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The Red Devils conceded twice from corners while their attack failed to come to life in north London

Manchester United suffered their first defeat of the Ruben Amorim era as they went down to a 2-0 loss against Arsenal on Wednesday.

In a first half lacking in quality chances, Gabriel Martinelli lashed at an effort when a cool head was required, while at the other end Diogo Dalot blasted the ball wide when afforded space in the Arsenal area.

United’s defensive solidity was to be admired, particularly against a team with 13 goals in their past three games. However, Arsenal’s invaluable corners proved to be their undoing in the second half.

In the 54th minute, Jurrien Timber scored with the game’s first effort on target. The defender nodded home a perfectly-placed Declan Rice delivery as Arsenal’s set-piece sorcery paid dividends once more.

And William Saliba then joined in by converting from close0range after Thomas Partey nodded back Bukayo Saka’s corner, not that the French centre-back knew too much about it.

Amorim will try to pick his players up quickly, with Nottingham Forest visiting Old Trafford on Saturday.

GOAL rates United's players from the Emirates Stadium…

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence

Andre Onana (7/10):

Kept out Havertz with a decent save as the Gunners looked to pile on. Could do little about both goals.

Matthijs de Ligt (6/10):

Nearly made it 1-1 but Raya was equal to his header.

Harry Maguire (6/10):

Handed only his fourth start in the league this season. Did well to contort his body to block a dangerous Saka delivery in the first half, but also received a silly booking.

Noussair Mazraoui (6/10):

Tidy in the first half but seemed to tire as Saka found success in the second.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield

Diogo Dalot (5/10):

Couldn't get forward to impact the game as much as he would have liked.

Manuel Ugarte (5/10):

Didn't appear up for this one, a real concern for Amorim.

Bruno Fernandes (6/10):

Tried to orchestrate matters but United lacked dynamism going forward. Kept running until the end, at least.

Tyrell Malacia(6/10):

Handed 45 minutes on his first league start since May 2023. Coped well in a tricky battle against Saka.

Getty Images SportAttack

Mason Mount (4/10):

Hardly got into the game, managing just 15 touches before being hooked on the hour mark. Shouldn't be starting for United, on this evidence.

Rasmus Hojlund (5/10):

Starved of decent service and failed to record a single shot on goal. Arsenal's defence didn't have to work too hard to shackle the striker.

Alejandro Garnacho (5/10):

Nearly set up Hojlund with a delightful pass early in the second period, but not overly effective.

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AFPSubs & Manager

Amad Diallo (6/10):

Came on at half-time and immediately started giving Zinchenko trouble down United’s right. Should start against Forest on Saturday.

Marcus Rashford (5/10):

Struggled to get into the game as Arsenal's defence held firm.

Joshua Zirkzee (5/10):

Like the rest of his attacking team-mates, Arsenal had an answer for the Dutchman upon his arrival.

Leny Yoro (7/10):

On for his United debut in the 59th minute. Displayed great timing to deny Trossard and made a couple more challenges in a promising display.

Antony (N/A):

Should have done better from a neatly-worked free-kick, but blasted straight at Raya.

Ruben Amorim (5/10):

Will be disappointed to have conceded from two corners, although Arsenal's deliveries were consistently excellent. Amorim ultimately needs to get his attack firing.

West Ham United and technical director Tim Steidten are believed to also be prioritising a move for a new attacker, coming amid their widely reported talks over a deal for Paris-Saint Germain midfielder Carlos Soler.

West Ham in negotiations to sign Carlos Soler from PSG

As relayed by multiple French media sources and broadcast giant Sky Sports, among other channels, West Ham are in direct talks with PSG to sign Soler, as the Irons work on getting another signing through the door for Julen Lopetegui.

West Ham make contact to sign £20m player who Lopetegui thinks is perfect

Lopetegui thinks he’s perfect.

ByCharlie Smith Aug 16, 2024

It's been a very active summer window for West Ham, with the east Londoners undergoing a major overhaul following the departure of David Moyes at the end of last season.

