Ange Postecoglou ready to sell Spurs "warrior" for £15m as clubs circle

Last month, Tottenham Hotspur paid Genoa £26.7m to sign centre-back Radu Dragusin, making him the most expensive acquisition of the January transfer window. It's been a quiet start for Dragusin as Ange Postecoglou gradually eases him in, with the Romanian limited to brief substitute outings against Manchester United, Brentford and Everton. He didn't appear at all in the dramatic 2-1 victory over Brighton last weekend.

Postecoglou now has his full complement of centre-backs available after Micky van de Ven returned from a 10-game hamstring lay-off and Cristian Romero missed three matches with a similar but less severe complaint.

Spurs missed out on Werner upgrade in "brilliant" Premier League star

The Lilywhites were reportedly eyeing up the Wolverhampton Wanderers whiz last month.

ByDan Emery Feb 12, 2024

While Spurs offloaded Eric Dier to Bayern Munich on loan, Postecoglou has been able to call upon not only Dragusin but also Ben Davies in reserve, which seemingly leaves little room for Joe Rodon, currently playing his football on loan at Leeds United.

Spurs set Joe Rodon price tag

According to Football Insider, Spurs are now ready to sell Rodon if they receive an offer in the region of £10m to £15m. The Welshman is not part of the club's long-term plans under Postecoglou, and they're "eager to cash in" and boost their transfer budget in the process.

Leeds United's loan defender Joe Rodon.

"Multiple" Premier League sides expressed an interest in Rodon last month but were put off by Spurs' asking price, although it remains to be seen if that changes in the summer. Leeds themselves are keen to sign him permanently, but a transfer is unlikely if they fail to get promoted.

Rodon exit has felt inevitable

In truth, the writing has seemingly been on the wall for Rodon for a while. Spurs paid Swansea up to £15m to sign the defender in 2020, when Jose Mourinho was still manager, but he was loaned out to French club Rennes last season after hardly featuring the year before (he made 10 appearances overall and didn't start a single league game).

His loan at Leeds has been a resounding success, with manager Daniel Farke hailing him as a "warrior" and fans voting him as their player of the month in December. As you can see in the table below, he's the only Spurs loanee to clock over 2,000 minutes of football this season.

1

Joe Rodon

Leeds

2,674

2

Troy Parrott

Excelsior

1,262

3

Sergio Reguilon

Man Utd/Brentford

840

4

Tanguy Ndombele

Galatasaray

645

5

Djed Spence

Leeds/Genoa

615

6

Japhet Tanganga

Augsburg/Millwall

292

The goal for Spurs, who are well-stocked at the back, could now be to be at least break even on the 26-year-old, having found the ideal club for him to thrive. If Leeds, currently 3rd in the Championship, do come back up, then they'll surely be desperate to make Rodon a key part of their squad in the top flight.

Daniel Levy could sign midfielder for Tottenham in cheap January deal

Tottenham Hotspur's recruitment team and chairman Daniel Levy have already been busy in January, but there's still a possibility of further signings.

Spurs could still sign a new midfielder

Manager Ange Postecoglou, speaking ahead of their clash with Man City in the FA Cup on Friday evening, said he is happy with Spurs' January business but also refused to rule out more incomings.

£34m star among favourites to join Spurs as Ange targets "elite" signing

He could come in to replace a big figure.

ByEmilio Galantini Jan 25, 2024

The Australian declared that his side will look to take advantage of opportunities which present themselves, coming amid reports Spurs want to sign a new central midfielder.

"In terms of the rest of the transfer window, I was really pleased that the initial objectives we had in our head, which were someone in at centre-half and someone in the forward positions, that we ticked those off pretty early," said Postecoglou on the final days of January.

"And it’s not just been that we did them early, but they’re two guys who have really benefitted from having 10 days in the building with us, training, adjusting and all that. Both Timo and Radu are both in a really good place to help us going forward. As for what happens with the rest of it going forward, as I said last time, we’re always alert and doing work and if we can improve the squad we’ll look to do that. And if there are potentially any outgoings, we’re ready for that depending on what happens."

Spurs have been heavily linked with Chelsea star Conor Gallagher, but as we fast approach deadline day, the possibility of his arrival grows smaller and smaller given just the size of this deal.

While some in the game maintain a belief that Gallagher to Tottenham is still possible, Chelsea could demand as much as £60 million to part company with the 23-year-old.

