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Técnico do Flamengo desde abril de 2023, Jorge Sampaoli encarou algumas crises à frente do Rubro-Negro. O treinador, que substituiu Vitor Pereira no cargo, enfrenta bastante resistência por grande parte da torcida do clube, que tem como principal reclamação a falta de coerência nas escalações da equipe.

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Com passagens por Atlético-MG, Santos, Chile, Argentina e Sevilla, o treinador de 63 anos tem um retrospecto razoável como comandante da equipe carioca. Em 37 jogos disputados até o momento, o argentino totaliza 20 vitórias, nove empates e oito derrotas, com um aproveitamento de 1,86 ponto por partida.

CRISES NA TEMPORADA

PORRADARIA NO VESTIÁRIO

O atacante Pedro sofreu uma agressão do preparador físico Pablo Fernández. A confusão, que aconteceu no vestiário após a vitória do Flamengo por 2 a 1 sobre o Atlético-MG, teve início quando o preparador questionou o camisa 9 por ter retornado ao banco de reservas depois das entradas de Everton Cebolinha e Luiz Araújo. Na ocasião, Sampaoli ainda tinha direito a realizar uma substituição.

+ Qual o valor da multa rescisória de Sampaoli no Flamengo?

O jogador não gostou da forma com que o argentino externou sua indignação e retrucou o profissional, que respondeu com um soco na boca de Pedro. Fernández foi desligado pela diretoria do clube após o incidente.

Segundo apurou a reportagem do Lance!, Sampaoli demorou 16 dias para conversar com o atacante sobre o ocorrido.

VARELA X GERSON

UFC ou futebol? O meia Gerson e o lateral Varela trocaram agressões durante treinamento do Flamengo em agosto. A situação ocorreu após o uruguaio não ter gostado de uma entrada cometida pelo camisa 20, o que ocasionou uma discussão entre os dois.

A dupla foi retirada da atividade com bola e, enquanto se encaminhava para a área interna das instalações, chegou às vias de fato. Varela acabou fraturando o nariz, porém, atuou como titular na partida seguinte, pela semifinal da Copa do Brasil, contra o Grêmio.

ELIMINAÇÃO NA LIBERTADORES

O Flamengo foi eliminado de maneira vexatória da Copa Libertadores, após ser derrotado de virada pelo Olimpia, do Paraguai, por 3 a 1, no estádio Defensores del Chaco. A equipe carioca não conseguiu sustentar a vantagem conquistada no encontro de ida (1 a 0), no Maracanã, e acabou se despedindo da maior competição de clubes da América do Sul.

E para você, torcedor, Sampaoli deveria ser demitido antes do segundo jogo da final? Vote!

Joburg turns up for its World Test Champions as Temba Bavuma’s team start to realise just what they’ve been able to do

Firdose Moonda18-Jun-2025

The victorious South African team return home with the WTC mace•AFP/Getty Images

Everyone loves a winner, as was clear at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport where South Africa returned as World Test Champions on Wednesday morning.The squad were received by the country’s sports minister, Gayton McKenzie, and swathes of people from across South African society. In attendance were groups of children from the KFC’s Mini Cricket programme – the largest grassroots development initiative in the country – students from some of the players’ former schools, such as Aiden Markram’s Pretoria Boys High School, and family members like Wiaan Mulder’s brother.The players signed autographs, received flowers and hugs and strutted around in custom made “champions” t-shirts before making their way to Cricket South Africa’s offices in the north of the city where they were welcomed with a brass band and a red carpet. Almost 96 hours after their five-wicket triumph over Australia in the WTC final, the magnitude of what they have achieved is starting to sink in.”It is quite overwhelming. We haven’t seen people like that at the airport before,” Temba Bavuma, South Africa’s captain said at a press conference afterwards. “As players, you don’t really realise what you’ve done but when you start to interact with people and see the emotion, it gives you a proper insight into what we’ve done. We are proud as a team but we are even more happy and proud that we’ve made our people proud. If you look at this team and the guys at the helm, we have done it the proper South African way. That’s unique to this group. We have embraced everything that it means to be South African.”With a home grown coach in Shukri Conrad and a largely unheralded group of players, Bavuma’s words spoke to the way the South African team pulled together throughout the cycle and in the final. They had nine different Players of the Match in 2023-25 and 15 different players either scored a century or took a five-for in what has been hailed as a true team effort and a unified showing after years of underperformance. For Bavuma, it showed that there is always a way, not just for sportspeople but for everyone.”What we’ve achieved speaks to all budding cricketers out there, and individuals within South Africa,” he said. “As a team, we’ve got a story. It hasn’t been a simple or easy one. We’ve come through a lot but we managed to get to where we are. So similarly for them (ordinary people) on their quest and journey, for what they want to achieve: as long as they keep having that passion and keep pushing they can also achieve what people think is unachievable.”Temba Bavuma and his men had a rousing homecoming•AFP/Getty Images

