Manchester United is a club currently surrounded by question marks. Almost a year of poor performances in the Premier League under Ruben Amorim has led to speculation about his job security and Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS’s capability to turn the club around.

Amorim is yet to record back-to-back wins in the Premier League, and with fixtures like Liverpool and Tottenham coming up, it seems unlikely that he will win two in a row before the next international break.

While their managerial recruitment is in question, the new minority owners’ on-field recruitment has been a source of praise. In the senior team, players like Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have added a spark to United’s attack that hasn’t been seen in recent years, and youngsters like Sekou Kone and of course the more experienced Amad Diallo give fans hope for the future.

Despite the transfer window not being open for several months, United are looking to continue their impressive recent recruitment and have already agreed a deal to bring in their next young talent.

United agree deal for Orozco

Earlier in the week, it was revealed that Manchester United were putting in early plans to bring in “very technical” 17-year-old Colombian midfielder Cristian Orozco. On Thursday morning, Fabrizio Romano revealed that contracts have been “sealed and signed”, and he concluded his X post with his “here we go” confirmation.

“Manchester United have now sealed and signed deal to bring in 17 year old Colombian talent Cristian Orozco,” the journalist said. “$1m transfer fee from Fortaleza in deal valid from summer 2026. MUFC lawyers approved all the contracts, deal coordinated by lead scout Antonaccio. Here we go.”

The Colombian League runs on a different schedule to the Premier League, played from January to December. This means that Orozco will leave halfway through their 2026 campaign to join United ahead of the Premier League’s 2026/27 season.

The defensive midfielder has impressed in both his club and National Youth setups. His first Colombia under-17 appearance came in January, and he has represented the side on nine occasions since then. This move is still a gamble for United as the youngster still hasn’t made his senior debut for Fortaleza, but their willingness to take the risk with Orozco is down to their faith in a United figure whose recent recruitment has been impressive.

INEOS putting faith in South America scouts

In his post, Romano specifically highlighted United lead scout​​ Giuseppe Antonaccio as a crucial player in the deal. Antonaccio has been at the club since 2016 and focuses on scouting the South American market.

And his importance in recruiting young talent seems to be increasing. Along with the Orozco deal, he was also cited as being an important figure in bringing in United’s newest left back, Diego Leon. Leon has already made an impression at United and was kept with the first team despite initial plans to loan him out.

United have a history of being linked with talented youngsters from South America, but they have missed some major opportunities in recent years. The most notable of these was Moises Caicedo, who they reportedly could have signed for £5 million. Caicedo was eventually signed by Brighton and later moved to Chelsea for a then British transfer record of £115 million.

While it’s unlikely that Orozco, Leon or any other young talent they look to sign will surpass the £100 million mark, they could still provide some major benefits for the club. If they develop well, they could turn into important first-team players, and if we don’t hit the standards that United want, then their cheap price will make it easy for the club to sell them on for a profit at a time when they desperately need cash.

Manchester United are now willing to outbid Real Madrid to win the race for Tijuana wonderkid Gilberto Mora, who starred at the recent U20 World Cup.

It was recently revealed that Ruben Amorim is putting a heavy emphasis on bringing young players through the ranks, having introduced a number of academy stars to first-team training, with 18-year-old winger Shea Lacey particularly catching the eye.

Amorim plans to rebuild the link between the academy and the senior squad, and Lacey is one of the main youngsters who could push for a place in the match-day squad before the season comes to a close.

Bringing players through the academy has always been a part of United’s DNA, and their current manager has made it clear he wants to continue that tradition, saying: “We want to maintain it. The past of Manchester United is built on kids.

“I don’t want to be the guy that breaks that.”

The Red Devils have also set out to sign impressive up-and-coming talents from elsewhere, with it recently emerging they are in concrete talks to sign AIK Fotboll striker Kevin Filling, and they are now looking to sign another young attacker.

Man Utd willing to outbid Real Madrid for Mora

That is according to a report from Spain, which states Man United are willing to put a lot of money on the table to win the race for Tijuana attacking midfielder Mora, following his impressive performances at the recent U20 World Cup.

Such is United’s level of interest, they are willing to raise the price to a point where Madrid would be forced to back out of the race, but there could be competition for his signature, with Paris Saint-Germain also prepared to spend big.

