This summer is pivotal for Ruben Amorim if he is to be a success at Manchester United, with the manager needing to make his own impression on the first-team squad.

The Red Devils’ current Premier League standing of 13th highlights the need for change over the next few months to stop a similar feat from happening in the future.

Outgoings are most certainly needed at Old Trafford to raise funds for any potential new additions, especially considering the cost-cutting operations in place under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Numerous players on the club’s books are earning extortionate wages given their importance to the squad, with any departures likely to raise a huge amount for the wage budget.

Such money could be used to attract new talent, including one player who’s recently emerged on their radar, offering an end to their dismal record within one area of the pitch.

Man Utd make attacking target their top priority

According to Sun Sport, United are plotting a summer move for Udinese striker Lorenzo Lucca after his superb breakthrough season in Serie A throughout 2024/25.

The 24-year-old is in his second year with the Italian outfit but is enjoying his best campaign to date, notching 12 goals in 32 appearances across all competitions.

They aren’t the only side interested in a move for his signature, with fellow English side Nottingham Forest also in the race to land the 6”7 talisman this summer.

However, the report claims that Amorim’s side have made the Italian their top target for this summer – looking to bolster the attacking department ahead of 2025/26.

It would be yet another big-money addition to the club’s frontline, but he would certainly provide an upgrade on the options currently available at the manager’s disposal.

Why Lucca would be an upgrade on Hojlund & Zirkzee

Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have failed to deliver at United this season, leading to rumours of a new striker moving to Old Trafford this summer.

The pair cost the club a combined £108m and have only managed to score a total of 14 goals between them in the 85 matches they’ve featured in throughout the current season.

Neither of the aforementioned forwards have managed to cement their place as the number one striker in the manager’s system, highlighting the need for added investment this window.

A move for Lucca would certainly improve the situation in the final third, offering an upgrade on the pair based on their respective figures throughout 2024/25.

The Italian, who’s been labelled “clinical” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has managed to outscore the pair in their respective divisions, whilst also registering more shots on target per 90 – showcasing the threat he poses in attacking areas.

He’s also completed more take-ons per 90, whilst also winning more aerial duels, highlighting the all-round centre-forward play that United have desperately craved in recent months.

How Lucca compares to Hojlund & Zirkzee in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Lucca

Hojlund

Zirkzee

Games played

29

25

30

Goals & assists

11

3

4

Shots on target

0.9

0.5

0.6

Take-on success

52%

28%

27%

Aerials won

2.1

1.2

1.3

Aerial success rate

45%

22%

28%

Fouls won

2

1.4

0.8

Stats via FBref

Whilst the club may face competition for his signature in the coming months, it’s evident that Lucca would be a superb option for Amorim – allowing the manager to have a reliable goalscorer at Old Trafford.

£25m in today’s market could be a potential bargain, having the potential to improve further down the line given his tender age, with his play style perfect for the Premier League.

A potential sale for Hojlund and Zirkzee could follow to make room for Lucca’s arrival, with the Red Devils having to take a huge loss on the fee paid for their respective signatures.

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Posts 1 ByRobbie Walls Apr 4, 2025

Nottingham Forest have exceeded the expectations set by everyone ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season, with Champions League football firmly on the cards.

Nuno Espírito Santo has masterminded the Reds to third place in England’s top flight, boasting a five-point gap to sixth place with just seven league outings remaining.

The thought of welcoming Europe’s elite to the City Ground was a distant dream for supporters after two near-misses with relegation after promotion, but such hopes could come to fruition in the coming months.

However, if they are to be competitive in Europe and the Premier League next season, additions are desperately needed, handing Nuno the squad depth to rotate when needed.

Owner Evangelos Marinakis has wasted no time in targeting reinforcements for 2025/26, with one name remerging on their shortlist after previous interest in his signature last summer.

Nottingham Forest plot move for £40m talisman this summer

According to TBR, Forest are plotting a summer move for Evanilson after his impressive debut campaign in the Premier League with Bournemouth.