For 27 years, South Africa have been without an ICC trophy and in that time regularly slipped at the semi-final hurdle. The 1999 ODI World Cup, where South Africa tied the game but could not advance to the final because Australia finished higher on the Super Six points table, has long been a sore point but the 2015 and 2023 ODI World Cup semis and 2024 T20 World Cup final also stung. It’s because of those failures that the WTC win is magnified, as one of South Africa’s greatest sporting achievements. “This is huge for South African cricket,” Enoch Nkwe, Director of National Teams and High Performance said. “This is huge for South African cricket and the impact it will have for generations to come. We’ve taken a lot of punches but we’ve never bent our backs. We stayed strong.”Related

This was Temba Bavuma's WTC and he can own it

Conrad: 'We're the world champions, we create our own reality'

'Together-together' – why South Africa's triumph matters on the long walk to freedom

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Nkwe, who was appointed in July 2022, put in place the coaching structure which included Conrad, who in turn appointed Bavuma as captain. Conrad will now also take over the white-ball sides until the end of the ODI World Cup in 2027. There is particular expectation around that tournament, not least because of the history documented above, but also because the event will be hosted in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Bavuma is also South Africa’s ODI captain and has already spoken of his hope for the event to come.”We want to carry on with the momentum we’ve gained,” he said. “We are quietly optimistic as to what can happen in the white-ball space. We see no reason as to why we can’t emulate what we’ve done here. We are more optimistic than anything. We had a little conversation about it. Shukri’s mind is always ticking. He lets you know that there’s always some sort of work you need to do.”That tournament is more than two years away, in which time there will be an entire WTC cycle and a T20 World Cup. Eyes will be on South Africa for all of them, especially as their next Tests include matches in Pakistan and India and home series against England and Australia in 2026. They believe they’ve laid the foundation to be successful in these contests but no-one can begrudge them celebrating the first world title for a little bit longer, as Bavuma suggested they would.”For now, it’s for us to embrace what we’ve done, to take it all in, understand what led us to this point and live in that moment for a little bit longer,” Bavuma said. “Then, I think the beauty of international cricket is that there’s always something else waiting. Once we get over our emotions, it will be what is the next thing? There’s the Zimbabwe tour, and the start of the new Test cycle. We will be setting our eyes on what we want to achieve over there. There is always something we are working towards. It’s a legacy we want to put together as a team. It’s not done now, but for now it’s for us to enjoy what the moment has brought us.”South Africa will have several fan engagements in the next few days before a two-Test series against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, which starts on June 28. The series is not part of the WTC.

