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Manchester United have already highlighted their ambitions of returning to the top of the Premier League this summer after splashing the cash throughout the summer window.

The attacking department has been subject to the biggest transformation, with Ruben Amorim evidently wanting to improve the options at his disposal ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have all moved to Old Trafford, costing over £200m, but undoubtedly handing the side the threat they need for success.

The trio scored 48 league goals between them last campaign, a tally higher than the Red Devils managed as a team – with such additions able to help the club improve their Premier League standing.

However, despite the big money spent by INEOS already this summer, they are targeting further additions to further bolster Amorim’s squad ahead of the season opener on Sunday.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions his summer

Carlos Baleba has arguably been one of the biggest players linked with United this summer, potentially joining the side in a club-record deal from Brighton and Hove Albion.

The Red Devils have held talks with the midfielder’s representatives, but any move will be an expensive one, especially considering the Seagulls want a fee in excess of £100m this window.

However, he’s not the only player currently in their sights, with PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma also in their sights, according to TEAMtalk.

Their report claims that talks are set to be held between the Italian and Amorim’s side this week after he announced that he would be leaving the Ligue 1 outfit before the end of the window.

It also states that the 26-year-old wants a move to the Premier League, but United will face huge competition from Manchester City to complete a deal for the Champions League winner, who’s available for £43m.

Why United’s latest target would be more vital than Baleba

It’s become apparent over recent months that United desperately need a ball-winning midfielder at the base of the side, able to regain possession before turning the ball into forward areas.

Such tools would offer Amorim the added presence he needs at the heart of the side, before picking out the new additions and allowing them to create chances within the final third.

Baleba would provide just that for the Red Devils, after he won 1.6 tackles per 90 during his spell at the AMEX under Fabian Hürzeler during the most recent campaign.

Whilst he would cost the hierarchy a mammoth sum of money, it would be worthwhile, especially considering his tender age of just 21 – having bags of time to develop into an elite-level talent.

However, a deal for Donnarumma would arguably be more vital to the side, offering an upgrade on current goalkeeper Andre Onana – who has often been an unreliable figure between the sticks at Old Trafford.

The Cameroonian international registered six errors leading to goals in all competitions throughout 2024/25, undoubtedly costing the side in multiple key matches.

A deal for the PSG shot-stopper would hand the side a better option in the defensive third, managing to massively outperform him in key areas last campaign.

Games played

24

34

Goals against per 90

1.08

1.29

Saves made

2.6

2.5

Save percentage

70%

68%

Pass accuracy

87%

72%

Defensive actions outside box

0.9

0.6

% of passes launched

13%

30%

Errors leading to goals

1

6

Donnarumma, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Carlo Ancelotti, conceded fewer goals per 90, whilst making more saves per 90, handing the side a more reliable figure in their quest for success.

He also completed more of the passes he attempted, with fewer of his attempts to find his teammates going long – a pair of stats which could provide Amorim’s men the option to build up play through the defensive third.

However, the biggest selling point over a deal for the former AC Milan star would be his reliability, registering fewer errors in 2024/25, highlighting his top-level quality after winning the Champions League under Luis Enrique.

There’s no denying that Baleba would be a sensational signing for United this summer, but a deal may now be out of their price range given the current asking price.

Donnarumma, on the other hand, would be a phenomenal addition, landing one of the best goalkeepers in the world for a bargain fee, that’s if they can secure his services amid his £43m fee.

Better move than Sesko: Man Utd open talks to sign "England's best player"

Manchester United have begun work on signing one of the Premier League’s most sought-after stars.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 12, 2025

Chelsea's newest signing, Emanuel Emegha, was left "devastated" at the weekend as Strasbourg fans appeared to turn on the striker after his switch to Stamford Bridge was confirmed. Emegha is the club's captain but, as he collected his Player of the Month award before his side faced Le Havre, supporters booed him, before unveiling a provocative banner.

Emegha on the move

Emegha was announced as Chelsea's latest signing last week, with the Blues reaching a pre-agreement for his signature ahead of next summer. However, the Strasbourg striker appears to have alienated his own fanbase since agreeing to move to west London, as he was roundly booed by supporters during the collection of his Player of the Month award before their Ligue 1 fixture against Le Havre. 

AdvertisementAFPFans make feelings clear

Supporters did not only subject their captain to boos and whistles, they also unveiled a banner, reading: "Emegha, pawn of BlueCo. After changing shirt, give back your captain's armband." BlueCo own both Chelsea and Strasbourg. 

Liam Rosenior defends his striker

Liam Rosenior, the former Hull City defender, is Strasbourg's manager, and revealed his displeasure at how the club's fans behaved. 

He said: "Emanuel Emegha was devastated, and I was too. 

"I am very disappointed by what I saw, seeing a banner against one of last season's best players is unacceptable. My players deserve much better. They have an impeccable attitude and do not deserve this treatment. This is a pivotal season in which we will be playing in the European Cup, but it seems that a minority are unhappy with our performances. 

"It won't change anything because I remain very proud of my players and Emanuel Emegha will remain captain as long as he is here. It must be emphasised that this does not concern everyone, but only a minority."

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AFPMore goals to come?

Emegha has scored a total of 26 goals in 64 first-team games for Strasbourg and is currently recovering from an injury layoff. His side are next in action against Paris FC on Sunday. 

Questions over whether Marsh will retain his place in Adelaide or perhaps play as a specialist batter only have been floating around after he pulled up sore following the Perth Test

Andrew McGlashan04-Dec-20241:31

Lyon: ‘I’m very clear about my role within the team’

Nathan Lyon is confident Mitchell Marsh will be able to play a role with the ball in Adelaide but is ready to take up any extra workload that comes his way should that not be the case.Marsh’s fitness has been one of the key watching briefs around the Australia side after he pulled up sore following Perth. Uncapped allrounder Beau Webster is part of the squad but it appears likely that Marsh will retain his place regardless of how much he can bowl. Since returning to the side in last year’s Ashes, Marsh is the only incumbent batter to average over 40 which appears set to keep him in the side.”I honestly think we’ll see Mitch Marsh bowl,” Lyon said on Wednesday. “I’m not concerned about Bison’s fitness if I’m being honest. He’s been brilliant for us since he’s come back in. He came [back] in that game in Leeds during the Ashes and [has] really dominated so got full confidence in Bison. Happy to bowl his overs.”Related

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Marsh 'hopefully right and ready to go' but questions over bowling

Webster bolsters Australia squad amid Marsh concerns

Hazlewood ruled out of second Test; Abbott, Doggett in

Perth report: India hand Australia 295-run thrashing

While in recent times Lyon has been part of an Australia attack that has featured either Marsh, Cameron Green or sometimes both, he has also featured in a considerable number of sides that have not had a genuine allrounder, instead using the four frontline bowlers with some part-time overs from members of the top order.Lyon’s ability to be both an attacking and defensive bowler means he can play a key role in balancing the bowling unit in the absence of a genuine fifth bowler where, if needed, he can look to control the run rate in the first innings before searching more for wickets as the game develops.”I’m very clear on my role within the team,” Lyon said. “Nothing really changes with me…if I can get the opportunity to bowl more overs, I’ll jump at it.”Lyon expects the Adelaide pitch – which will start with 6mm of grass – will take turn as the game develops. In day-night Tests at the ground, spinners average 24.72 on the third day and 22.91 on the fourth, compared to 113.25 on the first and 60.60 on the second.Lyon was economical in India’s hefty second innings in Perth although was largely nullified by the top order before having Rishabh Pant stumped when the lead was already considerable. This Test brings Lyon back to the ground where he has had most success in Test cricket with 63 wickets at 25.26 from 13 matches, seven of which have been day-night encounters.2:13

