Newcastle United are believed to have made a contract offer to one of their most important players, as they look to stave off potential interest from Saudi Pro League clubs.
Ross Wilson "delighted" with Newcastle job
The Magpies have made huge progress on the pitch in recent years, excelling under Eddie Howe, but important figures off the field have also played their part in the club’s success.
Earlier this week, Ross Wilson was confirmed as Newcastle’s new sporting director, taking on the role vacated by Paul Mitchell, and he has spoken of his delight at coming in at St James’ Park.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be here at Newcastle United. This is such a special club, and I fully understand the passion, ambition and expectations of our incredible supporters, as well as the ambition and desire of our ownership to keep developing and building an even stronger Newcastle United.
“My conversations with ownership have been extremely positive, and I’ve also been in regular contact with Eddie Howe and David Hopkinson. The trust, cohesion and alignment we’re building already feels strong, and we believe that being united as a team will be so important as we continue to move the club forward together. I’m excited to work with everyone across the different areas within our football department.”
Now, a significant piece of Newcastle contract news has emerged, as the club look to tie down one of the most influential players at the club.
Newcastle make contract offer to star player
According to UOL [via Sport Witness], Newcastle have offered Bruno Guimaraes a new deal until the summer of 2030, continuing to see him as a huge figure.
The Magpies are wary that Saudi clubs could come in with bids for the Brazilian at some point in the future, so they are looking to tie him down for the next five years.
Bruno signing a new contract at Newcastle would be huge for anyone associated with the club, with his influence and passion at the heart of the midfield huge ever since he arrived at the club.
The 27-year-old’s quality was on show in last weekend’s 2-0 win at home to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, with Howe lauding him after the game.
“I thought we had control of the second half and we needed a moment to bring us the goal. Bruno’s goal was a moment of magic from an unbelievable player. He makes a difference more often than not.”
Anderson re-signs; £75m PL star joins: Ross Wilson's dream XI at Newcastle
Newcastle continue their hierarchal re-structure with the appointment of a new technical director.
ByAngus Sinclair Oct 11, 2025
At 27, the £160,000-a-week Bruno is at the peak of his powers, and there is no reason why that will change in the next three or four years, so giving him a contract extension is a no-brainer, also putting them in a strong position if another club does make a move for him, in terms of being able to demand huge money.
Paul Pogba's long-awaited return to football has hit another snag after the midfielder suffered a minor thigh strain in training. Having not played an official game since 2023 due to a doping ban, the plan for the 32-year-old to make his Monaco debut this month is now in serious doubt, adding to his frustrating comeback trail as he targets a return to the national team ahead of the World Cup.
Thigh strain threatens to rule out planned return
Pogba’s highly anticipated debut for Monaco may be put on hold after the midfielder suffered a fresh injury in training, according to . The France international was expected to make his return to competitive action against Angers on October 18, but a minor muscle strain in his right thigh has now compromised his involvement. The club has confirmed the setback but specified that the issue is not related to the knee problems that have plagued him in the past.
Advertisement
Getty Images
Frustration grows after two years out
This latest blow is another frustrating chapter in Pogba's long road back to professional football. The World Cup winner has not played a competitive match since September 2023, having served an 18-month doping suspension before signing for the Ligue 1 club at the end of June 2025. His return was initially pencilled in for last week’s derby against Nice before being pushed back to the Angers fixture to allow for more recovery time, a precaution that has been justified by this new muscular problem.
Debut to come under new management
Adding another layer of complexity to his comeback, Pogba will not play under the manager who brought him to the club. Adi Hutter, who signed the Frenchman, was sacked by Monaco earlier this week. This means that whenever Pogba is finally fit to make his debut, it will be under a new head coach, who is yet to be appointed.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty Images
What next for Pogba and Monaco?
With the planned return against Angers now in serious doubt, there is no new timeline for Pogba's debut. The club's medical staff are monitoring the thigh strain closely, and a decision on his availability will be made in due course. For now, the former Manchester United star’s long wait for a return to the pitch continues, with both player and club hoping this is only a minor delay on his path to redemption.
