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Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal has condemned La Liga’s plan to stage a league match in Miami, calling it “a clear distortion of the competition.” The controversial Villarreal vs Barcelona fixture, initially set for December 20 in the United States, was scrapped amid widespread backlash from players, fans, and clubs across Spain.

• Carvajal slams Miami match plan

  Madrid captain Carvajal has strongly criticised La Liga’s now-cancelled plan to hold the Villarreal vs Barcelona match in Miami, branding the idea as “a clear adulteration of the competition.” Speaking to , the veteran defender argued that moving official league games abroad undermines the principles of fairness and equal competition.

  “I think it’s a clear adulteration of the competition, which doesn’t allow all La Liga teams to compete on the same footing,” Carvajal said. “It’s essential that we, the players, clubs, and the League itself, be fair. We’ll have to advocate for fairness, and I don’t think this does it.”

  The match, which was scheduled for December 20 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, would have been the first official La Liga game played outside Spain. However, growing resistance from players, coaches, and fans led to the cancellation earlier this week.

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  Protests from players and union pressure

  The Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) spearheaded protests against La Liga’s plans, calling for “transparency, dialogue, and coherence” from the governing body. Players across all 20 top-flight clubs symbolically paused for the first 15 seconds of their matches over the weekend to express their disapproval.

  In an official statement, AFE emphasised that footballers’ working conditions must remain consistent and fair across all matches, warning that overseas fixtures could disadvantage teams due to travel, climate, and scheduling disruptions. “Footballers’ conditions must be the same in all matches,” the statement read, underlining the players’ concerns about competitive imbalance.

  Real Madrid’s dressing room has been one of the most vocal in opposing the move. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois joined Carvajal in condemning the plan, stating at a press conference: “It adulterates the competition, totally. They put it in because it’s in their interest to do that, but it doesn’t comply with the players’ agreement. Everyone has to play at home and away, apart from force majeure.”

  The pushback extended beyond just Real Madrid as players, clubs, and fans across Spain united in their opposition to what many viewed as a commercial decision that ignored sporting integrity. Several team captains publicly criticised La Liga for prioritising financial gains over fairness, with Espanyol captain Leandro Cabrera telling : “All we ask for is transparency, respect, and coherence. If everything is honest, why not sit down and talk before selling tickets?”

  Even Barcelona coach Hansi Flick and his players were reluctant about the prospect of long-distance travel in the middle of a congested calendar. “My players are not happy, I am not happy, but La Liga decided that we will play this game,” Flick said in his pre-match press conference. Frenkie de Jong also voiced concern over the excessive travel demands, stating that players are already overloaded with games and commitments.

  The growing dissatisfaction, coupled with public protests, created mounting pressure on La Liga president Javier Tebas, who has defended the plan as a necessary step to increase the league’s global reach.

• UEFA’s reluctant approval and eventual cancellation

  Despite UEFA’s initial “exceptional” approval for the match, the controversy proved too divisive. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin made it clear that the decision did not set a precedent, even as La Liga sought to follow Serie A’s lead in taking games abroad.

  Eventually, La Liga announced the cancellation of the Miami fixture, citing “the uncertainty that has arisen in Spain over the past few weeks.” In a statement, the league expressed “deep regret” over the decision, calling it “a missed opportunity for international expansion.” The league argued that the move complied with all regulations and would not have affected the integrity of the competition.

  Promoter Relevent Sports, which collaborated with Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross on the project, said the event was “postponed” due to logistical challenges and timing constraints. The decision means Villarreal vs Barcelona will now take place as originally scheduled at Estadio de la Ceramica.

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  What next for La Liga and overseas plans?

  The collapse of the Miami plan has raised serious doubts about La Liga’s future international ambitions. President Javier Tebas has long expressed a desire to make overseas matches a regular part of the league calendar, hoping to emulate the global appeal of the Premier League and NFL.

  However, the fierce backlash from players, unions, and fans suggests such plans may face even stronger resistance moving forward. For now, the focus shifts back to domestic competition, with Barcelona now preparing for their real challenge as they are bracing themselves for a highly-anticipated El Clasico against Carvajal's Madrid. Meanwhile, Villarreal will face Valencia this weekend as attention returns to on-pitch matters.

AC Milan have high hopes and expect a lot from new signing Christopher Nkunku, who joined the club on a five-year contract from Chelsea this summer. The French international, who was integrated into the squad back in August, is yet to get a start in Milan colours, but head coach Massimiliano Allegri has hinted at handing him his first start to the campaign in their upcoming encounter.

