Farke can drop Harrison by unleashing Leeds star who's a "difference maker"

Leeds United play host to West Ham United at Elland Road in the Premier League this evening as they look to bounce back from their defeat to Burnley last weekend.

Daniel Farke’s side created four ‘big chances’ against the Clarets at Turf Moor last Saturday, but were unable to score any of them in a drab defeat.

It is safe to say that the German tactician needs more from his players at the top end of the pitch to pick up enough points to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

The Whites only made three attacking signings in the summer, Noah Okafor, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Lukas Nmecha, and they are the only attackers in the squad who have directly contributed to goals.

Noah Okafor

2

0

Lukas Nmecha

1

0

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

1

0

Brenden Aaronson

0

0

Dan James

0

0

Wilfried Gnonto

0

0

Jack Harrison

0

0

Joel Piroe

0

0

As you can see in the table above, not a single attacker in the squad has registered an assist in the league, and none of the players who were already at the club before the window have scored any goals in the top-flight.

Jack Harrison started on the left flank, in a 4-3-3 system, in the loss to Burnley last time out, and Farke should drop him from the team for this clash with the Hammers.

Why Jack Harrison should be dropped

The German head coach should drop the left-footed forward from the starting XI because his current form and his form from his two seasons with Everton suggest that he is not the answer to their problems.

Leeds, as aforementioned, are lacking goals from their attacking players. That was an issue against Burnley as the Whites missed all four of their ‘big chances’, one of which was spurned by Harrison.

Minutes

66

Shots

2

Shots on target

0

Big chances missed

1

Key passes

1

Big chances created

1

Successful crosses

0/7

Possession lost

14x

Harrison, as shown in the table above, did create a ‘big chance’, for Brenden Aaronson, in his defence, but that was one positive in an otherwise dismal showing.

The 28-year-old dud has now failed to provide a goal or an assist for the team in seven Premier League matches, per Sofascore, whilst creating just one chance in that time.

Harrison also managed just four goals in 63 Premier League outings for Everton during his time on loan at Goodison Park, per Sofascore, which included one goal in 34 appearances in the 2024/25 campaign for the Toffees.

This suggests that Farke cannot rely on the left-sided attacker to turn things around and prove himself to be a consistent threat at the top end of the pitch for his side in their battle against relegation this season.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

It is also why Farke should take Harrison out of the starting line-up for this clash with West Ham United, because it seems unlikely that he will provide the ruthlessness they need in front of goal.

The manager, as shown in the post above, suggested in his pre-match press conference that Noah Okafor may return from his adductor injury to be involved this evening.

Why Noah Okafor is a difference maker for Leeds

AllLeedsTV present Oscar Marrio described the Switzerland international as a “class difference maker” for the West Yorkshire outfit earlier this month, but why is that the case?

The simple answer is that it is down to quality. Okafor’s technical ability, on this season’s showing, is on another level compared to the other attackers in the first-team squad.

Per Sofascore, the Swiss star has completed 2.2 dribbles per game on average in the Premier League. No other player in the team has completed more than 1.3 per game and no one other than Gabriel Gudmundsson has completed more than 0.9 dribbles per game.

The statistic in the post above shows that his dribbling skills have been impressive by Premier League standards, not just Leeds United standards, which further speaks to the ability that he can provide on the ball.

Okafor is not just a flashy dribbler who can take players on and get fans off their seats, though, as he has also shown that he has end product to his performances.

Starts

4

xG

1.16

Goals

2

Conversion rate

33%

Big chances missed

0

Big chances created

1

Assists

0

As you can see in the table above, the £18m signing from AC Milan has provided genuine quality at the top end of the pitch with two goals from 1.16 xG, without missing a single ‘big chance’.

Okafor’s goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the club’s 3-1 win back in September was a great example of him combining his pace, composure, and quality all into one piece of play.

The 25-year-old dynamo is a difference maker because he has attributes that allow him to make an impact in the final third, whilst Harrison’s statistics suggest that he does not share many of those attributes.