Lopetegui has watched Steidten and co spend over £120 million on eight major signings for his squad, as defender Max Kilman, winger Crysencio Summerville, centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo, forward Niclas Fullkrug, Brazilian starlet Luis Guillherme, right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, midfielder Guido Rodriguez and back-up goalkeeper Wes Foderingham all seal moves to east London.

West Ham summer signings

From

Fee (Transfermarkt)

Max Kilman

Wolves

€47.5m

Crysencio Summerville

Leeds United

€29.3m

Niclas Fullkrug

Borussia Dortmund

€27m

Luis Guilherme

Palmeiras

€23m

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Man Utd

€18m

Wes Foderingham

Sheffield United

Free transfer

Guido Rodriguez

Real Betis

Free transfer

Jean-Clair Todibo

Nice

Loan transfer

West Ham summer departures

To

Fee (Transfermarkt)

Flynn Downes

Southampton

€17.85m

Said Benrahma

Lyon

€14.4m

Thilo Kehrer

Monaco

€11m

Nathan Trott

FC Copenhagen

€1.5m

Ben Johnson

Ipswich Town

Free transfer

Joseph Anang

St. Patrick's Athletic

Free transfer

West Ham have seriously strengthened their squad ahead of what will be a very interesting campaign at the London Stadium, and the possible addition of Soler would be yet another astute purchase. Lopetegui's side are attempting a last-minute move to sign the Spain international on an initial loan deal, which would become permanent next summer (Malik Ouzia).

Soler made 24 Ligue 1 appearances under Luis Enrique last season, but only half were full starts. It appears Steidten could now offer the 27-year-old a route to the Premier League and Europe's most prestigious division, and he could be a real asset for Lopetegui.

“He’s certainly someone I could see Julen Lopetegui liking very much. He’s a really neat and tidy midfielder, technically very good," said the Sky Sports panel on Soler (via C&H).

"Soler is versatile as well; he can play a bit deeper in midfield, although I don’t think that’s where you get the best out of him. I think when the shackles are off, and he can really drive forward, that’s when he comes alive. But he can play a bit wider as well, so I can see why Lopetegui would be interested.”

West Ham also prioritising move for Tammy Abraham

While much of the noise around West Ham is centred around a move for Soler, another player they're being linked with in the 11 days remaining of this window is Roma striker Tammy Abraham.

The £95,000-per-week forward, formerly of Chelsea and Aston Villa, has been plying his trade in Italy for three years – scoring a career-best 27 goals in all competitions during his debut campaign at the Stadio Olimpico.

However, since that 2021/2022 season, the Englishman has managed a total of just 10 goals and eight assists. Abraham was sidelined for a sizeable portion of last term through injury, and he's been regularly linked with an exit from Roma this window.

According to Football Insider and journalist Pete O'Rourke, despite already bringing in Fullkrug, it is believed Abraham is a "high priority" target for West Ham and the addition of another new striker cannot be ruled out before August 31.

However, they will have to move some players on, with Danny Ings a candidate to be sold, before moving for the 26-year-old.

Manchester United are one of the most active clubs during transfer deadline day with the future of Jadon Sancho to solve before the window shuts at 11pm tonight.

The latest on that move is that the winger could join Chelsea, with the Blues having lodged a late bid to bring the player to Stamford Bridge.

Whether that move goes through could also depend on Raheem Sterling who has been linked with Arsenal today.

Outgoings aren't the only thing on the agenda for the Red Devils who are set to welcome Manuel Ugarte to Old Trafford.

He's not the only midfielder being linked with a move to United before things close tonight.

Man United could sign another midfielder after Ugarte

With the Uruguayan midfielder set to arrive from PSG on Friday, he will do so having been snapped up for a bumper £51m fee.

Unfortunately for supporters awaiting a quick glimpse of the tough-tackling maestro, they will have to wait, with United not getting the move done in time for him to be registered for their clash with Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

Any further moves they make, therefore, will also not be able to play at the weekend. That's sad news if Chelsea gem Carney Chukwuemeka arrives in a late swoop.

