It has been a chastening two years for Jack Grealish, since he enjoyed the most successful season of his career.
He had played an integral role in Manchester City’s historic Treble in 2022-23, starting the FA Cup final and every one of their seven knockout ties as the club won the Champions League for the first time.
Only six outfield City players spent more time on the pitch than Grealish in the Premier League too.
A hamstring injury halted his momentum early in 2023-24, which the England playmaker ended with more yellow cards (seven) than combined goals and assists (six) across all competitions.
He featured in just 40% of the total minutes played by City despite being in the squad for 82% of them.
His involvement dropped to 30% last term as Grealish’s career plummeted to its nadir. Three of his six starts after Christmas came against lower-league opposition in the FA Cup, while 16 starts in total is his fewest in a campaign since he was 20 years old.
Unsurprisingly, it has also been his least productive season in terms of chances created and dribbling success since returning to the Premier League in 2019.
City’s team structure has seldom afforded Grealish the license to take on and glide past opponents as he did with such insouciance as the talismanic captain at boyhood club Aston Villa.
The question now is whether the affable 29-year-old can reverse the downward trajectory of his career – and who will give him the opportunity to do so.
Manchester United make contact with Brighton over Carlos Baleba, Everton open talks with Manchester City for Jack Grealish, and Alexander Isak trains alone amid Liverpool pursuit.
Everton have opened talks over a deal to bring in England attacking midfielder Jack Grealish, 29, from Manchester City. (Sky Sports), external
Sweden striker Alexander Isak has been told to train alone at Newcastle United amid interest in him from Liverpool, while the 25-year-old also missed a family day for the players which was put on by the club. (Mirror), external
Newcastle have bid about €30m (£26.2m) for Germany defender Malick Thiaw but AC Milan have not accepted the offer as they want to keep the 23-year-old. (Gazzetta dello Sport – in Italian), external
Nottingham Forest are closing in on a deal to sign 27-year-old Brazil midfielder Douglas Luiz from Juventus, who could make a move for Forest and Ivory Coast midfielder Ibrahim Sangare, 27. (Gazzetta dello Sport – in Italian), external
Everton are also interested in Douglas Luiz and, like Forest, could look at a loan with an option or obligation to buy. (Mail), external
RB Leipzig are discussing contract terms with Liverpool and England Under-21 midfielder Harvey Elliott, 22, before they make a formal transfer offer. (Fabrizio Romano), external
Inter Milan could consider a move for Manchester United and England winger Jadon Sancho, 25, if they fail to sign Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman, 27, from Atalanta.(Gazzetta dello Sport – in Italian), external
Manchester City’s Mateo Kovacic, 31, has been approached by Saudi Pro League clubs this summer, but the Croatia midfielder wants to stay at City. (Fabrizio Romano), external
It was a torrid season for Man Utd last campaign, finishing a woeful fifteenth in the Premier League table.
Having added two attackers, the elephant in the room is still their lack of striker.
Rasmus Hojlund is certainly not the answer to their problems, try as he might, he is not a natural goalscorer.
This was underpinned by the manager opting to play Matheus Cunha up front but that didn’t seem to work either.
Nobody knows if there is any more money to spend, if you speak to any of the staff laid off last season, they would say no.
One moment Sir Jim Ratcliffe is saying how close the club was to going bankrupt, the next they are building new stadiums and spending £150m on players.
Testing times for manager
David Moyes has been quite vocal about the club’s lack of transfer activity so far this summer.
They have a threadbare squad and could struggle if they get injuries to key players.
It is a concern how few goals they look to have in them in the final third and really need to be active in what remains in this transfer window.
Same problems still there
While the additions of Bryan Mbuemo and Matheus Cunha will add creativity in the final third, there is a lot of work still to do.
With Bruno Fernandes joining them in a front three, their midfield looks weak and was often overpowered by The Toffees.
As a defensive unit, they still look all over the shop.
The lack of cohesion and communication for both Everton goals is just not good enough for the Premier League.
Bruno Fernandes congratulates Mason Mount for his brilliant goalCredit: Getty
Skipper Bruno Fernandes fired the Red Devils into a 19th minute lead from the penalty spot, after James Tarkowski was adjudged to have fouled Amad Diallo in the box.
Iliman Ndiaye levelled for the Toffees before half-time, profiting on a poor mistake by Manuel Ugarte to score.
A brilliant strike by Mason Mount might have won it for United, but for Ayden Heaven‘s freak own goal 15 minutes from time.
Here is how SunSport’s Martin Lipton rated each Red Devil in Atlanta.
Altay Bayindir – 5
Keeper‘s United future is decidedly uncertain and all the reasons for that were again in evidence.
Slow reactions to Garner’s free-kick should have been punished by O’Brien although he could do nothing about Ndiaye’s strike.
United need a reliable back-up to Andre Onana. It’s hard to make a case for the Turk deserving that responsibility.
Leny Yoro – 7
Third start in a row for the French, a clear sign that Amorim has him in mind to be the right-sided defensive starter.
His callowness at times is on display, as you should expect.
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Leny Yoro could have a big season for the Red DevilsCredit: Getty
There are occasional errors but the potential is unquestioned and one tackle on Beto after De Ligt was dumbfounded was crucial. He would surely welcome more help than Amad will ever give him, though.
SunSport’s chief reporter Martin Lipton previews the season ahead for Man Utd… with confidence in the air
Matthijs de Ligt – 5
Had the task of neutering Beto’s threat but looked lumbering at times. Too often, when asked to defend, United stand off their men rather than forcing errors.
The Dutchman is unlikely to ever change at this stage in his career and you can envisage him and Maguire being in and out of the team all season. Strikers with genuine pace might be licking their lips.
Luke Shaw – 6
England veteran will probably be the man in possession on the left of the defensive trio for the start of the season and his emphatic backing for Amorim was a significant pointer of dressing room buy-in.
But Shaw will know this was not one of his more persuasive performances as he seemed ill at ease whenever Everton opted to run at him. Doesn’t help when the midfield is a leaky bathtub.
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Luke Shaw will be desperate for an injury-free campaignCredit: Getty
Amad Diallo – 7
Clearly viewed as a wing-back this season and unleashed his rocket speed well to create Cunha’s opening before winning the penalty converted by Fernandes.
A real threat going forward yet his defensive weaknesses – clear once again in the “Big Peach” – will surely be targeted by opponents as the season wears on. Can you risk him against the top Premier League sides?
Manuel Ugarte – 4
The Uruguayan insists he is now ready for the Premier League. He will have to be better prepared than he was in Atlanta – as he was nowhere near good enough.
Everton appeared to feel they could force errors by putting him under pressure. They were not wrong, catching him in possession for Ndiaye’s equaliser. This system will always see the most defensive midfielder exposed at times.
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Manuel Ugarte endured an evening to forgetCredit: Getty
Kobbie Mainoo – 5
Amorim is adamant the England midfielder can make a genuine first team claim and that he is fitter and more mobile after the pre-season campaign.
Yet it is hard to make the case that Mainoo has progressed over the past 12 months. Still not entirely sure what sort of player he is going to be or if he can fit this United shape..
Diogo Dalot – 6
Portuguese defender, one of the six-man “leadership group”, started on the left – although that would make him Dorgu’s likely understudy.
Did make one really key intervention in front of his own goal as simple centres from Everton left United looking more than vulnerable and happier when moved to the right for the second half.
Bryan Mbeumo – 7
First outing in a United short for the £71m recruit from Brentford, who drifted off the right hand side with purpose and penetration.
Superb instant switch of play led to the penalty and his willingness to forage on either flank was evidence that the Cameroonian will instantly upgrade United’s forward threat. Would have loved to cap his display with a goal but understandably has debut run-out restricted to 45 minutes.
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Bryan Mbeumo made his first outing in Man Utd coloursCredit: AP
Bruno Fernandes – 7
A third goal of the US Tour and second from the spot for the skipper, who is expected to reject the latest Saudi offer and remain at United, although if Sesko is bought he will have to play deeper than he did last night.
Saying that, the way he played in and around Mbeumo and Cunha suggested United might not have to sign the Slovenian to have real attacking threat, with Fernandes showing creativity and enterprise throughout although spat with Ndiaye was utterly needless.
Matheus Cunha 7
The Brazilian was asked to fill the central attacking role, rather than playing off the front man, although the trident gave him the opportunity to roam at times.
Prodded wide of the far post when he might have done better early on but the run in behind was excellent.
The feeling remains he is a scorer of great goals more than a great goal scorer. United surely need someone who can do the ugly stuff in front of the net.
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Matheus Cunha showed flashes of brillianceCredit: Getty
Subs:
Patrick Dorgu (for Mbeumo, 46) 7
One of the stand-out successes of the US Tour and his entrance on the left saw Dalot switch flanks and Amad move further forward. Instantly improved the United left with the ball.
Ayden Heaven (for Yoro, 57) 6
Teenager walked into a defence that was being worryingly stretched and did his best to bring more security. Own goal was not his fault at all.
Harry Maguire (for Shaw, 57) 6
A little bit of calmness is always welcome. Been there, got the tee-shirt. May not have the starting shirt, though.
Mason Mount (for Mainoo, 57) 8
Mount is desperate for an injury-free campaign and goals like he produced to put United back in front win this one will only help his cause. Terrific finish from 16 yards.
Casemiro (for Ugarte, 72) 6
Brazilian cannot lose the pace he never had. And surely he is smarter and more streetwise than Ugarte. 6
Rasmus Hojlund (for Cunha, 72) 6
Dane knows his United days may be numbered, even if that is against his will. All he can do is try to prove Amorim he can do a job.
Tyler Fredricson (for De Ligt, 88) 6
A late run-out for the youngster. Something more for him to remember from his fortnight Stateside
Everton club captain Seamus Coleman has signed a one-year contract extension to take his stay at the club into a 17th season.
The 36-year-old right-back has made 428 appearances for Toffees across all competitions, and his 369 Premier League appearances is the club record.
“I love Everton so to continue playing for this special club means everything to me and my family,” said Republic of Ireland defender Coleman.
“Like every one of our passionate fans, I’ve lived and breathed what has been a difficult past few years for the club and have put my heart and soul into doing all I can to help us get through it.”
Coleman’s previous deal was due to expire last week.
Everton move to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium next season after leaving Goodison Park, their home for 133 years.
“Thanks to the hard work of many people, we’ve been able to get into our magnificent new stadium and pave the way for a brighter future under ambitious new owners, which I want to be part of,” said Coleman
“After a disappointing time with injuries last season, my focus will be on working hard, spending as much time on the pitch as possible, and helping Everton any way I can.”
Coleman made just five league appearances during the 2024-25 campaign as he struggled with various injury issues and notably took interim charge of the side alongside Under-18s coach Leighton Baines after the sacking of Sean Dyche in January.
Osman, who was given his Everton debut by Moyes in 2003, believes that Everton must retain key players such as Jarrad Branthwaite, James Tarkowski and Jordan Pickford, while recruiting more leaders to bolster a rapidly thinning squad.
“A Moyes dressing room is hard, demanding,” he said. “Having spoke to a couple of the squad, they love the clarity and what he’s asking of them.
“A manager has to ask for that level and he always did that when I played for him. You also look at O’Brien, who has excelled at right-back when people thought he couldn’t do it. We need to make sure these people stay on the pitch.”
The failed pursuit of new Chelsea striker Liam Delap, who was spoken to by Moyes, shows that centre-forward – and more goals in the team – is a priority, along with a right-back, right-winger and central midfielder. Departures, though, mean that recruitment is needed in almost every position to provide squad depth.
The club are reportedly interested, external in Villareal striker Thierno Barry, who is currently playing for France in the European Under-21 Championship.
Everton have taken steps to streamline their process, moving away from a director-of-football model following the departure of Kevin Thelwell to a sports leadership team headed by new chief executive Angus Kinnear.
He has said that Everton will utilise experts in data and analytics, football operations, recruitment, talent ID and player trading as part of the club’s evolving approach.
Kinnear has also already met with supporters group the Fan Advisory Board – a far removal from the previous regime when former manager Dyche described communicating with then-owner Moshiri by “Whatsapp and the odd phone call”.
Osman has backed the new structure to succeed and added: “It’s time to get behind the new hierarchy and I expect they would lean into Moyes’ experience as much as they can. I trust David Moyes more than anyone.”
Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker agrees to join Everton, Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo favours Manchester United over Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United open talks with Brighton over Joao Pedro.
Manchester City and England defender Kyle Walker, 35, has agreed to join Everton on a one-year deal. (Sun), external
Brentford and Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo, 25, is leaning towards a move to Manchester United over Tottenham Hotspur, despite his former manager Thomas Frank joining the latter. (Sky Sports News), external
Newcastle have opened talks with Brighton over the signing of Brazil forward Joao Pedro, 22, and are also interested in Sporting Lisbon and Ivory Coast centre-back Ousmane Diomande, 21. (Telegraph – subscription required), external
Juventus have offered Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres an £11m-a-year contract as they try to beat Arsenal and Manchester United to a deal for the 27-year-old Sweden international. (Mirror), external
Manchester United have held initial talks with Eintracht Frankfurt over the signing of France striker Hugo Ekitike, 22, but no formal bid has been made yet. (Sky Sports, external)
Napoli are aiming to sign either Manchester United and Argentina winger Alejandro Garnacho, 20, or Manchester City and England midfielder Jack Grealish, 29, but the Italian champions are only willing to spend £45m. (Sun), external
Atletico Madrid will target Aston Villa and France full-back Lucas Digne, 31, if they do not sign Scotland and Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson, 31. (Times – subscription required, external)
Chelsea have opened talks with Lyon over Belgian winger Malik Fofana, 20. Nottingham Forest have also shown interest. (L’Equipe – in French) , external
Barcelona and Germany goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, 33, has turned down an offer from Turkish champions Galatasaray. (Sport – in Spanish), external
Athletic Bilbao, Marseille, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Inter Milan, and Napoli have all shown interest in Al Nassr and Spain defender Aymeric Laporte, 31, formerly of Manchester City. (AS – in Spanish), external
Liverpool have joined Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle in the race for Southampton and England U21s winger Tyler Dibling, 19. (CaughtOffside), external
Real Betis want to enter into a joint-ownership agreement with Manchester United for Brazil winger Antony, 25, that would see the Spanish club buy increasing percentages of his playing rights from next summer. (ABC – in Spanish), external