Okafor, given his start to life at Elland Road, seems far more likely to produce a moment of magic to win Leeds points against West Ham this evening in the Premier League, which is why Farke should drop Harrison to bring him into the starting line-up.

Farke can bin Harrison by playing Leeds academy star who's a "joy to watch"

Leeds United have a teenage prospect in their academy ranks who could replace Jack Harrison.

ByDan Emery Oct 22, 2025

Prior to the news that Okafor was in contention to feature, Football FanCast, in the article above, suggested that U21 starlet Connor Douglas could be an alternative to Harrison. If the Swiss star does end up not being fit enough to start, the 20-year-old gem could still be an option.

Asensio repeat: Aston Villa ready 2026 offer to sign "complete" UCL winner

In need of an attacking boost, Aston Villa are now reportedly preparing a 2026 offer to sign a Champions League winner in a repeat of their previous deal to welcome Marco Asensio last January.

What Aston Villa need in January

The positive for Aston Villa in the summer was the fact they managed to keep hold of Emiliano Martinez amid interest from Manchester United and the goalkeeper’s own desire to depart. But that’s not enough to take away from what was otherwise another disappointing transfer window.

Forget McGinn: Aston Villa's "jewel" looks like the modern day Gareth Barry

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Will Miller

Oct 5, 2025

Evann Guessand, Marco Bizot, Victor Lindelof, Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho all arrived in what felt more like a panicked late flurry rather than a well-executed plan. On paper, arrivals such as Elliott, Guessand and Sancho should stand out, but all three are yet to prove their worth to Unai Emery, who may have preferred returns for former loanees Marcus Rashford and Asensio.

As a result of a frustrating summer, those in the Midlands have endured a slow start to the season – especially in attack. So much so that it took Ollie Watkins eight appearances in all competitions to find his first goal of the season, which came against Fulham.

Whilst Emery’s side have shown signs of life in previous weeks, the January plan must still centre around attacking reinforcements. It was the plan last January when Villa welcomed both Rashford and Asensio, who helped them push Paris Saint-Germain all the way in the Champions League, and they must now look for a repeat in 2026.

Just who this season’s versions of Asensio and Rashford will be is the big question. The likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and one other impressive talent have already been linked with winter moves.

Aston Villa preparing Kang-in Lee offer

According to reports in Spain, Aston Villa are now preparing an offer to sign Kang-in Lee from PSG in what would be a repeat of their deal to sign Asensio from the French giants last season. The Villans are seemingly turning towards the European champions to pick up another out-of-favour star who could thrive in the Midlands.

Emery reportedly wants the South Korean and the player himself would be wise to look for a move elsewhere after starting just three of PSG’s last six Ligue 1 games and none of their first two Champions League outings.

Even though he sits outside of Luis Enrique’s starting side more often than not, Lee has still earned plenty of praise from the PSG boss, who previously told reporters:

“Kang-In Lee, he’s small but he can play up front, behind, go inside, on the side, defend, score. He’s a complete player. He’s a big signing for the club. When we signed him, we knew his potential. He still needs to improve but he’s working well.”

That versatility to play across the entire frontline would prove particularly key for Villa, who currently lack the squad depth they need to push for a European place once again.

Cristiano Ronaldo tipped to be A-list 'icon who loves hair' to give fresh trim to The United Strand as Man Utd's wait for five straight wins goes on

Cristiano Ronaldo is, as a "big icon who loves hair", being tipped to become the A-list barber that eventually gets to give The United Strand a fresh trim. Red Devils fan Frank Ilett has gone viral after vowing not to cut his locks until Ruben Amorim's side have won five games in a row. They recently ticked three of those boxes, but the wait goes on as various names are offered up as potential cutters of what has become rather wild hair.

  • When did The United Strand make his pledge?

