Manchester United finished 15th in the Premier League last season and lost the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur.

But then INEOS and Ruben Amorim know this, and are acting with the merciless intent of leaders looking to turn a ship around.

Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have both been plucked from Premier League rivals, reshaping Amorim’s frontline. And now, Benjamin Sesko has completed the set, signing from RB Leipzig for a £74m fee.

He’s one of the most promising young strikers in the game, but might United still plan to complete further business this month as they target a much-needed resurgence?

Man Utd aren't finished yet

Having added Sesko to their frontline, Man United have now crossed the £200m threshold this summer, but there’s more still to come.

Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba is right at the top of Amorim’s shortlist as he looks for a new centre-midfielder, though he would likely cost in excess of £100m.

And according to TEAMtalk, INEOS could also push forward with a deal for Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who could leave the quadruple-winning side this summer.

Donnarumma, 26, is felt to be a more likely signing at this stage than Baleba, with StrettyNews also claiming that talks with the player’s agent are planned to be held this week.

PSG are willing to let the shot-stopper be sold for €30m (£26m) this month, and given the struggles of Andre Onana at Old Trafford last season, it might not be a half-bad idea to push ahead and get this one done.

Why Man Utd want Gianluigi Donnarumma

Under Luis Enrique, PSG dominated European football last season, winning their first Champions League title. Donnarumma played a significant role, with his manager even lauding him as a “titan in goal”.

The Italy international, who has entered the final year of his £212k-per-week contract in Paris, might be an incredible addition to a United team in transition, replacing Onana after the Cameroonian was labelled “useless” by former pro Paul Parker after his error-strewn performances.

It’s for this reason that getting a deal for Donnarumma done might be even more important than signing Sesko was. Though the Slovenia international marks an upgrade on the beleaguered Rasmus Hojlund, who is for sale and linked with a move to AC Milan, the additions of goalscoring wide forwards such as Cunha and Mbeumo add much to Amorim’s attacking line.

And Sesko has much still to learn at number nine. Talented he may be, but the 22-year-old has yet to produce truly clinical results, and the Man United shirt has weighed heavy on many a promising up-and-comer over the past decade.

Donnarumma, meanwhile, is already considered to be “beyond world-class”, as is the view of football commentator Matteo Bonetti, having only conceded 156 goals across 161 matches for the Parisians, keeping 56 clean sheets.

The addition of Sesko may yet prove to be a stunning signing for Man United, but the young striker may well take a bit of time to click into gear and rival the Premier League’s finest forwards.

However, given the nature of Onana’s woes between the sticks last season, and Donnarumma’s undeniable quality as one of the world’s finest shot-stoppers, there’s little question that he could be the defining acquisition of a promising summer transfer window.

Ideal Hojlund replacement: "Monster" CF wants to join Man Utd after Sesko

Manchester United could find a dream replacement for Rasmus Hojlund by signing this striker.

1

By
Dan Emery

Aug 11, 2025

Manchester United finally beat a top-level opponent under Ruben Amorim as they saw off Chelsea 2-1 at Old Trafford. But the coach should still face hard questions after his side made life hard for themselves despite taking a 2-0 lead against 10 men. Robert Sanchez's early red card got United off to a dream start and they marched into the lead with goals from Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro.

However, the Brazilian was then sent off, wiping out the numerical advantage and making for a nervy second half, with Trevoh Chalobah halving the deficit in the 80th minute.

United needed a response after their wimpy derby defeat at Manchester City and they were handed a massive favour by Sanchez, who was shown a red card in the fifth minute after rushing out of his area and clattering into Bryan Mbeumo. United did not take long to take advantage, Fernandes stooping in to head home a cross-shot from Patrick Dorgu as the hosts swarmed around Chelsa's area.

Things got even better for Amorim's side when Cole Palmer was taken off midway through the first half with a suspected recurrence of the groin injury he had just recovered from. It was the third substitute Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca made and surely not even United could blow such an advantage. However, they nearly did. 

