He’d revive Van Dijk: Liverpool could see bid accepted for £50m “machine”

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is stuck between a rock and a hard place after Mohamed Salah’s extraordinary outburst in the wake of the Reds’ 3-3 draw against Leeds United at Elland Road.

Having led 2-0 after the hour mark, Liverpool succumbed to recurrences of fragile defending and weak mentalities, and Salah’s comments were fuelled by frustration after sitting on the bench for the third successive game, this time not entering the field at all.

But the Egyptian attacker’s narrative-stealing invective has turned attention away from the latest woes from Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk, the former making yet another mistake and the captain’s collapse in confidence and composure laid bare – barer – at the weekend.

Pundit Jamie Redknapp believes the centre-backs are “playing like they’ve never met each other before”, and it’s crucial that Slot finds a way to solve this problem that is threatening to swallow the Premier League champions whole.

Liverpool need to fix their defence

With Liverpool’s star defenders flattering to deceive, it’s only natural that FSG should consider signing a new man this winter. That botched bid for Marc Guehi at the end of the summer transfer window continues to look more detrimental for Slot and Liverpool’s season.

The need for a centre-back is great, but Liverpool’s midfield has been well below standard this season, and a robust and physical force might bear dividends in Slot’s plan to rekindle balance and make his side more compact, harder to play through.

As per Football Insider, Atalanta’s Ederson has been earmarked as the candidate, FSG having been informed they could strike a deal for the 26-year-old in January.

A bid worth £50m could do the trick. Liverpool have the facilities for such an offer, and it is one they must make to arrest this disastrous slump.

What Ederson would offer Liverpool

Slot is a man on the brink. What only months ago looked like the foundation of a dynasty could now collapse like a house of cards, with so many things having gone wrong at Anfield.

In isolation, Ryan Gravenberch hasn’t been poor this season, but he’s struggling to combine with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai and create a balanced and efficient central unit.

This is one of the many issues Slot has yet to find the answer for, and if he is to restore Liverpool’s equilibrium and get the centre-backs operating at their maximum once more, it might be a centre-midfielder who needs to be signed.

Ederson could be the perfect man for the job. Reporter Carlo Garganese described the Brazilian as a “machine” of a midfielder when Gian Piero Gasperini led Atalanta to the Europa League title, severing Bayer Leverkusen’s historic unbeaten run.

The South American enforcer packs a more powerful punch than any of Liverpool’s current midfield options, and he’s mobile and balanced in his midfield performance too, ranking among the top 8% of Serie A midfielders this season for pass completion, the top 15% for progressive passes and the top 5% for ball recoveries per 90, as per FBref.

He is a combative, ground-covering midfielder, and his impetus on progressing play could see him provide the coating Liverpool’s defence needs to turn things around, helping cover Konate’s weakness in the build-up and providing legs to ensure Van Dijk, 34, can settle in his defensive berth.

Van Dijk & Konate vs Leeds United

Match Stats

Konate

Van Dijk

Minutes played

90′

90′

Touches

62

83

Shots (on target)

1 (1)

1 (0)

Accurate passes

40/49 (82%)

57/62 (92%)

Chances created

0

0

Dribbles

0/0

0/0

Ball recoveries

4

1

Tackles won

1/2

0/0

Interceptions

0

1

Clearances

4

15

Duels won

7/10

12/14

Data via Sofascore

Italian content creator Damiano Coccia has even claimed that Ederson is “the strongest defensive midfielder in the world”, so it’s clear to see why he would be such a brilliant addition for an Anfield side in disrepair.

Against Leeds, Van Dijk and Konate combined for an abject second-half display, and this is exactly the type of player who would stop the rot and bring Liverpool back into the ascendancy.

His athleticism and tough-tackling nature would help Van Dijk and Konate play their way back into form.

Salah upgrade: Liverpool prepare British record bid to sign £131m magician

Mohamed Salah may leave Liverpool in January after an extraordinary outburst at Elland Road.

By
Angus Sinclair

Dec 8, 2025

Bad news for Woltemade: Newcastle considering move for “phenomenal” PL star

After the saga surrounding Alexander Isak during the summer transfer window, it was crucial that Newcastle United navigated their way past the situation.