    Ilett made his pledge back in October 2024, with United preparing to pass managerial reins around that time from Dutch coach Erik ten Hag to Portuguese tactician Ten Hag. They rarely looked like stringing together back-to-back victories, never mind five-in-a-row, when stumbling to a 15th-place finish in the 2024-25 campaign.

    A slow start was made to the current season, leading to more uncomfortable questions being asked of Amorim and his favoured 3-4-3 system, but United did show signs of life when overcoming Sunderland, Liverpool – at Anfield no less – and Brighton. With Ilett starting to get excited, Nottingham Forest held the Red Devils to a 2-2 draw at the City Ground.

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  • Ronaldo the barber: Saha floats interesting idea

    The United Strand is back to square one, as his bouffant grows ever larger, with there no end in sight when it comes to a rather questionable challenge. He has, however, become infamous in his own right, with suggestions being made as to who should eventually shear his overgrown locks.

    Ex-United striker Louis Saha has joined that debate, with the Frenchman telling : "There is hope (for The United Strand). That's a funny one to be honest. If you have more pressure with fans who are doing stuff like this, I think it's good.

    "I can see that there is a need for results and to be serious on that point. The consistency is extremely important so the fans have a point here. I think when you look at over the years, the big icons who love doing the hair, there is no bigger name than Cristiano Ronaldo. He should come and shave his new haircut."

  • Getty/via @theunitedstrand on Instagram

    What about Beckham? Another option for The United Strand

    Ronaldo’s hair has been big business down the years, while the same could once be said about his fellow iconic former United No.7, Sir David Beckham. The ex-England captain, who is now working with Lionel Messi at MLS side Inter Miami, is another to have seen his name added to the pop-up barber pot.

    Former Red Devils winger Nani has told : "If that means that Man Utd is winning, I want him to cut his hair. I believe it's going to happen because of the way we've been playing. I think it’s deserved. Man Utd just need to be very, very disciplined during the next games, staying humble and working hard. It doesn’t need to be 3-0 or 4-0, 1-0 is enough. I think after he cuts his hair then everything will change and we will look forward. I think he’d like a legend to cut his hair and I think David Beckham should do it, he’s had plenty of practice. He'd be perfect!"

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  • Man Utd fixtures: Cam Red Devils win five on the bounce?

    One-time United defender Wes Brown has said of Ilett’s long-running escapade: "I like the banter. It’s funny because the other day my daughter showed me. When you’re thinking of five games on the bounce to win it sounds fairly straightforward. That can be done. That’s what I love about the game. Regardless of the results some fun can come from it. But is he going to get it cut? How long does this go on for? How many teams have done five in a row in the league? Even from last season. It’s probably harder than you think. He might have to get it braided."

    United have one more game to take in prior to the November international break, with that contest set to take place at Tottenham on Saturday. Ronaldo has admitted to still keeping an eye on how the Red Devils are faring, claiming that the Premier League giants need a change in “structure” if they are to get themselves back on track and recapture former glories.

Ituano x Mirassol: onde assistir, horário e escalações do jogo pela Série B

MatériaMais Notícias

Com um clássico do interior paulista, o Ituano e o Mirassol se enfrentam pela 34° rodada da Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro. Os times entrão em campo no próximo sábado (28) em busca de objetivos bem diferentes.

O Ituano se encontra a apenas três pontos de distância da zona de rebaixamento e corre atrás do prejuízo para não deixar a segunda divisão brasileira. O Rubro-Negro chega a partida vindo de um empate sem gols junto a Ponte Preta.

O Mirassol, enquanto isso, se vê em uma posição completamente diferente. O Leão se encontra na oitava posição da tabela, com 53 pontos, e busca alcançar o G-6. A equipe também vem de um empate sem gols, junto ao Guarani.