• Nkunku yet to get his first Milan start

  Eight games into the Serie A campaign, and Nkunku is yet to get a place in Allegri's starting lineup. However, when Milan travel to the Gewiss Stadium to face Atalanta on October 28 in a high-octane league clash, the Italian manager might consider giving him his full debut in the league. The 16-time capped French international has received only 63 minutes of playing time in the Serie A across four games. But his extraordinary technique, as mentioned by Allegri himself, might just be enough to make sure Nkunku accompanies Rafael Leao up front on Tuesday. 

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  Allegri reveals expectations for ex-Chelsea forward

  Speaking to the reporters on the eve of the Atalanta clash, Allegri shed light about his team's probable attacking setup against the Bergamo-based side: "Leao can score a good number of goals, his fitness is improving, and he's becoming more confident in his abilities as a striker. He needs to improve in the penalty area, he needs to be more clinical. He can grow, like the rest of the team. Nkunku had been sidelined for a few days; he has extraordinary technique. I'll decide whether to start him or not: we expect a lot from him."

  The head coach further spoke about the hectic schedule his team has to go through and the preparations ahead of tomorrow's game. He mentioned: "The schedule until the next break is difficult, but now we're focusing on tomorrow. Playing in Bergamo is tough and will be a direct blow, given that Atalanta is one of the contenders for the top four. We need to be consistent; we'll have to play well technically against a physical, quality team. We're doing well, and we're not thinking about the absentees; we have many other good players. The squad is strong, and as a whole, we'll improve further."

• Allegri sheds light on injury concerns

  Although Milan had some injury concerns, Allegri has provided some good news for the fans. He has emphasised on the recovering players and outlined a possible game for their return. 

  He said: "[Ruben] Loftus-Cheek is here. [Pervis] Estupinan is ready for Roma, and we hope to at least have Pulisic on the bench against Parma. After the break, against Inter, we hope to have the entire squad available. [Ardon] Jashari? He'll be back in the squad on Wednesday, but he'll need time: we'll be playing a friendly during the break, and that will be useful for him. The limited squad is my choice, and the club's. Let's look on the bright side: AC Milan players like [Davide] Bartesaghi, [Koni] De Winter, and Samuele Ricci have emerged."

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  What comes next for Milan?

  Sitting third on the Serie A table, Milan's dreams of the Scudetto are very much alive. They have a one-point deficit with league leaders Napoli and second-placed Roma, who have the same points (18). Before the November international break commences, they will play three important games against Atalanta, Roma, and Parma. They have the joint third-best scoring form in the competition alongside fifth-placed Bologna. Only Inter (19) and Napoli (15) have more goals than them. The probable inclusion of Nkunku against Atalanta or in the upcoming fixtures, might come in handy in increasing their scoring tally this season.

Pedro Neto believes Chelsea have learned fast on their Champions League return after their campaign got going with victory over Benfica.

A first-half own goal was all that separated the Blues from Jose Mourinho’s visitors in a game of few clear-cut chances but, after being outclassed in their opener at Bayern Munich, this win got Enzo Maresca’s side back on track after three defeats in four in all competitions.

Neto and Alejandro Garnacho combined in the 18th minute to force the only goal from midfielder Richard Rios, who bounced the ball past his own goalkeeper as it fizzed across the six-yard box.

"Neto reveals Chelsea resilience"

“We learned a lot from the first game and we are really happy,” Neto told Chelsea’s website.

“I think the team did really well. We knew the difficulties we had in the first game (3-1 loss at Bayern on September 17), and we tried to work hard to manage moments in this game. I think today we showed the resilience of the team.

“Benfica are a tough team to face at home. We knew we would have to work hard tonight. We played well, we could’ve controlled the match more with the quality we have, but we are really happy with the three points.”

Chelsea had taken the match to Bundesliga champions Bayern two weeks ago in what was their first Champions League outing in nearly two and a half years, but were undone by poor concentration at key moments and their opponents’ greater experience.

There were no such tribulations on Tuesday as, even amid the circus surrounding three-time Premier League winner Mourinho’s homecoming, they got the job done with minimal fuss.

For head coach Maresca the downside was a third red card in four matches, Joao Pedro dismissed in the final minute of added time for a high boot which earned him a second yellow card. The forward will miss Ajax’s visit to Stamford Bridge later this month.