The Swedish international netted 23 Premier League goals last campaign, helping the Magpies secure Champions League football, but that wasn’t enough to keep the striker happy on Tyneside.

Eddie Howe was left with no choice but to cash in on the 26-year-old’s services during the summer transfer window, subsequently taking in an English record £125m for his services.

However, it no doubt left a huge hole that needed filling within the final third, leading to over £100m being splashed on numerous players to soften the blow of his departure.

Despite the recent spending spree, the hierarchy appear to be targeting numerous attacking reinforcements to take the club to the next level in the months ahead.

Newcastle’s hunt for new attacking signings in January

Over the last couple of days, Newcastle have been just one side credited with an interest in landing Stuttgart star Bilal El Khannouss ahead of the January window.

The Moroccan international joined the German side on loan from Leicester City in the summer window, already making an immediate impact – as seen by his tally of five goals and assists in 10 outings.

However, Howe’s men could strike a permanent deal with his current employers this winter, which could result in a £25m switch to St James’ Park for the attacking midfielder.

He’s not the only player currently on their radar, with Brentford striker Igor Thiago another player currently being considered ahead of the upcoming window.

According to TEAMtalk, the Magpies are just one Premier League club monitoring the Brazilian, after his tremendous start to 2025/26, which has seen him score 11 times to date.

However, the report also states that Keith Andrews’ side are unwilling to sanction a move, but may be forced to consider a move if a huge offer is made for his signature.

Why Newcastle’s latest target could be bad news for Woltemade

In an attempt to soften the blow of Isak’s summer departure from Newcastle, the board backed Howe by spending a reported £69m on the signature of striker Nick Woltemade.

The German’s transfer fee certainly raised eyebrows across the division, but a couple of months on and the deal now appears to be an excellent piece of business by the board.

He’s already featured in 11 Premier League matches to date, scoring on five separate occasions, whilst also managing to lay on one assist for his teammates.

The 23-year-old’s latest effort came in the 4-1 demolition of Everton, with Woltemade producing an outrageous lob over Jordan Pickford to cement all three points for the Magpies.

However, despite his excellent start to life in the North East, he could struggle for consistent minutes if Thiago arrives, with the Brazilian man in tremendous form in recent weeks.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats, the Brazilian has managed to outperform Woltemade in key areas, showcasing why it could be bad news for the German.

Thiago, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by boss Andrews, has scored almost double the number of goals netted by the Magpies star – showcasing his clinical edge in front of goal.

How Thiago & Woltemade compare in the PL (2025/26)

Statistics (per 90)

Thiago

Woltemade

Games played

14

12

Goals & assists

11

6

Shot on target accuracy

50%

30%

Shots on target per 90

1.1

0.5

Passes into final third

0.9

0.6

Take-on success

56%

38%

Aerials won

2.9

1.5

Aerial success rate

43%

34%

Stats via FBref

He’s also registered more shots on target per 90, whilst achieving a better accuracy rate with the chances he’s been presented with – arguably making him a more consistent option in the final third.

However, he’s also demonstrated a more all-round skill-set than the German star, as seen by his higher take-on success rate and higher tally of passes into the final third per 90.

The Brazilian’s dominance over Woltemade is further reflected in his aerial presence, which no doubt makes him a better focal point than the number 27.

It’s unclear how much the Bees would demand to part ways with their talisman, but it’s clear he’s currently a leading talent in the Premier League this season.

Such a move could be harsh on Woltemade, but the added competition in the months ahead could allow the youngster to find the next level in his career as a result.

Eddie Howe has already found a bigger talent than Anderson at Newcastle

Howe’s Newcastle side are showing green shoots after a difficult start to the season.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 5, 2025

The new Ji-Sung Park: Man Utd star is fast becoming as important as Bruno

Manchester United’s struggles in recent years have been difficult for the fans to process, especially given the success previously endured in previous generations.

The Red Devils ended last season in a record-low 15th place in the Premier League, with Ruben Amorim unable to have a positive impact during his first season in the role.

As a result, the club have now failed to win a single league title since the 2012/13 season campaign, with Sir Alex Ferguson the last manager to finish top of the table.

