Lionel Messi extended his remarkable scoring streak in the MLS Cup Playoffs, netting his ninth goal in seven matches to give Inter Miami a 1-0 lead over FC Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference semifinal. The Argentine legend struck in the 18th minute, showcasing his aerial ability as he rose to meet a pinpoint cross from young winger Mateo Silvetti, silencing the packed crowd inside TQL Stadium.

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  Argentine connection

  Messi gave Inter Miami a crucial advantage in their Eastern Conference semifinal against FC Cincinnati, heading home in the 18th minute to put the visitors up 1-0 at TQL Stadium. The goal came after a swift counterattack sparked by former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba, who intercepted a misplaced pass from Nick Hagglund in midfield.

  Alba quickly found Messi in a central pocket, and the forward slid a perfectly weighted ball out to Argentine winger Mateo Silvetti on the left. The youngster delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, and Messi met it with a bouncing header that beat goalkeeper Roman Celentano and nestled into the far corner.

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  Miami's tactical approach pays dividends

  Inter Miami's tactical setup under head coach Javier Mascherano has proven effective thus far, with the team looking to advance to its first Eastern Conference final since joining MLS in 2020. Despite playing away from home, Miami have executed their game plan perfectly, absorbing Cincinnati's early pressure before striking clinically on the counter-attack.

  The hosts had their best chance in the 22nd minute when forward Ender Echenique narrowly missed equalizing, his shot sliding just inches wide of the far post. The goal also sparked something in Miami, as Rodriguez fired a shot at Celentano after being fed in the area by Messi, only for the keeper to parry it clear.

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  Messi's playoff dominance showcases continued excellence

  Messi's header against Cincinnati further cements his status as the most influential player in Major League Soccer. Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, the Argentine superstar has transformed the franchise from expansion strugglers to legitimate title contenders, bringing unprecedented global attention to the league.

David Alaba’s journey from Bayern Munich icon to injury-hampered Real Madrid defender continues to spark debate in Germany, especially as Austria’s World Cup qualification thrusts him back into the spotlight. Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund has now addressed rising speculation over a potential return, praising Alaba’s influence but insisting there are “no plans yet.”

Alaba’s Madrid struggles and Bayern's response to return talk

Alaba’s departure from Bayern in 2021 marked the end of a 13-year era defined by leadership and two trebles. But his move to Madrid has unfolded very differently from what many expected. Though he arrived at the Bernabeu as a Champions League-winning, world-class defender expected to anchor Madrid’s back line, a succession of serious injuries halted his momentum. A ruptured ACL in December 2023 ruled him out for over a year, followed by calf and meniscus issues that limited him to just 14 appearances in the 2024-25 season. At 33, these setbacks have reduced his pace and rhythm, making it difficult for him to consistently influence games in either centre-back or left-back roles.

Yet despite Alaba’s struggles, he remains a crucial figure for Austria, serving as captain, advisor, and unofficial player-coach during their World Cup qualification run. When asked whether Bayern could consider a reunion, Freund acknowledged Alaba’s legacy but was firm in his response: “There are no plans yet.”

AdvertisementAFPFreund praises Ralf Ragnicks impact in Austria's World Cup return

Freund expanded on Alaba’s and Ralf Ragnicks value to Austrian football and why Alaba remains so influential even during long injury spells in his conversation with . Austria have qualified for next year's World Cup after a 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina, making a return after 28 years.

“Bayern fans know David and how important he was for the team. Off the pitch, he’s a really good guy who does a lot of integration work both on and off the field. The last few months and a year and a half haven’t been easy for him because he’s been injured a lot. But he’s always been there, even at the European Championship, supporting the team from the bench. He’s an important contact person for the coach, for this team, for the captain. He’s currently a very important factor as a player-coach,” said Freund.

Alaba's contract with Los Blancos expires in 2026. The club management is open to negotiating his departure if a suitable offer arrives, especially from teams in Saudi Arabia, as they aim to refresh the defensive lineup and free up salary space.

