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Manchester United are keen to strengthen at every given opportunity and may now find themselves ahead in the race to sign one of England’s rising stars.

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim keen to steady ship

Ruben Amorim is under pressure at Old Trafford and needs to strike together a run of results in order to avoid further scrutiny from external sources, albeit speculation is continuing to mount over his future.

Despite claims that the Portuguese boss could change his formation for coming fixtures, Dean Jones has claimed Amorim may instead look to alter personnel in an attempt to improve performances at Old Trafford.

He said: “I have spoken to connections close to the club, and there seems to be an expectation that this time, something does change. Realistically, it probably will not be the system.

“Because they have worked so tirelessly on his formation, he will probably roll it out again – but one thing he can do this time is change the personnel. This is the area that people seem to feel is most likely to change.”

Steve Parish is working tirelessly to stop Oliver Glasner making a future move to Old Trafford. The Crystal Palace boss would likely be a key contender if the role became vacant, but Amorim is still the man charged with turning around their Premier League fortunes.

Not just Hojlund: Man Utd must rue selling a CF who's outperforming Mbeumo

Manchester United may have made a mistake in allowing one former player to depart Old Trafford.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 3, 2025

Ultimately, the problems Manchester United have faced in recent years are far deeper than who is in the dugout, though the expectation on the manager is always a major talking point.

Either way, player recruitment is always on the agenda at the global giants and the Red Devils could have the advantage in the race for a player who could ignite their season.

Manchester United looking to win Hayden Hackney race

According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United are ahead of Fulham in the race to sign Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney, and they may look to formalise their interest in the England Under-21 international come 2026.

Tottenham Hotspur are also watching with intent and will have been impressed with what they’ve witnessed, given his return off a goal and two assists in nine appearances across all competitions.

Hayden Hackney in 2025/26 – Sky Bet Championship

Chances created

15

Successful passes

388

Successful crosses

4

Completed dribbles

9

Duels won

36

All statistics courtesy of Fotmob*

Labelled “outstanding” by pundit Neil Maddison, the Three Lions youth international is out of contract in the summer of 2027, and it remains to be seen if Boro are tempted to cash in come January or whether he will stay for their promotion push under Rob Edwards.

Manchester United made an approach for Carlos Baleba during the summer, illustrating their appetite to strengthen the engine room, and it appears that INEOS have their eyes fixed on some form of midfield reinforcement come the January window.

Former Scotland midfielder Don Hutchison has urged Liverpool boss Arne Slot to drop summer signing Jeremie Frimpong, claiming the Dutchman’s performances have been far below the club’s standards. Hutchison believes Conor Bradley should now be given the chance to start at right-back, arguing that Frimpong’s form and confidence have dipped alarmingly since his arrival at Anfield.

Frimpong's poor start

Frimpong’s start to life at Liverpool has been far from smooth, with the high-profile summer signing struggling to replicate the form that made him a standout at Bayer Leverkusen. Having joined in a €35 million move to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, expectations were high that Frimpong’s explosive pace and attacking flair would translate seamlessly into Slot’s system.

However, the Dutch full-back has struggled to find rhythm, managing just 79 minutes across three Premier League appearances and failing to record a single goal or assist. His limited impact, coupled with growing defensive concerns, has led to mounting scrutiny over his role in Liverpool’s starting XI. Hutchison has now joined the critics, suggesting Frimpong should be benched until he regains both composure and consistency on the ball.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportBradley to step in?

Hutchison made his feelings clear when analysing Liverpool’s defensive setup, insisting that Frimpong should make way for Conor Bradley. The former Everton and Sunderland midfielder didn’t hold back in his assessment, saying: “I’d have Bradley starting in the team now, absolutely. I don’t think Frimpong’s current standard gets him anywhere near the first XI for Liverpool. I’ve watched every Liverpool match I could so far this season, and in some matches like the Southampton game, he just kept giving the ball away. Simple passes were going stray, and his confidence is just starting to erode.