Adrien Rabiot was left 'angry' after AC Milan drew 0-0 with Juventus as the midfielder made his first return to the Allianz Stadium since his move to the Rossoneri. While he admitted it was an 'emotional' night, the Frenchman was left frustrated by his side's inability to secure a victory against his former club, pinpointing where Milan must improve to challenge for the title.
Rabiot unhappy with Milan vs Juvenus
Rabiot has expressed his frustration after the Rossoneri were held to a 0-0 draw against his former club Juventus at the Allianz Stadium, according to an interview with DAZN via Football Italia. The France international, who spent five years in Turin before leaving in 2024, admitted to feeling "angry" that his side failed to capitalise on their chances in his first match back at his old ground.
Advertisement
AFP
An emotional return to Turin for Rabiot
The match marked an emotional occasion for the 30-year-old midfielder, who faced many of his former teammates and staff for the first time since his departure. Despite the warm return, Rabiot's focus was on securing a crucial away win for Milan. "It was an emotional night. I know many of the players at Juventus, the stadium, the staff, even coach Tudor… I was really happy to come back here," Rabiot said. "I wanted to win, but that’s football – we’ll keep going with our journey."
'Angry' over missed chances in stalemate
Milan created several clear opportunities but lacked the clinical edge to find a breakthrough, a fact that left Rabiot particularly annoyed. The match was a cagey affair, with Milan registering 13 shots to Juventus' 12, but only four were on target. "I’m angry because we should have won," he stated. "We had opportunities but something was missing. We have to do more and improve as a team. It’s only the start of the season, but winning here would’ve been important."
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
What Milan lacked against Juventus
Reflecting on his team's tactical shortcomings, Rabiot identified a lack of aggression and precision in the final third as key areas for improvement. He felt that while a point away to Juventus is a decent result, Milan left two points on the table. "We didn’t use the depth enough, and in front of goal, we have to be better – final passes, shots, second balls, aggression," he explained. "The point is okay, but we could’ve done more to win."
Newcastle United’s forward line is entering a period of transition.
With Alexander Isak’s future still unresolved – and the striker making it abundantly clear that he will not reintegrate into the squad should a transfer not be completed before the deadline – Eddie Howe faces a pressing challenge.
He must find a centre-forward capable of stepping straight into the side and producing from the very first game.
The departure of Callum Wilson to West Ham has only heightened the urgency.
The 33-year-old leaves St James’ Park with 47 goals in 113 appearances – his intelligent movement and clinical edge cementing him as a fan favourite.
Newcastle striker Callum Wilson
Many of his goals came in crucial moments, helping drag Newcastle away from the relegation zone in the early days of the takeover.
But with a Champions League campaign on the horizon and Premier League rivals reinforcing aggressively, Newcastle cannot afford to go into the new season light in the most important position on the pitch.
Buy EPL Hospitality
Secure your matchday experience with Seat Unique.
Buy Premium Now Newcastle's latest striker target
The Magpies have been proactive in other areas – they have added Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw and Aaron Ramsdale to provide depth. Yet despite these moves, the focus remains firmly on replacing goals at the top of the pitch.
Yet despite these moves, the focus remains firmly on replacing goals at the top of the pitch.
One forward in particular could reshape Newcastle’s attack and keep their ambitions alive in a World Cup year.
Indeed, according to the Daily Mail, Ollie Watkins’ situation at Aston Villa is attracting significant interest from the Geordies.
Villa have been active in the market themselves, reviving talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a possible return for Marco Asensio after a successful loan spell last season.
Asensio has already rejected moves to Turkey and Saudi Arabia, but Villa are keen to bolster their attacking options amid uncertainty over Watkins and fellow forward Leon Bailey.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Manchester United had previously been linked with Watkins before turning their attention to Benjamin Šeško, leaving Newcastle among the clubs still firmly monitoring developments.
Villa have added striker Evann Guessand to their ranks, yet with the club still facing pressure from PSR – a significant sale remains possible.
Watkins, with a market value of £50m, would represent both a lucrative cash injection for Villa and a major coup for any buying club.
Watkins vs. Wilson: The numbers game
At 29, Watkins is in his prime.
Since joining Villa from Brentford in 2020 for £28m, he has scored 75 goals in 184 appearances, cementing his status as one of the league’s most consistent scorers.
His 18 caps for England underline his pedigree at international level, while his relentless work rate, intelligent movement, and adaptability make him a constant threat.
Described as “one of best 9s in the world” by Statman Dave, Watkins is as comfortable leading the line as he is drifting wide or dropping deep to link play.
The parallels with Wilson’s arrival at Newcastle in 2020 are clear: both were established Premier League strikers, both brought a proven eye for goal, and both had the hunger to push for England recognition.
Callum Wilson applauds the Newcastle fans.
However, Watkins offers something subtly different – a more rounded style that blends scoring with creativity and builds up involvement.
In a season where every England striker will be scrutinised ahead of the World Cup, Watkins has added motivation to start strongly.
While Wilson’s Newcastle legacy is built on ruthless penalty-box efficiency, the numbers reveal that Watkins brings a broader attacking contribution.
Comparing Wilson’s 2022/23 campaign to Watkins’ 2024/25 season provides a detailed picture of their respective styles.
According to FBref, the two are almost inseparable in terms of output. Wilson contributed 23 goal involvements, Watkins 24. Wilson took more shots per 90 minutes (3.36 to 2.84), converting at a near-identical rate in terms of accuracy (44.3% to Watkins’ 43.9%).
For penalty-box poaching, Wilson remains among the league’s most effective. However, Watkins’ strengths lie in his involvement outside the box. He averages 10.6 completed passes per 90 to Wilson’s 7.66 and does so with a higher completion rate (72.4% vs. 66.1%).
His progressive passing distance is markedly higher, and his progressive carries (1.90 to 1.29) show a greater willingness to run at defences and advance play from deeper positions.
Watkins also edges progressive passes per 90 (1.07 to 0.91), suggesting he can help initiate attacks as well as finish them.
Wilson, by contrast, holds the advantage in dribbling success – 0.57 take-ons per 90 at a 33.3% success rate versus Watkins’ 0.35 at 24.4%.
This reflects Wilson’s more direct, decisive style when taking on defenders in the final third.
The data ultimately points to two different types of centre-forward.
Wilson is the penalty-box predator, lethal with limited touches.
Watkins is the link-man as well as the finisher, able to knit together moves, drag defenders into wide areas, and exploit space with his pace and timing.
For Howe, that broader range of skills could be invaluable in a Newcastle side that increasingly dominates possession and faces low defensive blocks.
With Wilson now in claret and blue at West Ham and Isak’s future unresolved, Newcastle’s pursuit of Watkins represents more than a simple like-for-like replacement.
It is an opportunity to evolve their attacking profile, to bring in a forward who can both replicate Wilson’s goals and add fresh dimensions to their build-up play.
In a World Cup year, with competition for England places, Watkins’ hunger to impress could be exactly the edge Newcastle need, and exactly why Howe might be tempted to make him the next No 9 to lead the line at St James’ Park.
Readers like you help support FootballFanCast. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.
Their new Gordon: Big-money star "wants to join" Newcastle before Saturday
Newcastle United push ahead with £40m transfer that could weaken direct rivals.
The mood around West Ham United isn’t great at the moment.
Graham Potter’s side look just as dysfunctional as they did last season, and as things stand, the club have not done enough business in the market.
For example, while the additions of Mads Hermansen, El Hadji Malick Diouf and Kyle Walker-Peters are great in isolation, they’re enough to ensure the team aren’t dragged into a relegation battle.
Southampton'sKyleWalker-Petersapplauds their fans after the match
Fortunately, reports have now linked the Hammers to another exciting talent, although the player in question is another full-back, one who’d already be an upgrade on Walker-Peters.
West Ham target Walker-Peters upgrade
With the transfer window still open for another week or so, West Ham simply have to bring in some more bodies, and, based on reports, it looks like they’re trying.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Mateus Fernandes has been the most heavily touted for a move to the club, with some stories claiming the Hammers have already gone in with a second offer, while AS Roma striker Artem Dovbyk has recently been touted for a potential loan move that would see Niclas Füllkrug go the other way.