Their inability to secure top-flight glory hasn’t been through a lack of trying, especially as seen by their spending in the transfer market, which has seen over £800m spent in the last four years.

One player has remained ever-present despite the heavy spending in the market, arguably still being Amorim’s key man in the club’s hunt for sustained success.

The stats behind Bruno’s success in 2025/26

Bruno Fernandes is a player who has constantly impressed during his near six-year spell at United, with the midfielder being the shining light throughout last campaign.

Despite the struggles, the Portuguese international notched a total of 37 combined goals and assists, which no doubt saved the club from a relegation battle.

In 2025/26, the 31-year-old has been forced to operate in a deeper midfield role, but it hasn’t stopped the fan-favourite from producing some incredible numbers in the Premier League.

Bruno has created 3.1 chances per 90 in England’s top-flight to date, with such a tally higher than any other player in the division after the first 15 games of the season.

He’s also registered 2.8 shots per 90 and made 6.1 recoveries per 90, highlighting his efforts at both ends – subsequently placing him in the top 10% of midfielders in the league.

United’s latest showing against Wolves further showcases how impressive he’s been in 2025/26, with the club captain notching two goals and an assist in the 4-1 triumph.

Bruno also completed 55 passes, whilst creating five chances for his teammates, with both of the aforementioned tallies the highest of any player on the pitch at Molineux.

The United star who’s showing shades of Park

Ji-Sung Park was just one player who was a key part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad over a sustained period, with the South Korean star a massively underrated player at Old Trafford.

During his seven years in Manchester, the midfielder racked up a total of 205 appearances in all competitions, often featuring in a variety of different positions.

He often started out wide, in the number ten or even a number eight position, often handing Ferguson a versatile option across numerous key areas of the pitch.

Park registered 55 combined goals and assists during such a time, with his best strike arguably being against Wolves at Old Trafford back in the 2010/11 campaign.

During his time managing Park, Sir Alex often paid the South Korean countless compliments, even once labelling him as the “ultimate professional” due to his attitude and reliability.

However, since his departure in 2012, the club have lacked a player of his stature, but Amorim does currently have a similar player in the form of Mason Mount.

The Englishman has struggled to nail down his place in the United first-team since his £60m move from Chelsea in 2023, with injuries often plaguing the 26-year-old.

However, the 2025/26 season has given him a new lease of life, with the midfielder already racking up 12 Premier League appearances this season and catching the eye with his displays.

He’s already netted three goals to date, including one against Wolves on Monday, subsequently repaying the faith shown in him by Amorim in recent months.

Like Park, he’s often featured in countless positions at Old Trafford, including a number eight role and a number ten – with the midfielder now looking like a crucial part of the squad.

Amorim has also sung his praises in recent times, dubbing him a “proper footballer” and saying that he “believes in him a lot” – highlighting the faith he has in the Englishman to succeed.

His recent showing against Wolves, in which he scored, has showcased why he’s as important as Bruno, with Mount completing 90% of the passes he attempted at Molineux.

He also completed 100% of the long balls he attempted, whilst also making five recoveries and being fouled three times – often providing a constant nuisance to the opposition.

Minutes played

85

Touches

46

Pass accuracy

90%

Long balls completed

100%

Goals scored

1

Recoveries made

5

Fouls won

3

Touches in opposition box

2

Mount’s ability in front of goal over recent weeks has certainly given the manager food for thought, which could see the former Chelsea star now be a key member of the side once again.

He and Bruno have clearly struck up a superb partnership at the heart of the side, which could be crucial in any success achieved during the Amorim tenure.

Mount’s similarities to Park are there for all to see, with the midfielder now having the chance to back up the manager’s faith, just as the South Korean did at Old Trafford in years gone by.

100% pass success & 100% duels won: Man Utd star is as undroppable as Bruno

Manchester United have unearthed another star after yesterday’s win over Wolves at Molineux.

