CLUB football is back for the Premier League this weekend after the international break.
After the last round of fixtures, a chaotic transfer deadline day followed as clubs splashed out £375million on new talent to take the overall spending for the window to over £3BILLION.
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Alexander Isak is in line to make his Liverpool debut at the weekendCredit: Reuters
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Nick Woltemade, Newcastle’s record signing, will have big boots to fillCredit: Getty
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Alejandro Garnacho could play for Chelsea this weekendCredit: Getty
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Harvey Elliott completed a move to Aston Villa from LiverpoolCredit: Getty
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While Jadon Sancho was a deadline-day loan arrivalCredit: Instagram @avfcofficial
And with that wave of new arrivals, including emergency loans, the conclusions of blockbuster sagas and shrewd deals, there will be several new faces for fans to watch.
SunSport has taken a look at stars who could make their debuts this weekend, including two club-record signings.
Kicking off the team in goal is new Manchester City star Gianluigi Donnarumma, who arrived on deadline day from Paris Saint-Germain for £26million.
New £18m Manchester United star Senne Lammens could have been selected just as easily, but they can let their goalkeeping do the talking during the Manchester Derby on Sunday.
Alejandro Garnacho, a £40m sale from Man Utd to Chelsea, was not a deadline day switch but was only announced after the Blues’ most recent game at Stamford Bridge – meaning he will be in line for his debut this weekend.
The 23-year-old German looked impressive during the Under-21 Euros this summer, while he scored 17 for Stuttgart last season.
But he – alongside fellow new Toon ace Yoane Wissa – will have big boots to fill following Alexander Isak‘s record-breaking £130m departure to Liverpool.
Isak’s saga dragged on all summer and was on and off and then on and off again, before possibly the move of the summer was finally put to bed on deadline day.
Elsewhere, there are the likes of Kevin, Fulham‘s own £35m record-breaking arrival from Shakhtar Donetsk, Jaydee Canvot at Crystal Palace and Brian Brobbey at Sunderland who could also make first appearances for their new clubs at the weekend.
Onana was left out of the starting XI for the opening Premier League games against Arsenal and Fulham.
He then put in another error-strewn display in the humiliating Carabao Cup defeat at Grimsby.
Former Man Utd manager forced to ride E-Bike across pitch to get to tunnel during World Cup qualifier
It saw him dropped again for the Prem win over Burnley before United made a deadline-day £18.2million swoop for 23-year-old Belgian Senne Lammens.
And it has emerged that insiders felt Onana was showing a lack of involvement and interest in working for the team in the final days before the international break.
That included the former Ajax and Inter Milan keeper effectively refusing to even acknowledge his manager in training.
So Amorim was happy to wave through Onana’s exit, leaving him with Lammens, struggling Turk Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton, 39.
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Senne Lammens could make his debut against Man CityCredit: Getty
Amorim has to decide whether to give Lammens a debut at the Etihad or stick with Bayindir for now.
Meanwhile, Onana copped more flak for the 1-0 defeat by Cape Verde on Tuesday that virtually ended Cameroon’s hopes of automatic World Cup qualification.
Tuchel insisted after the match that Rashford is putting in the effort to succeed.
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Rashford has been recalled for the England teamCredit: Getty
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Thomas Tuchel insisted that the forward is training wellCredit: Alamy
He said: “For me, he’s clearly a left winger.
“That’s where we played him today. He had the freedom to go a bit more inside to play not only against the fifth defender in the back five, but to play maybe more inside against the third.
“I think the right side was a bit more active and found the positions a bit better. So I think he suffered from that today.
“He had an excellent training week, and it was obvious that we want him to start because he trained so well on the left side.
“I can see that he tries. This is, for me, the most important, that he stays positive and he trains at the moment with the right attitude with a smile.
“He struggles a bit with numbers and with ‘wow’ performance in an England shirt.”
Good afternoon and welcome to SunSport’s live blog of Celtic vs Man Utd legends!
The two European powerhouses meet again in a star-studded charity match.
Last year, Celtic claimed the bragging rights as Gary Hooper’s second half strike cancelled out Wayne Rooney’s stunning free-kick to take the match to penalties.
The Scottish giants prevailed on spot kicks, winning 5-4 after five perfect penalties.
Today, the likes of Michael Carrick, Joe Hart, Dimitar Berbatov and Darren Fletcher will all roll back the years.
SunSport will bring you minute-by-minute coverage of today’s huge charity match.
ERIK TEN HAG was sacked by Bayer Leverkusen after just two matches due to FIVE major problems.
