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A recent report suggested that there are just four players deemed to be unsellable this summer at Manchester United, with almost the entire squad at risk of being shown the door, should a suitable offer arrive.

Unsurprisingly – despite recent interest from Saudi Arabia – talismanic captain, Bruno Fernandes is among that select quartet, with the 30-year-old only recently lauded as “one of the top players in the world” by compatriot, Ruben Amorim.

20-year-old wing-back Patrick Dorgu was also named, having only joined the club from Lecce in January, while man of the moment Harry Maguire appears to be another set to stay put, having been described as “perfect” for the 3-4-3 system by his manager.

The final name mentioned on that list was a player who only recently signed a new bumper contract extension, with Amad Diallo committing his future to the club until the summer of 2030.

Previously something of a bit-part player in previous regimes, the returning Ivorian now looks set to be front and centre under Amorim – and deservedly so.

Amad's record under Ten Hag vs under Amorim

There was a feeling that Amad’s chance would never come at Old Trafford, with the former Atalanta wonderkid having actually signed as far back as October 2020, before eventually arriving just a few months.

An inventive header against AC Milan on debut showcased a mere glimpse of why United had forked out an initial fee of £19m, albeit with the then-teenager going on to play just eight games under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s watch.

Sent out on loan to Rangers and then Sunderland, Amad’s subsequent return to the first-team squad was halted by injury on the pre-season tour in 2023, with Erik ten Hag seemingly hesitant to unleash the forward even when he was back to full fitness for the start of 2024.

While last season ended on a high with his first Premier League goal against Newcastle United, having netted the winner in the FA Cup thriller against Liverpool, he never seemingly earned the faith of the Dutchman, having again slipped behind Antony in the attacking pecking order prior to Ten Hag’s dismissal.

Reinvigorated during Ruud van Nistelrooy’s interim spell, which yielded two goals, the £120k-per-week winger has also been a shining light following Amorim’s arrival, having chalked up an assist from wing-back for the first goal of the Portuguese’s tenure against Ipswich Town.

Amad’s Man Utd record by coach
Manager	Games	Goals	Assists
Erik ten Hag	24	3	3
Ruben Amorim	22	7	6
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer	8	1	1
Ruud van Nistelrooy	4	2	1
Ralf Rangnick	1	0	0
Michael Carrick	0	0	0
Total	59	13	10
Stats via Transfermarkt

High-profile goals have since followed against the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool, alongside a blistering hat-trick against Southampton, with Sunday’s consolation strike against Brentford marking his 13th goal involvement in just 22 outings under the new boss.

Injury had hampered his progress between February and April, but fit and firing again, Amad will be crucial over the coming weeks, and potentially years.

That said, it is exciting to suggest that an even bigger attacking talent could be on their way to Manchester this summer…

Man Utd could sign an even bigger talent than Amad

The last year or so has marked a real rise for Amad in a United shirt, having stepped into the limelight and stayed there, seemingly unburdened by the pressures that have shackled far too many before him.

A refreshingly positive and front-foot player, the diminutive wideman is a talent that gets the crowd off their feet. The next challenge, however, is to find real consistency, particularly on the Premier League front.

That is a quality that reported summer target, Bryan Mbeumo has showcased in abundance, with the Cameroon international having enjoyed a simply stunning campaign for the Bees in 2024/25.

Recent reports have claimed that the Red Devils are eyeing a potential move for the £60m-rated sensation this summer, with interest also being shown in another shining top-flight talent, Matheus Cunha.

It is Mbeumo, however, who has eclipsed both Cunha and Amad – as indicated below – with the France-born speedster racking up 18 goals and six assists in the league this season. To put that into perspective, not even Marcus Rashford has reached 18 goals in a Premier League campaign in his career so far.

Amad vs Cunha vs Mbeumo – 24/25 PL stats
Stat (*per game)	Amad	Cunha	Mbeumo
Games	23	30	35
Goals	7	15	18
Assists	6	6	6
Big chances created	5	12	16
Key passes*	1.7	1.8	1.8
Pass accuracy*	85%	79%	74%
Successful dribbles*	1.7	1.9	1.3
Possession lost*	10.8	15.7	17.0
Fouls won*	1.0	2.3	1.2
Stats via Sofascore

That record of 16 ‘big chances’ created also outlines just what a weapon Mbeumo has been under Thomas Frank, with not even United’s creative hub, Fernandes, able to better that tally (14), as per Sofascore.

There’s no denying that this has been by far Mbeumo’s best season since Brentford’s promotion, although that’s not to say he hasn’t impressed previously, having registered 67 goals and assists in 140 appearances in the competition – including 18 goals in 2022/23 and 2023/24 combined.