“Naturally we are worried. In Anrich’s case this is the second or third stress reaction in his back,” coach Shuki Conrad said

Firdose Moonda26-Jun-2025South Africa fast bowler Anrich Nortje has suffered a “stress reaction” that will keep him out of action for an unknown period of time. Nortje was not considered for South Africa’s T20I squad to play a tri-series in Zimbabwe next month and did not travel to MLC 2025, where he was due to play for Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR). Nortje has only played two games this year, at the IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).South Africa coach Shukri Conrad confirmed that Nortje’s injury will be assessed and as things stand, CSA is unaware of how long he will be out of action for.The injury is the latest in a long line of setbacks for Nortje, who is no longer centrally contracted with CSA and last played international cricket at the T20 World Cup in 2024. He was then not considered for the Test side for focusing primarily on T20s by opting out of the central contract. But a fractured toe then ruled him out of the home T20Is against Pakistan before a back injury sidelined him from the 2025 Champions Trophy. He then flew to India for the IPL to join KKR but played only two games for them.Related

Nortje injured again, Van der Dussen to lead newish-looking South Africa T20I side

Nortje has spent significant time on the sidelines in the past. He did not play any cricket between November 2013 and November 2015, November 2018 and February 2019 and then between November 2021 and April 2022 with a range of injuries relating to his back and hip.It is not known yet which formats Nortje will avail himself for when he returns to fitness.”We will have to see the length of the time that he will be out and the extent of the injury. I really feel for him,” Conrad said. “He is a superstar fast bowler and having to deal with setback after setback can’t be easy. We will wait to see how serious it is.”Naturally we are worried. In Anrich’s case this is the second or third stress reaction in his back. It is too early to make a diagnosis and we are definitely not drawing a line through this name. He is 31 years old and we are going to give him every chance to come back. We will have to see what the medical team think is the best way forward.”

Steven Smith is on track to be fit for Australia’s second Test against West Indies in Grenada after the compound dislocation he suffered against South Africa at Lord’s during the World Test Championship final.Smith has spent the last week in New York where he has had a net against a tennis ball and an “incredi-ball” (a soft cricket ball) and rejoined the squad in Barbados on Saturday evening following their three-day victory in the opening Test.He still needs to tick off a few protocols with the medical staff, with Tuesday’s training session in Grenada likely to be the key day, but head coach Andrew McDonald expected him to be ready to return at No. 4, which is likely to see Josh Inglis drop out of the XI.Related

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“It’s really about functionality around the finger rather than anything else,” McDonald said. “There’ll be no risk to long-term health of that finger. He’ll return and I think it’s likely he’ll play. Leading into the next game, he’ll have the main session two days out.”He’ll [also] train the day before [the match]. If that all goes well, then I’d expect Steve to resume at No. 4.”When Smith suffered the injury, dropping a catch offered by Temba Bavuma on the third day at Lord’s, he was told he would need to wear a splint for eight weeks. He won’t be able to field in the slips on his return and will need to patrol the outfield somewhere, which may need some management given the problems he has had with his elbow.While there is no question that Smith, if fit, will resume his role at No. 4 the problems at the top of Australia’s order have prompted the debate about whether he should resume the No. 3 job to allow Cameron Green to come in a position lower.”In terms of why we see him as No. 4, I think we’ve settled on that,” McDonald said. “We could slide him up higher if we wanted to. He’s been excellent at number three. But I think if you look at the last 12 months at No. 4 and his ability to stabilise that position, two down, arguably our greatest batter, we want to keep him at four and build around that rather than potentially risking too many moves in the order.”Knowing that Smith may only miss the first Test, McDonald was also keen not to create further uncertainty in the batting order which is why Travis Head has not moved from his No. 5 position despite being a senior player.Marnus Labuschagne could be released from the squad if Steven Smith is available•Getty Images

Should Smith be available for the remainder of the series, there is a possibility that Marnus Labuschagne, who was dropped for the first time in the format since 2019 ahead of the first Test, may be released from the squad in order to play some cricket, either for Glamorgan or in the Australia A series against Sri Lanka A in Darwin, which starts next month. The first four-day game of the ‘A’ series begins on July 13, which would run concurrently with the final Test in Jamacia.”If we do have a surfeit of batters then we’ll explore match opportunities for sure,” McDonald said. “I think we’ve done that with the fast bowlers over time. We’ve sent Scott Boland back from India. So if we feel as though we’re carrying too many, we’ll look for game time.”[But] it’s a long way for players to get here as well. If we release someone and then someone has to come in late, then it’s a big journey. So we’ve just got to balance that out.”However, McDonald indicated that Labuschagne was set to be part of the ODI squad that will face South Africa in the Top End during August.”He’s important in our one-day structure,” he said. “[With] Steve Smith’s recent retirement, Glenn Maxwell retiring as well. We don’t want to compromise one-day cricket in the build towards 2027.”

