Garnacho replacement: Man Utd now seriously keen on signing "powerful" gem

With Ruben Amorim reportedly set to show Alejandro Garnacho the Old Trafford door, Manchester United are reportedly seriously keen on signing a rising star to replace the winger this summer.

Amorim to show Garnacho the door

From one of Erik ten Hag’s most influential players, Garnacho has become someone who looks destined to head for the exit door under Amorim amid disappointing form and Manchester United’s PSR problems. In a campaign to forget, the 20-year-old has scored just four Premier League goals and one assist in what sums up the struggles of United’s frontline.

Amorim hasn’t shied away from criticising the young Argentine either, telling reporters earlier this week: “Garnacho needs to improve the way he runs, the way he defends, scores and assists. He is improving. He is doing the right things. Like any player in our team, he has to choose better in the last third. Bruno is the only one scoring goals easily.”

Imagine him & Bruno: Man Utd make "best ST on the market" their top target

Man Utd are on the search for a striker this summer

1 ByJoe Nuttall Apr 6, 2025

It’s a relationship that has been on the rocks ever since the former Sporting Club boss arrived and dropped Garnacho for the Manchester derby and now one that looks likely to come to a bitter end when the summer arrives.

INEOS could certainly do with the spending power potentially gained by selling the Argentine too, with Napoli reportedly submitting a bid worth over £60m to secure his signature in recent days and Amorim ready to show the winger the door.

AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

Such a sale would allow the Red Devils to go in pursuit of some much-needed reinforcements of their own amid links to the likes of Mike Maignan in recent weeks. The shot-stopper is one of the best in his position and could bring an end to Andre Onana’s nightmare spell between the sticks at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, United could also land an instant replacement for Garnacho this summer who has looked destined for big things in South America.

Man Utd seriously keen on Ian Subiabre

According to journalist Sebastian Sur, Manchester United are now seriously keen on signing Ian Subiabre from River Plate this summer but are joined by Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City in the race to secure the teenager’s signature.

Still just 18 years old, Subiabre is not a talent that the Red Devils will want to miss out on – especially to a Premier League rival. The young Argentine is certainly full of confidence, having previously talked up his talents, saying: “I’m a powerful, high-scoring striker. And strong in one-on-one situations. I like to drop back to link up with my teammates and provide assists. I can also play on the right or left wing.”

The likes of analyst Ben Mattinson haven’t shied away from praising the teenager either, dubbing him a “technical winger” at the beginning of last year. After scoring seven goals and assisting another eight last season too, it’s fair to say that Subiabre is exactly that.

Shami fastest to 200 ODI wickets; Rohit second fastest to 11,000 ODI runs

Stats highlights from the Champions Trophy match between India and Bangladesh in Dubai

Sampath Bandarupalli and Namooh Shah20-Feb-20255126 – Number of balls Mohammed Shami took to take 200 ODI wickets, the fewest for any bowler, beating Mitchell Starc’s record of 5240 balls. In terms of matches played, Shami is joint-second fastest with Saqlain Mushtaq on 104 ODIs, while Starc took his 200th wicket in his 102nd ODI.261 – Innings in which Rohit Sharma completed 11,000 ODI runs. He is the second quickest among the ten batters to reach that milestone, behind Virat Kohli, who got there in 222 innings. Rohit took 11,868 balls to score 11,000 runs, only behind Kohli’s 11831 balls.ESPNcricinfo Ltd156 – Catches taken by Virat Kohli in ODIs, the joint-most as a fielder for India, equal with Mohammad Azharuddin. Overall, only Mahela Jayawardene (218) and Ricky Ponting (160) have taken more catches as a fielder in ODIs.5476 – Balls bowled by Kuldeep Yadav in ODIs before bowling his first front-foot no-ball, in his first over against Bangladesh. Kuldeep had played 108 ODIs before Thursday but had never overstepped.51 – Innings that Shubman Gill needed to score his eighth ODI century, the fewest for any India batter. Shikhar Dhawan was the previous fastest to eight ODI tons, needing 57 innings. Gill has 2688 runs so far in his ODI career, the most by any batter after 51 innings, bettering Hashim Amla’s 2538.ESPNcricinfo Ltd5th – Innings in which India did not take a wicket in the middle overs (11-40) of a men’s ODI since 2002. It is also the only fifth time Bangladesh batted through the middle overs without losing a wicket. India, however, restricted Bangladesh to only 126 runs in those 30 overs.154 – The partnership between Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali, Bangladesh’s highest for any wicket against India in men’s ODIs. It is also the highest sixth-wicket partnership for Bangladesh and the highest against India.10 – Catches dropped by Rohit Sharma in ODIs since the start of 2023, as per the ESPNcricinfo’s ball-by-ball logs, the second most after Tom Latham (11). Rohit’s catching efficiency in that period is 54.55%, having taken only 12 out of 22 chances. It is the lowest among the 26 fielders with 20-plus catching chances in men’s ODIs since 2023.ESPNcricinfo Ltd8 – Wickets taken by India’s pacers on Thursday in the 21.4 overs they bowled while going at 4.80 runs per over. In contrast, the Bangladesh pacers took only two wickets in the 26.3 overs they bowled and were expensive as well: economy rate 5.88.Their spinners, however, tied down the India batters, with an economy rate of 3.75 in the 20 overs they bowled. India’s spinners went at 4.39 runs per over.30 – Difference in the powerplay totals of India and Bangladesh on Thursday, and it played a significant role in the match result. India scored 69 runs in their first ten overs for the loss of one wicket, while Bangladesh scored only 39 and lost half their side.Bangladesh bowlers restricted the India batters in the middle overs, conceding only 120 runs and taking three wickets. During the same phase, Bangladesh did not lose a wicket but scored only six runs more than India.60 – Wickets for Shami across ICC ODI tournaments (World Cups and Champions Trophies), the most by any bowler for India, surpassing Zaheer Khan’s 59.