The Brazilian, who joined the Cherries for £40m last summer, has scored 11 goals in 27 appearances across all competitions, sitting as their second top scorer behind Justin Kluivert.

It’s not the first time the Reds have targeted the 25-year-old, after being firmly in the race for his signature just under 12 months ago before his subsequent move to the Vitality.

The report claims that Newcastle and Aston Villa are also in the race for Evanilson’s signature, with Nuno looking for reinforcements whilst also trying to move Taiwo Awoniyi on this window.

It’s unclear whether Andoni Iraola’s side would be open to parting ways with their star striker, but he could provide an alternative to one other forward currently on Marinakis’ radar.

Why Evanilson would be the perfect Gyokeres alternative

As a result of their impressive form, Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres has emerged on Forest’s radar, with the Portuguese side demanding £60m to part with their star man.

The Swedish international has been in incredible goalscoring form since his move from Coventry City back in the summer of 2023, registering 87 goals in his 94 appearances.

However, despite their interest, the Reds aren’t alone in their pursuit of the 26-year-old this summer, with Arsenal and Manchester United also in the race for the forward.

Given the nature of the clubs also keen on the talisman, the Forest hierarchy could turn their attention to Evanilson in the coming months, with the Cherries attacker a more than capable alternative.

When comparing his figures with Gyokeres from the ongoing campaign, he’s managed to match or better the Swede in numerous key areas, highlighting how much of an impressive addition he would be.

Games played

25

27

Goals & assists

9

37

Shot-on-target accuracy

49%

40%

Shots on target per 90

1.5

1.3

Take-on success

32%

27%

Fouls won

2.1

1.6

Aerials won

38%

30%

The “world-class” Cherries ace, as dubbed by content creator Kirk Tovey, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists than Gyokeres, but has managed more shots on target per 90 at a higher accuracy rate – showcasing his accuracy in the final third.

He’s also completed more of the take-ons he’s attempted, whilst also winning more of the aerial duels he’s contested, offering a more all-round centre-forward option than the Sporting star.

Whilst the Swedish international undoubtedly remains as many of the supporter’s first-choice attacking signing this summer, a deal for Evanilson would be just as impressive as seen by the numbers procured this year.

Investment will be needed in various areas of the first-team squad throughout the upcoming window, with funds needed elsewhere, potentially leading the Reds to pursue a move for the Brazilian sensation.

£25m release clause: Nottingham Forest join hectic race for "superb" star

They could trigger his release clause.

ByTom Cunningham Apr 7, 2025

Arsenal are now preparing a bid for a midfielder who has “enormous potential”, and they believe he would be a perfect fit for Mikel Arteta’s system, according to a report.

Gunners pursuing a midfielder

Arteta will undoubtedly be very pleased with Declan Rice’s performances recently, with the Englishman scoring two remarkable free-kicks to put the Gunners in a very strong position to reach the semi-final of the Champions League.

However, the manager is keen to strengthen his midfield even further this summer, with the Spaniard and new sporting director Andrea Berta looking to bring in a partner for Rice, and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi remains one of the key targets.

The north Londoners are set to trigger Zubimendi’s £51m release clause, having already reached an agreement on personal terms, but there is set to be stiff competition for the midfielder’s signature, with Real Madrid also keen.

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The Real Sociedad maestro is not the only La Liga midfielder on the shortlist, however, with a new report from Spain revealing Arsenal are now leading the race for Valencia’s Javi Guerra, who has emerged as a key player for the Spanish side this season.

Guerra’s performances have attracted the attention of some of Europe’s top clubs, but the Gunners are currently in the driving seat, and they are now preparing to make a considerable offer for his services.

Having closely followed the maestro’s performances, the north Londoners are convinced he would be a perfect fit for Arteta’s system, but it could be tricky to get a deal over the line.

Valencia are reluctant to sanction the midfielder’s departure, given his emergence as an important player, but there is an awareness it will be difficult to keep hold of him, amid widespread interest in his signature.