In order to win the race, the Red Devils are aware they will need to move swiftly, with a deal expected to amount to €4.5m (£4m).

The 17-year-old certainly caught the eye at the U20 World Cup, receiving plaudits from scout Jacek Kulig courtesy of his performances in the group stage.

Not only that, but the teenager has already gained a plethora of experience for Tijuna at first-team level, having made 44 appearances for the Mexican side, during which time he’s amassed seven goals and two assists.

Mora is yet to prove himself in a major league, but his performances for both club and country have been extremely impressive, and it would be a real statement if Man United were able to beat Real Madrid to his signature.

Man Utd now enter race for Jeremy Monga Related Man Utd now enter race to sign new forward dubbed "England's Ousmane Dembele"

The Red Devils are looking to sign a “deadly finisher”.

Posts ByDominic Lund Oct 29, 2025

For India, Rishabh Pant walked off the field due to a finger injury, with Dhruv Jurel coming on as substitute wicketkeeper

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Jul-2025

The century stand between Ollie Pope and Joe Root took its time•Getty Images

Tea Joe Root and Ollie Pope batted through an uncharacteristically sedate second session at Lord’s, as India plugged away without rewards in the London sun and lost Rishabh Pant to a finger injury. England’s third-wicket stand had reached an unbroken 108 runs by tea, with Root and Pope adding 70 since the lunch interval.The stump microphones picked up Mohammed Siraj telling Root that he wanted to see some “Bazball” but England eschewed their usual attacking intent with the bat. India’s seamers went wide outside off stump, hanging in and waiting for a mistake that never came as Pope and Root left the ball alone and played with huge restraint.Root became the first man to get to 3000 Test runs against India shortly before going past fifty for the 103rd time in Tests, equalling Jacques Kallis and Ricky Ponting’s tallies, with only Sachin Tendulkar (119) ahead of him. He handed the strike to Pope during Jasprit Bumrah’s five-over spell after lunch, facing only two balls, and put away occasional bad balls from Nitish Kumar Reddy.It was Reddy who prised the game open for India in the morning session, removing both England openers in his first over after Ben Stokes had chosen to bat first. But Reddy and the rest of the Indian attack struggled with the softer ball. Shubman Gill eventually convinced the umpires to change it after 43 overs, but the replacement did not appear to move significantly more.Pant’s injury was a concern for India. He hurt his index finger while attempting to gather a rare ball down the leg side from Bumrah, and received treatment on the field before trying to continue. But after five balls, he left the field and continued to receive medical attention in the dressing room, as substitute fielder Dhruv Jurel deputised behind the stumps.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – The last time the All-Star Game was played here, all the pregame buzz was about a rookie righthander who was starting for the National League. Twenty-nine years later, we get the remake.

Where once Hideo Nomo was the star of stars, now it is Paul Skenes. Nomo was 6–1 with a 1.99 ERA and 11.9 strikeouts per nine innings when he started the 1995 All-Star Game. Skenes is 6–0 with a 1.90 ERA and 12.1 punchouts per nine.

Nomo did not disappoint. He pitched two shutout innings. ( The past eight All-Star starters have gone just one inning.) He struck out three. He retired three future Hall of Famers: Edgar Martinez, Frank Thomas and Cal Ripken Jr.

Nomo was 26 years old and had pitched in Japan for five seasons. Skenes is 22 and was pitching for LSU last year. He signed his first pro contract a year ago Thursday. He is even more of a phenom.

This is Skenes’s national introduction. The fastest pitch he has thrown this year was 101.9 mph. He just might go beyond that tonight. To understand just how good Skenes is, I decided to ask the best experts available: some of the All-Stars who have seen Skenes’s stuff from up close.

Freddie Freeman, Los Angeles Dodgers (0-for-3, 1 K vs. Skenes)

“Right now the most impressive thing about him is the command of the baseball. He can go in and out with the heater. He can throw that … whatever you call that thing … at the bottom of the zone. He doesn't really make mistakes with it. I think that's what makes the deGroms and the Scherzers and all those guys so hard to hit. It's the command. 