Why Marcus Stoinis has become an Australia new-ball bowler

The problem, however, is he averages just 16.55 with the bat in the last four years and has not scored a half-century in 29 innings

Alex Malcolm09-Sep-2023Marcus Stoinis opening the bowling for Australia is raising some eyebrows.Australia’s new-ball bowling stocks in white-ball cricket are the envy of the world. When Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood play in the same team, one of them doesn’t get a new ball as Mitchell Starc has a mortgage on the other.They’ve left Spencer Johnson out of the World Cup squad although he could make his ODI debut in South Africa. Jason Behrendorff took five wickets against the eventual champions England in the 2019 ODI World Cup and is still a new-ball force in franchise and domestic cricket yet, he has hardly played for Australia since.Related

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Nathan Ellis has also missed the World Cup squad. He isn’t known as a new ball bowler, but he has proven his versatility in any pressure situation.Sean Abbott is in the squad and was in the team in the first ODI against South Africa in Bloemfontein, but even he didn’t get the new ball with Starc and Cummins absent.Instead, it was Stoinis brandishing the new Kookaburra, as he has done in three of his last four ODIs and two of his last three T20Is with encouraging success.In the T20I series, Stoinis took three wickets with the new ball in the powerplay at an economy rate of 6.75. In his last three ODI bowling performances, dating back to Australia’s last series in March, he has bowled 48 balls in the powerplay with the new ball, conceding just 26 runs and dismissing Ishan Kishan and Quinton de Kock.He was helped in Bloemfontein by a difficult surface, with both de Kock and Temba Bavuma struggling for rhythm.Marcus Stoinis has had an impact opening the bowling•Gallo Images/Getty ImagesBut Stoinis has turned himself into a new-ball weapon in the powerplay of late. His ability to swing the ball sets him apart from Australia’s specialist right-arm quicks. He hits the bat harder than the speed gun suggests with his extra bounce often causing problems. His control of length has been a feature of his bowling recently, and he can use cutters and scrambled seam deliveries when the swing disappears.The how is impressive. The why is intriguing.Australia’s selectors have been trialling various combinations for the ODI World Cup over the past 12 months. One of which involves playing eight batters in an XI, including four allrounders, as they did in the first ODI against India in Mumbai in March. Another involves playing two spinners, which they did in the third game in Chennai in that series and the first ODI against South Africa.Aside from his ability to swing the new ball and bowl well with just two men out, Stoinis opening the bowling allows Australia’s captain, whoever it is, more flexibility with his bowling resources. The move will allow the specialist quicks to bowl more overs in the middle, and potentially strike through that period, or leave more overs up their sleeve for the death. It also means when two spinners play, one of them might not be risked in the powerplay.So far it has worked out superbly with the ball. Except there is one glaring problem.For all those benefits, Stoinis’ ODI batting is a major concern. If he wasn’t bowling so well, likely, he would not be in the team given what has happened with Marnus Labuschagne.Since March 2019, Stoinis has averaged 16.55 and has gone 29 ODI innings without a half-century. For those wondering if that is just a byproduct of being a finisher like he is in T20 cricket, it is not the case in ODIs. He has batted at No. 5 or higher in 21 of those innings and even batted at No.3 three times.Marcus Stoinis averages just 16.55 with the bat since March 2019•AFP/Getty ImagesThe only difference between Stoinis and Labuschagne, who was left out of the World Cup squad after averaging just 22.30 in his last 14 ODIs before his supersub heroics in Bloemfontein, is Stoinis has maintained his strike rate above 90 throughout four lean years while Labuschagne struck at under 70 during his recent lean run and just above 83 over his career.Stoinis