"Explosive" Guerra could has "enormous potential"

The youngster has established himself as a key player for Valencia this season, making 30 appearances in La Liga, during which time he has picked up two goals and three assists, and there are signs he could get even better.

Valencia director Miguel Angel Corona clearly believes the central midfielder is a future star, saying: “We are fully aware that we have a player with enormous potential for the future and the ability to perform at a good level now.”

Freelance scout Ben Mattinson has also given an overview of the Valencia star’s abilities, while praising him for a solid display against Celta Vigo earlier this season.

Guerra could be an excellent addition for Arsenal in midfield, so it is exciting news they could soon formalise their interest by making a huge bid.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly made contact over a move for a top manager target who has already embarrassed Ange Postecoglou on more than one occasion.

Tottenham manager rumours with Ange under pressure

Spurs have had a season to forget so far under Postecoglou, although it could be recovered somewhat by winning the Europa League.

The Lilywhites are set to take on Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals as they aim to make the final in Bilbao and keep up Postecoglou’s record of winning a trophy in his second year in charge.

Chelsea (away)

April 3rd

Southampton (home)

April 6th

Frankfurt (home)

April 10th

Wolves (away)

April 13th

Frankfurt (away)

April 17th

However, with Tottenham in the bottom half of the Premier League, there have been rumours over a managerial change in north London.

A plethora of managers have been linked as replacements for Postecoglou at Tottenham, with leading candidates thought to be Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Fulham’s Marco Silva.

Tottenham now leading race to seal "special" free signing following talks

He looks set to join Spurs ahead of the 2025/26 season.

ByCharlie Smith Mar 29, 2025

Talking to Football Insider recently, ex-scout Mick Brown claimed it was Silva who is the top manager target at Tottenham.

“Tottenham, unless they put a run together from now to the end of the season, you would think that things might happen [to Postecoglou] there in terms of the sack for the manager.

“Silva would certainly be top of the pops in terms of competition for that [managerial] spot, that’s what I’m hearing from my sources there.”

Silva recently got the better of Postecoglou with Fulham defeating Spurs 2-0 prior to the international break, and a new update shows that Tottenham have made an opening move for the Cottagers’ boss.

Tottenham enquire for Fulham’s Marco Silva

According to reports in Portugal, relayed by Sport Witness, Tottenham have come forward and made an enquiry over a move for Silva.

It is claimed that Spurs, alongside Juventus, have both made contact over a move for the 47-year-old, who could be on course to leave Craven Cottage this summer after five years at the club.

Alongside the 2-0 defeat for Postecoglou at the hands of Silva, the Fulham manager also embarrassed the Australian in 2024, winning 3-0 against Spurs at Craven Cottage.

It looks as if Tottenham chiefs have liked what they’ve seen against Silva and have made an opening swoop for bring the “special” Fulham boss across London.

However, Juventus, who are on the search for a permanent manager themselves, have also acted, so it could be one to keep an eye on in north London over the coming months.

2025 is likely to be a big year of change at Tottenham Hotspur.

Manager Ange Postecoglou himself admits that the ‘general sentiment’ is that he’ll be sacked, even if Spurs win the Europa League, set to face Bodø/Glimt in the semi-finals, after ousting Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday.

So, with the club currently 15th in the Premier League table, Daniel Levy could be searching for a new manager come the summer, while the first-team squad may require a mass rebuild too.

So, do Tottenham lead the chase to sign a highly-rated youngster?

Tottenham's teenaged transfer target

According to a report by Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur are one of many top European clubs ‘tracking’ Gambian ‘sensation’ Gibril Sima, with Levy said to be ‘ready to pay big’ get a deal over the line.

Considering the 17-year-old plays for Gambian Dutch Lions FC in his native country, very little is known about him, but Pete O’Rourke describes him as “the next big talent to emerge from Gambia”, adding that both Internazionale and Borussia Dortmund are also interested in securing his signature.

