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It has been a tough start for Ruben Amorim at Manchester United. He has so far taken charge of 23 games in the hot seat at Old Trafford and has won 11 of those, losing nine and drawing the other three.

There have been some disappointing defeats for the Red Devils in Amorim’s short managerial tenure which includes a dismal 2-0 loss at Old Trafford against Crystal Palace and defeat by the same scoreline away to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The adaptation period from Erik ten Hag’s back four system to Amoirm’s back three formation seems like it has taken some time for the Red Devils. In particular, finding the right solution at left wing-back has been an issue.

Man United’s left wing-back options

United have two main options at left wing-back under Amorim. That is not including Luke Shaw, who has sadly been injured for much of the season, and Noussair Mazroaui, who has tended to play more on the right.

Before the January transfer window, Diogo Dalot was the first choice for Amoirm on the left flank.

The Portugal international is a crucial player for United and has played 40 times across competitions this term. He has played at left wing-back more than any other position, making 14 appearances there this term.

In the January transfer window, the Red Devils signed the first player of the Amorim era, bringing in Patrick Dogu from Italian side Lecce for a reported fee of £25m, plus a further £4.1m in add-ons.

The 20-year-old Denmark international has made a good impression in his four appearances for the club. He has started every game he’s been available for and was described as a “promising player” by football statistician Statman Dave.

However, the Red Devils number 13 was sent off in his most recent outing against Ipswich Town, for a dangerous challenge. That means United will be without him for the next three domestic games, starting with their FA Cup clash on Sunday at home to Fulham.

In Dorgu’s absence, Amorim could turn to an exciting youth prospect and keep Dalot on the left-hand side.

The Man Utd youngster who could replace Dorgu

A couple of weeks ago away to Tottenham Hotspur, Amorim had to call upon several youth players to feature on the bench, in the midst of a shocking injury crisis. Only one of those players, Chido Obi, made his debut, but there was lots of quality involved.

One of the youngsters in the squad was left-back Harry Amass. Once said to be a young player people should look out for by Shaw, Amass is perhaps one of the most highly rated youngsters in the Red Devils academy.

This term for United’s highest age group, the London-born defender has featured 20 times, registering four assists along the way. He has also featured on the bench for the first team six times, including the Premier League clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium earlier in February.

That is not the only first-team involvement Amass has had this season. Former boss Erik ten Hag called upon him during pre-season, and the 17-year-old had the opportunity to play four times on their tour.

That included a fantastic 45-minute cameo against Rangers at Murrayfield. As per Sofascore, the teenager had 35 touches of the ball, completed four out of four dribbles, showing his excellent technical quality, and won an impressive seven out of eight attempted duels.

Amass, an England U18 international was described as an “exceptional” talent by Academy Scoop, a page on X dedicated to the Red Devils academy. He is certainly a player who United fans can get excited about.

In the absence of Dorgu, and the interest of keeping balance to the team with Dalot on the right, perhaps Amorim will turn to the youngster to play at left wing-back. He is clearly a highly rated prospect, so a step up to first-team level might be next on the cards.

Better than Dorgu: Man Utd must regret selling "monster" star for just £5m

Manchester United once sold a defender who is even better than Patrick Dorgu.

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By
Dan Emery

Feb 24, 2025

Barcelona are believed to be eyeing a move for a Manchester United player that Ruben Amorim wants to see the back of this summer.

Latest Man Utd news

There is plenty of Red Devils transfer news doing the rounds at the moment, not least regarding the future of Alejandro Garnacho at Old Trafford following a tumultuous season.

A recent report has claimed that United are willing to listen to offers for the 20-year-old at the end of the season, with Amorim wanting to move him on. This comes after he walked straight down the tunnel after being substituted against Ipswich Town last week. It is said that a “lack of discipline and some controversial episodes have exhausted the patience of the board” at Old Trafford, which could lead to Garnacho finding another club ahead of next season.

Elsewhere, an audacious move for Bayer Leverkusen and Germany star Florian Wirtz has been mooted at Old Trafford, with the 21-year-old enjoying another excellent season for the Bundesliga champions, scoring nine goals and registering 10 assists in the league.

A possible move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has also been mentioned, but Arsenal are reportedly providing stiff competition for the Nigerian’s services.

Barcelona want "phenomenal" £70m Man Utd ace

According to a report from Spain, Barcelona are keen on signing Manchester United ace Garnacho this summer, as they look to bolster their attacking options.

The report states that the Argentine’s “profile would fit the team’s idea of play” and he is described as an “attractive option” for the Catalan giants.

United supporters may be split when it comes to Garnacho’s future at the club, with some not wanting to see such a talented young footballer leave the club – someone who could ultimately be a big part of their future.

That said, others may feel that the attacker’s reported poor attitude is no help to anybody, especially Amorim, with the Red Devils’ head coach needing everyone to pull in the same direction.

It would certainly be a shame for United to lose Garnacho, valued at £70m, considering what a gifted footballer he is, with former defender David May hailing him after making 100 Red Devils appearances, saying:

“It is phenomenal, considering his age. He has an abundance of pace and he will score goals. If he gets kicked, he will run at them again. He will always give 100 per cent. He’s a massive part of this club going forward.”

Garnacho is undoubtedly one of United’s best attacking players on his day, scoring 23 goals in 126 outings for the club, but ultimately, if his attitude isn’t where Amorim wants it to be, there can only be one winner in the debate.

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By
Sean Markus Clifford

Mar 1, 2025

For that reason, he will either have to knuckle down and show his boss that he is worth persevering with, or United may well cash in on him in the summer, signing a replacement who Amorim believes is better suited to what he wants.

Cristian Romero claimed that he would 'love to play in La Liga' in future amid transfer links to Atletico Madrid in the summer.

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• Romero drops another hint on joining Atletico
• Would 'love to play in La Liga'
• Spurs want to retain the defender's services

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Atletico Madrid has been closely linked with a move for Tottenham Hotspur defender Romero this summer, as the player had earlier hinted that he could leave the Premier League side at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The centre-back has once again fuelled the rumour of his exit by claiming that he would 'love to play in La Liga' next. Romero started his career at Argentine club Belgrano before moving to Italy, where he played for clubs like Genoa, Juventus and Atalanta. He then moved to England in 2021 when he signed for Spurs.

• WHAT CRISTIAN ROMERO SAID

  Speaking to journalist , Romero said: "I'd love to play in La Liga. I'd love to play in La Liga. I like watching a lot of games, and I have a lot of teammates who play there in Spain, and we watch them. It's one of the leagues I'd like to play in."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CRISTIAN ROMERO?

  While the 27-year-old defender seems determined to move away from Spurs, AS has claimed that the North London outfit will not make his exit easy as they are set to demand €70 million (£59m/$79m) in transfer fee, which Atletico are reluctant to meet.

England fans have been left puzzled by Thomas Tuchel's experimental lineup for their World Cup qualifier against Andorra.

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• England face Andorra in World Cup qualifier
• Tuchel to have 'experimental' lineup
• Three Lions fans baffled by decisions

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Tuchel has chosen to field an experimental starting XI against Andorra on Saturday. This includes right-back Reece James playing left-back and midfielder Curtis Jones playing right-back, while Declan Rice is rested. Some commenters on social media described this call by Tuchel as a "brain fart".

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  WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

  @Na5_10ii wrote on X: "What in the brain fart is this?"

  While @Faulks1993 commented: "I mean surely he’s not going to start a RB at LB to then play a CM at RB??? Especially when there’s players available for them positions."

  @JME_XIV tweeted: "I’ve had enough, sack him," and @FeatherFastCFC put: "Every manager jumping on this inverted fullback gimmick is extremely cringe."

  Finally, @FootyIsThe0ne added: "Thomas Tuchel is a saboteur and nobody can convince me otherwise."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Tuchel took over as England manager earlier this year, and so far, they have two wins from two 2026 World Cup qualifying games. This away fixture is likely to be a more difficult test for the Three Lions but after a long domestic season, it seems Tuchel is willing to try different combinations, while resting key players such as Rice and Bukayo Saka. Ultimately, if they win the contest, all of this will be forgotten.

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• WHAT NEXT?

  After this World Cup qualifier in Barcelona, Tuchel's England side take on Senegal in a friendly fixture on Tuesday. They will not play another World Cup qualifier until September, highlighting how little time the German has with the English players.

As Celtic go in pursuit of adding insult to injury against a Rangers side they have blown away in the Scottish Premiership this season, one key man is set to return from injury.

Celtic team news confirmed for Old Firm derby

Currently sat as many as 16 points clear of the Gers in Scotland’s top flight, Celtic are set to be crowned champions once again to make it two from two for Brendan Rodgers in his second stint in charge of the Bhoys. With the Old Firm clash up next too, they have the chance to turn 16 into 19 and deal their rivals another frustrating blow.

Entering the derby off the back of eliminating Fenerbahce from the Europa League and reaching the last eight, Rangers will have a point to prove up against Celtic, however, who will still need to be at their best.

With that said, one particular piece of injury news has certainly arrived at the perfect time in pursuit of victory. As confirmed by Brendan Rodgers, James Forrest is now set to return from injury against Rangers this Sunday.

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By
Henry Jackson

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Rodgers told reporters when asked about team news: “How’s the squad? Yeah, all good. We’ve had a good week, so one more day to go. One or two we are just assessing. Callum (McGregor), obviously he’s had a similar week to last week, and we’ll make a decision on him tomorrow.

“Obviously, James Forrest is back in the squad, which is really good. Paulo Bernardo is still a little bit away. Liam Scales, he’s obviously had an issue with his cheekbones, so we’re just waiting to finalise whether he needs an operation or not. So he will be doubtful for the game, but apart from that, it’s the same squad.”

"Brilliant" Forrest returning at perfect time

One of the most experienced players that Rodgers has to pick from and a modern-day Celtic legend with 12 Scottish Premiership titles to his name, Forrest’s return comes at the perfect time. The 33-year-old will be relieved to be back in time to face Rangers too, having scored six Old Firm derby goals during his time at Celtic Park.

Rodgers needs no reminder of the winger’s quality, either, having been full of praise when asked about Forrest last season – telling reporters: “He’s been a brilliant servant of the club.

“And of course, it’s probably been difficult for him the last couple of years, not playing maybe as much as he wants. But I’ve always said in terms of quality and wing-play, he’s our best winger.”

Almost into the final year of his contract, Forrest looks destined to add at least one more title to his name before perhaps retaining that crown in his final campaign at Celtic next season.

Following reports that Trent Alexander-Arnold is closing in on a summer move to Real Madrid, Liverpool have reportedly turned their focus towards signing a replacement who recently kept Mohamed Salah quiet on the biggest stage.

Liverpool eyeing Trent replacement

The Reds are once again learning the harsh way that players very rarely turn down the advances of Real Madrid. What the Spanish giants want, they often get in the transfer market, such is the order of the football food chain.

That won’t take away the frustration of those at Anfield, however. After all, Alexander-Arnold is an academy graduate and the next in line for Liverpool captaincy, let alone arguably the best right-back in European football. Losing such a talent was always going to be a big blow. Losing such a talent for free, however, should be among Liverpool’s worst nightmares.

It’s a predicament that the Reds must deal with this summer and one they’re already reportedly looking to solve. According to GiveMeSport, Liverpool chiefs are now eyeing a move to sign Tino Livramento from Newcastle United this summer.

The right-back, who can also play left-back, recently kept Salah quiet from that side at Wembley as Newcastle defeated Liverpool to win the Carabao Cup final before the international break.

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By
Joe Nuttall

Mar 27, 2025

As per Fotmob, in a rare afternoon to forget for the Premier League’s leading goalscorer and chief creator, Salah was limited to just one touch in the Newcastle box and created zero chances. Livramento, meanwhile, was not dribbled past once and won all four of his ground duels on an excellent afternoon.

"Reliable" Livramento is a rising star

At just 22 years old, Livramento’s versatility combined with talent makes him one to watch as Liverpool search for their Alexander-Arnold replacement this summer. The Newcastle star proved himself on the big stage right in front of Arne Slot, who should turn towards Tyneside if he wants to solve a pending problem down his right-hand side.

Dubbed a “reliable” one-on-one defender by analyst Ben Mattinson, Livramento could offer Liverpool a strength that has often been a weakness for Alexander-Arnold.

Whilst the Newcastle man would likely struggle to replicate the Anfield graduate’s attacking output, Slot could quickly adjust his system away from relying on his right-back to become the chief creator in his side. And that would quickly see Livramento flourish in a Liverpool shirt.

The Reds still have it all to do, however, and whether they turn towards the Newcastle full-back remains to be seen as the summer approaches.

El Tri will kick off their Gold Cup campaign against the Dominican Republic at SoFi Stadium

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• The team will move to hotel in Long Beach to avoid unrest
• After the opener, they’ll travel to Arlington to face Suriname
• Mexico close group stage against Costa Rica in Las Vegas

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Mexican national soccer team decided to relocate to a different hotel in the Los Angeles area ahead of their Gold Cup opener this Saturday, citing safety concerns linked to recent immigration-related protests in the city, according to the Associated Press.

  Mexico is set to face the Dominican Republic in their first match of the tournament at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, as they look to defend the title they won in 2023.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Although the team initially planned to stay in a downtown Los Angeles hotel, CONCACAF approved a change of plans. Team spokesperson Fernando Schwartz confirmed to AP that the squad will now be staying in Long Beach, a move aimed at avoiding potential conflict zones amid ongoing demonstrations.

  The protests erupted on Friday after immigration officials detained over 40 individuals across Los Angeles. By Sunday, demonstrators had blocked a major highway and set fire to vehicles. Police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash-bang grenades.

  On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered an additional deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to reinforce the city’s security.

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  WHAT JAVIER AGUIRRE SAID

  When asked about the situation at a news conference in Chapel Hill, North Carolina – where Mexico is scheduled to play a friendly match against Turkey on Tuesday – head coach Javier Aguirre declined to discuss the events in Los Angeles.

  “I’m not going to comment on that. We’re here to talk about football,” he said. “I’m far from the scene, I only know what I’ve seen on the news. I don’t want to misinform or cause confusion.”

  Aguirre clarified that his silence should not be interpreted as indifference.

  “I’m not trying to dodge the topic – I simply don’t have reliable details," he said. "I’m not a political figure, I’m the coach of the national team. My job is to prepare a squad that represents Mexico with pride, wherever we play and under any circumstances.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MEXICO NATIONAL TEAM?

  Following the Dominican Republic match, Mexico will head to Arlington, Texas, to face Suriname, and will wrap up the group stage against Costa Rica in Las Vegas.

Liverpool are now ready to proceed on their first summer signing after holding initial talks with representatives, according to a new report.

Robertson calls for strong finish as Reds shop for replacements

Liverpool had, until just a couple of weeks ago, been on course for a potential treble in what is Arne Slot’s first season in charge at Anfield. However, an early exit from the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain and a defeat in the EFL Cup final to Newcastle United have now derailed those dreams, with the Reds still in the race for the Premier League.

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Fortunately, they are well in the lead, and it would take an incredible series of slip-ups for them not to win it. However, defender Andrew Robertson doesn’t want to leave anything up to chance after what’s been a difficult few weeks.

“It’s up to us to be fresh. It’s up to us to be fresh in mind and fresh in body. The schedule still has a lot of games and there will be tired bodies,” the Scotsman recently told Liverpool’s official website.

“But hopefully in April and May we will still be fresh and we will still be firing on all cylinders because we’re going to need to be doing that to win anything this season. If we are, it gives us the best possible chance.”

Liverpool believe they will sign Bournemouth star Kerkez

Even if they do win the Premier League, Slot is expected to somewhat reinvent his squad for his second season in charge at Anfield. Trent Alexander-Arnold is off to Real Madrid, while the futures of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk also remain up in the air for now.

Robertson is another who could be on his way out in the summer, with the Reds having reportedly already lined up a replacement for the Scotland international, 31.

According to TBR Football, Liverpool have been doing extensive background checks on Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez – speaking to representatives of fellow Hungary international Dominik Szoboszlai – and are now ready to officially open talks about a switch to Anfield.

One of the Premier League’s standout full-backs this term, Bournemouth are said to be willing to part ways with Kerkez in the summer for a fee of £50 million. Though Liverpool value the 21-year-old at closer to £40 million, TBR Football claims that “there is a belief on all sides that an agreement will be reached in the coming weeks”.

Bournemouth have seemingly already signed their next Kerkez in Julio Soler, as they look to follow fellow South Coast club’s Brighton sustainable model in the transfer market.

Kerkez himself, meanwhile, recently revealed in an interview with The Athletic that he one day wants to play for a Champions League club.

“As a kid, you dream to play at the highest level, win the trophies, be on the best teams,” he said. “These are the things that my agent is on. My dad is on. It is not something that they occupy me with because the season is still going, so there’s no point to talk about anything.”

New Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso quoted Jose Mourinho as he claimed that he isn't Harry Potter and wanted to limit damage as much as possible.

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• Gattuso appointed as new Italy coach
• Quoted Mourinho's famous Harry Potter remark
• Promised a lot of hard work to limit damage

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Gattuso promised that he would do lots of hard work and wants his players to go at 100 miles an hour when he spoke at the press conference in his unveiling as the new coach.

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  Mourinho made the now-famous 'Harry Potter' remark when he was the manager of Roma and they recently lost the Rome derby to Lazio in a Coppa Italia quarter-final.

• WHAT GATTUSO SAID

  Gattuso quoted Mourinho when he said: "Mourinho was right, I don't do magic. I can only promise a lot of work, the days are few and we must do as little damage as possible, I repeat: we want to do as little damage as possible."

  He then spoke about the demands on his players when he said: "The players have to go at 100 miles an hour. Then, in training, you have to go and pedal; the team has to work seriously and with commitment. It doesn't matter what happens off the pitch, I can't be the bad cop or the iron sergeant".

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  WHAT NEXT FOR GATTUSO AND ITALY?

  Gattuso will have little to no time as Italy are set to face a series of must win matches in a bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Arsenal are ready to compete with Liverpool and Manchester United to sign Huge Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt.

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• Hugo Ekitike in Arsenal's sights
• Ready to challenge Liverpool and Manchester United
• Could cost €100m to buy

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Gunners have become fed up with awkward negotiations for Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, report Bild, who say they are "back in the poker game" for Ekitike. Eintracht look set to demand €100m for the Frenchman.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea are all said to be rivals for Ekitike's signature, though the huge transfer fee could put off some suitors. All four clubs are aiming to improve their centre-forward options this summer, though Arsenal's is the most obviously pressing need.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Ekitike has scored 26 goals in 64 appearances for Eintracht, including 22 in 48 last season. He is uncapped by the national team but still one of the most in-demand players on the market.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

  Arsenal's chase for a striker has seen them struggle to get a deal for Sesko over the line, while Viktor Gyokeres looks likelier to end up at Manchester United. They will want somebody through the door in time for the beginning of the Premier League season in August.