opening the bowling to make Australia’s batting almost bulletproof has also not exactly worked in the way it has been drawn up. The intention is to give Australia the depth to chase down anything or set enormous totals. But at the Wankhede Stadium in March, with Stoinis batting at No. 8, Australia were bowled out for 188, batting first, and lost handsomely.Although on difficult surfaces, the extra batting has paid dividends. In Chennai, with Stoinis at No. 7 and contributing 25, they mustered a winning score of 269. In Bloemfontein, albeit with the help of a concussion substitute, they chased down 223 after slumping to 113 for 7 with Stoinis managing just 17. Likewise in Cairns last year against New Zealand, Australia were 44 for 5, with Stoinis out for 5, and still they chased down 233 thanks to Cameron Green and Alex Carey sharing a 158-run stand for the sixth wicket with the insurance of Glenn Maxwell at No. 8.The other complicating factor to consider is the fitness of Australia’s allrounders. Stoinis’ bowling becomes even more important given Mitch Marsh’s ankle is still being protected. Marsh is yet to bowl a ball in four matches in South Africa, despite being captain, after a heavy and unexpected workload in the Ashes. Green’s body is always a concern, and his white-ball bowling remains a work in progress. His concussion will now limit his buildup to the World Cup. Maxwell’s leg remains a major concern and will need to be managed carefully.Stoinis himself has been managed carefully due to his previous side injuries that plagued his 2019 ODI World Cup, among other soft tissue problems. In India, he bowled in the first and third ODI but played as a batter only in the second given the short two-day turnaround. The same plan was rolled out for him in the T20I series against South Africa. There were four days leading into the first ODI which allowed him time to back up.The new ball experiment is working well for now but runs remain Stoinis’ major priority.

Stats – Hashim Amla's blockathon breaks scoring rate records

He spent 381 minutes at the crease for his unbeaten 37

Sampath Bandarupalli08-Jul-20211 – First-class innings of 200-plus balls since 2008 coming at a strike rate lower than Hashim Amla’s 13.30 during his unbeaten 37 off 278 balls against Hampshire on Wednesday. Amla himself was responsible for a better effort in this period when he scored 25 off 244 balls, striking at a mere 10.24 against India in 2015.ESPNcricinfo Ltd19.24 – Amla’s strike rate against Hampshire, the second-lowest by any player in a first-class match after facing 300-plus balls, in the last 15 years. Naeem Islam jnr struck at 19.20 against Rajshahi Division in the National Cricket League 2015 match, where he aggregated 63 runs from 328 balls. Amla was Surrey’s top contributor in the first innings as well, scoring 29 off 65 balls.1.16 – Run rate of Surrey’s second innings against Hampshire, scoring 122 for 8 in 104.5 overs. This is now the second-lowest run rate in a first-class team innings of 100-plus overs since 2000. South Africa’s 0.99 against India in 2015 stands on top as they scored 143 in 143.1 overs during an unsuccessful attempt to save a Test match in Delhi.0.72 – Run rate of the fourth-wicket partnership between Amla and Ryan Patel, the fourth-slowest partnership of 25-plus overs in first-class cricket since 2010. Amla and Patel added 21 runs in 28.5 overs, during which Amla scored only two runs. Amla’s partnership with AB de Villiers against India in 2015 stands third in this list as they scored at 0.64 during their stand of 27 from 42.1 overs.ESPNcricinfo Ltd63 – Balls Amla took to score his first run on the fourth day. He got off the mark on the fourth ball (and the last) he faced on the third day, and his second run had not come until the 67th ball of his innings. Amla had three streaks of 35 and more consecutive dot balls on Wednesday.0.40 – Economy rate of Keith Barker during his figures of 22-17-9-3 in Surrey’s second innings, the most economical bowling effort in a first-class innings since 2000 (minimum 20 overs). Amla alone scored seven runs off 84 balls he faced from Barker who had conceded only two runs in 48 balls he bowled to the rest of the Surrey batters.