“You can have elite stuff, but if you miss over the plate, we're going to, at some point, hit it. So, to have the command of the baseball. That he has this early in his career, and obviously with all the hype and all that, all the fanfare, all the media attention, and to go out there and just put the ball where you want, with 100, 102, with splitters, or whatever you call that thing … that's what's special.

“The game of baseball is in good hands with these young guys coming up. There's a lot of good ones and he's obviously at the top of the list.”

Riley Greene, Detroit Tigers (0-for-3, 1 K)

“He’s got that fastball at a hundred, so you have to be aware of that. And then you get that sinker-splitter thing at 91 that’s going down. The only thing I tried to do is look for the ball up and try to hit it in the air [get under it]. And then hopefully you see the sweeper coming out of his hand.

“The fastball is firm. He’s also got that low release point, so it’s got that up-shooty action, as we hitters like to say.”

Is there any pitcher he would compare him to that might be similar?

“No. I’d say he’s a one of one.”

Highest Four-Seam Velocity with Vertical Release 5.7 and Below

Pitcher

MPH

Vertical Release

1. Paul Skenes, Pirates

99.1

5.7

2. Jared Jones, Pirates

97.3

5.48

3. Brayan Bello, Red Sox

96.3

5.22

4. José Ureña, Rangers

96.2

5.69

5. Grayson Rodriguez, Orioles

96.1

5.63

Christian Yelich, Milwaukee Brewers (0-for-3, 1 K)

“He’s obviously got a great splitter or sinker or whatever he calls it, and he does a good job locating it. And he was kind of changing speeds with us. Anywhere from 91 to 95, 96. Fastball from 99 to 100. So, does a good job knowing how to use his arsenal and what angles he's kind of throwing from. At least that's what I took from the box. You have to ask him if that's what he does intentionally.

“It kind of seemed like he knew what he was doing and how he was setting it up and trying to pitch.  So, I thought he was pretty advanced.”

Does the splinker act like a split or a sinker? 

“You know, I thought it had different action every time. It's one of those things where it's just kind of hard to square up.

“Like, you could tell it was just something that’s not a fastball, right? But then you kind of just like hit the top of it. It has so much depth and movement to it where even ones that were kind of hittable that you would see you'd kind of swing over the top of them. And then once he kind of got you out there, he'd kind of angle that heater in on you as a lefty. 

“I can see how he's tough on righties. How much that ball is moving in on him. Obviously, he’s a great young pitcher and a bright pitcher as well.”

Skenes’s Pitch Speed Variance

Pitch Type

Pitch Speeds (MPH)

Range (MPH)

Four-Seam Fastball

95.9–101.9

6

Splinker

91.7–97.0

5.3

Slider

81.2–89.4

8.2

Curveball

78.9–85.9

7.0

Changeup

85.0–89.6

4.6

Tyler Glasnow, Dodgers pitcher

“Watching him pitch I was probably a little bit more locked in than normal. I've seen his mechanics. They're sort of like sharp and consistent especially how young he is. He's already pitching with such good stuff at such a young age and with such a good feel for his mechanics.

“Seeing that and his composure and stuff being that young? Impressive. It was tough for me when I was 22 to be that composed. And he seems very stoked about it.”

With the postseason rapidly approaching, it appears the Los Angeles Dodgers will finish the year without one of their best pitchers.

Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow is "highly unlikely" to return in 2024 due to a sprained elbow, manager Dave Roberts told reporters Saturday afternoon via Jack Harris of .

Roberts added that Glasnow would be shut down from throwing "for a while" after a setback.

Glasnow, 31, has not pitched since a seven-inning, two-run, five-hit outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Aug. 11. The '24 All-Star—who has struggled with injuries throughout his career—is 9-6 this season with a 3.49 ERA and 168 strikeouts in 134 innings.

Los Angeles acquired Glasnow from the Tampa Bay Rays on Dec. 16, and inked him to a five-year contract extension shortly thereafter.

The Dodgers' pitching staff is currently riddled with injuries; seven of the team's starters are on the injured list in some form or fashion. Despite this, Los Angeles leads the National League West division by 4.5 games over the San Diego Padres.

Mike Shildt does not agree with how Dave Roberts is handling himself.

On Tuesday, hours before Game 3 of the NLDS between Shildt's San Diego Padres and Roberts's Los Angeles Dodgers, the Padres manager subtly jabbed Roberts for claiming Manny Machado threw a ball at him during a contentious Game 2.

