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Bukayo Saka is still being assessed ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Manchester City on Sunday, despite being included in Gareth Southgate’s England squad. The Arsenal winger limped off during Arsenal’s defeat to Lens on Tuesday with a hamstring injury and Gunners boss Mikle Arteta said it was a concern ahead of the clash against the Premier League champions this weekend. Southgate, though, named Saka in his 26-player squad to face Australia and Italy in October’s international and indicated the 22-year-old was in his plans ahead of the first fixture of the double-header next Friday. "He is still being assessed,” Southgate said. “They have got a big game this weekend and then there is another seven days before we play Australia and 10 days before we play Italy. So everyone will monitor everything." Saka was already an injury concern ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Lens after issues against both Tottenham and Bournemouth, but Arteta said he did not regret his decision to start the forward in France. “No,” Arteta said, “it was a knock that he had the other day and he was perfectly fine. It was a back-heel, an action that can produce that kind of injury. “Let’s see what the extent of it is and afterwards it’s too late. The last few were more knocks than anything else. “He hasn’t really missed games. We gave him a break against Brentford (in the Carabao Cup) last week and that was all. “He tried to backheel a ball in the first half and felt something muscular. He felt uncomfortable to carry on so we had to take him off. “We don’t know anything more. It was big enough not to allow him to continue to play the game and that’s a worry for us.” Read More England squad announcement LIVE: Gareth Southgate reveals Bukayo Saka injury decision and Ollie Watkins recall Ollie Watkins and Jarrod Bowen make England return but Raheem Sterling left out

Gareth Southgate has named Bukayo Saka in his England squad, despite the Arsenal winger being an injury doubt ahead of his side’s Premier League clash against Manchester City on Sunday. The England manager has also recalled Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins and West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen ahead of upcoming matches against Australia and Italy during October’s international break. Saka came off in the first half of the Gunners’ 2-1 Champions League defeat at Lens on Tuesday night and manager Mikel Arteta said he had suffered a hamstring injury, admitting it was a concern ahead of the match against Manchester City this weekend. Among the other key calls from this announcement is Southgate’s decision to stick with Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson, while there is no place for Raheem Sterling, James Ward-Prowse or Anthony Gordon. Follow along for all the updates as England’s latest squad is announced: Read More Ollie Watkins and Jarrod Bowen make England return but Raheem Sterling left out

Ollie Watkins and Jarrod Bowen have returned to the England set-up but there is no place for Raheem Sterling once again. The penultimate camp of 2023 kicks off with a Wembley friendly against Australia before hosting Italy under the arch in a European Championship qualifier. Gareth Southgate named a 26-man squad for the October double-header, with uncapped Levi Colwill and Eddie Nketiah again getting the nod as a pair of in-form forwards made their long-awaited returns. Watkins has not been called up since March 2022 and returned days after Southgate watched the striker score a hat-trick in Aston Villa’s 6-1 win against Brighton. Bowen returns to the England squad for the first time since September 2022 having scored five goals in seven league games for West Ham. There was no place for team-mate James Ward-Prowse despite his fine start to life in east London. Sterling was another conspicuous by his absence after Southgate overlooked the 82-cap Chelsea forward for September’s fixtures. Mason Mount is also out despite returning to action with Manchester United. John Stones returned from injury and Bukayo Saka was selected despite fitness concerns, while Ben Chilwell, Eberechi Eze and Callum Wilson were ruled out. Harry Maguire and Kalvin Phillips retained their place despite ongoing questions over their playing time, while Jordan Henderson also remained after moving to Saudi Arabia. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Record goalscorer Alan Shearer led the tributes to Newcastle’s latest European generation after witnessing their Champions League demolition of Paris St Germain. The former Magpies skipper, who scored 206 goals during a glittering 10-year stay with his hometown club, was in the crowd at St James’ Park on Wednesday evening as they took the French champions apart to go top of Group F. Shearer, the last man to score for the Magpies in the competition in 2003 before Miguel Almiron set them on their way against PSG, said on X, formerly known as Twitter: “As days and nights go that’s a f——— Belta. Hangover coming!!! What a performance man.” Former team-mate Rob Lee was slightly more measured, posting “What an atmosphere!! What a result”, while Shay Given, who played alongside Shearer against Barcelona in the final game of Newcastle’s last Champions League campaign in March 2003, added: “Did that really happen?? WOW what a night.” Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton, who spent four years with the Magpies, made an astute half-time prediction on X when he wrote: “PSG are playing uphill 2nd half. (Metaphorically and proverbially). @NUFC downhill to the Gallowgate. The Toon might give these a right pumping here, especially if these front players for PSG don’t track back.” Former England captain and TV pundit Gary Lineker tweeted during the game, “What a performance this is from @NUFC”, while Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards shared in defender Dan Burn’s delight after the final whistle, joining him in a celebratory dance. Carragher wrote: “What a night #NEWPSG. Only way to celebrate is to have a drink or a dance. Big Dan has got the moves.” Burn, who scored the Magpies’ second goal, was singled out for praise by another presenter, Jake Humphrey, who highlighted the defender’s journey in football. He posted on X: “2013: League One with Yeovil 2023: Champions League with Newcastle. What a story. What a night.” Newcastle’s players were also quick to take to social media as they celebrated a famous night for the club. Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes said on Instagram: “One night to remember forever! Very proud of the team! We have the best fans in the world! We keep going. Unbelievable performance for everyone.” Fabian Schar, whose late strike wrapped up the win, said on X, “No words for that night”, while Sean Longstaff, scorer of the third, said: “A night we’ll never forget! Champions League football is back at St. James’ Park.” Kieran Trippier and his defensive colleagues did a sterling job to keep Kylian Mbappe at bay, much to the disappointment of his son Jacob, a huge fan of the France superstar, although his consolation was to receive the frontman’s shirt. Trippier posted a photograph of the youngster wearing the shirt on Instagram accompanied by the caption, “Good morning”. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live James Roby and Sam Tomkins clash for last time ahead of Super League Grand Final Manchester City can put a stamp on the season with Arsenal win – Rico Lewis Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall signs new long-term contract

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have been considering Atletico Madrid's Andrea Berta to be one of their football executives, but both could face competition from Paris Saint-Germain. The Italian has earned a strong reputation in the game for bringing shape to Atletico's previously haphazard recruitment and United have been interested in him before. Different circumstances at a number of clubs may now well bring a move. Spurs have been looking to reshape their football executive team since the resignation of managing director of football Fabio Paratici, with Scott Munn having come in as chief football officer, and Berta brings significant recruitment experience as the club seeks a younger profile of player. Any appointment at United would not affect John Murtough's role as director of football but those with knowledge of the inner workings say there have been considerations at how things are going in the wake of a poor start to the season – and Berta's name has resurfaced. PSG, meanwhile, are undertaking an overhaul of their entire football identity, with the gaps having been revealed in a chastening 4-1 Champions League defeat away to Newcastle. Berta would again offer the type of outlook the French champions are looking for, as they pivot to youth. Berna has been at Atletico Madrid for a decade, serving as technical director for four years through two Champions League finals, before being promoted to sporting director in 2017. Read More Erik ten Hag has endless problems — but Man Utd have a way out of ‘toxic’ mess Fabio Paratici resigns from Tottenham role after losing appeal against ban

The PGMOL has rejected Ben Foster’s claim that Premier League match officials conspired with Sky Sports to cover up the VAR mistake during Liverpool’s defeat at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. The referees’ body has faced severe criticism over the error, in which VAR Darren England misunderstood an on-field decision and allowed a legitimate goal by Liverpool’s Luis Diaz to be chalked off for offside. He failed to alert his colleagues on the pitch, telling his replay operator “there’s nothing I can do” as the match continued. The incident sparked online conspiracy theories around football’s governance plotting against Liverpool. And Foster weighed in when he accused both the PGMOL and its VAR team at Premier League headquarters of putting direct pressure on Sky Sports not to broadcast replays of the incident. Speaking on his YouTube channel Ben Foster - The Cycling GK which has 1.4 million subscribers, the former Premier League goalkeeper said there was only one replay shown of the offside goal in its immediate aftermath, and his suspicions were further raised when the incident was only briefly discussed by Sky Sports’ pundits at half-time. “That tells me Sky are in bed with the people at VAR and [the PGMOL],” he claimed. “Because they must have got straight on the phone and said ‘do not highlight the fact that we’ve cocked up here, do not show it, do not bad-mouth us, do not nothing’. “I guarantee you that’s what’s happened. So that’s why Sky were under direct orders to not say a single word about it.” The Independent understands that the PGMOL feels Foster’s allegations are unfounded and completely untrue. The Premier League’s match centre, rather than the