A report by Ebrima KB Sonko of Gambiana praises Sima’s ‘standout performances’, labelling him a ‘highly-rated young talent’, while also noting that he has signed a two-year contract extension with his club, thereby protecting his transfer value.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

So, could he be on his way to North London this summer?

Tottenham's transfer strategy

As outlined by Jay Harris of the Athletic, Tottenham’s transfer strategy last summer was clear; sign young players, as the table below illustrates.

Lucas Bergvall

19

£8.5m

43

Archie Gray

19

£40m

40

Dominic Solanke

27

£65m

38

Wilson Odobert

20

£25m

14

Yang Min-hyeok

18

£3m

Zero

Antonín Kinský

22

£12.5m

8

Kevin Danso

26

£21m*

8

Mathys Tel

19

£60m*

12

*loan with an obligation to buy included

As the table presents, of the eight players Spurs have recruited throughout this season, six are aged 22 or under, with Dominic Solanke the oldest at 27.

This though, is nothing new, and Sima’s potential arrival, coming in from a lower level with very little known about him, is reminiscent of a recent Spurs legend.

Dele Alli signed for Tottenham in January 2015 from Milton Keynes Dons for a reported fee of £5m, still only 18 years old at the time, having made just 88 senior appearances at League One level, scoring 24 goals and providing ten assists for MK.

Well, fair to say this was money well spent, considering Dele would go on to make 269 appearances for Spurs, registering 67 goals and 59 assists, a key member of the Spurs side that regularly finished in the top four and reached a Champions League Final.

Even after his powers began to wane, then-manager José Mourinho described Dele as “very, very important for Tottenham”, having become the youngest Englishman to score 50 Premier League goals, as noted by Charlie Eccleshare, Tom Worville and Jack Pitt-Brooke of the Athletic.

In his prime, Dele was comparable to the best Premier League midfielders of all time, simply now seeking to resurrect his career in Italy, having joined Serie A side Como in January.

Nevertheless, Dele proves that a club can find a gem in the transfer market at a low fee and turn them into a star; given that Tottenham might not be in European competition next season, this has to be the strategy, and Sima seemingly fits the bill.

As another young rising star – having even earned comparisons to Arsenal icon Thierry Henry, as per O’Rourke – it certainly bodes well for the impact that the Gambian make, should he be plucked from obscurity.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 18, 2025

It may feel bizarre to say, following a 15th Premier League defeat of the season on Sunday afternoon, but there is a growing sense of optimism at Manchester United, following a potentially pivotal week both on and off the field.

On Thursday night, of course, the Red Devils completed a barnstorming turnaround against Lyon to progress into the last four of the Europa League, with Ruben Amorim edging ever closer to European glory and potential Champions League qualification.

Even the weekend loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers was somewhat overshadowed by the standout display of the club’s latest academy debutant, Tyler Fredricson, while the man pictured next to him, Matheus Cunha, looks like he could be back at Old Trafford permanently.

Elsewhere, meanwhile, last week provided a positive update regarding Amad Diallo’s injury rehab, with Amorim no doubt itching to have the Ivorian back fit and firing again.

Latest on Amad's injury return

Excluding Bruno Fernandes – who yet again leads the way for goals and assists at Old Trafford – the shining light of 2024/25 has been Amad, with the 22-year-old notably contributing 12 goals and assists in just 20 games following Amorim’s arrival.

Manager

Games

Goals

Assists

Erik ten Hag

24

3

3

Ruben Amorim

20

6

6

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

8

1

1

Ruud van Nistelrooy

4

2

1

Ralf Rangnick

1

0

0

Michael Carrick

0

0

0

Total

57

12

9

From his late heroics against both Manchester City and Liverpool, to his stunning hat-trick against bottom side Southampton, the former Atalanta starlet had repeatedly stepped up in the early months of a real breakthrough campaign on an individual basis.

Frustratingly for all concerned, the £120k-per-week winger – who signed a new contract in January – was struck down by an ankle issue in early February, with Amorim seemingly ruling him out for the season at the time.

