Manchester United are now eyeing a move for another “brilliant” Wolverhampton Wanderers star, alongside their interest in midfielder Joao Gomes.

Man Utd looking to sign two Wolves stars

It could be viewed as questionable to be targeting players from Wolves, given that they have made a torrid start to the campaign, having only collected two points thus far, but Man United have recently set their sights on Gomes.

In fact, the Brazilian maestro has reportedly already said ‘yes’ to a move to Old Trafford, with INEOS now working on a deal, which could amount to £50m, with bringing in a new central midfielder of particular importance to Ruben Amorim & co.

Several targets have already been identified in midfield ahead of the January transfer window, including Nottingham Forest and England star Elliot Anderson, with journalist Andy Mitten revealing the Red Devils “would love” to sign the 23-year-old.

However, with a fee of over £100m being touted, potentially cheaper alternatives are also being targeted, and Man United are now eyeing a move for Wolves’ Andre, who has recently joined six other players on the list of midfield targets.

That is according to reliable reporter Rob Dawson, in a report for ESPN, with it being revealed United are looking to bring in at least one top midfielder next summer, while Amorim is also keen to bring in additional options at wing-back.

With United looking to get the likes of Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho off the books, INEOS feel as though they will have the financial muscle to make the necessary improvements to the squad, and moves could be made in January, although they would prefer to wait until the summer.

"Brilliant" Andre might not fit Man Utd's criteria

After signing for Wolves for £21m back in 2024, the Brazilian has gone on to establish himself as a key player for Wolves, and former player Dave Edwards has been impressed by the midfielder’s performances at times this season, lauding him as “brilliant”.

However, with United looking to sign a proven top-level midfielder, the 24-year-old might not be exactly what they’re looking for, given that he is yet to play in Europe, and has mainly been fighting at the bottom of the Premier League table since leaving Fluminense.

While the Wolves star is now experienced in the Premier League, having made 45 appearances over the past two seasons, there are a number of more exciting options on the shortlist, including Anderson, who is arguably a more rounded midfielder.

Amorim and Wilcox agree on blockbuster Man Utd move for "elite" £80m star

The Red Devils could now make a notable signing that would be represent a statement at Old Trafford.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Nov 24, 2025

The 23-year-old amassed eight goal contributions in the Premier League last season, during which time Andre failed to register a single goal or assist, while he is also solid from a defensive point of view, placing in the 91st percentile for tackles per 90 over the past year, compared to other midfielders.

As such, Anderson should be Man United’s top target in midfield, but the £100m+ price tag could be prohibitive, and Forest are in a position to play hardball, as he remains under contract until 2029.

They say form goes out of the window for a derby, but Arsenal proved that to be entirely untrue on Sunday afternoon.

Mikel Arteta’s side played host to Tottenham Hotspur, and instead of wilting under the pressure, they made the most of Liverpool and Manchester City dropping points by demolishing their bitter rivals.

The gulf in class was so vast that it looked like the Gunners were playing a League One side, and summer signing Eberechi Eze, who almost moved to the white side of North London, was unplayable.

The Englishman was untouchable from the first minute to the last, and therefore, fans should be delighted that Arsenal are already brewing a homegrown version of him.

Eze's performance vs Spurs

While it was a joke, Thomas Frank must regret asking “who” when asked a question about Eze in the buildup to the game, as while the entire Arsenal team played well, the former Crystal Palace star was nothing short of spectacular.

It almost felt as if the Englishman was on a mission to make the Spurs boss eat his words, as just three minutes in, he played an exceptional ball over the top that Declan Rice should have finished.

Then, 39 minutes later, with the Gunners already a goal to the good, he added a second thanks to some tidy footwork and a low-driven shot.

Just 30 seconds into the second half, the 27-year-old scored his second goal, once again driving the ball into the bottom corner, only this time with his weaker foot.

Now, for most players, a derby-day brace is more than they could even dream of, but the Greenwich-born maestro is not like most players, and in the 76th minute, he scored a third to make it 4-1.

It’s the first time a player has scored a hat-trick in the North London derby since Alan Sunderland in December 1978.

Overall, it would be fair to say Sunday’s game will always be remembered as the Eze derby, and should act as a springboard for the midfielder to really kick on this season.