Tottenham could make "cheap" move for Buck

Alternatives have been mentioned as a result, like Atalanta star Ederson or Blackburn's Adam Wharton. CBS reporter Ben Jacobs, speaking to The Last Word on Spurs podcast this week, suggests a bargain option could be New England Revolution ace Noel Buck.

Jacobs says Tottenham could sign Buck as a possibility this month and it is believed he'd cost a "cheap" fee in the region of £5-6 million.

“Kasey McAteer at Leicester, I have mentioned him before, that could grow legs," said Jacobs when discussing midfielders who could join Spurs.

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou.

"Noel Buck isn’t impossible. He’s currently at New England Revolution, Tottenham’s interest is historical. So if they are to reignite that they will have to move rather than continue anything ongoing, but the fee there is quite cheap, only £5-6m."

The MLS sensation has made 27 league appearances for New England over their latest campaign, scoring three goals and registering an assist, and their USA manager Gregg Berhalter has already called him a "really strong" player.

Buck has represented England at Under-19 level but would still potentially be eligible to play for the US national team, as he is a dual-national.

Eddie Howe personally wants "future icon" Benjamin Sesko at Newcastle

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe reportedly wants to bring a "future icon" to the club in the near future, personally picking him out as a target for the Magpies in 2024.

Newcastle transfer news

Newcastle will be desperate to get some incoming transfer business done during the January window, with so many players linked with moves to St James' Park of late, but FFP difficulties making business hard. In defence, Lazio ace Alessio Romagnoli has been backed to seal a move to Newcastle, while Sporting CP centre-back Goncalo Inacio has also been touted as a target in recent months, with the pair both highly-rated players with a lot of their careers ahead of them.

Further up the pitch, Atalanta defensive midfielder Ederson is seen as someone who could come in and add quality in the middle of the park, and Bayern Munich superstar Joshua Kimmich is considered an ambitious option.

Howe wants Benjamin Sesko at Newcastle

According to a fresh update from Football Transfers, Newcastle boss Howe wants to bring RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko to the club this summer.

Benjamin Sesko

"Newcastle have set their sights on RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko as a primary target for the upcoming summer transfer window, FootballTransfers has been told. The talented young forward caught the attention of Newcastle's scouting team when he was playing for RB Salzburg and now there is belief that a deal could be done with the forward playing second fiddle to Lois Openda in Germany.

"We are told Eddie Howe, who is keen on bolstering his squad for the upcoming season, has identified the 20-year-old as one of the club's major targets. Sesko has impressed during his time with RB Leipzig and it's thought that the Austrian could be competition for Alexander Isak in the upcoming seasons, with Callum Wilson’s future uncertain."

Slovenia

25

10

RB Leipzig

24

7

RB Salzburg

79

29

FC Liefering

44

22

Sesko is a player of immense promise, having already made such an impact in European football at the age of just 20, scoring 29 goals in 79 appearances for RB Salzburg, and now seven in 25 in a Leipzig shirt. There is also the small matter of netting 10 times in 24 caps for Slovenia, showing that he is making a big impression on the international stage, too.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has described the young striker as a "future icon", which highlights just how highly he is regarded in some quarters, and he could be a perfect replacement for Callum Wilson.

Newcastle receive approach for "hugely important" star alongside Trippier

The Magpies hero in question could now be sold.

ByHenry Jackson Jan 21, 2024

Sesko is someone who Newcastle should go all in for at the end of the season, seeing him as a massive part of their future. If they miss out on him, it could be one that they regret further down the line.

Sunderland also eye move for Championship "monster" alongside Kieffer Moore

Sunderland reportedly have another attacking target on their list in a "fast" Championship star, according to one reliable journalist.

Sunderland targeting new striker

The Black Cats appear to be searching the market for a new striker this month and Michael Beale is hoping to “excite” supporters with one or two additions.

“We have a clear idea on one or two of the areas we would like to strengthen this month, if we can. It’s never an easy month, but we are certainly going to try and do something to strengthen and boost the squad, and to hopefully excite the fans. Those discussions are going on in the background. This (derby) game has been a bit of a distraction, if I’m honest, but those discussions were happening even (Tuesday) morning and late on in the afternoon.”

Winger Jack Clarke has been the main source of goals this season, netting eight more goals than any other Sunderland player. (Sunderland top scorers – BBC) However, Clarke, due to his fine form, has been linked with a move to the Premier League, with West Ham believed to be exploring a potential transfer.

