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Bangladesh have picked batter Saif Hassan in an ODI squad for the first time, and also recalled Nurul Hasan after two years, for the upcoming three-match series against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi.Hassan had returned to the T20I squad against Netherlands in August and impressed with his performances, especially in the Asia Cup where he made 61 and 69 in the Super Four matches against Sri Lanka and India. Nurul made a match-winning 23 not out off 13 balls to rescue Bangladesh in the first T20I against Afghanistan. Both batters are consistent performers in the domestic List-A competitions.Litton Das missed out on ODI selection as he continues to recover from the side strain he sustained during the Asia Cup. It had kept him out of the ongoing T20Is against Afghanistan too. The Bangladesh selectors dropped Parvez Hossain Emon from the ODI squad that played Afghanistan in July.A couple of Bangladesh players have also had visa issues. Mohammad Naim, who was picked in the ODI squad, is still in Dhaka because he hasn’t got his UAE visa yet. Soumya Sarkar, who is in the T20I squad for the ongoing series, has also been unable to travel to Sharjah; he is not part of the ODI squad, though. ODI captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Hasan Mahmud, Tanvir Islam and Nahid Rana will travel to the UAE on Friday to join the rest of the squad.Bangladesh play Afghanistan in the second and third T20Is on October 3 and 5 in Sharjah, followed by the ODIs in Abu Dhabi on October 8, 11 and 14.

Bangladesh squad for ODIs vs Afghanistan

Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), Tanzid Hasan, Mohammad Naim, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana

Conor Gallagher arrived at Atletico Madrid as one of the club’s most expensive midfield signings, a high-energy Premier League standout expected to thrive under Diego Simeone. But a year later, the England international has opened up about his frustration over limited minutes, his fading World Cup hopes, and growing links to a January move to Manchester United, admitting he is “not satisfied” with his current situation.

• Gallagher's promising move now shadowed by uncertainty

  When Atletico secured Gallagher from Chelsea in the summer of 2024, it felt like the beginning of a long and productive chapter for both player and club. Gallagher had just come off several standout seasons in England, rising through Chelsea’s academy, shining during his loan spell at Crystal Palace, and completing 136 Premier League appearances filled with intensity, pressing, and late bursts into the box. His €40 million (£35m/$46m) transfer fee reflected not only his reputation but also Atletico’s confidence that he could become a central figure in Simeone’s midfield.

  He wasted no time making an impression in Spain. Gallagher became the first Englishman in 101 years to score for Atletico, immediately displaying the tenacity, forward drive, and tireless work rate that had earned him admiration in England. His early performances suggested he was tailor-made for Simeone’s relentless style, often finishing matches completely exhausted after covering ground in every phase of play.

  Yet as the season progressed, the momentum stalled. Gallagher’s role became inconsistent, and minutes gradually slipped away. By early 2025, he had logged only 339 league minutes and completed just one full match since September. With established figures like Koke, Pablo Barrios, and Alex Baena fitting Simeone’s tactical structure more precisely, Gallagher found himself more frequently rotated, often used for energy rather than entrusted with a regular starting place. What began as a career-defining move slowly transformed into a frustrating waiting game.

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  Gallagher breaks his silence: "I'm not satisfied"

  The growing speculation about his future eventually reached Gallagher, who chose to address it openly. In recent weeks, he has been strongly linked with United, who are considering him as a January reinforcement should he become available. His honesty regarding his current role made clear that he is wrestling with mixed emotions.

  “I’m not satisfied. I don’t think anyone will be if they don’t play as much as they would like, but I will continue to work very hard to, whenever I have the opportunity, help the team and hopefully more opportunities will come to be a starter,” he said in an interview with AS, acknowledging his frustration with the lack of consistent minutes.

  At the same time, Gallagher rejected the idea that he is searching for a way out. He spoke with genuine appreciation for Atletico and a strong desire to succeed in Spain. “I’m very happy here. My goal is to win titles with Atleti and I want to have a bigger role in the team. And, as I said, I’m going to continue working to the maximum to play more minutes and be able to help the team.”

  Gallagher remains committed, ambitious, and respectful of Simeone’s decisions, but he cannot ignore the impact his restricted playing time is having, not only on his club career but also on his international prospects.

• The World Cup clock is ticking and time is running out

  For Gallagher, the consequences of limited playing time extend well beyond Madrid. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, he knows that irregular minutes could jeopardise his place in England’s squad. His opportunities have already shrunk in recent international windows, and he recognises the significance of the challenge ahead.

