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The Philadelphia Phillies were enjoying a 6-0 lead over the Chicago White Sox in the sixth inning on Tuesday night when announcers Tom McCarthy and John Kruk took a bit of a detour. McCarthy offered an on-air birthday shoutout to his former high school basketball teammate, who apparently was a force on the offensive glass.

"He was a heck of a basketball player," McCarthy said. "Played at Rider and Monmouth. It's all because I missed a lot of shots and he cleaned them up."

"I don't want to say anything, but there's someone here in Chicago that does that a lot," Kruk chimed in.

This was an obvious reference to Chicago Sky star Angel Reese, who routinely has her game diminished by accusations that she has inflated rebound figures because she cleans up a lot of her misses. McCarthy predicted that they'd be getting some tweets about this particular exchange.

The Pirates enjoyed a successful season on the mound this year—but they are reportedly following that season with a surprising move.

Pittsburgh is dismissing pitching coach Oscar Marin, according to a Tuesday afternoon report from Jon Heyman of the . Marin, 42, had served in that position since 2020.

The reported move comes after the Pirates pitched to an ERA of 3.76—the seventh-best in baseball and the team's lowest in a decade, since it won 98 games in 2015. Pittsburgh also allowed fewer than four runs per game for the first time since '15.

Marin is also the only pitching coach Pirates star Paul Skenes has known since his promotion to the major leagues in 2024. In two years, Skenes is 21-13 with an ERA of 1.96 and 386 strikeouts in 320 2/3 innings.

Pittsburgh, which has weathered a reputation as one of North American professional sports' most poorly run teams for decades, has had four winning seasons in the last 30 years and none since 2018.

Diego Simeone has fuelled speculation about his long-term future after openly admitting he can “imagine coaching Inter one day." The Atletico Madrid boss, now in his 14th season, made the confession ahead of a crucial Champions League meeting with the Nerazzurri – a moment that has reignited old ties and sparked fresh questions about what comes after his successful era in Spain.

• Simeone stirs future talk before high-stakes Inter clash

  The build-up to Atletico's Champions League showdown with Inter was already intense but Simeone turned it into global headline material. Speaking on the eve of the match at the Metropolitano, the Argentine coach revisited his emotional bond with the Nerazzurri, where he spent two seasons as a player between 1997 and 1999.

  His comments arrive during a turbulent European campaign for Atletico, marked by strong wins against Eintracht Frankfurt and Union Saint-Gilloise but also damaging defeats to Liverpool and Arsenal. With qualification still uncertain, the club’s margin for error is slim, making the Nerazzurri's visit a defining moment in their season.

  And yet, instead of cooling the atmosphere, Simeone chose to heat it up, hinting at what could be his next chapter. That set the stage for his most eye-catching admission of the night.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Simeone admits he imagines coaching Inter

  Before addressing tactical matters, Simeone was asked directly about rumours linking him to Inter. The 55-year-old didn’t hide behind diplomacy and gave one of the clearest answers of his managerial career.

  Introducing his remarks with calm assurance, Simeone acknowledged both his past at the club and his long-term ambition. “It doesn’t depend on just me, but in my coaching career I can imagine myself managing Inter one day. I think it will happen one day,” he said.

  The statement echoed a sentiment he has carried privately for years, but rarely expressed aloud. In Madrid, it landed like a bombshell; in Milan, it was heard like a promise.

• Praise for Inter and deeper implications for Atletico

  The Argentine didn’t stop at expressing affection he went on to shower praise on Inter’s current squad and project. He highlighted how strongly the San Siro side have developed, stressing their consistency, structure and attacking clarity. “They play very well, they have personality and they have a clear idea of how to attack. The squad is incredible. Against Milan they were proactive. They didn't finish, but they could have won. They deserved it. We have to take the game to a place where we know we can beat them.”