But otherwise it was a satisfactory night as the team registered a first Champions League win since the side managed by Graham Potter beat Borussia Dortmund in March 2023.

For Neto, it was further evidence of his growing indispensability to the side, particularly with Maresca facing an injury crisis ahead of Saturday’s Premier League game against champions Liverpool.

He said: “I always try to improve and do the best for the team, and I think today we worked hard as a group, and we are really happy. It’s a really important win.

“A win in this competition, the Champions League, shows what we can do, and I think we can do even better. We will be ready to play against Liverpool.”

Manchester United claimed their first three points at Anfield in the Premier League since January 2016 when they beat Liverpool 2-1 on Sunday.

The Red Devils have had to wait almost a decade to taste success on the red half of Merseyside, but it came at a great time for Ruben Amorim and his side.

It took around one minute for the away side to take the lead in the match as summer signing Bryan Mbeumo swept the ball into the back of the net.

The Cameroon international has scored three goals in nine matches since his move to Old Trafford in the summer transfer window, and looks to have been a shrewd addition to the squad.

After missing out on European football and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur last season, it was clear that the club needed to invest in the quality of the team.

The Red Devils went for quality over quantity in their recruitment during the summer transfer window, as they only made four significant additions to the squad.

Ranking Man Utd's summer outfield signings

Man United signed Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £62.5m, Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig for £66.4m, Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford for £71m, and goalkeeper Senne Lammens for £18.2m.

This means that the Premier League giants made three outfield signings to bolster their squad, but all three of them rank within the club’s nine most expensive signings in their history.

When ranking the three outfield signings, it is hard not to put Cunha at the bottom for now. That is not because he has been a flop or because he has performed poorly, but because he has yet to register a single goal or assist for the club.

As you can see in the table above, Sesko and Mbeumo have both notched two Premier League goals for the Red Devils since their big money moves to Old Trafford, whilst Cunha has yet to score from 1.53 xG.

Of the three attackers, Mbeumo is also the only player who has registered an assist for the club. He teed up Mason Mount for the opener in the 2-0 win over Sunderland before the international break.

Therefore, we are ranking the former Brentford star as the pick of the bunch from the three outfield signings, with Sesko in second place, and Cunha in third, for now. However, there is plenty of time left for that to change as the season progresses and players settle into the team.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Now that we have analysed the outfield signings from the summer window, it is only right that we assess how Senne Lammens has started his United career, as he is already looking like he can be a Bruno Fernandes-type player.

Man United's new Bruno Fernandes-type player

When United spent £56m to sign the Portugal international in January 2020, not many would have expected him to hit the ground running in the way that he did.

Bruno scored 12 goals and provided eight assists in 22 appearances in all competitions during his first six months in England, per Transfermarkt, which was a remarkable start to life at Old Trafford.

The United skipper has since racked up 100 goals and 87 assists in 299 appearances for the club in all competitions, per Transfermarkt, with his latest assist coming for Harry Maguire against Liverpool.

Maguire and Bruno combined to seal the three points for United on Sunday, but it was Lammens who Amorim should be thanking for his performance between the sticks.

The Belgian shot-stopper has made a lightning-fast start to life in goal for United, in the same way that Bruno made a lightning-fast start to life in midfield for the club back in 2020.

A first-choice goalkeeper is a crucial position for a top team. Manchester City have Gianluigi Donnarumma. Liverpool have Alisson, when he is fit. Real Madrid have Thibaut Courtois.

United have been stung by poor goalkeepers in recent seasons, with the likes of Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana, but Lammens looks to be someone they can rely on in net.

The signing from Royal Antwerp has prevented 2.19 goals in his first two matches, conceding one goal, and made several key stops against Liverpool, outperforming Maguire, who did not win a single ground duel, per Sofascore.

United’s central defender may have scored the winner, but his blushes were spared in the first half when Lammens brilliantly denied Alexander Isak, after the Swedish forward got the run on Maguire and Luke Shaw.

Lammens’ brilliant start to life at Old Trafford may also be a sign of things to come from him, if his statistics from the 2024/25 campaign, in which he was hailed as “phenomenal” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, are anything to go by. As it happens, Kulig called him “a new hero” for Old Trafford after his display on Sunday.

As you can see in the table above, the Belgian titan prevented a staggering 15.57 goals with his shot-stopping in the Pro League last season, around nine more goals than any Premier League goalkeeper prevented.

After just two appearances in the division, per Sofascore, Lammens ranks as the third-best goalkeeper in the Premier League for goals prevented, behind Dean Henderson and Robin Roefs.

This illustrates the immense impact that the 23-year-old shot-stopper has made since his debut against Sunderland, as he has won his side potentially four extra points with his impressive stops against the Black Cats and Liverpool.

United and Amorim will now be hoping that Lammens can continue to shine and win points for United between the sticks, in the same way that Bruno continued to win points with goals and assists after his excellent start in 2020.

Watch out Mount: Man Utd's "incredible" talent can steal the no.7 shirt

Manchester United have a star on their hands who could take the number seven shirt off Mason Mount.

By
Ethan Lamb

Oct 17, 2025

Manchester United suffered their first defeat of the WSL season, falling 1-0 to a spirited Aston Villa side. The visitors broke the deadlock in the 35th minute, with Miri Taylor firing in from the edge of the box for her first goal as a professional. The Red Devils were uncharacteristically listless in attack as Mark Skinner's side failed to score for the first time in the 2025-26 season.

United entered the game as heavy favourites, sitting in third at the start of the day's play and the visitors winning just once in their first seven league games. 

Villa frustrated the hosts in an uneventful first half. Taylor's strike came after the hosts failed to clear their lines from a corner. The Scottish midfielder managed to keep the bouncing ball down, driving the ball into the corner of Phallon Tullis-Joyce's net. 

Ella Toone produced United's first shot on target shortly after the hour mark. Her scrambled effort was gallantly cleared off the line by a lunging Villa defender. Skinner's substitutions could do little to influence the game, with United failing to create a clear cut chance until Rachel Williams' header was comfortable stopped by Sabrina D'Angelo in the 85th minute. 

GOAL rates Manchester United's players from the Leigh Sports Village.

• Goalkeeper & Defence

  Phallon Tullis-Joyce (5/10):

  There was little she could to stop Taylor's effort as she was left unsighted by a sea of bodies from the uncleared corner. Dealt with Villa's otherwise tame efforts with minimal fuss.

  Jayde Riviere (6/10):

  Provided some attacking impetus, but her delivery was inconsistent. 

  Dominique Janssen (5/10):

  Was caught high up the pitch on a couple of occasions. Bailed out by her centre back partner and the covering Miyazawa.

  Maya Le Tissier (6/10):

  Fierce battle with player of the match Kirsty Hanson. Stood up to the striker physically, and made some well timed recovery tackles. 

  Gabby George (4/10):

  Failed to push on with any threat. Pulled in the 55th minute. 

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  Midfield

  Hinata Miyazawa (6/10):

  An outstanding covering tackle stopped Villa from extending their lead on the hour mark. Unable to dictate play in possession. 

  Lisa Naalsund (4/10):

  Subbed before the hour mark. Another victim of Villa's compact defence. 

  Ella Toone (5/10):

  Struggled to impact the game until her snatched chance in the box was cleared off the line. 

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  Attack

  Jess Park (4/10):

  Floated in and out of the game. Showed little sign of the attacking threat she has provided so far this season. 

  Fridolina Rolfo (4/10):

  One jinking run in the first half resulted in a poor effort on her weaker foot. An anonymous performance otherwise. Pulled before the hour mark. 

  Elisabeth Terland (5/10):

  Next to no service before getting the hook in the 55th minute. A frustrating afternoon.

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  Subs & Manager

  Melvine Malard (6/10):

  Provided a physical presence in the box that almost lead to a Toone goal. Her willing runs down the channel turned the Villa defence. 

  Anna Sandberg (6/10):

  Retained possession well in the final third. Her floated cross for Williams could have set up the break through.

  Leah Galton (5/10):

  One headed effort screwed harmlessly wide. Little to talk about otherwise. 

  Julia Zigotti Olme (4/10):

  Little to report. Tidy enough on the ball, but like many of her peers, provided no sustained attacking threat. 

  Rachel Williams (N/A):

  Could have done better with her headed chance as time expired. 

  Mark Skinner (4/10):

  His side looked a shadow of the attacking threat they have provided over the season to date. Some of the subs had an impact, but it wasn't enough to break down the visitors' low block. 