The former Manchester United was dumped by his new German side after failing to win either of his opening Bundesliga games.
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Bayer Leverkusen dumped Erik ten Hag due to five major issuesCredit: Getty
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The Dutchman failed miserably in the wake of title winner Xabi AlonsoCredit: AFP
Ten Hag’s exit came as a shock, with some fans feeling the Dutchman was unfairly treated while following in Xabi Alonso’s footsteps.
Leverkusen bid farewell to numerous title-winning stars including Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Piero Hincapie, with all three now in the Premier League.
However, Leverkusen bosses were eager to pull the plug after long-standing employees branded him the WORST coach in their club’s history.
BIZARRE APPROACH
Bild now claims there were five key reasons to sack Ten Hag as quickly as possible – with the Dutchman leaving with a DAILY earning of £86,000 thanks to his £5.2million salary and severance package.
First off, it’s claimed that Ten Hag failed to get along with any of his players OR staff – including the ones who arrived with him in July.
He refused to give a “rousing” speech before the first match against Hoffenheim, with the game ending in a 2-1 defeat.
And many of his staff and players were left questioning his bizarre decision to almost downplay the occasion.
Secondly, the Dutchman was accused of “interfering” with Leverkusen’s transfer plans, including only proposing players from his own agency.
Ten Hag is represented by SEG Football, who represent Rasmus Hojlund and also allegedly batted for Andre Onana and Antony when they joined Man United for huge fees.
Man Utd flop Antony breaks down in tears at Real Betis unveiling
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Ten Hag public vetoed Granit Xhaka’s exit, but he joined Sunderland just days laterCredit: PA
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The Germans signed Lucas Vazquez without consulting Ten HagCredit: Getty
Meanwhile, he publicly vetoed Granit Xhaka’s move to Sunderland, despite an internal agreement for the Swiss ace to move on.
And Leverkusen chiefs went directly against Ten Hag when they granted Xhaka his exit just days later.
Elsewhere, the late arrival of Lucas Vazquez from Real Madrid was made without Ten Hag knowing until AFTER the ace’s contract was signed – highlighting his lack of relationship with club transfer guru Simon Rolfes and ultimately indicating Leverkusen’s decision to move forward without him.
TRAINING PAIN
The third reason for Ten Hag’s exit was his insistence on players doing PUSH UPS during training, ranking it as important as working with the ball.
Stars were used to lots of tactical and technical work under predecessor Alonso, now at Real Madrid.
And Ten Hag’s “unusually long” training sessions, packed with dull physical work, left many unmotivated.
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New signings like Jarrell Quansah failed to get goingCredit: Getty
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There were no tactics on the pitchCredit: AFP
NO CONNECTION
Fourthly, chiefs were left concerned by the “cold” atmosphere around the club, with Ten Hag’s lack of leadership resulting in a major disconnect at the training ground AND the stadium.
Staff ranging from coaches to nutritionists and physios quickly became disillusioned.
And the recent memories of Alonso’s title-winning reign only further compounded the misery.
TACTICAL DISASTERCLASS
Finally, the proof was in the pudding itself.
Leverkusen lost their first match to Hoffenheim, and then threw away a two-goal lead to draw with 10-men Werder Bremen.
Players were said to be baffled by the lack of ideas and general game plan – and it showed.
Individuals were expected to take decisive actions, but none seemed to work in a consistent tactical manner across the field.
And the only thing Leverkusen chiefs have been left to ponder is whether they should have sacked Ten Hag earlier.
Reports claim former Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou is now being considered as his replacement.
While there is also interest in former Bundesliga managers Marco Rose and Edin Terzic, with a decision set to be made over the international break.
ASHLEY and Tyler Young are set to become the first father-son duo to take to the field in Championship history.
The pair were denied a historic meeting by Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson in last season’s FA Cup when Tyler and his Posh team-mates took on Premier League side Everton.
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Ashley Young and his son Tyler were denied a historic father-son moment in last season’s FA CupCredit: REX
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But they could make history as the first father-son duo to play for the same team following Tyler’s move to Ipswich TownCredit: REX
Had Tyler taken to the pitch while his old man was on the field, they would’ve become the first father-son duo to play against one another in the 154-year history of the FA Cup.
But now, they could potentially play for the SAME TEAM after Tyler was signed to Ipswich Town‘s Under-21s following a successful trial.
Former Manchester United and England star Ashley joined the Tractor Boys this summer at the ripe old age of 40.
And the magnitude of Town’s signing of his son hasn’t gone unnoticed by football fans.