  He then underlined their recent pedigree in Europe, placing them at the top of the continent’s contenders, adding: “In the Champions League, the numbers speak for themselves. They've played two finals. They're one of the favorites to win and demonstrate their strength, as they have done so far.”

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• AFP
  

  Long contract at Atletico, but a future with Inter remains open

  On paper, there is no immediate drama. Simeone is tied to Atletico until 2027, and Inter are thriving under their current manager. No short-term change is expected. But sentiment matters and Simeone has now publicly outlined what could be his next step after closing his long chapter with the Rojiblancos. 

  The Spanish side have spent big on transfers in recent years and those above Simeone believe it is time to deliver trophies, having failed to do so since 2021, with the club's president saying in the summer that they are aiming to win the Champions League. Failure to beat Real Madrid and Barcelona to another domestic title, at least, could see pressure build on the Argentine as the season wears on.

  For the time being, though, he remains the undisputed leader of Atletico’s most successful era. He has coached the club for nearly 15 consecutive years, delivering league titles, Champions League finals, and a modern identity built on emotional intensity and structure. Yet after this press conference, one thing feels clearer than ever: whenever the Inter bench becomes available, Simeone already sees himself there.

حسم التعادل الإيجابي نتيجة مباراة فريقي طلائع الجيش وإنبي، في الجولة الرابعة عشر من بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وواجه فريق طلائع الجيش نظيره فريق إنبي، في تمام الساعة الثامنة من مساء اليوم، على ملعب جهاز الرياضة العسكري. 

طالع.. صالح جمعة يفجر مفاجأة بشأن صفقة الأهلي الجديدة.. ويوضح موقفه من اللعب في الدوري المصري

وتعادل طلائع الجيش مع إنبي، بهدف لكل فريق، حيث تقدم إنبي بالهدف الأول عن طريق أحمد العجوز في الدقيقة 33، بينما عادل الطلائع النتيجة في الدقيقة 83 عن طريق حسام السويسي. 

وبهذه النتيجة رفع فريق إنبي رصيده إلى 19 نقطة، في المركز السابع في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري الممتاز، بينما رفع فريق طلائع الجيش رصيده إلى 11 نقطة في المركز السابع عشر. 

وفي نفس التوقيت، حسم التعادل السلبي نتيجة مباراة البنك الأهلي ومودرن سبورت، ضمن مباريات نفس الجولة. 

بهذه النتيجة رفع فريق البنك الأهلي رصيده إلى 17 نقطة، في المركز الثامن في جدول ترتيب الدوري الممتاز، بينما فريق مودرن سبورت فرفع رصيده إلى 17 نقطة في المركز العاشر. 

 

Looking to spend big once again, Liverpool are reportedly going head-to-head with Paris Saint-Germain to sign an £80m talent who’s been compared to the French club’s own young superstar Desire Doue.

Liverpool international round-up

For a set of players that entered the international break off the back of three straight defeats in all competitions, Liverpool’s stars have enjoyed an impressive couple of weeks away with their nations.

Just last night, Dominik Szoboszlai found himself in the right place at the perfect time to tap home a last-gasp equaliser for Hungary against Portugal. Meanwhile, Alexis Mac Allister also found the back of the net for Argentina, and Cody Gakpo has also been in free-scoring form for the Netherlands.

In fact, almost every Liverpool star has enjoyed at least one moment to savour for their nations during the break. Virgil van Dijk found the back of the net, Giorgi Mamardashvili saved a penalty for Georgia and Mohamed Salah scored as Egypt qualified for the 2026 World Cup.

Those moments should act as the perfect antidote to Liverpool’s recent form as they prepare to welcome rivals Manchester United to Anfield this weekend. It’s a game that the Reds must win as they look to regain some composure in the early days of their Premier League title defence.

Liverpool eyeing Upamecano alternative who's missed 426 days of action with knee injuries

The Reds still need a centre-back.