Roman Anthony Made His Mark in First Game at Yankee Stadium With Epic Bat Flip

After just one game at Yankee Stadium, Red Sox rookie Roman Anthony isn't leaving the Bronx with any more friends.

Anthony went 2-for-5 with three RBIs and a massive two-run home run in the ninth inning to give Boston some insurance runs to hold onto a 6-3 win in the series opener. He obliterated a ball to the second deck in right field for an absolute no-doubter.

The 21-year-old right fielder could only watch the ball sail and toss his bat to the ground, putting his mark on Major League Baseball's most bitter rivalry.

Anthony got to play the Yankees at Fenway Park during his first week with the Red Sox, but had a quiet series going 0-for-5 at the plate. After the big performance Thursday, he admitted it felt nice to break out on the road after he had 58 major league games under his belt.

"Now that I'm settled in and through that first week this time around, it felt a little bit more calm and more controlled," he said postgame Thursday via NESN. "It just felt better, it was exciting."

When speaking to his first game at Yankee Stadium, he called the atmosphere "awesome," especially as a member of the Red Sox stepping into the hostile environment. After the performance Thursday, Anthony is slashing .286/.405/.448 with five homers and 26 RBIs thus far through his first season.

The Red Sox called up the former 2022 second-round pick in early June, and he entered the big leagues as baseball's top prospect. He signed an eight-year, $130 million contract extension two weeks ago to remain in Boston long term. Yankees fans hoped Boston would delay Anthony's arrival as long as possible, but the young star put his stamp on the rivalry in his first opportunity at Yankee Stadium. And he'll have three more cracks over the weekend.

Boston and New York currently sit atop the American League's wild-card race with the Yankees a half game in front of the Red Sox for the first wild card.

Aston Villa could launch attack to sign £44m striker who’s outscoring Watkins

Aston Villa could make a move for an “excellent” striker in 2026, amid Ollie Watkins’ struggles to make an impact.

Villa lay down marker with victory over Arsenal

Villa secured their seventh win on the spin in all competitions on Saturday, courtesy of a 2-1 victory against Premier League leaders Arsenal, which came in dramatic fashion, with Emiliano Buendia firing home a late winner to send Villa Park into raptures.

Unai Emery was delighted with the result, despite also making it clear his side must keep their feet on the ground, saying: “Today we must be happy, the supporters, Aston Villa fans and ourselves because we did the job we needed.

“Of course, we got three points and we are, in the Premier League, the most difficult league in the world, more or less, now feeling strong and feeling comfortable.

“But this is a race for 38 matches and we are on 15.”

It is difficult not to get too carried away, with the Villans now just three points behind Arsenal, but Watkins may need to get back to his best if Emery’s side are going to make a serious push for the Premier League title.

The Englishman has scored just three goals in 15 league outings, and Aston Villa are now lining up a move for a new striker in 2026, with a report from Tuttosport (via FC Inter News) revealing they could launch an attack to sign Bologna’s Santiago Castro next summer.

Nottingham Forest are also in the race for the centre-forward, and a deal could be on the expensive side, with the Italian club potentially set to demand €40m – €50m (£35m – £44m) for his services.

Ideally, Bologna would like to keep hold of the 21-year-old, and they are planning to offer him a bumper new contract in the coming weeks, in order to ward off the interest from elsewhere.

Emery's a fan: Aston Villa willing to make mega-money bid for £52m "baller"

The Villans are lining up a winter move for a new midfielder.

By
Dominic Lund

Dec 7, 2025

Castro could be "excellent" addition to Villa's attack

Donyell Malen has proven himself as a solid option at striker this season, scoring seven goals in all competitions, but Villa may still have room to bring in another centre-forward, given that the Dutchman regularly features out wide.

Castro has proven he could be a viable target with some of his displays this season too, having scored five goals in all competitions, two more than Watkins, while he also showcased his ability to create chances last term, leading to high praise from scout Jacek Kulig.