He also spoke on former coach Ragnick and Austria's qualification: "Austria hadn't been there for 28 years, so it's something special. The whole country was eagerly anticipating it. The team deserved it. They're playing fantastic football and have great energy. Ralf is doing a really good job. It was close at the end, but all the more emotional for it. All of Austria was in a state of euphoria. A really cool story. I'm personally happy for everyone involved because I know many of them. It's a really good story and it's good for Austrian football."

Alaba’s successor Upamecano and his renewal complications

Munich moved quickly after Alaba’s exit in 2021, identifying Dayot Upamecano as the long-term defensive pillar. Signed from RB Leipzig, the Frenchman has since grown into a central figure for Vincent Kompany, offering pace, aggression, recovery speed and strong distribution from the back. Under Kompany’s modern, proactive system, Upamecano has become indispensable, consistently starting in major Bundesliga and Champions League fixtures as Bayern maintain an unbeaten run across competitions this season.

However, Bayern now face a delicate situation regarding his future. Upamecano’s contract expires in June 2026, and while both sides are eager to agree on an extension, negotiations have hit obstacles, primarily over the signing bonus he is demanding. Bayern, working under stricter wage-structure guidelines, have been hesitant to meet the financial terms, even as major clubs such as Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool monitor the situation closely. Club president Herbert Hainer insists the defender is happy in Munich and enjoys an excellent relationship with Kompany, but if no deal is reached by January 2026, Bayern risk losing him on a free.

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AFPBayern prepare for Arsenal showdown amid unbeaten run

The Bavarians enter one of the biggest tests of their season as they prepare for a high-stakes Champions League clash against Arsenal. Kompany’s side has been in formidable form, unbeaten across Bundesliga and European competition thanks to a blend of defensive solidity and fluid attacking transitions. Their away victory over Chelsea and competitive showing against PSG highlight a team capable of handling elite opposition, but the Arsenal test brings its own challenges. Mikel Arteta’s side have been equally impressive, boasting one of Europe’s best defensive records and a structured, possession-driven style that demands total concentration.

Freund acknowledged the magnitude of the match, noting that games between Europe’s top two form teams “don’t happen often.” While Bayern’s immediate focus remains on domestic fixtures, the squad is well aware of the importance of the trip to London. 

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has just shared some ‘very positive’ team news from his press conference ahead of their mouth-watering North London derby clash with Arsenal this Sunday.

The Dane is gearing up for his first ever derby clash as Spurs boss, but the Dane has a mountainous task on his hands.

The numbers make for pretty grim reading, with Tottenham having lost seven of their last nine Premier League games against Arsenal, winning just once in their last 32 away league derbies at the Emirates (The Analyst).

That solitary victory a 3-2 comeback triumph in November 2010, and Arsenal have won five of their last six league meetings between the sides, including the last three consecutively, marking their longest winning streak against Spurs since the late 1980s (The Analyst).

Even more ominously, Arsenal have scored in each of their last 26 home league games against Tottenham, netting at least twice in the last eight encounters (The Analyst).

The Gunners’ dominance at home against their fierce rivals appears unshakable, with Opta’s supercomputer assigning Spurs just a 13.7 per cent chance of victory — their lowest win probability in any Premier League game this season.

The odds aren’t exactly in Spurs’ favour, and they’ve had a host of injury doubts to contend with in the build up to their trip across London.

Tottenham absentee list

Problem

Estimated return date (subject to change)

Dejan Kulusevski

Knee

29/11/2025

James Maddison

ACL

01/06/2026

Radu Dragusin

Knee

22/11/2025

Ben Davies

Thigh

23/11/2025

Kota Takai

Ankle/Foot

23/11/2025

Mohammed Kudus

Knock

23/11/2025

Randal Kolo Muani

Jaw

23/11/2025

Yves Bissouma

Ankle/Foot

23/11/2025

Lucas Bergvall

Concussion

23/11/2025

Dominic Solanke

Ankle

23/11/2025

Archie Gray

Calf/Shin/Heel

23/11/2025

via Premier Injuries

However, according to Frank, there’s been some real encouragement on that front.

