sooner rather than later.

Ruben Amorim’s infamous 3-4-2-1 system, which he is insistent on sticking to, operates with a double pivot. Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro are his first choices in that role this season.

That has left a few players out in the cold this season, without regular minutes. The two players who have tended to be left on the sidelines are Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte. The England international is yet to start a Premier League game this season, and former Sporting man Ugarte has not been able to get into the side over Casemiro.

It seems as though the Red Devils are targeting a new midfielder who can slot into the side.

Man Utd looking to sign England international

The Manuncian side have already begun a mini-revolution in the centre of the park. They have recently signed young Colombian Cristian Orozco, who will perhaps start in the youth team but could well be considered a first-teamer in the future.

Elliot Anderson is a name who is regularly linked with a move to Old Trafford but he’s not the only England international in the crosshairs of INEOS.

Indeed, according to a report from Football Insider, Atletico Madrid and England midfielder Conor Gallagher is a player the club continue to ‘monitor’ ahead of the January transfer window.

There has been previous interest in the former Chelsea star from Premier League clubs. Crystal Palace wanted him last summer, and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested.

However, Amorim’s side are described as ‘frontrunners’ for Gallagher. As far as a fee is concerned, it has been reported that a bid in the region of £26m could be accepted.

Why Gallagher would be a good signing

The signing of Gallagher could well be a strong addition to United’s midfield. Described as a “warrior” in the middle of the park by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, he would bring Premier League experience.

Indeed, Gallagher has made 136 appearances in the English top flight, for boyhood side Chelsea, as well as loan spells at Crystal Palace and West Brom. That ready-made experience in the Premier League could be vital for Amorim, as he would need little to no adaptation period.

Of course, over the last 18 months, the former Chelsea star has been plying his trade in La Liga for Atleti. He’s played 69 times for Diego Simeone’s side, chipping in with six goals and six assists. That included a strike against Real Madrid in the Champions League last season.

If the Red Devils were to sign Gallagher this winter, he could prove to be the long-term replacement for Casemiro. United’s Brazilian midfielder is out of contract soon, and it seems like he could be on his way at the end of the campaign.

Indeed, he is a hard man to replace. The former Los Blancos star has been a key figure in that midfield pivot for Amorim, making 12 appearances and chipping in with three goals.

That included this effort against Gallagher’s former side, Chelsea, at Old Trafford.

Replacing Casemiro in that United midfield would not be easy for Gallagher. Aside from his potent threat in the final third, the Brazilian, of course, is a master at breaking up play and winning the ball back.

However, when looking at the stats, it suggests that the Atleti star possesses the skills to do just that. For example, he’s averaged 4.12 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes this season, compared to just 3.6 each game for Casemiro.

Finding the man who can eventually step into Casemiro’s shoes was never going to be easy for Amorim. Yet, in Gallagher, United may have landed upon the perfect player. He still has plenty of quality on the ball and final third threat, whilst also being an efficient ball winner.

Furthermore, he’s also got energy, something Casemiro lacks. Indeed, he has been described as an “intensity monster” and as “one of the best midfielders in the sport when it comes to running long distances” by one notable analyst on social media.

£26m is a small fee in the current market, and should the Red Devils choose to pay it, they could have finally found the perfect player to replace Casemiro.

The new Garnacho: Man Utd ready £131m bid to sign the "best in the world"

Manchester United could be about to smash their transfer record in the upcoming January transfer window.

By
Ethan Lamb

Nov 30, 2025

If any side has it in them to gift bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton Wanderers a much-needed Premier League win, it might well have been Ruben Amorim’s all too often charitable Manchester United outfit.

Indeed, heading into this Monday night clash at Molineux, the Red Devils had previously handed relegation-threatened West Ham United a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

However, the visitors from Manchester were far more ruthless on this occasion, as Wolves’ abject season shows no signs of stopping off the back of United running out convincing 4-1 winners.

Sitting on just two points, you likely could pick flaws all night long in the woeful home performance, with the die-hard Old Gold faithful clearly at their wits’ end with the ownership at their lowly club, having staged a fan protest before yet another defeat was tallied up.

What went wrong for Wolves on Monday

Championship football already looks destined to be returning to the West Midlands very soon, with the fresh appointment of Rob Edwards to replace Vitor Pereira doing very little to save the sinking ship.

Edwards just can’t account for some silly errors that plagued Wolves’ game all evening, though, with Andre in the first half – who has been on United’s transfer radar – dilly dallying on the ball for far too long, before Bruno Fernandes then scrappily gave the fortuitous away side a 1-0 lead. As journalist Liam Keen put it, the defending for this opening strike was ” totally shambolic.”

The likes of Yersen Mosquera in the heart of the ropey Wolves defence didn’t fare any better, either, with the shaky number 15 handing Fernandes his second of the one-sided affair late on, after a handball decision went against him for the penalty.

Mason Mount also had all the time in the world to put away United’s third when both Mosquera and Emmanuel Agbadou left him in acres of space to fire home, with the abysmal defending on show typical of a side that has surrendered a seriously worrying 33 goals already this season.

All over the pitch, there were very few positives to latch onto, with a lacklustre attacker now needing to be dropped by Edwards, after he put in another no-show against the rampant Red Devils.

Wolves flop must now be dropped after Man Utd

Apart from Jean Ricner Bellegarde scoring Wolves’ first league goal since October, there would be little to smile about from an attacking point of view at Molineux for the hosts, especially when it came to Jorgen Strand Larsen’s idle showing.

Long gone now are the days when Larsen was being tipped for a £50m switch to Newcastle United after bagging 14 league strikes during his debut season, with the out-of-sorts Norwegian instead now on the receiving end of some sarcastic cheers when he was substituted off after an uneventful 69-minute spell against Amorim’s men.

As per the aforementioned Keen, Larsen even had to be calmed down by his manager after looking “furious” with the jeers directed at him.

But, when looking at the table below, it’s hardly a shock that the hardened Molineux masses decided to voice their frustrations in such a gallows humour way, with the goal-shy number 29 coming off after registering zero shots and just five accurate passes.

Moreover, Larsen only mustering up a sorry 19 touches of the ball in total means even Johnstone in between the sticks for the relegation-doomed side had more touches of the ball, coming in at a far heftier 42.

The Newcastle-linked striker’s notable drop off has impacted the Old Gold so much this season that former Premier League scout Mick Brown, when speaking to Football Insider earlier in the campaign, stated that his presence up top now makes the basement outfit a “worse side.”

This is a far cry from analyst Ben Mattinson’s previous comments that he was a “proper number 9” when scoring goals for fun, meaning Edwards must seriously consider axing him soon, even as his other striker option in Tolu Arokodare, prepares to head to the African Cup of Nations.

Desperate times could call for desperate measures, with Hwang Hee-Chan perhaps the answer in from the cold up top, considering he does have 23 top-flight goals for the Old Gold, one of which came this season, lining up as the sole centre-forward.

Whatever changes do occur, Wolves need to start doing the basics correctly if they stand any chance of turning around their likely insurmountable points gap, with Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher stating that they have “no fight” at the moment.

Larsen could fall victim to Edwards shuffling his pack, with Wolves surely left with plenty of regret now that they handed the out-of-form number nine a new, bumper five-year deal in September, instead of cashing in.

Wolves now want to sign 'top talent' from Man City with player set to leave in January

Rob Edwards’ side need inspiration from somewhere.

By
Emilio Galantini

6 days ago

Retired tennis great and Real Madrid supporter Rafael Nadal has advised Vinicius Junior to "respect the authority" of Xabi Alonso amid speculation that the Brazilian's relationship with the head coach has reached a breaking point. Nadal emphasised on the need to hold conversations in order to preserve both the image of the club and the unity within the Real Madrid dressing room.

'Crisis' spoils Alonso's dream start to Madrid spell

Alonso's start to life as Real Madrid manager could barely have been any better. In the first 14 games this season, Madrid managed to win 13 games, with the only blip coming in the form of a 5-2 thrashing from cross-city rivals Atletico Madrid. While they also produced a convincing win against Barcelona, all hell broke loose during this month's Champions League visit to Anfield. Los Blancos faced a Liverpool side that had lost six of its previous eight matches going into the clash. Yet Alonso’s team collapsed, looking bereft of ideas in a flat, uninspired performance. Since then, the Reds have dropped two more games, making this current Madrid side appear even worse with every new Liverpool defeat.

The loss to Arne Slot's men seemingly dampened the spirits within the Madrid dressing room. Indeed, in the previous two La Liga outings, they have failed to record a win, with their winless run now stretching to three games. It has been a difficult away stretch for Alonso and his players, failing to beat either Rayo Vallecano or the newly-promoted but highly entertaining Elche. 

AdvertisementAFPNadal sends advice to Vinicius

Amid the ongoing crisis, Spanish media reports suggest that Alonso has lost the backing of a significant portion of the Madrid dressing room. Journalists have highlighted Vinicius' angry reaction to being substituted during last month’s Clasico as a potential turning point, with some claiming the Brazilian now maintains only a “strictly professional” relationship with the Bundesliga-winning former Bayer Leverkusen manager.

Speaking to on Monday, one of tennis' all-time greats Nadal, who is an avid Real Madrid fan, addressed the recent rumours of a fallout between Vinicius and Alonso. He explained how the duo can overcome their alleged problems.

“I think it can be resolved through dialogue, with everyone on the same page," said Nadal. "I believe Vini needs to understand who is in charge and respect that authority, and also the club, given what it means to be a Real Madrid player. But I think he's doing his best, and those things that come out of him, which sometimes aren't well-received, can be corrected through dialogue and an awareness that things can be improved. 