أدى منتخب مصر للناشئين مواليد 2009 مساء اليوم الأربعاء، مرانه الختامي استعداد لمواجهة نظيره الأردني مواليد 2009 وديًا.

وخاض منتخب مصر مرانه على الملعب الذي يستضيف المباراة في العاصمة الأردنية عمان، في الرابعة مساء الخميس.

طالع.. خاص | اتحاد الكرة لن يتحمل تكاليف مشاركة منتخب 2009 في دورة بولندا الودية

ويلعب منتخب مصر 2009 أمام نظيره الأردني يومي الخميس والسبت، في إطار استعدادات الفراعنة للتصفيات الإفريقية المؤهلة لكأس الأمم الإفريقية للناشئين.

طالع.. خاص | بعد رفض الالتماس.. منتخب مصر يفقد لاعبه أمام سويسرا في كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا

وحرص حسين عبد اللطيف خلال المران الرئيسي على التركيز على الجوانب الفنية بعد أن شاهد اللاعبون أكثر من محاضرة بالفيديو لطريقة لعب المنتخب الأردني.

وشهد المران الكابتن علاء نبيل المدير الفني للاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم ورئيس البعثة، والذي طالب اللاعبين بتحقيق الفوز.

West Ham have been given hope of signing a “special” striker in January amid manager Nuno Espirito Santo’s damning update on Niclas Füllkrug, with the importance of bringing in a new centre-forward brought even further to the forefront.

West Ham given Niclas Fullkrug update after thigh injury

Now confirmed by Nuno, the injury-prone Fullkrug is set to be out for “a while”, with Standard Sport reporting that West Ham are waiting on scan results to determine his exact recovery period.

Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann, after West Ham’s striker was excluded from the international squad to face Luxembourg and Wales, announced that Fullkrug torn a muscle bundle in his thigh and Kicker stated he could face “several weeks” out.

The 32-year-old’s injury is a significant blow for West Ham, compounding the club’s ongoing striker shortage. Fullkrug, who has been battling persistent fitness issues ever since joining the Hammers last year, is now set for a likely significant spell out — leaving Nuno with very limited options.

Estimated games Niclas Fullkrug could miss for West Ham	Date
Brentford (home)	October 20
Leeds United (away)	October 24
Newcastle United (home)	November 2
Burnley (home)	November 8

With Fullkrug sidelined, West Ham are left relying primarily on Callum Marshall, a promising but inexperienced young striker, and Callum Wilson, whose own injury history raises questions about his ability to consistently lead the line.

This lack of attacking depth puts considerable pressure on Nuno, and the tactician could even be tempted to play winger Jarrod Bowen up front, as the Englishman has done in the past.

In any case, the message is clear — West Ham need a new striker in January.

In the build up to winter, the Irons have been linked with a host of intriguing options, including Al-Ahli’s Ivan Toney and Man United’s Josh Zirkzee.

One insider reported this week that West Ham have been offered an unnamed forward who “fits the bill” on loan, and while we’re just speculating, it could well be Real Madrid starlet Endrick.

The Brazilian, who’s struggled to play his way into Real’s first team due to a combination of injuries and fierce competition for places, was reportedly open to the prospect of a London Stadium loan move last January.

Given he’s yet to play a single minute under Xabi Alonso this term, the idea of a temporary Premier League move could well appeal to the 19-year-old once again, and journalist Dean Jones has shared a positive update on West Ham’s hopes of signing Endrick.