ByTom Cunningham Oct 14, 2025

The international break may have also allowed Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards to plan ahead. They already smashed Liverpool’s transfer record twice in the summer to sign Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, but are now going head-to-head with PSG to sign an £80m star.

Liverpool racing PSG to sign Rogers

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are now racing PSG to sign Morgan Rogers, who Aston Villa value at as much as £80m ahead of next summer.

Whilst the England international still has five years left on his current deal, those at Villa Park still have plenty of PSR concerns to think about and may not have any choice but to accept a big-money offer if it arrives.

For a player of Rogers’ talent, that £80m fee could prove to be worth every penny for Liverpool, who have lacked a missing piece to their title-defending puzzle so far this season.

Compared to PSG star Doue for his unpredictability, dribbling and directness, Rogers has every chance of reaching the same level as the Frenchman with a move to Anfield.

Whether Unai Emery is keen to let his star man go is another question, however. Described as “excellent” by England boss Thomas Tuchel, Rogers is vital to any ambitions that those in the Midlands have already set their sights on.

Spinner completes memorable match after first-innings hundred as visitors continue upturn in form

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Tom Hartley helped bowl Lancashire to victory with 11 wickets in the match•Getty Images

Lancashire 557 (Green1 60, Hartley 130, Hurst 106) and 110 for 1 (Jennings 57*) beat Gloucestershire 381 (Charlesworth 160, Phillips 64, Hartley 6-116) and 285 (Charlesworth 71, Phillips 56, Hartley 5-99) by nine wicketsMan-of-the-match Tom Hartley produced another career-best performance to propel Lancashire to a hard-earned nine-wicket victory over Gloucestershire at Cheltenham and keep alive their hopes of winning promotion back to Division One of the Rothesay County Championship.Having previously staged his highest score of 130 and taken 6 for 116 to put his team in control, the England slow left-armer claimed 5 for 99 on the final day of an entertaining match at the famous old College Ground as the red rose county made it two wins out of three in the red-ball format under the new leadership team of interim head coach Steve Croft and captain James Anderson.Made to follow on, Gloucestershire were dismissed for 285 in 98 overs in their second innings, Hartley finishing with match figures of 11 for 215 after Ben Charlesworth and Joe Phillips had scored 71 and 56 respectively for the home side. Chris Green weighed in with 2 for 62 as spin accounted for seven wickets on a surface offering some assistance.Set 110 to win in 26 overs, Lancashire chased down their target for the loss of Luke Wells with five overs to spare, courtesy of an authoritative unbroken second wicket partnership of 103 between Keaton Jennings and Josh Bohannon. Confronted by four spinners as Gloucestershire dispensed with seam, Jennings top-scored with a brisk 57 not out from 67 balls, while the equally forthright Bohannon faced 50 deliveries in raising an undefeated 45 as the visitors eased to victory in the final hour.Lancashire took 22 points to move into fourth place in Division Two, in the process leapfrogging Gloucestershire, who settled for five points after sustaining their third defeat of the season.Gloucestershire resumed their second innings on 98 without loss, still 78 in arrears and potentially vulnerable to a repeat of the collapse that undermined their first innings. It was incumbent upon openers Cameron Bancroft and Charlesworth to build upon their good start on a pitch that was offering some assistance to spin, but which was not expected to break up.If Gloucestershire’s minimum requirement was to bat two sessions, Lancashire were reading from an altogether different script, Anderson claiming the prized scalp of Bancroft in the opening over, the Australian edging to midwicket without adding to his overnight score of 35.Having seen off Anderson, Charlesworth was no doubt disappointed to then succumb to George Balderson in his first over from the Chapel Lawn End. Attempting a back-foot flick, Gloucestershire’s first-innings centurion found Marcus Harris at short midwicket and departed for 71 with the score 129 for 2. Guilty of poor shot selection, Ollie Price then pursued a wide delivery from Hartley that bounced off a length and edged to Luke Wells at slip, at which point Gloucestershire were 134 for 3, still 42 in arrears, having lost three wickets in the first hour.They came close to losing another in the next over, Miles Hammond standing his ground and being afforded the benefit of the doubt when Jennings claimed a catch at short square leg off the bowling of Hartley. The reprieve proved temporary, Green pinning Hammond lbw for 22 in the final over before lunch, which was taken with the score 168 for 4. Representing Gloucestershire’s best chance of saving the game, Phillips remained unbeaten on 35.He was joined by James Bracey and these two wiped out the remaining arrears early on in the afternoon session, Phillips going to a hard-earned 50 from 91 balls with his eighth four. But Lancashire continued to take wickets, Jack Blatherwick angling a short delivery into the body of Bracey, who was unable to get his bat out of the way and edged behind. His departure was a blow for Gloucestershire, who were in effect 21 for 5 with 57 overs left in the day.An even bigger blow befell the home side when Phillips’ vigil came to an end soon afterwards, the Cornishman held by the safe hands of Jennings at short leg off the bowling of the ubiquitous Hartley. Phillips had faced 110 balls, accrued eight fours and defied the red rose bowlers for three hours. Hartley then extracted additional spin to remove Graeme van Buuren, who stretched forward and was caught behind for 8 to leave the home side between a rock and a hard place at 210 for 7.Todd Murphy led a Gloucestershire counterattack, going for his shots, pushing the field back and sharing in a useful stand of 41 in eight overs with Zaman Akhter, who scored a breezy 20 before offering a return catch to Green as the home side slipped to 251 for 8. Ajeet Singh Dale survived a searching examination at the hands of Anderson and the new ball, he and Murphy digging in to reach tea on 268 for 8. Gloucestershire had a slender lead of 92 with a minimum 35 overs remaining.Lancashire’s go-to man, Hartley returned to bowl Murphy for a 56-ball 33 and complete the first 10-wicket match haul of his career as an enthralling contest entered its final session. He then accounted for last man Marchant de Lange, held at short square leg as Gloucestershire’s resistance with the bat finally came to an end in the early-evening sunshine.