Shilt was asked if he believed Machado was trying to hit Roberts with the ball he threw towards the dugout before the seventh inning Sunday night, he was emphatic, saying, "No." He added, "Manny has an exceptional arm," implying he could have hit Roberts if he wanted to.

When asked for his thoughts on how Roberts was handling himself, Shildt said the following:

"Well, I come from maybe just a different philosophy of dealing with this … I got into this game to help players get the most out of their God-given ability and to compete on the field and respect the opponent. I'm not, nor will I ever, disparage another player on another team. Especially anybody I've managed in the past. Nor Will I do it to a collective team. That's not how I want to operate."

This was clearly a direct shot aimed at Roberts, who managed Machado for several months at the end of the 2018 season.

"I have a lot of respect for their club, the players on their club," Shildt said. "As far as Manny goes, it's unfortunate people can't move on from things from the past. I thought Manny's exhibition of professionalism and leadership were on display the other night in a very tough environment. But people have their right, clearly, to share what they want and how they want to share it."

On the surface, those were remarkably tame comments, but the subtext is clear. The Padres and Dodgers may respect each other, but they certainly don't like each other.

Conor Gallagher arrived at Atletico Madrid as one of the club’s most expensive midfield signings, a high-energy Premier League standout expected to thrive under Diego Simeone. But a year later, the England international has opened up about his frustration over limited minutes, his fading World Cup hopes, and growing links to a January move to Manchester United, admitting he is “not satisfied” with his current situation.

Gallagher's promising move now shadowed by uncertainty

When Atletico secured Gallagher from Chelsea in the summer of 2024, it felt like the beginning of a long and productive chapter for both player and club. Gallagher had just come off several standout seasons in England, rising through Chelsea’s academy, shining during his loan spell at Crystal Palace, and completing 136 Premier League appearances filled with intensity, pressing, and late bursts into the box. His €40 million (£35m/$46m) transfer fee reflected not only his reputation but also Atletico’s confidence that he could become a central figure in Simeone’s midfield.

He wasted no time making an impression in Spain. Gallagher became the first Englishman in 101 years to score for Atletico, immediately displaying the tenacity, forward drive, and tireless work rate that had earned him admiration in England. His early performances suggested he was tailor-made for Simeone’s relentless style, often finishing matches completely exhausted after covering ground in every phase of play.

Yet as the season progressed, the momentum stalled. Gallagher’s role became inconsistent, and minutes gradually slipped away. By early 2025, he had logged only 339 league minutes and completed just one full match since September. With established figures like Koke, Pablo Barrios, and Alex Baena fitting Simeone’s tactical structure more precisely, Gallagher found himself more frequently rotated, often used for energy rather than entrusted with a regular starting place. What began as a career-defining move slowly transformed into a frustrating waiting game.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesGallagher breaks his silence: "I'm not satisfied"

The growing speculation about his future eventually reached Gallagher, who chose to address it openly. In recent weeks, he has been strongly linked with United, who are considering him as a January reinforcement should he become available. His honesty regarding his current role made clear that he is wrestling with mixed emotions.

“I’m not satisfied. I don’t think anyone will be if they don’t play as much as they would like, but I will continue to work very hard to, whenever I have the opportunity, help the team and hopefully more opportunities will come to be a starter,” he said in an interview with AS, acknowledging his frustration with the lack of consistent minutes.

At the same time, Gallagher rejected the idea that he is searching for a way out. He spoke with genuine appreciation for Atletico and a strong desire to succeed in Spain. “I’m very happy here. My goal is to win titles with Atleti and I want to have a bigger role in the team. And, as I said, I’m going to continue working to the maximum to play more minutes and be able to help the team.”

Gallagher remains committed, ambitious, and respectful of Simeone’s decisions, but he cannot ignore the impact his restricted playing time is having, not only on his club career but also on his international prospects.

The World Cup clock is ticking and time is running out

For Gallagher, the consequences of limited playing time extend well beyond Madrid. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, he knows that irregular minutes could jeopardise his place in England’s squad. His opportunities have already shrunk in recent international windows, and he recognises the significance of the challenge ahead.