  “That’s one of my goals. I have spoken to Thomas Tuchel and he has told me what he needs from me and what I have to do to return to the team. And it seems that, right now, it’s very difficult for me to get to that point. But, as I said before, I will continue to do my best to get more minutes and, hopefully, return to the national team,” he admitted. His response underscored both his desire to represent England and his awareness of the reality he faces: national-team football requires rhythm, consistency, and trust—conditions that have been hard for him to find in Simeone’s structured system.

  The competition around him at Atletico is relentless. Koke’s leadership, Baena’s creativity, and Barrios’ defensive discipline align seamlessly with Atletico’s tactical identity. Gallagher’s high-energy, box-to-box profile remains valuable, but Simeone’s preference for positional control and experience has kept him on the periphery. As links with the Red Devils grow louder, the midfielder faces a difficult crossroads. 

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  The road ahead for Gallagher

  Gallagher’s situation now enters a decisive period as Atletico approach January with a player who is fully committed but undeniably underused. He respects Simeone, speaks with admiration for the club, and genuinely wants to win trophies in Madrid. But ambition alone cannot replace the minutes he needs, and the coming weeks will force Atletico to confront a critical question: is Gallagher a long-term piece of the project, or is the timing right to let him pursue a more prominent role elsewhere?

  From Gallagher’s perspective, his approach remains professional and patient. He has not demanded an exit and continues to push for more responsibility in training. Yet he is fully aware that his career cannot afford another prolonged period on the margins.

  The next chapter will depend on how Simeone sees him fitting into a midfield. If Gallagher’s opportunities grow, he will stay and fight for his place. If not, the January window may offer a path toward the minutes he needs and the international future he continues to chase.

Former Sri Lanka Test cricketer, Kaushal Silva has been appointed the new Hong Kong men’s head coach.His appointment comes ahead of Hong Kong’s Asia Cup campaign, where they will play the tournament opener on September 9 against Afghanistan.Silva played 39 Tests between 2011 and 2018, and has had coaching stints in Sri Lanka, England and Australia since 2019, when he finished up as a player. But this will be the 39-year-old’s first time at the helm of an international side.Related

• Shubman Gill returns to India's T20I squad as vice-captain for Asia Cup

• Asia Cup 2025 in UAE starting September 9; India vs Pakistan on September 14

He was a prolific wicketkeeper-opener in first-class cricket: in 209 matches, he scored 13,932 runs with 41 hundreds, three of which were for the Test side.Burji Shroff, the chairperson of Cricket Hong Kong, China, said in a press release that the appointment aligned with the board’s plans: “Kaushal’s dedication to nurturing and developing talent resonates with our vision for the future of cricket in Hong Kong. We believe that under his guidance, we can not only elevate our competitive standing but also promote the sport within our community.”Silva said his “focus will be on instilling a strong work ethic and a winning mentality amongst the senior squad and working to identify and nurture fresh talent for continued growth”.Hong Kong’s last assignment was the recent Asia Pacific Cricket Champions Trophy, played in Singapore, where they lost to Malaysia in the title round.With Silva’s appointment, they will be looking to further their credentials in Group B of the T20 Asia Cup, where they will also face Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in the first group stage.

Carlo Ancelotti has conquered everything club football has to offer but his biggest dream now lies on the world stage. As Brazil’s head coach, the Italian tactician is chasing the one title missing from his glittering resume, the FIFA World Cup. With the 2026 tournament looming, Ancelotti’s mission is as emotional as it is historic, to end Brazil’s 24-year drought and perhaps, face his homeland, Italy, in the final.

Carlo Ancelotti wants to win the World Cup with Brazil

When Ancelotti left Real Madrid after guiding them to yet another Champions League crown in 2024, few could have predicted his next destination. Yet, for the man who has lifted 29 major trophies across Europe, the allure of leading the world’s most successful footballing nation proved irresistible.

“Managing the Brazilian national team – the most successful in history – was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse,” Ancelotti said when asked earlier why he chose to take up the role of Selcao's head coach. “I knew about the passion here, but living it is different. When Brazil play, the country stops."