“He played right wing against Galatasaray, and I think that was Arne Slot experimenting for who steps in for Salah when he’s off at the Africa Cup of Nations. But he struggled then, too. I just think you’re looking at a young player who is struggling for form.

“When I watch Liverpool now, I see a team that is so out of sorts that they have to go back to basics. It needs to be Bradley at right-back. On the left, it’s harder to say. I still rate Andy Robertson but seeing him with his hands on his knees at Chelsea as Eestevao scored, I’d think he was a League Two player. I’d love to know what he was thinking when he was taking a breather then. On the left, toss a coin between Kerkez and Robertson, but Bradley has to be starting on the right.”

Frimpong's adjustment period

Frimpong’s rocky transition has been compounded by the tactical and physical demands of English football. Unlike his time in the Bundesliga, where Leverkusen’s system allowed him to operate as an attacking wing-back, Slot’s Liverpool side requires far more defensive discipline and positional awareness. The shift has exposed areas of his game that need refinement, with analysts pointing out lapses in tracking back, positioning during transitions, and misjudged passes under pressure.

In contrast, Bradley — who impressed during Liverpool’s injury-hit campaign last year — has shown a more balanced mix of defensive resilience and attacking intelligence, strengthening Hutchison’s argument.

Meanwhile, Frimpong’s struggles also come at a time when Liverpool’s overall form has been inconsistent; the team has failed to find a settled rhythm in either domestic or European competition. Frimpong’s case appears to be part of a wider pattern of adjustment issues within Slot’s squad.

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AFPWhat comes next?

As Liverpool prepare for a crucial stretch of fixtures across the Premier League and Champions League, the question now turns to whether Slot will heed Hutchison’s advice. With Bradley pushing for more minutes and fans calling for a return to defensive basics, Frimpong could find himself temporarily sidelined as he regains form and confidence. Slot’s emphasis on tactical structure and discipline means performances will dictate selection, not reputation — a stance that could work both as a challenge and a motivator for the Dutchman.

Frimpong’s attacking instincts remain a valuable asset, but consistency will be the deciding factor in whether he cements his place long-term. With the Africa Cup of Nations on the horizon and Mohamed Salah expected to miss matches, the coming weeks could be defining for both Liverpool’s right flank and Frimpong’s future role in the team.

In a move that could see them skip out the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion, Liverpool have reportedly joined the race to sign an impressive South American wonderkid.

Van Dijk: It's "clear" Liverpool must improve

Returning from the international break looking to return to winning ways for the first time in three games, against rivals Manchester United no less, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has admitted that the Reds must improve.

The Dutchman also praised the Red Devils, sending a warning to the rest of his teammates about the threat that they pose even after getting off to a difficult start to the campaign, themselves.

For Arne Slot, it’s an unfamiliar position.

The Dutchman only knows winning ways in Merseyside after securing the Premier League title in his debut campaign last time out. Now, for the first time, the pressure is on him to turn Liverpool’s £400m summer spending spree into a side capable of defending that title.

Slot can fix Konate & Leoni blow by unleashing Liverpool's 19-year-old star

Liverpool have something of a sore spot in defence this season.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 18, 2025

Anfield chiefs rarely panic on that front, however, and will instead have their sights set on further improvements.

After smashing their transfer record twice in the summer to welcome Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes have reportedly shifted their focus towards a wonderkid.

Liverpool join Ian Subiabre race

As reported by The Boot Room’s Graeme Bailey, Liverpool have now joined the race to sign Ian Subiabre alongside Arsenal, Manchester City and a number of other Premier League rivals.

The youngster is one of the most promising stars that South American football has to offer, and is reportedly ready to move on from River Plate in 2026.

Described as a “direct dribbler” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Subiabre would be an excellent coup for Liverpool, especially in January if a winter move does indeed become possible.

Whether it’s been those at Anfield in the case of Alexis Mac Allister or Chelsea with Moises Caicedo, a number of top Premier League sides have missed out on bargain deals for South American stars before paying a premium price to the likes of Brighton to secure those same players.