“That’s one of my goals. I have spoken to Thomas Tuchel and he has told me what he needs from me and what I have to do to return to the team. And it seems that, right now, it’s very difficult for me to get to that point. But, as I said before, I will continue to do my best to get more minutes and, hopefully, return to the national team,” he admitted. His response underscored both his desire to represent England and his awareness of the reality he faces: national-team football requires rhythm, consistency, and trust—conditions that have been hard for him to find in Simeone’s structured system.

The competition around him at Atletico is relentless. Koke’s leadership, Baena’s creativity, and Barrios’ defensive discipline align seamlessly with Atletico’s tactical identity. Gallagher’s high-energy, box-to-box profile remains valuable, but Simeone’s preference for positional control and experience has kept him on the periphery. As links with the Red Devils grow louder, the midfielder faces a difficult crossroads. 

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Getty ImagesThe road ahead for Gallagher

Gallagher’s situation now enters a decisive period as Atletico approach January with a player who is fully committed but undeniably underused. He respects Simeone, speaks with admiration for the club, and genuinely wants to win trophies in Madrid. But ambition alone cannot replace the minutes he needs, and the coming weeks will force Atletico to confront a critical question: is Gallagher a long-term piece of the project, or is the timing right to let him pursue a more prominent role elsewhere?

From Gallagher’s perspective, his approach remains professional and patient. He has not demanded an exit and continues to push for more responsibility in training. Yet he is fully aware that his career cannot afford another prolonged period on the margins.

The next chapter will depend on how Simeone sees him fitting into a midfield. If Gallagher’s opportunities grow, he will stay and fight for his place. If not, the January window may offer a path toward the minutes he needs and the international future he continues to chase.

Glasgow Rangers decided to splash the cash in the summer transfer window to sign Youssef Chermiti from Everton for a fee of £8m, their most expensive signing since Tore Andre Flo for £12m in 2000.

The Portugal U21 international has scored one goal, which was aided by some fairly dismal goalkeeping, in 11 appearances in all competitions for the Gers so far, per Sofascore.

Michael Stewart criticised his “poor” finishing in the League Cup semi-final defeat to Celtic on Sunday, as he spurned two great chances, whilst Ally McCoist said that he was “showing nothing” up front against Brann in the Europa League.

Meanwhile, Hearts, who are top of the Scottish Premiership, reportedly paid a fee of around £400k to sign Claudio Braga, who has been far more impressive.

Why Rangers need to find their own Claudio Braga

Instead of splashing huge money on project players, like Chermiti, Rangers should be looking at bargain options to bolster their squad, because you can find some real gems.

Hearts paid less than a million pounds to sign Braga from the second division of Norwegian football, and he has been a huge success for the Jam Tarts.

The Portuguese attacker has delivered nine goals and one assist in 16 appearances in all competitions for Hearts, per Sofascore, this season, which shows that he has provided far more quality than Chermiti has since his £8m move to Ibrox.

Whilst Rangers can learn from the Jam Tarts to utilise different markets for cheaper prices in future transfer windows, Danny Rohl may have his own version of Braga, from a stylistic perspective, in the building.

First Impressions

What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast’s ‘First Impressions’ series has everything you need.

Expand Collapse Rangers can unearth their own Claudio Braga with this forgotten star

Before Rohl’s arrival at Ibrox, Brazilian centre-forward Danilo appeared to be forgotten about by Martin as a genuine first-team option for the Scottish manager.

The striker only made one appearance for the first-team under Martin in September and October, which was an 11-minute cameo off the bench against Sturm Graz.

Danilo’s last 10 matchday squad appearances

Opposition

Manager

Minutes played

Celtic

Danny Rohl

45

Hibernian

Danny Rohl

45

Kilmarnock

Danny Rohl

69

Brann

Danny Rohl

14

Sturm Graz

Russell Martin

11

Genk

Russell Martin

0

Hibernian

Russell Martin

0

Hearts

Russell Martin

0

Celtic

Russell Martin

0

Club Brugge

Russell Martin

59

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, he was an unused substitute on several occasions, when he even made the matchday squad, before Martin’s exit in October.

Rohl came in last month and immediately made the Brazilian striker an option, as he has played in all four of the manager’s games so far, and scored two goals.