However, it now looks like another deal is close to being completed, one that would see the Hammers land an exciting talent who’d already be an upgrade on Walker-Peters.
At least that is according to a recent report from Spanish publication Sport, which has claimed that West Ham are very interested in Hector Fort.
In fact, the report has revealed that the Hammers are already in talks with Barcelona over a potential loan move, and that it could be finalised as soon as next week.
The young Spaniard might not be a particularly well-known player to Premier League fans, but he looks like he could be a future star, and would be an instant upgrade on Walker-Peters.
How Fort compares to Walker-Peters
Now, it should be said that Fort would be joining the team with significantly less experience than Walker-Peters.
However, at just 19 years old, that seems like an unfair stick to beat him with, and it could be argued that the experience he has is valuable in a different way.
For example, while he has played far fewer games, he’s already played at a much higher level than the Englishman, making 30 appearances for one of the biggest teams in the world in Barcelona.
Moreover, he’s already made three appearances in the Champions League and played 17 La Liga games during the club’s league-winning campaign last year.
With that said, the best way to see how the pair really stack up against one another is by taking a look under the hood, at their underlying numbers from last season.
Unfortunately for the former Saints star, he comes out as a distant second-best when we do this.
Fort vs Walker-Peters
Statistics per 90
Fort
Walker-Peters
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
0.17
0.11
Progressive Carries
2.15
3.52
Progressive Passes
4.00
4.29
Progressive Passes Received
5.08
4.44
Shots
0.92
0.62
Passing Accuracy
90.1%
88.2%
Key Passes
1.54
0.74
Passes into the Final Third
4.15
3.67
Shot-Creating Actions
2.46
1.94
Tackles Won
1.23
0.90
Blocks
1.85
0.83
Interceptions
0.92
0.59
Carries into the Final Third
2.31
2.22
Ball Recoveries
4.92
4.17
Aerial Duels Won
0.46
0.34
Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season
For example, the “immense” youngster, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, comes out way ahead in most relevant metrics such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, shots, key passes, shot-creating chances, tackles won, blocks, interceptions and more, all per 90.
These numbers paint the picture of a full-back who is more than solid in defence, but then also capable of being a real attacking outlet, either through carrying the ball up the pitch, or passing it into dangerous areas.
FC Barcelona's Marc Casado, Lamine Yamal, Pablo Torre, Fermin Lopez, Hector Fort, Sergi Dominguez, Pau Victor, Marc Bernal andFrenkiedeJong
Moreover, he appears to be the sort of player who’d cope with playing at wing-back as well, which is perfect for Potter.
Ultimately, while Walker-Peters brings plenty of experience to the squad, Fort looks to be the more dynamic and exciting defender, and therefore, West Ham should do what they can to get this deal over the line as soon as possible.
Füllkrug upgrade: West Ham to be offered "sensational" CF in swap deal
The dangerous international could be bad news for Füllkrug but excellent for West Ham.
Simran Shaikh, G Kamalini and Prema Rawat all went for big money
Ashish Pant15-Dec-2024The uncapped Indian players grabbed headlines as they fetched big money at the Women’s Premier League [WPL] 2025 auction held in Bengaluru.Simran Shaikh, the Mumbai allrounder, turned out to be the biggest buy on auction day with Gujarat Giants picking her up for INR 1.9 crore (USD 223,000 approx). Mumbai Indians meanwhile picked up 16-year-old Tamil Nadu batter G Kamalini for INR 1.60 crore (USD 190,000 approx) while Uttarakhand legspinner Prema Rawat went to Royal Challengers Bengaluru for INR 1.2 crore (USD 140,000 approx).Among the overseas players, West Indies allrounder Deandra Dottin raked in the most money. She was the first name out of the bag on auction day and was snapped up for INR 1.7 crore (USD 200,000 approx) by Gujarat Giants, incidentally the same team that had controversially excluded her after the first season.Related
WPL 2025: Can new captain Gardner change Gujarat Giants' fortunes around?