The former Sporting CP boss did subsequently hint that Amad could actually return before the campaign is at an end, a fact that has been bolstered by images of the youngster back in training last week.

Amorim suggested that while his rising star is “not ready” to feature in April, his return could well come in May, with that set to be a welcome sight amid United’s shortcomings in attack.

A welcome sight would also be the signing of a similarly exciting young talent this summer, with United seemingly stepping up their search for the next big thing from across the globe.

Man Utd ready to sign teen sensation this summer

While it has taken time to come to fruition, United are beginning to reap the rewards of having plucked Amad from Italy as a teenager back in October 2020, with the then-17-year-old ultimately arriving in January 2021 on an initial £19m deal that could reach £37m with add-ons.

Transfer Focus

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That relatively costly deal looks like it could be repeated in the near future, with reports outlining that INEOS are ready to trigger the £38m release clause for River Plate sensation, Franco Mastantuono.

The 17-year-old is believed to be being watched closely by those at Old Trafford, with United seemingly needing to act quickly if they are to win the race, amid rival interest from the likes of Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Inter.

The report claims that while the Argentine outfit are keen to hang on to their teenage diamond, a ‘serious bid’ from those in Manchester would likely ensure a deal gets done.

Why Man Utd are keen to sign on Franco Mastantuono

Having already looked to the South American market to sign Paraguayan full-back, Diego Leon, ahead of next season, United appear to be ready to add to that deal with the signing of another potential superstar, in the form of Mastantuono.

Like Amad before him – who was likened to Lionel Messi by Atalanta teammate, Papu Gomez, before joining United – the River starlet is earning rave reviews in his homeland, amid comparisons to Manchester City’s Phil Foden.

A left-footed attacker, like both Foden and Amad, who can operate on the flanks or as a number ten, Mastantuono has been hailed as a “creative genius” by analyst Ben Mattinson, following a fine start to life at senior level.

Still just 17, the Argentina U20 international has already made 53 appearances for his current side in the first team, with that regular involvement seeing him chalk up 11 goals and assists to date.

What particularly sets the teenager apart is both his ability to create chances for his teammates, but also his innate ball-carrying ability, as evidenced by the fact he averages 2.3 key passes and 2.9 successful dribbles per game in the league in 2025.

To put that into perspective, that places the in-demand talent just ahead of Amad in that regard, with the current United man averaging 1.8 and 1.6 for those same two metrics, respectively, in 2024/25.

Like with the Ivorian, it may not be expected for Mastantuono to immediately hit the ground running in a United shirt, although all the signs point to him being a future star, with Mattinson even noting that there are “shades of Kevin De Bruyne” about him.

Seemingly a perfect fit in one of the two number ten roles in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, the £38m playmaker certainly appears worth investing in, even despite the eye-catching nature of the price tag, with the case of Amad showcasing the benefits of putting faith in the next big thing.

After years of being burned by short-term, expensive signings, the Red Devils now need to do things differently.

After Cunha: Man Utd in talks to sign a "monster" upgrade on Delap

Man Utd could be set to land another sparkling forward this summer, alongside Matheus Cunha

ByRobbie Walls Apr 22, 2025

When it rains it pours for Ruben Amorim. Walking into Manchester United, he will have been under no illusions that the size of his task at Old Trafford was a colossal one.

However, not even he would have envisaged the opening months of his tenure to play out like this.

Indeed, as Newcastle battered the Red Devils 4-1 inside St James’ Park in the Premier League on Sunday, Amorim walked back down the tunnel having not won for the 20th time in 33 matches at the helm.

Erik ten Hag hardly left this side in the best of states but you’d expect better results, even if the Portuguese is still relatively new to the role.

Alas, football is a cutthroat sport and he will need to get it right sooner rather than later.

Still, at least he’s not afraid of making the big calls, dropping Andre Onana from his squad entirely this weekend. Sadly, his deputy didn’t cover himself in too much glory either.