The Reds could now skip that step by landing a repeat of Man City’s Claudio Echeverri deal for Subiabre next year.

While Subiabre’s deal is due to expire at the end of 2026, reports from his homeland suggest the 18-year-old is actually ready to renew his deal until 2028 — giving River Plate the chance to recuperate a larger fee for him.

This proposed fresh contract, if officially announced, would include a whopping £74 million release clause.

Liverpool will be praying this isn’t the case, and Subiabre pulls a ‘Trent’ by running his current deal down.

If not, Slot’s side would have to fork out much more money for the Argentine, albeit maybe not as high as the clause.

Jordan Henderson has backed “world-class” Liverpool to rediscover their form after helping Brentford inflict another defeat on his former club. The England international played a crucial role as his side secured a 3-2 victory which stretched the Reds’ losing run in the Premier League to four games, with Bees trio Dango Ouattara, Kevin Schade and Igor Thiago doing the damage.

Henderson produces another fine performance in Liverpool win

Henderson continued his fine form in 2025-26 with an impressive display against Liverpool on Saturday evening. After joining Keith Andrews’ side on a free transfer in the summer, the 35-year-old produced another brilliant performance to help his team secure all three points at the Gtech Community Stadium. Brentford forwards Ouattara, Schade and Thiago were all on the scoresheet for the hosts, with Liverpool unable to find an equaliser after goals from Milos Kerkez and Mohamed Salah.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfielder backs his former club to rediscover early-season form

Liverpool have now suffered four straight defeats in the league, and five losses in their last six games in all competitions, after coming unstuck against an in-form Brentford side who are currently 10th in the table and just two points behind Arne Slot’s men. The Merseysiders have also lost to Crystal Palace, Galatasaray, Chelsea and Manchester United during their worrying run, but while questions are now being asked of their title credentials, Henderson has backed his former paymasters to recapture the form which saw them win their first seven games this season.

Henderson insists Liverpool are still 'world-class' despite recent losses

Speaking to after the Brentford game, Henderson said: “Liverpool are a world-class team with world-class players. You look all over the pitch, there's not much to go at, they're all quality players. I don't really see a weakness in the team.

"Yes, I know there's been results of late that haven't been great for them but, for me, they're still top players and a top, top team and it's just a matter of time before they get in a rhythm and get going.

"I think there's been a lot of reasons why they haven't hit the heights from last year but they're still a world-class team and wherever you look on the pitch there's to players, so it's always going to be difficult.

“But the [Brentford] lads dug deep, stuck together and caused some problems on the counter.

"I thought from start to finish we stuck together. We knew it would be difficult at times. The way we defended together, the way we stayed composed on the ball and try to, rather than just kick it forward at times, it's trying to play the long ball in behind to someone running in, like Dams (Mikkel Damsgaard) did for Kev (Schade) on the second goal.

"And [Igor] Thiago was a threat all night and he’s been like that all season to be fair. We've got a lot of good players on the counter-attack with the front three. We've got people like Dams, Yarmo (Yehor Yarmolyuk) and the centre-halves who can pick passes as well.

"Overall, I think it was a really good performance and we deserved the win in the end."

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Getty Images SportEngland international likened Liverpool departure to a 'break-up'

Saturday’s clash was the first time Henderson had faced Liverpool following his departure in 2023. After joining the club from Sunderland in 2011, the midfielder spent 12 seasons at Anfield before his heavily-criticised move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq. Henderson made just 19 appearances in the Middle East before switching to Ajax in January 2024, featuring 57 times before leaving in the summer.

Reflecting on his Liverpool exit, Henderson said earlier this month: "Timing, with everything in hindsight, yes – maybe I would have made different decisions. But at the time that's how I felt and the decision I made was for many different reasons and only I know them reasons.

"I am not going to lie, over the past couple of years I have had some tough moments. It felt like a break-up when I left Liverpool. Of course I'm not perfect and I've made mistakes in the past. Of course I will have throughout my career.

"But all I've ever tried to do is the right thing.”