Double-World Cup winner and Ashes star, but Woakes’ everyman qualities were his defining trait

Matt Roller01-Oct-2025When a sportsman retires, it is only natural to focus on their successes, and in Chris Woakes’ case, there were many. He is a double world champion, playing in both the 2019 (ODI) and 2022 (T20) World Cup finals, won the Compton-Miller medal in one of his five Ashes series, and finished a 62-match Test career with a batting average over 25 and a bowling average below 30.Woakes became a stalwart for England across formats: he spearheaded the one-day attack throughout Eoin Morgan’s white-ball revolution, regularly ran through touring Test teams, and lent balance to every side he played in. His record in England is outstanding: in 39 home Tests, he took 148 wickets at 23.87, outstripping even James Anderson and Stuart Broad.Yet the response to his international retirement on Monday – he will play on in franchise and county cricket – has underscored the sense that Woakes’ lows were an essential part of his story. His everyman quality made him the most relatable England regular of his generation, and was a huge reason why he is so highly regarded by both team-mates and fans.Woakes was a brilliant all-round sportsman, earning his nickname ‘The Wizard’ when cleaning up at a darts tournament on an Under-19s tour. Yet as a cricketer, for all his qualities, his attributes were relatively unremarkable: a swing – and, later, seam – bowler who spent most of his career bowling closer to 80mph than 90mph, and a solid if unspectacular batter.Woakes claimed three wickets as England prevailed in the 2019 World Cup final•IDI via Getty ImagesHe was not blessed with the natural pace of Mark Wood, Broad’s height, or the freakish athleticism of Ben Stokes, but developed himself into one of England’s most loved players through resilience and determination. He is a rare example of a player who undoubtedly fulfilled his potential, turning his early promise into a stellar international career.There were plenty of challenges. The timing of Woakes’ career meant that he was often competing for a single spot in England’s Test team, with Anderson, Broad and Stokes all automatic selections. He suffered various injuries – an occupational hazard – and, perhaps most notably, he struggled away from home, finishing his overseas Test career with a bowling average of 48.93.Related

