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Crystal Palace are now looking to sign a £25m centre-back, who is viewed as a ready-made replacement for Marc Guehi, with the captain still expected to sign for Liverpool.

Guehi left fuming after deadline day Liverpool move falls through

Guehi was expected to complete a move to Anfield on deadline day, but the deal fell through, as Palace were unable to bring a suitable replacement through the door in the summer, despite tabling a club-record £37m bid for Inter Milan’s Yann Bisseck.

It has since emerged that the Englishman has been left fuming with the move not going through, despite doing everything right by continuing to honour his contract and play for the Eagles amid widespread speculation over his future.

With less than one year remaining on his contract, the 25-year-old is now poised to leave the South London club on a free, which will be a difficult pill for Steve Parish to swallow, given that he was valued at £60m not too long ago.

According to a report from Caught Offside, Guehi is still edging towards a move to Liverpool, which means Crystal Palace have now set their sights on Chelsea defender Axel Disasi, who is viewed as a ready-made replacement for the centre-back.

It is deemed ‘inevitable’ that Disasi will leave the Blues during the January transfer window, given that he is not a part of Enzo Maresca’s plans, and a move to Selhurst Park could now be on the cards.

The Eagles are thought to be looking to sign the 27-year-old on loan, with previous reports stating Chelsea value the defender at around £25m.

How Disasi compares to Guehi stylistically

The Frenchman could be an improvement on Guehi in some departments, given that he appears to be more comfortable in possession of the ball, although the England international has outperformed the Chelsea man across some key defensive metrics over the past year.

That said, while the former AS Monaco man has been lauded as “incredible” in the past, it does not bode well that he is a part of the Chelsea ‘bomb squad’, while he is also thought to have turned down a late move to Selhurst Park.

Theoretically, another four months without playing any football may change his mind, but it remains to be seen whether Disasi is even interested in a move to Selhurst Park this January.

Losing has become an unwanted habit for Manchester United under Ruben Amorim. So much so that the 3-0 loss to Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday may not have surprised anyone.

The Red Devils have accrued a measly 31 points in 31 matches under the Portuguese head coach, the lowest of any non-relegated side in that time.

It should go without saying, but, it is not good enough for a club of Manchester United’s size with the ambitions that they should have in the Premier League.

Players are to blame as well as the manager, though, and one player who may not have much of a future at Old Trafford, as a frontline player anyway, is Altay Bayindir.

The Turkish shot-stopper was given the nod between the sticks for the Manchester derby, but it seemed to be more of a case of keeping Senne Lammens out of the firing line for a debut in such a big clash.

United swooped to sign the Belgian goalkeeper from Royal Antwerp on deadline day and his arrival at Old Trafford could spell the end of Altay’s short time as the number one.

Why Altay Bayindir may already be finished at Man Utd

The Turkey international has started all four of the club’s Premier League matches this season, per Sofascore, but has not done enough to suggest that he has what it takes to be the next Edwin Van Der Sar, David De Gea, or Peter Schmeichel.

Altay played four times in the top-flight in the 2024/25 campaign and only saved 44% of the shots on his goal, per Sofascore, and made one error that led to a goal.

The Turkish flop has not improved much at the start of the current season, unfortunately, as he has saved 53% of the shots against him in the Premier League and made one error that led to a goal.

As you can see in the clip above, the United goalkeeper was far too weak from a corner on the opening day against Arsenal, which allowed Riccardo Calafiori to score the winning goal for the away side.

This means that Altay, who was easily beaten by Phil Foden and Erling Haaland for the first two Man City goals on Sunday, has made two errors that have led to goals in just eight league starts for the club.

As you can see in the table above, Lammens has the shot-stopping potential to be a standout in the Premier League for the Red Devils if he can adjust to the division.

This means that the Belgian goalkeeper’s arrival at the club could spell the end of Altay’s career as a first-choice option for Amorim, as he settles in as the number one in the weeks to come.

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

The Turkey international may not be the only poor performer from the derby whose career at United under Amorim should be in danger, though, as Manuel Ugarte falls into the same bracket.