And in more good news, the club might already have another homegrown version of the international ace brewing.

Arsenal's homegrown Eze

Arsenal have long been a team that prioritise and promote youth from within, with the greatest example of this in recent years being, of course, Bukayo Saka.

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

The club now have another group of incredible youngsters coming through, including one who could develop into a homegrown Eze: Ethan Nwaneri.

Yes, while the 18-year-old might not develop to be just like the former Crystal Palace star, there are some unmistakable similarities.

For example, the Hale End gem is an incredibly skilful player who can and has played out wide, but is ultimately seen as someone who will develop into a sensational number ten.

Moreover, while he hasn’t been getting the minutes that so many expected or hoped he would this year, he’s still very young with plenty of time to develop and even then, he proved how talented he is last season.

For example, the “phenomenal” prospect, as dubbed by former professional Stephen Warnock, scored nine goals and provided two assists in 37 appearances, totalling 1378 minutes.

That works out to a goal involvement every 3.36 games, or more crucially, one every 125.27 minutes, which would be incredibly impressive if he were a seasoned professional and helps to justify Joe Cole’s claim that “he’s the most exciting footballer in England and maybe Europe.”

Appearances

37

Minutes

1378′

Goals

9

Assists

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.29

Minutes per Goal Involvement

125.27′

Finally, on top of his output, the Enfield-born gem put up some sensational underlying numbers last year.

According to FBref, he ranked in the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League for successful take-ons, the top 6% for total carrying distance, the top 8% for crosses and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while he is still so young, Nwaneri’s ability to play out wide and as a ten, combined with his output and technical ability, means he could be Arsenal’s next Eze.

Forget Eze: £32m Arsenal star looked like prime Ozil and Odegaard vs Spurs

Eberechi Eze is not the only Arsenal star who deserves his flowers after north London derby win.

ByMatt Dawson Nov 24, 2025

Patrick Dorgu’s Manchester United career so far was summed up in one moment on Monday evening against Everton.

A rare piece of attacking quality saw Joshua Zirkzee flash a ball across the box in the first half, and with Dorgu perfectly positioned at the backpost, the chance was there for the 21-year-old to fire home his first goal for the club following his January arrival from Lecce.

Just days on from cooly converting in Denmark’s eventual 4-2 defeat to Scotland in World Cup qualification, the young wing-back could not repeat the feat, instead lashing his attempt wide in what has, unfortunately, almost become trademark fashion.

Like against Manchester City – where Dorgu had more touches in the opposition box than any other player (12) – he routinely gets himself into promising openings, although is simply unable to make the most of it, having registered just two assists in 32 games under Ruben Amorim to date.

In truth, the left-footer is drifting into Rasmus Hojlund territory as a promising, but raw Danish arrival from Serie A who has almost been made first-choice in his position too soon, with little in the way of competition.

Thankfully, Amorim might well have an in-house solution, although it will continue to irk supporters that £30m was splashed out on Dorgu, while a certain Alvaro Carreras departed for just £5m a year earlier.

How Dorgu & Carreras compare this season

One of the most head-scratching decisions of the Erik ten Hag reign remains the choice not to hand an opportunity to Carreras at senior level, with the young Spaniard never actually making a first-team appearance before his eventual departure – initially on loan – to Benfica in January 2024.

Despite notably claiming Preston North End’s Young Player of the Year award following a standout 2022/23 season in the second tier, Ten Hag repeatedly overlooked the academy asset, even amid the long-term absences of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

In 2023/24, for instance, the Dutchman tried numerous, makeshift options at left-back, ranging from Sofyan Amrabat to Victor Lindelof, making it all the more puzzling that Carreras remained out in the cold.

Still only 22 years old, the Real Madrid youth product is now flourishing back at the Bernabeu, having re-joined his former employers on a £42m deal over the summer.

Comfortable at left wing-back or left-back, Carreras has started 16 of Madrid’s 17 games in LaLiga and the Champions League this season, scoring a belting effort in the 4-0 win over Valencia.

Notably likened to new teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold for his attacking, creative quality from the flanks, the Ferrol-born starlet looks like a real upgrade on Dorgu on current evidence, with United left looking red-faced over their handling of him.