ByEthan Lamb 6 days ago

Namibia unveil Gary Kirsten as national men's team consultant

Namibia have qualified for the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup and will be one of the three hosts of the 2027 edition as well

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Dec-2025Gary Kirsten has been appointed consultant for the men’s national teams of Namibia and will work with Craig Williams, the former Namibian cricketer who is the head coach of the men’s national team in the build-up to the next T20 World Cup, to be played in India and Sri Lanka in February-March 2026.”It is indeed a privilege to work with Cricket Namibia. I have been thoroughly impressed with the dedication and determination to create a high-performance cricket environment,” Kirsten said in a Cricket Namibia statement. “Their new state-of-the-art cricket stadium is a testament to their commitment to making sure their national teams are competing with the best cricket countries in the world. Their senior men’s national team is performing well, and I look forward to adding value to their preparation for the T20 World Cup in February next year.”Namibia, a team on the rise in men’s T20 cricket, qualified for each of the last three T20 World Cups, in 2021, 2022 and 2024, and are in the mix for the upcoming one too, and will also be one of the three hosts for the 2027 edition, with South Africa and Zimbabwe.”Kirsten’s appointment as consultant reflects Cricket Namibia’s commitment to strengthening its high-performance environment and supporting the existing coaching structure,” a statement from the board said. “His blend of international playing experience, coaching success, and passion for player development brings valuable insight and added depth to the Eagles [men’s national team] setup.”Kirsten, one of South Africa’s best batters from 1993 to 2004, turned to coaching after retiring. He was first part of the team that founded a cricket academy in Cape Town and took up roles at various levels in South Africa before becoming India’s head coach in 2007. Under him, India won the 2011 ODI World Cup. He was subsequently appointed head coach of the South Africa national team and has also held positions with a number of teams across the world in T20 franchise leagues. Most recently, he served in an aborted stint as head coach of the Pakistan men’s team in 2024.

Mahmudul 'disappointed' after missing out on maiden double-hundred

The batter says the Bangladesh Tigers programme helped him regain his form

Mohammad Isam13-Nov-2025

Mahmudul Hasan Joy cuts one away•BCB

Right at the end of the third day’s press conference, Matthew Humphreys was asked what could be expected from Ireland on the fourth morning. They need another 215 runs to make Bangladesh bat again and have five wickets in hand.Humphreys saw the humour in the question. “I think me and Andy [McBrine] walk off 200 each,” he said.Ireland manager Chris Siddle then referred to Ireland’s previous Test in Bangladesh, when Lorcan Tucker held back the home team that had all but checked out of their hotel on the third day.”I remember the last time we played here in Dhaka,” Siddle said. “The Bangladesh team were checking out of the hotel on the morning of day three, and they still had to come back for day four, so maybe, you never know.”Related

For Shanto, return to form 'a good start, nothing more'

Shanto, Mahmudul and spinners put Bangladesh in command

Ireland can only hope for a miracle that would delay Bangladesh’s charge towards a 1-0 lead. After Bangladesh declared on 587 for 8, the experienced Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz and debutant Hasan Murad reduced Ireland had Ireland on 86 for 5 at stumps.The Bangladesh bowlers generally dominate at home, but their batting has also looked encouraging this year. The top three finally came together with Mahmudul Hasan Joy making a career-best 171 and Shadman Islam and Mominul Haque scoring 80s.Mahmudul, though, was disappointed after missing out on a maiden double-hundred. “I’m happy to return to the Bangladesh team after quite some time,” he said. “I was able to play a big innings for the team. It would have been better if it were a double-hundred. A little disappointed on that front.”Najmul Hossain Shanto completed his century in 112 balls•Bangladesh Cricket Board

Mahmudul, who was dropped from Bangladesh’s previous Test series due to a long lean patch, said that his recent form in domestic cricket helped him recover his confidence.”The NCL T20 hundred helped me boost myself more, because I performed very well there, and then I also had a good performance in the NCL four-day matches,” he said. “I am trying to do the same thing here as I did there – carrying the innings. I won’t do anything different. I’ll just carry on in the same way I played in the last NCL.”Mahmudul said that much of his batting form recovery came in an off-season camp with the Bangladesh Tigers programme.”I worked hard in the Tigers camp. I got a lot of help from the local coaches. [Mohammad] Ashraful has just joined us. I haven’t worked much with him before. He gave a couple of points. [Mohammad] Salahuddin sir knows me well. I didn’t make any big changes. They just told me to play my natural game, and to keep performing the way I have been.”Mahmudul, however, fell quickly on the third morning, though Bangladesh didn’t back down. Najmul Hossain Shanto slammed his eighth Test century, while Litton Das blazed his way to a neat 60.Shanto and Litton added 98 runs at 5.49 per over during their fifth-wicket partnership. It is exactly what Bangladesh wanted from them – particularly after the top three had provided such a solid foundation.”Shanto bats very aggressively whenever he comes in,” Mahmudul said. When we give a good start from the top, it becomes easy for those who bat later, like Mushfiq[ur Rahim] , Shanto , and others. The scoring option is very good then. I’d say his was a very good innings.”