Like Braga, Danilo is not a towering and physical striker who can bully opposition defenders. He is dynamic and looks to use his control and movement to create chances and score goals, as he did brilliantly against Hibernian.

For Hearts, Braga has struck up a partnership with Lawrence Shankland, who is a physical presence, and Rohl can unearth his own version of that partnership by continuing to play Danilo off another striker, whether that is Chermiti or Bojan Miovski.

Danilo, who ex-teammate Ofir Marciano claimed “has the quality to be a big player for Rangers”, scoring two goals in two Premiership matches under Rohl shows that he can be effective in the final third.

However, it is now down to the manager to find the right blend alongside him to ensure that his skillset is used to its fullest potential, as Hearts have done with Braga by playing him alongside Shankland.

Related Martin claimed Rangers star was a "huge asset", now he looks "rotten"

This Rangers signing was heavily praised by Russell Martin, now it looks like he needs to be sold.

Posts ByDan Emery Nov 3, 2025

Once forgotten by Martin at Ibrox, the former Feyenoord centre-forward looks like he might have a bright future under the German head coach.

Newcastle United arguably put in their besst performance of the season as they beat Benfica 3-0 to make it back-to-back wins in the Champions League.

Though the Magpies have struggled to get going this season, especially from an offensive standpoint, their success on the continent is evidence of Eddie Howe’s abiding tactical quality, with the cogs sure to start whirring as the new batch of players work toward a continuation of last year’s illustrious success.

That starts now, in the Premier League. Last weekend, United lost on a trip to Brighton, and they languish in 14th place, just nine points from eight games.

But a closer look at the new phase Howe is championing demonstrates exactly why he is valued as “one of the top managers in the country, if not the world” by pundit Jamie Redknapp.

He adapts, and the tactician must showcase that nous yet again on Sunday, when Fulham are welcomed to St. James’ Park. However, that frontline does need some work, even with Nick Woltemade firing on all cylinders.

Newcastle team news

Howe said that Newcastle must produce their best possible performance if they wish to turn over a gritty and well-balanced Fulham side in the Premier League.

The Cottagers claimed three points at St. James’ Park last season, but they have lost three on the bounce in the Premier League and are there for the taking, with Joachim Andersen and Antonee Robinson both sidelined.

A promising update on the injury recoveries of Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall: both full-backs are nearing the end of their rehabilitation and are back on the grass. Anticipate further developments in the coming weeks.

While Howe reported no new injury concerns, he did confirm Sandro Tonali “will be touch and go” after struggling with illness this week.

Meanwhile, summer signing Yoane Wissa’s wait for his debut rages on, still in recovery from the knee injury suffered on international duty. The 29-year-old’s rehabilitation will stretch toward the Christmas period.

More praise was heaped on Woltemade. The German striker continues to deputise as Wissa’s recovery continues, and given the richness of the purple patch he is riding, few will have concerns about his presence at number nine (other than the Fulham defence, that is).

However, while the striker is firing, Howe will hope to see more from his wide forwards. In fairness, Harvey Barnes bagged a brace in midweek, with Anthony Gordon claiming the Man of the Match award in the Champions League.

But Anthony Elanga continues to leave much to be desired down the right, and it’s for this reason that Newcastle’s most underrated star could be the difference-maker on Saturday afternoon.

Howe must unleash Newcastle's "unsung hero"

Has there been a more compelling success story at Newcastle over the past few years than that of Jacob Murphy? The 29-year-old was written off after years as a journeyman, but has pieced together an iconic career on Tyneside.

Last season, in particular, Murphy was in fine fettle, stepping up after Newcastle failed to sign a right-sided forward and posting nine goals and 14 assists across all competitions.

Some return, that. Howe hailed his protege as “the ultimate professional”, and his is a story that up-and-coming hopefuls will use as fuel for many years to come. It’s never too late to turn things around.

The veteran has only featured as a substitute across Newcastle’s past two Premier League matches, and his stability and industriousness could be perfect against Marco Silva’s organised outfit.

That is not to say he’s without his flair and creativity on the ball. As per FBref, Murphy ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists per 90.

He might not have Elanga’s pace or Barnes’ natural eye for goal, but with Gordon clicking into gear and Woltemade undroppable at the front of the ship, this could be the line-up to develop and sustain synergy and fluency across the full 90.