The Argentinian hasn’t been prolific since moving to Bologna, chipping in with 16 goals and 10 assists in 71 outings, but he is still very young, having only turned 21 in September, and Villa should continue to monitor his performances between now and next summer.

“True” – Agent confirms Arsenal want attacker after rumour he’ll ‘soon sign’

Arsenal are believed to be after one club’s standout attacker, with his representative now confirming the Gunners’ interest in signing him.

Arsenal linked with new attackers heading into 2026

Despite having just signed Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and star striker Viktor Gyokeres in the summer — as part of their near-£270 million summer spending spree — links with new attacking options haven’t gone away.

Certain Arsenal forwards currently face an uncertain long-term future, with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both out of contract in 2027 as things stand, so that could be a key reason why sporting director Andrea Berta is thinking about adding another forward to Mikel Arteta’s ranks next year.

According to some reports, Arsenal have held talks with representatives of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande as the race intensifies for one of Europe’s most exciting teenage talents.

The 19-year-old Ivorian has enjoyed a sensational start to life in Germany, registering 11 goal contributions in his last 15 appearances across all competitions.

His explosive form has attracted elite suitors from across the continent, with Bayern Munich particularly aggressive in their pursuit of his signature, but Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, PSG, Liverpool and Chelsea are also taking an interest.

Arteta says "really special" Arsenal star has been so good in training lately

The Spaniard is thrilled with him.

ByEmilio Galantini 3 days ago

However, given his seismic £88 million price tag, Berta may want to consider alternatives.

The north Londoners are believed to be keen on Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo too, with the Arsenal supporter (by his own admission) available for £65m through a release clause active in early January.

The Ghanaian has been one of the Premier League’s standout performers this season, making him an enticing prospect for the Gunners.

Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz, meanwhile, has also attracted admiration from Arsenal amid his fantastic performances in Turin and ongoing contract uncertainty with the Italian giants.

The versatile Turkish forward represents another potential option as Berta continues exploring targets across multiple markets.

That being said, one player may arrive before any of the aforementioned crop.

According to Croatian media sources, Arsenal are ‘expected’ to strike a deal for HNK Rijeka star Toni Fruk, who will ‘soon sign’ for Arteta’s side with talks in ‘full swing’.

Agent confirms Arsenal interest in Toni Fruk

Now, as per his own agent, Andy Bara, that interest in the 24-year-old has now been confirmed.

Bara is quoted telling news outlet 24 Sata that Arsenal do indeed want to sign Fruk, but he also denies any concrete talks or negotiations happening behind-the-scenes right now.

The versatile forward, who can operate both as a number 10 and centre-forward, has been a revelation for Rijeka this season, bagging 10 goals in all competitions already.

Fruk’s performances have also impressed talent-spotters from the likes of AC Milan and Liverpool, with the ex-Fiorentina talent also out of contract in 2027 and potentially available for a bargain fee.

Fruk has also been described as the Croatian National League’s ‘best’ footballer and ‘most valuable’ player (Sport Klub), while others dubbed him a ‘new’ version of Luka Modrić.

Comparisons to the Real Madrid legend are a clear indicator of just how highly-rated he is in that part of Europe, with Rijeka’s talisman now turning heads in the Premier League.

Man Utd now told they can sign "intense" want-away England star for £26m in 2026

Manchester United have now reportedly been offered the chance to sign an England midfielder for just £26m when the January transfer window arrives.

Man Utd seeking midfield reinforcements

In the summer, it was Ruben Amorim’s frontline that took the focus as INEOS welcomed Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko in an impressive window. Now, when 2026 arrives, it looks as though Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to turn his attention towards Man United’s midfield.

Those at Old Trafford were eyeing a move for Carlos Baleba at the end of the summer window, before Brighton & Hove Albion priced them out of a move. Months on, it seems as though the midfielder has fallen down Man United’s shortlist of targets, with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson now taking centre-stage.

The 23-year-old is quickly becoming the most sought-after player in the Premier League, but he’s not the only option on United’s list of targets in the middle of the park.

They’ve also reportedly been told that they can now sign Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid at a bargain price in January. The former Chelsea man could be on his way back to the Premier League as he looks to earn his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Man Utd now offered bargain Conor Gallagher deal

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Man United have now been told that they can sign Gallagher for just €30m (£26m) when 2026 arrives. The England international has become surplus to requirements at Atletico Madrid and he’s now ready to leave the club in pursuit of consistent game time.