Carlos Baleba has been backed to become Manchester United's own Rodri despite Casemiro's resurgence at Old Trafford. In recent weeks, the Brazilian has reminded fans exactly why he’s one of the finest defensive midfielders of his generation. Yet, Ruben Amorim feels that he needs to add more steel in midfield, and a summer bid for Baleba has not been ruled out.

• Casemiro’s renaissance, but time is ticking

  Casemiro's performances have been nothing short of vintage. He scored and assisted in United’s 4–2 win over Brighton, and before that, he produced a commanding display in the club’s first victory at Anfield in almost a decade. Add to that his match-winning strike against Chelsea in September, and it is clear Casemiro’s hunger is far from fading. Yet behind the resurgence lies a reality that can’t be ignored. He is 33 years old, and with countless miles already on the clock, he is definitely not getting any fresher. Amorim has managed Casemiro’s minutes with care, and the Portuguese manager is convinced that, although the veteran has shown no signs of slowing down, another marquee addition is necessary.    

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  A £115 million dream that slipped away

  United had been tracking Baleba for months. But Brighton, ever the masters of the market, slammed the door shut. They valued Baleba at no less than £115 million ($153m), which is the same figure Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo. United’s hierarchy balked at the price, and the deal was shelved. Now, with Amorim’s midfield plans for next summer already in motion in the boardroom, and Casemiro still holding the fort, calls to reignite that pursuit are growing louder, led by none other than Louis Saha, the former Old Trafford striker. 

  Speaking to OLBG, Saha said: "Fabinho was very powerful for Liverpool and Rodri happened to be the same for Man City. When you have this very strong midfielder that provides in the transition, the power and the stability at the same time, that's a top player and there are not so many who are able to actually dictate midfield as much. We’ve heard that there were talks with Brighton for Carlos Baleba who was very close to joining and I really like his style.  

  "Everyone can see that there is a gap and a need for power and the ability to change the tempo of the game. Sometimes United play to stay secure and slow the pace and that is not helpful for United’s strikers so we need something better." 

  But Saha was equally quick to praise Casemiro’s current form, insisting that his recent resurgence should not go unnoticed.

  "I have to say that Casemiro has done really well, not because he’s scored goals, but more his capacity to represent stability and resilience," he said. "That's really important when you are under pressure and I think he's managed the pressure really well because the expectations are enormous. I think he's done really well. He gives a new tempo and new belief to Manchester United and I do think that he needs credit for that."

• Baleba is the midfield engine United crave

  Baleba has an explosive engine and the tactical intelligence to read danger before it happens. Those qualities have drawn comparisons not just to Rodri but to former United star Michael Carrick. Saha believes it’s those physical and mental attributes that make Baleba such a perfect fit for Amorim’s system. 

  He said: "Give me back Michael Carrick! I think when you look at the need for power and the legs to cover ground I think Baleba is a little bit more useful because I think you can then have Bruno Fernandes repositioned a little bit. You could have another player, even Kobbie Mainoo, who can do that if he had maybe a better understanding of positioning and the momentum you need to bring to the game."

  Saha also explained that Amorim’s pressing system requires a midfielder with relentless stamina. And Baleba is a player capable of pushing the defensive line 10 yards higher and then recovering instantly.

  "There is an element that can compensate where we need power, but we need those legs to be able to really impose the pressure that Amorim wants, maybe 10 yards further up the field. When you do that you need the ability to come back on the pressure, on the counter-attack, so I think that Baleba is more suited to that," he added. 

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  The transfer battle ahead

  Despite United’s renewed interest, Brighton have made it clear that Baleba is not for sale in January. The Seagulls see him as central to their long-term project and will resist any bids mid-season. That means United must either wait until the summer to submit an official bid. However, they are also looking at other targets as backup. Among them is Elliot Anderson, the Nottingham Forest midfielder who is admired by Amorim for his versatility. Another name on United’s radar is Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace. Angelo Stiller of Stuttgart, meanwhile, could represent a more attainable target. The German midfielder has a £35 million release clause, and sources suggest he is open to a Premier League move. But the most realistic and immediate option might be Conor Gallagher, as Atletico Madrid might sanction a loan move until the end of the season in the winter. 

West Ham are searching for remedies to improve their lack of available offensive options, and Nuno Espirito Santo could look to change things up tactically at the London Stadium.

West Ham prepare to face Brentford

Despite the Premier League weekend being in full swing, the Hammers have an extra couple of days to prepare for the visit of Brentford in a London Derby of sorts.