He was selected to start in the middle of the park over Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo, yet once again failed to deliver an impressive performance for the team.

Why Manuel Ugarte should be finished at Man Utd

The Uruguay international has been at Old Trafford for more than a year and looks no closer to establishing himself as a key player for the manager than when he first walked through the door under Erik ten Hag.

Ugarte’s performances in the Premier League for the Red Devils during the 2024/25 campaign left far too much to be desired, as the central midfielder struggled badly in possession.

As you can see in the table above, the former Paris Saint-Germain flop was among the worst central midfielders in the division in a host of possession-based metrics, which shows that he disrupted the team’s build-up with his lack of quality on the ball.

Despite being in the side to provide defensive stability, in theory, only Bruno Fernandes (1.4) was dribbled past more per game than Ugarte (1.3) for Manchester United in the Premier League last season, per WhoScored.

Opposition players found it far too easy to get the better of the central midfielder in the middle of the park, which means that he was a liability to the side in and out of possession last term.

Unfortunately, Ugarte’s performance in his first start of the league season against Manchester City on Sunday did not suggest that he is ready to turn things around.

Earlier this month, former Chelsea ace Craig Burley said: “Manuel Ugarte is just absolutely nothing. He’s just like a wet blanket. Put him in with the kids and even the kids would be going, ‘Who the hell is this guy?’ Seriously.”

Harsh comments from Burley but it is hard to disagree with him. Ugarte was caught out for the opening goal from Foden as he was too slow to get out to Doku and his weak block fell back for the winger to cross for the England international.

His lack of quality in possession also played a part in the third goal. The midfielder played a poor pass into Luke Shaw’s feet, which forced him to put Harry Maguire under pressure, resulting in the centre-back giving the ball away and Haaland being played through for his second.

He does not look up to the task of starting matches for Manchester United in the Premier League, as evidenced by his dismal showings last season and his poor performance on Sunday.

Worse than Sesko: Amorim must drop Man Utd flop who was "nowhere near it"

Manchester United should drop this flop who was even worse than Benjamin Sesko in the derby.

1

By
Dan Emery

Sep 14, 2025

The Uruguay international looks totally finished under Amorim on the evidence available so far, which is why Casemiro, Mason Mount, Mainoo, and Bruno Fernandes should play the bulk of the minutes available when fit and available ahead of him.

David Beckham and Gary Neville have stunned English football by completing the signing of former Liverpool and Sunderland forward Fabio Borini for Salford City. The 34-year-old Italian, who was a free agent after leaving Sampdoria in the summer, has penned a short-term deal until January with the League Two club, marking a remarkable return to English football.

• Salford sign ex-PL star

   Salford City, co-owned by football icons Beckham and Neville, have completed a surprise move for ex-Premier League striker Borini. The Italian has joined the League Two side on a deal until January after training with the team over the past month. His arrival provides vital experience for Karl Robinson’s side, who are currently dealing with a long-term injury to striker Jay Bird.

  Borini, who has represented Chelsea, Liverpool, and Sunderland during his career, returns to England more than six years after his last spell in the country. The 34-year-old forward left Serie B club Sampdoria in the summer and has since been keeping fit by joining training sessions with Salford’s first team. The deal, finalised this week, is seen as a major coup for the League Two outfit as they aim to push higher up the table this season.

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  Borini ready for new 'challenge'

  “It’s been great, I came in to train to keep myself fit in this transition between contracts and Salford, the Gaffer, Alex Bruce, were kind enough to allow me to use the facilities and train here,” Borini said after the announcement. “Experience is one thing that I can bring, but it’s not just about the experience that I have on the pitch, it’s outside of the pitch so leading by example in training, outside training, how to manage a game. I’ve never played League Two football so I need to learn as well from my team mates the main characteristics of this league, but I will bring myself as an open book for my team mates to use me, learn from me or help me, so I’m very open to this challenge.”