Casemiro bludgeoned in a second goal with his head before half-time after some aerial bombardment involving Patrick Dorgu and Harry Maguire but then undid all his good work with a stupid sending off right before half-time. 

Both his actions to earn deserved yellow cards were totally needless and handed Chelsea the momentum. Chalobah headed home from a corner to send shivers down United's spine but the Red Devils dug deep to preserve their lead and hold on for a vital win.

GOAL rates Man United's players from Old Trafford…

Goalkeeper & Defence

Altay Bayindir (6/10):

For once he was not the story as he enjoyed a refreshingly uneventful 90 minutes for the most part. Nothing he could do about Chalobah's goal but made a decent punch to avert some late danger.

Harry Maguire (7/10):

Looked solid, albeit without being tested much by Chelsea's 10 men, in his first start of the season as Amorim asked him to do his primary job of defending rather than sending him on as a last-resort striker. Despite this, he set up Casemiro's goal, adorning a fine all round display.

Matthijs de Ligt (8/10):

Played on the front foot, joining attacks regularly while always being quick to sweep up any danger at the back such as hooking away a threatening cross from James before Moises Caicedo could connect with it.

Luke Shaw (7/10):

The type of comfortable game (well, until the 80th minute at least) he needed after being knocked about in the derby. Had an angry confrontation with Fernandez after the first goal and made a vital intervention late on, cleaning up Ugarte's mess by sliding in to dispossess Andrey Santos and digging his heels in to ensure they got the win.

AdvertisementMidfield

Noussair Mazraoui (8/10):

A dominant display at both ends of the pitch which showed he can be first choice right-wing-back moving forward.

Casemiro (4/10):

A perfect example of his strengths and weaknesses in one half. His presence helped United overpower Chelsea overall and he got the all-important second goal. But he was haunted by his tendency to dive in. His first yellow card for fouling Enzo Fernandez was needless and his second – grappling with Andrey Santos' body – was downright stupid. 

Bruno Fernandes (8/10):

A defiant performance, leading from the front as well as in midfield. Got the ball rolling with his 100th goal for United and almost got a brilliant second by bombing forward from the halfway line, thwarted by Jorgensen's diving save.

Patrick Dorgu (7/10):

Gave an electric first-half display, getting the assist for the first goal and keeping the move alive for the second.

Attack

Bryan Mbeumo (7/10):

Gave a livewire performance, with his bursting run in behind provoking Sanchez's sending off. He lacked some finesse at times with his final ball but his movement could not be argued with.

Benjamin Sesko (5/10):

Made a good start as his flicked header released Mbeumo for the key moment leading to Sanchez getting sent off. This was a great chance to score against 10 men but he did not take it. He made a pig's ear of a clear opening in the area after playing a one-two with Mbeumo and was then sacrificed by Amorim once Casemiro had been sent off so that Ugarte could take his place in midfield.

Amad Diallo (5/10):

Disappointing that he didn't make more of his advanced position against the 10 men. Frustratingly indecisive.

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Subs & Manager

Manuel Ugarte (5/10):

A clumsy effort to nick the ball gifted Chelsea a big break and he was very fortunate that Shaw covered for him. Made up for it with an important tackle on Fernandez.

Matheus Cunha (6/10):

Produced some nice link play on his return from injury and won an important free kick late on to buy some time.

Leny Yoro (5/10):

Completely lost his marker Chalobah, handing Chelsea late momentum.

Mason Mount (6/10):

Focused mostly on protecting the lead against his former club.

Kobbie Mainoo (N/A):

Replaced Fernandes for the final five minutes.

Ruben Amorim (6/10):

Needed the points badly and can be pleased with how his side dug in. But  they really should have been out of sight long before.

MatériaMais Notícias

Após superar o Fluminense e conquistar sua primeira vitória no comando do Corinthians, Vanderlei Luxemburgo já “virou a chave” e iniciou a preparação para o duelo contra o Atlético-MG, nesta quarta-feira (31), pela partida de volta das oitavas de final da Copa do Brasil.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasAtlético MineiroCoudet pede Atlético-MG ‘protagonista’ contra o Corinthians pela Copa do BrasilAtlético Mineiro29/05/2023CorinthiansEm meio a problemas no Fiel Torcedor, Corinthians registra pior público da Neo Química Arena no anoCorinthians29/05/2023CorinthiansLuxemburgo faz mistério sobre utilização de Renato Augusto em duelo decisivo do Corinthians na Copa do BrasilCorinthians29/05/2023

+ Cássio se destaca, e Róger Guedes comanda primeira vitória de Luxemburgo no Corinthians; veja notas

Como de praxe um dia após o jogo, os atletas que foram titulares contra o Tricolor das Laranjeiras realizaram um trabalho regenerativo no CT Joaquim Grava. Assim, Luxa chamou 12 atletas das categorias de base para completarem os trabalhos com os jogadores que foram reservas.

+ Todos os jogos doBrasileirãovocê encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe os jogos do Timão

O goleiro Kauê; os laterais Abimael e Caipira; os zagueiros Thierry e Vinicius Cressi; os meias Dimas, João Victor, Thomas e Thomas Argentino; e os atacantes Léo Agostinho, Mateus Henrique e Pedro foram as Crias do Terrão chamadas por Luxemburgo.

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Após o aquecimento, os reservas e atletas do Terrão participaram de um treino de rondo em que, após uma sequência de passes, os jogadores faziam uma situação de ataque. Luxa ainda promoveu outras duas atividades: um jogo em espaço reduzido com minigols colocados ao redor da área de jogo; e, por fim, um treinamento de enfrentamento em campo inteiro.

+ Timão avança na Copa do Brasil? Veja horários e todos os confrontos das oitavas de final

Para o duelo contra o Galo, o treinador corintiano não contará com Paulinho, que sofreu uma entorse no joelho esquerdo. Renato Augusto estará à disposição da comissão técnica, que ainda não “bateu o martelo” se mudará o esquema e como utilizará o camisa 8.

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Para avançar às quartas de final da Copa do Brasil, o Timão precisa vencer por dois gols de diferença para levar o duelo aos pênaltis. O jogo de volta será disputado nesta quarta-feira (31), na Neo Química Arena.

Tudo sobre

Atlético-MGCopa do BrasilCorinthians

West Ham United fans gathered in large numbers outside the London Stadium ahead of Saturday's Premier League encounter against Crystal Palace to demand the departure of the board. The Hammers have endured a torrid start to the 2025-26 season, with the fans having lost their patience with the current ownership. There have been calls to boycott the next home game, too.

• West Ham owners urged to step down

  Thousands of disgruntled West Ham supporters staged a protest outside the London Stadium, demanding the departure of owner David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady. Chants of “Sack the board” and “BS (Brady and Sullivan) out!” echoed as fans gathered near the directors' entrance ahead of the club’s latest Premier League fixture on Saturday.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Fans threaten to boycott home games

  Protest organisers have pledged to march before every home match this season and are calling for a boycott of the upcoming clash against Brentford on October 20. The unrest follows a letter of no confidence sent to the board earlier this month, to which the club responded with a 1,376-word statement detailing recent investments in the squad and infrastructure.

  Despite West Ham's poor home form – winless at the London Stadium since February – protest leaders insist the demonstrations are not purely results-driven. Instead, they point to longstanding frustrations over the club’s management and the controversial 2016 relocation from Upton Park to London Stadium. Protesters even carried banners which read, "Long Live The Boleyn," a reference to their former home ground for 112 years.

• Frustration boiling over among players and Potter

  The season began with an embarrassing 3-0 defeat to newly-promoted Sunderland, followed by a 5-1 shellacking against head coach Graham Potter's former employers, Chelsea, at home. In the post-match press conference, Potter's emotions seemed to have gotten the better of him, with the West Ham boss interrupting one of the journalists by telling him "there's a lot of other people here that might want to ask a question."

  Even the players have struggled to maintain their composure. In August, Jarrod Bowen had to be restrained by team-mates Tomas Soucek and Alphonse Areola, as well as stewards, as he attempted to confront a West Ham supporter following a 3-2 loss to Wolves in the Carabao Cup.

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• AFP
  

  Will West Ham sack Potter anytime soon?

  Following Saturday's 2-1 home loss to Palace, English media are reporting that the club is seriously considering sacking Potter. The ex-Brighton and Chelsea head coach infamously holds the record of earning the lowest points from his first 10 home games among any West Ham manager in history. Reports suggest that 42-year-old Gary O'Neil is being eyed as Potter's replacement, with the London-based outfit reeling at 18th position after four losses from their first five Premier League games.

It would be fair to say that, so far, Chelsea have had a great transfer window this summer.

The club have made plenty of money selling the likes of Noni Madueke, Joao Felix, and Djordje Petrovic, while seriously improving the squad with exciting additions like Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, and Jamie Gittens.

Moreover, it looks like the Blues’ owners, BlueCo group, are in the process of securing the services of the promising Julio Enciso.

However, while the young Paraguayan could be an excellent addition to the squad, the Blues are also closing in on someone who’d be an even better signing.

Chelsea chase better signing than Enciso

Even though they’ve already completed more signings than most teams would in a summer, Chelsea are still on the lookout for more talent, and while someone like Xavi Simons has been consistently touted for a move to the club in recent weeks, Enciso is set to be the latest addition.

Transfer Focus

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

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In fact, the Brighton & Hove Albion gem’s move to the West Londoners has already been given the ‘here we go’ treatment, but instead of heading straight to Stamford Bridge, the plan is that he’ll be spending a year in France with Strasbourg.

The 21-year-old is undoubtedly an exciting signing, but it appears that the Pensioners are now moving to complete a move for someone who’d be an even better signing.

At least that is according to a recent report from Spain, which has reaffirmed Chelsea’s intense interest in Alejandro Garnacho.

Moreover, the report has now revealed that the Blues are preparing an offer for the Manchester United ace that’ll be worth around £25m.

It seems likely that the Red Devils will reject such a bid, but given the player’s open desire to make the move, a compromise of some kind feels like the likely outcome.

It could therefore still be something of a complicated and costly transfer for Chelsea, but given Garnacho’s ability and potential, he’d be worth the effort, especially as he’d be a better signing than Enciso.

Why Garnacho would be a better signing than Enciso

Now, it should be said that both players are incredibly talented and look like they have bright futures in the game ahead of them.

However, there are a few reasons why we believe Garnacho would be a better signing for Chelsea than Enciso, and the first is their output last season.

For example, between his spells with the Seagulls and Ipswich Town last season, the Caaguazú-born gem was only able to score three goals and provide four assists in 29 appearances, totalling 1458 minutes.

Garnacho vs Enciso in 24/25

Players

Garnacho

Enciso

Appearances

58

29

Minutes

3568′

1458′

Goals

11

3

Assists

10

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.36

0.24

Minutes per Goal Involvements

169.90′

208.28′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

That means that he maintained a middling average of a goal involvement every 4.14 games, or every 208.28 minutes, which isn’t terrible, but it’s also not particularly noteworthy.

In contrast, the Madrid-born “superstar” in the making, as dubbed by journalist Liam Canning, was able to score 11 goals and provide ten assists in 58 appearances, totalling 3568 minutes.

In other words, the Argentine international was able to average a goal involvement every 2.76 games, or 169.90 minutes for a historically terrible United side.

The second reason the “electric” United ace, as dubbed by Statman Dave, would be a better signing is down to his experience.

While both players are still just 21 years old, the Red Devils gem has made 36 more appearances in the Premier League, has played in the Champions League, and has experience of not just playing in finals, but scoring hugely important goals in them that secure his side silverware.

Ultimately, Enciso is an undeniably talented footballer, but he lacks the numbers and extraordinary moments Garnacho has at the same age.

Therefore, we reckon the Argentine international would be the far better signing for the club this summer.

Related Chelsea receive £250m windfall as Fabrizio Romano confirms another sale

The Blues have been made serious cash this summer.

Posts 1 ByEmilio Galantini Aug 21, 2025