Liverpool rebuff Real's Alexander-Arnold approach - Wednesday's gossip

Liverpool turn down an approach from Real Madrid for Trent-Alexander Arnold, while Juventus and Napoli want to sign Joshua Zirkzee.

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Former Arsenal star labelled ‘Premier League flop of the season’

One of Mikel Arteta’s former Arsenal players has struggled since their move away (Picture: Getty)

Former Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah has been labelled the Premier League ‘flop of the season’ after his underwhelming start to life at Crystal Palace.

Having come through the academy at Arsenal, Nketiah became a regular part of Mikel Arteta’s squad but struggled to pin down a regular starting berth.

Nketiah scored 38 goals in 168 appearances for the Gunners but failed to score more than five league goals in any one Premier League season.

In search of more regular minutes, the England international switch clubs in the summer, moving to Crystal Palace on deadline day in a deal worth £30million.

However, the move to south London has not panned out how the 25-year-old would have hoped, with Nketiah still yet to score for his new side in the league.

Nketiah’s only two goals for his new club have come in the Carabao Cup, with the striker largely playing second fiddle to Jean-Philippe Mateta in Oliver Glasner’s side.

And having not started a game for Palace since their 2-2 draw with Wolves on November 2, Lee Hendrie reckons that Nketiah is the player he has been most disappointed by so far this campaign.

Eddie Nketiah is yet to score a Premier League goal for Crystal Palace (Picture: Getty)

‘Eddie Nketiah at Crystal Palace has to be the biggest flop of the season,’ the former Aston Villa midfielder told 10bet.

‘He cost the football club £30m, which I know isn’t huge sums for a Premier League striker these days, but when you bring in a player like that, and Palace don’t often spend those kinds of sums, you have to expect more than what he’s produced.

‘He only scored his second goal the other day, you need more from your striker and he’s not offering that to Palace.’

Nketiah struggled to get regular minutes under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal (Picture: Getty)

Hendrie, though, was hopeful that a tweak in system could help kickstart Nketiah’s form in a Palace shirt.

‘I watched him at Arsenal, and although he didn’t play every week, most of his goals came from deliveries into the box, but Palace don’t have the same quality in the wide areas as Arsenal and they don’t really play with wingers,’ he added.

‘I’m not saying he’s a bad player; I just think the move hasn’t worked for him at all. He has got ability, he can score goals, so maybe that system doesn’t suit him, but I think it’s fair to have expected more.

‘Palace let Jordan Ayew and Odsonne Edouard leave this summer, he was supposed to help fill that void. They need him to take a bit of the pressure of Jean-Philippe Mateta, but he hasn’t been able to do that.’

Speaking back when Nketiah first arrived, Glasner insisted he could find a system that would get the best out of both of Palace’s strikers.

‘We wouldn’t spend £25m on a player who we expect to always be on the bench. We believe in his quality and his mentality and his character,’ he said.

‘Eddie can play different positions becuas he’s very smart. He’s a different proifile than Jean-Phillipe who is taller and more physicial. Eddie is more about moving and finding the space and he’s a very technical player.

‘It could be that we change our system- it’s not about the system, it’s about our habits and our patterns. We will find the right setup for us.’

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Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold suffers Real Madrid January transfer blow

Trent Alexander-Arnold is keen to join Real Madrid from Liverpool (Picture: Getty)

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s dream of joining Real Madrid from Liverpool in the January transfer window has taken a huge blow, according to reports.

It is believed that Alexander-Arnold has decided to sign for Real Madrid and has already informed boyhood club Liverpool of his plans to do so.

But the move has taken a twist after the Reds rejected an official approach from Real Madrid to permanently sign Alexander-Arnold in January.

That’s according to The Times, with the Anfield hierarchy immediately rebuffing Real Madrid’s approach on Tuesday.

Liverpool refused to enter into any form of negotiations to sell the England international right-back, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

Arne Slot’s side, who currently sit top of the Premier League table and are fighting for this season’s title, have been keen to secure a new deal with Alexander-Arnold themselves but an agreement has not been reached.

Alexander-Arnold can officially speak to foreign clubs about a free transfer from January 1 (Wednesday) – and Real Madrid will now hold talks with the player about a summer move – with a January switch looking unlikely.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is now set for talks over a free transfer (Picture: Getty)

Football pundit Gary Lineker loves the idea of Alexander-Arnold joining Real Madrid in a free transfer at the end of the current 2024-25 season.