  He added: “It’s a challenge that I’m embracing and I chose to embrace because I needed the real football, something that warms my heart for football, not for anything else.” The Italian’s comments underline his passion for the game and his excitement at taking on a new test in the latter stages of his career. Borini’s leadership and top-flight pedigree could prove crucial as Salford look to strengthen both on and off the pitch.

• Borini's nomadic career

  Borini’s career has spanned more than a decade at the highest levels of European football. After coming through Bologna and Chelsea’s youth systems, Borini made his name with Roma before moving to Liverpool, where he scored in the Premier League and netted in the 2014 League Cup final. Spells with Sunderland, AC Milan, and Verona followed, alongside a brief adventure in Turkey with Karagumruk, reflecting a career filled with top-tier experience across multiple countries.

  His signing not only boosts Salford’s forward options but also adds an experienced figure to the dressing room — something manager Robinson has openly valued since his appointment. Salford sit ninth in the League Two standings with six wins in their opening 12 matches.

  Borini’s arrival at Salford continues a pattern of ambitious moves by Beckham and Neville’s ownership group, who remain determined to elevate the club beyond League Two. Since completing a fresh takeover earlier this year, the pair have reportedly committed significant financial backing to strengthen the team’s infrastructure and playing staff. Their goal is to establish Salford as a competitive force capable of challenging for promotion and eventually securing a stable position in the Championship.

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  What comes next?

  Borini is expected to make his debut for Salford City later this month, pending match fitness with registration already cleared by the EFL and the FA. The club’s next fixtures could provide the perfect opportunity for him to ease into League Two football while mentoring younger players around him. For Beckham and Neville, this move signals their continued ambition to blend experience with youth in pursuit of steady, long-term progress at the Peninsula Stadium.

  Salford’s management have already made clear that Borini’s short-term deal could be extended if he adapts well and makes a meaningful impact. Given his experience, the Italian could become an integral part of Robinson’s system as the club aims for a late playoff push.

Nuno Espirito Santo is in the new manager at West Ham United and the Irons are already eyeing his first potential signing as they look to make improvements come the January window.

Nuno sets out his stall at West Ham Utd

Graham Potter was relieved of his duties by West Ham on Saturday after a poor run of results at the London Stadium, leading to the Hammers acting swiftly to appoint Nuno after his departure from Nottingham Forest.

Availability as an unattached manager and Karren Brady’s desire to see the Portuguese boss take the reins meant he was always the outstanding candidate, albeit his exploits at the City Ground last term shouldn’t go under the radar.

Speaking after his appointment, the former Spurs boss has vowed to try and build a sense of unity among the players, supporters and management staff, claiming that his arrival will be a chance to press the reset button.

He said in his inaugural press conference: “Now it’s a new beginning for everybody. It’s a new process that we really have to know, and we find out who we are and what we want to be. First of all, we have to realise who we are, and then we can create an identity. But first of all, we have to know each other really, really well.

“The supporters are very important, very important. That’s why I truly believe what we want to achieve is a platform. Now is not the moment to ask the fans. Now is the moment to deliver to the fans. When we have this bond, when other teams come to play against us, it’s going to be hell. But we have to achieve this bond first.”

While Paul Merson has voiced his opposition to West Ham appointing Nuno, he was probably the best and most sensible option available, and he could now be set to ramp up efforts to secure his first signing.

West Ham eyeing Juventus star Manuel Locatelli

According to Mark Brus in his Daily Briefing, West Ham are eyeing a January move for Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli, who may be available for £35 million if the Serie A giants decide to cash in on his services.

Chelsea, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Bayer Leverkusen are also mooted as suitors, albeit the Old Lady would prefer not to lose the engine room operator if they manage to have it their own way.

West Ham failed to consider hiring free agent boss with 12 trophies instead of Nuno

The east Londoners had another option, but never reached out.

By
Emilio Galantini

Sep 28, 2025

Labelled “exemplary” by Massimiliano Allegri, Locatelli has made five appearances this term and possesses the calibre necessary to make an impact in the Premier League.

The Hammers have struggled for inspiration of late and lack leadership in what has been a difficult period on and off the pitch. However, Nuno’s appointment offers a clean slate, and some high-profile signings would improve the mood at the London Stadium.

Brazilian wonderkid Endrick is pursuing a January loan move away from Real Madrid and talks have already begun with a club outside of Spain. The 19-year-old hasn't made a competitive appearance this season and wants regular playing time to secure his place in Brazil's squad for the World Cup. Endrick has struggled with injury, but has also been overlooked by boss Xabi Alonso and a temporary move away from the Bernabeu is seemingly edging closer.

• Huge promise, but few opportunities

  Endrick joined Real Madrid in July 2024 but has had to remain patient for first-team opportunities due to a combination of injury and intense competition for spots. During his first months he primarily featured off the bench, though he made a promising Champions League debut by scoring a late goal, becoming the club's youngest scorer in the competition in the process. Kylian Mbappe arrived just before him, which further intensified the competition for attacking positions. Despite his struggles, Endrick has showed flashes of his potential, including scoring five goals in the Copa del Rey during his debut campaign, finishing as Los Blancos' top scorer in the competition. His limited minutes have fuelled speculation about a potential loan move in the January window to gain consistent playing time with the World Cup looming large on the horizon.

  Alonso addressed the situation, telling : "It's clear everyone wants to play. And a young player even more so. Given the context, we want to compete right now, and it's difficult depending on the match. He has to be patient, be prepared, and know that he's at Real Madrid. His time will come."

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• Huge update on proposed move

  Endrick was an unused substitute in the recent 2-1 victory in El Clasico and now reports from journalist Fabrizio Romano say that he has entered talks with Ligue 1 side Lyon to join them on loan. In a recent post on X, Romano revealed the forward's plans, writing: "Endrick’s planned move for January is only a loan, no intention to proceed with any permanent transfer proposal. Endrick can imagine his future at Real Madrid, only planning for short-term loan to get more game time and develop, also with World Cup incoming."

  And a further update today has indicated the club Endrick is in negotiations with. Romano said: "Understand Olympique Lyon have started talks to sign Endrick on loan in January! Talks already underway with an official approach to sign the Brazilian striker on loan from Real Madrid. OL presented their plan to Endrick who’s open to talk + assessing all options."

• Lyon continue rebuilding job

  One stumbling block could be the fact Lyon aren't able to offer the Real Madrid star Champions League football. After finishing sixth in Ligue 1 last season, they are competing in the Europa League. But Lyon will consider themselves lucky they avoided absolute disaster by the narrowest of margins this summer after France's financial watchdog relegated the club to Ligue 2 due to significant financial irregularities and debt. But following an immediate appeal, the club secured its reinstatement to Ligue 1 after providing new financial guarantees and undergoing a leadership change after American businesswoman Michele Kang was appointed president, replacing John Textor. This reprieve, while successful, came with strict oversight on their finances, wage bill, and transfer spending. But the team won four of their first five matches this season, overcoming the loss of key players, including Rayan Cherki, Alexandre Lacazaette and Georges Mikautadze.

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  Endrick has big decision to make

  Talks are still in their very early stages, but there is plenty of time for Endrick to consider his option as the transfer window doesn’t open until January. But with Alonso’s side flying high at the top of La Liga, it seems unlikely Endrick will become a first-team regular at the Bernabeu and the need for regular minutes will become paramount as the World Cup approaches.

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke is slowly showing supporters and the wider footballing community that he has what it takes to manage in the Premier League.

It is hard to blame anyone for having doubts over whether or not the German tactician could lead a team to safety in the top-flight, given his record in the division with Norwich City.

As you can see in the table above, Farke won six of his 49 matches in charge of the Canaries in the Premier League before he was sacked after 11 games in the 2021/22 campaign.

However, he has been backed financially in a way that he was not at Carrow Road, which has allowed the Whites to enjoy a solid start to the season.

The West Yorkshire outfit are 15th in the table with eight points in seven games after two wins, two draws, and three defeats, which is a respectable return for the newly-promoted outfit.

Farke is now hoping to emulate the success that Marcelo Bielsa had in the top-flight in the 2020/21 campaign after his side were promoted to the big time.

Ranking Marcelo Bielsa's best Leeds United teams

The Argentine head coach initially joined the club in the summer of 2018 and led the team to a third-placed finish in the Championship, but watched his team lose to Derby County in the semi-finals of the play-offs.

It was a terrific first season at Elland Road for Bielsa, even if it ended in disappointment for the club in the play-offs, but the best was yet to come for the manager.

In the 2019/20 campaign, Leeds racked up 93 points with 28 wins and nine draws in the Championship, ten more points than they managed in the previous season, to earn promotion to the Premier League and the second tier title.

It is, therefore, fair to say that Bielsa’s team in his second season was better than the one he had in his first, as they won ten more points to earn promotion.

However, that promotion-winning team was not the best side that the Argentine tactician had during his time at Elland Road, because of what was achieved in the Premier League the following season.

As you can see in the table above, Leeds were fun to watch as a free-scoring newly-promoted side that fired their way to a top-half finish in the top-flight, which turned out to be Bielsa’s best achievement in his time in West Yorkshire.

He was sacked after picking up 23 points from 26 Premier League games in the 2021/22 season, which should rank as his worst team, followed by his first season, then his second one, and the ninth-placed finish in the top-flight as his best side.

The team in the graphic above was his most-used starting line-up in the 2020/21 campaign in the 4-1-4-1 formation, including stars like Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha.

With Farke and his team looking to emulate the success that Bielsa’s team had in their first season in the big time, would any of the club’s current stars make it into that best XI?

Chalkboard

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

As good as Luke Ayling was, and as much as he was a terrific servant for the Whites, there is a case to be made for Jayden Bogle walking into that Bielsa side in the 2020/21 campaign on current form.

Why Jayden Bogle would walk into Marcelo Bielsa's best team

There were some question marks raised over the English full-back’s ability to make the step up to the Premier League this season, because of the Sheffield United team that he was a part of in the 2023/24 season.

Bogle played 34 of his side’s 38 league matches at right-back as the Blades conceded a staggering 104 goals, per Sofascore, the most by any team in a 38-game top-flight season.

However, the 25-year-old star’s start to the current campaign suggests that he is more than capable of delivering quality performances in the Premier League, winning the club’s Player of the Month award for August.

Bogle has started all seven of the club’s matches in the Premier League this season and Leeds rank fifth in the division for xGA (7.9), per FBref, which shows that he is currently part of one of the best defensive units in the division.

Whereas, as aforementioned, Leeds were 16th in the top-flight for xGA with Ayling as their first-choice right-back in Bielsa’s best team at Elland Road.

As you can see in the table above, Bogle’s current defensive numbers topple Ayling’s in the 2020/21 campaign, which may be part of the reason why Farke’s defence is performing better than Bielsa’s did.

On top of that, Ayling did not deliver any assists in that season in the Premier League, which means that Bogle’s current lack of assists in the top-flight should not go against him in this debate.

The former Blades star, who was dubbed “sensational” and a “massive signing” by pundit Micah Richards earlier this year, also delivered more goals and assists combined (ten) last term than Ayling did in the 2019/20 promotion-winning season (eight), per Sofascore, which suggests that he has more potential to excel as an attacking force.

Therefore, there is a genuine case to be made that the 25-year-old star is good enough in the present day to walk into Bielsa’s best team in the ninth-placed Premier League finish.

The new Phillips: Leeds star has made effortless transition to PL life

This Leeds United star has made an effortless transition to the Premier League in the same way that Kalvin Phillips did.

By
Dan Emery

Oct 7, 2025

Hopefully, the current campaign will be a success, with a similarly impressive league finish, and fans will be talking about which players would make it into Farke’s best team in the future.

Chelsea legend Frank Lampard was visibly taken aback when a journalist praised him for the work he is doing at Premier League-chasing Coventry City. The former England international took over the Sky Blues just under a year ago when they were hovering above the Championship relegation zone; but now, they are top of the division. And when it was put to him what a great job he was doing, Lampard was touched.

• Lampard moving on from Chelsea failure

  When former Manchester City man Lampard was sworn in at Coventry nearly a year ago, he had a point to prove. Not only because his last managerial stint as Chelsea's caretaker manager was a disaster but his predecessor, Mark Robins, was a very popular figure at Coventry Building Society Arena, having earned them two promotions from League Two, guided them to EFL Trophy success, and led them to an FA Cup semi-final and a Championship play-off final. Now that they are top of the Championship under Lampard, talkSPORT reporter and Coventry fan Anil Kandola took the time to express his gratitude to the ex-Chelsea midfielder.

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  Lampard having 'special' impact at Coventry

  Kandola told Lampard – who nearly led Derby County to the Premier League in 2019, only to lose in the final to Aston Villa – that the impact he has had on Coventry is like nothing he has ever seen before. He also complimented him for igniting the same passion that Robins showed at the club. 

  He said: "My final point is not a question, it's more of a thank you. So obviously you won't know, but I'm actually from Coventry, so I can see probably a lot more than you do in terms of the impact it has in the pubs and the bars everywhere across this city. The impact you’ve had on this team Frank is something I’ve never seen before. The way that this crowd here, on the road and in the pubs, It’s truly special what you’ve created here. Mark Robins, he was so loved before you came in here, and there was a real hesitation, not just from you, your perspective, but just in general, can they really ignite that passion and the love for the game? And you've done that in abundance, so thank you so much for what you've done and best of luck for the rest of the season."

• Coventry leading the way

  Coventry are top of the Championship with 31 points after 14 games. They hold a four-point lead over second-placed Stoke City and have lost just once this season. Lampard has got Sky Blues fans dreaming of returning to the Premier League for the first time since 2001, and it seems he believes as well. 

  He replied: "Well, thank you, and that's an amazing thing that you said there. I'm not stupid. I know we've got some results and we're in a better position now, and I realise that fans are happy with that. But when you say that personally, you talk about pubs and around the city or whatever it is, travelling to games in our bubble sometimes you miss that. You just try and strive to win every game that you possibly can. So when you say that and it feels as big as that, then I really appreciate it and I'll keep trying to keep you happy and try to do the right thing."

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  What comes next for Coventry?

  Coventry, who made it to the Championship play-offs last season before losing to eventual winners Sunderland in the semi-finals, face, arguably, their biggest test of the season when they travel to second-placed Stoke on Saturday in a top-of-the-table clash. If they can come through that unscathed, the Sky Blues may believe the promised land of the Premier League is within their grasp. If they did that, it would be a remarkable turnaround from being in League Two just seven years ago. However, there is still a very long way to go.

Within the last week, Amad Diallo has pulled off the rather impressive feat of being seen as one of Manchester United's greatest weapons and yet also one of their most obvious weak points. The Ivory Coast international's incredible volley at Nottingham Forest last Saturday grabbed his side a point, while he was a few inches away from snatching the winner in added time. Yet while he was rightly hailed as a difference-maker in United's attack, a lot of the post-match analysis focused on his defensive shortcomings.

Both aspects of Amad's game exist. He is far from alone in being a wonderful attacking player who is yet to master the art of winning headers in his own box or being able to clip the wings of pacey, fleet-footed wingers. 

The difference is that, unlike the other top attacking players in the Premier League, he is being asked to carry out those defensive tasks on a weekly basis due to operating as a wing-back in Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3 formation. In a few matches he has gotten away with it, but Forest seemed to target Amad and successfully exposed his vulnerabilities. United's next opponents – Tottenham, Everton and Crystal Palace – would be advised to do the same.

The scrutiny on Amad's role in the team has further highlighted the limitations of Amorim's formation and given the coach yet another problem that he needs to confront.

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  'Perfect' claim being tested

  Amad started United's very first match under Amorim at right-wing-back against Ipswich Town and set up the first goal of the Portuguese's new era, for Marcus Rashford. But while the England forward was cast aside by the coach less than a month later, Amad has become a fundamental part of Amorim's project. 

  United effectively had a bonfire of wingers over the summer, as Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony were all placed in the 'bomb squad' that had to train separately from the rest of the first team. Amad remained, starting in eight out of the nine Premier League games he has been available for this season (he missed the trip to Brentford on compassionate leave). While three of his appearances have come in attacking midfield, six of them have come at right-wing-back, and recently he has become Amorim's first-choice for the role, forcing natural right-back Diogo Dalot to play on the left.

  Amorim outlined Amad's suitability to playing at wing-back last December when he said: "He's very good playing in that position (wing-back) but also playing between the lines because he has good control and he seems faster with the ball than without the ball. He is capable of playing in both positions and he can play in different systems. You need to to have good physicality [at wing-back]. Good physicality is not the size, but he can run. And that is a key point in that position. The technical characteristics are perfect for him."

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  'Not someone you want defending'

  While no one could disagree that Amad has the lungs to play at wing-back, his lack of natural physicality was exposed when Morgan Gibbs-White out-jumped him to head in Forest's equaliser. It was not the only time they managed to get at him, either, as Sean Dyche's plan seemed to be to try and leave Amad isolated against the tricky Callum Hudson-Odoi, who had the run of him in several key moments.

  "Amad is a conundrum," said former Wales captain Ashley Williams on 'Match of the Day'. "He’s in the team because of his attacking qualities but he can’t play in the No.10 position because [Bryan] Mbeumo and [Matheus] Cunha are playing really well. He plays right-wing-back and he finds himself in defensive positions at times, which isn’t his strength. 

  "He’s in this full-back position because he has to do his work. He’s an honest lad and he’s trying to get back and do a job for his team, but it’s not his quality. Amad gets in a centre-back position trying to head a ball out which is not his strength and they concede from that."

  Williams was, however, in awe of Amad's equaliser, praising his "perfect technique", adding: "Going forward he’s devastating. His goal, what a strike! This is not the player you want defending. He’s in the team because of his attacking play and he’s such an honest lad that he ends up doing lots of defensive work and then it looks bad on him."

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  Putting opponents on the back foot

  The stunning volley at the City Ground was just the latest of many brilliant moments Amad has provided. He kick-started his United career with his memorable winner against Liverpool in the FA Cup back in March 2024 before he won a late penalty and then scored to complete the dramatic comeback win at Manchester City last season, while he single-handedly averted an embarrassing home defeat by Southampton by scoring a 12-minute hat-trick a few weeks later. 

  This season, he won the penalty with which United beat Burnley deep in added time and was brilliant in the surprise victory at Anfield, laying on the pass for Bryan Mbeumo's early goal. 

  Rio Ferdinand launched a staunch defence of Amad on his podcast, saying that pundits and fans should be relishing his attacking qualities rather than picking at his flaws.

  "We get too caught up in what players can’t do," he said. "He is giving us so much going forward. His partnership and his telepathy with Mbeumo. For what he’s giving you going forward and what he’s giving the opposition winger, they are having to chase him half the time. That’s what you want, them on the back foot. I just think he’s a wonderful footballer."

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  Dalot also causing problems

  But Ferdinand also admitted that Amad was not being used in his best role by Amorim: "Would he be better as a right winger? I think he would be, but that’s not detracting away from what he's doing. I think he’s just what this team need in this position right now."

  Amad's defensive weaknesses are not the only drawback with United playing wing-backs. While the ex-Atalanta youngster is not suited to the defensive responsibilities that come with the role, the player on the other flank, Dalot, is not made for its attacking demands.

  "Amad's been getting questioned but as a wing-back, you're asked to be a full-back defensively, so Amad's asked to be here and defend crosses at the back post. But then when he gets up here, he's asked to be a winger," said former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher on 'Monday Night Football'. "Now he is more of a winger, he's probably more suited to that position, but then Dalot's the opposite, where he may be able to deal with that [defensive headers] better. But when he gets on the last line and they actually get the ball to Dalot, he can't beat a man.

  "He's not going to play a clever pass, he's not going to get a cross in. So for me, that's a little bit of a downfall in terms of getting five on the last line. It's whether these players have the quality."

Mohammed Kudus’ second-half strike earned Tottenham a 2-1 win at Elland Road as Leeds lost a home league game for the first time in over a year.

Ghana forward Kudus fired the winner shortly before the hour-mark after Leeds winger Noah Okafor had cancelled out Mathys Tel’s opener for Tottenham before the break.

It was Leeds’ first home league loss since a 1-0 defeat to Burnley in September 2024 and their third in the top flight this season, while Tottenham notched their fourth Premier League win under Thomas Frank.

The Londoners, who began the day in fifth place, have lost only one of their 11 matches in all competitions since Frank replaced Ange Postecoglou in June, while they have won on their last three visits to LS11.

And Tottenham reporter Alasdair Gold spotted an emotional scene at the full time whistle, as former Elland Road wonderkid Archie Gray finally got the chance to wave goodbye to his boyhood club in person, where he was met with applause from the home support.

Leeds 1-2 Tottenham: As it happened

Leeds, unchanged for four successive matches, quickly showed their intent through Sean Longstaff’s crunching tackle before Joe Rodon’s header from Anton Stach’s free-kick hit a post.

Joao Palhinha was wayward with a first chance for Spurs, who made five changes after Tuesday’s 2-2 Europa League draw against Bodo/Glimt in Norway.

The visitors threatened again as Destiny Udogie’s angled shot was blocked by Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow and more incisive play saw them take the lead in the 24th minute.

Kudus slipped Tel away down Leeds’ left channel and after racing to the edge of the box, the French winger unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner via a deflection off Pascal Struijk.

Kudus should have doubled Tottenham’s lead soon after when he fired wide from inside the penalty area as Leeds began to look ragged.

But Farke’s side regrouped. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was wayward after creating space inside the area and 10 minutes after falling behind they hauled themselves level.

Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario was only able to parry Brenden Aaronson’s deflected low effort and summer signing Okafor turned home the rebound for his second goal of the season.

Longstaff lashed over from the edge of the box as Tottenham began to creak, but in a see-saw encounter, the visitors went close to a second when Tel’s header from Wilson Odobert’s cross struck the crossbar before half-time.

The two sides resumed in pouring rain and half-chances continued to flow.

Darlow blocked Pedro Porro’s cross and at the other end Vicario was at full stretch to keep out Calvert-Lewin’s low strike.

A slip by Leeds defender Gabriel Gudmundsson helped Tottenham regain the lead in the 57th minute.

The Sweden left-back was dispossessed near the penalty are by Kudus, who darted inside and arrowed a low left-footed inside Darlow’s near post, via another deflection off Struijk.

But after edging back in front, Tottenham were unable to dictate the tempo and Leeds went close when Longstaff thundered a low shot narrowly wide.

Leeds swept forward in the closing stages, but substitute Joel Piroe was foiled by Vicario’s low save and Struijk’s header was deflected narrowly over.

Steven Kwan made a spectacular diving catch in center field to preserve the Cleveland Guardians' scoreless tie against the Detroit Tigers during the eighth inning of Game 2 of the ALDS. Only, not everyone was convinced he actually made the catch.

After a line drive off the bat of Wenceel Perez went out to center field, Kwan pursued the baseball and dove forward in order to make the play. Kwan managed to get his glove in between the ball and the grass while making a stunning diving catch for the final out of the inning. Some felt that he actually trapped the ball, however.

It's incredibly difficult to determine on the replay whether or not the ball touches the grass before entering Kwan's mitt. Even the announcers were at a loss, clearly unable to decipher whether it was a catch or a trap. Replay review ultimately determined that it was a catch, which ended the inning and preserved the scoreless tie.

The Tigers left two runners on as a result of Kwan's diving play, though there were many fans who felt that it should've been a base hit for Detroit.