Appointed in mid-2024, Ancelotti’s arrival marked a new era for the Selecao. By June 2025, he had guided Brazil to World Cup qualification, sealing the spot with a narrow 1-0 win over Paraguay thanks to Vinicius Jr.’s strike. His record of two wins, one draw, and one loss in his first four games reflected a pragmatic approach built on defensive solidity and tactical discipline, qualities Brazil had been missing in recent years.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesAncelotti's Brazil is finally taking shape

Ancelotti’s Brazil is not about flamboyance alone; it’s about control. Known for his calm leadership and man-management, he has tried to mould a side that balances flair with efficiency. “We want to win, and we’re not hiding it,” he declared. “The dream is for Brazil to win their sixth World Cup. There are great expectations, but also great enthusiasm. The fact that we haven't won in 24 years is a burden. Let's hope it doesn't become 28!,” Ancelotti said in an interview with Dribbling on Rai Due.

His selections have sparked debate. Neymar’s absence due to long-term injury, along with the temporary exclusions of Vinicius and Rodrygo, raised eyebrows. But Ancelotti was clear: fitness, form, and balance come before fame. “It’s important to know every player personally,” he explained after calling up several fresh faces like Caio Henrique and Kaio Jorge during 2025 qualifiers.

Critics, challenges, and the pressure of being the Brazil coach

Yet, not everyone is convinced. Former Brazil goalkeeper and manager Emerson Leao criticised Ancelotti’s appointment, calling it “a sad reflection” of the state of Brazilian coaching. “I’m disappointed that a foreigner had to come because our own coaches haven’t delivered,” Leao told CNN. “Managing Brazil is much harder than managing Real Madrid – here, an entire nation judges you.”

He questioned Ancelotti’s familiarity with domestic talent and communication style, warning that “his work will be very difficult.” The criticism underscores the immense scrutiny that comes with the Brazil job – where every lineup choice becomes a national debate and every result, a referendum.

Ancelotti, however, remains unfazed. Having succeeded under the most intense club pressures, he knows how to shield his players. “I focus on preparation, unity, and belief,” he said in a press-conference. “The World Cup will be competitive, but our goal is clear.”

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AFPA dream final and a shot at immortality

For all his trophies with league titles in Italy, England, France, Germany, and Spain, plus a record five Champions Leagues, Ancelotti’s heart still beats for the game’s most poetic moments. And his dream is deeply personal.

“I would like a final between Brazil and Italy,” he admitted in an interview. “It would be beautiful for me on an emotional level.”

The image of Ancelotti leading Brazil and perhaps against his homeland in the 2026 World Cup final is the stuff of cinematic drama. For Brazil, it’s a chance to end 24 years of frustration; for Ancelotti, a chance to achieve what no foreign manager ever has, winning the World Cup with the Selecao.

“I’ve won everything else. But the dream is to make Brazil world champions again,” he said during an interview with FIFA.

From a results perspective, the weekend was almost perfect for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side picked up all three points at home to West Ham United, and Liverpool lost to Chelsea, leaving the Gunners at the top of the Premier League table heading into the international break.

However, the North Londoners can never have a perfect weekend, as during their win over the Hammers, Martin Odegaard had to come off before half-time with an injury for the third league game on the spin.

With it being confirmed as an MCL injury, there is a real concern that the club’s captain could be out of action for a number of months rather than weeks.

However, while Odegaard’s absence is undoubtedly a setback for Arsenal, there are several ways in which Arteta could cope with it, including playing one of his most exciting talents, and no, not Eberechi Eze.

How Arteta could solve his Odegaard problem

The good news here is that, while there might not be a perfect solution to Odegaard’s absence, Arteta now has several ways to approach it with this squad.

Chalkboard

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

For example, while it might not be a popular option, he could bring Mikel Merino back into the starting lineup and play him in a more attacking role.

The Spaniard certainly isn’t as technically impressive as the Norwegian, but if the last year or so has proven anything, it’s that the former Real Sociedad star knows precisely where the goal is.

For example, in 53 appearances for the Gunners, the 29-year-old has scored ten goals and provided five assists, and since the start of last season, he’s scored six goals in nine caps for Spain.

An altogether more unconventional and unlikely option could be to start Bukayo Saka more centrally.

Now, before the pitchforks come out, this isn’t a suggestion in the vein of playing the Hale Ender on the left to make room for other players in the national team.

Instead, this would, in theory, give the Englishman far more time on the ball and, therefore, have an even greater influence on games than he already does.