Clarke: Mitch Marsh needs to be bowling

“We understand that we didn’t play our best cricket in Perth and India totally outplayed us,” he said. “But with all the other stuff, it’s been quite humorous in a way looking at how much has been said and the reactions of so many different people after one loss.”The beauty of a five-match Test series…is you get the opportunity to turn that around and that’s the challenge of what we face right now. We are coming up against a world-class India side that played an exceptional game of cricket over in Perth but that’s been nine days or so ago now, so come Friday we go again which I’m excited about.”We are humans, we are going to make mistakes, but if we can go out there and try and learn along the journey then we are going to put ourselves in a better position come our next fixture. We’ve got a great record here, playing at one of the best venues in the world on a great wicket, so looking forward to that.”He expressed surprised that both R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja were left out in Perth with India preferring Washington Sundar. “[It] more than surprises me,” he said. “That’s the quality of Indian cricketers they have in that squad. You’ve got Ashwin with 530-odd wickets [536] and then Jadeja over 300 wickets [319]. It’s pretty remarkable to see the quality of players sitting on the bench.”In an encouraging sign for Australia, Josh Hazlewood was doing some gentle run throughs of his action alongside the other bowlers during the evening training session on Wednesday after he was ruled out of the second Test with a mild side strain. Scott Boland is expected to be his replacement for this Test.

As deadline day approaches, one transfer insider now believes that Leeds United are “interested” in signing a Premier League rival for Daniel Farke.

Latest on Leeds' transfer targets

It’s a big week for Leeds. Even after signing Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, there remain question marks about whether their frontline is capable of keeping Farke’s side afloat. As such, it is no surprise to see a number of targets emerge on their radar as the window enters its final six days.

Manager confirms he's considering replacing midfielder amid links to Leeds

The Whites could have a chance to seal a deal…

BySean Markus Clifford Aug 26, 2025

To that end, one interesting name that has been mentioned is Brighton & Hove Albion’s Facundo Buonanotte. According to Ben Jacobs, the attacking midfielder is a target for both Leeds and West Ham United, who are leading the charge to secure his signature in a late loan move.

The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at Leicester City and provided the Foxes with a rare bright spark in a season to forget – scoring six goals and creating another three in all competitions.

Now, as Leeds aim to avoid the same fate as Leicester, they could certainly do with a player of Buonanotte’s talent. Whether they can land an early victory over relegation rivals West Ham off the pitch remains to be seen, however.

It must also be said that the Argentine ace isn’t the only name on the club’s radar. Others such as Kobbie Mainoo have also threatened to steal the headlines as of late in what would be one of the most controversial moves of the summer from Manchester United. Meanwhile, another Premier League rival has reportedly attracted Leeds’ interest.

Leeds "interested" in Jota Silva

According to former Premier League scout Mick Brown, Leeds are now “interested” in signing Jota Silva from Nottingham Forest before the end of the transfer window. The winger has fallen down the pecking order following recent arrivals at the City Ground and could now get the chance to stay in the Premier League, courtesy of those in Yorkshire.

Although Brown described him as a “maverick”, Silva managed five goals in all competitions at Forest last season and only three of those came in the Premier League. That record is undeniably questionable and there’s no denying that Leeds would be taking a risk by asking him to solve their attacking issues.

Reddy has a side strain, while Rinku experienced lower-back spasms during the first T20I against England

Vishal Dikshit and Shashank Kishore25-Jan-2025Shivam Dube and Ramandeep Singh have been added to India’s T20I squad for the series against England in place of Nitish Kumar Reddy and Rinku Singh. Reddy is out of the five-match series with a side strain, while Rinku experienced lower-back spasms while fielding during the first T20I against England and is out for at least the second and third matches.*With the second game set to be played later today in Chennai, Dube and Ramandeep will be available from the third T20I onwards.Reddy picked up his injury during a training session ahead of the second T20I. He will head to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence – the newly opened National Cricket Academy premises on the outskirts of Bengaluru – for rehabilitation.Dube’s last outing for India was in August 2024, during an ODI series in Sri Lanka. He then missed India’s home T20I series against Bangladesh with a back injury. Dube returned to cricket with the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he scored 151 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 179.76, and took three wickets at an economy of 9.31.In all, he has played 33 T20Is for India, for 448 runs at a strike rate of 134.93 with the bat, and 11 wickets with the ball. He was part of India’s T20 World Cup-winning squad in the West Indies and USA last year.Ramandeep has played just the two T20Is for India, both in South Africa last November. In the recent Vijay Hazare Trophy, the 50-over tournament, he totalled 126 runs from six innings for Punjab, mostly providing quick runs for a strike rate of 134.04.Dube’s most recent outing at the competitive level was Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir, which ended on Saturday afternoon. He was out without scoring in both innings, and picked up one wicket in the match as Mumbai lost by five wickets. Ramandeep was also involved in the just-concluded Ranji round, also minimally, scoring 16 and a duck in Punjab’s big loss to Karnataka.India won the first T20I against England, in Kolkata, by seven wickets with all of 43 balls remaining. Reddy didn’t have much to do in the game: he took two catches, but did not get to bowl or bat as India romped home. Rinku, too, did not get to bat with the top order polishing off the chase of 133.India’s updated T20I squadSuryakumar Yadav (capt), Axar Patel (vice-capt), Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammad Shami, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shivam Dube, Ramandeep Singh.*

Manchester City opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 win over 10-man Napoli on Thursday. Despite dominating the ball in the early stages, the visitors quickly became content to sit in a low block, soaking up City pressure before looking to hit on the counter. After a long range effort from Tijani Reijnders stung the gloves of Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, Gianluigi Donnarumma was called into action to stop a Sam Beukema header from a Napoli corner.

Any hope of sustained attacking threat from the visitors was quashed when Giovanni Di Lorenzo brought Erling Haaland down with the Norwegian breaking towards the Napoli goal. Originally ruled a fair tackle on the pitch, an intervention by the VAR led to Antonio Conte's captain being given his marching orders. Unfortunately, that brought Kevin De Bruyne's homecoming to a premature end, as the Belgian was sacrificed for Mathias Oliveira in the 25th minute. The City legend was given a hero's send-off by his adoring public at the Etihad. 

Napoli sat further and further back, and the Sky Blues camped in the Italian champions half for the remainder of the first half. Milinkovic-Savic was called into action, making smart stops from a Nico O'Reilly header, a well-struck volley by Rodri and a glancing nod from Josko Gvardiol. City's best chance fell to Tijjani Reijnders, whose shot from the edge of the box was almost turned into his own net by Matteo Politano. His block on the goal-line luckily cannoned into his keeper's grasps. 

Ten minutes into the second half, City found their breakthrough. Foden received the ball on the half turn, flicked a lofted pass into Haaland's path, and the striker nodded home. The 50th Champions League goal of Haaland's career, he is the quickest player to reach that milestone in the history of the competition. The lead was doubled not long after, as Doku brilliantly ghosted past four Napoli defenders before slotting past an onrushing Milinkovic-Savic. 

Both managers rung the changes with 15 minutes left to play, signifying the contest was over. Pep Guardiola will be happy with his team's performance, and thankful for a routine win ahead of their titanic clash with Arsenal at the weekend. 

GOAL rates City's players from the Etihad Stadium…

AFPGoalkeeper & Defence

Gianluigi Donnarumma (6/10):

A quiet evening for the towering Italian. Dealt with Napoli's one shot on target with typical aplomb. 

Abdukodir Khusanov (6/10):

Convincing when called upon in defence, provided an outlet in attack. A solid performance. 

Ruben Dias (6/10):

Had very little defending to do after the red card. Popped up with some enticing crosses from an inside right position. 

Josko Gvardiol (7/10):

Denied a goal when his powerful header was brilliantly saved by Milenkovic-Savic. Remains an attacking threat despite sliding back into the centre of defence. 

Nico O'Reilly (6/10):

Comfortable overlapping or stepping into midfield. Has all the makings of a prototypical Guardiola full-back. 

AdvertisementAFPMidfield

Rodri (6/10):

A rasping volley was again stopped by the resolute Milenkovic-Savic. A solid if unspectacular hour as he gets his sea legs back under him. 

Tijjani Reijnders (7/10):

The red card allowed him the freedom to make darting runs from midfield. Almost forced Politano to turn the ball into his own net. 

Phil Foden (8/10):

A beautiful turn and lofted pass to set up Haaland's goal. Went looking for work throughout. Signs he could be returning to his brilliant best. 

Getty Images SportAttack

Bernardo Silva (6/10):

Some classy touches and clever passes. Could not find that one incisive ball in the first half. Other stars provided the telling contributions. 

Jeremy Doku (8/10):

A frightening proposition to defend one-on-one. Danced past four Napoli defenders to take his goal. 

Erling Haaland (7/10):

Drew the red card challenge as he broke towards Napoli's goal. Nodded the breakthrough goal instinctively. 

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Getty Images SportSubs & Manager

Nico Gonzalez (5/10):

Back in his role as Rodri's understudy. Kept thing ticking over after the hour mark.

Savinho (6/10):

A like-for-like replacement for Doku. Looked threatening in one-on-one situations. 

Nathan Ake (N/A):

Came on with the game already decided. Little to do. 

Rico Lewis (N/A):

Nothing to report.

Oscar Bobb (N/A):

Late second-half substitute. Had little time, or need, to affect the game.

Pep Guardiola (7/10):

The breakthrough came at the perfect time to stave off any nerves. He will be thankful that he had the chance to rest key players in the second half ahead of Sunday's Premier League showdown with Arsenal. 

Kumble feels Rahul should have batted ahead of Axar Patel but Manjrekar wonders if less time is better for him

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Mar-20252:22

Kumble: ‘Rahul showed what he’s capable of with his innings today’

Anil Kumble feels that KL Rahul is always put under unnecessary pressure, but his innings against Australia in the semi-final of the Champions Trophy in Dubai should give him “a lot of confidence”.In a chase of 265, Rahul came out to bat at No. 6, at the fall of Axar Patel’s wicket. Axar and Virat Kohli had added 44 off 52 balls for the fourth wicket but India still needed 87 off 90 balls. Rahul stitched handy partnerships with Kohli and Hardik Pandya and saw India home with an unbeaten 42 off 34 balls.”He [Rahul] should have come ahead of Axar Patel,” Kumble said on ESPNcricinfo Match Day. “I know Axar did a good job of getting that partnership with Virat Kohli but someone like KL Rahul coming in at that stage and this is what he can do – if he gets to 30, he will ensure that you cross the line. He does that and he does that consistently. Yes, he missed out on one opportunity in the last game against New Zealand, but otherwise KL is a class act. This will certainly give him a lot of confidence.Related

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Rahul: I'm quite used to going up and down the order

“There is a lot of pressure on him. If he does well, it’s expected. If he fails even in one innings, suddenly the whole world comes after him. He was under pressure, even with his keeping in the last game, but today he showed what he is capable of.”After the match, Rahul said he was “quite used to” batting in different positions, but Sanjay Manjrekar, Kumble’s co-panellist, had a different take.”Sometimes we wonder if little time is good for KL Rahul, because then he is only thinking of attacking,” Manjrekar said. “Today he wanted to take the onus of attacking. And when he plays attacking shots, then he looks like the player… I have rarely seen KL Rahul play an innings where he is playing steadily, ones and twos, grafting and getting a hundred and winning a game, like Virat Kohli does. So maybe down the order in a way suits him.”I am so happy for him. This is a guy who is so sensitive. You can see that every mistake he makes or every batting failure he has just plays on his mind. I don’t know him well. Anil knows him better obviously. But he seems like a nice guy and India want him to be part of the playing XI. So this kind of an innings… at the end of the game, he was a happy man.”

Manchester United’s defeat against League Two Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night has undoubtedly set a new low for Ruben Amorim during his tenure in charge.

The Red Devils were knocked out in the second round of the competition, losing on penalties after coming from two goals down in the second half.

However, it may prove to be a damning defeat for the 40-year-old, adding more pressure to his shoulders after their dismal start to the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

His side have failed to win any of the first three games, which could force the hierarchy into making a change – especially after backing him with £200m worth of new additions this summer.

The window still has a few days remaining, but it remains to be seen if the former Sporting CP boss will carry on leading the side, with rumours circulating about his future at Old Trafford.

The latest on Amorim’s future at United

Over the last couple of days, it’s been reported by CaughtOffside that the United hierarchy are now considering making a change of manager, after Amorim’s disastrous start to the new season.

The report states that it’s a matter of time before the 40-year-old is handed his marching orders, with concerns around his ability to take the side forward in the future.

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INEOS are said to be willing to make an early decision to sack the boss, in order to avoid a repeat of last season, which saw the side finish in a measly 15th place.

The same article also states that Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is being lined up as a potential replacement, if and when Amorim is dismissed from his position at Old Trafford.

It states that the FA Cup-winning boss would be keen to take the reins, potentially being the next manager in a long list to try and take the Red Devils back to their former glory.

Why United’s Amorim replacement would be Klopp 2.0

Jürgen Klopp is a manager who has caused United no end of problems over the years, often leading rivals Liverpool to countless victories over the Red Devils in the Premier League.

The German only suffered five defeats in his 21 outings against the Red Devils, even claiming a historic 7-0 victory at Anfield back in the 2022/23 campaign.

Whilst he may have managed their bitter rivals, there’s no denying the former Reds boss is a serial winner – something which United have lacked, given their decade-long wait for a top-division title.

He may be out of management after leaving Liverpool in 2024, but there is no chance he would return to management and replace Amorim – especially considering his ties with the Merseyside outfit.

However, INEOS could hire their own answer to Klopp with a move for Glasner, with the Eagles boss previously being compared to the Premier League legend by German expert Constantin Eckner.

When comparing his stats at Selhurst Park to Amorim in England’s top-flight, he’s managed to better him in various key areas – potentially being the perfect replacement should the former Sporting CP boss depart.

Glasner, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by Pep Guardiola, has achieved a better win percentage than Amorim – doing so whilst having a much lower budget during his time in England.

He’s also notched a better point per game record, having the tools to change the Red Devils’ fortunes should he take the reins in the coming months.

Games managed

65

45

Wins

31

17

Draws

19

9

Losses

15

19

Points per game

1.72

1.33

Win percentage

47.6%

37.7%

Goals scored (per 90)

1.69

1.98

Goals against (per 90)

1.17

1.91

Trophies won

2

0

The Austrian’s dominance over the United boss is further reflected in his ability to build a solid defensive unit – achieving a better goal conceded per 90 record.

Amorim’s future in the role could well be coming to an end in the coming weeks, but it’s clear such a decision would be the right one after such an embarrassing showing in the Carabao Cup.

Glasner would be an excellent replacement, already winning two trophies in recent months, having the tools to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford should he make the move.

Bigger blow than Mainoo: £50m Man Utd ace in "very advanced" talks to leave

Manchester United look set to offload another star as Kobbie Mainoo exit rumours pick up pace.

2 ByEthan Lamb Aug 27, 2025

Real Madrid’s humiliating 5-2 defeat to city rivals Atletico Madrid has sent shockwaves through the Spanish capital, forcing key players to own up to their mistakes. Dean Huijsen publicly apologised to fans, Dani Carvajal urged the team to learn from failure, and Jude Bellingham admitted it was a “bad day” while vowing to refocus ahead of the Champions League outing against Kairat Almaty.

Madrid still coping with woeful derby loss

Madrid’s promising start to the season came crashing down with a crushing 5-2 loss to Atletico Madrid in the derby at the Metropolitano. Julian Alvarez tore through Los Blancos’ backline, scoring twice as Atletico dominated from the outset. Real’s defensive fragility and lack of intensity cost them dearly, allowing Barcelona to leapfrog them at the top of La Liga after their 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad.

For a team that prides itself on resilience, this was a humbling setback – one that has forced both senior and younger players to break their silence and face the fans.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportBellingham’s call to reset

Bellingham, who has already become a leader in Madrid’s midfield, addressed the setback in his own way. Sharing a post from Almaty, Kazakhstan, where Madrid are preparing for their Champions League clash against Kairat, the England international admitted it had been a “bad day” but stressed the importance of moving on.

In his Instagram story, the former Borussia Dortmund player wrote, "Bad day at the weekend and still work to do but time to refocus on UCL."

Carvajal and Huijsen address fans after Atletico humbling

Spanish centre-back Huijsen was singled out for criticism after a difficult outing. The critics argued he struggled in his debut Madrid derby, losing most aerial duels and being physically overwhelmed by Atletico’s attackers.

His defensive positioning and decision-making were also questioned as Real’s backline was repeatedly exposed. Despite these difficulties, Huijsen showed maturity by apologising to fans and acknowledging the long season ahead for the team.

“I apologise to the fans for this weekend. We’ll keep going, we have a long way to go,” he wrote on Instagram, showing accountability after the derby collapse.

Veteran Carvajal also took to social media to address the supporters, striking a more reflective tone: “The way forward is to keep working, learn from our mistakes, and rise stronger.”

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Getty Images SportMadrid eyes Champions League redemption

The derby humiliation has left Los Blancos with bruised pride but it has given them a chance to respond quickly. Their Champions League group stage trip to Kazakhstan to face Kairat comes at the perfect time and provides the team with an opportunity to prove the defeat was an aberration rather than a trend.

With players owning up to their mistakes and facing fans head-on, it shows that the team are committed to the season and won't repeat the same mistake in their next fixture on September 30.

Wrexham's record signing Nathan Broadhead has revealed the ambition shown by the club's Hollywood superstar owners was the determining factor behind his mega-money move from Ipswich this summer. Broadhead scored both goals in the 2-0 EFL victory over Reading and then hailed the influence of owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in his decision to join the ambitious Welsh outfit.

Big money. Big pressure

The transfer from Ipswich set a new club record for Wrexham, with an initial fee of £7.5 million ($10.1m) that could potentially rise to £10m ($13.4m) with add-ons. Broadhead's move was influenced by a desire to join his hometown club, where he had been part of the academy as a boy, before joining Everton. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportBroadhead makes a flying start

Broadhead opened his account with two goals against Reading which saw Wrexham progress to the fourth round for the first time in 48 years. He missed the opening weeks of the season due to a calf injury.

Broadhead's Hollywood hopes

Broadhead told BBC Sport: "That's the main reason I came and hopefully we can do that to get this club to the Premier League. That's the aim of the owners. So I see the vision and hopefully we can get there. You see the players coming in. You're bringing in quality players from the Championship and it just shows you where the owners want to be. That's the project, what we're going on."

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Getty Images SportHigh hopes for Championship season

Broadhead added: "I'm just delighted to score and progress to the next round. I just can't wait to get proper match fit and get my sharpness back up and play in the Championship. I'm getting used to playing with new players, different systems. It's given me time to settle down a little bit, moving all my stuff and my family and everything like that. But I'm just happy to be settled now and playing football."