Bayindir's performance vs Newcastle

Last week, goalkeeper Onana engaged in a war of words with former United star Nemanja Matic who was in the Lyon squad to face them in the Europa League on Thursday.

Matic noted that the Cameroon stopper was “the worst ‘keeper in Manchester United history” and to the script, Onana had a howler in France, spilling a ball from out wide into the net in the first half.

So, in a bid to take him out of the firing line, Amorim decided that Onana would not travel to the north east this weekend.

As a result, Turkish stopper Altay Bayindir stepped in to take the gloves. While he hasn’t been handed too many opportunities this term, he was the FA Cup hero when United beat Arsenal in the shoot-out back in January.

While he could have done little about three of the four Newcastle goals, scored by Harvey Barnes, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, he did make a mistake of his own.

Up to that point, it honestly hadn’t been a bad afternoon for Bayindir but his error, right when he needed to coast through a game unnoticed, will not have done him many favours.

Eddie Howe’s side were already 3-1 up at this point when the Turk inexplicably chipped the ball straight to Joelinton. The Brazilian lept high and headed it into the path of Guimaraes who wasn’t going to miss.

Speaking after the game, Amorim was asked what he said to the goalkeeper at full-time: “Nothing, I’m going to continue to do the same. We are going to analyse the game, but we need to focus on the next one. We cannot change this one.”

It was an error-filled game for United, with Noussair Mazraoui also at fault, slipping in the build-up to Barnes’ second goal and effectively handing them a second on a plate.

Player ratings courtesy of Sofascore

Still, at least they had their good moments. Bayindir, despite conceding four, was not at fault for any of the other goals.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

They weren’t the only two who deserve a bit of flack come full-time, however.

4/10 Man United star must be given the boot

While the defensive display left plenty to be desired, there were some positives from a United point of view, none more so than Alejandro Garnacho’s goal, fed nicely by a rampaging Diogo Dalot who looked in fine form moving forward.

There was also a first-team debut for 18-year-old Harry Amass, who in the words of Manchester Evening News reporter Samuel Luckhurst, ‘did not look remotely out of his depth.’

Luckhurst was not complimentary of everybody, however, notably Christian Eriksen. While he deemed Bayindir and Mazraoui worthy of 5/10 match ratings, their Danish teammate only picked up a 4/10 rating with the reporter noting that he was ‘often off the pace amid the intensity’ of the game at St James’ Park.

The fact of the matter is that Eriksen should not be starting for United on the best of days, let alone against a fast-paced Newcastle side.

The playmaker has been a wonderful servant to the Premier League, but it’s so obvious that his best days are behind him now. Indeed, writer Sam Pilger suggested that he “should be nowhere near the the starting line-up”, accusing the veteran of lacking “muscle and pace”.

Eriksen vs Newcastle
Minutes played	90
Touches	54
Accurate passes	42/47 (89%)
Key passes	0
Accurate crosses	0/1
Accurate long balls	1/2
Shots	0
Successful dribbles	0
Duels won	2/4
Stats via Sofascore.

The Denmark international’s display was summed up by his involvement in the third goal, scored by Barnes.

While Mazraoui slipped, his teammates, notably Leny Yoro, Victor Lindelof and Eriksen, hardly did much to disrupt the Newcastle number 11 from bearing down on goal. Neither Yoro or Eriksen could get close enough to the Toon attacker who was allowed to just surge towards the goal with ease.

The Dane’s numbers were hardly very pretty either. He did complete 89% of his passes but did not have a shot, complete a key pass, register a dribble or make an interception, just to condemn his woes from a defensive point of view.

Ahead of a vital second leg against Lyon on Thursday, Amorim must ensure that the 33-year-old isn’t in his starting lineup.

A bigger talent than Cunha: Man Utd ready big bid to sign £42m "genius"

Man Utd could be plotting to sign an exciting alternative to Wolves’ Matheus Cunha

By
Robbie Walls

Apr 13, 2025

Sheffield United head into the Championship’s latest round of fixtures later today keen to get back to winning ways and eager to ensure Burnley’s stay at the very summit is premature.

Indeed, the Blades fell to an unexpected 1-0 defeat at the weekend away at relegation-threatened Oxford United, with a Siriki Dembele strike for the U’s the difference between the two sides.

Now, it’s up to Chris Wilder to inspire his troops to a win back on home turf, with Scott Parker’s Clarets only one point ahead at the top.

Millwall will be a stern opponent in South Yorkshire, but the United boss will know if he can get the very best out of certain key individuals, a much-needed three points will be heading their way.

Best summer signings at Sheffield United

Wilder should be commended – regardless of what happens this season – with how quickly he’s got his team back believing in themselves, considering they dropped out of the Premier League bottom of the pile last campaign.

Of course, he was helped last summer by a whole host of positive new additions entering his camp, with the £2m signing of Michael Cooper in-between the sticks proving to be a particularly inspired pick-up.

The former Plymouth Argyle goalkeeper has settled in swimmingly to his fresh South Yorkshire environment, with Cooper conceding just 28 goals from 38 Championship encounters, leading to a high 19 clean sheets piling up.

Moreover, away from how few goals are being conceded, Tyrese Campbell – who entered the building last summer on a free transfer – is ensuring there are plenty of strikes hitting the back of the opposing nets, with the ex-Stoke City attacker boasting ten Championship goals.

Whilst Campbell and Cooper are both undoubtedly transfer success stories, the South Yorkshire outfit have fallen foul to some blunders in this department, with one high earner often in the treatment room instead of playing on the Bramall Lane pitch.

The "outstanding" United striker who could be axed

Wilder would have expected this signing to be a rip-roaring success, considering the striker in question’s glittering goal record in the EFL.

Before joining the Blades, Welsh talisman Kieffer Moore had tallied up 56 career goals in the Championship alongside 33 League One strikes, but his time with the promotion chasers to date has been bumpy.

Games played

23

Goals scored

5

Assists

0

Games missed through injury

17

Days missed through injury

82

Wage per week

£25k-per-week

Looking at the table above, it’s clear to see that the ex-Cardiff City striker’s stay at Bramall Lane has been severely disrupted by injury, with Moore out of action for both club and country this season for a bumper 17 clashes.

Annoyingly, the experienced EFL head has shown spurts of his obvious quality when injury-free – with his five goals this campaign even seeing Wilder herald the 6 foot 5 attacker as “outstanding” – but Moore’s long absences from the side still fail to justify his steep £25k-per-week pay packet.

The United number nine’s wage looks even more extortionate when you consider both Campbell and Cooper earn less at £15k-per-week and £17.5k-per-week respectively, despite being concrete parts of Wilder’s starting XI during these last few crunch months in the tricky league.

With Moore not getting any younger either, it could be time for the Blades manager to consider the Welshman’s long-term future, with the signing so far going down as a slight misfire, despite some promising early performances from the unlucky centre-forward.

Sheffield United already sold their own Cannon who has "massive potential"

Sheffield United could well have dropped a clanger getting rid of their own Tom Cannon.

2 ByKelan Sarson Apr 7, 2025

Manchester United are now in pole position to sign one of European football’s most in-demand players after holding positive initial talks, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

United falter once more against Wolves

After what has already been one of the most dismal campaigns in the club’s history, Manchester United’s season hit a new low on Sunday as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford. A spectacular free-kick from Pablo Sarabia proved the difference, taking Wolves’ winning streak to five and moving them level on points with United in the Premier League table.

The loss also confirmed a grim milestone for the Red Devils: even if they win all of their remaining five matches, they will still end the season with their lowest-ever Premier League points tally – unable to surpass the 58-point finish recorded under Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Ralf Rangnick in 2021/22.

Speaking after the defeat, Amorim reflected on United’s struggles, telling BBC Match of the Day: “This season is going to end like this, so we need to take the positives and work on what we need to improve.”

The Portuguese manager also hinted at significant changes ahead during the summer transfer window, indicating that recruitment will be a key focus.