Moreover, the 24-year-old has already shown an ability to use both feet, is best when cutting in from out wide, is far stronger than people give him credit fr and is arguably one of the team’s most creative players alongside their biggest goal threat.

In other words, while it would be an experiment, there isn’t an apparent reason why it wouldn’t work.

Finally, Arteta could just opt to play summer signing Eze in the most attacking midfield role.

However, while this might well be the option the manager chooses, it does mean that Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard will have to start on the left, and neither has been impressive when starting games this season.

Therefore, the boss should keep the former Crystal Palace star on the left and opt to start another outrageously talented gem in the middle.

The Arsenal star who should start in place of Odegaard

So, if Eze is going to stay out on the left, Saka on the right and Merino remains an impact sub, that leaves one clear option to start in place of Odegaard: Ethan Nwaneri.

The Hale End gem might not be getting as much game time as some would have expected, but with the captain now out of action, the next couple of months could be the perfect opportunity to get him in the starting lineup with some regularity.

Moreover, while the 18-year-old is certainly still raw and can make the wrong decision at times, his outrageous talent is simply undeniable.

Appearances

37

Minutes

1378′

Goals

9

Assists

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.29

Minutes per Goal Involvement

125.27′

For example, despite not really being a winger and being so young, the Enfield-born monster managed to score nine goals and provide two assists in 37 appearances, totalling 1378 minutes, last season.

That works out to a goal involvement every 3.36 games, or more crucially, one every 125.27 minutes.

Furthermore, unlike some of his more senior teammates, who have been criticised for playing too safely in the past, the “phenomenal” prospect, as dubbed by former professional Stephen Warnock, is always looking to play the ball forward or for a goalscoring opportunity.

While there are certainly other differences in their game, this swashbuckling and brave style of play has to be one of the reasons the manager described him as “a little bit like Jack Wilshere.”

Ultimately, Arteta has several options when it comes to replacing Odegaard in this Arsenal team, but to keep the wings as strong as possible, he should opt to start Nwaneri.

Arsenal sold Hale End's answer to Gyokeres for £4m, now he's worth 464% more

As Viktor Gyökeres continues to find his feet at Arsenal, did the Gunners sell their own home grown version for just £4m, now worth 464% more?

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Over recent years, Tottenham Hotspur have been lucky enough to have multiple top-level strikers on their books, subsequently giving the fanbase numerous incredible memories.

Harry Kane undoubtedly tops that list, scoring 280 times for the Lilywhites – cementing himself as the highest goalscorer in their history, taking the record off the late Jimmy Greaves.

However, other players haven’t been as impressive, with Roberto Soldado struggling to produce the goods during his own stint in the first team in North London.

The Spaniard joined the club back in the summer of 2013, costing a whopping £26m – a figure that was a club record during those years under Daniel Levy.

However, he only scored 16 times in his 76 appearances for the club, leaving two years later for a measly £10m and losing £16m on their previous investment.

This summer, current boss Thomas Frank has made a move to land his own centre-forward, but the player will undoubtedly be hoping to have a similar impact to the former rather than the latter.

What Spurs can expect from Kolo Muani

In a summer transfer window littered with multiple £50m+ additions, Spurs also made various loan deals to help make an immediate improvement to the current squad.

Joao Palhinha was added to the midfield department earlier in the transfer window, joining on a season-long loan with an option to buy from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

However, on deadline day, Frank’s side also clinched the signing of PSG striker Randal Kolo Muani on loan – despite huge rumours linking him with a return to Juventus.

The 26-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at the Serie A outfit, netting 10 goals in just 22 appearances – subsequently getting his career back on track.

He joined PSG in a £76m deal back in 2023, but only scored 11 times in two seasons, before falling down the pecking order – leading to his temporary spells away from the Ligue 1 outfit.

However, he’s showcased in his recent spell in Italy that he’s capable of thriving with regular minutes, registering 70 goals in the professional game over the last five years.

The former Spurs player who’s outscored Kolo Muani

As previously mentioned, the centre-forward position has been a troubled one for Spurs since Kane departed in 2023, with record-signing Dominic Solanke struggling with his fitness since his own move in 2024.

The Lilywhites forked out £65m for his signature, but he’s only managed 16 goals for the club to date – with injuries halting his progress in North London.

The Englishman has been restricted to just 31 minutes of Premier League action so far in 2025/26, opening the door for Kolo Muani to stake his claim for a regular starting role.

However, former strikers at Spurs have also struggled to match the expectations put upon them, given the stature of the club – none more so than Vincent Janssen.

He joined the club in a £18.6m deal from AZ Alkmaar in the summer of 2016, with such a move generating excitement after the Dutchman ended the previous year as the Eredivisie’s top scorer.

During his first campaign in England, the striker only managed to net six goals – only two of which were in the Premier League – ultimately struggling to match the expectations he arrived with.

Janssen would subsequently be sent out on loan to Turkish side Fenerbahce, a move that would spell the end of his stint with the Lilywhites – only making three appearances upon his return to the club.

Transfer Fee

£18.6m

Wages

£2.75m

Total

£21.3m

Appearances

42

Cost per appearance

£507k

Goals

6

Cost per goal

£3.5m

Assists

4

Cost per assist

£5.3m

Goal involvements

10

Cost per goal involvement

£2.1m

Such failures in England led to former striker Gary Lineker dubbing the Dutchman as “ a poor man’s Roberto Soldado” – a damning statement given the Spaniard’s own failures in North London.

However, in recent years, the 31-year-old has recaptured his best form away from England – now plying his trade for Belgian side Royal Antwerp, helping his current employers qualify for the Champions League.

He registered 13 goals across all competitions in 2024/25, subsequently outscoring new addition Kolo Muani (12) – highlighting his impressive form after his failed stint in the Premier League.

There’s no denying that the hierarchy made the right call in allowing Janssen to depart the club, with his transfer certainly one to forget given his lack of tangible impact.

However, Kolo Muani will be hoping to not emulate his disappointing spell in North London, undoubtedly wanting to hit the ground running in the clash against West Ham United on Saturday night.

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Teenaged wicketkeeper-batter available for first seven games of 50-over tournament

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Apr-2025Surrey have signed Ireland wicketkeeper-batter Amy Hunter for seven games in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup.Hunter, 19, has played 36 ODIs and 43 T20Is for her country and was recently in action at the ICC World Cup Qualifier. In 2021, she became the youngest player to score an international century when she made 121 not out against Zimbabwe in Harare on her 16th birthday.”We’re looking forward to welcoming Amy into our environment,” Emma Calvert, Surrey director of women’s cricket, said. “She is a talented young cricketer who has been in impressive form for the Irish national team.”Amy adds depth to our squad in the wicketkeeping department, and I’m confident she will be a great signing for the team in the opening block of the season.”Hunter tallied 201 runs at 40.20 during the World Cup Qualifier, finishing as her team’s second-highest scorer – although it wasn’t enough for Ireland to secure a spot at the tournament in India later this year.Hunter said: “I can’t wait to join up with the Surrey squad and get a taste of English domestic cricket. It’s an exciting opportunity for me to share a dressing room with an incredibly experienced group that plays an expansive brand of cricket. I am hoping to contribute to the club’s success early in the season.”Surrey have signed Australia’s Grace Harris as their overseas player for the Vitality Blast.

Manchester United are struggling to put together a run of results under Ruben Amorim and have now been urged to hire a Champions League winner as his successor, or another shock name.

Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim is under pressure

Nobody likes to see a manager lose their job, but the Red Devils are struggling under Amorim and they sit in the bottom half of the Premier League with four points from four matches played.

Tasting defeat at Manchester City in comprehensive fashion on Sunday has only amplified calls for something to change. Nevertheless, Amorim is keen to try and turn things around with his current system rather than changing tact.

He stated after the 3-0 loss to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook: “The system is not the problem. You are here, and you saw Manchester United playing with a different system. Most of them, 4-3-3, and (it) was more or less the same result.

“I will try to do my best in the way I see the game, I don’t see the system as you guys see the system, so I will try to do my thing.”

More coaches than ever are willing to die on the hill of their tactics. Ultimately, football is a game of opinions, and Amorim will put trust in the Red Devils’ early season underlying numbers as something to work with moving forward, given they ranked first in the top-flight XG table with a score of 6.78 before their collapse at the Etihad Stadium.

Either way, not everyone is convinced by the former Sporting boss and his methods, prompting a former Premier League striker to make a suggestion about a potential alternative.

Charlie Austin says Man Utd should appoint Zinedine Zidane or Sean Dyche

Per The Express, Charlie Austin has suggested that Manchester United should target Zinedine Zidane to replace Amorim if their form continues, while the former Burnley and QPR striker also put Sean Dyche’s name out there as a surprise tip to steady a leaking Old Trafford ship.

He said: “I think he’s got to go, if it’s my decision, I’m going after Zinedine Zidane. Ultimately, there are a different set of managers that you’ve got to be looking at, because the situation Manchester United are in, I would take Zidane but is he the right man for the job and how we see them, probably not.

Zinedine Zidane

Sean Dyche

Wins: 190

Wins: 195

Draws: 63

Draws: 138

Losses: 47

Losses: 208

Preferred formation: 4-4-3

Preferred formation: 4-4-2

Trophies won

Trophies won

3x Champions League 2x La Liga 2x UEFA Super Cup 2x FIFA Club World Cup 2x Spanish Super Cup

Championship 2015/16

“In my honest opinion, you have to look at the job Sean Dyche did at Burnley, what he did at Everton. For me, he stabilised the club, at least he’s going to put structure in there.”

Zidane and Dyche are starkly different bosses, but Austin’s clear overriding emotion stems from change being needed to halt a run of results that has left Manchester United needing to fix a slow start to the campaign.

Persistence will be key for now, though a victory against Chelsea this weekend could be critical for Amorim to quell any lingering doubts over his future.

From their worst-ever Premier League finish, to managerial changes and a Europa League final defeat, it certainly was a year to forget for Manchester United in 2024/25.

Ruben Amorim was chosen as the man to try and save the sinking ship after Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, aiming to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford during his tenure.

He alluded to their struggles when taking the reins, but promised that ‘better days are coming’ – still, as everyone knows, actions speak louder than words at the top-level of professional football.

Judgement on whether his ambitions come to fruition will be seen in due course, as England’s top-flight once again gears up for another year of promise, disappointment and expectations.

A mammoth reaction is needed from everyone associated with the Red Devils in the coming months, especially after the backing provided by the board during the off-season.

Man Utd’s hunt to land a new midfield star

Their failures on the pitch in recent times are there for all to see, but there’s no question the United board are showcasing their attempts to prevent such an embarrassing year from reoccurring down the line.

Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have all been recruited to improve the frontline, resulting in a whopping £200m already being splashed in the summer window.

After such moves, reports of landing a new midfielder have intensified, with such a hunt leading them to Brighton star Carlos Baleba – albeit being a complex move given his £100m price tag.

The Cameroonian isn’t alone on their shortlist, as Amorim seemingly wants a reunion with Sporting CP star Morten Hjulmand – leading to The Sun reporting a potential £50m bid is currently being lined up.

Within the piece, it’s claimed that the player himself would be open to switching to England, but any move could hinge on any development in the move for Baleba.

With the trasfer deadline now rapidly approaching in the rearview mirror, it’s vital the right move is made to allow the players currently on the books to thrive alongside any new addition.

How United’s £50m target would impact United’s midfield

United’s failures in recent times have largely been down to poor recruitment, forking out mammoth sums for talents who’ve been unable to adapt to the demands of the Premier League.

However, the same can’t be said for one man – Bruno Fernandes, who may well end his career at Old Trafford as one of their greatest ever purchases.

No supporter could’ve foreseen the impact he would make, after the board forked out an initial £47m to prise him away from Sporting in January 2020.

The Portuguese international – who’s since been made club captain – has amassed a staggering 98 goals from his deep-lying position, often being the club’s go-to in terms of goal contributions.

However, the arrival of the attacking trio will likely take such responsibility off his shoulders, able to form a partnership with Hjulmand – solving the massive issue which has been apparent at the heart of the side.

Like Fernandes, the Dane may be an unknown quantity to many at present, but any move to the Theatre of Dreams could catapult himself to stardom, whilst aiding Amorim’s ambitions of bringing the glory days back to the club.

According to FBref, Hjulmand ranked in the 99th percentile for passes completed (90%), offering a needed composed figure to the side – who sat sixth in average possession in the Premier League throughout 2024/25.

Being comfortable on the ball is always important in a system that demands intricate play, but the 26-year-old has also demonstrated his ability to break the lines in Portugal.

He made 6.7 passes into the final third per 90, ranking him in the top 8% of all players in Europe – ultimately leading to analyst Ben Mattinson labelling him a “complete midfielder”.

Such comments also take his ball-winning ability into account, notching 2.2 tackles won and 1.1 interceptions made per 90 – numbers which could put an end to the club’s hunt for a new midfielder.