Although neither team is exactly a direct rival, local bragging rights are at stake. More importantly, West Ham also have a chance to eat into their unfortunate position in the league table, which will see them remain in the bottom three until kick-off in the capital.

Nuno has plenty of issues to solve now that the international break has concluded, and former Denmark keeper Peter Kjaer suggests that West Ham should recall Mads Hermansen to the starting eleven.

That being said, Nuno has much more pressing matters, like West Ham’s problems in attack.

Injury-prone striker Niclas Füllkrug has torn his thigh, leaving Callum Wilson and youngster Callum Marshall as Nuno’s only options to contest for the number nine role.

This striking shortage will be difficult to manage, and there is no easy way around the enforced changes.

Nevertheless, Nuno will have time to tinker with his side over their upcoming heavy fixture schedule, and it is likely that winger Jarrod Bowen could once again play a makeshift striker role.

With that in mind, there is one man he could turn to elsewhere on the field as a central point of creativity amid his recent displays for the club.

Nuno could turn to West Ham man Crysencio Summerville for inspiration

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Nuno admitted he could tap into young winger Crysencio Summerville’s pace and agility to help give West Ham an edge in their upcoming fixtures.

Nuno suggests that West Ham’s play could revolve around Summerville’s success in the attacking areas against Brentford, urging his side to support the 23-year-old.

Nuno can fix Fullkrug blow by starting "electric" West Ham gem in new role

The West Ham United ace could be the perfect solution to Nuno’s Fullkrug problem.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Oct 17, 2025

After coming up with two assists in his first five appearances, the Netherlands international has enjoyed a respectable start to the campaign and is a source of inspiration on the left flank, completing six dribbles so far in the Premier League.

Ultimately, times of need call for assets to step up and deliver. Summerville is enjoying his campaign from a personal standpoint, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see his numbers grow further.

The Los Angeles Dodgers will not be playing pitcher Clayton Kershaw in this postseason as he deals with bone spurs in his big toe, an injury that has kept him out since August 31.

There was speculation that Kershaw might be considering retirement as the 36-year-old barely competed this season. His first start was on July 25 after undergoing shoulder surgery last offseason, and he only played for about a month before landing on the injured list.

But, Kershaw doesn't plan on hanging up his glove for good yet.

Would this next surgery on his toe keep him from returning in 2025, a player option year for him?

“Mentally, I feel great. I had shoulder surgery last offseason, and my shoulder and elbow, everything, my arm, feels great," Kershaw told the Fox pregame show team on Monday. "Obviously, I had some tough luck with my foot this year. But I want to make use of this surgery. I don’t want to have surgery and shut it down. So I’m gonna come back next year and give it a go and see how it goes.”

Kershaw's been with the Dodgers his entire MLB career, which began in 2008. In that span, he's been named a 10-time All-Star, won three NL Cy Young Awards, was the NL MVP in 2014 and won a World Series title in 2020.

The Ajax fairytale of Erik ten Hag and Marc Overmars will not be rewritten. Both the former manager and director, who were the key architects of Ajax’s dream Champions League run in 2019, have declined offers to return, with Overmars confirming that his chapter with the Eredivisie giants is 'over.'

• Ten Hag turns down return to management

  According to , Ten Hag, who managed the Dutch giants from 2017 to 2022, decided against a return to Amsterdam despite holding discussions with sporting director Alex Kroes. Reports say that the Dutchman concluded that ‘the conditions were not right for a successful partnership’ and therefore declined.

  Ten Hag, who is currently a free agent after being sacked by Bayer Leverkusen just three games into his tenure in September, had been heavily linked with a sensational return to Amsterdam. Ajax were eager to bring back their most successful manager in recent years following the dismissal of John Heitinga last week. The 55-year-old also reportedly rejected an approach from Premier League side Wolves, who are looking for a new manager after sacking Vitor Pereira. 

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  Overmars closes door on Ajax return

  Earlier, the former Ajax director had also ruled out a comeback. Speaking to , Overmars confirmed that he was approached to make a return to Amsterdam but claimed that his chapter with the Eredivisie giants is 'over.'

  "That's happened once before, and now again, and by several people," he said. "By whom? Yes, they're people in important positions, but I'm not going to say who, because then it would just become another political game internally. For me, it's over."

  Overmars resigned in February 2022 following revelations of inappropriate behaviour. His exit marked the end of an era at Ajax, a period when he and Ten Hag built a vibrant young side featuring Andre Onana, Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt, which famously reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2019. However, that fairy tale run ultimately marked the breakup of Ajax’s golden generation, as key players soon departed for major clubs across Europe. 

  The 52-year-old also opened up about Ajax's struggle this season and said that it 'pains' him to see the club struggling.

  "The current situation at the club is very painful for me. I find it difficult to talk about it," Overmars said.

  "I worked there for 10 years, minus two months, and we built something wonderful together. Seeing how things are going now, and everyone just killing each other, is heartbreaking. The respect I get from the supporters is great, and I find it truly wonderful. It's true that I couldn't have imagined it would go this way. I don't read much these days, but I heard there were eight managers after Erik. Well, that's a Dutch record, I think."

• Ten Hag’s turbulent managerial spell since Ajax

  After leaving Ajax in 2022, Ten Hag took charge of Manchester United, where he initially enjoyed success by ending the club’s six-year trophy drought with a Carabao Cup win, followed by the FA Cup next season. However, his clashes with Cristiano Ronaldo and later Jadon Sancho strained his position at the club and among United fans. His failure to make progress in the Premier League or European competitions eventually led to his dismissal in October 2024. 

  His next stint as manager was with Bayer Leverkusen, which lasted just two league matches before his sudden sacking in September, leaving his managerial reputation in question. 

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  Ajax’s crisis deepens amid search for new manager

  Ajax’s poor season has increased the pressure to find a new manager. The Amsterdam club sit fourth in the Eredivisie, 11 points behind leaders PSV after 12 matches. They have only five wins so far and lost 2-1 to Utrecht in Fred Grim’s first game as interim coach. In the Champions League, they are bottom after four straight defeats.

  Meanwhile, sporting director Kroes has also said he will step down, with his final task expected to be appointing a new permanent manager. According to reports, former Wolfsburg boss Paul Simonis is among the frontrunners for the role. Ajax’s next fixture is at home against Excelsior on November 22.

Manchester United are in the market to bolster their squad in January, and Fabrizio Romano has now delivered a frank update on their pursuit of West Ham United playmaker Lucas Paquetá.

The Red Devils have made themselves a much-improved force under Ruben Amorim in recent weeks, with new signings making their mark across the field after a tumultuous start to the campaign at Old Trafford.

Still, there is much to improve on for his side and supporters will be keen to see that come to fruition during the schedule ahead, though their recent fortunes have been in start contrast to West Ham’s difficult start to the Premier League campaign.

In among it all, uncertainty over Lucas Paquetá’s future has come to the fore, with murmurs starting to accelerate that he could be set for a January move before the 2026 World Cup, where he will hope to start for Brazil and help lead Carlo Ancelotti’s side to glory.

Frustratingly, his campaign hasn’t fully come to life yet, with two Premier League goals to his name against Chelsea and Nottingham Forest coming earlier in the season.

Harking back to Manchester United, it is well known that they are in the hunt for a midfielder, characterised by their pursuit of Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson.

Kobbie Mainoo has found himself struggling for regular minutes under Amorim, so it won’t come as a surprise to hear that alternatives are being considered at Old Trafford.

Now, Romano has delivered an intriguing update on the future of Paquetá, something that involves both Manchester United and West Ham.

Fabrizio Romano delivers update on Lucas Paquetá's future

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update on whether Manchester United could look to make a move for West Ham midfielder Paquetá.

He stated: “In January, if there is the right opportunity, Paquetá could have the possibility to go and leave West Ham. So keep an eye on that one, because it’s a concrete possibility.

“Many asking about Manchester United. At the moment, I am not aware of concrete or advanced negotiations between Paquetá and Manchester United or Manchester United and West Ham.

“That’s what I am told at the moment on the Paquetá story. Let’s see what’s going to happen. Because Paquetá could be very interesting in terms of role, in terms of quality. But financially, West Ham are not going to give Paquetá for free or for small money.”

Conceivably, any notion of an exit could depend on the money West Ham are presented with for the Brazilian playmaker. Although his side haven’t been in good form, he has still shown his creativity and fashioned 13 chances in the top-flight, per Fotmob.

Man Utd have also held talks to sign another midfielder

Manchester United have a hole left to fill in their midfield, creating an intriguing situation that may still have many layers left to unfold.