“The first person who needs to want to explore that path of improvement has to be him. When I hear him speak in interviews, saying that he wants to improve in every aspect, I think he needs to find strong allies, and I'm convinced that Real Madrid will have the right people, and he will be there to advise him.

“The basic principle is wanting to do it. And Real Madrid has in Vinicius an asset that they can't devalue and that they have to protect, regardless of any performances that might not be to everyone's liking. As a player, he's a club asset; it's a situation that Real Madrid, being the immense club it is, knows how to manage, and I think they've done it well.

"The proof is that Vinicius' performance is now better than it was before. Football has a problem that is also a great strength; ultimately, many stories are written every week, and that magnifies things, but footballers are people, and that's how things are resolved, as human beings, by talking, understanding each other, and trying to project an image – one that is truly genuine – of unity, respect, and everyone pulling in the same direction."

Vinicius reportedly tells Madrid he won't renew due to Alonso

Earlier this week, reported that Vinicius, whose contract with Madrid expires in 2027, has informed the club of his intention to not renew "while his relationship with head coach Alonso remains so strained." This could come as a huge blow to Madrid's future, with the club viewing their dashing No.7 as a valuable asset. 

However, amid all the talk in the media, Alonso ensured that they "haven't fallen apart." Speaking to reporters in the aftermath of the 2-2 draw against Elche on Sunday, he said: "We haven't fallen apart. We're still competing; the context of each match is different. The result is what matters, and we're aware of that and self-critical. The spirit is good; we have to respond to adversity. This is Real Madrid. We live with criticism; we want to improve.

"The connection is improving; we have more time and interact more, we know each other better. We're all in the same boat, we celebrate victories. We suffer if we don't win. The connection is good. We need to turn this situation around, starting with Athens."

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Getty Images SportMadrid need to turn things around immediately

Madrid face three consecutive away fixtures, starting with Wednesday’s high-stakes Champions League trip to Greek giants Olympiacos. A win in Europe now feels essential – both to stem the rising noise around Alonso’s leadership and to jolt a struggling squad back into the confidence they so clearly need.

Despite dropping four points in their previous two league games, Madrid sit at the top of the table, albeit with just a one-point lead over a Barcelona side that seems to have regained their form following losses to Paris Saint-Germain, Sevilla, and the 15-time European champions. 

Still searching for their next manager, Middlesbrough are now reportedly serious about hiring Swiss manager Raphael Wicky, who has emerged as an early candidate to take the job.

Unlike other managerial vacancies in the Championship, coaches would be walking into a fairly healthy environment at Middlesbrough. The Teesside club currently sit second in England’s second tier and five points behind leaders Coventry City. As things stand, they will be earning promotion to the Premier League come May.

A lot can still change, however, and Boro must get their next manager right whilst they are in such a positive position. Just who that next manager is remains the question. Steven Gerrard, Tony Mowbray and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink have all been mentioned as early candidates, with Gerrard the most interesting option of the three.

The former Rangers boss recently rejected the chance to return to Ibrox, but is keen to make a return to the dugout for the right job. With Boro on course to fight for automatic promotion in the Championship, it’s tough to pick out a reason why most managers of Gerrard’s calibre wouldn’t want to walk straight into the job before the end of the international break.

Replacing Rob Edwards, who chose to leave for Wolverhampton Wanderers, will be no easy task for any potential candidate. As much as he has ruined his reputation with those in Teesside, the former Luton Town boss certainly steered the club in the right direction and attempted to explain his decision in a recent statement.

Boro fans are unlikely to forgive or forget any time soon, however, and must instead hope that the club’s next appointment continues their push for automatic promotion.

Middlesbrough get serious about appointing Raphael Wicky

As reported by Sports Boom, Middlesbrough are now serious about appointing Wicky after he impressed Riverside chiefs with an unofficial presentation. The Swiss manager is currently a free agent and will be easier to convince as a result, but that’s not to say the 48-year-old isn’t an impressive candidate.

During his time in Switzerland, Wicky won the league and cup double with BSC Young Boys and his 4-4-2 diamond system proved to be incredibly successful. If Middlesbrough fail to hire the likes of Gerrard, then the former Young Boys manager is someone who’d offer them similar experience and success.

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The manager’s style also includes an exciting high press, which could yet help Boro bridge the gap on an exciting Coventry side at the top of the Championship.

The fact is, although they run the risk of getting their next appointment wrong, Riverside chiefs could also take their side up another level entirely if they get things right.

As things stand, the battle seems to be between Gerrard and Wicky for the job. With both holding similar reputations though, it remains to be seen which direction Middlesbrough head towards.

Middlesbrough make "impressive" manager top target to replace Edwards