From 'team man' to poster boy – Woakes finally commands the spotlight

How Woakes defied injury to front up in England's hour of need

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Chris Woakes announces England retirement after Ashes omission

The agony, the ecstasy: 56 minutes of Test cricket at its most glorious

He reflected on those challenges in a candid Sky interview on Tuesday. “[Fans] don’t see it all,” Woakes said. “They don’t see the tough days… the hard moments where you are struggling. It happens in sport, where we often put on a brave face but behind the scenes, within the dressing room and within hotels, there are some dark times.”Woakes also recognised the benefits that overcoming adversity had on his career: “It moulds you as a person, moulds your character. It certainly helped me, the fact that I’ve had those setbacks… There’s been highs, there’s been lows, but the lows make sure that, when you do get success and you get those rewards eventually, that means a hell of a lot more.”Inevitably, there has been a great deal of focus on Woakes’ final act as a Test cricketer since his announcement, and his decision to come out to bat with a dislocated shoulder at The Oval – in a valiant, if ultimately vain, attempt to get England over the line against India – deserves immense credit. It is a reflection on his selfless character that he saw it as his only option.Ben Stokes greets Woakes after his valiant effort at The Oval•Getty ImagesBut as the dust settles, it will be his late arrival in the 2023 Ashes that ought to be the abiding memory of Woakes’ England career. He had not played a Test match for 18 months before he was thrown into the series at 2-0 down with three to play; a month later, he was bowling England to a series-levelling victory at The Oval, finishing the series with 19 wickets at 18.15.It was trademark Woakes, a starring role made even sweeter by the adversity that had come before it. He had feared for his career when he returned from a disastrous tour of the Caribbean in early 2022 needing knee surgery, and he was consistently overlooked at Test level when he was fit enough to return.His comeback at Headingley brought six wickets and a priceless 32 not out to see England home; in Manchester, he took a first-innings five-for; at The Oval, he was named player of the match for his seven wickets, four of them on the final day. Even still, he was happy for Broad – who sealed the win in his final act as an England player – to take centre stage.It was telling that Woakes’ announcement provoked such a strong response, and Key summed up his contribution to England dressing rooms past and present by describing him as “a man who helped every team he played in, even before he walked onto the field”. It takes something special for a player to be so highly regarded by both team-mates and supporters – and Woakes was just that.

MatériaMais Notícias

Após anos na elite, o Fortaleza foi rebaixado para a Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro. Em meio às mudanças no elenco por conta da queda, cinco jogadores do clube cearense estão em fim de contrato.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFortalezaImprensa argentina reage ao rebaixamento do Fortaleza de PalermoFortaleza08/12/2025FortalezaApós cirurgia, Brítez lamenta rebaixamento do FortalezaFortaleza09/12/2025FortalezaEm fim de contrato, Yago Pikachu não fica no Fortaleza para 2026Fortaleza09/12/2025

➡️ Tudo sobre o Leão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Fortaleza

Dois dos nomes são zagueiros. Gastón Ávila está emprestado pelo Ajax-HOL e não deve ficar, visto que custaria um alto valor. O outro defensor é Lucas Gazal, que foi cedido pelo Atlético-GO nessa temporada.

Já o meio-campista Pierre foi emprestado pelo Tombense até o fim do ano. O volante chegou com uma opção de compra em seu vínculo e, após boas apresentações, é possível que o Tricolor adquira seu passe.

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➡️ Fortaleza é rebaixado e cumpre apenas uma meta em 2025

Os outros dois nomes da lista são atacantes. Yago Pikachu está de saída após 286 jogos no clube, como apurou o Lance!. No mesmo setor, Marinho também só tem contrato até o fim deste ano.

