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Spending big money in the transfer market is one way to bring about success in the modern game, but it’s not a guaranteed marker that trophies will follow.

Manchester United have spent upwards of £800m in the last three years alone, but they are currently on a 12-month drought without any form of silverware under Ruben Amorim.

Another option football clubs desperately rely on is their youth systems, with the use of top-level academies often presenting a constant conveyor belt of talent for the future.

The Red Devils have been known for their success in producing elite-level stars, with the Class of ’92’ arguably one of the most iconic groups of prospects to make the jump into the professional game.

One other player has also successfully made the jump and impressed at Old Trafford in recent seasons, after massively impressing through the ranks as a youngster.

Marcus Rashford’s youth record at Man Utd

Many of United’s young prospects join the club at a young age and spend the majority of their youth years as part of the Red Devils’ infamous academy system.

Attacker Marcus Rashford was no different after joining the club at the age of seven and enduring a remarkable rise and progression through the ranks as a youngster.

It’s unclear how many goals he scored before reaching the U18 age group, but he did make himself a household name as he edged towards the end of his scholarship.

The Englishman scored 13 goals for the U18s during the 2015/16 season – sitting at the top of their goalscoring charts until he was handed his first-team debut.

At 18 years and 113 days, Rashford was handed his first start against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League – subsequently taking advantage of the opportunity handed his way.

Despite being a teenager, he netted twice against the Danish outfit in February 2016, which made him an instant hit with the Red Devils’ supporters at Old Trafford.

He’s since racked up over 450 appearances for his boyhood club, but has had to move away on a temporary basis to gain regular football after falling down Amorim’s pecking order.

The United gem who could be their next Rashford

The decision to offload Rashford by Amorim has been one that has been called into question over recent weeks, amid his form on loan at Barcelona from United.

He scored within the first few minutes of the Amorim tenure against Ipswich Town, but it would be one of the few highlights for the forward after a fallout with the 40-year-old.

The 27-year-old has since joined Hansi Flick’s side on loan for the 2025/26 campaign, scoring five times and registering four assists in his 12 outings for the LaLiga outfit.

However, he still has the chance to resurrect his career in the near future, but he could find it tricky to secure his place in the first-team if Chido Obi is handed a chance to thrive.

The 17-year-old generated huge excitement last season with his phenomenal goalscoring record at youth level – with the Dane thriving with valuable minutes at Carrington.

He scored 17 times in just 20 appearances, often featuring for the club’s U18 and U21 sides and helping the former finish second in the youth Premier League.

As a result, he was handed multiple substitute appearances in the first-team setup, registering seven league outings, but only appearing for a total of 160 minutes.

Despite not scoring, Obi was highly praised by many for his performances – leading to one analyst labelling him as a “homegrown Oshimen” – a huge compliment given the Nigerian’s record of 37 goals in 41 appearances throughout 2024/25.

At just 17, it’s crucial that Amorim and various other staff behind the scenes manage the youngster in the right way to help him reach his full potential at the Theatre of Dreams.

However, the similarities to Rashford are there for all to see, given his time in the youth system, but he’s yet to score as early as the Englishman did in the first-team.

At present, the Dane is still 12 months younger than the former academy graduate when he made his first-team bow, showcasing how much time he has to make an impact under Amorim.

However, if Obi can replicate Rashford’s form with the Red Devils, he may have a huge bearing on any success the side manages to achieve in the near future.

Amorim has unlocked the new Bruno Fernandes in "world-class" Man Utd star

Manchester United already have a player on the books who can emulate Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford.

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By
Ethan Lamb

Oct 22, 2025

The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres almost witnessed history on Thursday, but were robbed by a very bad call by the home plate umpire. Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto was up 0–2 on Fernando Tatis Jr. when he threw what should have been strike three to complete an immaculate inning.

Instead home plate umpire Marvin Hudson called a ball and Yamamoto had to settle for striking out the side. Yamamoto had struck out the previous two batters in the inning, Martin Maldonado and Bryce Johnson, on six straight pitches.