One wrote on X:”Like father, like son.”
Another said: “Hopefully, they get given a game together.”
And another said: “Finally get to play together professionally.”
One remarked: “Would love to see them play in the same team together.”
MANCHESTER UNITED are set for a make-or-break deadline day after failing to sell any players this window.
But Ruben Amorim’s side is running out of time with the window shutting at 7pm tonight.
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Ruben Amorim is hoping to make some late changes to his squadCredit: Reuters
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Emiliano Martinez is one goalkeeper target for UnitedCredit: Alamy
Goalkeeper
United are keeping potential deals with Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez and Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens warm before deciding which one to go for.
Both players want to join Amorim’s side and were left out of their respective squads over the weekend. United aren’t in line to sign both goalkeepers.
£17million-rated Lammens, 23, is a project for the future, while World Cup winner Martinez can surely put things up between the sticks immediately.
SunSport understands Lammens is happy with the personal terms now on offer after talks stalled last week, and the Belgian wants to move to Old Trafford.
However, the Red Devils still need to agree a fee with Royal Antwerp, who are believed to be seeking £20 million.
Martinez, 32, would cost significantly more at around £40million and would demand higher wages in line with his current Villa Park deal, which still has five years left.
Antony
United winger Antony is expected to travel to Spain for a medical with Real Betis, where he enjoyed a revitalising six month loan last season.
He will take a significant pay cut to leave and will join Betis for £21.7m, with the deal made up of an initial £19m payment plus £3.4million in adds.
At a fee of £40m, in a window where players have been going for really silly money, he does not represent a massive risk.
The question is whether Garnacho is better than what Chelsea already have or what they have let go in the course of an incredible summer of buying and selling.
Garnacho is set to duke it out with fellow new arrival Jamie Gittens to be Maresca’s first choice down the left.
The Blues boss said: “They are quite similar.
“When we are looking for a winger, we like wingers who are good in one-v-one, they are quite vertical, aggressive, they can attack, they can create something.
“Jamie is that profile. If Garnacho arrives, we will see.”
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Fellow new signings Jamie Gittens had better numbers than Garnacho last seasonCredit: Getty
Garnacho brings more competition for places in Chelsea’s well-stocked attack.
But when you compare his stats for last season to those of Gittens, it is not much of a contest.
Chelsea fans needn’t worry about losing Rio Ngumoha, there’s somone better on the way
Across most of the important categories, Gittens was better: goals, assists, dribbles, chance conversion and so on.
There are two points to consider, however. Firstly, Gittens had a great time in front of goal last season, outperforming his expected goals significantly.
Meanwhile Garnacho had a particularly bad time when it came to converting big chances.
While Sancho was playing for Borussia Dortmund – as Gittens was last season – the then England manager Gareth Southgate was asked frequently about his form and whether he deserved more game time.
Without ever actually saying, “Lads, it’s the Bundesliga”, Southgate made it pretty clear that doing well in Germany’s top flight was one thing, but reproducing that form in the Premier League and at international level was quite another.
Maresca was not impressed with Gittens’ PL debut against Crystal Palace, hooking him after 54 minutes and putting him on the bench for the 5-1 thrashing of West Ham.
Yet it would be harsh to judge Gittens so soon.
Interestingly, too, Sancho’s stats while he was on loan at Chelsea last season stand up pretty well to Garnacho’s for United in some categories.
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Jadon Sancho also put up better numbers that Garnacho during his Chelsea loan last seasonCredit: Reuters
Sancho seemed to enjoy being away from the toxicity of Old Trafford and Maresca said: “We had Jadon with us and he had a very good season.
“Again, if we finish top four and we achieve what we achieved, it’s also because of Jadon.
“Now with Garnacho, in case [if] he will arrive, we will see.”
That phrase again – we will see.
Noni Madueke, sold to Arsenal by the Blues earlier this summer, outperformed both Sancho and Garnacho last season.
Madueke, of course, plays primarily as a right winger. But on output alone, Chelsea seem to have got rid of a more potent attacking player than Garnacho.
And looking at Pedro Neto’s numbers, you wonder whether the Blues would have been better keeping Madueke.
Garnacho’s statistics for United in 2023/4 were in many cases better than in 2024/5, but not to a spectacular degree.
The Argentinian has it all to prove on the pitch.
He will also need to be careful off it.
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Noni Madueke, who was sold to Arsenal this summer, was Chelsea’s top performing winger last termCredit: Getty
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Pedro Neto also had better stats that GarnachoCredit: Getty
Garnacho infuriated United this summer with his habit of sending not-very-subtle messages of defiance through social media.