You will need no reminder that the Magpies have only won two of their eight Premier League fixtures so far this season.

It stands as a testament to Murphy’s resilience and unwavering belief in his abilities that he has established himself as one of the key components of Newcastle’s journey since the PIF takeover and subsequent appointment of Howe.

Howe’s Most-used Players at Newcastle
Rank	Player	Apps
1	Bruno Guimaraes	164
2	Fabian Schar	160
3	Dan Burn	159
4	Jacob Murphy	145
5	Joelinton	139
Data via Transfermarkt

He might not be the most prolific player in the mix, but Murphy is unquestionably among England’s most underrated players in modern times, hailed as an “unsung hero” by journalist Scott Wilson for his knack at coming up trumps for the Toon.

And anyway, with three goals and four assists across 13 matches against Fulham, Howe would be restoring the experienced winger to the starting line-up against the side he has chalked up more direct contributions than any other across his career.

While Elanga will be desperate to impress after going without a goal or an assist across his first 12 appearances in black and white, Howe will know the importance of using the midweek Champions League victory as a springboard.

Newcastle simply have to return to winning ways in the Premier League, and with Murphy on the right, fuelling in-form pair Gordon and Woltemade, it might just be the perfect blend.

Howe can forget Elanga by unleashing Newcastle's teen who's 'like Yamal'

Eddie Howe may turn to the academy to help build fluency down Newcastle’s right side.

By
Angus Sinclair

Oct 23, 2025

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has praised one Spurs player who he’s barely used so far this season, highlighting his excellent displays in training ahead of their Premier League return against Aston Villa this weekend.

Spurs braced for Premier League return against Villa

Both Spurs and Villa enter Sunday’s contest on a good run of form.

The Lilywhites, despite some near-misses, haven’t lost a single game in all competitions since their 1-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth — displaying a real grit and resilience to battle through testing scenarios and come through unscathed.

Over their last three games, Tottenham nicked a dramatic 1-1 draw at home to Wolves by the skin of their teeth, courtesy of an expertly taken last-gasp equaliser from Joao Palhinha, with Spurs then stealing another draw away to Norwegian minnows Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League.

History threatened to repeat itself nearly a fortnight ago when Noah Okafor equalised for Leeds at Elland Road.

Matches

11

Wins

5

Draws

3

Losses

2

Points

18

Points per game

1.91

However, man of the match Mohammed Kudus was on hand to both end the Yorkshire side’s year-long unbeaten run at home in the league and break Tottenham’s pre-international break curse, as Frank’s side travelled back south with a 2-1 victory.

Spurs have proved they can grind out results under their new manager, and their newly-found defensive prowess was largely missing from Ange Postecoglou’s Europa League-winning squad of last season.

Villa, by contrast, endured a torrid start to 25/26, and it took five Premier League games for Unai Emery’s men to score their first top flight goal of the campaign.

That being said, Matty Cash’s wonder strike against Sunderland opened the floodgates for Villa, who’ve since won their last four games in all competitions and come into this clash against Tottenham with renewed confidence.

Frank has some very key decisions to make before the weekend, like whether to stick with Mathys Tel as the starting striker in place of Richarlison, amid doubts surrounding the latter and Dominic Solanke’s gradual return to fitness.

The latter has been on the pitch this week, according to Frank, but it remains to be seen whether he’s ready to start a full match or even be included against Villa.

In a big boost for Frank, though, summer signing Randal Kolo Muani is poised to return very soon after recovering from a dead leg which has kept him out of action.

Thomas Frank praises Randal Kolo Muani in Tottenham training

The Dane, speaking to reporters on Friday, claimed that the France international has been getting “better and better” in training with Kolo Muani now in contention to play against Villa.

The 26-year-old has played just 13 minutes since joining Spurs on loan from PSG, mainly due to his injury, but Kolo Muani’s imminent return comes as a real boost for Frank.

The versatile attacker, who bagged 23 goals and 17 assists for Eintracht Frankfurt during a phenomenal 2022/2023 campaign, showcased flashes of his best form on loan at Juventus last season and Frank could now be set to benefit.

Kolo Muani was ex-chair Daniel Levy’s last parting gift to Tottenham, and some believe that he may even become the club’s best striker ahead of Solanke.