Here's the call that cost Yamamoto a little piece of baseball history.

Tatis Jr. went down swinging two pitches later.

Just how rare is an immaculate inning? Well, there have only been 116 in baseball history.

Cal Quantrill of the Miami Marlins is the last player to accomplish the feat, having done it in May against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Georgia Stanway went home with the match ball on Saturday after bagging a hat-trick in England's record-breaking 8-0 win over China, one just short of a record defeat for the 1999 Women's World Cup finalists. A dominant display, which had the European champions 3-0 up inside just 16 minutes, returned the Lionesses' biggest ever win at Wembley Stadium, surpassing the 6-0 thumping dealt out to Portugal back in May.

It was Beth Mead who initially set the tone on the day, breaking the deadlock after just 12 minutes thanks to a lovely touch and an even better finish. Two minutes later, she had another and was on track for a hat-trick, while also moving to within 13 goals of Ellen White's all-time scoring record for the Lionesses.

But as Lauren Hemp, making her first appearance for England since their European Championship triumph back in July, added a third, it was Stanway who started to steal the show. Having put it on a plate for Hemp just a few minutes earlier, the Bayern Munich midfielder netted her first of the day after a goalkeeping error, made it 5-0 from the penalty spot after VAR harshly penalised Li Mengwen for an inadvertent handball and, after Mead went off at the break, she then bagged that memorable Wembley hat-trick by finishing off a lovely team goal she was central to.

China haven't played a fixture since July and the country's domestic league, which the majority of its squad plays in, finished its 2025 season back in September. The rustiness created by those two factors was certainly on show as the Asian champions were put to the sword by the queens of Europe. But make no mistake, England were brilliant and much the better side here, with Ella Toone scoring the goal that ensured the Lionesses would make this a record Wembley win, with there still time for Alessia Russo to add further gloss late on.

GOAL rates England's players from Wembley Stadium…

• Getty Images
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Anna Moorhouse (6/10):

  Confident and accurate in possession on her England debut. Had very little else to do as she watched her team-mates rack up the goals at the other end.

  Lucy Bronze (8/10):

  A typical all-action performance from the full-back, whose link-up play with Mead in the first half in particular was devastating for China.

  Maya Le Tissier (7/10):

  Had some good duelling moments with Shao, coming out on top in four of her five aerial battles, and moved the ball fantastically, as usual.

  Esme Morgan (6/10):

  Had one slightly shaky moment in her 45 minutes but recovered well. Sprayed the ball around nicely while going relatively unchallenged at the back before being subbed off at the break.

  Niamh Charles (7/10):

  Amid growing competition for her spot, this was a solid display from the Chelsea star, even if she wasn't tested much in defence.

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• Getty Images
  

  Midfield

  Keira Walsh (8/10):

  Kept England consistently on the front foot with her control of possession, misplacing just one of her 53 attempted passes.

  Georgia Stanway (9/10):

  An all-round excellent display in which she bagged three goals and also provided an assist. Never stopped running, was effective in possession and clinical in front of goal.

  Ella Toone (9/10):

  Another brilliant performer who finished the evening with three assists and a goal. Her role in Mead's second was particularly eye-catching, with an excellent turn and cross teeing up the winger to score.

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  Attack

  Beth Mead (9/10):

  Was England's brightest spark in a first half that returned two goals, before making way for Kelly at half time.

  Alessia Russo (8/10):

  Pressed well, linked play brilliantly and got into scoring positions, finally getting her well-deserved goal in the closing stages.

  Lauren Hemp (8/10):

  Made an exciting return to England action after injury, providing plenty of danger for China down the left and showing up in the right place at the right time for her goal.

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  Subs & Manager

  Chloe Kelly (6/10):

  Tried to create but couldn't quite reproduce the electricity of Hemp or Mead after coming on at the break, lacking accuracy with her crossing.