Hjulmand’s all-round quality would allow him to operate slightly deeper, seeing Bruno take up a free role ahead of him, enabling him to continue his phenomenal levels of output in attacking areas.

Now, the question becomes whether Amorim pursues a move for his former player, or breaks the bank and makes a club-record move to prise Baleba away from the Seagulls’ clutches.

A move for Hjulmand would make perfect sense, already knowing the demands of the manager, but also offering a much cheaper alternative for the hierarchy.

The new additions are undoubtedly providing excitement within the fanbase, but it remains vital they don’t neutralise players like Bruno as a result – with the Sporting star able to aid the captain in taking the Red Devils up the table in 2025/26.

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2

By
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Crystal Palace are no strangers to losing some of their best assets to Premier League rivals.

Wilfried Zaha is the first obvious example that springs to mind, with the Eagles academy star ditching Selhurst Park for Manchester United back in 2013, only to then return to solidify his presence among the Palace greats.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka travelled down the same Zaha path in 2019 when he also relocated to Old Trafford, with Yannick Bolasie also another notable exit to Everton in 2016, when the enigmatic attacker left South London for good, for around the £30m mark.

The departure that could sting the most, however, is the impending exit of Eberechi Eze to Arsenal – no, not Tottenham Hotspur – having been catapulted to star-man status at Selhurst Park over the past few seasons, culminating in a hefty haul of 40 goals and 28 assists being tallied up.

Palace will aim to dress up their wounds quickly, though, as some statement arrivals look to be in the works.

Crystal Palace add £45m star to shortlist

The South London outfit already has targets in mind to fill Eze’s void, with the former Queens Park Rangers midfielder’s move away from the club looking inevitable, even if the destination has been altered.

Reports have suggested that the Eagles could explore bringing in Hwang Hee-chan from Wolverhampton Wanderers to add in some needed firepower, alongside other rumours indicating that the top-flight outfit is edging ever closer to adding Bilal El Khannouss from Leicester City to boost their options in the number ten spot on the pitch.

Away from both of those options, other rumours are circling involving Palace going after Southampton youngster Tyler Dibling.

TalkSPORT has recently revealed that the Eagles are the next Premier League club to enter into the queue for the standout teenager’s services, with Palace going as far as to shortlist Dibling as a potential heir to Eze.

It could cost Oliver Glasner and Co. a whopping £45m to land the Saints prodigy, but this might well be viewed as a worthwhile gamble, with the 19-year-old already possessing the potential to be a bigger talent than the soon-to-be Spurs midfielder down the line.

Why Dibling could even be a bigger talent than Eze

After all, when placing both their career trajectories side-by-side, Eze is a relative slow burner in comparison to Dibling’s explosive ascent.

The London-born midfielder wouldn’t make his debut in the bright lights of the Premier League until he was 22 years of age, while the Saints number 33 already has 33 top-flight clashes next to his name, having made his own first steps in the tough division aged just 18.

Dibling’s Southampton stats

Age bracket

Games

Goals + Assists

Senior side

44

4 + 3

U18s

42

11 + 5

U21s

27

8 + 6

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Just a mere five clashes into this top-flight journey on the South Coast, Dibling would find the net with some confidence against Ipswich Town, with a further three big chances carved out across his 20 Premier League starts in the league. That reinforces the notion that he is a “special” talent to keep an eye out on, as he was labelled by former U21 coach Adam Asghar.

At a similar point in his own development as a teenager, Eze was making waves in the Championship with QPR, but it would take him a lot longer to get up to speed with the pressures of the Premier League, compared to his 19-year-old counterpart.

His first two campaigns at Selhurst Park would see him collect a reasonable 12 goals and assists from 53 first-team outings, not helped by Achilles tendon issues that derailed his 2021/22 season.

All of this is in the past now, obviously, with Eze going on to be known as an “unbelievable” ace for the South London side, as he was dubbed by Glasner last season, on the way to the Eagles triumphantly lifting the FA Cup in part because of the 27-year-old’s heroics.

While it has taken Eze time to get to the level he is at today, Dibling looks ready-made right now – at just 19 – to take the top-flight by storm, donning Palace claret and blue.

In time, the much-talked-about attacker could be viewed in the same light as Zaha and Eze before him, as the Eagles hope landing Dibling’s signature makes the painful loss of the 12-time England international more manageable.

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Posts ByDominic Lund Aug 20, 2025