Millie Taylor, Georgia Davis share four wickets as hosts make it three wins from last four

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay15-Jun-2025Birmingham Bears continued their strong form in the Women’s Vitality Blast as they beat Hampshire by 13 runs at Edgbaston to record their third win in four games.Put in, Birmingham totalled 178 with Meg Austin making a polished T20-best 51 from 38 balls. Daisy Gibb took 3 for 25, her wickets all coming in the space of four balls in her third over to put a crucial brake on the Bears when they appeared to be heading for 200.It was still a testing target for a Hampshire side missing the injured Ella McCaughan, scorer of a match-winning century against Essex on Thursday. They came in short at 165 for 7 as only captain Georgia Adams, with 32 off 31 balls, and Mary Taylor (31 not out off 17) passed 30 against a disciplined attack led by Millie Taylor.Hampshire chose to bowl but found early breakthroughs elusive. Austin and Davina Perrin added 70 from 48 balls and, after Perrin was well-caught by Charli Knott at mid-on off Adams, Perrin and Stere Kalis took the score to a promising 112 for 1 after 12 overs.The 13th over, however, changed the flow as Gibb took wickets with its first, second and fourth balls. Austin fell to another smart catch by Knott at long-on and Laura Harris tried to cut a ball that was too far up and played on. Charis Pavely survived the hat-trick ball but was bowled by the next. Kalis watched from the non-striker’s end as the trio departed but soon joined them in the pavilion when she top-edged a sweep at Bex Tyson to short fine leg.Four wickets having fallen for 20 in 18 balls, Birmingham needed to reboot and Nat Wraith (38 not out off 24) and Issy Wong reintroduced some impetus. They added 42 in 28 balls before Freya Davies dismissed Wong and Millie Taylor with successive balls in the last over.Hampshire’s reply started frenetically – after 20 balls they were 35 for 2 with Knott and Maia Bouchier having struck six fours and got out. Phoebe Graham, signed on loan from Lancashire, ousted Knott, caught behind, and Bouchier pulled Georgia Davis straight to midwicket.When Freya Kemp chipped Hannah Baker to extra cover, Hampshire were three top batters out and already behind the required rate. Adams and Rhianna Southby added 46 from 36 balls but Birmingham’s spinners kept the pressure high.Southby chipped Davis to extra cover and the 15th over, from Baker, cost just two runs to leave Hampshire needing something spectacular. In search of it, Adams and Naomi Dattani both charged at Millie Taylor and were stumped, setting up the rare spectacle of twin sisters in competition as Mary Taylor came in to face Millie.Mary survived to unfurl some pleasant strokes but in a lost cause as the required rate escalated. Hampshire required 26 from the last over and two singles left Taylor needing to hit the last four balls, from Wong for six. It didn’t happen.

Xabi Alonso has admitted that a "conversation" is forthcoming with Vinicius Junior after his angry reaction to being substituted in El Clasico on Sunday. Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1 at the Bernabeu courtesy of goals from Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham to go five points clear at the top of the Liga table. Vinicius' reaction to his withdrawal, however, dominated part of Alonso's post-match press conference.

AFPVinicius erupts with rage after coming off

Vinicius couldn't believe his eyes when his number came up in the 72nd minute as Real Madrid pushed for a third against Barcelona. The Brazil international was furious as he trudged off the Bernabeu pitch, throwing his arms in the air and shaking his head.

The 25-year-old refused to acknowledge head coach Alonso when he came off for Rodrygo and rather than take his place on the bench, he instead headed straight down the tunnel. Vinicius did eventually come back out and sat on the bench for the final knockings of El Clasico.

The match ended on a sour note as tempers flared in the dying embers once Pedri was dismissed for a second yellow for a foul on Aurelien Tchouameni, and Vinicius was involved in a heated confrontation with Barcelona stars Alejandro Balde, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.

Advertisement'There are different personalities in any dressing room'

Vinicius had to be held back by a member of the Real Madrid backroom staff, while Alonso sought to defuse the situation after the full-time whistle. And while Alonso has admitted that he will have a "conversation" with Vinicius about his angry reaction to being substituted, he insists there is "no problem" between him and the Brazilian.

Alonso said: "Vini’s character? There are different personalities in any dressing room. Right now we will enjoy the win, then we’ll have a conversation, for sure."

Vinicius' status as a guaranteed starter has come under threat this season, with the attacker having been benched for Real Madrid's Champions League opener against Marseille and in La Liga fixtures against Getafe and Oviedo.

AFPVinicius reacted angrily to substitution against Espanyol

Vinicius also reacted poorly to his 77th-minute withdrawal in the 2-0 win over Espanyol last month. The Brazil international had provided the assist for Kylian Mbappe's second-half strike, yet threw a water bottle to the floor and waved his arms around in disbelief before Alonso pulled him to one side for a chat.

"The only thing Vinicius was missing was a goal," Alonso said of Vinicius' reactoon. "It’s true that he came off the pitch when he was feeling best and I could have waited a bit to replace him, but I understood that we needed fresh players to maintain control. Vinicius wanted to stay on because he was feeling good.

"Franco [Mastantuono] wanted to carry on playing too. He said to me, ‘Are you taking me off?’ And I said, ‘Yes.’ Something similar happened with Vini. He wasn’t very happy, but neither was Franco. It happens to everyone, but I’m very happy with Vinicius’s performance. The schedule is demanding and we have to keep going."

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Real Madrid gear up for Valencia clash

Vinicius is expected to be presented with the chance to add to his five goals and four assists in 2025-26 when Real Madrid welcome Valencia to the Bernabeu for their third successive home game next weekend. Los Blancos have won all five home games this season after Sunday's heated Clasico win over Barcelona and have lost just once all season – a 5-2 defeat at local rivals Atletico Madrid last month.

Real Madrid lost their last home meeting with Valencia 2-1 last season. Vinicius Junior scored Real Madrid's only goal in that loss, and has a decent record against Valencia in the capital, having scored in each of Los Blancos' last four home league meetings with Carlos Corberan's side.

Valencia will make the trip to the capital on a five-match winless run following Saturday's disappointing 2-0 home loss to Villarreal.

Manchester United are now deadly serious about hijacking Chelsea’s move for an “incredible” £70m star, having identified him as a prime target for the January transfer window.

Man Utd looking to sign new midfielder amid Casemiro criticism

To say Man United are short on top-quality midfield options would perhaps be an understatement, with Ruben Amorim clearly not a fan of Kobbie Mainoo, given that the 20-year-old is still yet to start a Premier League match so far this season.

Casemiro, who is now set to exit Old Trafford, has also been slammed for some of his performances in recent weeks, with Wayne Rooney branding the Brazilian “silly” and “naive” after he got sent off at the end of the first half against Chelsea.

Near the end of the summer transfer window, ESPN commentator Ian Darke suggested Amorim needed to bolster his options in the engine room, but simply didn’t have the money available.

Darke named Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton as a suitable target for Man United, and according to a report from TEAMtalk, the midfielder has now been identified as a prime target for the January transfer window.

Indeed, it has been revealed that United are frontrunners in the race for Wharton’s signature, with INEOS deadly serious about hijacking Chelsea’s move for the Palace maestro, but a deal will be expensive.

Palace have slapped an asking price of at least £70m on the midfielder, who is likely to have no shortage of potential suitors, with Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool also named as interested parties, although the Red Devils are currently ahead of their two Premier League rivals.

"Incredible" Wharton would be statement signing for Man Utd

Man United proved they still have plenty of pulling power by beating Champions League Newcastle United to Benjamin Sesko’s signature in the summer, but their start to the campaign is unlikely to have done them any favours when it comes to luring the Palace star.

That said, if Amorim’s side were able to get a deal done, there is every indication the 21-year-old would be a fantastic addition, having received high praise from members of the media for his performances this season.

Man United focused on bringing in proven Premier League players in the previous window, and the Englishman fits the bill in that regard, having now made 42 top-flight appearances for the Eagles.