  Jess Park (7/10):

  Lively down the right, offering a different kind of challenge for the China defence with her movement inside. Unlucky not to score when a clever effort clipped the bar.

  Lotte Wubben-Moy (7/10):

  Settled with ease into the back line, keeping the ball well and not shying away from duels. 

  Lucia Kendall (7/10):

  Picked up where she left off in the last camp, moving the ball with purpose and confidently demanding possession.

  Taylor Hinds (N/A):

  Took over at left-back for the closing stages.

  Aggie Beever-Jones (N/A):

  Replaced Russo for the final five minutes.

  Sarina Wiegman (7/10):

  Put out a team that dominated and was ruthless, securing a record-breaking win, but there will be some frustration that she didn't use this opportunity to see some different players. Even the subs introduced were mostly established squad members, bar Hinds and Kendall. Did at least take the chance to give ever-presents such as Walsh and Bronze a bit of a rest in the second half.

England and Spain will renew rivalries in April 2026, less than a year after their Euro 2025 showdown. The Lionesses successfully defended their continental crown in Switzerland as they avenged their 2023 World Cup final loss to La Roja, winning 3-1 on penalties. Now the pair will face off at Wembley in a 2027 World Cup qualifier as Spain look to retain that trophy in Brazil in two years' time.

England and Spain to resume rivalry

Olga Carmona scored the only goal of the game when Spain beat England in the 2023 World Cup final in Sydney, but the Lionesses exacted revenge upon La Roja earlier this year. Indeed, Sarina Wiegman's side claimed a 3-1 penalty shootout triumph as Alessia Russo cancelled out Maria Caldentey's first half opener in Basel in the Euro 2025 final, which finished 1-1 after extra time.

And the duo will lock horns once again in April when the pair meet at Wembley with a place at the 2027 World Cup up for grabs. The competition will take Wiegman up until the end of the contract extension she signed last year, having taken over as England boss in 2021.

During her time in charge, England have won the Euros twice, the Arnold Clark Cup twice, and the Women's Finalissima once. In the latter, they defeated Brazil on penalties back in 2023. In addition, Wiegman was named the Ballon d'Or Women's Coach of the Year earlier this year.

"England will face familiar foes Spain at Wembley Stadium connected by EE in a highly anticipated 2027 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday 14 April 2026," an FA press release started on Monday.

"The 2025 European champions will meet the current world champions in Group A3, evoking happy memories for England fans of last summer's UEFA EURO final, where the Lionesses triumphed in a dramatic penalty shootout in Switzerland to secure historic back-to-back titles."

AdvertisementGetty Images SportEngland learn World Cup qualifiers in full

England will kick off their A3 World Cup qualifying campaign, doubling as the UEFA Nations League, in March 2026 with a trip to Ukraine before the face Iceland on home turf four days' later. The Lionesses then face Spain at Wembley in April and take on Iceland shortly after their game against La Roja.

England's qualifying campaign ends next June as they play Spain and Ukraine, seeking to automatically secure their spot in Brazil in 2027. Wiegman's side will hope to maximise home advantage in their bid to top their group in League A. Only the winners of the four groups book their place in the World Cup, while the remaining teams will go through to the playoffs to make up the final eight European places.

"England boast an impressive Wembley record under Sarina Wiegman, in ten games they’ve won seven (including one on penalties) and drawn two at the stadium since 2021. The run includes a hard-fought 1–0 win over Spain in February’s UEFA Nations League," the FA press release continued.

'To play them at Wembley again is exciting'

Wiegman spoke of the World Cup qualifying draw on Monday, stating: "Playing at Wembley always brings a special kind of energy, and we all feel it when we step on the pitch. The history and memories made there along with our incredible fans creates a unique atmosphere.

"Spain are of course one of the best teams in the world and to play them at Wembley again is exciting. We know from the EURO final just how tough they are to play against, and there’s a great deal of mutual respect between the two teams.