Thomas Frank shares 'very positive' Tottenham injury update ahead of Arsenal

Speaking to the media, via reliable journalist Alasdair Gold, Frank confirmed that Pape Sarr will be available to play Arsenal after his injury scare for Senegal on international duty, and the same can be said for midfielder Lucas Bergvall, who’s been out for the last two games serving concussion protocol.

Randal Kolo Muani can also play despite fracturing his jaw against Man United, with the Frenchman set to wear a protective mask.

As well as this, Frank states that Ben Davies, Kota Takai and Archie Gray all trained at Hotspur Way this morning, as did star winger Mohammed Kudus, with Frank potentially in line for a seven-player in-swing as they battle to be ready for one of Spurs’ biggest games of the season.

Kudus’ potential return would be a major boost for Frank especially.

The Ghanaian, who missed Spurs’ 4-0 rout of FC Copenhagen and 2-2 draw with Man United last time out, has been their most pivotal attacking player so far this season. Kudus declined international duty with Ghana to focus on his recovery, and that decision now appears to be paying dividends for the Lilywhites.

Related Tottenham hold preliminary talks to sign unsettled striker who Frank thinks is 'clinical'

Spurs are prioritising a number nine this January.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Nov 20, 2025

Bergvall and Sarr’s returns will provide Frank with different midfield options, bar the one-dimensional defensive pivot of Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur, which comes as yet more good news.

Against an Arsenal side top of the pile and seemingly impenetrable 90 per cent of the time, Spurs need all the help they can get, so this update comes as a very positive one indeed.

On Tuesday, the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes made a play worthy of their namesakes from .

The sequence began innocently enough. With two outs and the bases loaded in the sixth inning of the Isotopes' game against the El Paso Chihuahuas, Albuquerque shortstop Ryan Ritter walked. Catcher Austin Nola trotted home with the go-ahead run—and then, mayhem.

While Chihuahuas catcher Luis Campusano threw the ball back to pitcher Omar Cruz, Isotopes second baseman Aaron Schunk alertly tore home. His steal forced an errant throw to third, and left fielder Jordan Beck tacked on run to make it 5–2 Albuquerque.

The Isotopes went on to a 7–2 victory, fueled by one of the strangest baseball sequences of the year anywhere. It created statistical oddities like this one: Cruz, the losing pitcher, has an 0.00 ERA for the season because he techinically didn't allow any earned runs.

Albuquerque improved to 7-9 on the season with the victory, and if the team goes on to Pacific Coast League glory, they can pinpoint this odd play as the beginning of something magical.

In a painful—and record—day at the office, Philadelphia Phillies prospect Otto Kemp was hit by a pitch four times in the Lehigh Valley IronPigs' 7-3 win over the Columbus Clippers on Tuesday. On a night where fans at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, Pa., were treated to seeing Phillies lefthander Ranger Suarez pitch in a rehab assignment, Kemp stole the show—but not in the way he would have hoped.

In his first trip to the plate in the bottom of the first inning, Kemp was plunked in his left thigh by a 91-MPH fastball. In the second inning, Kemp again took a fastball to the body, this time to his left hand.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, the IronPigs third baseman mercifully broke up the painful pattern that was beginning to develop, as he laced a double to center field and later scored in the inning.

And with pitcher Parker Messick, who had plunked Kemp twice, out of the game, surely his troubles were over, right? Unfortunately, no. Facing Clippers righthander Mason Hickman in the bottom of the sixth, Kemp took one for the team off of his derriere. Moments later, he got some measure of revenge, swiping second base against Hickman.

Finally, in the bottom of the seventh inning, the 25-year-old was hit by an 82-MPH slider on his left ankle—by a third pitcher no less. Kemp's final line on the day—1-for-1 with a double and four HBPs, which is an IronPigs record.

Take one (or four) for the team!Otto Kemp set an IronPigs record last night, getting hit 4 times in one game#ironpigs #ottokemp #wegotice #baseball

Posted by Lehigh Valley IronPigs on Wednesday, April 23, 2025

While it's not exactly clear what the minor league record for HBPs in one game is, the big league record is three. Should Kemp one day make it to the majors, he could threaten that record, given his propensity to stand close to the plate in the batter's box.

In 270 career minor league games, Kemp has been plunked 54 times.

Liverpool now look a million miles off the likes of Arsenal, sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League.

Only last season, Arne Slot’s runaway Reds finished ten points clear of Mikel Arteta’s Gunners, having won a mammoth 25 clashes along the way to lifting the title.

Now, with an abysmal six defeats next to their name from 12 Premier League clashes, and 20 goals already leaked, the out-of-sorts giants are already 11 points behind the North Londoners, who swept Tottenham Hotspur aside 4-1, on the same weekend Liverpool crashed out to a 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest.

Thankfully, despite Liverpool suffering their worst start to a season since 2014, and Gary Neville chipping in by labelling the current state of affairs as “unacceptable”, the January transfer window opens soon, which could see the Reds spend wildly again to try and get their atrocious campaign back on track.

Liverpool preparing to spend big again

Just one look at the list above gives you a flavour as to how much Liverpool splashed out in the summer, with Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike all joining the building for an eye-watering combined total of £294m.

While these deals haven’t exactly gone to plan so far, that doesn’t mean more lavish spending won’t do the trick in an attempt to turn out Liverpool’s depressing fortunes, with sources from Spain now alleging that Slot and Co could be willing to drop an earth-shuddering £177m on the services of Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise.

Liverpool have also been tipped to move for the likes of Juventus attacker Kenan Yildiz and Premier League man of the moment Antoine Semenyo to freshen up their attacking ranks, but a new emerging report from Spain also suggests that their central midfield spots might well be given a major facelift, if they can pick up Paris St Germain ace Joao Neves.

Indeed, the report states that the faltering titans have an ‘intense interest’ in adding Neves to their squad after a breakout season in Ligue 1, with a battle for his services perhaps defining a busy January window to come.

It’s further revealed that Liverpool are preparing an offer close to £140m in an effort to persuade Luis Enrique’s men to part ways.

How Neves is a big upgrade on Mac Allister

Liverpool could win themselves a major upgrade on a declining Alexis Mac Allister if the ex-Benfica midfielder does choose to leave the comforts of France behind for a shot in the Premier League.

Unfortunately, the Argentine has looked seriously off the pace this season during Liverpool’s well-publicised struggles.

It’s been a significant fall from grace for the World Cup winner, who managed to bag five goals and collect five assists last season in league action to help Slot pick up the Premier League title in a crazy first campaign at the helm.

Now, however, the waning 26-year-old has an unconvincing zero goals and two assists from 11 league outings this season, leading to one analyst labelling him as a “huge disappointment”, with his once-feared ability to dictate play now nowhere to be found.

Mac Allister vs Neves in 25/26
Stat (* = per 90 mins)	Mac Allister	Neves
Games played	11	7
Goals scored	0	5
Assists	2	0
Shots*	1.3	1.9
Touches*	47.2	67.6
Accurate passes*	31.5 (86%)	55.3 (94%)
Ball recoveries*	2.9	3.1
Total duels won*	2.5 (44%)	2.9 (57%)
Stats by Sofascore

While the former Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder continues to decline, Neves has followed up his outrageous tally of three goals and eight assists from last season with five goals already this campaign, as the 21-year-old continues to live up to his billing as being “one of the best midfielders in the world” by European football content creator, Alex Brice.

On top of being a clinical and classy finisher of chances, Neves also blows his competition out of the water in terms of his pass accuracy with an unerring 94% average in tact, alongside also offering up more ball recoveries at 3.1 per Ligue 1 game, which should stand him in good stead to be an energetic partner to Ryan Gravenberch.

A major plus to his game, though, is his ability to fire home chances – as seen in his unbelievable hat-trick earlier this season – with Mac Allister also well-known to fire home a memorable strike or two during his Liverpool peak.

But, it’s his overall package that makes him such a “complete” talent, as he has been labelled by his ex-trainer in Luis Castro, who even said that number 87 can play in “any championship in the world” and “shine”, with Liverpool having to put their money where their mouth is to prove him right.