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Manchester United fell to yet another Premier League defeat against Wolves this afternoon.

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“We have to look at everything — our squad, what we have to do in the market. We will see,” he said. “We talk every day about next season, and with time, we will get what we need to improve the team.”

United lead race for Wolves star Cunha

One player who could be on his way to Old Trafford this summer is Wolves’ very-own Matheus Cunha. While the Brazilian didn’t find the net in Wolves’ win over United at the weekend, he’s been the standout performer at Molineux this season. His 14 Premier League goals — many of them stunning long-range efforts — along with four assists, have been instrumental in keeping Wolves clear of relegation trouble.

Games played

26

Goals

14

Assists

4

Progressive carries

95

Progressive passes

119

Pass accuracy

71%

Take-ons completed

55

Despite signing a new deal with the club back in February, Cunha’s eye-catching form has put him firmly on the radar of several top-flight clubs, including Arsenal, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Nottingham Forest. According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, however, it’s United who currently lead the chase for his signature.

Writing on X on Monday, Romano revealed that initial talks between Cunha and United have been positive, with personal terms already being discussed. He also noted that United are fully aware of growing interest from other clubs — as well as Cunha’s £62.5 million release clause.

Speaking about Cunha back in November, former Premier League defender turned pundit Micah Richards described him as “absolutely sensational”.

Chelsea are set to make contact and hold negotiations with an in-form forward, who Serie A heavyweights Juventus wish to sign more than anyone, with BlueCo seemingly looking to spoil the Old Lady’s transfer plans.

Chelsea targeting new forward as main summer priority

Enzo Maresca and the club will look to sign a new forward as one of three main transfer aims this summer, alongside the additions of a new centre-back and winger (Simon Phillips).

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Depending on their Champions League qualification and player sales, they could also go for a second centre-back, left-back, new goalkeeper and attacking midfielder (Simon Phillips), but supporters will be particularly keen to see a forward arrive at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea’s final four Premier League fixtures

Date

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

Nicolas Jackson scored his first Premier League goal of 2025 in Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Everton over the weekend, with the Senegalese largely struggling to replicate his previous scoring form since the turn of the year.

Christopher Nkunku is also likely to leave Chelsea this summer, either on loan or permanently, according to reports, after the Frenchman agreed personal terms on a move to Bayern Munich in the January window.

Taking this into account, it is clear to see why we could definitely expect an overhaul up front. Sky Sports revealed earlier this month that RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, Lille star Jonathan David, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitiké and Napoli outcast Victor Osimhen are all targets for Maresca’s side.

Delap is said to be a key target for Chelsea and will now be available at around £30 million, due to the release clause in his contract tied with Ipswich’s relegation, but there is no guarantee they will complete a deal with the major competition for his services. This is where a potentially fruitful alternative comes in – Atalanta star Ademola Lookman.

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The Nigerian’s 18-goal haul in all competitions has piqued interest from England’s elite, including Chelsea, who are now believed to be eyeing up a move.

That is according to CaughtOffside, who state that Chelsea are planning to open talks with Lookman ahead of the summer. This comes as bad news for Juve in particular, who are described as “prioritising” a move for the 27-year-old.

The versatile attacker, who can play as a second striker, centre-forward and on the left-flank, as he has done under Gian Piero Gasperini this term, could be a great option to reinforce multiple areas, with chairman Todd Boehly apparently pushing the need for versatile signings behind-closed-doors (Simon Phillips).

He would cost up to £55 million, as per CaughtOffside, and given Chelsea’s need to bring in players with more experience, Lookman may well be one to keep an eye on.

“He’s [Lookman] a top player,” said Gasperini about Lookman. “In terms of character, there are perhaps players who have more continuity and are more solid, but that’s normal.

“Even his role is difficult. He always has to be very fit, but he has become a truly extraordinary player, among the best in Europe and the world. Because he has improved his consistency and in some ways, he has started to be an important Atalanta player.”