West Ham given Endrick transfer hope after Real Madrid update

Speaking to TEAMtalk, Jones reports there is “very little doubt” that he’ll be offered the chance to leave in January if his game time continues to be limited, and West Ham are genuine contenders to sign Endrick on a short-term basis.

The South American, who scored 21 goals in 82 senior appearances for Palmeiras before joining Real, despite his very young age, is still one of the most promising young Brazilians in world football.

Despite his limited appearances in La Liga and the Champions League, Endrick actually played a key role during Real’s run to the Copa del Rey final last season — bagging five goals in the competition and scoring in nearly every game before their loss to Barcelona.

Endrick’s arrival would be a real statement of intent from the heavily criticised West Ham board, and perhaps exactly the calibre of signing they need up top.

Aston Villa have now overtaken Liverpool in the race to sign an “outstanding” new defender, with Newcastle United also keen.

Villa still keen on new additions amid uptick in form

Villa endured a slow start to the Premier League season, with the 3-0 home defeat against Crystal Palace likely to be considered a low point, but they have really managed to turn things around over the past few weeks.

Indeed, the Villans have now won five matches on the spin in all competitions, most recently defeating Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 on the road, courtesy of a first-half stunner from Morgan Rogers, which was followed up by a winner from Emi Buenda with a little under 15 minutes remaining.

Unai Emery will be very pleased about the recent uptick in form, which has seen his side rise to 11th in the Premier League table, but the manager clearly still feels a fresh injection of quality is needed, with a new centre-back of interest.

That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Aston Villa have now overtaken Liverpool in the race for Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez, given that Arne Slot’s side have recently decided to cool their interest.

Alongside Villa, Newcastle are also credited with a strong interest in the defender, but the Premier League sides may need to shell out a relatively high fee to get a deal over the line, with it being revealed he could command a fee of around €50m (£43m).

Both English sides should be well-positioned to get a deal done, however, with it previously being revealed that Ordonez is keen on a move to the Premier League.

"Outstanding" Ordonez could excel at Villa Park

Lauded as an “outstanding young footballer” by journalist Graeme Bailey, the Ecuadorian is a key player for Club Brugge, having made ten appearances in all competitions this season, during which time he has put in some eye-catching performances.

Aston Villa approach made for record-breaking forward with his coaches contacted too

The Villans are keen to strike to land another offensive option.

BySean Markus Clifford Oct 18, 2025

One of the 21-year-old’s best displays actually came in the Champions League, which is an encouraging sign, with the youngster making a number of important defensive contributions to keep AS Monaco at bay and help his side secure a comfortable 4-1 win last month.

Statistic

Number completed

Duels (won)

6 (5)

Clearances

4

Tackles

3

Scout Ben Mattinson has hailed the Brugge star for his ability in possession too, describing him “secure on the ball”, while also adding he “anticipates well” and “has the pace to recover”.

Villa’s defence has not been a major problem this season, having shipped just eight goals in eight Premier League games, but there are plenty of signs that Ordonez could be a solid long-term addition to Emery’s backline.

Paris Saint-Germain are exploring a potential move for Barcelona defender Eric Garcia, with Luis Enrique keen on a reunion with his former Spain international. The 24-year-old centre-back has been a standout performer under Hansi Flick this season, and PSG’s growing injury list has accelerated their search for a versatile defensive addition.

PSG weigh up winter move for in-form Barcelona defender

With injuries piling up across their backline, Les Parisiens are assessing defensive reinforcements ahead of the January transfer window, and Eric Garcia has emerged as a leading target. According to , Luis Enrique is pushing to reunite with the defender, whom he coached during his tenure with the Spain national team. The PSG boss is said to admire Garcia’s composure, ball distribution, and tactical intelligence, traits he believes fit perfectly into the club’s high-possession style.

The French champions are reportedly exploring a deal that could see the 24-year-old arrive in January, either through a negotiated fee or a pre-contract agreement for next summer, when he enters the final six months of his Barcelona contract. Enrique’s side were already monitoring versatile defenders before Achraf Hakimi’s ankle injury against Bayern Munich, but the Moroccan’s absence has increased the urgency for a flexible signing capable of operating both centrally and on the right.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesGarcia's resurgence under Flick draws attention

After struggling for consistency in previous campaigns, Garcia has enjoyed a revival under Hansi Flick, becoming one of Barca’s most reliable performers this season. 

Initially used as a makeshift midfielder and occasional right-back, he has since reclaimed his preferred centre-back role forming a strong partnership with Pau Cubarsi following Inigo Martinez’s departure. Garcia has already made 15 appearances this season, accumulating over 1,100 minutes of action, more than any other outfield player in the squad. Flick has repeatedly praised his tactical awareness and discipline, viewing him as an example of professionalism for the younger defenders.

That consistency has reignited interest from Europe’s elite, with PSG, AC Milan and Napoli all monitoring his situation. For Enrique, however, the interest is personal, he views the ex-Manchester City man as a system-ready player capable of immediately strengthening PSG’s defensive transitions and build-up play. Garcia made his debut for the Spanish national team under the coach in September 2020 and made 19 appearances under him. The defender has not been back in the squad since Enrique's departure after the 2022 World Cup.

Barcelona reluctant to sell despite PSG interest

While the Spaniard's growing profile has made him an attractive target, the Catalan giants have no intention of sanctioning a sale, particularly to a Champions League rival. Club sources insist that Flick and sporting director Deco both consider him part of the long-term defensive rebuild.

The Blaugrana club are also optimistic about extending Garcia’s contract beyond 2026, with initial terms discussed earlier this year. Talks have slowed since September, but the club remain confident that his resurgence and regular playing time will convince him to commit. 

That said, PSG’s approach could test Barcelona’s resolve. The Parisian club have proven adept at prising away high-profile talent in the past, and with Garcia’s stock rising, they may see a window of opportunity before the renewal is finalised.

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Getty Images SportLuis Enrique’s plan and PSG’s defensive dilemma

The European champions' pursuit of Garcia fits a broader strategy to add tactical balance across the backline. Lucas Hernandez provides depth on the left, but Enrique wants a similarly reliable option on the right to support Marquinhos. The Spaniard’s ability to switch seamlessly between centre-back and full-back positions makes him an ideal candidate especially given PSG’s demanding schedule and defensive vulnerabilities exposed in recent weeks.

However, much will depend on Barcelona’s stance and Garcia’s own willingness to consider a move mid-season. Despite PSG’s growing interest, sources close to the player suggest he remains focused on maintaining his form under Flick.

With Hakimi sidelined and fixture congestion looming, the Ligue 1 giants may yet accelerate their efforts. But for now, Garcia’s name remains firmly on Enrique’s wishlist – a potential reunion that could reshape the French champions’ defensive outlook heading into 2026.

It has been nearly ten years since Manchester United last won a game of football at Anfield. You have to travel back in time to 2016 when a sole goal from the great Wayne Rooney won them the match.

A lot is different since then. As Ruben Amorim’s men defeated Arne Slot’s charges 2-1 on Sunday, it signified the first back-to-back league wins of the Portuguese’s rather dreary tenure in charge.

Perhaps the winds of change are among us. Is this the beginning of Amorim’s charge towards glory? Remarkably, United are now just two points shy of fourth place. They are only six points off the Premier League leaders.

For all of the negativity, for all of the criticism, this was a mammoth win. They deserve their plaudits this time around.

So, how did it happen?

How Man United ended their Anfield curse

This was as far from an Amorim performance as one can imagine. Yes, it’s a good time to play Liverpool, but arguably it’s always a good time to face Man United right now.

They changed the narrative around them on Sunday, however, and they did it in dramatic fashion.

The Red Devils came out of the gates firing when, with barely a minute on the clock, Bryan Mbeumo fired the visitors in front. It was poor defending from Virgil van Dijk who failed to track the winger and he then fired past the goalkeeper at the near post.

Mbeumo hasn’t been his rip-roaring best since trading London for Manchester, leaving Brentford behind in the summer, but he is a talisman United can build their team around. He was hailed as “one of the best in the world” during the game by BBC Sport’s Umir Irfan.

The big-money summer arrival wasn’t the only player Amorim had to thank. New goalkeeper Senne Lammens – an understated and quiet figure – looks an instant upgrade on Andre Onana. He claims crosses, looks assured and simply goes about his business without making a fuss. What a world of difference that makes.

However, the most telling story from a Man United persuasion was the way in which they responded to Cody Gakpo’s late equaliser.

When that goal went in, the game could have changed. Liverpool have made a habit of scoring late winners this term and they had the wind in their sails during that part of the clash.

United have usually wilted under pressure during the Amorim era and could have done here. This time it was different. Liverpool wilted instead and the visitors, in a big test of their mental resolve, stood up to the test.

Bruno Fernandes, always the main talisman of the club, hooked a ball into the box and there was man of the hour, Mr Harry Maguire, rolling back the clock and firing a bullet header into the net. Gary Neville cried tears of joy on commentary, Peter Drury roared and Jamie Carragher sat in silence. It was an iconic moment and one that could turn the tide of Amorim’s tenureship.

Yet, while Lammens, Mbeumo, Fernandes and Maguire came up with big moments, an ounce of praise should be fired in the direction of United’s new Carlos Tevez.

Manchester United's new Tevez has arrived

While the Argentine ultimately left United in controversial circumstances, heading to rivals Manchester City, his time at Old Trafford was something to savour.

A South American maverick, a player who’d run himself into the ground and, principally, a player who knew where the back of the net was, he was a workhorse for United.

A slender figure at 5 feet 7, his game was certainly bigger than that. He ultimately won two Premier League titles during the Sir Alex Ferguson era, played 99 games and scored 34 goals in the process. Tevez also registered 14 assists. He was a genuine all-rounder.

Well, in the present day, summer arrival Matheus Cunha looks like he’s cut from a similar cloth.

Another South American and a maverick sort of player, it’s easy to see where the comparisons stem from but, pivotally, he is actually yet to score in United colours.

His contributions have been first-class, however, and that was in evidence against Liverpool on Sunday. Like Tevez, he ran himself into the ground with a dogged performance on the road.

Scouted Football’s Jake Entwistle encapsulated things perfectly, writing on social media: The fitness of Cunha to scrap for that many duels throughout the game and drag a team up the pitch consistently is absurd. He should be absolutely gassed but he still looks able to do 90 yards with five hand-offs along the way.”

Chalkboard

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

That certainly sounds Tevez-esque, doesn’t it? During the game, the lively Brazilian only had two shots but he was also able to win four of his nine ground duels, making an interception and two clearances along the way. He also completed both of his dribble attempts and was fouled twice. Talk about offering a lot to the team.

Minutes played

90

Touches

55

Unsuccessful touches

4

Accurate passes

24/29 (83%)

Dribbles

2/2

Fouled

2x

Shots

2

Key passes

0

Interceptions

1

Clearances

2

Duels won

5/10

A goal or assist did not come the 26-year-old’s way but journalist Chris Winterburn suggested that “once Cunha starts finding the net, he’s going to be as popular as Tevez.”

Football writer for Forbes and FourFourTwo, Sam Pilger, was equally as impressed with Cunha, noting that he looks like an “incredible signing.” Quite.

United invested heavily in the frontline over the summer and while things didn’t click immediately, they certainly look as though they are now. Mbeumo is in form, Benjamin Sesko has scored twice in his last three outings and Cunha looks just as spritely.

Positives for United? What a shock. Pigs will fly next.

While Sunderland stole many of the plaudits in the summer for their outrageous transfer activity, with £100m+ splashed out on new recruits, Leeds United were arguably a tad more methodical in their approach when winning themselves some gems from all around Europe.