Dubbed “intense” by Simeone, Gallagher could provide the legs in United’s midfield that Casemiro is otherwise unable to provide these days. The 25-year-old is a true midfield workhorse, who also has a knack for popping up with goals when needed.

Although United’s big target is Anderson, they’d be doing their top four prospects no harm by welcoming Gallagher in the January transfer window, especially at just £26m.

Man Utd eye move for £80m star who Man City would "love" to buy in January

The Red Devils could be in a direct fight with their Premier League rivals to land his signature.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Nov 29, 2025

Whether INEOS will be willing to act as early as the winter window remains to be seen, however. They may yet put all of their funds towards winning what is looking likely to be a hectic race for Anderson next summer.

INEOS can fund Elliot Anderson move by offloading Man Utd's "best player"

A new Rashford: Man Utd flop is becoming a "worry long-term" for Amorim

If Rome wasn’t built in a day, it couldn’t be fixed in one either. In the case of Manchester United, who over so many years were shaped by Sir Alex Ferguson into a superpower, it’s understandable that this budding resurgence under Ruben Amorim’s wing might take a while.

And though the weekend draw at Nottingham Forest cut the Red Devils’ three-match winning streak in the Premier League, the squad look physically and mentally stronger, more receptive to the intricacies of the manager’s vision.

Amorim recently revealed he does not have an issue with any of the United stars pushed out of the Old Trafford gates in recent months, even though the manager felt strongly about such players leaving the club for the greater good of his project.

There is undoubtedly a ruthlessness about the 40-year-old, which will have charmed INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe as they ploughed through the recruitment process. And that may need to come into play once again here, with certain first-teamers surely at risk of being sold in 2026.

The Man United players INEOS need to sell

The jury is still out for many of these Manchester United players, and the recent upswings in form from veterans such as Luke Shaw and Casemiro suggest that they will keep their places at Old Trafford, having only last season been unanimously viewed as must-sells.

Manuel Ugarte is struggling to impose himself in the middle of the park, though, and Joshua Zirkzee has recently been reported to be frustrated on the fringe, looking to leave the outfit in January.

However, the revamp of the frontline suggests that Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford, both out on loan, will be sold next summer.

For Rashford, it’s clear the England international wishes to stay with Barcelona, having rediscovered his form out in Spain this season, scoring six goals and supplying seven assists from 14 matches in all competitions so far.

His relationship with his long-time club broke down last season and he left on loan for Aston Villa shortly after Amorim’s arrival. The general consensus is that the 28-year-old will not return in a professional capacity.

Amorim was right in parting ways with a player who wasn’t right within his system, and while things are now improving, he may need to apply a similar exit strategy toward another star who is failing to impress this season.

Amorim's new version of Rashford

Rashford’s future is unlikely to fall back into the Theatre of Dreams, plying his craft down the left for Amorim at Manchester United. The Three Lions star is abundantly talented, though he was at odds with the boss and appears to have divorced from his boyhood club.

In a similar way to Rashford, Diogo Dalot is becoming something of a scapegoat at the club, and as with Rashford, there is good reason for the frustration around him.

After the result at the City Ground, content creator Liam Canning said that the Portuguese defender is “becoming a worry long term”, given that he “doesn’t look like he suits the wing back role”.

His performance certainly corroborated that claim, with the Manchester Evening News branding him with a dismal 3/10 match rating after another unsuccessful venture on the left-hand side, having been ‘exposed at various stages of the contest’.

Concerning. Amorim simply doesn’t employ a four-man backline, and as Dalot’s outings on the left become more frequent, so too is it underlined that he does nnot cut the mustard in the system, and will surely be replaced next year.

Minutes played

68′

Goals conceded

2

Touches

43

Accurate passes

21/24

Possession lost

12x

Crosses

0/2

Key passes

0

Dribbles

0/2

Ground duels won

2/5

Aerial duels won

1/3

Man United content creator Dev Bajwa even said that the Portugal international “has got to be dropped” ahead of this weekend’s away trip to Tottenham Hotspur, a day which could underline the recent revival of Amorim’s side.

Amad Diallo’s impactful performance on the right stood as a dichotomy of tactical understanding in Amorim’s system. The wing-backs are among the most essential cogs for a team built on zonal rigidity. Dalot, to put that another way, isn’t effective in his unnatural placement, not least because he’s on his unfavoured side.