Há ainda a questão do técnico Martín Palermo, que assinou um vínculo somente para a atual temporada. Mesmo sem a renovação automática em caso de permanência, o Fortaleza deseja contar com o argentino para 2026.

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➡️ Rebaixamento interrompe marca histórica do Fortaleza na Série A

Queda interrompe marca histórica do Fortaleza

Com o rebaixamento, uma marca histórica do Fortaleza na Série A foi interrompida. Isso porque, como estava no Brasileirão desde 2019, o Tricolor permaneceu na elite por sete temporadas consecutivas. Esse é o recorde de uma equipe nordestina desde 2003, quando teve início o formato de pontos corridos.

O Leão ficou no G4 em duas oportunidades ao longo dessas sete edições. Além de frequentar a Copa Libertadores, as campanhas renderam idas à Copa Sul-Americana.

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Newcastle United extended their unbeaten run to three games after a 2-1 victory over Premier League strugglers Burnley at St James’ Park.

Eddie Howe’s side were able to bounce back from their disappointing draw with Tottenham Hotspur in the week to pick up all three points on this occasion.

It took Eddie Howe’s side until just past the half-hour mark before they managed to open the scoring. Their goal was scored in magnificent fashion, too. Captain Bruno Guimaraes pulled off the lesser-spotted stunt of an Olympico, scoring directly from a corner.

Then, deep into first-half stoppage time, the Magpies had their second goal. Burnley midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu gave away a penalty for handball, and Anthony Gordon obliged, stepping up from 12 yards to double Newcastle’s lead.

It was not all plain sailing, though. Burnley, who had ten men after Lucas Pires was sent off in the first half, managed to pull a goal back.

They were also awarded a penalty for handball, this time from Jacob Ramsey, with Zion Flemming firing home. It was too little, too late, though, for the Clarets, and Newcastle held on to win the game.

The two goal scorers were Newcastle’s standout players on the day.

Guimaraes and Gordon’s key stats compared

It has been quite the week in front of goal for Guimaraes and Gordon. Not only did they score on Saturday afternoon, but they also bagged both of the Magpies’ goals against Spurs in the week.

Guimaraes’ strike against the Clarets was surely better. Scoring directly from a corner is no mean feat, and it took a superb curling effort to nestle into the back of the net.

Aside from the goal, the Magpies skipper won six from eight duels and made six recoveries, as per Sofascore.

As for Gordon, he shone in key moments. Of course, the England winger bagged his second goal from the spot in a matter of days, but he also played Anthony Elanga through on goal, which led to the Burnley red card.

One person he impressed was Lee Ryder, the chief Newcastle writer at Chronicle Live. He gave the former Everton winger a rating of 8/10, praising him for remaining a ‘threat throughout’ against a depleted Burnley defence.

It has been a good week individually for two of Newcastle’s biggest stars, but another of their marquee players struggled against Scott Parker’s side.

Newcastle’s worst player vs. Burnley

It was an afternoon to forget for Newcastle’s big summer signing, Nick Woltemade. The German striker was not very involved against the Lancastrian outfit and was described as “sloppy” by journalist Craig Hope.

His stats from the clash at St James’ Park reflect what was an underwhelming evening. He only managed 17 touches, fewer even than Magpies goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

The Newcastle number 27 could only manage one shot and win a single duel, too.

Touches

17

Passes completed

11/12

Shots

1

Duels won

1

Key passes

0

His poor performance was reflected in the post-match rating Ryder gave. The journalist said Woltemade a 6/10 and prefaced that by saying ‘he did not get a great deal of service’ against the Clarets.

That display was also significant for Newcastle because Yoane Wissa made his long-awaited debut for the club. He replaced Woltemade with 15 minutes to go, and received a warm welcome from his new home fans.

Chalkboard

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

With the striker’s return to full fitness, it will be fascinating to see whether or not Howe keeps the German in the side or brings Wissa into the fold instead.