The Blues boss said: “We are in an era where I look like the strange one, because I don’t use social networks.
“I have a company that runs my Instagram but I don’t use it. I look strange because I don’t use it.
“But the normal situation in this era is that everyone uses it. I’m not going to tell them, don’t use that.
“First of all, because they have family around them that can give them advice.
“I have four kids and try to give them advice.
“But if I have to give 25 more players advice, it’s too complicated.
“Anyone can do what they want, anyone can say what they want, but in the end it’s a matter of respect.”
Garnacho may find Maresca and Chelsea intolerant of mischief-making on social media and other disruptive behaviour.
And he only has to look at the turnover of players at Stamford Bridge to know what will happen if he does not deliver.
MANCHESTER UNITED have agreed a deal to sell Alejandro Garnacho to Chelsea.
The Red Devils have sanctioned an exit for the wantaway winger worth £40million.
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Alejandro Garnacho is joining ChelseaCredit: Getty
Garnacho, 21, will join the Blues on a reported seven-year contract after waiting for a move to materialise all summer.
The Argentine had been pushing for an exit after falling down the pecking order under boss Ruben Amorim.
MORE TO FOLLOW…
THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..
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MANCHESTER United fans and neutrals alike have revisited a video of Jose Mourinho from last year as evidence that he could be on his way back to Old Trafford.
Jose Mourinho has been linked with a return to Manchester United after comments he made last yearCredit: AFP
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He told the press that he would be interested in moving to a bottom half Premier League teamCredit: X / BBCMOTD
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The 62-year-old legend currently manages Fenerbahce in TurkeyCredit: X / BBCMOTD
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Mourinho previously spent two years managing UtdCredit: X / BBCMOTD
The iconic manager made comments last October hinting that he would be open to a return to a bottom-half Premier League side, after his Fenerbahce side secured a draw in the Europa League AGAINST Man Utd.
He told the press: “The best thing I have to do is – when I leave Fenerbahce – I go to a club that doesn’t play Uefacompetitions.
“So if any club in England, from the bottom of the table, needs coach in two years – I am ready to go.
Fans across the English game this window have jumped on the bandwagon, with Leeds, West Ham, Wolves and Utd fans all linking themselves to the manager through the video on social media.
One United fan succinctly commented on the post: “So Mourinho is going back to Man Utd, innit?”
Fans are split on the Portuguese, who already spent two years at the helm at Old Trafford between 2016-18, but at least some of the Red Devils faithful would be open to the move.
Speaking on the players, one X user commented: “None of them can manage the pressure and the culture of winning. We just need Jose Mourinho back.”
Fans of other clubs have also been circling around the old clip as it circulates on X.
One Leeds fan commented:” “I don’t care if he got us relegated, this needs to happen.”
A Hammers fan added: “Feel like Mourinho and West Ham would be pure entertainment. Let it happen, fate.”
Crazy moment Jose Mourinho pinches Galatasaray manager’s NOSE before he falls to ground sparking chaos
Man Utd ratings v Grimsby
MANCHESTER UNITED are at rock bottom after the biggest cup upset saw the club crash out of the Carabao Cup second-round to League Two Grimsby Town on penalties.
Ruben Amorim’s United lost to a four-tier side for the first time ever.
The home fans sang “you’re getting sacked in the morning” to Amorim throughout and you can’t help but wonder if they’re right.
60. The energy from Grimsby has been brilliant tonight.
With an hour gone, they still seem to have plenty in the tank.
The next goal is criitical in this game, Man Utd have enough quality on the pitch to turn this match in an instant.
Grimsby 2-0 Man Utd
58. What a chance for the Red Devils.
Mbuemo swings a cross into the box and Heaven has a completely free diving header.
Somehow, he puts his effort over the crossbar.
Woeful effort.
Grimsby 2-0 Man Utd
56. This weather may be helping the hosts.
The rain is torrential and makes conditions very difficult to play passing football in.
Man Utd have a free-kick some thirty yards out, good chance to ask some questions of the keeper.
Grimsby 2-0 Man Utd
54. Green does brilliantly to hold the ball up.
He seemed to have got in behind the defence but did not have the legs to make the most of it.
Grimsby are still looking dangerous on the attack here.
View from SunSport’s Gareth Davies at Kassam Stadium
A word for 39-year-old James Milner, named as Brighton skipper on his first start for four days short of a year.
He was named as skipper, and kept things ticking along nicely as Albion’s class kept them way out in front.