"It's a challenging group but our objective is to qualify for the World Cup, that is what we are fully focused on from now. We hope our fans can help us take one step closer to Brazil at Wembley in April."

England have played twice since their Euro 2025 success, following up a 2-1 loss to Brazil at the Etihad Stadium with a 3-0 win over Australia at Pride Park last month.

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AFPEngland round off year with back-to-back home games

England will hope to follow up their victory over the Matildas when they take on China at Wembley at the end of November, which had initially been the plan to host a Mary Earps farewell.

The Lionesses then play their final international game of the year when they face off against Ghana at St. Mary's in early December.

There has been considerable discussion in recent weeks that the Premier League is now Arsenal’s to lose this season.

Now, while that might be true given Liverpool’s dire form and Manchester City’s unreliability, it also overlooks the problems the Gunners have had to deal with.

After all, while he’s got a much better squad this year, Mikel Arteta has had to deal with an absurd number of injuries and has been without club captain Martin Odegaard for most of the campaign.

Fortunately, one of his other star signings is stepping up and doing some of the things the Norwegian would do, and no, it’s not Eberechi Eze or Ethan Nwaneri.

Arsenal's solutions to Odegaard's injury

While losing your captain to injury after injury is never ideal, the one positive for Arsenal this season is that there have been and are multiple ways Arteta can address the problem of Odegaard being out.

For example, in recent league games, he has taken to playing Eze on the right-hand side of the midfield three, and while he’s clearly still getting used to the system and hasn’t hit the heights of last season, he has made an impact.

After all, it was his goal against his former side that earned the Gunners all three points on the weekend.

Wednesday night saw the manager start Nwaneri in that position, and once again, while it will take him time to really get up to speed, he opened the scoring with a lovely finish midway through the second half.

A less popular solution that was trialled several times earlier this year saw Mikel Merino come in for the Norwegian.

Yet, while it did work in some games, such as away to Athletic Bilbao, it somewhat stunted the team’s central creativity.

Finally, something that has not been tried yet this season, but could be if things become desperate, is to start Leandro Trossard in midfield, as his technical ability and two-footedness could see him do a job.

With that said, while several players could replace Odegaard at the moment, there is another who has started to emulate parts of his game this season.

The Arsenal star emulating Odegaard

When thinking of Arsenal players who could be described as emulating parts of Odegaard’s game this season, most will think of the aforementioned names like Eze and Nwaneri.

Chalkboard

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

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However, there is another, far more surprising candidate who is now doing certain things the captain did last season: Declan Rice.

Yes, the all-action “world-class” midfielder, as dubbed by journalist Tom Marshall-Bailey, who initially joined the club as a leading six, is now starting to do things on a pitch that the former Real Madrid wonderkid was doing in 24/25.

At least this is according to DataMB, which, through using the numbers and a radar chart, has noticed some significant overlap in a number of key metrics.

These statistics include things like key and progressive passes, forward passes and even progressive carries.

Now, this is not to say that the two players are one and the same, as there are also clear differences between them, such as the Englishman’s physicality and willingness to chase down and win back the ball.

However, this does show that the former West Ham United captain is far more offensively useful than perhaps he gets credit for, although his output over the last couple of years was already showing this.

Rice’s Arsenal record

Appearances

117

Starts

106

Minutes

9352′

Goals

17

Assists

24

Goal Involvements per Match

0.35

Minutes per Goal Involvement

228.09′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Moreover, it does also highlight that at his core, Odegaard isn’t a ten, but an out-and-out central midfielder who thrives in a system in which he can drop a little deeper at times to collect the ball.

Ultimately, losing the captain has been a setback for Arsenal.

However, Arteta can rest easier this season knowing he has options to replace him on the bench and that Rice has become far more dangerous going forward.