Of course, between now and January coming into view, Mac Allister might well pick up form again, as could his entire team, as they potentially climb far beyond their current mid-table slump.

But, with Curtis Jones the only real other figure Slot can fall back on in the defensive midfield ranks – away from the South American and Gravenberch – dropping £140m on Neves could be a fantastic, if costly, investment to make, as the big spenders hope the Portuguese superstar can enter the starting XI and push his new team back into the top positions in the tough division.

Semenyo alternative: Liverpool preparing £177m bid to sign their new Diaz

Liverpool are gearing up to open their purse once again this winter.

4

By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 24, 2025

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Endrick foi substituído no jogo entre Palmeiras e Cuiabá, durante o segundo tempo, e não ficou nada feliz com a situação. O motivo da “revolta” do atacante seria um gol perdido antes de deixar o campo com a camisa do Verdão, segundo informações da reportagem do “Premiere”, que transmite o duelo.

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O garoto tabelou com Luis Guilherme, saiu cara a cara com Walter e finalizou. Porém, o goleiro do Dourado fechou espaço dentro da área e defendeu a batida do camisa 9.

Logo em sequência, Abel Ferreira promoveu alteração tripla no Palmeiras, e Endrick foi um dos escolhidos a sair. Além dele, Luis Guilherme e Lázaro foram substituídos. Rômulo, Richard Ríos e Estêvão entraram.

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Endrick saiu de “cara fechada” e, no banco de reservas, não demonstrou satisfação com a situação. Ele esteve cabisbaixo e fazendo sinal de negativo com a cabeça.

Em vias de se mudar para o Real Madrid, Endrick ainda tem cerca de oito jogos a disputar com a camisa do Palmeiras. Ele foi vendido por cerca de R$ 400 milhões e, se marcar mais um gol pelo Verdão, o clube embolsa 2,5 milhões de euros (em torno de R$ 14 milhões, pela cotação atual).

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EndrickPalmeiras

Nottingham Forest head coach Sean Dyche arrived at the City Ground to replace Ange Postecoglou in October and has enjoyed a fairly strong start to life in the Midlands.

The English tactician has won three of his six matches and kept three clean sheets, most recently masterminding the incredible 3-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield in the Premier League.

Unfortunately, though, the player Dyche knows the most within the Forest squad, Chris Wood, has been unavailable for selection due to a knee injury.

The latest news on Chris Wood's injury

The New Zealand international suffered a knee injury in October that has kept him out of action for over a month, and he is yet to feature under Dyche for the Tricky Trees.

Prior to the Liverpool win, Dyche said: “It is just a settling period (for Wood), it is nothing too serious, it is a grumbling knee. It is serious enough to stop him from loading it; from loading in daily training, but it is settling down.”

This means that it is a case of wait and see for the experienced frontman before he can return to training and Premier League action, after he scored a staggering 20 goals in the top-flight for Forest last term.

The former Burnley man only scored two goals from 2.77 xG in the first eight matches of the current Premier League season, though, per Sofascore, and it will be interesting to see if Dyche can get him back to his best.

Meanwhile, Forest are reportedly eyeing up a January transfer window swoop for Porto centre-forward Samu Aghehowa, who could be the manager’s new version of Wood.

Why Samu could be Dyche's new Wood for Nottingham Forest

The current Tricky Trees striker turns 34 next month and there is no guarantee that he will come back from this knee injury to deliver goals on a consistent basis, which may be why a new striker is on the agenda for January.

Like Wood, who is 6 foot 3, Samu is a physically imposing centre-forward who stands at 6 foot 4 and has the strength and size to compete with Premier League defenders to be the kind of focal point that Dyche wants his number nine to be.

Journalist Zach Lowy once claimed that the Porto marksman can be “one of the best STs in Europe” and his form in Portugal suggests that he is now living up to that praise.

The Spain international scored six goals in nine Europa League matches in the 2024/25 campaign, per Sofascore, whilst his form in the Portuguese top-flight has been phenomenal.