+ Confira a tabela da Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro

ITUANO X MIRASSOL

Data: sábado, 28 de outubro
Horário: 15h30
Local: Estádio Municipal Doutor Novelli Junior, em Itu, São Paulo
Onde assistir: Premiere

Provável escalação do Ituano: Jefferson Paulino, Pacheco, Claudinho, Marcel, Mário Sérgio, José Aldo, Marthã, Yann Rolim, Wesley Pomba, Felipe Saraiva e Quirino
Técnico: Marcinho

Provável escalação do Mirassol: Alex Muralha, Lucas Ramon, Rodrigo Sam, Luiz Otávio, Guilherme Biro, Neto Moura, Danielzinho, Chico Kim, Gabriel, Negueba, Zé Roberto
Técnico: Mozart

'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.

Another Brookes barrage puts Worcestershire on victory trail

Allrounder takes match tally of sixes to 15 as visitors close in on rare Edgbaston win

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay24-Jul-2025 Warwickshire 184 and 55 for 2 need a further 338 runs to beat Worcestershire 333 and 243 (Brookes 87, Roderick 50) Ethan Brookes climbed into Warwickshire’s bowlers again, in record-breaking fashion, to keep Worcestershire on course for a vital Rothesay County Championship victory at Edgbaston.Of his side’s second-innings total of 243, Brookes’ share was a violent 87 from 137 balls. He struck seven sixes which, added to his eight in the first innings, amounted to 15 in the match – a record for any individual at Edgbaston, surpassing the 12 by Ian Botham for Somerset in 1985 and Dean Jones for Australia in 1989.The former Warwickshire allrounder’s barrage left his old team needing 393 to win and they closed the third day on 55 for 2 after losing both openers in the first four overs.Worcestershire resumed on the third morning on 31 without loss, already 180 ahead, but were pegged back by disciplined bowling. The opening partnership reached 80 in 32 overs before three wickets fell for 12 runs in 51 balls. Gareth Roderick (50 off 110) edged an expansive drive at Beau Webster. Jake Libby’s 149 minutes of toil for 25 ended when he pulled Ed Barnard to midwicket. Kashif Ali collected a tortuous 29-ball duck when he pulled Corey Rocchiccioli to short fine leg.As Warwickshire went on the defensive, Rocchiccioli bowling on or outside leg stump, Worcestershire’s batters appeared unsure how to handle such a big advantage. That advantage began to diminish as Ethan Bamber bowled Adam Hose and had Tom Taylor caught at point and Rocchiccioli’s leg-stump probing was rewarded when Brett D’Oliviera tickled a leg-side catch to wicketkeeper Kai Smith and Ben Allison nudged to leg slip.Seven wickets fell for 52 runs in 22 overs but Brookes defended diligently as he awaited support. It arrived from Bertie Foreman, who got the scoreboard moving again before edging Webster to second slip, and then Adam Finch. Having added 88 in the first innings, this time Brookes and Finch put on 91.The cricket descended into farce after tea as Warwickshire went ultra-negative. Rocchiccioli wheeled away while Olly Hannon-Dalby bowled far outside off stump to deny Brookes scope to seek the short boundary. Warwickshire’s supporters bore it stoically though if an opposing team had resorted to such tactics some forthright views would have emanated from the stands. The grim spectacle concluded when Brookes hoisted Barnard to deep fine leg and Finch sliced Webster to second slip,Warwickshire faced a target of 393 in a day plus 26 overs, weather permitting, and in moderate light, soon lost their openers. Rob Yates was trapped in front by a rapid shooter from Khurram Shahzad; Alex Davies chipped to midwicket. Dan Mousley and Zen Malik batted assiduously to the close but Worcestershire would be gutted, from this position, not to bank their first Championship win at Edgbaston since 1993.

Report: Dodgers Making Free Agency Pitch to Juan Soto On Tuesday

The Los Angeles Dodgers are the newest team to throw their hat in the Juan Soto sweepstakes.

Soto, the crown jewel of the MLB offseason, already met with the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets. Soto's Yankees, who he helped lift to a World Series appearance last season, were thought to be next on his schedule with speculation that both parties met on Monday, Nov. 18.