At around £70m, Wharton would be one of Man United’s most expensive ever signings, but there are clear signs he has what it takes to be a success at Old Trafford.

Spinner, who is also managing a minor quad injury, could still be available to face India

Valkerie Baynes07-Jun-2025Sophie Ecclestone is taking a break from domestic cricket to manage her wellbeing ahead of India’s tour of England starting later this month.The ECB said Ecclestone remained available for selection for the India series, comprising five T20Is and three ODIs, but had decided to take time out to manage a minor quad injury as well as her wellbeing.Charlotte Edwards, England Women’s head coach, said: “Sophie has been managing a quad niggle over the past week but more importantly she wants to take a step back from cricket for a short period to look after herself.Related

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“We’re totally behind that. We want to be able to select Sophie for the India series but the most important thing for her at the moment is that she feels in a better place. We all agree that a break now could be beneficial for her to achieve that.”Ecclestone was left out of England’s squads for the West Indies series while recovering from a knee injury but played for Lancashire in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup on the day the international squads were announced.Since then she has played a total of eight matches across formats and competitions, taking 14 wickets – including 4 for 12 against Surrey in the T20 Women’s County Cup final, which Lancashire won, and 2 for 24 in a Vitality Blast victory over Durham last Sunday. She has also scored 154 runs, including a half-century in the first 50-over game she played.Speaking after England’s nine-wicket victory in the rain-affected final ODI against West Indies in Taunton, Edwards added that she was confident Ecclestone would be available for selection against India, something she and captain Nat Sciver-Brunt would welcome.”Soph’s had a really tough six months in many ways, the Ashes then coming back and having that knee injury, not being quite ready for this series,” Edwards said. “She played some county cricket so I’m almost certain that she’ll be up for selection for the India series and both of us just want Soph back in this team and in a really good place and really happy.”Hopefully this little break she’s going to have will help her do that and we look forward to seeing again in England colours… I think this is the best preparation for Sophie Ecclestone to be ready for selection for India, and that’s the most important thing to me.”In her absence from the England set-up, fellow left-arm spinner Linsey Smith claimed a five-wicket haul on ODI debut in the first match against West Indies in Derby and is the leading wicket-taker for the series with seven at an average of 9.00 and economy rate of 3.15. Smith sat out the third and final ODI against West Indies in Taunton on Saturday. Across the T20I series, she took three wickets at 19.33 and 4.83.Despite the performances of Smith, legspinner Sarah Glenn – who was player of the match in Taunton with 3 for 21 – and off-spinner Charlie Dean, Edwards said Ecclestone’s record meant she remained in contention for a swift England return.”In terms of Sophie and her record, yeah, she’s obviously one of the best spinners of the world,” Edwards said. “We are going to have some selection headaches over the next week or so because that’s what we wanted to create within this team, that people come in and perform. Linsey’s been amazing, Sarah Glenn’s won player of the match, Deano’s been brilliant, there’s been some wonderful performances.”We’ve got four of the best spinners in world cricket at the moment, which we are blessed to have, and going to a World Cup in India, who knows, we could be taking the four of them. Sophie’s going to be a massive part of that as well.”Ecclestone’s decision follows a difficult winter for England in which they were thrashed 16-0 on the Ashes tour of Australia. The trip was also marred by off-field headlines, including Ecclestone’s refusal to give an interview to former team-mate turned broadcaster Alex Hartley.That followed Hartley’s criticism of the fitness levels of some England players when they crashed out in the group stage of the T20 World Cup last October.In a wide-ranging interview after the Ashes defeat – which ultimately led to Jon Lewis being replaced by Edwards and Heather Knight losing the captaincy – Clare Connor, managing director of England women’s cricket, described Ecclestone’s interview refusal as “an unfortunate incident that won’t happen again”.Late last month, Ecclestone dropped to fourth place on the ICC’s world T20I bowling rankings with Pakistan left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal taking the top spot. Ecclestone remains No.1 on the ODI rankings.