The 26-year-old has been a dependable servant for United over the years, arriving from Porto aged 19 in June 2018, for a £19m fee. In total, he has featured 219 times for the Old Trafford side, scoring nine goals and providing 18 assists.

It’s time for a change. The Braga-born star still has two-and-a-half years remaining on his £85k-per-week contract, but this suggests United could bank a sizeable fee were they to cash in on the stalwart next year.

His struggle to perform to his maximum in Amorim’s world is no new thing. Ten months ago, Dalot was singled out by Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher as bearing tactical differences to the new manager, and, as we reflect on the recent draw to Forest, it’s clear that not all that much has changed.

With Patrick Dorgu waiting in the wings, United have options to shuffle the pack. Moreover, Lisandro Martinez’s imminent return from injury could even see Luke Shaw deployed in a more advanced and wider berth.

This is all to say that Dalot isn’t cutting it, and when transfer season comes around once again, there’s little question that the Red Devils must prioritise a new robust option to perform down that left channel.

Keane said Man Utd ace was "getting away with murder", now he's undroppable

Manchester United are finding their feet under Ruben Amorim’s wing this season.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 3, 2025

'I'm really happy' – Leny Yoro insists he has 'no regrets' over Man Utd move despite Real Madrid interest

Leny Yoro is adamant he has no “regrets” over joining Manchester United, saying he is “really happy” with his decision. The France Under-21 international has become a regular fixture for the Red Devils following his £52 million (€59m/$68m) move from Ligue 1 side Lille in July 2024, turning down interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid in the process.

Yoro and United endured difficult 2024-25 season

After emerging through a famed Lille youth system which has also produced the likes of Eden Hazard, Benjamin Pavard, Lucas Digne and Lucas Chevalier, Yoro endured a difficult first season at United. 

The 19-year-old struggled with injury in a debut campaign which saw Ruben Amorim’s side finish 15th in the Premier League – their lowest finish since 1990. United were also beaten by Tottenham in the Europa League final in May, with Brennan Johnson scoring the only goal of the game as the Old Trafford club failed to clinch European football for 2025-26.

Things could have been a lot different for Yoro, had he decided to join La Liga heavyweights Real instead. Then-managed by Carlo Ancelotti, Los Blancos were keen to strengthen their defensive options by signing the young prodigy, who – at the time – had just one year left on his contract with Lille.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportDefender insists joining United was the right decision

However, despite receiving a baptism of fire in England, Yoro insists he made the right decision by joining United, telling “Even with last season, I never had this feeling of regret.

“I know Manchester United, I know sometimes you can have a bad season, but this club is a top club, so you cannot have doubts about this. I knew the project of the club before I came.

“Of course I cannot expect the first year to finish in 15th position. These are some things you need to face also. But you have the director of the club, the coach, all the players, they are here to push you every day. You have confidence in this club. You need to put your heads up every day and try to do your best.

“Today my choice is Manchester, so I’m really happy with this. I know some people talked about this last year because of the results. I can understand them, but honestly, it’s my choice, my career.”

Things are now starting to look up for Amorim's United

After a testing opening to the 2025-26 season which saw United win just one of their opening five games in all competitions, things are now starting to look up for Amorim’s men. The Red Devils are currently unbeaten in their last four league games, having downed Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton, while also earning a point away at Nottingham Forest.

Such has been United’s sharp upturn in form that Amorim was named as the Premier League's Manager of the Month for October, with the Portuguese expressing his delight at getting his hands on the award.

"I'm really happy," said Amorim. "Not just for my staff, but also for my players.

"I think they deserve full credit for this award because, in the end, the manager that wins this kind of award is not the best team, but the team that performs maybe better during this month.

"So I just expect to win the next one because it is a sign we won football matches."

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AFPYoro and United head to Europa League conquerers Spurs

United and Yoro are looking to stretch their unbeaten run to five games when they lock horns with Europa League conquerers Tottenham in the league on Saturday afternoon. While United head to north London in high spirits, Spurs will be hoping to register a much-improved league performance following last weekend’s dire derby-day defeat against Chelsea.

Thomas Frank’s side were booed off the pitch following the 1-0 reverse against Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea, though they gave the home faithful plenty to shout about in Tuesday’s 4-0 victory over Copenhagen in the Champions League.

Defender Micky van de Ven scored one of the goals of the season as Johnson, Wilson Odobert and Joao Palhinha also found the back of the net for Tottenham, in what was just their second victory in their last six games in all competitions.

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