It was almost too easy for Brighton, who made it 3-0 seconds before the hour mark when Diego Gomez scored right footed from close in with the home defence opened up again.
Grimsby 2-0 Man Utd
52. That was a massive chance for Grimsby.
It should give them confidence that the Red Devils look very open when the hosts come at them.
As the rain pours down, Man Utd get a low cross into the box but the mixture of keeper and defender allows the League Two outfit to clear.
MANCHESTER UNITED are preparing for more ins and outs ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline!
There has been increased confidence that Chelsea will complete a deal for Alejandro Garnacho before Monday’s deadline, according to reports.
Bruno Fernandes is open to leaving the Red Devils at the end of the season after rejecting offers from Saudi Arabia this summer, according to reports.
Meanwhile, Kobbie Mainoo is reportedly open to leaving Old Trafford, with multiple Premier League clubs and Real Madrid interested.
In other news, Real Betis are said to be confident in landing winger Antony on a permanent basis.
And there are reports in Italy that Napoli are open to including a mandatory buy clause into a loan agreement for Rasmus Hojlund, which would be worth around £39million.
DREAM TEAM managers have until 11am on Saturday morning to confirm their transfers for Gameweek 3.
We’ve assembled some tempting transfer targets separate from the too-obvious-to-list options for your consideration.
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Horses for coursesCredit: Dream Team
Harvey Barnes (£4m)
Anthony Gordon (£4.5m) would have been a viable option this week had he not seen red against Liverpool on Monday night.
But Dream Team managers can follow the same logic with Newcastle’s No11.
The Magpies are due to face Leeds this Saturday with the Whites having been hammered by Arsenal in Gameweek 2.
Daniel Farke’s side were also humiliated by Sheffield Wednesday’s youngsters in the Carabao Cup.
Newcastle may have had their hearts broken by Arne Slot’s troops last time out but they showed they pack a punch even when a man down to the champions.
Barnes is a true horses-for-courses selection as he boasts a formidable record against Leeds of five goals in six Premier League appearances.
The 27-year-old should be guaranteed playing time while Gordon serves his suspension with Newcastle’s next home game also a favourable match-up in the form of Wolves.
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Wood already has two goals to his name this seasonCredit: Reuters
Chris Wood (£4.3m)
Dream Team bosses could do a lot worse than targeting West Ham’s weaknesses at present.
The Hammers lost 3-0 to Sunderland on the opening weekend and got thrashed 5-1 by Chelsea in Gameweek 2, not to mention a Carabao Cup capitulation at Wolves.
Nottingham Forest will feel confident of a positive result against Graham Potter’s mob this Sunday and their big target man might be first in line to benefit.
Alternatively, four of their midfielders are already into double figures for points: Morgan Gibbs-White (£4.7m), Callum Hudson-Odoi (£3.7m), Dan Ndoye (£3.3m) and Elliot Anderson (£3.7m).
September brings a tricky trip to Arsenal for Nuno Espirito Santo’s men but that’s more than countered by favourable fixtures against Burnley and Sunderland.
Forest will also commence their Europa League campaign after the international break.
Dream Team bosses should ensure they have plenty of players active in Europe once the midweek fixtures start coming thick and fast.
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Set-piece specialistCredit: Getty
Pedro Porro (£5.1m)
Both Brennan Johnson (£4.7m) and Richarlison (£3.3m) are among the most popular recruits ahead of Gameweek 3 at this stage.
And that’s perfectly understandable.
But we’re choosing to shine a light on Tottenham’s defence after two clean sheets from as many outings.
Cristian Romero (£3.6m), Micky van de Ven (£3.8m) and Djed Spence (£3.8m) are all more affordable but it feels like Porro is on the brink of a mega haul.
The Spaniard continues to take up advanced positions and, in the absence of James Maddison (£4.5m), he’s on set-pieces.
It’s worth remembering that Porro racked up a whopping 51 bonus points last season.
Spurs host Bournemouth this weekend but it’s their trip to West Ham in Gameweek 4 that looks most inviting.
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Cunha came close against FulhamCredit: Getty
Matheus Cunha (£5m)
A pure one-week punt to finish.
Manchester United are at home to Burnley on Saturday and their new No10 will be licking his lips at the prospect.
Only two players have registered more shots than Cunha across the first two league games and the Brazilian forward is the outright leader for shots on target.
It feels as if his first goal in red is just around the corner and what better platform than Old Trafford against a newly-promoted team?