The new Milenkovic: Edu chasing move to sign "sensational" CB for Forest

Nottingham Forest have endured a superb upturn in form under Sean Dyche over the last few weeks after the manager took the reins from Ange Postecoglou.

The Englishman has reinstalled a defensive solidity back into the first-team squad, as seen by the club’s recent upturn in form in the Premier League.

His side have only lost twice in his eight games in the role, with his Red managing to keep four clean sheets in the process – including one against Liverpool at Anfield.

The Reds may have lost 2-0 to Brighton and Hove Albion over the weekend, but it’s merely a bump in the road, especially considering the excellent results since his arrival.

However, with the January transfer window rapidly approaching, numerous players have already appeared on their radar to try and bolster the ranks for the remainder of the campaign.

Forest’s hunt for new additions in the January window

In recent weeks, a whole host of players have been touted with a move to join Forest, but Brighton’s Jack Hinshelwood stands out as one of the most consistent players touted with a transfer.

It was reported that Dyche’s side saw the 20-year-old as their primary target for the winter window, but it was unclear about how much a deal would set Evangelos Marinakis back.

However, it seems as though the youngster won’t be departing the AMEX this window, with Fabian Hurzeler’s men not entertaining any offers for his signature.

He’s not the only player currently being considered by the Reds at present, with Inter Milan star Stefan de Vrij another player currently being considered by the club at present.

According to Football Insider, Dyche’s side are keen on a move to land the Dutch international, with the player having just six months left on his deal at the San Siro.

They also state that the board are in the market for added defensive reinforcements in the winter window, which could make the 33-year-old the perfect target.

Why Forest’s latest target would be Milenkovic 2.0

Signing centre-backs from Serie A hasn’t been alien to Forest over recent seasons, with Nikola Milenkovic joining the club from Fiorentina in the summer of 2024.

The Serbian international joined for just £12m, with such a deal being one of the best deals in the club’s history – as seen by his immediate impact in the Premier League last campaign.

He featured in all but one game last campaign, even scoring five times and registering two assists – showcasing his impressive ability at both ends of the pitch.

The 28-year-old managed to win the club’s Player of the Season award in 2024/25, helping the Reds secure European football for the first time in 30 years.

This campaign, he’s still managed to be a key component in the side’s backline, featuring in every minute of the league season and offering the defensive solidity needed in Dyche’s system.

He’s often partnered Murillo at the heart of the defence, but Morato covered his compatriot against the Seagulls at the weekend – even producing a huge mistake which contributed to the defeat.

Such a scenario has no doubt led to rumours over a move for De Vrij in the coming months, which could see a repeat of the deal that saw Milenkovic move to the East Midlands.

The Dutchman, who earns £118k-per-week, has only made two appearances so far this campaign, but he has produced some remarkable stats which could see him thrive in the Premier League.

De Vrij, who’s been dubbed “sensational” by journalist Nima Roodsari, has completed 94% of the passes he’s completed, whilst also completing 100% of the dribbles he’s attempted.

Games played

2

Minutes played

180

Pass accuracy

94%

Dribble success

100%

Tackles made

2

Duels won

5.5

Aerials won

3.5

Aerial success

60%

Such numbers reflect the centre-back’s talent with the ball at his feet – something which is extremely important within the current philosophy at the City Ground.

Without the ball, he’s been just as impressive in Italy’s top division, as seen by his tally of two tackles and 5.5 duels won per 90 for Cristian Chivu’s Inter Milan squad.

