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Why Mateo Retegui could be the striker solution Man United desperately needs

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Manchester United are ready to break the bank with a bold January transfer move, targeting Atalanta’s former star Mateo Retegui from Saudi Arabian side Al-Qadsiah. According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Red Devils are prepared to splash out an impressive £52 million to bring the 26-year-old Italian international to Old Trafford—a significant statement of intent in the winter transfer window.

The Case for Retegui: A Striker in His Prime

Retegui’s credentials speak for themselves. After an electrifying debut season at Atalanta, where he netted an impressive 28 goals across 49 appearances, the prolific forward has continued his scoring spree in the Middle East. With five goals and four assists in his last four Italy appearances, Retegui is undoubtedly operating at the peak of his powers.

This isn’t just another speculative transfer rumour. The Italian marksman represents everything United need right now—clinical finishing, international pedigree, and the kind of ruthless efficiency that has eluded them this season. His recent form suggests he’s far from a fading prospect taking an easy payday in Saudi Arabia.

The Striker Problem at Old Trafford

Here’s where things get interesting for United fans. While the club invested heavily in Benjamin Sesko over summer, Joshua Zirkzee has disappointed significantly, struggling to command regular playing time and consistency. A genuine, world-class number nine could transform United’s fortunes, and Retegui fits the profile perfectly.

The Risk Factor: Breaking Transfer Protocol

What makes this potential deal genuinely fascinating is that European heavyweight clubs rarely venture into the Saudi Pro League to reclaim players. It’s uncharted territory for the Old Trafford hierarchy, and whether United actually pull the trigger remains uncertain.

However, if they do secure Retegui’s signature, they’d be acquiring a proven goalscorer during his absolute peak. For those of us who spend hours analysing Premier League football, this could be precisely the strategic masterstroke United need. The question isn’t whether Retegui can deliver—it’s whether United have the ambition to make it happen.

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17/10/2025
Why key Alexander Isak stat is symptomatic of Liverpool’s attacking problems – Liverpool FC

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Alexander Isak‘s ineffectiveness off the bench against Galatasaray wasn’t a reflection of a striker lacking form, but more a symptom of Liverpool’s poor performance as a whole.

This was just the second time Liverpool have lost consecutive games under Arne Slot – the other occasion coming in March against Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle.

This was Galatasaray’s first clean sheet in 24 Champions League matches. This was only the fifth occasion Liverpool have failed to score since Slot took over.

None of the statistics make for good reading, but perhaps the most indicative of the team’s lack of cohesion was the fact Alexander Isak had just four touches during his 36 minutes on the pitch, according to FotMob.

That equates to just one touch every nine minutes. By comparison, Liverpool’s striker away at PSG last season, Diogo Jota, averaged a touch every two minutes and 14 seconds in a game that saw the Reds have just 30 percent possession.

Clearly, then, something is wrong if Liverpool can’t get their £125 million striker in the game, even if he is still getting up to full speed.

Liverpool aren’t creating chances like they used to

Often when a striker is not involved in the game, it is symptomatic of a team failing to gain any sort of attacking fluidity.

Creating chances was never a problem last season. Even if the striker wasn’t converting, you could be sure he would be a presence in the game.

This year, however, despite fielding more attackers and bringing in Florian Wirtz, Liverpool’s chance creation is down.

Last season, FotMob tells us Liverpool created 150 big chances in the Premier League – that works out as 3.9 per game.

In contrast, since the start of this season the Reds have created just 2.5 big chances per game in the league.

We can also see this drop-off on an individual level, with Mo Salah creating an average of 1.1 fewer chances per 90 minutes than his 2.4 last season.

Why are Liverpool creating fewer chances?

When Slot arrived at Liverpool, he wanted to instil a style of play that asserted more control over the opposition than Jurgen Klopp‘s team may have done.

The mantra of “kill them with passes” we heard Slot shout at his players last summer seems to have been forgotten.

The first half against Galatasaray was a basketball-like affair, as both teams failed to nail down possession, not for the first time in a Liverpool match this season.

The lack of control Liverpool are possessing in some games this season is in part down to a change in formation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWJZKQs4v5Q

This season, due to the introduction of Wirtz, Liverpool are exhibiting a lineup closer to 4-2-3-1 than the 4-3-3 that proved so successful last season.

Fewer bodies in midfield and Ryan Gravenberch‘s frequent attacking runs off the ball have left the Reds’ defence exposed.

It has meant opposition teams are able to break more often, making the ball stick with their forwards and halting Liverpool’s control.

Slot’s side are no longer putting teams to the sword with death by passes, but are instead failing to sustain intense periods around the opposition’s box.

Getting the best out of Mo Salah

As well as being the Premier League‘s top scorer last season with 29 goals, Salah also finished top of the assists standings by some distance, managing 18, six more than second-place Jacob Murphy.

His inarguable dip in form has contributed to Liverpool’s sub-par performances in the last two matches, but his level has been lower for longer than just the last week.

With just one non-penalty goal in his first six league starts, the Egyptian has suffered from playing in a wider position than last year.

This has been compounded by the exit of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who built an excellent understanding with Salah over nearly eight years playing together.

Returning to a system closer to the one we saw last season could help him return to form and receive the ball in more dangerous positions.

It would seem strange to continue inhibiting a man who managed more combined goals and assists last season than anyone else in Europe’s top five leagues.

Having your top creator and most highly-paid player back at the races should be the first objective for Slot when working out how to fix some of the campaign’s early issues.

With a firing Salah, Isak certainly wouldn’t be touching the ball just once every nine minutes, that is for certain.

FotMob is an essential app for every fan to keep up to date with their team or follow football worldwide, their incredible new features provide all you could ever want and information you never knew you needed! You can download the FotMob App here.

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02/10/2025
Why the New Champions League Format Actually Works Better Than We Thought

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When UEFA announced the new 36-team, single-league format, a lot of people were angry. They said it was a cash grab. They warned of more games and more fatigue. They feared the old magic would die. Those critics were loud. Some players were worried, too. Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson said players were not asked and voiced concern about extra matches.

I get the worry. Change often looks greedy at first. And yes, UEFA will make more money. But watching the competition unfold shows another side. The new format gives us better nights earlier. It turns group days into real events. It forces big teams to meet sooner. And that makes the tournament more exciting.

The old system was simple. Three opponents. Six games. Too often, the big matches came too late. Fans waited for the knockouts to build drama. The new model has each club play eight opponents. No repeats. That means variety. It means real tests from the start. UEFA and many outlets argued this would lift the spectacle. The Week explained how the so-called “Swiss model” aims to make every match count.

Look at the evidence on the pitch. Last season, we did not have to wait until the last eight to get heavyweight clashes. Huge games arrived in the league phase. Paris Saint-Germain’s 4-2 victory over Manchester City is one example of the kind of high-stakes match we now see more frequently. That result mattered to the table and to fans. It would not have been part of a standard small group format in the same way.

Classic drama is still there. Great matches still happen. Inter’s extra-time win over Barcelona in 2024-25 is a reminder that the format keeps the cup feel alive. Those nights still give the tournament its lore. But the difference now is timing. We get more of those nights. We get them spread out. FourFourTwo’s recent ranking of great UCL games even notes some of these fresh classics.

Critics said this would be worse for the players. They said more games mean more fatigue. That is a fair point. Players do not want endless travel and fixtures. Alisson’s comments underline that concern. He told reporters that players often felt left out of the planning and were tired. That is a voice UEFA should not ignore.

But the call for caution is not the same as a call to cancel the format. The format was adjusted to avoid the worst outcomes. For example, the league phase has eight matches, not ten. That reduces the load from some early proposals. Analysts at ESPN laid out the early results and asked if the criticism was fair. For many fans, the answer is starting to look like “no.” The competition can be intense without being ruinous.

Another common charge was that UEFA only wanted more money. SI ran pieces arguing that the change was for profit first. That is partly true. Big tournaments are businesses. But business motives and better football are not mutually exclusive. If a format change creates more meaningful games, more big nights and more interest from casual fans, then it serves both the sport and the sport’s finances. That does not make it cynical by default.

What matters now is what the format gives fans. The group phase feels alive. There are fewer dead games. Smaller clubs get to play the big clubs more often. That is good for supporters and for the sport’s health. OneFootball’s guide explained the mechanics and why the change spreads the top fixtures across the season. That matters to broadcasters. It also matters to fans who want to see teams they care about playing the best sides more often.

We also need to judge outcomes, not just intentions. After a few matchdays, pundits who disliked the idea have softened. Some defenders of the change say the drama is back and the unpredictability is a net win. The Spectator noted how the new format can shake up old certainties. The evidence in the field supports that.

That said, this is not a final verdict. The calendar is tight. Player welfare must remain central. UEFA should keep talking to players and managers. If fatigue rises, tweaks are needed. But so far, the format has delivered the one thing fans asked for more of: big matches that matter, early and often.

In short, the new Champions League format was not perfect on day one. The debate was necessary. But the early results are persuasive. The competition feels fresher. The group phase no longer hides from big clashes. Fans see more top games without waiting for the knockout rounds. The change was risky. It was worth the risk.

If you still dislike it, ask yourself this: would you rather wait months for a single blockbuster, or watch several across the season? My bet is on the latter. Football is about nights that burn in the memory. The new format gives us more of those nights. And for now, that makes it work better than many of us first thought.

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17/09/2025
Why Viktor Gyokeres could miss key Arsenal matches

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Arsenal’s marquee summer signing, Viktor Gyokeres, has hit the ground running since his high-profile move from Sporting CP.

With two goals in his first three Premier League appearances, the Swedish striker has quickly become a central figure in Mikel Arteta’s attacking setup. ..Continue Reading

However, just as fans were beginning to celebrate his impact, unexpected news has surfaced that could see Gyokeres miss crucial fixtures in 2026—not due to injury or suspension, but because of a legal obligation in his home country.

Gyokeres has been called to testify as a witness in a defamation case in Sweden involving his agent, Hasan Cetinkaya.

The lawsuit, filed against two Swedish media outlets—Fotboll Sthlm and Expressen—centers on allegations that Cetinkaya and his agency, HCM Sports Management, have ties to criminal organizations. Cetinkaya has strongly denied the claims and is pursuing legal action to clear his name.

While Gyokeres himself is not accused of any wrongdoing, court documents confirm that he has agreed to appear in court if required.

This development could potentially interfere with his availability for Arsenal, depending on the timing and duration of the proceedings.

The case has already drawn attention due to its connection to a shooting incident in Stockholm’s Huddinge suburb, where gunfire was directed at a residence linked to one of Cetinkaya’s relatives.

For Arsenal, the timing couldn’t be worse. With ambitions to challenge for major trophies and a packed fixture list ahead, losing their lead striker even temporarily, could disrupt momentum.

Gyokeres was brought in to fill a void left by injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz last season, and his absence would force Arteta to reshuffle his frontline once again.

While it remains unclear how long Gyokeres might be away, Arsenal fans will be hoping the legal process is swift and that their new star can return to the pitch without delay. In the meantime, the club may need to prepare contingency plans to ensure their title push doesn’t lose steam.

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09/09/2025
Why deploying Lisandro Martinez in Ruben Amorim’s shaky Man United midfield is a bad idea – Man United News And Transfer News

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5

If there is one position causing concern among Manchester United fans, it is the midfield, and it is no surprise that they are floating some intriguing ideas to address it.

United enjoyed a decent summer transfer window, no doubt. But it could have been a 10/10 window had INEOS delivered Ruben Amorim the “mobile midfielder” his system craves.

With Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo, Amorim has decent options, but the midfield still lacks balance.

United’s midfield pivot

Fernandes is a guaranteed starter; you want your best player on the pitch. However, finding the ideal partner for the Portuguese Magnifico has proven to be tricky.

Mainoo is viewed as Fernandes’ understudy, while Ugarte is yet to adapt to the Premier League’s intensity. Casemiro, currently the preferred option, no longer possesses the athleticism he once did.

United’s midfield is crying out for a “mobile midfielder” who INEOS failed to deliver, despite a bold pursuit of Carlos Baleba. While this transfer need may be revisited next year, for now, Amorim must look within for solutions.

Martinez in midfield

Interestingly, as suggestions on how Amorim might restore balance to his midfield have begun to surface, the idea of trialling Lisandro Martinez in midfield is gathering momentum.

Martinez is among United’s most technically gifted players, thanks to his ability with the ball at his feet, his intelligence, and his passing range.

The argument is that if deployed in midfield, the South American has the vision to dictate play, is press-resistant, and can shield the defence with his great defensive attributes, all qualities that should help him thrive in the role.

However, as gifted as he is, it has already been made clear why Martinez cannot be the solution for United’s midfield, especially under Amorim.

Martinez lacks a key ingredient for Amorim’s midfield

Obviously, alongside Fernandes, Amorim wants an athletic midfielder, someone with the legs to “cover huge ground” and fill the space left when the Portuguese Magnifico pushes forward.

Martinez, for all his technical brilliance, lacks that athletic edge which Erik ten Hag flagged long ago.

Speaking to ESPN in 2021, as relayed by Manchester Evening News, Ten Hag said, “Daley Blind does not have the running capacity to play in midfield. And neither does Martinez.”

So, as brilliant as Martinez might be, pairing him with Fernandes would not work; it is a bad idea. The same gaps seen when Casemiro partners with Fernandes would likely reappear, so Martinez would not solve the problem.

It is also worth noting that playing in midfield would require more ground to be covered, more tackles to be made, and more contact to be absorbed than the United number six faces as a left-sided centre-back, thereby raising the risk of recurring injuries.

Martinez’s resurgence

Expected to return from injury soon after a steady recovery, United fans will hope Martinez picks up from where he left off.

That ACL injury in February came at the worst possible time, just as he was starting to dictate play from United’s LCB, proving his class.

Hopefully, that is where he picks up from. However, realistically, given the severity of his injury, it may take time before he finds his rhythm again.

Amorim’s midfield dilemma

As for United’s midfield, Amorim must find a way to get the best from what he has because, frankly, he has no other choice at least until the transfer window reopens.

Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images

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06/09/2025
Why Arsenal winner vs Man Utd ‘should not have stood’ as PGMOL ‘failed’

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Manchester United kicked off their campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford, where Riccardo Calafiori netted the decisive goal. ..Continue Reading

Despite the result, United showed promising signs, creating multiple chances and energizing the home crowd.

However, Clattenburg insists the outcome might have been different, pointing to a key moment in the build-up to the goal.

He claims William Saliba appeared to grapple with Mason Mount, obstructing goalkeeper Altay Bayindir’s ability to clear the ball effectively, which ultimately led to Calafiori’s close-range finish.

“In real time, I did not see any problem with Arsenal’s goal, but when you watch it in slow motion you can see Mason Mount was having his shirt pulled and Bayindir was being impeded while challenging for the ball,” the former referee said.

“PGMOL said they would punish more this type of challenge, but again they failed.”

The Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL) oversees refereeing across English professional football and utilizes the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system to support on-field officials in making crucial decisions—such as those involving goals, penalty calls, straight red cards, and cases of mistaken identity.

In a recent update, PGMOL head Howard Webb announced that referees will be more vigilant this season when it comes to penalizing holding offenses, leading to an expected increase in penalty awards.

“We have to identify those situations that do fall in line with the feedback that we had, that there are just a few too many examples of players clearly pulling people back, impacting their ability to move to the ball or some clear extreme actions are not being penalised,” said Webb.

“They’re the ones I expect us to catch. Therefore, I would expect this time next year to have been a few more penalties given for holding offences than what we’ve seen this year.

“But not a huge swing of the pendulum because that’s really difficult to sustain over a period of time.”

United found positives to take from their season opener, with standout performances from Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.

The duo were instrumental in generating more attacking opportunities in a single match against Arsenal than they had across several weeks last season.

With momentum building, Ruben Amorim’s squad will look to capitalize on those chances when they face Fulham at Craven Cottage this Sunday.

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19/08/2025
Why Andre Onana misses out vs Arsenal now revealed – Man United News And Transfer News

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2

Ruben Amorim has been forced into another alteration ahead of Manchester United’s opening Premier League clash against Arsenal.

It was relayed by The Peoples Person that Rasmus Hojlund had been dropped from the matchday squad, indicating a likely exit with AC Milan in pole position.

Now, as revealed by The Athletic, Andre Onana will also not be a part of the match on Sunday, with Altay Bayindir set to start in goal.

The Cameroonian had suffered a hamstring injury, and had missed the club’s entire pre-season. But he had returned to team training and had expressed hope that he would be fit in time for the match against the Gunners.

Andre Onana misses out

“Andre Onana is not part of Manchester United’s matchday squad for today’s visit of Arsenal. Altay Bayindir will start in goal.

“Onana suffered a hamstring injury in early July and missed United’s pre-season fixtures, but had been aiming to return for fitness for their first competitive match of the season.

“Since returning from that lay-off, the 29-year-old has only trained three times and is working alone at the club’s Carrington training ground today.”

The Portuguese tactician will be hoping his No.1 can regain fitness ahead of United’s next league game against Fulham next Sunday.

Bayindir selected

As for Bayindir, he has looked far from comfortable when thrust into action, and it will be interesting to see how he performs.

Apart from his FA Cup heroics, he has looked shaky with the ball at his feet, and has committed several errors.

It is clear to see from both options at the head coach’s disposal, that the Red Devils could do with strengthening in goal.

There were links with Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa, Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma as well as Senne Lammens of Royal Antwerp.

Whether a goalie is bought before the transfer window slams shut will be interesting to see. Tom Heaton is on the bench for the game at Old Trafford.

Feature image Richard Pelham via Getty Images

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17/08/2025
Kiernan Drewsbury-Hall on why he joined Everton from Chelsea

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Kiernan Drewsbury-Hall has opened up and revealed that David Moyes was one of the main reasons why he made the move to Everton this summer window, after deciding to leave CHELSEA.

The 26-year-old followed Enzo Maresca from Leicester to Chelsea last summer but was almost immediately linked with a transfer after struggling for game time at the Bridge, and now his move away from Chelsea have been confirmed by the Blues.

“For me to leave my old club, it would have had to have been for something special, a project that I really believed in. After speaking to the manager and seeing the ambitions with the new stadium and everything, it felt like the right club, it felt like the right fit for me for the next step.

“[Moyes] said he’s been admiring me for a while; he loves the way I play and just explained to me what he sees me doing in my role in this team. That’s what you want to hear as a player.

“I have enormous respect for him, he’s a legend of the game, so it’ll be a pleasure to work under him.”

On his latest signing, Moyes said: “We are pleased that Kiernan has chosen to join Everton. He had other clubs interested in signing him but he was excited by the opportunity and the challenge at Everton.

“Kiernan’s quality and experience of the Premier League gives us the hope that he can adapt quickly.

“We look forward to working with him and I’m sure all Evertonians will give him the support he needs.”

Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman said: “In a loan acquisition, we not only have to convince the player but also the parent Club, and we thank Chelsea for placing their trust in us. Most importantly, Marc wanted to come to Sunderland and be a part of our Club.

‘The competition for his signature was significant, and he had many high-quality options this summer, so we are delighted he’s joined Sunderland. Marc’s a progressive striker who has key attributes that align with the role in our team. In addition to providing a threat in the final third, we believe there are many other ways he can impact games, and we look forward to helping him do that throughout the 2025-26 season.”

MORE BIG CHELSEA NEWS AND GOSSIP

Top Read: Chelsea news: Big £115M star opens up and confirms his dream move!

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11/08/2025
Why Chelsea lifted fake Club World Cup trophy & Donald Trump is to blame

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Enzo Maresca guided his side to a convincing 3–0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the championship match of the newly reformatted tournament at MetLife Stadium. ..Continue Reading

Cole Palmer scored twice, and new signing Joao Pedro added another to seal a commanding victory over the reigning Champions League winners.

FIFA has confirmed Chelsea’s status as world champions for the next four years, granting them the right to wear an exclusive badge on their shirts.

The Blues also pocketed more than £80 million in prize money for their success.

Still, the actual trophy — a gold sculpture known for its rotating design triggered by a key mechanism at its back — may remain in the U.S., according to Trump, who was in attendance for the final.

While chatting with DAZN, the U.S. President jokingly proposed issuing an executive order to rename the sport from “soccer” to “football” across America.

He also revealed that he’s currently holding onto the actual Club World Cup trophy, following guidance given by FIFA chief Gianni Infantino.

“[Fifa] is doing fantastically well for [football in America], it’s a growing sport, it is a great sport,” President Trump told Dazn.

“They said: ‘Could you hold this trophy for a little while?’.

“We put it in the Oval Office and then I asked: ‘When are you going to pick up the trophy’, and [Infantino] replied: ‘We’re never going to pick it up, you can have it forever in the Oval Office’.

“And they actually made a new one [for Chelsea] but right now [the original] is in the Oval.”

FIFA’s relationship with Donald Trump appears to be strengthening, highlighted by their decision to establish a base at Trump Tower in New York last week—a strategic move as preparations ramp up for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

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16/07/2025
Why Cristiano Ronaldo paints his toenails black is genius as social media post goes viral

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Cristiano Ronaldo recently caught fans off guard when they noticed his toenails were painted black—but there’s a practical reason behind the look.

Fresh off helping Portugal win the Nations League again, Ronaldo shared a gym photo with his son Cristiano Jr., showing off their physiques after a workout. ..Continue Reading

While many admired the father-son moment, others were quick to spot the black polish on Ronaldo’s toes.

Though some speculated it was a fashion choice, it turns out the polish serves a protective purpose.

According to reports, Ronaldo uses it to guard against fungal infections and bacteria—common risks for athletes who spend hours in tight, sweaty footwear.

The polish forms a hardened layer that helps prevent cracking and damage.

This method isn’t unique to Ronaldo; it’s also used by athletes in combat sports like boxing and MMA. Legends like Mike Tyson and Israel Adesanya have reportedly done the same.

At 40, Ronaldo continues to perform at the highest level, thanks in part to his famously disciplined lifestyle.

He follows a strict high-protein, low-sugar diet—his favorite meal being Bacalhau à Brás, a traditional Portuguese dish.

He also relies on cryotherapy for recovery and follows a unique sleep routine, taking several short naps throughout the day.

This approach, developed with sleep coach Nick Littlehales during his Real Madrid days, is said to be more effective than a single long night’s sleep.

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17/06/2025