PGMOL, communicates only factual information to broadcasters, and it is understood that the referees’ body has no say or sway in what TV companies show. Indeed Sky Sports would have leapt at the chance to highlight a major VAR mistake, and did so once it had clarification of the error. Sky Sports did not want to comment on Foster’s claims, but sources pointed out that the half-time segment of the programme needed to cover two goals and a red card in an action-packed first half. The broadcaster later read out a PGMOL statement live on air and has since delved into extensive coverage of the incident, unpicking the moment in detail both on its Sky Sports News programmes and during Monday Night Football. Analyst Jamie Carragher criticised the decision by England not to intervene and halt the game once he understood that the wrong decision had been taken. “The bit where I’m really struggling is that they [VAR officials] must know within two seconds because Tottenham have taken a free-kick,” Carragher said. “I’d be screaming at the referee that a mistake has been made but maybe they’re saying they have to wait until the ball goes out of play. They’re saying they stayed with protocol, that they’re not allowed to stop [the match] but I don’t believe that. They panicked, they froze. “I know that’s the rule but that’s a red-tape rule. If they had reversed it, we’d have been praising their leadership. “There’s talk that the officials didn’t know until half-time that a mistake had been made but when that ball goes out of play [after the incident] the look on that referee’s face... it’s a look of something has gone wrong.” The Independent has contacted Foster’s representatives for comment. Read More Man United and Tottenham eye move for Atletico Madrid’s transfer guru Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall signs new long-term contract Manchester City can put a stamp on the season with Arsenal win – Rico Lewis Man United and Tottenham eye move for Atletico Madrid’s transfer guru Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall signs new long-term contract Manchester City can put a stamp on the season with Arsenal win – Rico Lewis

Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall has signed a new “long-term” deal, the Women’s Super League side have announced. The PA news agency understands the Swedish head coach, who was first appointed in June 2021, has agreed to a three-year contract with the Gunners. Last season, the 40-year-old led Arsenal to the Continental Cup trophy and steered his side to the Champions League semi-finals. He said: “I’m full of pride to have signed a new contract with this football club. “I’m aware of the huge privilege and responsibility that comes along with my role at Arsenal. This is a special place with a special group of players and staff and we all believe there is a great future ahead of us here, so I am delighted to have agreed a new deal. “We’ve made great progress on and off the pitch over the last couple of years and we are all working hard to continue that growth every single day. Our ambition is to be competing for the highest honours in women’s football consistently and we all believe we are capable of achieving that. “I’d also like to say a special thank you to our supporters. From the moment I arrived, I’ve felt your warm support and it means the world. Home or away, our supporters never fall short – to represent this club, this community, is an honour. Together, we can achieve so much.” Arsenal, who finished third in the WSL last season, have already been eliminated from the Champions League after suffering a shock defeat to Paris FC in the qualifying stages last month. That result led some to wonder if that result could threaten Eidevall’s future in north London, speculation swiftly silenced by the announcement of his extension. Arsenal sporting director Edu said: “We’re delighted to have agreed a new contract with Jonas. This is an exciting time for our women’s first team as we approach a new season and this announcement is an important sign of our renewed commitment to the journey ahead. As a club, our aim is to be challenging at the top of the game and Jonas will play a key role in us achieving that.” Arsenal head of women’s football Clare Wheatley added: “Jonas is a crucial part of what we are building here at Arsenal and we’re very pleased to say he has signed a new deal with us. He has overseen real progress since joining us in 2021, winning his first silverware and guiding us to the semi-finals of the Champions League last year. “Jonas shares our ambitions for our club and we are looking forward to working towards them together over the coming years.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Rico Lewis believes Manchester City are ready to put a marker down at Arsenal this weekend after getting their campaign back on track in Leipzig. City returned to winning ways after successive defeats with a 3-1 triumph in a hard-fought Champions League encounter at the Red Bull Arena on Wednesday. The treble winners’ focus now shifts to Sunday’s trip to the Emirates Stadium and a clash with their closest challengers in last season’s title race. Lewis, who shone in a central midfield role in the German success, said: “After a couple of poor performances and results we’ve now got the ball rolling again and hopefully we carry on from here. “It (Sunday’s game) is a way we can put a stamp on the season and really make sure the rest of the league knows we’re aiming to do the same as last season. “Obviously we were a bit unlucky with the results and performances so we were a bit down, but it’s never down for too long. There’s always another game and everyone is always up for it.” Lewis, 18, produced one of the best performances of his fledgling career as City continued their winning start to their European title defence. Manager Pep Guardiola later described the youngster as one of the best players he has ever trained. Playing alongside Rodri, Lewis brought tenacity and dynamism as he combined tireless defensive work with driving runs. He created the opening goal for fellow Academy graduate Phil Foden in the 25th minute after playing a one-two with Bernardo Silva. He was a constant handful for RB Leipzig although, after a Lois Openda equaliser, it took late goals from substitutes Julian Alvarez and Jeremy Doku to settle the Group G encounter. “I do my best,” said Lewis, who first broke into the side as a right-back, rather modestly. “I think it’s just all about patience for myself. There are so many world-class players in that dressing room so all I can do is my best and learn. “The opportunities will come and when they do I’ve got to take them. “That’s my favourite position I think, even (more than) coming inside from full-back. I think playing a bit higher up then defending as a two with Rodri is my favourite.” With Rodri completing a three-match domestic ban this weekend, it seems likely Lewis will be given another opportunity on the big stage, although he has not yet been told. He said: “I don’t have any hopes or anything. I do my best and we’ll see what happens on Sunday. It’s all about what the manager chooses and decides is right.” Foden echoed Guardiola’s praise of Lewis when asked for his assessment of his young team-mate. “He’s one of the best young players I’ve seen,” said the England international. “He seems to up our tempo and makes us play a bit quicker. “The performances he’s putting in at such a young age is great to see. He’s only going to get better with this coach, how he improves players. He just has to pay attention and want to get better. “Normally when you’re 18 you’re a bit shy in these big games. He’s the total opposite. He wants the ball, wants to impress. “I like his determination. He’s going to be a quality player, he just needs the game time. “I’m delighted to have another Academy player playing in these big games. It’s a dream come true for me.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall signs new long-term contract Wales World Cup experience surpassing expectations for Nick Tompkins James McClean announces plan to retire from Republic of Ireland duty

Republic of Ireland winger James McClean has announced his “heartbreaking” decision to retire from international football at the end of the year. The 34-year-old has earned 102 caps for his country, reaching his century in a 3-0 Euro 2024 qualifier victory over Gibraltar in June. McClean – currently his country’s joint fifth most-capped player – has scored 11 goals wearing the green jersey and plans to make his final appearance for Stephen Kenny’s side in their November 21 friendly against New Zealand. Explaining his decision on social media, McClean wrote: “On February 20th 2012, I received my first call-up to represent my country. “In all honestly, hand on heart, there are no words that could do justice to that feeling. Since then, 102 caps, 11 goals and two European Championships. “Now, 11 years later, I have come to a point, one that truth be told you never think is going to come but here we are, where I am announcing my retirement from international football at the end of the 2023 season. “The New Zealand match will be the last time that I will celebrate pulling on the green jersey as a player and give me a chance to say goodbye to the best fans in the world. It will be heartbreaking not to be involved beyond this year, but I feel now is the right time to step aside without any regrets James McClean “It has the meant the absolute world and more to be able to pull on the green jersey with honour, step out onto a football pitch – especially at the Aviva Stadium – to represent our great country, standing singing Amhran na bhFiann ready to go out into battle with your fellow countrymen. “Nothing has ever come close. I gave absolutely everything I had of myself to ensure that I did the jersey, the fans and the country proud, and know that I never took it for granted each time. I hope that showed. “It will be heartbreaking not to be involved beyond this year, but I feel now is the right time to step aside without any regrets. “I lived my own and every young Irish footballer’s dream – and represented this country with pride.” McClean also thanked his managers, team-mates and staff, fans and wife Erin before concluding: “Thank you, Ireland – it’s been the biggest privilege and as always, an honour.” Derry-born McClean joined League Two side Wrexham in August from Wigan on a one-season contract with an option for extension. He has been the subject of controversy and abuse, particularly following his decision in 2012 to refuse to wear a poppy as part of Remembrance Day commemorations whilst playing for Sunderland. While he began his international career with Northern Ireland as a junior, McClean ultimately decided to play for the Republic at senior level and made his debut in February 2012, when he came on as a late substitute in a friendly against the Czech Republic. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live MCC punishes members involved in spat with Australia players in Lord’s Long Room Eddie Howe praises Jamaal Lascelles for stepping up as Newcastle stun PSG Rachel Choong hoping badminton initiative helps find ‘next Paralympic stars’

Jamaal Lascelles completed a journey from the brink of Premier League disaster to European football’s top table as he led Newcastle to a stunning Champions League victory over Paris St Germain. The 29-year-old defender was one of three men in the Magpies’ starting line-up for Wednesday night’s remarkable 4-1 Group F victory over the French champions at St James’ Park, who was also in the XI for head coach Eddie Howe’s first game in charge in November 2021, a 3-3 league draw with Brentford. At that point the club, which had just been taken over by Amanda Staveley’s Saudi-backed consortium, sat in 19th place in the table, but has since invested around £370million in new players, a recruitment drive which has seen club captain Lascelles slip down the pecking order until an injury to Sven Botman threw him back into the spotlight. Asked about club captain Lascelles’ performance against PSG, Howe said: “I’m so pleased for Jamaal. I said countless times last year how good his attitude was, how well he trained, how good he’d been for the group. “But ultimately he’s desperate to show how good he is on the pitch. The biggest compliment I can pay him is that he’s stepped in and he’s really stepped up to the challenge and I think he’s performed really, really well in the last group of games that we’ve had. “He had to train so well to continue to develop his game when he wasn’t playing and my inner belief was always that he could improve with the team even though he wasn’t in the starting XI, and his game was in a really good place. “I think he proved that tonight, so we’re delighted for him. It’s a real testament to his attitude and his character.” To score four goals wasn't necessarily something that we expected to do. It's a very special night Eddie Howe Lascelles, who had joined Newcastle in a joint deal with keeper Karl Darlow in August 2014, emerged as a leader from the wreckage of the club’s slip into the Sky Bet Championship in 2016, providing a defiant voice in the dressing room as a 22-year-old to prompt then-manager Rafael Benitez to hand him the armband. He helped Benitez’s side to win promotion at the first attempt, but has found his chances limited since the influx of signings under the new owners, with Kieran Trippier deputising as captain in his absence. However, he was a rock at the heart of a team which dumped treble-winners Manchester City out of the Carabao Cup last Wednesday evening and similarly resolute as Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Goncalo Ramos and Randal Kolo Muani came calling a week later. That provided the foundation upon which a famous victory was built courtesy of goals from Miguel Almiron, Sean Longstaff, Dan Burn and – after Lucas Hernandez had pulled one back – Fabian Schar. Asked if that kind of result had featured even in his wildest dreams, Howe said: “I thought it was an even game. I thought they had some moments where they hurt us, I thought we had some moments where we hurt them. “But to score four goals wasn’t necessarily something that we expected to do, but I’m just delighted that we were able to do that in front of our supporters. It’s a very special night.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Rachel Choong hoping badminton initiative helps find ‘next Paralympic stars’ Josh Warrington vows to halt Leigh Wood’s rise as British pair prepare to fight On this day in 2006: France’s former Man Utd goalkeeper Fabien Barthez retires

As the Manchester United hierarchy reflected on yet another defeat, there was scarcely a thought of blaming Erik ten Hag. That means they certainly won’t be making any “knee-jerk decisions” about his future. United are committed to the Dutch coach. The overriding feeling is that Ten Hag has faced an almost impossible number of injuries, to go with more off-field issues in a short period than almost any manager has ever faced. The latter may not be a complete coincidence in the context of the overall future of the club. There is a sense that a decade of issues from the ownership post-Ferguson have started to finally come together, which has caused everything else to come apart. So much has gone full circle, right down to comparisons now being made between Ten Hag and Louis van Gaal. The Dutch great was one of many who warned them. It's still a hierarchy that knows how to spend the club's money, but doesn't know how to spend with real football insight. Investment has not been made in deeper football intelligence. A crumbling Old Trafford has become a visual metaphor of all that. Now, to round it all off, it is hard not to think the uncertainty over the sale process has started to manifest on the pitch; inhibiting decisions; preventing true clarity. Some within the club would even argue that the heavily criticised management of cases like Mason Greenwood comes down to how financial considerations are the main factor conditioning all decisions. So much has been seen in terms of financial assets with value. It is known that the case affected Ten Hag’s planning. There have since been further disruptions. One £80m-plus forward in Antony was temporarily unavailable for selection due to accusations of domestic abuse, which he denies. Another £80m-plus forward in Jadon Sancho is not being used over a personality clash with the manager. That latter situation leads into one of the most relevant questions, at least as regards whether the club can navigate their way out of yet another classic United crisis. That is if Ten Hag’s management is making the current situation worse. The Independent has been told that the atmosphere inside the dressing room and among general staff is now “toxic”. Many previous employees speak in David Beckham’s new documentary, the premiere of which took place on the same night as that Champions League group match at home to Galatasaray. It was that exact fixture that saw Beckham score his first-ever goal for the club back in 1994, which was featured on the documentary to symbolise a player and a team on the up. It only sharpened the contrast to now. United figures will no doubt watch it forlornly, as they are reminded how that ferocious assurance has evaporated. They are back in the pre-Ferguson days, but almost worse. Comparisons have similarly been made between Ten Hag’s start to the season and that which got Ron Atkinson sacked in 1986. While it is wrong to say the Dutch coach has “lost the dressing room”, he is at a fraught point where any connection with the current team is in danger of being broken. This is where some players privately complain about how Ten Hag “isn’t exactly warm”. His response to setbacks is to get even more disciplinarian. There isn’t that nuance to the approach. Plenty at United would say that is exactly what is required, and itself needs patience, since this is a dressing room that has seen off a series of managers. Accounts of “toxic” atmospheres long preceded Ten Hag. It doesn’t help the Dutch coach that so many remnants of four previous managerial regimes remain. There is a fair argument that is a significant factor that has almost been understated in all of the discussion around United. Ten Hag could fairly compare it to Mikel Arteta’s circumstances. For all that Arsenal have spent, a proud argument made within the London club is that their greatest investment wasn’t any player purchase but in paying off the contracts of Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Decisions like that have ensured everyone in the squad fully buys into what the manager wants. That is hugely important from a psychological perspective, as well as in fostering the kind of furnace-heat assurance Ferguson made such a force. Ten Hag doesn’t have anything close to that. He instead has players hanging around who he doesn’t want and who themselves know that. That saps the focus. Even the Sancho decision has played into this. While some players consider Ten Hag’s stance completely fair, the winger still has friends in the squad. They feel he has been treated too harshly, further eroding that focus. The injuries have made all that worse. Those absences have been particularly ruinous at the back, which has made Andre Onana’s integration even more difficult. The new goalkeeper has played behind seven different starting backlines in 10 games, and the current one is probably the fourth choice. The benefits of Onana’s good footwork have barely been felt because the make-up of the team means he often has to go long. There's no one to collect. It hasn’t helped that the Cameroonian arrived relatively late after a protracted negotiation with Internazionale, when modern goalkeeping coaches would insist they are signings that need to be made from 1 June because of the deeper chemistry that is required. Onana's confidence has clearly been affected. This is where there should be scrutiny beyond Ten Hag. United’s approach to transfers has long come under criticism. The squad has so many remnants of previous regimes hanging around because they have struggled to offload players for years. Officials at other clubs have been privately dismissive of director of football John Murtough. Some have even questioned whether he would get such a lofty role elsewhere, and if the job is “too big for him”. It is felt he doesn’t have the contact base of some of his equivalents, not least people like Txiki Begiristain at Manchester City. As an example, Raphael Varane and Casemiro were big “obvious” signings. It should be acknowledged both looked transformative last season but - in the words of one Bernabeu contact - “there’s a reason Real Madrid got rid of them”. United have arguably seen the other side of their advanced careers this season. That actually makes it all the more striking that they didn’t even try for Harry Kane in the summer, one senior player whose situation was very different. He outgrew his club. It was the sort of deal United would have just made happen in the past, perhaps with Declan Rice. Club employees would defend Murtough, and insist he has improved how the role works. Rasmus Hojlund already looks an excellent signing, and of the forward-thinking type the club should be making. It is similarly possible that some of the questions elsewhere come from different interpretations of the job, albeit interpretations that influence how smoothly United work. The position should really involve setting the entire football philosophy of the club. United’s interpretation has instead led to another manager-led approach, which has been especially visible in the transfer market. While Pep Guardiola will give City’s recruitment team a profile of players he wants, which has meant some low-profile or relatively unrecognised purchases, Ten Hag has often insisted on specific names. It’s already been commented upon how so many of United’s signings are players the Dutch coach has previously worked with. This is why so much again rests on whether Ten Hag now has what it takes, and why the club’s bigger managerial decisions are so crucial, arguably more than any other club. It’s also where the comparisons with Van Gaal come in. A comment regularly made is that, like his predecessor, Ten Hag is doggedly insistent on players who understand his system over quality. That is theoretically a positive but the reality is often that it brings other gaps in how the team plays. Mason Mount was clearly a signing made for his tactical understanding. His range of positions offers a real variety. There’s even a commercial benefit, given his value as a high-profile England international. It’s still the case, however, that players who like Mount don’t seem to have an obvious role in the team. One question that’s been repeated is why exactly United bought him. There are then the disciplinary echoes of Van Gaal. Where the carrot might be needed, such as in circumstances as testing as this, Ten Hag just keeps going for the stick. Some sources have been amusingly acerbic about. “He’s just Dutch.” That has nevertheless led another argument, that has lingered from Ten Hag’s initial appointment. Dutch coaches generally haven’t excelled in the Premier League. An argument has been that they are used to specific club structures, and are too dogmatic. All of that does come amid a wider discussion whether the game is starting to really move into a tactical era beyond the Dutch-Spanish pressing-possession paradigm. Where there was once a sense that approach represented an “end of history” in terms of tactics, we are now into a future of baiting the press and similar innovations. Even Guardiola has adapted. For Ten Hag's part, he has argued his ideal is an approach executed at such an intense pace it makes his sides unplayable. Visions of that have been seen at United, especially in the build-up to the League Cup victory, and that thrilling win over Barcelona. It has just barely been seen since, without a convincing display in recent memory. That is almost what is most alarming of all. The League Cup was supposed to be the launch of a new era, but currently just looks like a club that thought it had arrived again, only to be left there. United didn’t build on it. So much has corroded since. It is why Ten Hag needs his foundation rebuilt. He needs to get through these injuries, so he is only playing teams he wants. On the other side of that, he has now made a point of bringing through the younger players such as Hannibal Mejbri and Kobbie Mainoo. That will bring more buy-in. That may bring a better longer-term outlook. Some figures around the club would again point to Arteta here, arguing that his Arsenal were mid-table for two years. The process wasn’t close to complete. His squad still didn’t get it. They get it now. Ten Hag will eventually get some reprieve. Some of the off-field issues will calm. It similarly looks likely the ownership situation will settle, even if it is not as many fans want. Joel and Avram Glazer still aren’t ready to sell, which will prevent the unanimity required from the siblings unless a mega offer is made. It is why Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s potential minority offer may be a strategically clever compromise. It gives the Glazers necessary investment and gives the INEOS boss a way in. It seems quite neat but won’t necessarily go like that. Sources close to the process say any minority buyer would want “a path to a majority”. Avram and Joel may not be ready to give up that. It means, for now, uncertainty reigns - not least over results. Read More ‘No excuses’: Ten Hag vows Man United will fight on ‘together’ after Champions League defeat Gary Neville responds after Jurgen Klopp calls for Liverpool replay: ‘That’s madness’ Manchester United are in crisis and Erik ten Hag is right about only one thing Gareth Southgate waits on Bukayo Saka news ahead of England double-header Rasmus Hojlund says Manchester United must ‘stick together’ in ‘tough period’ ‘No excuses’: Ten Hag vows Man United will fight on after Champions League defeat

What the papers say Kaoru Mitoma is reportedly set to rebuff massive interest to remain at Brighton. According to London World, the 26-year-old winger is eager to sign a new long-term contract with the Seagulls. This comes despite Mitoma believed to be high on the wishlist for both Manchester United and Manchester City. The Daily Express says Chelsea are growing increasingly unhappy with Nottingham Forest loanee Andrey Santos. Citing The Athletic, the Express reports Chelsea could recall the 19-year-old midfielder from his loan spell if he does not start getting substantial first-team football. The Evening Standard reports a host of European clubs are tracking New York Red Bulls’ 15-year-old American winger Julian Hall, with Manchester United, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich all believed to be keen on the highly rated prospect. Social media round-up Players to watch Michael Kayode: Fiorentina are set to offer a new contract to the 19-year-old defender, according to Calcio Mercato. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg: Gazzetta reports the Denmark midfielder wants to leave Tottenham if he cannot be guaranteed first-team football. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live