Daniel Farke and Co. are already thanking their lucky stars that they gambled on acquiring both Anton Stach and Noah Okafor from Hoffenheim and AC Milan, respectively, with a combined four goal contributions already picked up by the promising midfield duo in Premier League action.

In defence, Gabriel Gudmundsson also already looks like a steal in the left-back spot, having only cost £10m to snap up from Lille, while Lucas Perri was agonisingly close to his first clean sheet in his new location up against West Ham United last time out.

But, away from all these names mentioned, Sean Longstaff rightly sticks out as the best bit of business Leeds signed off on over a bumper summer, with the Premier League-experienced 27-year-old very much allowing the Whites to tick so far this season from the middle of the park.

Why Longstaff is one of Leeds' best signings

Already, the £12m summer purchase feels as if he has been in and around Elland Road for some time.

Longstaff has played a part in all nine of Leeds’ league matches so far this season on their return to the daunting top-flight, and while there have been some nerves on display as they navigate the choppy waters of the top division, the Newcastle-born midfielder has cut a cool and composed figure throughout.

Longstaff’s PL numbers for Leeds (25/26)

Stat – per 90 mins*

Longstaff

Games played

9

Goals scored

1

Assists

2

Touches*

46.2

Accurate passes*

27.1 (85%)

Key passes*

2.0

Big chances created

5

Tackles*

3.0

Ball recoveries*

3.0

Total duels won*

5.0

Stats by Sofascore

Having seen his career at his boyhood Magpies fizzle out, Longstaff clearly knew – from the get-go at his new employers – that he needed to prove himself, and he has certainly done that when looking at the table above.

Already, the brand-new number eight has chipped in with one goal and two assists from a central position on the pitch, but he has offered up far more than just a goal threat, with an average of five duels won per contest enabling Farke’s men to see out some tight contests.

Accumulating five big chances being created, too, has even led to some bold shouts that Longstaff is Leeds’ second coming of Pablo Hernandez, as Farke now potentially attempts to recreate the magic of this shrewd deal in January by landing another classy top-flight veteran when the transfer window swings back open.

Leeds considering another Longstaff-style signing

It has been some turnaround for Longstaff since ditching the home comforts of Tyneside, with zero goals or assists falling into his lap during his final campaign at Eddie Howe’s Toon.

Ross Barkley will hope he can similarly breathe life back into his waning playing days at Elland Road if rumours are to be believed, with a report from The Leeds Press revealing that the West Yorkshire outfit is considering a move for the reserve Aston Villa presence, who even once had a short-term loan stint at Leeds way back in 2013.

Now, he could be returning, again on loan, but this time as a far more experienced option, as Leeds reportedly weigh up a move for an attacking midfielder in the window, and while he has struggled to break into Emery’s first team picture as of late, he is certainly a classy operator on his day.

Indeed, this fiercely struck effort against Leicester City earlier in the year is just one of seven goals Barkley has put away for the Villans, meaning he definitely has a similar eye for a goal to that of Longstaff.

Barkley’s PL record

Stat

Barkley

Games played

287

Goals scored

37

Assists

34

Sourced by Transfermarkt

More importantly, too, the 31-year-old has also shone before in a team that is attempting to beat the drop in Luton Town – as seen in his weighty five goals and seven assists for the then troubled Hatters – and became a beloved fan favourite, subsequently, with one of his teammates in Andros Townsend at Kenilworth Road even hailing him as “unbelievable” to play alongside.

It could well be, much like Longstaff, that Barkley comes back into his own in West Yorkshire, with the well-travelled attacking midfielder also being dubbed as “exquisite” by his former Everton manager in Roberto Martinez, for his skilful approach on the pitch.

The £60k-per-week star is somewhat fading away at Villa Park, though, with just 30 minutes of action handed to him this season.

Yet, if he relocates to Leeds this coming January, he could end up rebuilding his career before it’s too late, just as Longstaff has already done this season.

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Posts ByKelan Sarson Oct 28, 2025