Other numbers, such as 3.5 aerials won per 90, subsequently achieving a success rate of 60%, showcase his dominance out of possession – matching Milenkovic’s talents in the Premier League in recent years.

It’s unclear how much a deal for the Dutchman would cost in the upcoming window, but he certainly could offer an experienced and immediate option at the back.

Should he reach the levels produced by Milenkovic in Nottingham, there’s no reason why De Vrij could make himself a fan-favourite in the hunt for European success come the end of the campaign.

Perfect for Anderson: Nottingham Forest make £21m PL star their top target

Nottingham Forest have their eyes on another Premier League star ahead of the January transfer window.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 27, 2025

رجل مباراة ريال مدريد وأتلتيك بلباو في الدوري الإسباني

التقى فريق ريال مدريد مساء اليوم الأربعاء مع أتلتيك بلباو، ضمن منافسات الدوري الإسباني لموسم 2025-2026 “الليجا”.

واستقبل أتلتيك بلباو نظيره ريال مدريد على ملعب “سان ماميس”، في مباراة مقدمة من الجولة التاسعة عشر للدوري الإسباني.

ونجح ريال مدريد في تحقيق الفوز أمام أتلتيك بلباو بثلاثية دون مقابل، ليرفع رصيده للنقطة 36 في ترتيب الدوري الإسباني.

وحصل الفرنسي كيليان مبابي مهاجم ريال مدريد، على جائزة رجل المباراة أمام أتلتيك بلباو، لأدائه المميز خلال المواجهة.

وسجل مبابي هدفين لصالح ريال مدريد خلال المباراة، كما صنع الهدف الثاني الذي أحرزه مواطنه إدواردو كامافينجا.

ويملك مبابي 16 هدفًا في صدارة ترتيب هدافي الدوري الإسباني بعد هدفيه خلال مباراة ريال مدريد وأتلتيك بلباو.

Fewer touches than Lammens & 100% duels lost: Man Utd flop must be dropped

Manchester United’s draw against West Ham United yesterday once again highlighted the struggles faced by the side during Ruben Amorim’s tenure at Old Trafford.

Diogo Dalot’s strike looked as though the Red Devils would secure all three points for the second time in a week, but their inability to defend set pieces ultimately cost them all three points.

Soungoutou Magassa’s effort was enough to secure the visitors a point, with Amorim left frustrated by his side’s lack of killer instinct to put the game to bed in the second half.

The result leaves United in eighth place in the Premier League, just two points off fourth, but the season could already look a whole lot different had the side managed to once again hold on for the win.

Numerous players failed to deliver during the meeting at Old Trafford, which could see the manager make some needed changes ahead of their next outing over the weekend.

United’s poor performers against West Ham last night

During the draw against Nuno Espírito Santo’s side, Luke Shaw was once again handed a start in the Premier League, now taking his run of starts to 14 in a row.

However, it was yet another performance to forget for the Englishman, with the centre-back struggling to deal with the threat posed by opposition forward Jarrod Bowen.

Shaw was dribbled past twice, lost 75% of the ground duels he entered, whilst also committing three fouls – showcasing his inability to stop his compatriot from impressing.

At the other end of the pitch, Bryan Mbeumo also struggled to continue his fine recent form in the Premier League, as the Cameroonian once again failed to find the back of the net.

Like Shaw, he struggled in his duels against the Hammers at Old Trafford, as seen by his measly tally of 100% aerials lost out of the five battles in which he entered.

He also failed to complete any of the crosses he attempted, whilst only placing one of his shots on target, subsequently being unable to provide the added threat needed in attacking areas.

The Man Utd star who needs to be dropped after West Ham

After failing to win for an eighth time in the league this campaign, Amorim will certainly need to find a winning formula quickly if he is to be a success as United manager.

He’s massively come under fire over recent months for his lack of success in the role, no doubt down to his reluctance to move away from his 3-4-2-1 system in key moments.

At 1-1 last night, he had the opportunity to bring Kobbie Mainoo onto the pitch in an attempt to secure victory, but it was his conservative substitutions which led to the draw.

The 40-year-old simply laughed in his post-match interview when one journalist suggested that the Englishman should have been brought on to push for the win.

Such a move wasn’t the only questionable decision made by Amorim last night, with the manager deciding to utilise Ayden Heaven at centre-back alongside Shaw and Noussair Mazraoui.

The youngster was handed his first league start of the campaign, but it was a decision that massively backfired, given his struggles at the Theatre of Dreams last night.

He featured for 45 minutes during the contest, before being replaced at the break after picking up a yellow card for a rash tackle on Bowen during the closing stages of the half.

The 19-year-old lost 100% of the duels he entered, whether that being on the ground or in the air, whilst committing two separate fouls, which no doubt led to his booking.

Heaven was also only able to complete a measly tally of six passes out of a possible ten, with none of his long balls being completed – showcasing his struggles in possession.

His struggles were compounded by his lack of involvement during the first half, only achieving a tally of 17 touches of the ball – with goalkeeper Senne Lammens having more, as seen by his tally of 29.

After such a performance, the manager must surely look to more senior options to fill the void, when his Red Devils side face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday night.

Leny Yoro was brought on to replace the Englishman at the break, with the manager needing to select the Frenchman next time around to help the side return to winning ways.

18x ball lost: Amorim must ruthlessly bench overhyped 5/10 Man Utd man

This Man Utd ace struggled in their 1-1 draw at home to West Ham

ByJoe Nuttall Dec 5, 2025

Sede Náutica da Lagoa recebe Vasco Fan House com transmissão de Fluminense x Vasco

MatériaMais Notícias

A Sede Náutica do Vasco da Gama, na Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, será palco de mais uma edição da Vasco Fan House, neste sábado (14), reunindo sócios, torcedores e convidados para acompanhar o clássico o Cruzmaltino e o Fluminense, válido pelo segundo jogo da semifinal da Copa do Brasil. O evento também ocorreu no primeiro jogo da semifinal, quando o Gigante da Colina venceu de virada por 2 a 1.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasVascoCom Rayan e Vegetti, Vasco alcança feito que não conseguia desde 2005Vasco12/12/2025Futebol NacionalÁudio do VAR de polêmica em Vasco x Fluminense é divulgado: ‘Não há’Futebol Nacional12/12/2025Fora de CampoDublador revela ‘briga’ entre Coutinho e Thiago Silva em Vasco x FluminenseFora de Campo12/12/2025

➡️Fluminense x Vasco: onde assistir, horário e escalações da volta da Copa do Brasil

Com proposta de oferecer uma experiência completa ao torcedor cruzmaltino, o evento contará com transmissão ao vivo do jogo em telão HD, além de um ambiente festivo à beira da Lagoa, unindo futebol, música e a energia característica da torcida vascaína.

A programação vai muito além da partida. Durante toda a tarde e noite, o público poderá curtir DJ e roda de samba, garantindo clima de celebração antes, durante e após o clássico. Para quem já possui ingresso para o jogo no Maracanã, haverá ainda a opção de shuttle executivo de ida e volta, vendido separadamente.

continua após a publicidade

📅 Data: 14/12
⏰ Horário: 14h às 00h
📍 Local: Sede Náutica do Vasco – Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas
🗺️ Endereço: Rua General Tasso Fragoso, 65 – Lagoa, Rio de Janeiro

➡️Vegetti volta a marcar, encerra jejum e reassume artilharia do Brasil em 2025

Ingressos – 1º Lote

🔹 Sócio: R$ 50
🔹 Sócio + Shuttle: R$ 150
🔹 Convidado: R$ 100
🔹 Convidado + Shuttle: R$ 200
🔹 Infantil: R$ 25
🔹 Infantil + Shuttle: R$ 125

🎟️ Classificação: Livre (menores devem estar acompanhados dos pais ou responsável)

➡️ Tudo sobre o Gigante agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance!

Política de ingressos infantis

👶 Até 2 anos e 11 meses: isento
🧒 De 3 a 11 anos e 11 meses: ingresso infantil
👦 A partir de 12 anos: ingresso normal

Para acompanhar asnotícias do Gigante da Colina, acompanhe o Lance! Todas as informações e acontecimentos atualizados em tempo real.