Even if the Sunderland star remains at the Stadium of Light, a new forward appears to be on the agenda, and Bournemouth striker Kieffer Moore is on the list of targets.

Recent reports have claimed Sunderland are in pole position to sign the Wales international ahead of a number of other Championship sides, and a new update has emerged including the name of a new attacking target.

Sunderland eyeing Sam Gallagher move

According to The Northern Echo’s chief reporter Scott Wilson, Sunderland have held preliminary talks with Bournemouth for Moore and are waiting to hear the final decision. However, the reliable reporter added that the club’s recruitment team, led by sporting director Kristjaan Speakman, also have Sam Gallagher of Blackburn Rovers on their transfer wishlist.

Gallagher, who can play anywhere across the front three, completed a permanent move to Blackburn in 2019 after a previous loan spell and has been a regular at Ewood Park ever since.

The 28-year-old has plenty of experience in the Championship, mostly with Rovers, so could be a shrewd addition, potentially alongside Moore to rival the likes of centre-forward options Nazariy Rusyn and youngsters Mason Burstow, Eliezer Mayenda and Luis Semedo.

Blackburn Rovers

214

45

21

Southampton

26

2

0

Birmingham

34

7

0

MK Dons

15

0

2

Former Blackburn and Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray is also a big fan of Gallagher, describing him as a “monster” back in 2022.

“I don’t know how many appearances he (Gallagher) has made but I think his goals per starts is pretty good. He’s missed a fair whack of the season. He scored tonight with his right foot. I’m always encouraging him to hit it because when you watch it in training it’s like a bazooka, his right foot. It’s a great strike.

“Gallagher is fast, strong, good in the air, rocket in his right foot. He has all the attributes to be a top player. His ambition has to be to get to the Premier League, hopefully with this club, but if not, the Premier League look at this monster of a boy who can run like the wind with a rocket in his boots, why can’t he play in the Premier League?”

Arteta and Edu keen on signing elite Ivan Toney alternative for Arsenal

Both manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu are apparently keen on signing an "elite" Ivan Toney striker alternative for Arsenal.

Arsenal want to bring in a new forward

As previously reported, the Gunners are keen on bringing in a new number nine this year, with Arteta said to have been considering whether to sign a striker alongside two new full-backs and a centre midfielder (Miguel Delaney).

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

However, both FFP limitations and a slightly limited budget mean Arsenal may have to compromise on a few of the aforementioned positions.

While Arsenal will have to weigh their next move carefully, the club's need for a proven goalscorer was arguably highlighted by a recent 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup, where Arsenal carved a lot of openings but couldn't quite capitalise.

"Because the ball didn’t go in the net," said Arteta on why Arsenal couldn't score against Liverpool.

"We didn’t take the chances, I haven’t seen any other team in the first six months that have generated what we have done against them in the last two games and we’re not capitalising – not today, in the last few games – that’s why we are not winning games. Performance-wise, merit-wise, there is no question, but to win the game actually the results say something very different. When my team plays with that attitude, with that courage, with that desire and do what they’ve done to probably the best team in Europe at the moment in terms of momentum, what can I do? Stay behind them and support them."

Brentford striker Ivan Toney.

In the last few months, Arsenal have been linked with a move to sign Brentford star Toney, but Bees manager Thomas Frank is under the impression he's set to stay until the end of the season at least. Given Arteta arguably needs a striker, one alternative they could turn to this year is Newcastle United star Alexander Isak.

Edu and Arteta keen on Isak

According to Football Transfers, both manager Arteta and Edu are keeping tabs on Isak, with Arsenal expressing a keen interest in signing who they describe as an "elite" striker.

They had attempted to bring him to the Emirates Stadium in 2022, but were unwilling to pay his release clause at the time which they deemed too high.

However, it is believed they may now "revisit" negotiations this year, with the £120,000-per-week Sweden international thought to be highly regarded by Arsenal's recruitment team.

Isak has scored nine goals in 15 league appearances for Newcastle so far this season, with Eddie Howe praising his ability on more than one occasion.