Initially signed as a 16-year-old in 2020 – the same time in which Alejandro Garnacho arrived from Atletico Madrid – Carreras will seemingly remain a case of what might have been as far as the Red Devils are concerned.

Games (starts)

13 (13)

11 (7)

Goals

1

0

Assists

0

1

Big chances created

1

2

Key passes*

1.2

0.8

Pass accuracy*

90%

73%

Successful dribbles*

0.5

0.3

Tackles*

1.3

2.1

Interceptions*

1.5

0.9

Total duels won*

48%

51%

Hopefully, a similar scenario doesn’t occur under the new INEOS regime.

Man Utd's "stream train" can derail Dorgu's Man Utd stay

Question marks remain over the midfield unit and number nine berth at Old Trafford, but perhaps the biggest issue for Amorim – and INEOS – is at wing-back, not least on the left.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

The fact that the Portuguese frequently opts to deploy Diogo Dalot in that role is both damning on the club’s squad building, but also on Dorgu, with the more natural option hardly pulling up any trees down that side.

Dorgu isn’t even a year into his Old Trafford stay, but questions are beginning to be asked of his suitability and quality for Premier League football, with his woes highlighted by the fact that he ranks in the bottom 8% of top-flight full-backs for pass completion, as well as in the bottom 3% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

It simply isn’t working right now on that left flank, hence why a chance could arise for 18-year-old summer arrival, Diego Leon, with the Paraguayan still waiting for his first chance at senior level in Manchester.

Like Carreras, Leon has been plucked as a promising teenager with one eye on the future, with a deal having initially been struck with his former club Cerro Porteno in January.

Signed for a fee of around £6m, the bulldozing defender has featured in matchday squads this season, albeit without getting onto the pitch, having largely operated for the U21 side to date.

There is a danger that he could follow in Carreras’ footsteps as an almost forgotten figure in the academy set-up, yet much like in Ten Hag’s tenure, there is a left-sided issue to be solved – Amorim needs to be brave.

Leon, of course, is unproven and untested in English football, but he’s no stranger to life in the first-team, having scored four times in just 33 games back in his native Paraguay.

Already capped at senior level for his country too, the teen full-back appears to have the physical capabilities to be able to thrive in the Premier League, with analyst Ben Mattinson suggesting that he runs “like a steam train”.

That pace and power was evident during Leon’s stunning, solo goal against Tottenham Hotspur’s U21 side, picking the ball inside his own half and driving into the opposition box to convert.

Also described by Mattinson as a “physical, explosive, marauding” left-back who is “similar to a Patrick Dorgu type”, Leon will hopefully showcase the best of what Dorgu has to offer, but with far greater end product.

The over-reliance and burden on Dorgu has gone on too long, with the ex-Lecce man having seemingly regressed rather than progressed under Amorim’s watch.

Time is on his side, but with an even younger, high-potential talent like Leon waiting in the wings, he might already be on borrowed time.

Mainoo 2.0: Man Utd can axe Ugarte for one of England's "best young players"

Manchester United’s midfield needs an overhaul – thankfully Carrington has the solution…

ByRobbie Walls Nov 22, 2025

Mohammad Naim and Nahid Rana have been left out from the squad that was swept 3-0 by Afghanistan recently

Mohammad Isam16-Oct-2025Bangladesh have added an extra batter to their ODI side for the three-match series against West Indies starting on Saturday. Batters Soumya Sarkar and Mahidul Islam Ankon have been included, replacing Mohammad Naim, also a top-order batter, and fast bowler Nahid Rana.Naim and Rana played in the third ODI in the bilateral series against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi, which Bangladesh lost by 200 runs to concede the series 3-0. Naim edged to slip after scratching around for 23 balls, while Rana didn’t pick up a wicket, and also didn’t complete his last over, raising fears of an injury.Soumya spent a frustrating couple of weeks after missing the T20I series against Afghanistan since his UAE visa couldn’t be processed in time, which prevented him from linking up with the squad. Soumya now returns to the ODI side after last playing in the format in February this year.Wicketkeeper-batter Mahidul is uncapped in ODIs – his only international appearance was the Chattogram Test against South Africa last year. Mahidul has been in good form in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League, the country’s main List A competition, in the last two years. He averages 46.86 with the bat, with a century and ten fifties.The national selectors have continued to keep faith in the likes of Najmul Hossain Shanto, Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain, despite their poor recent form. They have also kept the same spin attack, led by captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Rishad Hossain, and much of the fast bowlers from the Afghanistan series, headlined by Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed.After the ODI series opener on Saturday, the second and third matches will be played on October 21 and 23.Bangladesh ODI squad for series against West IndiesMehidy Hassan Miraz (capt), Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mahidul Islam (wk), Jaker Ali (wk), Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan (wk), Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan, Hasan Mahmud

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras venceu o Cuiabá por 2 a 0 neste domingo (5) e Abel Ferreira falou sobre o brilho de seus jovens jogadores que mais uma vez ajudaram o Verdão a vencer uma partida importante pela maior competição de futebol do nosso país.

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➡️ Tudo sobre o Verdão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Palmeiras

Abel Ferreira celebrou o resultado e a oportunidade de ser o treinador de Luís Guilherme, Estevão e Endrick, três jovens canhotos que não param de encantar a torcida do Palmeiras com tamanha maturidade e talento.

– É um prazer ser treinador desses moleques, vou desfrutar enquanto eles estiverem aqui conosco. Realmente o Endrick é uma máquina, um moleque tão jovem e com tanta alegria dentro dele, infelizmente vai ter que nos deixar, saiu com os braços abertos, chateado por ter errado aquele lance, eu digo que ele é um fominha simpático, nós gostamos dele, ele sabe que por onde vá, que ele vai levar um bocadinho de nós – disse Abel Ferreira.

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Abel que no meio de semana pediu pra Leila Pereira segurar Estevão até 2027, hoje foi sincero e disse que vai ser difícil o Palmeiras não perder em breve mais uma joia criada na sua categoria de base.

– Eu sei que eu peço pra Leila não vendê-los, mas é impossível. Vamos desfrutar deles enquanto é tempo, vou aproveitar enquanto eles estiverem aqui conosco – finalizou o treinador.

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O Palmeiras agora vira a chave para a Libertadores e o torcedor alviverde sonha com que Abel Ferreira escale Luís Guilherme, Estevão e Endrick como titulares no Uruguai.

انتقد مهاجم نادي مانشستر سيتي السابق، محمد صلاح وفيرجيل فان دايك، لاعبا نادي ليفربول موضحًا أن مستوى الثنائي بات مختلفًا هذا الموسم.

ليفربول يعيش فترة صعبة للغاية خلال هذا الموسم، حيث يتعرض الريدز إلى هزائم متتالية في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز وكذلك دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وحقق ليفربول رقمًا سلبيًا بعدما هزم في 9 مناسبات من أصل آخر 12 مباراة لعبها النادي الإنجليزي في كافة المسابقات.

ويواجه آرني سلوت خطر الإقالة من منصبه كمدير فني لليفربول، وذلك وفقًا لما ورد في عدد من التقارير الصحفية والإعلامية.

وانخفض مستوى محمد صلاح بشكل مفاجئ خلال هذا الموسم، بالرغم من العروض الرائعة التي قدمها الدولي المصري خلال الموسم الماضي.

وأيد ويم كيفت، مهاجم مانشستر سيتي ومنتخب هولندا السابق، قرار إقالة سلوت من تدريب ليفربول في ظل مستوى الفريق هذا الموسم.

وقال كيفن في تصريحات لصحيفة ديلي تلجراف: “بتوقيعه مع فلوريان فيرتز وهوجو إيكيتيكي مقابل 137 مليون يورو و80 مليون يورو على التوالي، دفع ليفربول مخاطرة باهظة الثمن”.

وأضاف كيفن في حديثه: ”يتمتع لاعبا خط الوسط والمهاجم بالجودة، ومع ذلك لا يضمن هذا قدرتهما على المنافسة في كرة القدم الإنجليزية، فالنجاح في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز غالبًا ما يتطلب المزيد”.

أقرأ أيضًا .. ليفربول يراقب أحد مدربي الدوري الانجليزي لتعيينه خلفاً لـ سلوت وأوضح: “بعد مفاوضات صعبة ومطولة، كان الجميع في ليفربول سعداء بتجديد القائد فيرجيل فان دايك ومحمد صلاح لعقودهما، وهما ركيزتي نجاح الموسم الماضي، ومع ذلك فإنهما مختلفان تمامًا هذا الموسم”.

وأردف: “دفاع ليفربول بقيادة فان دايك يستقبل عددًا هائلًا من الأهداف، كذلك أداء صلاح محدود لكن، ألم ينسِ هذان اللاعبان مهاراتهما فجأة؟”.

واختتم: “بشكل عام، كان أداء ليفربول ضد نوتينجهام فورست وآيندهوفن محبطًا، لا توجد أي مؤشرات لإيقاف هذا التراجع، حتى الساحر آرني سلوت لا يستطيع قلب الأمور بين عشية وضحاها، لا يستطيع الفريق تسجيل الأهداف وما لم يخطر ببال أحد كان ممكنًا، إقالة سلوت بعد نتيجتين أو ثلاث نتائج سيئة أخرى هو أمر وارد”.

Tim David’s 74 off 38 took the hosts to 186 for 6 in Hobart but it was not enough

Alex Malcolm02-Nov-20251:52

David: I was hoping it would land on the beach

India finally won a toss and their three inclusions in Arshdeep Singh, Washington Sundar and Jitesh Sharma all made superb contributions as they withstood a stunning innings from Tim David to cruise to a five-wicket win in Hobart and level the series at 1-1.Arshdeep was Player of the Match for his 3 for 35, including the key scalps of Travis Head, Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis for a fine 64, to help restrict Australia to 186 for 6 despite David’s devastating 74 off 38. Varun Chakravarthy picked up two key wickets and Jasprit Bumrah was also miserly with the ball.India’s entire top seven made contributions in the chase but it was Washington and Jitesh who finished the chase superbly with an unbeaten 43-run stand. Washington, playing as a specialist bat given he didn’t bowl, made his second-highest T20I score of 49 not out off 23 while Jitesh made 22 not out off 13 in his first T20I in over 18 months after replacing Sanju Samson.Arshdeep’s early strikes, David’s devastating counterAustralia are still getting used to seeing David walk out in the third over of an innings, as he did after Head and Inglis fell cheaply to Arshdeep’s early swing. But David showed zero regard for the perilous position his team was in and unleashed a brutal counterpunch. He drove his first ball for four wide of mid-off and launched Bumrah over cover. Having fallen meekly to Varun in Melbourne, he clubbed the spinner for four and six off consecutive balls. David gave a life off Bumrah on 20, slicing a hard-hit square drive to backward point which burst through Washington’s hands. It proved costly. David carved Bumrah over cover again and then assaulted Axar Patel with two huge hits in three balls. One was projected to travel 129m had it not clattered off the roof above the sightscreen.1:43

Washington: There’s purpose to each of my practice sessions

India’s attempt to use Shivam Dube as the fifth bowler was met with three thunderous cover drives in four balls to bring up David’s fifty in 23 deliveries. He shared a 59-run stand with Mitchell Marsh who contributed just 5. What was most impressive was how he handled Varun. Marsh holed out to India’s trump spinner before Mitch Owen was clean bowled first ball through the gate, completely misreading the length, line and variation.David hadn’t had a great previous record against Varun in T20s, scoring just 22 from 16 balls with two dismissals including one in Melbourne on Friday. But compared to Owen, who had never faced him before this series and now has two runs from five balls in the head-to-head, the previous 16 balls experience over five games for David paid dividends.Varun returned in the 11th over to bowl his third with figures of 2 for 14 and Australia vulnerable. David launched him fearlessly for two massive sixes to finish with 26 from 10 off India’s most dangerous spinner. He looked set for a certain century only to slightly under-club Dube to Tilak Varma, who took another wonderful catch at long-off while tight-walking the rope.Stoinis and Short combine, Bumrah and Arshdeep finish wellAustralia are looking for a new finishing combination with David’s elevation looking permanent. In the absence of Glenn Maxwell, Stoinis and Matthew Short showed their wares. Stoinis played particularly well, facing just four dot balls in his first 14 to allow David to continue his domination in a partnership of 45. Two reverse sweeps off Axar and two thumping pulls off Dube showed his versatility. He then struck four boundaries off Arshdeep in the 18th and 20th overs before holing out to hand Arshdeep his third wicket. Short’s contribution was significant given he had failed to score more than 6 in his six previous outings at No. 7 in all T20s. He added an unbeaten 26 off 15, although Bumrah and Arshdeep put on a death bowling clinic in the last two overs to ensure it wasn’t more.Tim David came in at 14 for 2 and counterattacked•Cricket Australia via Getty Images

Ellis versus Abhishek 3.0Abhishek Sharma threatened to take Australia apart again, racing out of the blocks with two fours and two sixes as India raced to 30 for 0 in three overs. But for the third time in the series Nathan Ellis picked him up, this time with a bouncer clocked at 147 kph. It hurried Abhishek, who top-edged a pull shot straight up. Suryakumar Yadav kept the momentum going with two sixes of his own but Ellis struck again, slipping a full straight delivery through the defence of Shubman Gill to trap him plumb lbw. When Suryakumar chipped Stoinis to cover for 24 off 11 India were well ahead of the rate but had lost their best three batters for unfulfilled starts with their chief tormentor Josh Hazlewood watching from his couch in Sydney.Washington wizardry sees India homeWashington not bowling a ball when Dube and Abhishek conceded 56 as India’s fifth bowler was strange, especially as Australia’s right-hand heavy line-up was known before Washington was selected. But he proved why he’d been picked to bat at No. 6. Bouncers had accounted for two of India’s top five. Ellis and Sean Abbott’s three combined attempts to bounce Washington all disappeared into the square leg seats. India had lost wickets at regular intervals but the continued clean striking meant there was never any run-rate pressure. Washington cleared the rope once more off Matt Kuhnemann to get the target under a run-a-ball inside the last four overs. Jitesh played an excellent cameo in his first T20I in over 18 months, including scooping Ellis to the rope. He got a reprieve when Owen dropped him running back from mid-off. But Washington kept calm and carried on, nailing Stoinis straight before Jitesh lofted over cover to win it with nine balls to spare.

Pep Guardiola has revealed what he said to Erling Haaland after the pair were involved in a heated exchange following Manchester City’s 3-2 victory over Leeds United on Saturday afternoon. The Norway international was made to wait for his landmark 100th Premier League goal as the 10-time champions secured all three points at the Etihad Stadium.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Foden scores last-gasp winner as City bounce back against Leeds

  Looking to return to form following successive defeats against Newcastle United and Bayer Leverkusen in the Premier League and Champions League respectively, City secured a big victory over Daniel Farke’s Leeds. Leading 2-0 thanks to goals from Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol, City were pegged back following strikes from Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha.

  However, in the first minute of additional time in the second half, midfielder Foden scored his second and City’s winner as he dribbled his way into space before firing the ball beyond Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri. The result saw Guardiola’s side move up to the second in the league table and just four points behind leaders Arsenal, who lock horns with third-placed Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.

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• Haaland unable to score 100th PL goal in frustrating afternoon

  In what proved to be a frustrating outing for Haaland, the striker was unable to add to his remarkable goal tally in 2025-26. Despite playing the full 90 minutes, the 25-year-old – the league’s top scorer with 14 goals in just 13 games – failed to find the back of the net against strugglers Leeds, whom his father, Alf Inge Haaland, played for between 1997 and 2000.

  Disappointed after his bid to become the fastest player to score 100 Premier League goals was prolonged, Haaland was then involved in a tense discussion with Guardiola after the final whistle. 

  After appearing to get his point across, the former Borussia Dortmund attacker then tried to walk away before being hugged twice by the City manager, who was equally keen to express his feelings. Both Haaland and Guardiola had smiles on their faces after their chat eventually came to an end.

• AFP
  

  Guardiola reveals what he said to Haaland after the game

  And Guardiola has now revealed what he said to Haaland after the game. Lifting the lid on the episode, the ex-Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss told “He’ll do it [get his 100th goal] next game.

  “Just we talk about rest. He has a huge body. Minutes, minutes, in that moment you’re fresh. 

  “Rest [is] not just the legs [pointing to his head]. It’s not like Phil or Jeremy [Doku], they can rest. Erling is a big man. We need him so much.”

  Meanwhile, Haaland took to Instagram following City’s late win over Leeds, simply writing: “Not easy today but we never give up!”

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• Former Barcelona and Bayern boss hails Foden's 'special' talent

  Admitting he was “relieved” after Foden popped up with City’s winner in the final stages of a tightly-contested affair with Leeds, Guardiola felt his side should have put the game to bed a lot earlier than they did.

  In his post-match press conference, the Catalan said: “The game was not in the perfect place in the first half, but it should be over for the chances we have and we didn’t concede. And after that brilliantly, Daniel changed the system like Leverkusen did, the 5-3-2 and we conceded a goal we gave away in the first minutes [of the second half].

  “The build-up was completely different, and the shape takes influence in the way you play. Football is emotions and in that moment we concede the second. We made a step up and we reacted really well. Omar and Cherki came on, and we got more players in the box.

  “In the last minute we had to put the ball quick to the box because in that moment the process doesn’t exist. Being with fullbacks or wingers it doesn’t matter. At the end it was the quality of Phil again, a player with special [talent].”

  City are back in action when they travel to Fulham in the league on Tuesday, before they entertain high-flying Sunderland next Saturday. Guardiola’s charges then head to Real Madrid for a mouth-watering Champions League tie on 10 December.

Manchester City fans joked that Pep Guardiola had named a starting line-up more befitting of a Carabao Cup tie than a Champions League match as the manager made 10 changes for his side's clash with Bayer Leverkusen. Erling Haaland was among those dropped for the game against the Bundesliga side, three days after City fell to a 2-1 defeat by Newcastle in the Premier League.

Guardiola rings the changes

Nico Gonzalez was the only player who remained in the starting line-up against Leverkusen from the weekend's defeat at Newcastle. James Trafford was handed his first start in a month while Omar Marmoush was set to lead the line in the absence of Haaland. 

AdvertisementAFPFans surprised by 'Carabao Cup' line-up

City fans on X were surprised to see Guardiola make so many changes.

@Grewski_MCFC wrote: "We playing in the UCL or the Carabao Cup?"

@MGonzalez28783 added: "This is not carabao cup or is pep trynna play second half game?"

@peterjohnson555 said: "Disrespectful to Bayer and the Champions League. Gobsmacked"

@CtyOtis concluded: "What the heck is this.. are playing some Charity match or what??"

Haaland rested for first time

It is the first time this season that Haaland – who has scored five goals in his five games in Europe's top competition – has not started in a Premier League or Champions League game. The Norwegian is joint-second top scorer in the Champions League League Phase alongside Bayern Munich's Harry Kane, trailing Galatasaray hitman Victor Osimhen by one strike.

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Getty Images Sport100 UCL games for Guardiola

The match against Leverkusen is Guardiola's 100th game in charge of City in the Champions League. "I realise I'm getting old, every weekend it's milestones and milestones," he said. "It's quite good, it means that every season we have been there. We're the only team in England that have been there the last 10 years every season and hopefully we'll be there next year. It's a huge competition, so nice, so special for the players, they love it, managers and everyone. To challenge yourself against the best teams in Europe is incredible, a huge experience. For the club in terms of reputation, financial issues it's massively important."

Afghanistan’s right-arm fast bowler Mohammad Saleem has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi due to a groin (adductor) overload.As a result, Saleem will report to the ACB’s High Performance Center for rehabilitation, a release by the Afghanistan Cricket Board said.In Saleem’s place, right-arm medium-pace bowler Bilal Sami will be joining Afghanistan’s squad for the ODIs against Bangladesh.Twenty-three-year-old Saleem has played two ODIs so far, with both of those matches coming against Bangladesh in July 2023. He last played for Afghanistan in his solitary Test, which was against Sri Lanka in Colombo in February 2024.Saleem’s replacement Sami, meanwhile, has played for Afghanistan only once, which was on ODI debut against Zimbabwe in December 2024. Sami, 21, has played 25 List A games, where he has 44 wickets at an average of 25.72. He represented Afghanistan Under-19 at the World Cup in 2022, where he got four wickets in five matches.Sami was recently in action at the Ghazi Amanullah Khan Regional One Day Tournament, Afghanistan’s domestic List A competition, which ended in September. There, he was his team Speen Ghar Region’s second-highest wicket-taker with ten wickets at an average of 22.90, and an economy rate of 4.97.Afghanistan’s first ODI against Bangladesh will take place on Wednesday, October 8.