Tudo sobre

Futebol NacionalVasco

Real Madrid injury crisis deepens as Eder Militao suffers worrying blow ahead of Man City showdown following brutal La Liga loss to Celta

Real Madrid's defensive crisis has escalated into a full-blown emergency for manager Xabi Alonso after Sunday's chaotic 2-0 loss to Celta Vigo, where star centre-back Eder Militao suffered a serious hamstring injury and defenders Fran García and Alvaro Carreras were both sent off, leaving Los Blancos decimated ahead of their critical Champions League clash against Manchester City.

Bernabeu nightmare: Militao injury and red cards spark panic

The 2-0 scoreline against Celta Vigo was a difficult result for Madrid, but a major talking point was the injury suffered by star centre-back Militao. The Brazilian pulled up clutching his hamstring midway through the first half, confirming an increasingly alarming situation at the heart of Madrid's defence. He could be out for around four months with a torn biceps femoris muscle in his left leg, according to , and the blow comes as a significant setback, coming just as Alonso needed his most dependable defenders available for a demanding run of fixtures.

Militao’s importance to the side cannot be overstated. His pace, aerial dominance, and recovery skills are central to how Madrid defend, allowing the full-backs and midfield to operate higher up the pitch. His early departure immediately unsettled the side, a fragility only compounded later in the game by the rash decisions that led to red cards for both Garcia and Carreras. This trio of incidents has exposed a severe lack of cover and discipline, turning a potential speed bump into a major crisis of availability. As the team look ahead to crucial La Liga and Champions League clashes, the loss of Militao changes the entire complexion of their defensive strategy.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportAn unprecedented shortage: Key defenders simultaneously sidelined

Militao’s hamstring issue adds him to a treatment room already overflowing with world-class talent. Trent Alexander-Arnold, the high-profile summer arrival who was meant to revolutionise the right flank, remains sidelined with a persistent thigh injury that has severely disrupted his debut season. Veteran leader Dani Carvajal is out for the long term following knee surgery, removing a vital voice from the dressing room. Meanwhile, David Alaba remains a major doubt as he battles recurring muscle problems that have kept him out for weeks.

The depth options are equally ravaged. Ferland Mendy is unavailable with his own fitness concerns, and young centre-back Dean Huijsen is struggling with a muscle strain picked up in training. When you factor in the suspensions of García and Carreras, the manager is left with Antonio Rudiger as his sole fit, senior centre-back. It is a defensive crisis that leaves the squad bare bones exposed, forcing the club to look at emergency measures just to field a starting XI.

Alonso must move midfielders into defence

The manager now faces the most difficult puzzle of his career so far. With no natural partners for Rudiger, Alonso must improvise radically against elite opposition. The balance of the entire team is now at risk.

The most likely solution involves dropping a midfielder into the heart of the defence. Aurelien Tchouameni has filled the role before, but moving him out of the engine room deprives Madrid of their primary ball-winner. The Frenchman is uncomfortable with the positional nuances of the last line, and exposing him there is a significant risk. Alternatively, Alonso could deploy Federico Valverde in a deeper right-back or centre-back role, but this sacrifices the Uruguayan's relentless energy and goal threat further up the pitch.

Reports suggest the coaching staff may even be forced to field a "Frankenstein" back four, potentially utilising academy product Raul Asencio alongside Rudiger. The lack of cohesion is the primary fear; a defensive line that has never played together relies on communication that simply has not been built yet. In the high-pressure environment of La Liga and Europe, one misstep or miscommunication between strangers at the back usually results in a goal.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportCan Los Blancos survive the Man City test?

The timing of this crisis is merciless. Real Madrid are staring down the barrel of a pivotal Champions League clash against Manchester City. The prospect of Erling Haaland and Phil Foden running at a patched-up Madrid defence is enough to keep any supporter awake at night. Guardiola will undoubtedly instruct his team to press the inexperienced or out-of-position defenders, looking to force errors in the build-up. Without Militao’s recovery speed or Carvajal’s experience, the Blancos backline will be vulnerable to City's rapid transitions.

Alonso will at least have Carreras and Garcia available for selection against the English club, but his options remain depleted and both players will be out for their next La Liga match, causing further concern for a side sitting four points behind Barcelona in the Spanish top-flight.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus