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Chelsea are reportedly weighing up a sensational loan move for out-of-favour Barcelona goalkeeper, Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The German has found himself frozen out after nearly a decade as the Catalans’ undisputed No.1. He has been pushed aside to make way for Joan Garcia, the former Espanyol star who was one of Europe’s standout performers last season. Barcelona’s decision to spend €25 million (£22m/$29m) on Garcia has caused internal friction as it is understood that Ter Stegen was livid at the signing, viewing it as a declaration that his era was over.

• Ter Stegen's rift with Barcelona

  After undergoing a back surgery earlier in the summer, Ter Stegen stunned club officials by posting his own injury update on social media, without notifying Barcelona’s medical department. It was seen as a lack of professionalism by the board. Moreover, tensions flared up again when Ter Stegen allegedly refused to sign a release form allowing the club to access his medical documents, delaying García’s registration just days before La Liga kicked off.

  Barca were furious with the goalkeeper, and legal action was reportedly discussed internally. They even stripped Ter Stegen of the captain’s armband, sending a clear message that no player was bigger than the institution. A fragile truce was eventually brokered, and the German was reinstated as captain weeks later. Wojciech Szczesny offered his support to the keeper and insisted that he believes in Ter Stegen's ability, and the keeper could still make a comeback. 

  Speaking to , Szczesny said: "I don't think it's a pleasant situation. I was in the same situation with Juventus and decided to retire from football. I don't advise the same thing to Marc, because he still has a lot to contribute to football, but I think sometimes, in this job, you have to accept that some decisions hurt you. The club decided to sign Joan and had the opportunity to bring in a world-class talent who can play for Barca for the next 15 years. It must be frustrating for him after being such an important player for so many years, but Marc is a very intelligent guy, and I think he understands. It's not just a decision for the club's present, but also for the future. We spoke a lot this summer, and I think he understands. The most important thing for him now is to get back into shape, because he missed the entire last year. He's currently dealing with an old injury, so as soon as he recovers, I'm sure he still has a lot to contribute to football."

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  Chelsea could swoop for Ter Stegen

  According to , Chelsea are exploring a loan deal for the German shot-stopper as part of their desperate bid to strengthen between the sticks. The news comes amid continued uncertainty over Robert Sanchez's position as long-term No.1. The Blues are looking for experience and leadership in goal, believing Ter Stegen could be the calming presence they’ve lacked since the departure of Edouard Mendy. They view both Ter Stegen and Mike Maignan as elite-level options capable of restoring defensive confidence. The choice, however, may depend on timing. While a loan for Ter Stegen could be struck as early as January, Maignan remains Maresca’s long-term dream signing.

• Maignan remains an option on the table for Chelsea

  Chelsea have admired Maignan for over a year and came close to signing him during the mini transfer window before the Club World Cup. However, AC Milan’s valuation forced them to back off, knowing they’d get another chance when his contract runs out in 2026. It is understood that Chelsea remain confident that Maignan will walk away from Milan at the end of the season, leaving him available on a free transfer. His arrival could potentially turn Chelsea into genuine Premier League contenders again, especially under a manager like Maresca, who values ball-playing keepers capable of dictating from the back. But the Blues aren’t alone in the chase. Juventus and Bayern Munich are both reportedly preparing to enter the race for Maignan’s signature, setting the stage for a fierce tug-of-war next summer.

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  Chelsea weigh up their transfer options

  If Maignan proves unattainable before next summer, Chelsea’s hierarchy see Ter Stegen as the perfect stopgap. A short-term loan would allow them to secure world-class experience without committing to another big-money deal. Chelsea’s scouting department has reportedly also drawn up a third option in Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel. However, any potential deal will be complex as the keeper has a contract until the summer of 2028. Still, Chelsea’s determination to fix their goalkeeper issue is clear. After years of uncertainty between the sticks, the club is willing to explore every possible avenue to bring stability back to the backline. 