Related Arsenal's "unplayable" duo now look like Arteta's new Saka & Smith Rowe

Arteta has hit the jackpot with the two Arsenal gems.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 30, 2025

Led by Son Heung-Min and Denis Bouanga, Los Angeles FC cruised into the next round of the MLS Cup Playoffs with a dominant 4-1 win over Austin FC in Game 2 on Sunday night. The star duo tormented Austin’s back line from the start, combining to seal a sweep of the first-round series and book LAFC’s spot in the Western Conference semifinals.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  LAFC's stars shine

  The Son-Bouanga duo wreaked havoc throughout the first half and, once they got going, there was little Austin could do to stop them. It began with a Son goal in the 21st minute, and Bouanga's goal four minutes later gave the visitors a huge advantage early. The hosts were given a lifeline just a few minutes later, though, when they were awarded a penalty, but Myrto Uzuni's shot from the spot was saved by Hugo Lloris to preserve the lead.

  Bouanga made them pay in the 44th minute, making it 3-0, but Austin FC did keep some hope alive heading into the halftime whistle thanks to another penalty, which was converted this time by Daniel Pereira to pull Austin FC back within two.

  Unfortunately for them, that was as close as they'd get, as LAFC would see out the second half to end Austin's season. They wouldn't leave the Lone Star State without one more good measure, though, as Jeremy Ebobisse scored in stoppage time to finish the game off at 4-1 while booking a date with No. 2 seed Vancouver Whitecaps in the next round.

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• Imagn
  

  The MVP

  Son was magnificent but, somehow, DenisBouanga was actually better. With two goals and an assist to go with it, albeit one that required Son to do much of the hard work, LAFC's longtime talisman did exactly what you'd expect from a star player. It's worth remembering that this LAFC team does have two of those star players and, when they're clicking in this sort of way, it's hard to imagine any team in MLS with the quality to stop them.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  The big loser

  There was a pathway back for Austin FC, a route back into a game that was slipping away. That pathway, though, was fired straight into the hands of Lloris, and that was that.

  Myrto Uzuni, the man who missed that spot kick, will be kicking himself for his effort. When a goalkeeper of Lloris' quality is in net, you have to make him work. Uzuni didn't do that and, moments later, the game was out of reach. Against LAFC, you need to take your chances. Uzuni, ultimately, didn't, and it's one of several reasons Austin FC's season ended.

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  Match rating (out of five): ⭐⭐⭐⭐

French football star Paul Pogba's AS Monaco debut has been delayed yet again, with manager Sebastien Pocognoli confirming a 'grade two' ankle sprain. The 32-year-old star midfielder, who has not played in 26 months, suffered the setback in training. The boss revealed the timeline is uncertain, with a new target set for after the international break.

Pocognoli confirms 'grade two sprain'

 Pogba's agonizing wait for his Monaco debut has been extended once again, with Pocognoli confirming the midfielder has suffered a "grade two" ankle sprain, according to reports from Get French Football News.

The former Manchester United and Juventus star picked up the injury during a training session on Thursday, just 24 hours before he was expected to finally be named in the matchday squad for Monaco's Ligue 1 clash against Paris FC. The setback is a crushing blow for the former Manchester United star, who has not played a competitive match in 26 months.

Speaking in a press conference attended by Get French Football News, the Monaco manager provided the first official details of the injury that has derailed Pogba's comeback. Pocognoli confirmed the midfielder was "in line to make his return" against Paris FC over the weekend before the incident in training.

"He has a grade two sprain," Pocognoli stated. "That is all that I can tell you for now. There will be another test next week. It is a medium sprain. I can’t give you the medical terms."

The injury is the latest in a series of minor issues that have plagued Pogba since he began a rigorous fitness programme at the club, including a minor knock that delayed a potential debut before the Angers match.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesManager rules out specific return date

While confirming the nature of the sprain, Pocognoli remained cautious and refused to set a firm timetable for the World Cup winner's return, stating the club must await further evaluation.

"His availability could vary between a matter of a few days or one or two weeks," the manager explained. "We’ll be able to confirm that next week. We’ll see."