WPL 2025 FAQs: Fixtures, players to watch, injury updates, and everything else
Charlie Dean replaces the injured Sophie Molineux at RCB for WPL 2025
Dottin goes back to Gujarat Giants to cap her year of new beginnings
A Sunday to savour for Kamalini and family: runs, a trophy and a big payday
With most of the squads already set, a total of 19 players were sold among the 124 that went under the hammer, of which five were overseas names. Each of Mumbai, Delhi Capitals, Giants, and RCB picked four players, while UP Warriorz made just three buys.Shaikh has played in the tournament before while this will be Kamalini and Rawat’s first WPL rodeo. Shaikh was part of the Warriorz side in 2023 where she returned just 29 runs in seven innings. She entered the auction at a base price of INR 10 lakh which swelled thanks to the bidding war between Giants and Capitals.”We’ve been watching the local competitions closely, the T20s and the Challengers. She stands out in terms of her hitting power and strike rate, and complements the other local Indian players [we’ve got in the squad],” Giants head coach Klinger said. “To have someone like her, potentially in our top six-seven, who can hit sixes straightaway, completes us. We were targeting her.”Shaikh scored 176 runs in nine innings at the 2024 senior women’s T20 trophy at a strike rate of 100.57.Kamalini also entered the auction at a base price of INR 10 lakh. She had earlier in the day scored an unbeaten 29-ball 44 to guide India to a nine-wicket win in their opening game of the Under-19 women’s Asia Cup against Pakistan. Rawat, 23, is a promising legspinner for Uttarakhand. She put in impressive performances for Mussoorie Thunders during the inaugural Uttarakhand Premier League and is also known to be an outstanding fielder.The World Boss Deandra Dottin was in huge demand•Getty ImagesAmong the unsold bunch, the most surprising names were of India spinner and former Giants captain Sneh Rana, England seamer Lauren Bell, England captain Heather Knight and former South Africa opener Lizelle Lee. No Indian capped player was sold at the auction with only the uncapped and overseas players getting bids.RCB made four bids – all on uncapped players – while Mumbai got Nadine de Klerk for INR 30 lakh (USD 40,000 approx). Capitals’ most expensive pick of the day was the uncapped bowler Shree Charani, who they picked for INR 55 lakh (USD 70,000 approx), while they also bought wicketkeeper-batters Nandini Kashyap and Sarah Bryce.”Very good auction for us to be honest,” Sourav Ganguly, Capitals’ director of cricket, said after the auction. “I’ve been with this WPL team for two seasons now, watching them closely, involved in the auction and everything. And we are far stronger squad than we were last year, with Nandini and Sarah in the squad now, we are looking very good.”Warriorz meanwhile got Australia legspinner Alana King late in the accelerated round of the auction while Giants also signed England allrounder Danielle Gibson.Players bought at the WPL 2025 auctionDelhi Capitals: Shree Charani, Nandini Kashyap, Sarah Bryce (Scotland), Niki Prasad Gujarat Giants: Simran Shaikh, Deandra Dottin (WI), Danielle Gibson (Eng), Prakashika Naik Mumbai Indians: G Kamalini, Nadine de Klerk (SA), Akshita Maheshwari, Sanskriti Gupta Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Prema Rawat, Joshitha JV, Raghvi Bist, Jagravi Pawar UP Warriorz: Alana King (Aus), Arushi Goel, Kranti Goud
Manchester United failed to deliver last season, but INEOS and Ruben Amorim are doing all the right things this summer as they disassemble and rebuild a struggling squad.
The anticipated exodus has not been so much a flow of exits as a trickle, however. But Marcus Rashford is set to sign for Barcelona and Antony, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho are all anticipated to complete moves away in the coming weeks too.
With Bryan Mbeumo finally set to sign for the Old Trafford side in a £71m total package, fans can start to get excited by a new-look frontline that already contains Matheus Cunha, who left Wolverhampton Wanderers to sign for the Red Devils earlier this summer.
Wolverhampton Wanderers' MatheusCunhacelebrates after Rodrigo Gomes scores
However, there’s something missing, and no mistake. It’s the front of the ship: Man United need a striker.
Man Utd's search for a striker
Man United wanted Liam Delap and Viktor Gyokeres earlier in the transfer window, but the pursuit of both came to nought. Such is the market, especially when you have no European football to offer.
However, the Red Devils attracted both Cunha and Mbeumo despite tempting offers elsewhere, and they have now compiled a new shortlist, with Benjamin Sesko and Nicolas Jackson both mooted.
However, Amorim might be convinced to target instead Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, who, at 29, is older but also more experienced and accomplished in the English game. It’s alleged by reported Ben Jacobs that United are discussing a potential move for the forward.
Arsenal have also shown a vested interest in the Three Lions star over the past year, and he is expected to command a price tag of around £60m, although United technical director Jason Wilcox will be sure to try and whittle this down.
Why Man Utd should sign Ollie Watkins
Watkins is established as one of the most reliable goal scorers in the Premier League. In fact, he’s been described as “one of the best centre-forwards in Europe” by podcaster Rohan Jivan.
Athletic and powerful, Watkins is able to play through the lines and use his sharpness to assist teammates as well as strike on goal himself, creating an overall sense of fluency that could be perfect for a United side welcoming Cunha and Mbeumo to the fold.
But, more to the point, Watkins could be a fantastic deal, one that should be pursued over the likes of Chelsea’s Jackson, who is available this summer but for a lofty price of £70m.
Ollie Watkins’ Premier League Career by Season
Season
Apps (starts)
Goals
Assists
24/25
38 (31)
16
8
23/24
37 (37)
19
13
22/23
37 (36)
15
6
21/22
35 (33)
11
2
20/21
37 (37)
14
5
Data via Sofascore
Jackson, 24, is a talented centre-forward. Like Watkins, he’s mobile, ranking across Europe’s top five leagues among the top 17% of strikers for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.
However, he’s still a work in progress, having missed 43 big chances across his two seasons in the Premier League, as per Sofascore, but having only scored 24 goals.
Nicolas Jackson
Watkins, across that same period, has missed 49 big chances, although he’s scored 35 goals. It’s clear that Man United need instantaneous results next term, and Watkins could be the man to achieve the desired effect.
Jackson, however, is more of a mixed bag, and given that he would cost more than Watkins, one of the Premier League’s leading strikers, INEOS must show off their savvy approach by picking the shrewder option.
Bigger star than Mbeumo: Man Utd discussing £78m move to sign "new Haaland"
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim wants to sign an upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund.
Former Aston Villa striker Dean Saunders has told Football FanCast the player Unai Emery must keep hold of this summer amid exit rumours surrounding several of Villa’s top stars.
Villa players who could leave this summer
Emery has done a fantastic job re-establishing Villa on the European stage, reaching the Champions League quarter-final and narrowly missing out on the Premier League top five last season, but the success means rival clubs are now queuing up for their top players.
The likes of Morgan Rogers, Jacob Ramsey, Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Martinez have all been linked with moves away, and with the Villans still treading a fine line PSR-wise, it could be tempting to cash-in on one of their older players this summer.
In fact, Manchester United have now tabled a loan offer for Martinez, which was knocked back, but the Red Devils are now expected to return with a permanent offer, although it remains to be seen whether they are willing to match the £40m asking price.
Watkins is also in Man United’s sights, with Ruben Amorim’s side weighing up a bid for a striker, although it would be a risk to cash in, having already sold Jhon Duran in the January transfer window.
Discussing the players who could be sacrificed either to raise funds for Emery or to comply with PSR, Saunders gave Football FanCast, in partnership with NewBettingSites.uk, an emphatic “no” when asked about Watkins.
Villa must keep Watkins despite PSR concerns
Unfortunately, PSR rules mean clubs are now often forced to cash-in on their best players to avoid punishment, with Villa believed to be hours away from a 10-point deduction before completing the sale of Douglas Luiz last summer.
However, as pointed out by Saunders, the England international is far too important to even consider a sale, netting 16 goals and eight assists in the Premier League last season.
That said, given that the 29-year-old remains contracted until 2028, Villa should be in line to receive a sizeable fee if they do decide to cash in, with reports suggesting they are set to hold out for £60m.
Sri Lankan pace bowler Vishwa Fernando spearheaded a ruthless Yorkshire bowling performance to skittle Derbyshire for 76 on the opening day of the Vitality County Championship match at Chesterfield.On a challenging Queen’s Park pitch, Fernando took 5 for 30 and Jordan Thompson claimed 4 for 31 as Derbyshire subsided in less than 28 overs.It was the third lowest score against Yorkshire in the championship this century and the visitors turned the screw with James Wharton racing to a maiden first-class hundred from only 101 balls.When bad light ended play, Wharton was 116 not out and Johnny Tattersall unbeaten on 41 with Yorkshire 283 for 5, a commanding lead of 207.Derbyshire’s decision to bat first on a green pitch under cloud cover was questionable and the hosts soon had reason to regret it as Yorkshire’s seamers ran through them.Ben Coad celebrated his return from a back injury by removing Mitch Wagstaff lbw with a full length ball in his first over and there were signs of what was to come as he and Fernando repeatedly beat the bat.Luis Reece and Brooke Guest managed to survive for the best part of 14 overs but once Reece edged Fernando low to first slip, Derbyshire fell apart.Although there was enough in the pitch for Fernando and Thompson to exploit, it was a feeble batting display with only four players making double figures.Thompson beat Guest’s defensive push, Fernando removed Wayme Madsen with an inswinging yorker and then trapped Aneurin Donald on the crease with his next ball.Ross Whiteley survived the hat-trick but when David Lloyd was lbw playing across the line at Thompson, Derbyshire had lost five wickets for 10 runs in 23 balls.Rain provided Derbyshire with some respite but after lunch was taken early, the procession continued.Whiteley was brilliantly caught one handed at gully by Thompson who then had Alex Thomson taken low down at third slip before Fernando plucked out Sam Conners middle stump with another inswinging yorker.Zak Chappell struck some defiant blows, including a straight driven six off Thompson who had the last word by having him caught at second slip.Derbyshire’s total was the lowest at Chesterfield since they were bowled out for 57 by Leicestershire in 1989 and to have any chance of staying in the game, they needed early wickets.Yorkshire’s attack had reaped the benefits of maintaining a consistent,probing line but Derbyshire lacked the same discipline, bowling too short or too full.By the time Reece had Fin Bean lbw, Yorkshire had reached 61 in the 13th over and although Adam Lyth drove back a return catch to Reece, the visitors steadily pressed home their advantage.Shan Masood produced some elegant strokes before he played across the line at Daryn Dupavillon and after George Hill and Matthew Revis went cheaply, Wharton grew in confidence to dominate the bowling.After reaching 50 off 63 balls, he pulled Dupavillon for six and launched Thomson over wide long on for another before driving Reece for his 18th four to reach three figures.With Tattersall, he took the game further away from Derbyshire as the pair shared an unbroken stand of 118 on a day of total Yorkshire dominance.
The last time a Manchester United player scored 20 Premier League goals in a single season was Robin van Persie back in 2012/13, with the Red Devils having long waited to find a prolific presence again to lead the line.
While not a centre-forward by trade, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo could well be the man to end that search, with the Cameroon international reportedly deciding to join Ruben Amorim’s ranks this summer, fresh off the back of netting 20 league goals for the Bees.
That remarkable individual campaign isn’t exactly a breakthrough one for the 25-year-old, however, with his talent having been evident ever since he arrived in west London back in 2019. Indeed, a return of 121 goals and assists in 242 games in all competitions says it all.
Season
Player
Goals
2024/25
Bruno Fernandes & Amad
8
2023/24
Bruno Fernandes & Rasmus Hojlund
10
2022/23
Marcus Rashford
17
2021/22
Cristiano Ronaldo
18
2020/21
Bruno Fernandes
18
2019/20
Marcus Rashford & Anthony Martial
17
2018/19
Paul Pogba
13
2017/18
Romelu Lukaku
16
2016/17
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
17
2015/16
Anthony Martial
11
2014/15
Wayne Rooney
12
2013/14
Wayne Rooney
17
2012/13
Robin van Persie
26
Perhaps more importantly, the £60m-rated star has provided 70 goal involvements in 136 top-flight games to date, including the fourth goal as Thomas Frank’s men ravaged United at the Gtech in August 2022.
The speed and power with which the winger tore away from Luke Shaw on the counter, before slotting home, was truly breathtaking, with Amorim in desperate need of more of the same should that deal be wrapped up as expected.
With Matheus Cunha on one side and Mbeumo on the other, United could be a force to be reckoned with once again. How about throwing a new striker into the mix too?
Latest on Man Utd's search for a striker
“The most unlucky number nine Manchester United have ever had”. Those were the words directed toward Rasmus Hojlund by TNT’s Darren Fletcher during United’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa, with the struggling Dane seeing a header ruled out for offside as he once again fired a blank.
A measly return of four league goals in 2024/25 has ensured the 22-year-old could well be nudged toward the exit door this summer, with the former Atalanta man perhaps in line for a return to Serie A, amid interest from Champions League finalists, Inter.
With one number nine potentially departing, another could well be set to replace him, with Football Insider claiming that INEOS are accelerating their pursuit of Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, with Amorim believed to be keen on a reunion with his former talisman.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The report suggests that the 26-year-old is the “dream” centre-forward target, following United’s failure to convince Liam Delap to make a move, with Amorim having signed the Swede from Coventry City in 2023.
As the piece does outline, however, the stumbling block is likely to be the financial package required to be able to sign the 6 foot 2 marksman, not least if his reported £83m release clause is accurate.
Gyokeres, Obi, Hojlund
That said, reports elsewhere have claimed that he could depart the Lisbon side for a much more reasonable fee of £59m, with that surely worth the outlay for a player who has been in red-hot form of late.
Why Man Utd need to fork out for Gyokeres
Managing to land a player like Mbeumo – considering his Premier League-proven quality – would no doubt represent a real coup, with analyst Ben Mattinson lauding the former Troyes star as “one of the most deadly players on transition” in the top-flight.
Just as exciting, however, would be the prospect of signing the “hottest striker in Europe”, as hailed by ESPN’s Mark Ogden, with Gyokeres having set the world alight following his prolific form in Portugal.
Formerly the scourge of Championship defences, after scoring 46 goals in 117 games for Coventry, the in-demand star has gone to a whole new level at Sporting, having registered 97 goals in just 102 games over the last two years.
It is that rampant form which has led outspoken pundit Rafael van der Vaart to hail Gyokeres as perhaps a “better version of [Erling] Haaland”, with his fellow Scandinavian memorably scoring 86 goals in 89 games for Borussia Dortmund, before joining Manchester City in 2022.
Both men did shine during the inaugural league phase of the Champions League last season, with Gyokeres netting six times in eight appearances, while Haaland scored eight goals in nine games for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Non-penalty goals
0.59
0.70
Shots
3.26
4.21
Assists
0.15
0.00
Shot-creating actions
3.85
1.52
Pass completion
80.0%
74.4%
Progressive passes
1.78
1.05
Progressive carries
4.29
0.94
Successful take-ons
1.18
0.35
Touches in opposition box
6.07
6.79
Progressive passes received
9.47
3.75
The Norwegian machine may have outscored the Sporting sensation, although – as Van der Vaart alluded to – it was Gyokeres who showcased more to his game, as evidenced with regard to his superior record in progressive carries, pass completion and shot-creating actions.
The scorer of 39 league goals to boot – ahead of Haaland’s return of 22 Premier League goals – the one-time Brighton man appears to be the prolific presence that United are crying out for, with the club only netting 44 times as a whole in England’s top-flight last time out.
Partnering two players who have been there and done it in the Premier League – in the form of Cunha and Mbeumo – with a figure who just can’t stop scoring right now could prove the perfect combination, with United still longing for the days of Carlos Tevez, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney leading the line.
Of course, these three potential summer arrivals would have to go some way to match the levels of those 2008 Champions League heroes, although it’s hard to think of a more exciting triumvirate since.
The new Cavani: Man Utd in talks to sign "outrageous" £50m Mbeumo partner
Manchester United could land a player who could star at Old Trafford alongside Bryan Mbeumo.