Manchester United are keen to compete on all fronts and could now look to add an experienced full-back to their ranks who could push Patrick Dorgu for his starting spot.

Manchester United look to balance youth and experience

The Red Devils are a club that has always taken pride in developing youngsters from their academy. Balancing the growth of young players with some experienced older heads to learn from will be their best chance of long-term success at Old Trafford.

With that in mind, Manchester United fans will be delighted to hear that Shea Lacey was called into England’s senior squad training before their clash against Wales, and England Under-20 coach Ben Futcher spoke to BBC Sport about the impact he feels the step up can have on his development.

He said: “We have looked after Shea and helped him get some minutes. He is a top talent, has reconnected with the group and I thought he performed really well. I am sure Manchester United have a good plan for him. Hopefully he can stay injury free and fulfil that potential.”

JJ Gabriel and Samuel Lusale are among other promising Manchester United academy gems hoping to one day make their senior breakthrough, and it appears that they are willing to give youngsters a chance.

Patrick Dorgu comes into that conversation under different circumstances since his move from Lecce in January. Nevertheless, the 20-year-old has made seven appearances in all competitions this season, completing four full matches in the Premier League.

Despite his emergence as a positive source of energy on the left-hand side of Ruben Amorim’s backline, he won’t be expected to play every game this season, which could pave the way for a positional competitor to arrive at Old Trafford.

Ruben Amorim pushing to sign Federico Dimarco for Man Utd

According to Inter Live, Manchester United are pushing to sign Inter defender Federico Dimarco, who is into the final two years of his £142,500 per week contract at San Siro.

Amorim is considered the man behind the effort to recruit the Italy international, and their involvement in persuading him to move to England is reportedly complicating the Nerazzuri’s bid to have him extend his contract.

£18m per year Man Utd star who regretted Old Trafford transfer set to leave

Should the Red Devils try and keep him?

By
Henry Jackson

Oct 13, 2025

Earning 33 caps for his country, Dimarco has registered 20 goals and 37 assists in 198 appearances for the Serie A giants, establishing himself as a key goal threat and presence on the left flank.

Two strikes and three assists in eight outings this campaign has elevated his stock once more, and he may well be the ideal candidate to offer competition to Dorgu after Luke Shaw’s move into a left-sided centre-back role.

Either way, this transfer saga may be one to keep an eye on as Manchester United probe the market for reinforcements to strengthen under Amorim.

Thomas Frank has responded to Jamie Carragher's assessment of his Tottenham team, telling the ex-Liverpool defender that it's 'easier' to be a pundit and criticise managers for their shortcomings than to actually coach a team. Frank's Spurs lost 1-0 to Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday, tallying a club-record low of 0.05 expected goals in the process. Supporters booed the Dane's team throughout the game and at full-time.

• Carragher rips into Spurs' tactics and players

  The performance was then picked apart on Monday Night Football programme by Carragher, who said Tottenham lacked 'courage, confidence and ability' during their defeat to the Blues, while he also took aim at summer signings Joao Palhinha and Xavi Simons for their subpar displays. But Spurs responded magnificently to this defeat by thrashing Danish outfit Copenhagen 4-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday.

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  Frank dismissive of criticism from pundits

  At his post-match press conference, Frank was asked by GOAL whether he saw Carragher's analysis and pointed comments.

  Frank replied: "No, I didn't. I didn't see his comments so there's not too much to say to that. The pundits are pundits, they need to say something about the games. I've been a pundit myself sometimes, it's easier to be that than stand down there (on the touchline)."

• 10-man Tottenham destroy Copenhagen in style

  Strikes from Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert saw Spurs build a two-goal lead against Copenhagen, before the Welsh winger was sent off after a VAR review for a high challenge on Marcos Lopez's heel. However, the hosts soldiered on and scored twice more in quick succession, firstly through an incredible 70-yard solo goal from Micky van de Ven and then substitute Palhinha.