The ambiguity of the timeline is a significant frustration for both the player and the club. It was hypothesised last week that Pogba could return against Stade Rennais on 22nd November, while other reports suggested he might be fit in time for the match against Lens this coming Saturday. Both of those targets now appear to be in serious jeopardy.

This latest setback is particularly difficult given the context of Pogba's prolonged absence from professional football. His last competitive appearance came over two years ago for Juventus in September 2023.

Shortly after that match, he was handed a four-year doping suspension, which was later reduced to 18 months. Following the end of his ban, Pogba signed for Monaco as a free agent in June 2025, committing to a two-year deal in a move seen as a fresh start to reclaim his career.

The 32-year-old has spent the last three months on a meticulous, individual fitness programme designed to rebuild his physical strength and match sharpness after such a significant layoff. This ankle injury resets the clock on a return that has been anticipated since his emotional summer arrival, where he was seen breaking down in tears as he signed his contract.

'Patience, God's plan' – Pogba responds to setback

Pogba, who has been documenting his recovery and training on social media, posted a brief message to his followers following news of the injury. In a post on his Instagram account, the midfielder wrote: "Patience, God's plan arrives at the best moment."

The sentiment echoes the patience Monaco's staff have tried to maintain. The club has been determined not to rush him back prematurely and risk further setbacks, though this latest injury occurred in a controlled training environment.

Pogba's move to the Ligue 1 side was framed as a chance to "rediscover happiness through football" and, on a professional level, to eventually fight for a recall to Didier Deschamps’ France squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup. For now, that ambition remains firmly on hold.

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AFPWhat next for Pogba and Monaco?

With this new injury, Pogba has been definitively ruled out of Monaco's upcoming fixtures. He was already ineligible for the Champions League clash against Bodo/Glimt and will now also miss the league game against RC Lens this Saturday.

The most optimistic timeline for his debut now shifts to after the upcoming November international break. The club's home fixture against Stade Rennais on 22nd November, which was once an early target, now stands as the new best-case scenario for his long-awaited first appearance in Monaco colours.

In his continued absence, Pocognoli will rely on midfielders Mohamed Camara and Eliot Matazo to anchor the team as they look to maintain their early-season form without their marquee summer signing.

Hannah Baker takes 3 for 23 but Warwickshire unable to defend 134 target

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay26-May-2025Surrey Women took a crucial step towards winning the first silverware of the new women’s era, coming out on top against fellow Tier 1 side Warwickshire with a three-wicket victory in the first semi-final of the inaugural Vitality T20 Women’s County Cup Finals Day in Taunton.Surrey appeared to be on top of an inexperienced Warwickshire side at the halfway stage of the game, after restricting the Bears to just 133 for 9 from their 20 overs. An impressive powerplay saw the side’s young pace duo take four wickets, Alexa Stonehouse eventually ending with figures of 4 for 29 and Ryana MacDonald-Gay reaping similar rewards with 2 for 25. Legspinner Dani Gregory also impressed with 3 for 20 from her four-over allocation.The Bears had to rebuild from 67 for 6 at the halfway stage of their innings following an effective bowling performance from a young Surrey attack. There were late contributions of 25 off 19 from Meg Austin, and a fifty-run partnership between Amu Surenkumar (26 from 31) and Georgia Davis (23 from 23). However, even after a late flourish off the bat of Millie Taylor, the Bears produced what looked an under-par total.Surrey started their chase well through captain Bryony Smith at the top of the order, as she made a quick-fire 16 from 10 before being bowled by an in-swinging Hannah Rainey delivery in the second over. It was a similar story for fellow opener Kira Chathli, bowled by Charis Pavely shortly after hitting the first six of the game.The Bears’ bowling attack did well to restrict an experienced Surrey batting line-up to 70for 6 from the opening 10 overs, three runs behin their own score at the same stage of their innings.In a dramatic end to proceedings, after a 58-run partnership between Kalea Moore and MacDonald-Gay, Taylor caught Moore for 35 (31) off the bowling of Bears captain Davis, and the Three Feathers required just 14 to win from 13 balls.However, Surrey overcame the late threat as Stonehouse hit a boundary off the bowling of Pavely with two balls to go to take them through to the final. Spinner Hannah Baker was the pick of the Warwickshire bowling attack, taking 3for 25 from four overs.Surrey will face the winner of the second semi-final, between fellow Tier 1 sides The Blaze and Lancashire. With it, they gain the opportunity to become the inaugural champions of the Vitality T20 Women’s County Cup, an “FA Cup-style” tournament created to allow all three tiers of the domestic women’s game to come up against one another.

Newcastle United are still searching for form, over a month into the 2025/26 campaign, but it’s hardly as if there is anything to worry about for Eddie Howe and co.

After all, the Magpies have only conceded in one of their five Premier League games, a 3-2 defeat to Liverpool at St. James’ Park that was as infuriating as it was compelling.

Attacking fluency will return, and no mistake. Nick Woltemade is integrating after his big-money move from Stuttgart, the record-fee striker replacing Alexander Isak after the rebellious forward forced his way out and over to Anfield.

In the end, the Toon completed a quietly impressive transfer window, signing players of different shapes and sizes to bolster the pre-existing ranks.

However, Newcastle are still guided through by their leading light, the skipper, Bruno Guimaraes.

He’s been ever-present right through Howe’s tenure.

Bruno Guimaraes' Newcastle form

Guimaraes was one of the first to join this nascent Newcastle project, signing from French side Lyon for £40m and never looking back.

Almost four years later, the 27-year-old remains one of the nuclei at Newcastle, one of the first names on the teamsheet. Isak might have been considered in the same breath, but Isak has gone, whereas Bruno has not, despite fierce summer interest from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City.

He’s started four Premier League fixtures so far this season, absent against Bournemouth after that European clash with Barcelona, covering so much ground and working tirelessly both to protect the defence and progress his team’s attacking play.

Against the backdrop of Isak’s absence, Guimaraes put in a captain’s performance against the Premier League champions, and he spoke of his deep-seated love for the Magpies post-game.

However, it would also be fair to say that the Brazilian is lacking his usual fluency in attack at the moment, yet to create a big chance across his five matches in the Premier League.

We all know Bruno will hit his stride, but he hasn’t been Howe’s standout performer so far this season.

Newcastle's best player so far this season

It would be an outrage to award this figurative title to anyone north of the backline at Newcastle, whose three-goal haul in the Premier League this term betters only that of lowly Aston Villa, one strike to their name.

Defensively, though, United have been redoubtable, and Dan Burn stakes a claim for being the standout performer, indeed boasting four clean sheets across five league outings and having been one of the chief organisers in defence, ensuring everyone is where they should be and that they understand their duties, just so.

​​​​​

Like Guimaraes, Burn was one of the first to sign for Newcastle after the PIF takeover, leaving Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2022 to join his boyhood club after so many years, having plyed his boyish trade at Newcastle until being released when he was 11.

Now, he’s shaped into a mainstay for one of the most exciting projects in world football, and, aged 33, he is showing little sign of slowing down.

Fabian Schar

5

159

Bruno Guimaraes

5

159

Dan Burn

5

154

Jacob Murphy

5

142

Joelinton

5

134

Guimaraes and Fabian Schar, who was already part of the toon squad, are the only players to have eclipsed his 154 appearances in black and white under Howe’s wing, and there’s a good reason that Big Dan Burn has played with such regularity, for in many ways he epitomises Howe and his tactics: gritty and tenacious, balanced against a technical undercurrent which has led to silverware and European escapades.

It was Burn who rose highest before the break at Wembley in March, striking first to set Newcastle on their way in the Carabao Cup final. He has been written into club folklore, and there he will remain.

There will come a point when Sven Botman will expect to return to the starting line-up without fail, playing from the first whistle each and every week.