‘It seems to make a lot of sense to me,’ Linker said on The Rest is Football podcast. ‘Free transfer is how Real Madrid have done things recently.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is close friends with Jude Bellingham (Picture: Getty)

‘He is really close to Jude Bellingham and would fit in there beautifully. He would be a massive success. They wouldn’t focus on his defending critically as we do here – overly in my opinion. It’s a great fit and would be a huge loss for Liverpool.’

Alexander-Arnold, who came through Liverpool’s academy, has played 333 games for the club to date, registering 20 goals and 85 assists.

The 26-year-old has helped Liverpool win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Club World Cup and Super Cup during his time at the club.

Alexander-Arnold scored in Liverpool’s last Premier League match as they thumped West Ham 5-0 at the London Stadium on Sunday.

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'Humble & popular but no plan B' - The inside story of Rooney at Plymouth

As Wayne Rooney leaves his latest managerial role with Plymouth, BBC Sport looks at where it went wrong for the legendary striker.

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Wayne Rooney issues statement on viral video as he denies any wrongdoing

Wayne Rooney has responded to a viral clip of him (Picture: Getty Images)

Wayne Rooney has responded to viral footage of himself, denying any wrongdoing and saying the clip has been edited to portray something that is ‘simply not true’.

A video of Rooney showing a woman into a flat has been doing the rounds online, there are also clips of the woman and a man looking round the apartment in Plymouth.

The Manchester United and England legend has explained what happened in the footage, when it was taken and that there were more people in attendance, hitting out at the video being edited to make the situation look more controversial than it was.

Rooney wrote on Instagram: ‘I am aware of a video circulating online. The video shows a man and woman looking around my apartment.

‘The couple kindly gave me a lift home and were in there at the same time as my son who was visiting. Footage is from last summer.

‘It is annoying that at least one online newspaper has chosen to edit the footage to make it appear as though a woman entered the apartment on her own. That is simply not true.’

Rooney explained the video on his Instagram account (Picture: Instagram)

Rooney is fighting fires on and off the pitch with his Plymouth side sitting bottom of the Championship after a 2-0 defeat at Oxford United on Sunday.

The Pilgrims have no wins in nine games, with six defeats and three draws, a run of results which has left Rooney under huge pressure.

‘I think the criticism is normal with the results we’re going through,’ he told the BBC.

‘You have to feel that you can turn it around. I’m going to go back, watch the game back, evaluate the game and prepare for Bristol [City]. I understand [the fans’ reaction], I’ve been there myself when I was young and I’ve been there as a fan when you want to see your team win.

Wayne Rooney’s job is under threat at Home Park (Picture: Getty Images)

‘When you’re losing games as we’re losing them, that frustration is there so I get it and I don’t take it personally.’

After defeat to Oxford and ahead of a clash with Bristol City on New Year’s Day, he told club media: ‘It wasn’t good enough. I didn’t think we deserved anything from the game. I’m really disappointed.

‘There needs to be a reaction, of course, to this,” he said. “Today wasn’t good enough but, back at home, on New Year’s Day, hopefully we can get a positive result.’

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Barcelona lose second appeal to register Olmo before deadline

Barcelona lose another appeal to register Spain midfielder Dani Olmo for the second half of the season, one day before the deadline.

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Ruben Amorim speaks out as Marcus Rashford returns to Manchester United squad

Ruben Amorim has brought Marcus Rashford back into the fold (Picture: Getty Images)

Marcus Rashford has returned to the Manchester United squad for Monday night’s Premier League clash with Newcastle, with Ruben Amorim admitting it is down to absentees elsewhere.

The forward was left out of the Red Devils squad by Amorim for four games on the spin, missing the win over Manchester City and then defeats to Tottenham, Bournemouth and Wolves.

After that bleak run of three defeats and with Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte suspended and Mason Mount injured again, Rashford has returned for the meeting with the Magpies at Old Trafford.

The 27-year-old is on the bench for the contest on Monday night and will hope to get the chance to show Amorim what he has been missing.

On picking the forward again, Amorim told Sky Sports: ‘Selection, and we have a lot of players out.

‘So like I said every week, I choose my players, he was there to be chosen and this time he’s here.’