  "I saw a good performance today, which I'm happy with," Frank added. "We talk a lot about that 'bounce-back mentality' because in life and football there will be setbacks. Every team will experience that. It's how we react to that, to come out after a bad game or a bad spell and come back into it. That's part of a good team. I'm very happy with the response the players came with today, we controlled the game from minute one to the end more or less. Of course, there was a little bit about the red card but Micky decided it should not be a problem! Then we won a very good win in the Champions League and it's not easy. I know Copenhagen haven't had a good start but I know they are in general very difficult to play against and I'm pretty sure we will not see them lose 4-0."

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• Johnson red card 'harsh' claims Frank

  Frank was also asked about the decision to send off Johnson, with the Spurs boss admitting he could see why a red card was shown but believing ultimately the late challenge wasn't worthy of a dismissal.

  "I think I understand why it can be given. But I think it's a little bit – what I've talked before – that still footage, studs on leg, is what the ref sees the first thing," Frank said. "That's where it looks bad. There was no recklessness in this tackle from Brennan. He goes down into a sliding tackle, you can say 'why give the opportunity?', but when he goes down, there's literally no leg in front of him, so when he slides, then the player steps down, and then it looks bad after that. I think it was a little bit unfortunate, and I think it was harsh."

Free agent slugger Juan Soto's market is heating up quickly, as expected, with the star slugger the prize of the market this offseason.

According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, Soto is set to begin with prospective teams this week in California. The Toronto Blue Jays will get the first meeting with Soto, followed by the Boston Red Sox. After that, the two prohibitive favorites, the New York Mets and New York Yankees will get a chance for Soto to hear their pitch.

The Yankees would certainly love to have him back impacting the middle of their batting order. The 26-year-old Soto hit .288 this season for the Bronx Bombers, with 41 home runs and 109 RBI in 576 at-bats.

Soto is also in historic company as he enters his prime. As Passan noted, Soto is eighth all-time in OPS+ among players with 3,000 or more plate appearances through their age-25 season. His OPS+ of 160 trails only Ty Cobb, Mickey Mantle, Mike Trout, Jimmie Foxx, Albert Pujols, Tris Speaker and Rogers Hornsby. That is certainly good Hall of Fame company to be in.

Soto will likely command the longest contract in MLB history due to his age and talent. Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres currently holds that record for contract length with his 14-year, $340 million contract. Soto's deal could break the record for contract length, and is expected to exceed $600 million in guaranteed money.

Manchester United remain unbeaten in their last five Premier League games under Ruben Amorim, but the Red Devils have been told they are no better by a former Chelsea star who has delivered a savage verdict on their resurgence. The Portuguese coach marked his one-year anniversary at Old Trafford this month, but not everyone is celebrating, as former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has poured cold water on United’s apparent revival, insisting that, despite the recent upturn in results, the ship is still not in steady waters.

• A run of promise overshadowed by doubt

  United had been enjoying a welcome burst of momentum after picking up consecutive victories over Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton. The bright run of form sparked optimism that Amorim’s ideas were finally taking hold. But back-to-back 2-2 draws against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham halted their surge and reopened old questions about consistency and mentality. 

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• Hasselbaink raises questions on United's revival

  Those doubts came roaring back when Hasselbaink, speaking on , bluntly rejected the suggestion that United are moving forward.

  "I don’t think they have improved, I’m sorry," he began. "Where, where have they improved? They have not scored more goals, they have not had less goals against, they have not won any trophies. Yes, they have been in a final in Europe but lost against a poor side – Tottenham were a poor side last year. He has got a lot of work to do, a lot of work. I don’t think they are creative enough, not like they used to be."