Amad, meanwhile, has just eight goals and eight assists in the Premier League to date – albeit from only 35 games – with Mbeumo something of the benchmark when it comes to the very best that the division has to offer.

Simply “unplayable” on his day, in the words of Frank, the former Troyes man would be a worthy option as a number nine, a number ten or even in a wing-back berth, with the potential there for him to emerge as United’s new attacking figurehead.

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By
Robbie Walls

May 7, 2025

Chelsea are making moves for their desired summer transfer targets, with BlueCo reaching out to yet another player who’s keen to leave Bayern Munich.

Chelsea hold talks with Dean Huijsen and Jorrel Hato's agents this week

As per reliable Stamford Bridge journalist Simon Phillips, both Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato and Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen have been subject to approaches from Chelsea in the last few days.

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As per the reporter’s sources, writing via his Substack, Chelsea held talks with Hato and Huijsen’s representatives, just before their Europa Conference League loss to Legia Warsaw in west London, with Enzo Maresca on the hunt for new defenders this summer.

Trevoh Chalobah is likely to leave Chelsea again this summer, despite being recalled from his loan at Crystal Palace in January, while Wesley Fofana has been sidelined through yet another long-term injury.

Fulham (away)

April 20th

Everton (home)

April 26th

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 10th

Man United (home)

May 18th

Ajax mainstay Hato is able to provide cover at both centre-half and left-back, so the Netherlands international is an astute option, while Huijsen’s £50 million release clause has piqued interest from Tottenham, Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle and Chelsea after his excellent campaign at Bournemouth (David Ornstein).

The competition for both men’s signatures will be fierce, though, so Maresca’s side will have earmarked a number of defensive targets ahead of the 2025/2026 season.

Chelsea must get this summer’s transfer window right, and Maresca also has a chance to bring players in early ahead of their Club World Cup campaign, following confirmation from the Premier League that there will be an additional transfer window open from June 1st to June 10th.

Up to £100 million in prize money will be on the line during this year’s CWC, so Chelsea will be keen to reinforce areas of the squad in time to compete.

Chelsea contact Kim min-Jae with defender keen to leave Bayern Munich

According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, it is now believed £198,000-per-week Bayern defender Kim min-Jae is a target for Maresca’s side.

The South Korean, with nearly 70 international caps, is apparently “very open” to departing the Allianz Arena this summer, despite being trusted by Vincent Kompany as a consistent starter.

Chelsea have reached out to min-Jae’s camp for discussions, as per Aouna, but Eddie Howe’s Newcastle have done the same, as both sides look to reinforce their backlines.

The 28-year-old has been linked with a move to England for years, with Tottenham registering an interest in min-Jae during Antonio Conte’s tenure in charge.

Back in 2020, during José Mourinho’s time at Spurs, it was also reported that Son Heung-min was pushing the club to sign min-Jae – so he’s clearly highly-rated by his peers behind-the-scenes.

The hosts completed the highest ever chase in women’s ODIs to stun Australia and book their spot in Sunday’s World Cup final

S Sudarshanan30-Oct-2025

India won the semi-final after acing the highest ever chase in women’s ODIs•Getty Images

It was a movie India had seen many times. A tricky run chase. Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur with a rescue act. That raising the prospect of an upset win in a knockout game against Australia. Only, this time at the Women’s World Cup 2025, the ending was different.Rodrigues ran towards Amanjot Kaur. She lifted her up, and then bent down and lay next to the pitch. She was soon swarmed by her team-mates who came charging in, perhaps faster than the speed of light, as India made only their third World Cup final, their first since 2017.Related

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Importantly, India dealt Australia their first defeat in 16 ODI World Cup matches. Faced with a record run-chase in women’s ODIs, India rode on an unbeaten 127 from Rodrigues and an 89 from Harmanpreet to hunt down their target of 339 with nine balls to spare. This will be the first ODI World Cup final to not feature either Australia or England, as India will face South Africa on Sunday. The 34,651 at the DY Patil Stadium on Thursday sure got their money’s worth.The end might have been vastly different had Alyssa Healy managed to hold on to a skier from Rodrigues when she was on 82. India needed 131 from 106 balls at that point.About three hours earlier, though, Phoebe Litchfield had put on an exhibition that left the crowd, bathed in blue, in awe and silence in equal measure for most of the afternoon. Her maiden World Cup century aided with half-centuries from Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner helped Australia get to 338. India pulled things back by taking 8 for 118 towards the end, which proved to be vital.

With a record chase in front, Smriti Mandhana walked out with a new (old) opening partner in Shafali Verma. The latter began in typical style, hitting Megan Schutt for a four off the second ball she faced. But the near-housefull crowd was silenced after Kim Garth trapped her lbw, with India also losing a review. It wasn’t until the seventh over that Mandhana hit her first boundary, a lofted straight six off Garth. Rodrigues, in at No. 3 after Harleen Deol was dropped, wasted little time in getting going. However, when India lost a second wicket in Mandhana inside the tenth over, you could hear a pin drop at the DY Patil Stadium. Given not out for a caught-behind down leg side, Australia used the DRS with Snicko returning the faintest of murmurs.India were 60 for 2 after the powerplay, as opposed to Australia’s 72 for 1. That is when Rodrigues and Harmanpreet set about with the rebuild. Rodrigues’ flow allowed Harmanpreet to get her eye in. And that was not at the cost of the scoring rate. India constantly scored at around six runs per over, never letting the ask get out of hand.Rodrigues got to a 57-ball half-century, and Harmanpreet got to hers in 65 balls. While the other captains have had vital contributions in this campaign, Harmanpreet’s best was her 70 against England, her wicket helping the opposition open an end up. But in the semi-final against Australia, she was not going to let another ripe chance go begging. She only hit her first six after her fifty – a loft inside out over extra cover off Tahlia McGrath. She followed that with another humongous hit off Gardner over midwicket in the next over. India needed only 150 in the last 20 overs, a regulation chase in this era.Jemimah Rodrigues and Amanjot Kaur embrace in the middle•ICC/Getty Images

But Harmanpreet’s wicket threatened to add a twist to the tale. Deepti Sharma was run out for 24 off 17. Richa Ghosh came in, hit two fours and two sixes to reduce the margin before she fell. But India were not going to let Harmanpreet and Rodrigues’ 167-run partnership off just 156 balls go waste. They were helped with another dropped chance – Tahlia McGrath reprieving Rodrigues on 106. The platform was set and this time, India wouldn’t miss out. Not with a determined Rodrigues, who scored her maiden World Cup hundred off 114 balls. She did not celebrate then because the task at hand was still not complete. In the end, nobody could stop her from celebrating.Earlier in the afternoon, Kranti Gaud had a scratchy Healy, returning after she missed two games with a minor calf strain, chopping on in the sixth over before a heavy downpour. A 15-minute delay completely changed the momentum, as Australia hit nine fours in the next 29 balls, one of them via an overthrow.If India expected spin to bring some respite, they were mistaken. Litchfield was batting as fluently as she has done all World Cup. She was ruled out caught when on 62 but an umpire’s review came to her aid. She reverse swept Shree Charani straight to short third but replays showed that it bounced just after she hit it. There was no looking back thereon as Litchfield got to her hundred off just 77 balls.

Against spin, India had protection in the deep for her sweeps – point and square leg being back. And that played into the hands of Litchfield, who was happy to dance down and hit Charani and Radha Yadav in the arc between long-off and deep cover. And then there were back-to-back sixes off Deepti, one of them an incredible switch hit that sailed into the sweeper cover stands. She was dismissed when she missed a scoop off Amanjot Kaur.Perry rotated the strike well but also did not miss out on a positive match-up if an opportunity arose – she tonked Deepti over long-on in just her second over. She was set with her first fifty of the World Cup, but Australia struggled to find the next gear. During her 155-run partnership with Litchfield, India seemed to run out of ideas. But Australia lost 4 for 45 in the latter half of the middle overs, and it felt India regained control. Charani and Radha got enough grip to even trouble Gardner. But her 41-ball fifty helped Australia cross the 300-run mark.What looked like a tall chase was aced with absolute mastery. The contest had the makings of an epic, and it lived up to it.

The word coming from FSG’s camp is that Arne Slot’s position as Liverpool’s head coach is not immediately under threat.

However, the owners who watched as Liverpool dominantly conquered the Premier League last season are now staring down the barrel of a gun regarding the Dutchman’s future at the helm, with nine losses from 12 matches in all competitions an inexplicable slide in form.

Liverpool’s crisis of confidence has left their title defence in tatters, and Slot is now facing a fight to save his position at Anfield, with the upcoming run of league fixtures – West Ham United, Sunderland, Leeds United – over the next week sure to shape the narrative and whether this rut deepens.

FSG might feel that Liverpool’s title-winning boss still has some credit in the bank, but that will change if things don’t improve, and sporting director Richard Hughes has already compiled a list of potential replacements.

Hughes begins search for Slot successor

While Liverpool are not ready to pull the trigger, they would be remiss not to sound out a few options in the event that things continue to deteriorate on Merseyside.

Earlier this week, Spanish sources suggested Jurgen Klopp is back in the mix as Hughes looks for solutions, but this would not be the right path to travel back down. The legendary German departed Liverpool in 2024 after admitting he was tired from so many taxing years at the top.

However, the Reds might choose to move for another manager who is established as one of the best in the business, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Luis Enrique emerging as a contender.

Enrique, 55, was the man behind PSG’s incredible quadruple-winning 2024/25 season, previously reaping riches with Barcelona, and reports – via The Mirror – believe Liverpool have made him their long-term priority in the event of Slot’s dismissal.

The suggestion is that conversations have been held at boardroom level at Anfield, amid fears over whether Slot has lost the dressing room, hence why Enrique could be lined up as a potential successor.

Why Enrique could be perfect for Liverpool

Some critical observers would suggest that Liverpool started foundering after PSG knocked Slot out of the Champions League in the last 16. Certainly, the English side petered out as the season entered the business stretch.

An experienced and decorated manager, Enrique has been hailed as “the best manager in the world” by French journalist Julien Laurens for reaching unprecedented heights with PSG, creating a stable and multi-faceted attacking outfit that was practically invincible last season.

His fluid philosophy could be attracting Hughes’ interest. Enrique employs a 4-3-3 formation, but he’s experimental with his ideas, utilising full-back width and clever passing patterns in the build-up.

This could give rise to the qualities of Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz, but Alexander Isak might benefit most from this potential managerial switch.

Enrique’s teams score goals. Moreover, they do so with style. Ousmane Dembele would certainly attest to that.

The current crisis makes it easy to forget that Isak is one of the deadliest strikers of his generation, and Enrique’s acumen would surely see a system wrought to accommodate the 26-year-old’s qualities.

Isak looks a world away from that world-class striker who tore English football apart at St. James’ Park, but, as with several other summer recruits, he has struggled to adapt in a dysfunctional team.

Liverpool are hardly a hothouse for player growth at the moment, but that is why Enrique could be such an interesting pick.

They are hardly carbon copies, but Isak and Dembele share a likeness, and, considering this, Enrique could reshape the Swedish striker into a free-scoring superstar.

Goals scored

1.08

0.72

Assists

0.32

0.19

Shots taken

4.69

2.91

Touches (att pen)

7.94

5.93

Shot-creating actions

6.02

2.91

Pass completion

80.2

74.7

Progressive passes

7.46

3.25

Progressive carries

5.94

2.72

Successful take-ons

1.80

1.44

Ball recoveries

1.36

1.81

Tackles + interceptions

0.68

0.57

While it might look like Isak pales in comparison to the 2025 Ballon d’Or recipient, different factors need to be considered. Isak plays in an ostensibly tougher league and was considered to be “the best striker” in England last season, as was said by pundit Jamie Carragher.

If anything, this bears testament to Enrique’s tactical prowess, and given the natural stylistic similarities, it could be the perfect move to finally unlock the latent qualities of Liverpool’s star striker.

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ByAngus Sinclair Nov 28, 2025

Decision was taken after a meeting between selection committee and white-ball coach Hesson

Danyal Rasool20-Oct-2025

Rizwan will hand over the reins of the Pakistan ODI side to Afridi•ICC/Getty Images

Mohammad Rizwan has been sacked as Pakistan ODI captain, with Shaheen Shah Afridi replacing him. The decision was announced by the PCB shortly after the first day of the ongoing Test match between Pakistan and South Africa in Rawalpindi, a Test both Rizwan, 33, and Afridi, 25, are currently playing.No reason was provided for replacing Rizwan; indeed, the wicketkeeper batter was not even mentioned in the official statement. The decision, according to the PCB, was taken after a meeting in Islamabad between the selection committee and the white-ball head coach Mike Hesson.Rizwan’s removal was all but inevitable when the PCB put out a statement over the weekend, pointedly declining to confirm him as ODI captain ahead of the white-ball leg of the South Africa tour. Instead, it said Hesson had asked PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi to convene a meeting with the selection and advisory committee to appoint a new captain.ESPNcricinfo understands the desire to replace Rizwan was not specifically at the behest of the head coach, but enjoyed wider backing at the highest level of the PCB’s decision-making process.Afridi’s last foray into white-ball captaincy was an unhappy one, when he was tapped to lead the T20I team ahead of a series against New Zealand in January 2024. Pakistan ended up losing 4-1 before he was replaced in similar circumstances to Rizwan’s sacking right now, with chairman Naqvi pointedly declining to confirm he would continue in the role. Afridi was replaced by Babar Azam a week later.While Pakistan had different captains for all formats – a situation that will continue – Rizwan was until recently perceived to be the most secure of a group that includes Shan Masood and Salman Ali Agha. Since becoming captain of the ODI side last year, Rizwan is four runs short of the highest scorer for Pakistan, averaging just under 42. He led Pakistan to series wins in Australia and South Africa in 2024, though results this year have dipped, most notably with an ignominious first-round exit at a home Champions Trophy.Afridi pulls on the armband in good form in the format; he was Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker last year in ODI cricket, and central to their away wins in South Africa and Australia. Since the start of the 2023 World Cup, no fast bowler from a Full Member nation has more wickets than his 45, which have come at more than two wickets a game.Afridi’s first assignment as ODI captain is the white-ball series against South Africa, which comprises three ODIs in Faisalabad next month.

Lehmann played a lone hand with 96 off 126 to lift South Australia to a total that appeared unlikely after their top-order succumbed to sharp bounce

Tristan Lavalette28-Oct-2025Cameron Green once again showed off superb athleticism in the gully but did not bowl in his return as Western Australia dominated the opening day of their Sheffield Shield match against South Australia at the WACA.After missing the India ODIs due to side soreness, all eyes were on Green with his bowling status unknown ahead of the Ashes. Even though he has been bowling in the nets, Green is set to play as a specialist batter in this match. He is likely to return to bowling in WA’s next Shield match against Queensland starting on November 11.Green did show off his impressive agility to remove Ben Manenti after quickly moving to his right and plucking the ball with his outstretched hands. He also added another catch when he hung onto a stinging blow from Jake Lehmann at extra cover to wrap up South Australia’s modest first innings of 215.Green was in visible discomfort, but did seem to shake off the pain quickly as he walked off the field.Lehmann played a lone hand with a brilliant 96 off 126 balls to lift South Australia to a total that appeared unlikely after their top-order succumbed to sharp bounce.In reply, opener Cameron Bancroft was in sparkling touch having scored just 21 runs from four previous innings this Shield season. He is unlikely to be in the Ashes frame but did issue a reminder of his talents with an unbeaten 52, while skipper Sam Whiteman finished 30 not out.South Australia quick Brendan Doggett appeared out of sorts in his return from a hamstring injury. He sprayed the new ball, with his initial three-over spell costing 16 runs although he was sharper in his subsequent four-over burst before stumps.Doggett’s only previous match this season was a One-Day Cup match against New South Wales on September 20. He is hoping to push to be a fast-bowling reserve for the Ashes having been part of the World Test Championship squad earlier this year and originally due to tour West Indies before injury struck.Jake Lehmann made 96•Getty Images

There was intrigue over the surface after difficult batting conditions in WA’s season-opening loss against New South Wales prompted some criticism. While this was not a minefield, there was sharp bounce and carry to very much feel like a traditional WACA wicket.Whiteman had no hesitation to bowl despite the sunny skies suggesting a batting-friendly opening day before expected damp weather sets in tomorrow.Whiteman was vindicated by his tall quicks who bent their backs in search of extra bounce as a slew of South Australia batters fell behind the wicket. The rattled visitors, however, did not help their cause with several tame dismissals starting with opener Conor McInerney nicking off Matt Kelly after hanging out his bat well outside off stump.After getting through the new ball, Henry Hunt and skipper Nathan McSweeney were left disappointed when they both tickled down the leg side to leave South Australia in trouble at 48 for 3.The sight of spin did not provide relief, with Corey Rocchiccioli – coming into the attack later than he likes in the 22nd over – producing rapid turn with his first delivery that had Jason Sangha playing back and nicking to slip.Having been unlucky in his opening spell, Cameron Gannon utilised his towering frame to devastating effect to remove Liam Scott and Harry Nielsen. South Australia’s hopes of mustering a competitive first innings total looked forlorn at 81 for 6 until Lehmann superbly counterattacked as batting appeared easier in the middle session.Lehmann received support from Manenti and Nathan McAndrew to frustrate WA’s push to wrap up the innings. Manenti has had a knack for making handy runs against WA but could not kick on after Green added to his highlight reel in the gully.Lehmann remained unflustered and continued to be aggressive until cutting Rocchiccioli straight to Green as he fell agonisingly short of a second Shield century this season.

Will Celtic appoint a new manager during this international break?

Following Sunday’s 4-0 Premiership victory over Kilmarnock, interim manager Martin O’Neill honestly admitted that he does not know whether or not he will still be in charge when the Hoops are next in action against St Mirren in Paisley a week on Saturday.

Reports this week suggest the board are intensifying their search for Brendan Rodgers’ long-term replacement, currently in London holding talks with candidates, with a leading target having now emerged.

Whoever takes charge, considering Celtic will play 11 matches, including a League Cup Final, before the transfer window opens, will need to get the best out of the Hoops’ current squad, so could landing their dream target be good news for the club’s best attacker?

The 'frontrunner' to become Celtic manager

As has been widely reported, Kieran McKenna, Wilfried Nancy, Craig Bellamy and Robbie Keane are among the candidates to become Celtic manager.

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However, their dream candidate all along has been Bodø/Glimt boss Kjetil Knutsen, who, according to a report by TEAMtalk, ‘remains a frontrunner’.

They claim that a move to Glasgow is viewed as the ‘perfect next step’ for the 57-year-old, who is out of contract in the Arctic Circle later this year, having worked miracles with Bodø/Glimt since being appointed in 2018.

His team demolished Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic 5-1 on aggregate in a Conference League tie back in February 2022, so could he soon be returning to Parkhead, only this time in the home dugout?

And would his arrival help to get the best out of Daizen Maeda?

Why a change of manager could revive Maeda

Earlier this season, Maeda revealed that he had asked to leave Celtic this summer to take the next step in his career, but was not allowed to do so, following the sales of Nicolas Kühn and Adam Idah, while no replacements for them were even brought in until the final hours of the window.

Well, after scoring 33 goals last season, the Japanese forward has not been at his scintillating best this time round, scoring only four goals so far, most notably nodding home the stoppage time winner against Motherwell, also on target against Killie last weekend.

Overall, most of Maeda’s statistics have decreased this season, as the table below highlights.

Goals

0.6

0.5

Assists

0.4

0.3

Shots

1.8

2

Conversion rate %

32.65%

21.43%

Big chances missed

0.6

0.83

Chances created

1.5

1.2

Big chances created

0.35

0.28

Forward passes

3.6

2.1

Touches

43.2

44.8

Touches in the box

6.6

6.6

Average rating

7.31

6.87

As the table documents, the majority of Maeda’s numbers have endured a downturn this season, including goals, shooting accuracy and chance creation, missing more big chances on a per-90 basis too.

When the Japanese international is at his best, he is able to ferociously close down defenders and burst into space, as this goal in last season’s League Cup Final highlights, something he has not been allowed to do very often this season, hindered by the Celts’ stodgy style of play.

However, could that all be about to change, allowing Maeda to rediscover his best form?

The reason Knutsen is the outstanding candidate is that he has completely transformed Bodø/Glimt.

When he was appointed manager in 2018, the Yellow Horde were still in the Norwegian second tier, but they have now won four of the last five Eliteserien titles, chasing another with two games to go of this campaign.

Having said that, Bodø/Glimt have really made a name for themselves in Europe, reaching the Conference League quarter-finals in 2022 and last season’s Europa League semi-finals, qualifying for the Champions League group stages for the very first time earlier this year.

Michael Stewart believes Knutsen has done an “incredible” job in the Arctic Circle, while Jan Åge Fjørtoft praised Knutsen’s “clear philosophy” and “attractive” style of play.

Across his 351 matches in charge, Bodø/Glimt have always used a fluid 4-3-3 formation which, as outlined by Total Football Analysis, features attacking full-backs, thereby allowing the wide-attackers to drift inside and score goals.

Meantime, as documented by the Coaches’ Voice, Knutsen’s team consistently rank highly in terms of ‘most dribbles and 1v1 moments’, favouring quick interplay and direct attacks.

Well, all of this sounds like it would suit Maeda’s skillset, whether the Japanese forward was to be deployed centrally or out wide.

Concerningly, Maeda may still harbour hopes of a move away in January, with a World Cup on the horizon, but Knutsen, should he arrive, surely would not sanction the sale of Celtic’s best attacker, while his appointment may represent such a coup that the forward is convinced that the Celts are heading in the right direction once again.

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Southampton chiefs have made a new manager decision which involves current interim boss Tonda Eckert.

Eckert looking to make it three wins in a row for Southampton

Following the sacking of Will Still at the beginning of the month, the Saints and Sport Republic are yet to appoint a new permanent manager.

A number of candidates have been linked with the St Mary’s vacancy, with Eckert impressing on a temporary basis, winning back-to-back Championship games to steer the club clear of the bottom three.

With the international break now finished, attention once again turns back to club action, with Southampton set to travel to Charlton Athletic on Saturday lunchtime.

As we know, the Saints are no closer to appointing Still’s long-term successor, meaning Eckert looks set to be given the chance to make it three victories in a row.

Tonda Eckert’s coaching career	Role	Years
1.FC Koln U17	Assistant manager	2013-2016
RB Salzburg YL	Assistant manager	2016-2017
RB Leipzig YL	Assistant manager	2017-2019
FC Bayern U17	Assistant manager	2019-2020
Barnsley	Assistant manager	2020-2022
Genoa	Assistant manager	2022-2025
Southampton U21	Manager	2025
Southampton	Interim manager	2025 – present

He has impressed Saints star Finn Azaz, who scored last time out against Sheffield Wednesday, with the summer signing calling Eckert “top level”.

“Since his first meeting, I was really impressed. It hasn’t been drastic changes. He’s been able to watch from outside and tweak a few things. He has been able to instil his message and new energy and his drive and a new voice. As I say, it hasn’t been drastic changes.

“We are playing in the same shape almost. We went out there with similar personnel, [there were] just a few tweaks. I would like to thank him. He’s been top level.”

Now, a fresh manager update has emerged from St Mary’s ahead of the trip to The Valley.

Southampton to give Eckert next three games

According to sources from Give Me Sport and reliable reporter Ben Jacobs, Sport Republic have decided that Eckert is set to take charge of Southampton’s next three Championship fixtures.

Southampton’s next 3 Championship fixtures	Date
Charlton Athletic vs Southampton	22nd November
Southampton vs Leicester City	25th November
Millwall vs Southampton	29th November

It is stated that the 32-year-old is not guaranteed to be given the job on a permanent basis just yet. However, if Southampton’s games against Charlton, Leicester and Millwall go to plan, Eckert could become a genuine contender.

Radio Solent’s Sports Editor Adam Blackmore even admitted recently that Eckert was always on the radar to be promoted and replace Still as Southampton manager, although it wasn’t supposed to come this early.

“Saints have spoken to candidates, but they can afford to be patient with Eckert’s good start, and it allows them time to see the market develop.

“Eckert was always Johannes Spors’ succession policy after Will. It just wasn’t supposed to be after months! So it’s highly unlikely anything imminent occurs either way …..like I said about Will, it would be a risky appointment giving it to Eckert …but if he wins 5 out of 5? Hard not to!”

The early signs are positive, and another three points on the weekend will only strengthen Eckert’s claim to be named Southampton’s next full-time manager.

Southampton told to appoint new manager over Eckert who "ticks every box"

Former Manchester United stars Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes have revealed their first impressions of Juan Sebastian Veron. The mercurial Argentine moved to Old Trafford for a British record transfer fee in 2001 after shining for Parma and Lazio in Italy, but the midfielder struggled to adjust to the rigours of English football with both United and later Chelsea.

Veron failed to make the cut in England

Veron was unable to transfer his impressive Serie A form to the Premier League at both United and Chelsea, and he spent two years on loan with Italian giants Inter, before returning to South America with Estudiantes in 2006, initially on a short-term move. That became permanent to the Argentine powerhouse, helping the club win the Copa Libertadores in 2009 and etxending his career to the age of 39.

Upon his move to United in 2001, Veron was the most expensive transfer in British football, while he also became the first non-EU player to break the Premier League transfer record. Veron, however, ultimately struggled with the pace, having been better suited to Italian football prior to his switch to Old Trafford.

Speaking on podcast, former United stars Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes discussed the former Argentina international, and their first impressions of the player following his arrival. Scholes admitted he was perplexed that it didn't work out for the midfielder.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportVeron's talent was 'frightening', states ex-United star

Speaking of Veron with Paddy McGuinness, Scholes said: "When they're nice people like that, you want them to do well. The talent he had was frightening. Why it didn't work, I don't know. He was in our position [midfield] wasn't he?"

Butt, who alongside Scholes was in disbelief that it didn't quite happen for the player, then remembered a 4-1 win over Everton where Veron shone, adding: "We played Everton at home in [one of] the first games of the season. He scored, and I swear to god the whole stadium stood up and clapped him. I'm sat in the directors box, I was suspended, and I'm thinking 'I don't think I'm ever going to play again.' But it just didn't work out for him." Scholes then added: "And you wouldn't think it would be that difficult would you?"

Butt also shared a story from Veron's debut season, recalling: "It was freezing at Carrington one day, and he's come out and he literally had a coat on, he had a snood on, he had gloves, he was shaking. And he said 'I can't feel my teeth' We're all p*ssing ourselves.

"He was absolutely freezing cold! He'd never seen weather that bad. Obviously he'd been to Italy, but it was different to where he'd been. It wasn't like that. I do find it difficult to have a pop at players that come from afar and try and buy into our culture."

Wirtz struggling to adapt to the Premier League

Scholes also compared Veron's struggles to settle in the Premier League to Florian Wirtz's poor form since his move to Liverpool. Wirtz has failed to replicate his Bayer Leverkusen form at Anfield, but the former United midfielder believes there is more to the 22-year-old's performances than a change in league, especially with Alexander Isak, who joined from Newcastle also finding it hard.

"If you think Wirtz has just come from Germany, it's a good league," Scholes added. "Probably similar style of football to English. [It's] probably better over here, don't get me wrong. Isak, he knows the Premier League. There's something just not quite right with what's going on there."

Liverpool have also been criticised for a lack of leadership in the squad as they continue to falter. A 4-1 loss to PSV means the Reds have lost their last three matches, and nine of their last 12. Butt, meanwhile, referenced former United captain Roy Keane as a way to drag Liverpool out of the mire.

Butt insisted he'd adopt a different approach, stating: "You'd have someone like a Keaney, who's an example to use as a captain. He would give them a real b*llocking.

"But then if you could see that he was having a bit of a bad time, but they're trying everything, then he'd be a bit different. I might be a bit different with them, having a laugh or a joke, or take them for a bit to eat, or a drink. So everyone's got the different dynamics within the squad. How to treat a player who's having a tough time."

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Getty Images SportVeron to servie ban in Argentina

Veron has been making the headlines recently but for the wrong reasons. The former United and Chelsea flop is the current chairman of Estudiantes but has been hit with a six-month suspension for organising a guard of honour snub as part of a protest against Rosario Central.

Rosario recently won their first title since 1987, but the manner of their success has faced huge backlash. The Argentine FA opted for a rule change halfway through the season that meant Rosario were crowned Campeón de Liga – Champion of the League – for accumulating the most points over the two tournaments that compromise the Argentine Primera Division. Previously, that would have only been enough to qualify for the Copa Libertadores.

The decision saw former United winger Angel Di Maria claim a first Argentine winners' medal of his career, but one that angered Estudiantes, who were due to play Rosario in the days after the choice to award the the title.

Estudiantes publicly criticised the decision by the AFA and rather than give Rosario a guard of honour, the players opted to turn their backs on Di Maria's side, which saw Veron handed a six-month suspension from all sporting activity.

The official ruling stated: "The president himself acknowledges having given the order that led to the behaviour being judged here… revealing that it was not an improvised or isolated gesture but a directive issued by the highest institutional authority of the club."

Yash Rathod missed out on his maiden first-class double ton, but his 194 was enough to give Central Zone a firm hold on the 2025-26 Duleep Trophy final in Bengaluru.Resuming the third day on 384 for 5, ahead by 235 runs, Central Zone stretched their lead to 362, with useful contributions from Saransh Jain (69) and Deepak Chahar (37) alongside Rathod’s ton. Left-arm seamer Gurjapneet Singh and left-arm spinner Ankit Sharma took four wickets apiece, but Central Zone racked up 511 in 145.1 overs.In reply, R Smaran and Ricky Bhui maintained a positive approach as they took South Zone to 129 for 2 at stumps, still trailing by 233 runs.Related

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The morning session on both days of the final had plenty for the fast bowlers. That wasn’t the case on day three, though, with the pitch flattening out. Rathod clipped Gurjapneet through midwicket early before Jain reached his second successive fifty with a cut through point. Rathod, too, reached his 150 after the lead crossed the 250-mark.South Zone missed a chance to send back Jain on 61 when he seemingly played and missed a flatter delivery from Ankit. Replays confirmed Jain had got a thin nick through to the wicketkeeper but none of the fielders appealed. The miss didn’t cost South Zone much with Jain missing a reverse sweep off Ankit and getting bowled for 69.Deepak Chahar cracks a cut•PTI

Rathod, meanwhile, picked up pace. He drove V Koushik past mid-off and lifted Bhui over long-on. South Zone burnt their final review when Ankit pinned Deepak Chahar on the back foot with a quicker delivery, but the ball was sliding down leg.Having defended and prodded enough, Chahar took on Ankit, depositing him over long-on and then slashing him through point before going after Gurjapneet through mid-off and cover in an over.Rathod looked fidgety after lunch, and his luck ran out when Gurjapneet got a length ball to nip back sharply into the batter, breaching his defence to end a 286-ball knock. Central Zone lost their last four wickets in 11 runs as Ankit wrapped up the innings. He toiled 44.1 overs and took 4 for 180, while Gurjpaneet picked up 4 for 124 in 28 overs.With no major alarms in the pitch, South Zone started their second innings confidently. Chahar and Aditya Thakare got a hint of movement, but Tanmay Agarwal and Mohit Kale kept things steady. Kale was circumspect initially, but back-to-back flicks for four against Chahar got him going. He reeled off four fours in the next three overs as South Zone went into tea on 57 for 0, trailing Central Zone by 305 runs.Jain got Central Zone the first breakthrough after tea, trapping Kale lbw with a quicker delivery. Smaran, in at No. 3, pulled and drove Kuldeep Sen twice in three balls, but the fast bowler struck at the other end. Agarwal shouldered arms to Sen, only to find the off bail getting dislodged.With the ball gripping and turning, Bhui and Smaran counterattacked against the spinners and found the boundaries regularly. Smaran had a close shave when he was given out lbw to Jain, but a tiny inside edge onto the pad saved him. The duo added an unbroken 53-run stand for the third wicket before bad light ended the third day 25 minutes early.