The starting front three for Manchester United against Newcastle is Rasmus Hojlund leading the line ahead of Joshua Zirkzee and Amad Diallo.

Rashford was left out of the previous four Manchester United squads (Picture: Getty Images)

With Fernandes and Ugarte suspended, Christian Eriksen and Casemiro are in the middle of midfield with Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot at wing-back.

The centre-backs are Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez in front of Andre Onana.

Amorim is experiencing a very tricky start to life at Manchester United, winning just four of his first 10 games in charge as he tries to bed in his preferred 3-4-3 system.

Ruben Amorim has won just four of his first 10 games in charge of United (Picture: Getty Images)

However, he says there is no way he will move away from that set-up, despite the poor results.

‘No, because for me it would be the end,’ he said of a possible switch in tactics. ‘You have to be really focused on your idea. If you start changing because of the results, it’s the end for any coach and I know that really clear.

‘I’m trying to adapt to win games – this I will do as it’s really important to win games but I will not selling my idea as it is the only one. I was hired because of that idea, and in these difficult moments if you change your mind, it is the end for any coach.’

He added: ”I’m trying to make the team compact because we’ve suffered a lot of goals and I’m also focused on the set pieces, as these moments can change the game.’

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McKenna proud of Ipswich 'resilience' despite defeat

Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna praises his side's "resilience" in their 1-0 Premier League defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates.

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Ange Postecoglou reacts to latest Spurs disappointment against Wolves amid sack threat

Ange Postecoglou suffered another frustrating afternoon (Picture: Getty Images)

Ange Postecoglou says he will ‘look for help’ to improve Tottenham’s form after a disappointing 2-2 draw at home to Wolves on Sunday afternoon.

The visitors had taken the lead but Spurs bounced back and looked to be heading for a much-needed win after back-to-back league defeats.

However, Jorgen Strand-Larsen scored a late equaliser to delight the travelling fans and infuriate the Tottenham faithful in north London.

Spurs sit 11th in the Premier League table after the draw, with just seven wins from 19 games and the pressure is starting to really build on Postecoglou.

The Australian is currently the favourite to be the next Premier League manager to lose their job, with a two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final with Liverpool reportedly crucial to his prospects.

He reiterated after the draw with Wolves that he is dealing with a number of injury concerns and thinks a short break over New Year will help his players.

However, he also says he must seek help to turn things around, although it is not clear how he intends to do that.

Postecoglou consoled Pape Matar Sarr after the final whistle (Picture: Getty Images)

‘We’re asking a lot of a small core group of players,’ said the Spurs boss. ‘The whole group probably needs a couple of days to get away and recover.

‘It has been really intense for a core group of players. It will do them good to go away with their families to recover with their families mentally as much as physically.

‘I will keep going and look for help to get these players to perform at their best.’

It was an especially frustrating day out as Son Heung-min missed from the penalty spot, with Postecoglou adding: ‘It’s a disappointing outcome. Obviously we went a goal down but after that I felt we controlled the game. It wasn’t easy always to get openings but we did look pretty threatening every time we did get forward.

‘We scored a couple of goals, we obviously missed the penalty and then second half, I just thought we had some really big moments to kill the game off.’

Vitor Pereira is enjoying a good start to life as Wolves boss (Picture: Getty Images)

Spurs are indeed struggling with plenty of injuries as the likes of Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Gugliemo Vicario, Ben Davies and Richarlison all missed the clash with Wolves.

Concerningly, Destiny Udogie also appeared to pick up an injury and was forced out of the game early in the second half.

Tottenham are back in action at home to Newcastle on 4 January before the first leg against Liverpool four days later in north London.

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Four wins in five & top six in sight - what's changed at Hibs?

Hibs beat Hearts to make it three wins in a row, so what has head coach David Gray done to improve matters after a wretched start to the season?

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Bukayo Saka sends message to Arsenal fans after undergoing surgery

Bukayo Saka will be sidelined for over two months with a hamstring injury (Shutterstock)

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has vowed to come back stronger after undergoing surgery on his hamstring injury.

The 23-year-old was forced off during the first half of Arsenal’s 5-1 win against Crystal Palace on December 21 and missed his side’s 1-0 victory at home to Ipswich Town on Friday night.

Arteta initially ruled Saka out for ‘many weeks’ but the Arsenal manager revealed after his side’s win against Ipswich that the winger has undergone surgery.

On Saturday evening, Saka posted a picture of himself in a hospital bed along with the message: ‘The majority see obstacles, but few see the opportunities. Recovery has begun and I’m coming back stronger!

‘Thank you all for your messages #GodsPlan.’

Bukayo Saka has told Arsenal fans he is ‘coming back stronger’ (Instagram)

Saka is not expected to return until March at the earliest and Arteta is already urging caution over the England international’s rehab phase.

‘I would prefer to leave that with the doctor or himself but he had a procedure, everything went well but unfortunately he will be out for many, many weeks,’ Arteta said on Friday.

The Arsenal games Bukayo Saka could miss

Brentford (A) – Premier League – Jan 1

Brighton (A) – Premier League – Jan 4

Newcastle (H) – Carabao Cup – Jan 7

Man Utd (H), FA Cup – Jan 12

Tottenham (H) – Premier League – Jan 15

Aston Villa (H) – Premier League -Jan 18

Dinamo Zagreb (H) – Champions League – Jan 22

Wolves (A) – Premier League -Jan 25

Girona (A) – Champions League – Jan 29

Man City (H) – Premier League -Feb 2

Newcastle (A) – Carabao Cup – Feb 5

Leicester (A) – Premier League – Feb 15

West Ham (H) – Premier League – Feb 22

Nottingham Forest (A) – Premier League – Feb 25

When asked for a more definitive timeline on Saka’s return, Arteta said: ‘I said many weeks so I think it will be more than two months.

‘I don’t know exactly how much longer, it depends on how the scar tissue starts to heal, the first week or so, mobility of that, let’s see, very difficult to say.’

Arteta also insisted that he does not expect an Arsenal player to directly replace Saka’s attacking output.

‘It’s always important because as well with Bukayo it doesn’t mean that we’re going to score three or four goals every game,’ Arteta said.

‘We have to rely on the team, that’s the biggest strength of us, we never rely on individuals scoring 25, 30 goals and we’ve managed to be very, very competitive still and we’re going to manage to do that.

‘As I said, I think the replacement of B [Saka] is going to be the team. That unit in particular, having minutes together and asking different things, there were moments that flowed really well, there were moments where we can still have some work to do there and improve it and adapt to the qualities of the individuals. I’m certain we’re going to do that.’

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Emile Smith Rowe injury update ahead of Fulham vs Bournemouth

Emile Smith Rowe could return for Fulham’s match against Bournemouth on Sunday (Getty)

Marco Silva says Emile Smith Rowe remains a doubt for Fulham’s Premier League match against Bournemouth on Sunday.

The 24-year-old’s last appearance was as a substitute in Fulham’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield on December 14 and he missed both the draw against Southampton as well as the 2-1 win away to Chelsea on Boxing Day.

Before the victory against Chelsea, Silva indicated that Smith Rowe would likely be available for the game against Bournemouth at Craven Cottage this weekend.

However, the Fulham manager is now waiting until after Saturday’s training session in order to make a call over Smith Rowe’s fitness.

Asked about Smith Rowe’s availability for the game against Bournemouth, Silva said: ‘We don’t know yet.

‘It’s a decision we are going to take on Saturday as we have another session.

‘We have to keep assessing, not just the players who were out in the last game, but also the ones that played.’

Emile Smith Rowe’s last appearance was in Fulham’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool on December 14 (Shutterstock)

Both Fulham and Bournemouth are unbeaten in their last six games and Silva says his side face a tough test against a ‘top level’ attack.

‘What a battle it is going to be, Andoni Iraola is doing a really good job there,’ Silva said.

‘Our Bournemouth games are always really tight and competitive, and this is going to be another one.

‘They’re a really physical side, direct too, and their frontline is top level. They have a really quality side, they are intense.

‘It’s going to be a great challenge for us but we are going to make it a great challenge for them too.’

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Wales 'culturally behind' with women's football - Wilkinson

Wales women's boss Rhian Wilkinson hopes qualifying for a first major tournament can adjust the football landscape in Wales as the country is "culturally behind".

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Nuno Mendes responds as Manchester United submit offer to sign £34m PSG defender

Nuno Mendes is yet to agree a new deal with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG via Getty)

Nuno Mendes is pushing to leave Paris Saint-Germain and has received an offer from Manchester United, according to reports in France.

The 22-year-old joined PSG in a £34 million deal from Sporting CP in May 2022 after impressing during a season-long loan with the French club.

Mendes came through Sporting’s academy and was handed his first-team debut by Ruben Amorim in June 2020. He then played a key role under Amorim the following season as Sporting went on to win the Primeira Liga and the Taca da Liga.

The Portugal international is currently in his fourth season at PSG and the French club are keen to extend his contract, which expires in 2026.

However, RMC Sport reports that negotiations over a new deal have stalled and Mendes now wants to leave PSG.

Nuno Mendes made his first-team breakthrough at Sporting CP under Ruben Amorim (Getty)

The report adds that United have already submitted an offer and the left-back has been receptive to the interest shown in him by Amorim’s side.

PSG, however, are intent on keeping Mendes and have no plans to sell him to United in the January transfer window.

It’s understood that Amorim is keen for United to recruit a new left-sided defender in the January transfer window with Luke Shaw currently sidelined, while Tyrell Malacia has only recently returned from a long-term injury.

RB Leipzig left-back David Raum has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford, with United reportedly holding talks to sign the 26-year-old last summer.

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Cristiano Ronaldo sends message to ‘fantastic’ Ruben Amorim over Man Utd slump

Cristiano Ronaldo has lept to the defence of Ruben Amorim (Photo: Twitter)

Cristiano Ronaldo has passionately defended Ruben Amorim, once again claiming Manchester United’s problems lie with the club’s owners.

And the football legend even went so far as to suggest what he would do to help United if he were owner, shortly after revealing he intended to buy a ‘big club’ upon retirement.

Ronaldo is one of United’s greatest ever players, scoring 145 goals and winning nine pieces of silverware, even though his second spell at Old Trafford ended in acrimonious circumstances.

In an explosive interview with Piers Morgan, the 39-year-old heavily criticised the club’s owners the Glazers, then manager Erik ten Hag and his teammates, leading to him been released in November 2022.

Much of what Ronaldo had to say remains relevant to this day, with the Red Devils enduring one of their worst seasons in history, with the side currently 14th in the Premier League.

Amorim, a former international teammate of Ronaldo’s, was hired in November to replace the sacked Ten Hag but results have not improved, with Boxing Day’s 2-0 loss at relegation threatened Wolves the latest terrible blow.

It is acknowledged that it will take time for Amorim to make his mark in Manchester and Ronaldo believes his fellow Portuguese can come good, saying at the Globe Soccer Awards: ‘He did a fantastic job in Portugal with my Sporting.

Amorim has lost five of his first 10 Man Utd games (Photo: Getty)

‘Premier League is a different beast, it’s a different league, it’s the most competitive league in the world, I knew it would be tough and they will continue the storm but the storm will finish and the sun will raise.

‘Fingers crossed things will be good with him and I hope the best for Manchester United because it’s a club I still love.’

In the 2022 interview, Ronaldo was especially scathing of the Glazers, slating them for their lack of investment in the club and noting how the training facilities had not been updated since he was last there in 2009.

Ronaldo has slated the Glazer family’s ownership of Man Utd (Photo: Getty)

Since his second departure, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have become minority owners and taken charge of United’s football operations, though their first year in charge has been fraught with issues.

Ronaldo has doubled down on his comments and insists United will not get back to their best until the ownership makes wholesale changes behind the scenes.

‘I said this a year and a half ago, and I will continue to say, the problem is not the coaches,’ the Al-Nassr star said.

Could Ronaldo buy the club he previously played for? (Photo: Getty)

‘I always give this example, it’s like an aquarium, if you have a fish inside and it’s sick and you take it out, and you fix the problem and you put him back in the aquarium they will be sick again and this is the problem.

‘Manchester United is the same, the problem is not only the coach, it’s much more than that.

‘If I will be the owner of the club, I will make the things clear and adjust what I think is bad there.’

And the idea of Ronaldo actually becoming United owner is not as far-fetched as one may think, as the football legend has revealed that that is the area of the game he intends to go into once he hangs up his boots.

‘I’m not a coach. I’m never going to be a coach. President of the club? No. Maybe owner of the club,’ he added.

‘I am still very young, I have so many plans and dreams ahead. Mark my words, I will be an owner of a big club. For sure.’

Pressed if he had an idea of what club he wanted to buy, Ronaldo cryptically responded: ‘Not yet, a few maybe.’

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Howe praises Gordon after 'absolutely fantastic' goal

Eddie Howe praises Anthony Gordon after the Newcastle midfielder's opener in their 3-0 win against Aston Villa.

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How to watch Wolves vs Man Utd? TV channel, confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injuries

Matthijs de Ligt has missed the last two games due to illness (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United will look to bounce back from their 3-0 Premier League defeat to Bournemouth when they visit Wolves on Boxing Day.

United’s humbling defeat to Andoni Iraola’s side at home on Sunday made it back-to-back defeats and continued the Red Devils’ mixed start under Ruben Amorim.

The result leaves United 13th in the table and means that the club will spend Christmas Day be in the bottom half for the first time since 1989.

Amorim’s side have little time to lick their wounds as they prepare to face Wolves who are fresh off a vital 3-0 win against Leiciester City in Vitor Pereira’s first game in charge since replacing Gary O’Neil.

In desperate need of more defensive solidity, United will hope to welcome back Matthijs de Ligt who has missed the last two fixtures with a bout of illness.

The Dutch centre-back was expected to return against the Cherries on the weekend but was not part of the matchday squad.

Should he return on Thursday, the Dutch international could slot in alongside Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez in the back three, with Noussair Mazroui returning to his favoured wing-back role.

Marcus Rashford has not been named in United’s last three squads (Picture: Getty)

Elsewhere in defence, Victor Lindelof is unlikely to feature having picked up an injury against Tottenham, while Luke Shaw remains a long-term absentee having suffered a setback with his rehabilitation at the start of the month.

Further up the pitch, there is more injury woe for Mason Mount who limped off during the first half of the Manchester Derby and is unlikely to return against Wolves.

‘[He will be out for] Several weeks,’ Amorim confirmed when speaking on Friday ahead of United’s game against Bournemouth.

How United might line up against Wolves (Picture: Metro)

‘I don’t know the exact date but it’s going to be for long and that’s it. That’s part of football, you continue.’

Marcus Rashford remains fit and available for selection but has not featured in United’s last three matchday squads.

The Englishman’s future at Old Trafford remains up the in air after he publically admitted that he was ‘ready for a new challenge’.

Up Next

Asked after his side’s defeat to Sunday whether Rashford could feature in the squad against Wolves, Amorim said: ‘It depends, we will see.’

Even if Rashford remains out of the squad, Amorim may choose to tinker with other elements of his attacking trio.

Joshua Zirkzee was withdrawn after just 54 minutes on Sunday and could be benched in favour of Rasmus Hojlund, while Bruno Fernandes could be deployed further back in central midfield to make way for Alejandro Garnacho.

Predicted Man Utd XI to face Wolves

Onana; Martinez, Maguire, De Ligt; Dalot, Mainoo, Ugarte, Mazraoui; Fernandes, Hojlund, Amad.

Where to watch Wolves vs Manchester United? Kick-off time and TV channel

Wolves vs Manchester United kicks off at 5.30pm on Thursday, December 26. The match will be broadcast in the United Kingdom on Amazon Prime.

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Paul Gascoigne reveals he asked ‘England’s best player’ for a signed shirt

England’s squad is packed full of talent (Picture: Getty)

Paul Gascoigne may be an England legend but even he could not resist the chance to get a signed shirt off a current Three Lions player.

Gazza is regarded as one of the most talented players England has ever produced, having been a mainstay in the team in the 1990s.

The attacking midfielder, who played for the likes of Newcastle United, Tottenham and Rangers, made 57 appearances for England and was an integral part of the Three Lions team at the 1990 World Cup and 1996 Euros.

Gascoigne was in attendance for one of England’s recent Nations League games and was blown away by Manchester City’s Phil Foden.

At the age of 24, Foden already has 43 caps for England and a remarkable six Premier League titles to his name.

He was awarded the Premier League Player of the Season award in 2024 but then went on to struggle at Euro 2024 despite Gareth Southgate taking the team to the final.

Foden has continued to underwhelm this season and is yet to score in the Premier League for a Manchester City team who have endured a dismal run of form under Pep Guardiola.

Foden poses in front of a picture of Paul Gascoigne (Picture: Getty)

But in Foden Man City still possess ‘England’s best player’, according to Gazza, who rates the Etihad star above the likes of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer.

Asked who he believes is the best player in the current England team, Gascoigne told Metro courtesy of Card Player: ‘I really like Jack Grealish, because of the fact that if he lost the ball a couple of times, he still wants the ball. He doesn’t go hiding.

‘But I watched Phil Foden not long ago. He was s*** hot. He was unbelievable. What a player and that last England game, I couldn’t resist it.

‘I just went into the changing room and asked Foden to give us a shirt. He signed it for my agent’s son.

Gascoigne regularly attends England games (Picture: Getty)

‘He’s been unbelievable at Man City and is one of the players they rely on to produce. Sometimes that’s not good for him, because he’s such a young kid as well. He’s only young and he’s got kids.

‘Looking at the England squad, you’ve got Bellingham, Grealish, Rashford. They’ve got a really strong squad.

‘But Foden, they always say people with left foot in football are always going to be brilliant. But I really like Foden, he’s quality and he’s got a good engine on him.’

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney also named Foden as England’s best when he was quizzed on the current squad back in October.

Asked who he ranks as the best player out of England’s current crop of stars, Rooney told talkSPORT: ‘Phil Foden, for me.

Man City star Foden before a Nations League game (Picture: Getty)

‘I know he hasn’t played that much this season for Man City but Phil Foden at his best is the best player England have got.

‘Cole Palmer has been sensational since going to Chelsea and you see everything Jude Bellingham is doing at Real Madrid. But for me Phil Foden is the one, I really enjoy watching him.’

While Foden is undoubtedly one of England’s most talented stars, a number of players could claim to be better on current form, including Chelsea sensation Cole Palmer.

Last month, ex-Three Lions player and manager Glenn Hoddle claimed Palmer was capable of ‘going ahead’ of prolific title winner Foden.

Asked which player England should look to build around going into the 2026 World Cup, Hoddle told Stick to Football with Sky Bet: ‘I’ve always rated Phil Foden as a top player.

‘He hasn’t played so well in the Euros and hasn’t done what I thought he would do. I think Foden is a special talent but its whether he can reproduce what he’s doing at City in an England shirt.

‘Cole Palmer looks unbelievable. He’s an interesting one because if he stays unattached to the game, because for me he’s a player that plays in the playground, he could elevate himself to being a superstar and could go ahead of Foden in many ways.

‘The question mark is if he can continue to do that over the coming seasons because we all know what’s coming for him, the journey he’ll be taking with the ups and downs, injuries he might get, dip in form – there is a multitude of things he has to come through to be the superstar I think he is.’

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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says the club are in danger of missing out on a place in next season's Champions League.

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‘I asked to leave Man Utd and return to Arsenal after one training session’

The player instantly regretted leaving Arsenal for Manchester United (Picture: Getty)

It took just one training session for Alexis Sanchez to realise he had made a mistake leaving Arsenal to join Premier League rivals Manchester United.

Sanchez excited Arsenal fans for four years following his £32m move from Barcelona in 2014, scoring an impressive 80 goals in 166 games for the Gunners and lifting two FA Cup trophies at the Emirates Stadium.

The chance to join Manchester United, who had been the dominant force in English football for two decades, was too good to turn down and Sanchez arrived at Old Trafford in January 2018 in a swap deal with Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Sanchez was handed United’s iconic No. 7 shirt but he underwhelmed at the Theatre of Dreams, scoring five goals in 45 appearances before joining Inter Milan, initially on loan and then on a permanent transfer.

Looking back on his move to Manchester United, Sanchez said: ‘I accepted the opportunity to go to United. It felt tempting, and it was something good for me.

‘I liked this club a lot when I was a kid. Eventually, I signed, but I didn’t ask for information on what was happening inside the club.

‘Sometimes there are things that you don’t realise until you get there, and I remember the first training session I had, I realised a lot of things.

Alexis Sanchez flopped at Old Trafford (Picture: Getty)

‘After the session I got home and I told my family and my agent, “Can you not rip up the contract to go back to Arsenal?” They laughed.

‘I told them there was something that didn’t sit right, it didn’t seem good.  But I had already signed; I was already there.

‘After the first few months, I carried on having the same feeling. We weren’t united as a team in that moment.’

Sanchez also revealed his confidence took a huge hit when he was left out of the Manchester United squad by then-Old Trafford boss Jose Mourinho.

Sanchez was loved at Arsenal before his move to Old Trafford (Picture: Getty)

‘In a game with West Ham, I wasn’t picked,’ the Chile legend added. ‘That had never happened to me as a player.

‘It bothered me, and I said it couldn’t be possible. To go from being one of the best in the Premier League to not playing in five months.

‘I came to my house, and I was very sad. The next day, I trained in a double shift because I love what I do.’

Sanchez returned to his former club Udinese last summer on a two-year deal, but the 36-year-old has made just one appearance due to reoccurring injury problems.

Sanchez returned to Udinese last summer (Picture: Getty)

While Sanchez flopped at Manchester United, he clearly impressed some of his team-mates on the training pitch, with Jesse Lingard among those to hail his ability.

Asked about the club’s lack of success with marquee signings, Lingard told the Diary of a CEO podcast: ‘I just think we didn’t click.

‘Of course, with Louis van Gaal we won the FA Cup, with Jose Mourinho the Europa League and Carabao Cup.

‘It’s strange, because a lot of players have come in and failed. Alexis in training [puffs out cheeks], top. Alexis Sanchez quality, in training he was quality.

‘Then it comes to a game and it just didn’t click for some reason. I don’t know why. Is it pressure?

‘When I was playing, especially with Rom and Alexis, we just wanted to enjoy our football. It’s always going to be hard to win the Prem when City have been so dominant for many years.

‘Even to win the Europa League, Carabao Cup, Community Shield, we’re winning trophies, but then when Jose left the trophies stopped.

‘And that’s difficult. Another new manager. You have to prove yourself over and over again.

‘It’s kind of like fake promises really. You’ll be told, “You’re doing well, you’ll play next game” and then don’t end up playing.’

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Enzo Maresca names team that will challenge Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea for Premier League title

Chelsea are mounting a surprise title challenge under Enzo Maresca (Picture: Getty)

Enzo Maresca believes a fourth team will challenge Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea for the Premier League title.

Liverpool sit four points clear at the top of the table going into Christmas, the Reds losing just one of their 16 league games under new boss Arne Slot.

Chelsea are currently second having mounted a surprise title challenge under another newcomer to the Premier League, ex-Leicester City manager Maresca.

Arsenal, who have come desperately close to winning the title under Mikel Arteta, are third, with Nottingham Forest occupying the final Champions League spot following a sensational first-half of the season.

Another team surpassing expectations, Bournemouth, are fifth ahead of Aston Villa – who finished in the top-four last season – and defending champions Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola’s side were attempting to win a record-extending fifth successive league title but have won less than half of their games this season to slip to seventh, 12 points behind Liverpool.

Despite the shocking run of form at the Etihad Stadium, Maresca expects Man City to challenge for the title at the business of the season and puts their current malaise down to injury issues.

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Guardiola lost Ballon d’Or winner Rodri to a season-ending injury earlier in the season and has been without several other key City players.

‘Manchester City at the end will be there,’ Maresca said when asked if his former club were still in the title race. ‘They are in a moment that has never happened before.

‘Every time they play a game, they have an injury, and they don’t have enough players in this moment.

Aston Villa were the latest club to beat Manchester City (Picture: Getty)

‘And the ones they have are not 100 per cent because they have just come back from injury, so it is a very bad situation.’

On his own team’s title aspirations, Maresca added: ‘We are ahead of our expectations, in terms of the way we are playing, and the points we have. 

‘But the main focus is how we can improve the players and how we can improve the team. It is not about the (title) pressure for the players or for the club or for me, it is just the reality.

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‘I would like to have that kind of pressure and hopefully soon we can, but the reason why I said we are not there yet, is because the reality is that we are not.

‘The reality says we are second at the halfway point, so the table does reflect the teams.

‘But Liverpool have done a fantastic job since the first day, and the squad has lived that kind of moment, winning a trophy, which is important. We are happy to be where we are.’

Chelsea will look to return to winning ways against Fulham on Boxing Day following a frustrating goalless draw with Everton last time out.

Discussing the threat of Chelsea, Fulham boss Marco Silva said at his pre-match press conference: ‘They are very, very good. That is quite clear.

‘A football club that has spent money in such a short period of time, the quality was there. For young players, it’s not easy to find a club with so many young players performing.

‘They are very good and very confident to play in that system. They have been dominant in most of their games. It’s another big challenge for us.’

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