According to The Guardian's Jacob Steinberg they have held talks regarding a move for the young 20-year-old.

How Chukwuemeka compares to Pogba

Well then, this would be quite the midfield, wouldn't it? Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo and Chukwuemeka are a trio who could dominate in the centre of the park for some time to come.

Ugarte brings with him a no-nonsense approach to the game, ranking within the top 1% of midfielders in Europe's top five leagues for tackles per 90 minutes. Combine that with Mainoo's composed elegance in the centre of the park and Chukwuemeka's box-crashing skillset and you've got a finely balanced central area.

So good is that part of his game that some, including James Norris, one of the midfielder's teammates at youth level, have compared him to Pogba.

"He was a bit like Pogba" is the opinion of Norris, who evidently rates the youngster highly. Why is that comparison there?

Well, the following rave review from Villa insider, Charlie Jennings, does a lot of the talking: "Carney is an outstanding ball carrier from deep areas of the midfield. He is known for marauding, mind-boggling dribbles through tight areas and compliments this with a delightful array of passes.

“His dribbling ability and close relationship with the ball occupies defenders in a way we so productively saw during Grealish’s time at the club. His array of passes allows for delicate and precise combination play, often linking up well with his wide men while driving into those half spaces."

Sound like someone? Of course, it does. A certain Pogba. In his prime, the World Cup was elite in very similar areas, notably ranking among the best 4% of midfielders in the Premier League in 2018/19 for progressive passes and the best 11% for successful take-ons.

So, this could be quite the late signing then for United. It has the potential to create a salivating midfield combination for Erik ten Hag.

Last-gasp move: Man Utd keen on landing CF "upgrade" who's "like Ronaldo"

The Red Devils could well be in the market for a new centre-forward before the window closes…

1 ByRobbie Walls Aug 29, 2024

Sporting CP sensation Viktor Gyokeres dreams of playing for one of the biggest teams in Europe after becoming one of the best strikers this season.

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Gyokeres in red-hot form for club and countryWants to play for one of Europe's elite teamsHas been linked to Manchester UnitedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres has addressed his future and acknowledged that playing for one of the biggest teams in Europe is one of his ambitions. His statement could be looked at as an eye wink to Premier League giants Manchester United, who have been heavily rumoured to be interested in the Sweden international's services after acquiring his former manager Ruben Amorim.

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Gyokeres has become arguably the most sought-after forward in world football following his exploits with both Sporting CP and Sweden this season. The 26-year-old has scored an outrageous 34 goals in 27 games for club and country in the ongoing campaign, attracting attention from Manchester United, Barcelona, and Arsenal over a potential summer switch in 2025. The frontrunners are, however, the Red Devils. Amorim helped Gyokeres unlock his potential at Sporting CP, and the Man Utd boss will be licking his lips over a reunion with his former player as he aims to oversee a major overhaul at Old Trafford next summer.

WHAT VIKTOR GYOKERES SAID

"We will see. There are many rumours circulating, but we are in the middle of the season, there are still many months left," Gyokeres admitted when talking about his future to Sportbladet (h/t MARCA). "We will see when the time comes what will happen. Playing in one of the best teams in Europe, that is the objective."

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GOAL/GettyWHAT NEXT FOR VIKTOR GYOKERES?

The Sporting CP striker will be aiming to help his club get out of their mixed run of form following Amorim's departure to England, as the Portuguese heavyweights have suffered four losses in six games under new manager Joao Pereira. They are at the top of the league with 36 points in 14 games, but have in-form Porto and Benfica breathing down their neck.

Green replaces Mujeeb Ur Rahman, whose stint has been delayed to second half by visa, travel issues

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Jun-2021Chris Green, the offspinning allrounder, will join Middlesex for the first half of the T20 Blast as a replacement for Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman.Mujeeb’s stint with the club has been delayed until the second half of the competition because of “unforeseen visa issues” quarantine-related travel constraints, Middlesex said in a statement.”Mujeeb is not alone in having to quarantine in a country outside the UK prior to arriving and continued uncertainty over the timescale of these delays has caused Middlesex to make the decision to push back Mujeeb’s arrival,” the statement said. “As a consequence Green will have an increased number of games to play in. Mujeeb is expected to be with the club and available for the last seven group matches.”Green has vast T20 experience around the world, including the BBL with Sydney Thunder, the IPL with Kolkata Knight Riders, the CPL with Guyana Amazon Warriors and in the 2019 Blast with Birmingham Bears. He was part of the Thunder side that won the title in 2016 and played for Guyana when they lost the 2018 CPL final to Trinbago Knight Riders.Green said: “I have really enjoyed my previous experiences playing in England and I am looking forward to playing at Lord’s for the first time.”The 27-year-old Green has 87 T20 wickets from 108 appearances, with best bowling figures of 4 for 14 and a highest score of 49.Middlesex head coach Stuart Law said: “Chris is an experienced performer in T20 cricket and has played in tournaments all over the world. He has had a huge impact at Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash for a few years now and I look forward to him bringing that wealth of experience here to Middlesex.”Dealing with Covid has caused us a few headaches, but Chris will slot in nicely to cover for Mujeeb until his arrival.”Middlesex’s second overseas slot for the Blast will be shared between Paul Stirling, who is due to play the first five games of the tournament, and Daryl Mitchell, who will link up with the club after the World Test Championship final.

Tottenham Hotspur have endured a frustrating start to the 2024/25 Premier League campaign with just one win in their first matches of the season.

The Lilywhites kicked off the term with a 1-1 draw against newly-promoted Leicester City, despite taking the lead on the night, but did follow that up with a convincing 4-0 win over Everton.

However, they were then beaten 2-1 by Newcastle United at St. James' Park, thanks to a late goal from Alexander Isak, and are sat on four points from three games.

Ange Postecoglou and his team may be eyeing up a top four finish this season to guarantee qualification for the Champions League, after finishing fifth and missing out last term.

Spurs have failed to score more than one goal in two of their three matches and one of the manager's biggest tasks during the international break will be to devise a way for his team to add more of a clinical edge in front of goal.

Whilst the head coach must provide tactics and a system that puts players in positions to score, it is ultimately down to the players to step up and find the back of the net when given the opportunity to do so.

Dejan Kulusevski's attacking contributions

Swedish winger Dejan Kulusevski is one player who needs to step up and prove himself to be a reliable source of goals and assists in the final third.

He has started the current campaign with zero goals and one assist in three appearances for the Lilywhites, after a return of three goals and three assists in six pre-season outings.

Postecoglou will need the left-footed forward to offer more of a goal threat at the top end of the pitch, if he is to play regularly, to help the team secure qualification for the Champions League.

Appearances

36

Goals

8

Big chances missed

4

Assists

3

Key passes per game

1.8

As you can see in the table above, Kulusevski played in all bar two of the club's games in the Premier League last season, yet failed to hit double figures for goals.

The 24-year-old flanker also failed to find the back of the net in any of his three appearances in the FA Cup and League Cup, which means that he has produced eight goals and four assists in 42 outings in all competitions since the start of the 2023/24 campaign.

This may be particularly frustrating for Spurs when you consider that they once fumbled a terrific talent who has gone on to outscore Kulusevski in Noni Madueke.

Tottenham fumbled Noni Madueke

The English winger started his academy journey with Crystal Palace in London, spending four years at Selhurst Park between 2011 and 2014, before moving on to Tottenham.

Madueke spent four years with the Lilywhites, from 2014 to 2018, and had only made one appearance for the club at U18 level before his exit in the summer of 2018.

The 16-year-old was released by Spurs ahead of the 2018/19 campaign and that allowed Dutch giants PSV to swoop in and sign him for nothing.

It quickly became apparent that Madueke was too good for academy football with PSV, as he racked up 18 goals and 13 assists in 44 appearances for the club at U17, U18, and U21 levels combined.

The left-footed wizard worked his way up through the ranks with the Eredivisie outfit before finally making his breakthrough at senior level in the 2019/20 campaign – with four appearances in the top-flight.

Appearances

24

Starts

7

Goals

7

Assists

4

Big chances created

4

As you can see in the table above, Madueke then enjoyed a strong first full season in the first-team with PSV, as he contributed with 11 goals and 'big chances' created combined in seven starts in the Eredivisie.

The England U21 international went on to rack up 20 goals and 14 assists in 80 games in all competitions for the Dutch side before Chelsea swooped in to sign him in January 2023.

PSV cashed in on the forward for a reported fee of £30m and that shows that Spurs lost a huge asset when they allowed the gem to leave for nothing, as he went on to become a £30m player, whilst his performances for Chelsea suggest that he would also have been a fantastic player for Tottenham.

Noni Madueke's goal return for Chelsea

The 22-year-old magician, who earned his first call-up to the England senior team during the current international break, has enjoyed a brilliant start to the season.

Madueke, who was dubbed a "mentality monster" by personal coach Saul Isaksson-Hurst, recently caught the eye with a staggering haul of three goals and one 'big chance' created in a 6-2 win for Chelsea against Wolves in the Premier League.

He also produced one goal in two outings against Servette in their Europa Conference League qualifiers, which means that the forward has managed four goals in four matches in all competitions this term.

His impressive start to the 2024/25 campaign for Enzo Maresca comes off the back of Mauricio Pochettino rarely trusting him from the start in the Premier League last season.

Appearances

23

Starts

13

Goals

5

Big chances missed

0

Assists

2

Big chances created

2

As you can see in the table above, the Argentine head coach, who was relieved of his duties over the summer, only started 13 top-flight games, but contributed with seven direct goal involvements.

Madueke also produced three goals and one assist in the FA Cup and the League Cup combined, which meant that he ended the campaign with eight goals and three assists.

Since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, the 22-year-old star has plundered 12 goals and three assists in 38 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea, compared to Kulusevski's aforementioned haul of eight goals and four assists in 42 outings.

Spurs should have sold star who's earning more than Bissouma & Van de Ven

He was linked with a move away over the summer…

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 8, 2024

This suggests that Spurs fumbled badly when they allowed Madueke to leave for nothing in 2018, as he has gone on to develop into a top talent, worth at least £30m, who has outperformed the club's current left-footed right winger.

Arish Ali’s four-for on debut in vain for Quetta Gladiators, who finish season with only four points

Varun Shetty19-Jun-2021Karachi Kings completed the win they needed to make it to the qualifiers, edging Lahore Qalandars on net run-rate after they swept Quetta Gladiators aside by 14 runs on the last day of the group stage. After putting up 176, the Kings needed to defend 32 off the last over with Jack Wildermuth on strike; a delicious bit of symmetry after Danish Aziz had smoked 32 off the bowler during their batting innings – in a 33-run over – to completely change the course of the game. That blitz, a 13-ball 45, propelled the Kings to a total that was too much for the Gladiators, who finished the season with only two wins in ten games.Naseem goes off, Danish goes boom
After taking the ball to start the 19th over, the Gladiators’ Naseem Shah began hobbling immediately. He could barely get a few steps into his run-up, possibly because of cramp on a hot day, and the ball eventually went to Wildermuth, who had struggled early on and struggled once again.Danish, who got an inside edge for four first ball, took complete control – hitting the next four balls for six. The last of them came off a slower-ball-turned-beamer as Danish managed to hoick it over the long leg boundary. It was 29 off four balls at the point, and suddenly there was a very real possibility of six sixes in a row, not to mention an over going for 41 runs. Wildermuth might have been pleased those deliveries ended up going for only four. But the match had swung – 136 for 5 in 18 overs became 176 for 6 in 20.A chase that never took offThe Kings began their defence with captain Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir, who went for a combined seven runs. That seemed to set the tone right at the start, as the Gladiators never looked like challenging the bowling till the very end. Sarfraz Ahmed’s unbeaten 51 off 33 was a good knock, but neither he nor anyone else in the middle order looked capable of breaking the shackles through the middle overs. The Kings’ spinners didn’t extract as much turn or gain as much control as the Gladiators’ spinners had done. Instead, the win was rooted mostly in the performances of their frontline pacers – Amir, with his economy and a second consecutive slog-overs performance of high quality; Mohammad Ilyas, who picked wickets almost every time he came on; and Arshad Iqbal, whose skiddy, back-of-a-length plan that looked unplayable in the early stages of the innings.The wickets always seemed to be around the corner, despite a rather safe approach to the chase. The one instance of a batter being fearless came late, with Hassan Khan swinging his bat around for a 15-ball 24; but even after that injection of momentum, the score was 123 for 5 in 16.5 overs when he fell. That was indicative of the Gladiators pretty much always being behind the rate in chase.All spin and a dream debut for Arish AliA lot of the Kings’ early runs and momentum came with sixes from Sharjeel Khan, even though both he and Babae Azam struggled for fluency during their 71-run stand. The pitch wasn’t one for free-flowing shots, and Sarfraz brought offspinner Abdul Nasir on in the sixth over. Until the 17th over it was only spin, with left-arm spinners Hassan and Arish Ali filling bowling out their overs. Only 83 came in those 12 overs.The Gladiators came into this game with nothing to play for, which allowed them to play a second emerging player in the XI alongside Khurram Shahzad. Arish hadn’t played at senior level before, but went away with an impressive haul and a statement before the next season.Arish came on in the 11th over, after Abdul Nasir had strangled the Kings and dismissed Azam the previous over. Martin Guptill gave him a wicket off his very first ball, lofting a full one straight to long-off. Sharjeel was already in at this point, and was looking to push on against the left-arm spinner. But he only managed a chopped four past short third before playing on attempting the same shot again, the result of a simple plan from Arish – spin it in from outside off against the left-handers on a pitch that was offering grip and turn.With the Kings trying to rebuild, Arish was in his element. In the end, Najibullah Zadran chopped him on trying the late cut as well. With the way he was going, Sarfraz even asked him to come on in the 17th for his last over – and that resulted in the wicket of Imad, caught at long-on. That made it three left-handers dismissed on his first day in senior cricket.

Pep Guardiola confirmed that Manchester City will be active in the January transfer window as injuries have wreaked havoc on the squad.

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Man City undergoing a slump in formInjuries to key players have been troublesomeGuardiola admits City will look for reinforcementsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

City’s approach to the winter window has historically been conservative, with Aymeric Laporte being the last high-profile January acquisition in 2018. At that time, Guardiola’s side enjoyed a commanding 12-point lead at the league's summit and went on to complete a record-breaking 100-point season. However, the current circumstances are markedly different, with the team facing a rare crisis.

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City’s form has faltered significantly, with only one win in their last 12 matches across all competitions. In the Premier League, they are winless in three consecutive games, a stark contrast to their usual dominance. Ahead of their clash with Everton, Guardiola admitted the necessity of bolstering the squad to turn their fortunes around.

WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

Speaking to Amazon Prime, Guardiola stated: "We have to add players. Definitely. Definitely. We struggle especially in the back and in the middle. I think we have to but I don't know if it's going to happen. The transfer window in winter is not easy."

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DID YOU KNOW?

Although specific targets remain undisclosed, preparations for potential signings are already underway. City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, is leading discussions with clubs and player representatives, despite his departure next summer. Guardiola and other senior figures are working closely with Begiristain to identify suitable reinforcements. City’s financial stability provides them with the flexibility to invest, as they refrained from heavy spending during the summer transfer window. However, Guardiola emphasised that they are unlikely to spend without purpose. Instead, they will carefully evaluate options that align with their long-term plans.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has opened up on Real Madrid-linked full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold's nightmare display against Manchester United.

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Liverpool draw 2-2 with Man UtdAlexander-Arnold has terrible nightSlot opens up on Real Madrid-linked starFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱AFPWHAT HAPPENED?

Manchester United were able to take a point away from Anfield thanks to goals from Lisandro Martinez and Amad Diallo, which cancelled out Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah's efforts for Liverpool. However, the key player in focus through the clash was Alexander-Arnold, who made a number of key mistakes, including setting the Red Devils up for a four-on-two counter late on, which prompted a fierce stare of disapproval from Reds captain Virgil van Dijk. Slot spoke out on Alexander-Arnold's performance in front of the media, and insisted he was not affected by the intensifying speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT SLOT SAID

Slot said: "I don't believe in those things. I think nine out of 10 people will tell you that it affected him, but I'm one of the 10 that tells you I don't think that affected him.

"What I think affected him was that he had to play Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot who are two starters for Portugal, great, great players. We have a fantastic player here in Diogo Jota and he's not even playing for Portugal, so that tells you how much quality United have. And if these players set themselves to a game, and that is what United once in a while does, then it's very difficult to play against them.

"I think it is more difficult for Trent to play against Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot than it is the rumours that were there in the week. That's my opinion, but everyone will probably tell you it's to do with the rumours."

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Talking further about Alexander-Arnold's performance, Slot added: "It was clear Trent had some difficult moments as we as a team had but that is also for Trent not the first time. I think the majority of games he has played for this club he was very, very good but I can't believe if people tell me he's never played a bad game for this club, so that's probably happened before and mostly against quality players like United have."

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR ALEXANDER-ARNOLD?

The Liverpool right-back is unlikely to leave Liverpool in January despite the reports suggesting Real Madrid are interested in completing the signing this month. Alexander-Arnold will be expected to start again when the Reds take on Tottenham in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

Manchester United fan Mark Goldbridge has given his reaction to what captain Bruno Fernandes did over the weekend, as he mentions the name of the club’s former captain, Roy Keane.

The Red Devils got back to winning ways over the weekend as they put in a strong performance to get past Southampton 3-0, a result that will ease the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag.

Watch out Garnacho: Man Utd may have dream challenger in "incredible" teen

The “special” gem has a bright future ahead of him.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 15, 2024 Man Utd transfer news

It is only the middle of September, and the transfer window has been shut for just over two weeks, but there is plenty of speculation circling regarding Man Utd and who they may look to sign in 2025.

The Red Devils were last week linked with improving in the goalkeeper department, as the club is said to be “very interested” in signing Athletic Bilbao shot-stopper Unai Simon. The goalkeeper is said to have impressed United with his performances for Bilbao and Spain, and they are now ready to pay a “considerable sum” to sign the Spaniard.

Apps

195

Goals conceded

202

Clean sheets

66

The latest player to be linked with a move to Old Trafford is Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Martin Baturina. The Croatian international is said to be “very high” on United’s transfer wishlist, with the club sending scouts to watch the player during the recent international break. The Premier League side is said to be keeping a close eye on Baturina, as he plays for Zagreb.

During the summer, Leeds United were linked with Baturina, agreeing to a £25 million fee, but the player ultimately chose to stay with Zagreb. As United potentially eye new recruits for January, they will have full concentration on the current ongoings on the pitch, and one player reacted to the latest weekend performances on social media, which didn’t go down well with one fan.

Mark Goldbridge reacts to what Man United’s Bruno Fernandes has done

While Man Utd claimed a comfortable 3-0 win away at Southampton, a former player of theirs, Jadon Sancho, was performing for Chelsea in his first appearance for the club since his move during the summer.

Sancho came on at half-time for Chelsea and put in a strong display, grabbing the assist for the only goal of the game, as they beat Bournemouth 1-0. Sancho took to Instagram over the weekend to react to his first appearance for the club, and in the comments, Bruno Fernandes reacted by saying: “Some player, you, keep that smile.”

This is something that didn’t go down too well with Manchester United fan Mark Goldbridge, as he took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and responded by saying:

Goldbridge mentions former Manchester United captain Roy Keane, as the Irishman set incredible standards during his time at Old Trafford, and every captain at the club will always be compared to Keane. But football then to football now is very different, and as Goldbridge refers to it, this seems to be part of the modern game now.