Many gaffers will feel they can’t accommodate a short-term move such as this (a Manchester derby awaits in Gameweek 4) especially with the European competitions looming large but it wouldn’t be a surprise if Cunha bagged a big double-digit haul against the Clarets.
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WHEN Rio Ngumoha curled in his historic goal for Liverpool, fans of Chelsea AND Manchester United should have felt a kick in the guts.
Because although the teenage winger left the Blues’ Academy to join the Reds last year, London-born Ngumoha was a childhood United fan who spent time with the Red Devils before opting for Anfield.
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Rio Ngumoha scored a beauty on his Premier League debut for LiverpoolCredit: Getty
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But Chelsea and Man United would have winced as the strike hit the back of the netCredit: Getty
The wonderkid’s sensational winner against Newcastle made him the youngest scorer in Liverpool’s history and the fourth youngest in the Premier League era.
At 16 years and 361 days, Ngumoha was just one day older than Wayne Rooney when he announced himself to the world with an amazing strike against Arsenal in October 2022.
And it left Chelsea supporters in particular wondering how the club let one of English football’s greatest young talents get away.
Stamford Bridge legend John Terry is among those devastated that the club lost Ngumoha to their rivals.
Terry told SunSport: “He is a very ambitious boy that wanted to play first-team football and believed that was his pathway into Liverpool’s first team.
“I’m still in contact with him, but just a fantastic player.
“There’s going to be many more over the years that as an academy you lose, but there’s always one that you think, a bit gutted we missed out on that one.”
Terry has been back at Chelsea for a couple of years as a mentor to players at the club’s Academy and knew Ngumoha was something special.
Terry said: “We had a really good under-14 team and he was a big part of that.
“Just seeing him taking it and driving the defenders, being a defender myself, [I was] thinking I wouldn’t have liked that at all.
Sky Sports viewers ‘get motion sickness’ as Premier League adds new feature for Newcastle vs Liverpool coverage
“You don’t see too many players that are exciting like him anymore.
“He was a very confident player, taking the ball on the back foot, lots of personality, very confident in himself.
“Since the likes of [Eden] Hazard and Joe Cole and those types of players that are very confident and get the fans off their seat as well…I think football’s become a little bit stale and a little bit kind of tactical over the last four or five years.
“It’s refreshing to see players like him in the team and I’m sure the Liverpool players are speaking very well of him.
“He will be a top, top player, I’m sure of that.”
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Ngumoha was a star of the Blues’ Cobham academyCredit: Getty
From the moment Ngumoha came on against Newcastle, he showed the same confidence that had seen him grab the headlines in pre-season.
Terry was speaking after the winger had crowned a brilliant run with a fabulous finish in a friendly against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield, following an earlier strike against Yokohama Mariners during the Reds’ Far East tour.
Terry said: “He’s still only 16, which is incredible, but the confidence to kind of shrug people off, well-known established players in the Premier League, and go on and kind of chop inside and then put it in the bottom corner is a very good thing to do.
“But he showed that ability in the academy and unfortunately we’ve lost him.
“I don’t want to put too much pressure on the boy, and I wish him well because he’s a great player.
“He’s also a great little kid as well, someone who wants to learn and wants to get better.”
Chelsea fans will be as gutted as Terry about losing Ngumoha, but United supporters should also wonder what might have been.
Because in one of his few interviews, he revealed that he was a United fan.
In a viral TikTok video promoting Adidas’ F50 boots, in which he was made to choose between David Beckham and Jude Bellingham, Ngumoha admitted: “I’m a Man United fan, I didn’t really watch Beckham, but I have to go with David Beckham”
In June last year Ngumoha spent time with United, who pushed for his signature, but admitted defeat to their rivals who were further ahead in the race to sign the talented youngster.
Mystery surrounds the details of Ngumoha’s move from London to Anfield.
Often when the hottest young talents change club, the saga is played out in public in a bitter row.
In response to losing one of their most talented teenagers, the Stamford Bridge hierarchy reportedly DENIED accreditation requests from Liverpool and Manchester United scouts who would be looking to poach their top players – though those in charge denied having done so.
In Ngumoha’s case there is radio silence, with no confirmation of what compensation Liverpool have had to pay Chelsea to snatch the player who joined the Blues Academy when he was eight.
Compare and contrast what happened when the Reds poached two other youngsters from London clubs.
Fulham were furious when Liverpool moved for Harvey Elliott in 2019 when he was 16.
It was not until February 2021 that the Reds were ordered to pay £1.5m, plus up to £2.8m in performance-related add-ons – a record fee at the time for a player of that age.
Further back, Liverpool caused controversy with their signing of Raheem Sterling.
The QPR youngster was only 15 when the Reds made their move in 2010, joining for an initial fee of £450,000 which would rise to up to £2m.
Ngumoha’s brilliance was no secret to anyone involved in youth development in English football.
He played a key role in Chelsea’s under-16 team being crowned national champions.
Ngumoha’s amazing individual goal for the Blues against Wolves in the Premier League Cup final for Under-17 sides in April 2024 was perhaps the first time a wider public saw his talent up close.
Ngumoha joined Liverpool officially in September last year, a few days after turning 16.
That is the age at which young players can sign two-year scholarship terms at clubs which combine more intensive training with ongoing academic execution.
Only Chelsea know what they offered him to sign scholar’s terms.
Transfer commentator Fabrizio Romano reported that the Reds broke their usual pay structure for young players to sign Ngumoha.
Others, including Terry, say that Ngumoha was impressed by the pathway for young players at Anfield after Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah were fast-tracked into the first team.
But the reality is that clubs poach each other’s top young talent all the time and Chelsea do it as much, if not more, than anyone else.
Tyler Dibling, like Ngumoha, was 16 when he left Southampton for the Blues in 2022, only to return to the Saints later the same year.
Dibling has just joined Everton in a deal worth up to £40m and is regarded by some as a potential superstar.
But Terry is not the only one to believe that in Ngumoha, Chelsea lost a generational talent.
And the young man himself has big dreams.
“I truly believe I can win the Ballon d’Or one day.
“I want to be regarded as one of the best players to ever play football and be a legend of the game.
“The love for football started when I was four or five, I was watching my brother, and I wanted to be like him.
“I was going to academies from a young age, and it was a big thing when so many clubs wanted to sign me.
“I have learned you have to be resilient and believe in yourself, you can have a few bad games, but you have to have that belief that you are the best.”
What Ngumoha did on Monday night at St James’ Park was the first step to fulfilling those dreams.
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This struggle is best illustrated by the unlikely figure who created the side’s only ‘big chance’ of the game.
Goalkeeper Altay Bayindir was the only player to create such a chance, through his repeated use of long balls into the opponents’ half.
That chance came when a long ball from the Turk fell at Matheus Cunha’s feet, but Bernd Leno pulled off a smart save to tip the ball around the post with the Brazilian through on goal.
Fans of the club and neutrals alike were quick to comment on the bizarre statistic.
One X user derided the club, commenting: “When your GK is the playmaker, just know it’s peak banter era.”
Another user piled into the fray on social media, saying: “After spending over 200m on attackers they still need a goalie to create a chance.”
Bruno Fernandes’ horrific missed penalty in the first half seemed to have been redeemed when Leny Yoro‘s header deflected off Rodrigo Muniz’s back and into the net.
But Emile Smith Rowe poked home an equaliser soon after with one of his first touches of the match, just minutes after being introduced off the bench.
Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim insists that there may yet be a future of any of his infamous ‘bomb squad’ that don’t make it out of Old Trafford
MANCHESTER UNITED’S ‘Kid-Messi’ wonderkid JJ Gabriel is set to train with Ruben Amorim’s first team at times this season.
At 14 years old, Gabriel is too young to feature in the FA Youth Cup despite becoming the youngest ever player to feature for the Under-18s.
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Man Utd whizzkid teenager JJ Gabriel has been told he will train with Ruben Amorim’s first-team squad at times this seasonCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
The forward will not be 15 years old until October, but is already the talk ofOld Traffordand beyond with his fast-tracked displays.
This season’s Youth Cup players have to be born before the cut-off date of 31 August 2010, with Kai Rooney eligible to feature.
Gabriel committed his future to United for at the least the next two years and has been tipped by insiders to become their youngest EVER Premier League player.
He is so highly rated that technical director Jason Wilcox and director of football Matt Hargreaves played active roles in keeping him at the club.
Gabriel, who isn’t even in his GCSE year at school, was handed his first U18 start in Saturday’s 1-0 win at Everton, outperforming players who were mostly older and bigger.
United invited Gabriel to watch Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in the directors’ box, following the teenager’s decision to stay amid interest from Europe‘s biggest clubs.
He was then pictured with Amorim at Carrington on Thursday, with his family also introduced to the United boss.
The Portuguese gaffer, 40, will start working with Gabriel as he will be drafted into the first team group at times throughout the season.
While it’s not unusual for academy players to train with the big boys, it is rare for the youngest players to get the nod.
Gabriel made his debut for the U18s at the beginning of April and scored twice from the bench in a 13-1 hammering of Leeds.
Roy Keane reveals details of his Man Utd contracts including special flights clause and huge signing on fee
That match saw him become the youngest ever player to feature for the U18s, with club legend Darren Fletcher in charge of his development.
He made a further two appearances for the U18s before the end of the season and scored again, while also featuring for England‘s Under-15s.
Shooting to stardom under the name ‘Kid Messi’ on YouTube five years ago, the schoolboy signed a lucrative deal with Nike in February.
Gabriel, whose full name is Joseph Junior Andreou Gabriel, was born in London and is the son of former Republic of Ireland defender Joe O’Cearuill, who spent most of his career playing non-League after starting out at Watford and Arsenal.
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Joe O’Cearuill’s (right) son JJ Gabriel currently stars for United’s academyCredit: Sportsfile
Benjamin Sesko made his Manchester United in Sunday’s defeat to Arsenal.
On the field, the £74million striker made little impact as his side crashed to a 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford.
But off it, Sesko leads a fabulous lifestyle full of glitz and glamour.
Napoli pushing for Hojlund
Napoli are pushing to sign Rasmus Hojlund from Man Utd, according to football journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.
Negotiations with United are understood to be entering the advanced stages, with Napoli requesting a loan deal with the option to buy.
United plot Real raid
Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a shock move for Real Madrid ace Eduardo Camavinga.
Red Devils boss Ruben Amorin is eager to add some defensive steel to his midfield before the transfer window closes on September 1.
Their interest in Brighton’s Carlos Baleba has reportedly cooled due to the “difficulty” in getting a deal over the line this close to deadline day.
And according to reports in Spain, United are now considering trying to sign Camavinga from Real.
It’s claimed the Old Trafford club are toying with the idea of submitting a £69million bid for the 22-year-old, who Amorim is said to be a big admirer of.
CRISTIANO RONALDO’S fiancee Georgina Rodriguez took social media by storm once more.
Georgina, 31, has amassed a large audience on social media thanks to her relationship with Ronaldo, 40.
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Cristiano Ronaldo’s fiancee Georgina Rodriguez took social media by stormCredit: INSTAGRAM
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Georgina posed in a barely-there see-through outfitCredit: INSTAGRAM
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Georgina set up a photoshoot on the beachCredit: INSTAGRAM
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Georgina left her millions of followers in aweCredit: INSTAGRAM
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Georgina left little to imaginationCredit: INSTAGRAM
And the content creator treated her 69.9million Instagram followers with another glam snap.
The Argentinean model posed in a barely-there see-through outfit at the beach.
And Georgina‘s fans were left in awe as they stormed the comments’ section.
One followers posted: “Perfection.”
Another commented: “Wowwww.”
A third wrote: “What a beauty and glow!”
This fan said: “Queen!”
And that one gushed: “You’re glowing.”
Georgina and Ronaldo finally got engaged after a long nine-year relationship.
The couple met in 2016 whenshewas working at a Gucci store in Spain during the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s time with Real Madrid.
Netflix series I Am Georgina sees Ronaldo’s partner balancing motherhood and work
They have two children together – Alana, seven, and Bella, three – and formed a family with the Manchester United legend’s three kids born to two surrogate mothers.
That includes Cristiano Jr, 15, as well as twins Mateo and Eva Maria, both eight.
Inside the glamorous world of Georgina Rodriguez…
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Georgina lives a life to be enviedCredit: Instagram
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The stunning fiancee of Ronaldo offers insights into her world using her social channelsCredit: instagram @georginagio
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She has over 69million followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram
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She met Ronaldo whilst working as a shop girl at DiorCredit: The Mega Agency
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She is now the mother to all of his childrenCredit: EPA
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Georgina now resides in Saudi Arabia following her partner’s move to the countryCredit: Georgina Rodriguez/instagram
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Georgina loves luxury holidays and can often be seen on mega yachtsCredit: Instagram @georginagio
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Boats are a big love of hersCredit: Refer to Caption
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She travels almost exclusively by private jetCredit: Georgina Rodríguez
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The Argentine beauty is a regularly at the Venice film festival where she can be seen turning headsCredit: Getty
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Georgina is loved by fashion magazines for her sense of styleCredit: Alamy
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She models for a range of companiesCredit: georginagio/Instagram
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Georgina has modelled for PrettyLittleThing lingerieCredit: Instagram
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Georgina’s love of travel is something she regularly shares on her social channels, including this trip to IbizaCredit: Instagram, @georginagio