But we can’t ignore the industrious and composed presence Burn projects in front of Pope’s goal, with Sofascore recording that he has averaged a whopping 6.4 successful duels and 6.2 clearances per game, yet to make an error.

The 6 foot 6 defender made his England debut earlier in 2025, called up by the Three Lions hierarchy for the first time when he was 32 years old. Truly, development is not linear in football.

And that emphatic form of 2024/25 has indeed lifted over the disruptive summer transfer window, Burn travelling a smooth through line which has seen him retain his defensive solidity and his unflappable manner besides. Nick Pope boasts four clean sheets already this year, and he ranks only 11th in the division for saves made thus far (ten).

His leadership skills and organisation on the left side of the central defence eliminate and concerns over his lanky frame and limited passing range and mobility. Howe, after all, hailed the veteran as “an incredible signing” who has exceeded expectations.

The defensive giant may not match Botman’s athleticism or technical command, but he has been an essential part of this wonderful patch in Newcastle’s modern history – a period which may well be remembered as the foundation of a new age on Tyneside.

Last year, Burn got the ball rolling at Wembley, putting paid to a woeful Liverpool side and sparking the victory that led to gold.

It was a career-defining moment from the boy from Blyth, but he’s not done yet, this boyhood Toon, and he’s ready to write another chapter into an incredible journey.

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Leeds United are looking to force some late deals over the line in the market and were closing in on their next summer capture before being hijacked.

Leeds release Patrick Bamford as space opened for fresh faces

After making it clear that the former England international wasn’t part of his Premier League plans, Daniel Farke took the step to release Patrick Bamford this week to free up space in his forward line amid the Whites’ hunt for reinforcements.

Largie Ramazani has moved on loan to Valencia, and Isaac Schmidt will spend the season at Werder Bremen. However, news that the experienced striker has been let go has become a late talking point at Elland Road.

Addressing his departure, former Chelsea man Bamford admitted he has been left feeling ‘raw’ regarding recent events, though looked back on pride at what he achieved during his time in Yorkshire.

He stated on social media: “Right now, with the way it has come to an end and the way things have been handled recently it is all too raw for me to reflect on immediately. But in the years to come, I will look back at this period of my life with nothing but joy and pride and be super happy with what I have achieved.

“I want to thank all the managers I played under but especially Marcelo Bielsa. I don’t know where the club would be without the foundations he laid.”

With that now said and done, Leeds are lining up a move for Getafe forward Christantus Uche after his move to Wolves stalled. Meanwhile, they have also made a late approach to sign German forward Timo Werner.

Time is running out to conclude deals, though they were moving closer to bringing in a much-needed element of creativity to bolster the ranks.

Leeds hijacked by Chelsea in Facundo Buonanotte deal

Taking to social media platform X, talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook confirmed Leeds were closing in on Facundo Buonanotte, offering credit to fellow reporter Ben Jacobs as the Whites near a deal to land the Brighton & Hove Albion attacking midfielder.

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However, since this, it has been revealed that Chelsea have moved to hijack Leeds’ deal for Buonanotte after they missed out on Xavi Simons to Tottenham.

Labelled “huge talent” by Jacek Kulig, the Argentina international spent last season on loan at Leicester City, amassing six goals and three assists in 35 appearances.

Now likely to follow that up with a loan to Stamford Bridge, the 20-year-old could have moved to Yorkshire and offer a degree of versatility in the forward areas, given his capability to feature in the ten role or as a right winger. FBRef claim his play style is similar to the likes of Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, with both players thriving on a per 90 minutes basis for defensive metrics.

Indeed, both the Brighton starlet and Bellingham rank in the top 25 per cent for tackles, interceptions, blocks, clearances and aerials won when compared to other attacking midfielders over the last 365 days, offering some insight into the pressing benefits of having him in the team.

Ao Tanaka’s recent injury left a slot for another midfielder to enter Farke’s rotation, and Buonanotte would have allowed the German coach to shuffle things around in the engine room, but Leeds now need to look elsewhere.