After a performance like that from the former Stuttgart attacker, where he was so isolated, it would not be hard to blame the Magpies boss for rotating him out.

It is also worth considering the number of games the North East side have coming up. They have Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup games before the year is up, plus the FA Cup at the start of January.

Howe will surely want to manage the minutes of his squad, so they can be at their very best in a testing few weeks. It would be no surprise if Woltemade drops out of the side next time out.

Eddie Howe has already found a bigger talent than Anderson at Newcastle

Howe’s Newcastle side are showing green shoots after a difficult start to the season.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 5, 2025

At Manchester United, there is a newfound sense of hope and optimism. Much has changed in recent weeks for Ruben Amorim, who has overseen a five-match unbeaten run in the Premier League and is knocking on the top four door.

The Red Devils have strengthened their spine, core players reborn in an alliance of security and stability stretching down the Old Trafford pitch.

But something is still lacking, and it’s clear that the Old Trafford side need a centre-midfielder to take their resurgence to the next level.

Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is among those at the top of INEOS’s shopping list.

Man Utd's interest in Adam Wharton

The engine room bears one of the most glaring holes in Amorim’s Manchester United squad. Casemiro has been resurgent this season, but the Brazilian is 33 and new deep-lying midfielders must be signed.

That’s where Wharton comes in.

It has been felt for a number of months that the 21-year-old Three Lions star ranks high on United’s list of targets, and he would certainly open up avenues in the middle of the park, ranked among the top 10% of midfielders across Europe for shot-creating actions and the top 5% for through balls per 90, as per FBref.

This is an up-and-coming superstar who is never content with where he is. By completing a transfer to the Theatre of Dreams, he could at least take a giant step toward the very top of the European game.

However, Palace will not let their prized prospect leave easily, and have actually priced him at around £100m as interest continues to swell.

While Wharton would be a credit to the Red Devils project, Amorim actually has his own version of the England international, and he must start unleashing him.

Amorim must unleash his "future £100m" star

If it’s not clear already who the man in question is here, Kobbie Mainoo will no doubt feel that he has what it takes to nail down a regular starting role in Amorim’s Man United project. But he’s got a long way to go.

While the thought of adding Wharton to the ranks is exciting, United might have their own version in Mainoo, with the 20-year-old out of favour right now but having been hailed by former teammate Rasmus Hojlund after winning the FA Cup – and scoring against City in the final – as being a “generational” talent.

Paul Scholes noted that watching the powerful star on the ball and in his groove was “poetry in motion”.

But there’s no question that he has regressed since Amorim took to the dugout, left out in the cold all too often by a manager who has not been won over by his skillset.

Mainoo’s PL record

Stats (* per game)

23/24

24/25

Matches (starts)

24 (24)

25 (19)

Goals

3

0

Assists

1

0

Touches*

49.0

46.0

Pass completion

87%

87%

Big chances created

0

4

Key passes*

0.6

0.6

Dribbles*

1.3

0.9

Ball recoveries*

4.0

3.5

Tackles + interceptions*

2.9

2.6

Duels (won)*

5.0 (52%)

4.4 (45%)

Data via Sofascore

This season, the England international’s statistics are not worth collating, having been reduced to seven cameos in the Premier League, averaging out at 22 minutes per match.

Amorim does not have a vendetta against Mainoo, and rather, harbours concerns over the Carrington graduate’s intensity and tactical suitability within the system.

But he’s shown that he has what it takes, and with a little fine-tuning over the coming months, Mainoo’s technical quality and natural athleticism could see him win the head coach over and cement a position of prominence under the Theatre’s spotlights.

After all, the homegrown hero has been hailed as a “future £100m+ footballer”, and so the last thing United want is for him to slip through their fingers.

Related The new Ronaldo: Man Utd preparing British-record bid for £200m superstar

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Posts 2 ByAngus Sinclair Nov 17, 2025