Appearances

30

10

xG

14.07

4.98

Goals

19

6

Minutes per goal

119

105

Assists

3

1

Aerial duel success rate

51%

60%

As you can see in the table above, Samu has provided a consistent and clinical threat in the final third for Porto in the Liga Portugal since the start of last season, whilst also winning the majority of his aerial contests in that time.

These statistics suggest that the 21-year-old centre-forward would be the perfect signing for Dyche as his next version of Chris Wood, because he has the physique, the finishing skills, and the aerial ability to be a complete number nine for the Forest boss.

The Spaniard would also have Wood at the club as an experienced mentor for him to continue his development, as the ex-Burnley ace is 12 years his senior and could be an excellent role model to help with his transition to English football.

Therefore, Forest should push hard to get a deal done for the Porto sensation because he could be an excellent addition to the squad as Wood’s natural successor under Dyche.

Gibbs-White would love him: Nottingham Forest looking to re-sign £20m star

This star could improve Forest’s midfield and benefit Gibbs-White

ByJoe Nuttall Nov 24, 2025

Leeds United are on the lookout for attacking potency in January and could be set to back Daniel Farke in his pursuit to bring a talented forward to Elland Road.

The Whites find themselves embroiled in a fight against the drop, and not everyone is feeling wholly confident in the former Norwich City boss, even if his side has produced some encouraging moments this term.

All too often, fine margins determine the outcome of Premier League matches, and Farke’s side has been on the wrong side of them, leading some to question his ability to lead the Whites forward.

With that in mind, Leeds are keen to source proven quality in the form of Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling, even if his £325,000 wages may prove to be a stumbling block in negotiations.

Signings or no signings, Farke has vowed that his side won’t change as they aim to secure top-flight football for next term, claiming that their approach to being successful will pay off in the long run.

He said before his side took on Aston Villa: “If you follow our way of working over the past two and half years, you know exactly what we are doing, how we try to approach a game and try to be successful. This won’t change at all.”

Sticking by your principles can be the defining choice that determines whether a manager is successful in keeping their job. Farke has been a nice fit for Leeds since arriving at Elland Road, though he has routinely come under scrutiny and is now back under the spotlight.

Either way, the January transfer window is creeping closer, and the 49ers could now be set to back their man as they pursue an exciting striker.

Leeds in pursuit of Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Garcia

According to The Mirror, Leeds are willing to sign Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Garcia on an initial six-month loan with a £20 million mandatory purchase option in the summer as the 49ers aim to back Farke in the New Year.

However, there has been a twist as Los Blancos boss Xabi Alonso is said to have blocked the move, notifying the forward that he is still part of his plans both in the immediate term and further down the line.

Gonzalo Garcia at Real Madrid – all competitions

Appearances

21

Goals

5

Assists

3

Intriguingly, Leeds were confident that they could lure Garcia to England before the ex-Liverpool star’s intervention, and the Spain Under-21 international was also said to be keen on a move to the Premier League after finding regular minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu hard to come by.

Alonso is aware he will need to utilise his whole squad, potentially offering more openings for the 21-year-old to feature as Real Madrid chase more silverware both domestically and in Europe.

Leeds are also eyeing an alternative £20m forward

Bursting onto the scene at the Club World Cup, Garcia would certainly be a viable option in the Leeds attack if they were able to complete a deal, though any chance of that now looks to be unlikely unless circumstances change.

Manchester United are in transition, but after a 2024/25 campaign that must be buried and forgotten, Ruben Amorim has succeeded in endowing his squad with more zest and zeal than was previously on display.

Amorim’s United have a perfectly respectable Premier League record so far this season. Seventh in the standings, the five-match unbeaten streak has eased the pressure and placed the side in a promising position, only four points behind second-place Manchester City.

Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have played crucial parts in achieving this. INEOS have revamped the Red Devils’ frontline, and now there is far more togetherness and understanding when on the attack.

But, as United look to wedge their way back into the Champions League and then compete for that silver cup after so many years, Amorim may fancy a higher breed of player, and it would indeed appear that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co are aiming for the stars.

Man Utd eyeing marquee signing

Manchester United are one of the biggest clubs in the world, but for too long they have struggled to match that reputation with sustained success on the field.

While the Theatre of Dreams crop have edged back onto the once-trodden path, it seems INEOS are interested in a marquee addition to balance against the shrewd summer signings. Someone like Cristiano Ronaldo, perhaps?

Not an easy task, replicating that one-time signing under Sir Alex Ferguson, which proved to be one of the best in the history of the game, with CR7 of course now recognised as one of the finest and most accomplished footballers in history.

But United should be aiming to sign one of the game’s superstars, a game-changer whose quality differs from everyone else under Amorim’s wing.

Maybe that’s why Man United are interested in striking a deal for Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, whose future in the Spanish capital has been a hot topic for several years at this stage.

Vinicius Jr, 25, is reported by Spanish sources to be considering a shock departure from Real Madrid, given that he no longer feels like the protagonist next to Kylian Mbappe.

United are on red alert, and are even understood to have prepared a £200m offer to lure him away from the Santiago Bernabeu.

Chelsea are also long-term admirers, and so INEOS and Jason Wilcox would need to act speedily to get this one over the line.

What Vinicius Junior would offer Man Utd

Vinicius Jr is widely recognised as one of the most talented forwards of his generation. Having joined Real Madrid from Flamengo for just south of £39m in 2018, the Brazilian has scored 111 goals and supplied 87 assists across 338 senior outings, notably winning two Champions League and three La Liga titles.

A big-game player and with so many different ways to hurt his opponents, the £353k-per-week talent has been embroiled in something of a tumultuous year at Real Madrid, and it’s starting to look increasingly likely that he will not see out the duration of his prime in the iconic white shirt.

Mercurial, dynamic and always dangerous, Vinicius Jr is blessed with such frightening speed and control when on the ball, such creativity when zipping up and down the left flank.

Hailed as a “legend in the making” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Vinicius Jr could reach that potential by completing a reversal of Ronaldo’s record-breaking transfer to Spain way back when, taking his world-class reputation and hitting new heights in a different league.

The 2024 Ballon d’Or runner-up’s volatile nature at times is also part of what makes him special. He is a natural-born competitor, and he hates losing. Perhaps Man United need such a player, someone with the aura and determination of Ronaldo.

There have been several flare-ups in Spain this season for the South American star. He has been somewhat at odds with new manager Xabi Alonso, and he has blanked across his past four La Liga matches, albeit still having scored five goals and provided four assists across 12 matches.

But there’s no denying Mbappe has taken on the focal role, and it is for this reason that Vini might want to leave, moving to United and earning greater tactical freedom to play across the frontline and in a role that would see him designated as the club’s superstar.

Left winger

284

86

73

Centre-forward

60

29

15

Right winger

14

3

2

Attacking midfield

2

1

0

Ronaldo proved he could do it over several years in the Premier League, but then he transcended expectations when moving to Real Madrid and becoming their main man.

The Portuguese legend scored 145 goals for United across two spells, winning the Ballon d’Or – the first of five – in 2008 and claiming three Premier League titles and the first of many Champions League trophies across that glittering first stint, led by Sir Alex.

Vinicius Jr has enjoyed illustrious success in Spain and is accepted by all as one of the game’s finest. But could it be that he too needs to enjoy the talismanic handle to hit his finest form? In this, he could find that United offer the perfect platform for him to slide into, tackling a project that needs plenty of work but is showing the signs of a corner turned.

Under Amorim’s guidance at Old Trafford, he could achieve this, emulating his Los Blancos idol in leaving Real Madrid after sustained success and forging a new path.

The respective situations are hardly identical, but there are undoubtedly similarities, and Vincius Jr has the power and personality to hit the jackpot in England and lead the Man United resurgence, combining with Mbeumo and Cunha and Benjamin Sesko to restore United to their one-time power as a behemoth of the British and European game.

Forget Bruno and De Ligt: Man Utd "monster" is looking like a new captain

This Manchester United star is now looking like captain material for Ruben Amorim this season.

ByDan Emery Nov 17, 2025