  It’s not as if United haven’t backed their manager. The club spent more than £200 million ($264m) last summer, bringing in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and goalkeeper Senne Lammens in an attempt to erase memories of their disastrous 2024/25 campaign. They finished 15th in the Premier League, racked up just 42 points, the lowest tally since their relegation in 1974, and a defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final killed all hopes of a European campaign in 2025/26. Amorim has amassed 21 wins, 14 draws and 19 losses in 54 matches, numbers that suit a mid-table club but not a Premier League giant with significant financial muscle. 

• Inside Old Trafford: Optimism growing

  Despite the criticism, those inside Carrington and Old Trafford insist that the mood has shifted for the better. The recruitments are now more aligned with a long-term strategy, and Amorim has earned respect for staying true to his footballing beliefs even during the club’s darkest periods. It is believed that the INEOS hierarchy is hoping to see the club back in Europe and Amorim continues to enjoy the complete backing of the owners. His interview with last week captured what many inside the club admire about him.

  "During my career as a manager, most of the time I was winning," he said. "When you are winning, you can say that you have convictions and you are loyal to your ideas, but you learn when you lose, when you are under pressure and I learned that when I’m under pressure, I’m stronger on my ideas and I keep with my ideas. Of course, it’s really important to feel the support of everyone in the club, especially the fans that help you, to give you that confidence to continue on your path, but that was the biggest learning point: when I’m under pressure, I can stick with my plan."

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  Room to improve for United

  Saturday’s match against Tottenham brought the same old sting for United supporters as they saw another lead surrendered and another chance to climb into the top four missed. Speaking to after the game, Amorim did not attempt to sugarcoat the frustration.

  "During the game we felt like the three points were there to take home," he admitted. "But then with everything that happened, Harry Maguire and Casemiro coming off and conceding two goals…we scored again and it's a point. When you cannot win you don't lose, once again we did that. We have so much to grow as a team, because today was our day to win this game.

  "We need to look at ourselves, we were not pressing with the same intensity, we felt comfortable but we need to understand that if we had more bravery we kill the game. But sometimes this happens, you have a better first half than second. We believe in our capacity to score goals until the last minute. It's a little frustration, but also pride at the response of the players at the response to second goal of Tottenham. This is the tip of the iceberg, we are at the beginning of becoming a strong team, so we have a lot to do."

  United return to Premier League action at home to Everton after the international break, and after that, comes a tricky trip to Crystal Palace, where Oliver Glasner's men will push their limits.

It is the end of an era for Celtic and Brendan Rodgers after a string of disappointing results across all competitions led to the manager tendering his resignation this week.

The Hoops did beat Sturm Graz in the Europa League last week, to their credit, but they have also lost three of their last five matches, including their last two in the Scottish Premiership.

Dane Murray scored an own goal and conceded a penalty in a rare start against league-leaders Hearts on Sunday, taking their opponents eight points clear at the top of the table.

The Hoops are in a position they do not often find themselves in, chasing the team at the top of the table, and Rodgers has decided that he is not the man to take the club forward.

Celtic have already confirmed that incredibly experienced manager Martin O’Neill will lead the team in the interim period until a permanent head coach can be unveiled.

The former Hoops boss will have some big calls to make for the team selection against Falkirk, with Arne Engels one of the players whose future at the club is in some doubt because of his performances.

Why Arne Engels' future at Celtic may be in doubt

The Scottish giants broke their transfer record to sign the Belgium international from Augsburg for a fee of £11m in the summer of 2024 to bolster their options in the middle of the park.

For a 21-year-old playing in Scotland for the first time, with the pressure of his transfer fee, a return of ten goals and 13 assists in 52 appearances in all competitions, per Transfermarkt, was an impressive haul.

Unfortunately, Engels has failed to kick on in the current Scottish Premiership campaign, as he has only been named in the starting line-up in four of his eight appearances.

As you can see in the table above, the Belgian central midfielder has failed to provide much quality in possession, whilst he has struggled badly off the ball in midfield.

His dismal form in the Premiership, and lack of starts, may put his future up in the air ahead of the January transfer window, because he is an £11m asset who will not increase in value if his performances are poor.

However, there were positive signs against Sturm Graz last week. He assisted the winning goal, as shown in the clip above, and ended the game with five key passes and three ‘big chances’ created, per Sofascore.

That performance was a step in the right direction for Engels and shows that he can still deliver quality in the middle of the park for the Hoops, which is why O’Neill should not drop him from the XI.

Chalkboard

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

However, one player who should be instantly ditched by the interim manager, though, is Reo Hatate, whose performance levels have dropped significantly this season.

Why Reo Hatate should be dropped

Like Engels, the Japan international was an influential figure in the middle of the park for the Hoops in the 2024/25 campaign with his attacking contributions.

Hatate scored ten goals and created 14 ‘big chances’ in 37 appearances in the Scottish Premiership last season, which shows that he provided a regular threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals for the Bhoys.

The Japanese star was even linked with a move to Serie A side Udinese off the back of his impressive performances for the club, but he remained at Parkhead until the close of the summer transfer window.

Unfortunately, Hatate has one goal and no assists in 13 appearances in all competitions so far this season, and was recenty criticised by a former Celtic manager in the win over Sturm Graz.

Speaking on TNT Sports’ coverage of the game, Neil Lennon was unimpressed by the midfielder, saying that his play on the ball was “so sloppy” throughout the first half.

As you can see in the table above, Hatate gave the ball away 16 times against the Austrian outfit, whilst also losing five of his six duels, before going on to lose 75% of his duels against Hearts on Sunday.

The Japan international has, now, scored one goal and failed to provide any assists, with just 0.7 key passes per game, across seven starts in the Premiership this season, on top of his struggles in duels.

With Luke McCowan and Paulo Bernardo both waiting in the wings, and Lennon criticising his play on the ball last week, it looks like Hatate is finished in midfield unless his performances drastically improve.

Engels, at least, showed signs of life with his impressive display against Sturm Graz, creating as many ‘big chances’ (three) as Hatate has managed all season in all competitions (three), per Sofascore.

Whilst it remains to be seen who the next permanent manager of the club will be, it also remains to be seen whether or not Hatate has much of a future left in Glasgow, if his performances do not improve.

Unlike Engels, he is not currently showing signs of revival and that could mean that a transfer is considered in January, particularly given the interest from Udinese in the summer, as it may be the best option for all parties involved if Hatate cannot recapture his best form.

Chris Bassitt paid up for finishing last in his fantasy football league on Saturday.

The Toronto Blue Jays veteran pitcher was spotted sitting on the field as a ball boy during his team's spring training tilt against the New York Yankees at TD Ballpark in Dunedin, Fla. But that's not all.

Instead of wearing his normal No. 40 Blue Jays jersey, Bassitt was rocking a uniform featuring the numbers "4–10"—his record during his dud of a fantasy football season.

That's a tough way to celebrate a 36th birthday.

Bassitt took the last-place fantasy football crown from former Blue Jays pitcher Tim Mayza, who fulfilled his punishment by stepping in as Toronto's bat boy for three innings during a spring training game in 2024.

According to the Blue Jays' television broadcast, outfielder and catcher Daulton Varsho is the team's fantasy football league commissioner. Getting your last-place finisher to actually serve a punishment in back-to-back years is no small feat.

As for Bassitt, he enters the 2025 campaign on the third and final year of his contract he signed with the Blue Jays in December 2022. In 31 starts last year, Bassitt logged a 4.16 ERA, 1.462 WHIP and 8.8 strikeouts per nine innings.

It would have been easy to miss amid all of the excitement generated during arguably the most dramatic international break of all time – but some very big transfer news broke earlier this week. According to the very reliable David Ornstein, Antoine Semenyo has a £65 million ($85m) release clause in his Bournemouth contract that can be triggered during the first two weeks of the winter window.

Given the Ghana international is arguably one of the most exciting wingers operating in Europe right now, the revelation has unsurprisingly sparked widespread speculation over Semenyo's immediate future, with the presumption being that a January move away from the Vitality Stadium is now inevitable.

The 25-year-old won't be short on offers, that's for sure. Indeed, Semenyo has been linked with every member of the Premier League's 'Big Six'. But which club would actually suit him best: Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United or Tottenham? GOAL ranks Semenyo's options:

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  6Chelsea

  Chelsea love nothing better than signing wingers, so one can be sure that the decision-makers at Stamford Bridge have at least discussed signing Semenyo – particularly as he's available at such an attractive price. However, even accounting for the Blues' wild approach to squad-building, it's difficult to envisage them bringing in another wideman in January unless one leaves – and that appears highly unlikely as it stands.

  Jamie Gittens may be struggling at Stamford Bridge but he only joined during the summer – just like fellow left winger Alejandro Garnacho, who has been showing signs of life in recent weeks. As for the right-wing options, Pedro Neto remains one of Enzo Maresca's more productive players, while Estevao is unquestionably a superstar-in-the-making – as he illustrated with his performances for Brazil during the international break.

  Basically, Chelsea have no need for Semenyo, who would be wise to avoid getting caught up in the revolving-door approach to recruitment in west London. 

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  5Manchester United

  Manchester United reportedly offered Bournemouth £50m for Semenyo last January  – and it was easy to understand why. As a strong, pacey, hard-running, two-footed attacker, he looked an ideal fit for one of the inside-forward positions in Ruben Amorim's precious 3-4-2-1 formation.

  Semenyo still does, in fairness, but after getting a deal done for Matheus Cunha shortly after the summer transfer window opened, United also eventually managed to persuade Brentford to part company with Bryan Mbeumo, who's been one of their better players so far this season.

  Of course, all three are multi-talented footballers capable of playing pretty much anywhere across the frontline, so Amorim could, at least in theory, move Cunha into the central striking role (where he's been used by Brazil) to make room for Semenyo. After all, it's not as if Benjamin Sesko is looking like the answer to United's long-running search for a world-class No.9.

  However, times are tight at Old Trafford (though maybe not as tight as Sir Jim Ratcliffe likes to make out), meaning United are unlikely to spend a significant sum of money on a position that doesn't necessarily need strengthening.

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  4Arsenal

  Who wouldn't want to play for Arsenal right now? The Gunners are currently top of the Premier League and have won all four of the games in the Champions League. Semenyo would probably jump at the chance to move to north London, too, given he's an Arsenal fan and even had a trial with the club as a teenager.

  However, it would arguably be a case of the heart ruling the head, because, at 25 years of age, Semenyo wants to be playing first-team football for a top team – and there's no guarantee of regular game time at the Emirates these days.

  Mikel Arteta is in possession of arguably the strongest squad in England and that's partly down to the fact that Arsenal brought in two more attackers during the summer in Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze. Arsenal have been reportedly tracking Semenyo for some time – he even scored against the Gunners last season – but they're hardly lacking in options on the left wing, while Bukayo Saka remains a certain starter on the right.

  So, while this is definitely the most romantic option for Semenyo, it doesn't actually make much sense from a purely sporting perspective. 

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  3Tottenham

  Just like United, Spurs were heavily linked with Semenyo during the summer. And just like United, they ended looking elsewhere after he extended his contract with Bournemouth until 2030. 

  However, while Mohammed Kudus was a smart signing for the right-hand side, Spurs are still lacking a penetrative force down the left flank because Netherlands attacking midfielder Xavi Simons is better suited to a central role and if anyone thinks that Richarlison is the answer, they've not understood the question. It would, thus, be a massive surprise if Spurs are not seriously considering at least speaking with Semenyo and his representatives to establish the full cost of any potential deal.

  Of course, Spurs will be acutely aware that a buy-out close doesn't make a transfer a formality. They thought they had a deal for Morgan Gibbs-White wrapped up during the summer, only for Nottingham Forest to dig their heels in and convince the England international to sign a new deal at the City Ground.

  However, Bournemouth have been very open about the fact that they will not stand in Semenyo's way if he wants to join a Champions League club, meaning a January exit is now looking very likely indeed. Whether Arsenal fan Semenyo would really want to join Spurs is a different story altogether, though – particularly as there will almost certainly be other, more exciting options available to him…

Manchester United have now made a U-turn and made contact with Casemiro’s agent over a new contract, and the midfielder’s stance on signing a new deal has been revealed.

Kobbie Mainoo has been unable to get a look-in as of late, with Ruben Amorim predominantly opting to give the former Real Madrid man the nod in central midfield, alongside Bruno Fernandes, who has been utilised in a deeper role this season.

Consequently, it is now looking increasingly likely that Mainoo will depart in the January transfer window, with the youngster potentially in line to follow Scott McTominay to Napoli, despite the fact Amorim wants to keep hold of him.

With the central midfielder’s place in the World Cup squad at stake, it is understandable that he is looking to receive more game time ahead of the summer, but Amorim is in a tricky position, given that Casemiro has been indispensable this term.

Recently, the 33-year-old has even been compared to United icon Nemanja Vidic, and it has subsequently emerged that he could be rewarded with a new contract as a result of his fine form, despite widespread reports suggesting United have been hesitant to offer him fresh terms.

Casemiro's stance on signing new contract at Man Utd revealed

According to a report from United In Focus, Man United have now performed a U-turn and contacted the midfielder’s agent about a contract extension, with transfer expert Graeme Bailey revealing Amorim’s stance on one of his star players signing a new deal.

Bailey said: “I’m told Amorim would be open to him staying, and if Casemiro is ready to take a drop in salary and work with United on a deal, it is not inconceivable that he stays.”

Not only is the manager open to keeping hold of the veteran midfielder, but the player himself is also personally receptive to the idea of remaining at Old Trafford, and positive talks have already been held.

The ex-Real Madrid star has certainly turned a corner since Jamie Carragher infamously told him he was finished at the top level and to move to Saudi Arabia or the MLS.

Indeed, the 80-time Brazil international has only missed one Premier League match this season, which was due to suspension, amassing three goals and one assist in his opening ten matches.

Of course, the five-time Champions League winner is more well-known for his stellar defensive attributes, and his ability to win back possession has been on display regularly over the past year, averaging 4.09 tackles per 90, which places the maestro in the top 1% of midfielders.

Consequently, it would make sense to offer Casemiro a new deal, but it would have to be at reduced wages, given his age, with the central midfielder currently the highest-earning player in the squad.

Man Utd's highest earners have been named and ranked

Weekly wages: Manchester United FC 2025/26 highest-paid players

We at Football FanCast have gathered all the information on exactly how much the wages of each player is at Manchester United.

By
Luke Randall

Sep 4, 2025

Singing the national anthem at a sporting event is no easy task. There are thousands of eyeballs fixated on you, and oftentimes millions more watching on television. And if the singer and anthem happen to draw attention, it's more likely because something went wrong than because it went right.

But the opposite happened on Friday afternoon before the start of the Chicago Cubs' home-opener at Wrigley Field against the San Diego Padres.

Singer John Vincent II did something so incredible and unbelievable that it warranted some extra attention for the right reasons. When he made it to the "Land of the Free" verse in the anthem, Vincent somehow held the note for a whopping 25 seconds in a remarkable display that has become commonplace for the Cubs fan favorite. It made for a perfect aesthetic with the flyover occurring during the duration of the note.

Of course, holding notes for long periods isn't a new thing for Vincent, who has been singing professionally since 2001 and was previously clocked holding the note at 21 seconds in a prior anthem.

But he may have outdone himself with this performance.