Mark Feinsand reported that the Dodgers would meet with Soto this week, as early as Tuesday, Nov. 19. ESPN's Alden González then confirmed Soto and the Dodgers were set to meet on Tuesday.

Feinsand mentioned that Soto is expected to command a deal north of $500 million and possibly even higher than $600 million depending on the contract's length.

The large elephant in the room is Shohei Ohtani's 10-year, $700 million deal that the Dodgers executed last offseason. Ohtani's contract deferred $680 million in salary for a decade. He'll make $2 million per year through 2034 and then $68 million each year in the following 10 years. That's a large chunk of change.

L.A. won the World Series over Soto and the Yankees, now they look to reload with the biggest fish on the market yet again.

Although Soto landing with the Dodgers is a wild outcome, there's some free agents you just have to go for when they're available. Soto is a player you have to court, especially if you're the Dodgers with a star-studded, competitive roster and enticing free-agent market.

MLB Says Prospect Linked to Padres Actually Five Years Older Than Previously Thought

A Dominican prospect who has been linked to the San Diego Padres is reportedly not who he seems.

According to a Saturday evening report from Jorge Castillo and Alden Gonzalez of ESPN, a prospect who made a recent verbal agreement to sign with the Padres upon his 16th birthday falsified his age. An MLB investigation found that the prospect, who presented himself as 14, is actually 19.

Under the name Cesar Altagracia, the player represented the Dominican Republic in two international events—including the 2022 U-12 Baseball World Cup.

San Diego, per Castillo and Gonzalez, had struck a verbal agreement with the player known as Altagracia to sign him in Jan. 2027. The deal, now null and void, would have paid him a $4 million signing bonus.

This is hardly the first instance of identity falsification in baseball history; astute fans will recall the past cases of pitchers Roberto Hernandez and Juan Carlos Oviedo.

"The signing of amateur players (in the international market) has fueled an entire economy rife with corruption," Castillo and Gonzalez wrote. "The last year has seen an uptick in high-profile players showcasing themselves with falsified birth certificates to present themselves as much as five years younger, sources said."

Alex Verdugo Vibing to Ice Cube Before Game 2 of the World Series Was a Look

Ice Cube was the opening act for Game 2 of the 2024 World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees. Minutes before the first pitch, the founding member of N.W.A. performed heavily edited parts of two songs as he strolled from the fence in center field to home plate.

Cube began with Westside Connection's "Bow Down" and then did a version of "It Was a Good Day" where he messed around a hit a double. He also worked some new lyrics in about the Yankees.

The two songs came out in the early 90's which explains why Dave Roberts was one of the few people in the dugouts who was truly appreciating the moment. Well, him and Alex Verdugo – who was born the same year Bow Down was released. This just goes to show you that some music is timeless.

Stay tuned to see if Verdugo was truly inspired by the performance.

Forget Sesko: Man Utd have Van Persie 2.0 who's 'one of the best in the PL'

Manchester United decided to splash the cash on their attack during the summer transfer window after they failed to win any trophies in the 2024/25 campaign.

The Red Devils opted to spend £66.4m on the signing of Slovenia international Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig to lead the line for Ruben Amorim this season.

Sesko provided an assist in the 4-2 win over Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League last weekend, and has had a strong start to life at Old Trafford since his move to England.

The 6 foot 5 centre-forward has scored two goals from 1.81 xG and provided one assist across five starts in the top-flight for the Red Devils so far this season, per Sofascore.

Sesko scored 21 goals in 45 appearances in all competitions for Leipzig in the 2024/25 campaign, after a return of 18 goals in 42 outings in all competitions in his first season in Germany, per Sofascore.

The 22-year-old marksman, having already scored two league goals for United, will be hoping that he can continue to impress and be the first striker since Robin van Persie to score 20 or more Premier League goals in a season.

Why Man United have been looking for their next Robin van Persie

Manchester United have been searching for their next van Persie for around 12 years, as his haul of 26 goals in the Premier League in the 2012/13 campaign is the last time a player hit 20 league goals for the club.

The former Netherlands international, who was signed from rivals Arsenal, netted a staggering 26 goals in the top-flight that season for Sir Alex Ferguson to win the title for the Red Devils, their most recent title to date.

The highlights in the video above show just how lethal the Dutchman was in front of goal for United that season, with his incredible movement in behind and his lethal left foot that consistently buried chances past goalkeepers.

Manchester United’s top Premier League goalscorers

Season

Top scorer

24/25

Bruno Fernandes & Amad Diallo – 8

23/24

Bruno Fernandes & Rasmus Hojlund – 10

22/23

Marcus Rashford – 17

21/22

Cristiano Ronaldo – 18

20/21

Bruno Fernandes – 18

19/20

Marcus Rashford & Antony Martial – 17

18/19

Paul Pogba – 13

17/18

Romelu Lukaku – 16

16/17

Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 17

15/16

Anthony Martial – 11

14/15

Wayne Rooney – 12

13/14

Wayne Rooney – 17

12/13

Robin van Persie – 26

Stats via WhoScored

As you can see in the table above, no Manchester United player has come close to what he achieved in the 2012/13 campaign since then, with no player scoring more than 18 Premier League goals.

Sesko will be hoping that he can end that drought for the Red Devils and kick on to be the 20+ goal centre-forward that the club have not had since van Persie’s incredible season, given his aforementioned record for Leipzig and the two goals he has already scored this term.

However, there is another player currently shining at Old Trafford who may be the club’s new version of van Persie, despite not being an out-and-out centre-forward.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The Premier League giants paid £71m to sign winger Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch, and it is safe to say that he has hit the ground running in Manchester.

Why Bryan Mbeumo is Man Utd's new Robin van Persie

The Cameroon international arrived at Old Trafford as a player who had already proven himself in the Premier League during his time with the Bees, just as Van Persie had done with Arsenal prior to his move to the club in 2012.

Mbeumo scored a staggering 20 goals in 38 matches in the top-flight for Brentford in the 2024/25 campaign, per Sofascore, which means that he scored more league goals than any Manchester United player has managed since Van Persie.

As they did with the Dutchman, Manchester United are now profiting from bringing in a player who has already proven himself as a goalscorer in England, as he has provided a huge threat in front of goal for Amorim.

Mbeumo has scored five goals in ten appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils, per Sofascore, and four of those five have come in his nine outings in the Premier League.

The left-footed star scored twice against Brighton in the top-flight on Saturday and his second goal was incredibly van Persie-esque, with a brilliant run across the defenders and a terrific left-footed finish into the roof of the net with power and accuracy.

It was a goal that the former Premier League title winner would have been proud of, and it led to Alice Talks Football to describe him as “one of the best players in the league this season” on X.

25/26 Premier League

Bryan Mbeumo

Man Utd rank

xG

2.89

2nd

Shots per game

2.6

1st

Shots on target per game

1.3

1st

Goals

4

1st

Minutes per goal

194

1st

xA

2.04

1st

Assists

1

Joint-1st

Goals + assists

5

1st

Stats via Sofascore

It is hard to argue with that assessment when, as you can see in the table above, he has been the most impactful attacking player for the team that currently sit sixth in the Premier League table.

He has been the standout attacking star for United, with the most combined goals and assists and the most xA, and deserves to be in the conversation when fans and pundits speak about the best players in the league this season.

Putting all of this together, it appears as though INEOS and Amorim may have unearthed Manchester United’s new van Persie, as Mbeumo has the lethal left foot, the movement, and the experience to follow in the Dutchman’s footsteps.

Hopefully, supporters will be celebrating next May if the Cameroon international can rake in a 20-plus-goal-haul to earn the club a trophy or two at the end of the season.

Euro club's target: £105k-p/w Man Utd star is "set to move" in January

The Red Devils could be able to cut ties in January.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Oct 27, 2025

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