West Ham 2-2 Newcastle

8.81

Newcastle 5-1 Aston Villa

8.22

Newcastle 1-3 Nottingham Forest

8.09

Newcastle 4-1 Chelsea

7.27

Sheffield United 0-8 Newcastle

7.23

"I've seen a real desire off the ball from Alex to press, to work, to set the standards, really, from the front in terms of how we play off the ball and I think he's been terrific," said Howe to the media.

Leeds United now preparing offer to sign exciting gem Jack Hastings

Leeds United are now preparing an offer to sign a talented young star at Elland Road as Daniel Farke looks to the future, according to a new report.

Leeds United prepare for January transfers

Despite enjoying a commendable start to life in the Championship, Leeds fans will be keen for their side to strengthen in key positions once the market re-opens in mid-season for business.

On Boxing Day, a 2-1 defeat away to Preston North End in an ill-tempered affair has placed the Whites eight points behind Ipswich Town, who occupy second place in the division, making new arrivals potentially crucial to achieving their aspirations of automatic promotion.

Farke could sign Meslier upgrade in Leeds move for £40k-p/w colossus

The current Whites number one has left a lot to be desired so far this season.

ByDan Emery Dec 27, 2023

Defence has been mooted as an area that the Whites could look to beef up under Farke and Fenerbache full-back Bright Osayi-Samuel is reportedly a target at Elland Road. Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace are also believed to be keen on the Nigeria international, who is out of contract at the Turkish giants in the summer of 2025.

Capable of playing in a number of positions, the former Queens Park Rangers man would be a coup for the Yorkshire outfit; however, there is no specific fee mentioned in regard to the fee Leeds United may need to pay to acquire the 25-year-old.

Galatasaray forward Kerem Akturkoglu has been mentioned in connection with a move to the Whites; however, he is a potential recruit who would be deemed to be a little more on the ambitious side. Now, the Whites are believed to be readying a bid for an exciting young star who could potentially be one for the future at Elland Road, according to a report.

Leeds United prepare Jack Hastings offer

According to Football Insider, Leeds United are preparing an offer to sign Larne youngster Jack Hastings, who is also attracting interest from Crystal Palace, Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Whites have previously monitored the 17-year-old who could now be at the centre of bids from elsewhere, with his current employers braced for approaches concerning the Northern Ireland Under-17 forward.

Hastings is capable of operating as a lone striker or as part of a front-two and has impressed at Under-18 and Under-20 level with his club, leading to his senior debut earlier this year in an Irish Cup tie.

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke.

Contact has previously been initiated between the two clubs regarding a potential swoop and the youngster could now move to Elland Road if all goes to plan with a formal bid. Unlikely to come in as a senior player, Hastings would likely head to Thorp Arch on arrival as he continues to develop as a player before potentially breaking through into the first-team later down the line.

Of course, Leeds United fans will want to see senior names come in once the window opens in January; however, bringing in prodigious talent is an important factor in the long-term sustainability of the club.

West Ham plotting move for Kalvin Phillips

West Ham United are believed to be interested in bringing Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips to the club this summer, having previously tried to do a deal in January.

What’s the word?

As per The Sun, Hammers boss David Moyes is eyeing new midfield targets ahead of next season, with the Scotsman keen to welcome the Euro 2020 star to the London Stadium in the upcoming transfer window.

Such a move would not be viewed as a replacement for Declan Rice, though, with the east Londoners holding firm on their desire to keep the £150m-rated talisman at the club, despite his recent rejection of a new contract offer.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-this-weeks-latest-west-ham-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-more” title= “Read the latest West Ham news!”]

Moyes and co had reportedly seen a £50m offer for Phillips rebuffed in the winter, although the 26-year-old – who has also been linked with a move to Manchester United – could now be available for a reduced fee should Jesse Marsch’s side suffer relegation.

Imagine him and Rice

Despite the persistent rumours about Rice’s future, it would appear that West Ham are anticipating the 23-year-old to still be at the club next season, hence the move to try and bring in his England colleague to rekindle the formidable partnership which inspired the Three Lions to the Euro 2020 final last summer.

Although Phillips has endured a frustrating season due to injury – with his absence having been a notable factor in Leeds’ demise – his displays in his first major tournament and in his debut Premier League campaign last term showcased just how huge a talent he truly is.

Such were the quality of his performances on the international stage, managerial icon Fabio Capello dubbed the £45m-rated man the “best modern midfielder I have seen”, while also labelling him as an “aggressive player” for his all-action, robust style.

More excitingly for those of an Irons persuasion, the veteran coach also heaped praise on the Rice-Phillips midfield axis, dubbing them a “phenomenal” duo and saying of their partnership: “They are the secret of this great England. If the defense is iron, it is thanks to them because they protect their comrades.”

Furthermore, even amid a trying season at Elland Road, the £38k-per-week warrior has still produced a string of impressive statistics, averaging 1.1 interceptions, 2.7 tackles and 0.8 clearances per game in his 18 league outings.

A ferocious competitor with seemingly boundless energy, he also ranks in the top 1% for pressures made among midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues, as well as the top 4% for both tackles and blocks made.

A real workhorse, the Leeds academy graduate appears a perfect fit for Moyes’ approach and the perfect long-term partner for Rice at West Ham as well as for England.

IN other news, GSB must complete swoop for “unbelievable” £31.5m-rated star, Moyes will love him..

Robinson reacts to Ward-Prowse to Tottenham transfer update

Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has urged Tottenham Hotspur to completely forget about the possibility of signing Southampton star James Ward-Prowse this summer, despite calling the player ‘incredible’.

The Lowdown: Spurs monitoring Ward-Prowse

The 27-year-old still has four years remaining on his current contract with the Saints after signing an extension last year, which is set to keep him at the St. Mary’s Stadium until at least 2026.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-newest-updates/” title=”Tottenham newest updates…” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

However, due to his recent impressive run of form, the midfielder has been attracting plenty of interest, and according to a transfer update published by the Daily Star, it’s claimed that the north London outfit are monitoring Ward-Prowse.

The Lilywhites are allegedly considering a move for him during the upcoming window, but are set to face competition from fellow Premier League rivals Arsenal and Newcastle United.

The Latest: Robinson’s doubts

When asked after that transfer update whether he thinks the ten-cap international could fit into the Spurs starting XI, Robinson told Football Insider: “I’m not so sure about Ward-Prowse.

“Make no mistake about it, his set-pieces are incredible. But I am yet to be convinced about his all-round game.

“Yes, he stands out in a Southampton team but could he stand out in a Spurs team? Could he take Spurs to the next level? Which is competing regularly in the Champions League. I’m not sure he could, if I’m honest. I’d be looking elsewhere.”

The Verdict: Perfect creative outlet

The £100k-per-week ace, who was once hailed an “unbelievable” player by his Saints teammate Oriol Romeu, definitely has the ability to shine in Antonio Conte’s side, and could be the missing piece of the puzzle to give them that creativity in the middle of the park that they have been so desperately lacking.

Ward-Prowse has had a huge influence on the pitch under Ralph Hasenhuttl this season, having scored ten goals and provided eight assists in all competitions for Southampton, as per Transfermarkt, not to mention the fact that David Beckham is the only player to have netted more direct free-kicks than him in Premier League history.

As the Italian boss looks to reassemble his squad ahead of the start of the 2022/23 campaign, two new midfielders are believed to be on his wishlist this summer, and so he could be tempted to bolster his ranks with the maestro in a bid to push for a place in the Champions League and beyond next season.

In other news… Spurs are said to be eyeing up a move for a ‘fantastic’ new transfer target.

Leeds: Is Klich’s time at Elland Road done?

There was a period of time when the mere thought of dropping Mateusz Klich from the Leeds United team was unheard of.

Axing him from the starting XI would have sent shockwaves around Elland Road and it’s clear to see why.

The Poland international was a dedicated and influential figure, one that typified Marcelo Bielsa’s brand of football.

Klich could do it all; defend fiercely but also provide a spark in the final third.

At one stage, he’d started 92 consecutive matches under Bielsa but the brutal cutthroat nature of the Premier League has gobbled him up and spat him back out for the media and supporters to tuck into their own feast of criticism.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-much-more” title=”Read the latest Leeds United news and rumours!”]

The 31-year-old stands proud at the moment as one of the best players to grace Leeds in recent memory. He is a promotion-winning midfielder and has played for the Whites on 176 occasions, scoring 22 times in the process.

His partnership with Pablo Hernandez was a sight to behold in the second tier and it’s remarkable he even had the chance to establish that connection, let alone become a Premier League regular.

Bought to the club in 2017 as Thomas Christensen’s first signing, he was soon exiled on a temporary basis.

Yet, enter Bielsa, a man who not only transformed Leeds but rescued the career of Klich, a battling technician who was in danger of throwing away his prime years.

The Pole was nearly out the door until a meeting between him and Leeds’ former manager changed things.

Sadly, five Premier League goals later and his career is diminishing again. Many at LS11 can be accused of underperforming this term but Klich is surely one of the chief suspects.

Dubbed “non-existent” by Sky Sports pundit Clinton Morrison at one point this season, it’s not hard to see why that assessment has been brought into play. Klich has recorded a SofaScore average match rating of just 6.69 which paints a sorry picture.

He has found the net just once all term – a strike against Everton on matchweek 2 – and his performances lead us to believe that he should never be considered to start again by Jesse Marsch.

His display versus Arsenal on Sunday afternoon was particularly ropy too, with the lowlight including a rash and cynical tackle on Granit Xhaka that prompted a yellow card and some minor handbags just inside the hosts’ half.

Substituted during the interval, it was a symbol that even when the going gets tough, Klich cannot be relied upon anymore.

He no longer has Bielsa to comfort and cradle him and in Marsch, perhaps he finally has a coach who can get the best out of Leeds without him.

He lost the ball eight times during his 45 minutes on the field, meaning he lost it every 4.1 touches and 5.6 minutes.

Furthermore, the experienced midfielder completed just a mediocre 79% of his passes and lost a whopping 84% of his defensive battles.

If that wasn’t bad enough, he made only the solitary tackle and played 0 key passes. His influence on the game was significantly less than young Lewis Bate who after being introduced in the second period, added a purpose to the Whites’ play. The highlight was a delightful cross-field ball into open space on the left that picked out the man perfectly. Right there we saw the future of Leeds; not Klich.

With that in mind, Marsch must take the bold decision to keep him from the starting XI between now and the season’s end. It could just keep Leeds in the division.

AND in other news, Shocking: £13.5m-rated Leeds dud who lost ball every 2 touches dropped another stinker…

Man Utd coach has internally wowed INEOS chiefs amid Amorim succession plan

Manchester United are looking for consistency on the pitch and Ruben Amorim is at the centre of plenty of debate as INEOS aim to build for the future at Old Trafford.

Ruben Amorim firm on his future as United cruise past Sunderland

The Red Devils are hoping to climb their way up the Premier League table despite suffering an inconsistent start to the campaign, moving into the top half courtesy of a smooth day despite the blustery conditions against Sunderland.

Benjamin Sesko scored his second goal of the season and first at Old Trafford after a fine finish, after Mason Mount had given the hosts the lead on a windy Saturday afternoon.

As expected, the former Sporting boss is adamant that he is the man to take the club forward and won’t leave of his own accord, claiming that he will give ‘everything’ to succeed under the pressure of the job.

He stated before his side took on Sunderland: “No, that is a decision of the board. I cannot do that (resign). Sometimes I have that feeling and losing is hard, not to create the momentum. It’s so frustrating when you create the momentum, go to the next game, something happens. That feeling sometimes hurts me a lot. Also the players and especially the staff here.”

Later, he added: “It’s a dream to be here and I want to continue here and I want to fight for this. But the problem is now what makes me suffer is to lose games, not to lose my job. You fear to lose your job when you have to pay the bills and I don’t have that feeling.”

On the pitch, calls for Kobbie Mainoo to be a regular Manchester United starter moving forward are amplifying, and it remains to be seen if other changes are made to build momentum once the international break concludes.

Nevertheless, contingency planning is an important part of football, and the Red Devils could turn to an internal face who is a renowned name at Old Trafford.

Darren Fletcher could take over at Man Utd

According to The Sun, Manchester United Under-18 coach Darren Fletcher could succeed Amorim on an interim basis after his impressive start to life with the academy outfit.

Making a positive impact with his dynamic style of play, the former Scotland international has internally wowed Old Trafford chiefs and could make a surprise return to the Old Trafford scene, this time in the dugout.

"First class" manager who brings "fun factor" to training speaks about links to Man Utd

Ruben Amorim is under increasing pressure…

ByBen Goodwin Oct 3, 2025

Of course, that will only happen if Amorim were to move on. It would cost the Red Devils £12 million to make a change, which isn’t the type of capital they would throw around lightly as they aim to bring in reinforcements once the New Year comes around.

Either way, there appears to be a plan in place if option A is scrapped, albeit it remains to be seen how the situation plays out at Manchester United.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus