Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick should play forward Benjamin Sesko as his side are offering "no danger" through the middle, says former Premier League striker Charlie Austin.
Matheus Cunha started in the striker position with Bruno Fernandes behind him and Bryan Mbeumo and Marcus Rashford on the wings on Sunday. However, his side were largely blunt in the 1-0 derby defeat by rivals Manchester City, despite playing against 10 men for almost 70 minutes, and register a lower xG (expected goals) than their opponents.
Sesko was eventually introduced midway through the second half but could not turn the tie around.
"I don't think we should allow VAR and those moments to overshadow the fact that Manchester United were poor," Austin told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.
"They don't play with a number nine. They had 10 versus 11 and didn't have a number nine. Cunha is not a nine, he is a 10 or he plays wide. He is never occupying the two centre backs or he drops in.

#united #sesko #play #side

Anthony Gordon has only played five matches for Barcelona since joining in May, but the England winger is already making a big impression.
The former Newcastle United forward has provided four ****** ists in his first five games for the free-scoring Spanish giants.
The 25-year-old is still hunting his first goal, but has slotted seamlessly into Barcelona's attack - in a left-wing spot often filled by on-loan England team-mate Marcus Rashford last term.
And Gordon is not just making an impression on the pitch.
He delivered his welcome speech in Spanish - a language he said he learned with the help of one of Newcastle's Spanish physios - before adding a couple of phrases in Catalan when speaking with fans.

#Barcelona

ASHFORD, Ala. (WDHN)—It's a battle of the Yellow Jackets and Rams as Ashford faces off against Headland in the latest Extra Point Game of the Week.
Headland enters this game riding high after a defensive battle against the Dale County Warriors that ended with the Rams coming out on top 7-6.
While Ashford is looking to bounce back after a heartbreaking 19-12 loss to the Eufaula Tigers.
Ashford takes the win 33-14.
The Yellow Jackets have a road match ahead of them next Friday when they face off against the Carroll Eagles, while Headland is back at home for a contest against the Andalusia Bulldogs.

#battle #back

Sept. 11 (UPI) -- Ready or not, here it comes: The official "Road to the Kentucky Derby" series starts Saturday with the $300,000 Grade III Iroquois Stakes at -- where else? -- Churchill Downs.
And -- who else? -- six-time Derby winner Bob Baffert trains the 8-5 favorite, Salahudin.
Salahudin, an Uncle Mo colt, won his first start by 2 lengths July 17 at Ellis Park going 6 1/2 furlongs. He stretched out to 7 furlongs in the Ellis Park Juvenile on Aug. 9 and won that by 4 1/2 lengths.
The 1-mile Iroquois Stakes has nine entries. Blessed Flyer also is 2-for-2 and won the Bashford Manor at Churchill Downs June 28 for trainer Mike Tomlinson. He Is No Lie finished second in the Bashford Manor, and then was fourth in the Grade III Best Pal at Del Mar. The others are maiden winners.
Also on the weekend agenda are five Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" races in North America and five more in Ireland.

#park

Marcus Rashford looked set for a permanent move to Barcelona. The outline was there, the numbers were manageable and his loan spell had gone well. Then Barcelona walked away and spent £69m on Anthony Gordon instead. That tells you everything about what they think they need.
Rashford, now 28, had done his part. After leaving Manchester United on loan following his breakdown in relationship with Ruben Amorim, he delivered 14 goals and 14 **** ists in Catalonia. That is solid production by any measure. He also forced his way back into Thomas Tuchel's England plans for the World Cup and capped his season by scoring in the win over Real Madrid that sealed La Liga.
Ordinarily, that would be enough to trigger a £26m purchase option. Barcelona decided otherwise.
The explanation from sporting director Deco was direct and, frankly, sensible. Barcelona were grateful for Rashford's contribution, but they wanted a different profile. In his words for RAC1, "We are extremely grateful to Rashford. He contributed a lot last season, but our idea of play is much more linked to Anthony.
Photo IMAGO

#Barcelona #anthony #manchester

Barcelona sporting director Deco has provided an explanation for the club's decision to reject the permanent signing of Marcus Rashford, in favour of bringing in Anthony Gordon.
Winger Rashford of course spent the duration of last season plying his trade on loan in Catalunya's capital. The Englishman, for the most part, enjoyed an impressive stint in Blaugrana colours, racking up 28 goal contributions across all competitions.
After lengthy deliberation heading into the summer, however, the Camp Nou brass made the call not to make Rashford's move a permanent one.
Instead, they turned focus towards deal for fellow countryman Anthony Gordon, despite Newcastle's considerably steeper asking price.
Speaking during an appearance in front of the media this week, the aforementioned Deco was therefore asked for the first time exactly why he and his team of directors opted for Gordon over Rashford.

#deco #winger #englishman

Manchester United return to the Champions League at home and against a debutant in the competition. Will it be enough to celebrate by the end of Thursday?
Without Rashford, Maguire or Zirkzee in the starting eleven, this is how both clubs line up today at Old Trafford.
MANCHESTER UNITED: Lammens, Yoro, Li Martínez, Mazraoui, Dorgu, Tielemans, Mainoo, B. Fernandes, Cunha, Mbeumo, Šeško.
SABAH BAKU: Pokatilov, Dashdamirov, McCarthy, Zedadka, Puchacz, Lepinjica, Rahmonaliev, Nwachukwu, Parris, Simić, Mickels.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

#united #without

1
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has warned Michael Carrick that he may have a major problem on his hands with Matheus Cunha.
Several United players underperformed in Sunday's stalemate with Everton, but Cunha was the worst of the lot.
From overhit passes and heavy touches to poor positional awareness and glaring misses, his performance was a catalogue of errors. There was simply too much that went wrong.
In yet another game, Cunha didn't appear to have a clear role in the team. Last term, Carrick primarily used him on the left of the attack. But Marcus Rashford's return has seen him pushed elsewhere in the team.

#carrick #scholes #matheus

Manchester United head into a demanding week with one eye on Sabah and the other on Manchester City, and the injury picture is starting to shift. Michael Carrick has had some encouragement, with Mason Mount back fit and Luke Shaw already returning to the starting line-up against Everton. That matters, because United need bodies, options and a bit of continuity.
The derby is the bigger concern. Sabah may arrive first, but ****** ody at Old Trafford will pretend Sunday is not the priority. As things stand, United are hoping at least one player can be back in contention for that game, while others remain on slower timelines.
Marcus Rashford looked sharp against Everton and caused problems throughout his 70 minutes, particularly with his direct running and willingness to attack ****** e. So when he came off, it raised eyebrows. Carrick later explained the change, saying: "Yeah, he was feeling a bit of something."
That does not automatically mean a lay-off, but it does put his immediate availability under scrutiny. With Sabah up next, United may decide not to take risks if there is any doubt at all. The working ****** umption is that Rashford should be available soon, and the home game against Sabah on September 10 is currently viewed as the earliest realistic return point if caution wins out.
Photo: IMAGO

#carrick #everton #rashford #city

Michael Carrick has confirmed that Marcus Rashford suffered a slight injury before being replaced against Everton yesterday.
The forward played 70 minutes before being replaced by Patrick Dorgu.
(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Given he had been one of United's standout performers on Merseyside, fans were perplexed to see Rashford withdrawn when the side were chasing the win.
Carrick was also put on the spot regarding his withdrawal post-match, with Sky Sports questioning whether the England international had felt some discomfort, to which Carrick verified that was indeed the case.

#carrick

There are positives for Manchester United to take from their 2-2 draw at Everton.
Striker Benjamin Sesko scored his first goal of a season - the start to which has been delayed for longer than anticipated by a shin injury.
Kobbie Mainoo has impressed in the campaign as a whole so far and shows no sign of being affected by his unhappy World Cup experience. The same, in terms of his mental strength, could be said of goakeeper Senne Lammens.
Marcus Rashford has returned to the club with a sense of purpose.
But you cannot ignore the negatives.

#sesko #kobbie

Manchester United fell short of securing all three points on Merseyside on Sunday. Everton pulled out two screamers in the final minutes to equalize twice against Michael Carrick's Reds in what could easily have been a second straight win. Instead, it's a third match in a row conceding two goals and more to ponder going forward about the defensive approach.
The Reds looked the better side for much of the contest. A first half of positive wing play did not produce many chances despite the exciting options up front. The best looks at goal came on a try for the spectacular by Bruno Fernandes and a ball across the box by Marcus Rashford.
Matheus Cunha was the one who got on the end of the ball from Rashford, but he sent the chance well over the target with his shot form the edge of the box.
United got on the scoresheet right after the restart though. After emerging from the dressing room at 0-0, Bryan Mbeumo got an opportunity to cut inside and fire past Jordan Pickford in the 46th minute. It was a low effort that beat the England No. 1 to his right side.
It appeared that the goal could spark a second-half flurry, but Everton settled in and began a long push for an equalizer. Senne Lammens was called to action a handful of times without the Blues finding a clear look at goal, and United's only real threat to double the lead came from another bit of Rashford magic. He skipped through the defense and somehow maintained the balance and poise to heel the ball to Cunha centrally, but James Tarkowski got a foot through the Brazilian's legs to poke the ball away before he could fire.

#goal #second

3
Who is the fastest Manchester United player?
Benjamin Sesko is not the name that springs to mind when you debate who is the fastest at Old Trafford.
Marcus Rashford, Amad, Bryan Mbeumo or Diogo Dalot are the names you would reach for first.
Yet Dalot has now made an intriguing claim about which teammate actually has the edge in terms of pace.

#dalot #united

A Tuesday night in Workington in late August and Joe Riley leads his Warrington Rylands team-mates out for a match at the Fibrus Community Stadium in the seventh tier of English football.
Rylands race into a 2-0 lead in ***** bria before losing 3-2 after having two players sent off in a chaotic Northern Premier League Premier Division encounter played in front of 638 supporters.
"A few years back I wouldn't speak for 24 hours if I lost," says Riley, whose side host Hyde United in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup on Saturday (15:00 BST).
"Now if we lose, it's not ideal, but there's always another game around the corner."
It is 10 years since Riley, then aged 19, started at left-back for injury-hit Manchester United against Danish side Midtjylland in the Europa League at Old Trafford, the same match Marcus Rashford also made his first start for the club.

#years

Manchester United looked very good in the second half against Ipswich Town on Sunday, but the side's goals did not come from the forward line. Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo were the driving force behind the three goals, with the captain recording his first hat-trick in five years.
The front three of Matheus Cunha at striker and Marcus Rashford and Bryan Mbeumo on the flanks did not look poor. Cunha **** isted Bruno's first goal and Mbeumo finished an odd chip for the fifth and final goal, meanwhile Rashford had two excellent chances denied by the goalkeeper and last-ditch defending. There was balance, but it was still evidently a solution to a personnel problem.
Amad's preseason injury made the right wing options limited to Mbeumo, despite the Cameroonian's emergence as a good No. 9 option this season. Benjamin Sesko missed the entire preseason but has been fit enough to make appearances off the bench. Cunha, who typically played on the left last season, played as a No. 9 for Brazil at the World Cup and fit there with Rashford as a natural option on the left.
The options aren't bad for Michael Carrick to choose from. All three players have been flexible positionally in their careers and offer a balance of qualities. Rashford looked particularly comfortable playing with Luke Shaw again and he made a good effort out of possession to stay involved as well. He didn't get the goal his performance might have deserved, but overall it was a good homecoming.
Cunha was the only real odd fit, operating similarly to Bruno Fernandes and dropping into similar areas. It allowed the No. 10 to make good runs beyond the striker, but Cunha's lack of striker presence was felt at times, especially in the first half.

#striker

Jersey Bulls had two men sent off but still managed to beat Ashford Town (Middlesex) 2-1 at Springfield Stadium in Isthmian League South Central.
Midfielder Toby Ritzema headed the home side in front after 20 minutes following a cross from winger Sammy Henia-Kamau.
And Ritzema netted his second eight minutes later after being put through, slotting home past Ashford keeper Liam Allen.
Bulls defender James Carr was sent off for a second yellow card after 34 minutes and teammate James Sunley followed him five minutes later after being shown a straight red card.
The visitors managed to pull a goal back after 80 minutes through Jack Arnold.

#minutes #ashford

Man Utd v Ipswich up next - team news as Rashford starts
Chelsea beat Brighton in seven-goal thriller - read how the players rated
Reports: Isidor gives Sunderland win over Fulham | Leeds and Brentford draw
Transfer latest as window shuts on Tuesday
Highlights and ******* ysis from Saturday's games | Play our Match of the Day predictor game

#Chelsea #brighton #fulham #leeds

Marcus Rashford's future has moved back into focus in the closing days of the transfer window, with TeamTalk reporting that both ****** nal and Barcelona are tracking developments around the Manchester United forward.
The current picture is relatively clear. United have reintegrated Rashford, handed him the number nine shirt and used him from the bench in the opening-day 2-1 defeat at Hull City. Internally, the plan is for him to remain. Even so, the report states that club sources "have not ruled out the prospect of Marcus Rashford leaving the club before next Tuesday's transfer deadline", a line that will inevitably attract attention given the scale of the player and the clubs involved.
Arsenal's interest appears to be one of the more notable elements here. With Gabriel Martinelli having departed for Al-Hilal, the need for left-sided attacking reinforcement is obvious. Rashford is described as "a player ****** nal have admired for a long time", and that alone makes this worth watching in the final days of the market.
The key detail is that a move remains possible rather than probable. United are "currently planning with Rashford and remain keen to retain him", while any shift would likely depend on two conditions, a suitable offer arriving and United being able to restructure their attacking options before the deadline. That point feels especially relevant given Joshua Zirkzee is heading towards Fiorentina, a development that would leave United requiring careful cover if another forward departs.
Barcelona's long-standing interest has not gone away. According to the report, they "have maintained a line of communication with Rashford's camp", despite the player's return to first-team involvement at Old Trafford. That contact matters, particularly because Barcelona are said to remain "huge admirers of Rashford" after his loan spell at the Nou Camp last season.

#remain

Celtic and Rangers have both been directed to stage their next home games in the Scottish Cup without spectators following last season's Old Firm quarter-final, which was marred by crowd disturbances.
The two clubs could face a second home game behind closed doors should there be another incident where either club's followers participate in "unacceptable conduct" during a Scottish Cup tie.
The sanction will likely take effect when both teams enter this season's Scottish Cup at the fourth-round stage, which is set for mid-January. Celtic and Rangers will each be required to pay £100,000 (just over $135,000) to the opponent they are paired with in that round, as per The Mirror.
Wayne Rooney urges Man United to sign ******* nal star and sends Marcus Rashford warning
UEFA Champions League 2026/27 draw results: Premier League teams learn opponents

#scottish #league #stage #firm

Tim Curry, the oddball English actor who gravitated toward playing kooky personalities like the extravagant Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the cult film "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and devilish villains like Pennywise the Clown in "It" and Mr. Hector in "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York," has died. He was 80.
Curry died peacefully at his Toluca Lake home on Wednesday, his longtime manager and friend Marcia Hurwitz confirmed. No cause of death was disclosed. Curry suffered a paralyzing stroke in 2012 that put him in a wheelchair, from which he said last year, "I've been recovering for quite a long time."
Celebrated for his versatility, cartoonish expressions and flamboyant style — all paired with a distinctly wry sense of humor — Curry soared to fame for his portrayal of the androgynous mad-scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the midnight movie "The Rocky Horror Picture Show."
Curry originated Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the London stage musical "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" in 1973. He then starred in the role in the American premiere of the production in Los Angeles in 1974 and later on Broadway in 1975, before the movie was released later that year.
Ivy Levan, from top left, Staz Nair, Annaleigh Ashford, Ben Vereen, Christina Milian, Reeve Carney, and Tim Curry, from bottom left, Ryan McCarten, Victoria Justice, executive producer Lou Adler, executive producer/director/choreographer Kenny Ortega, and executive producer Gail Berman participate in the panel for "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" during the Fox Television Critics ******* ociation summer press tour on Monday, Aug. 8, 2016, in Beverly Hills, Calif. | Richard Shotwell

#picture #executive

Manchester United have started the new Premier League season the hard way. A 2-0 defeat at Hull City exposed familiar problems, flat possession, a lack of incision and too little control in midfield when the game turned against them.
The immediate noise around Old Trafford centres on Carlos Baleba. Reports suggest United have agreed a £65m deal with Brighton for the midfielder, with the player understood to be progressing towards the final stages of the move. Carrick, predictably, said very little. "I had all eyes on (the match vs Hull) today so any other player, until he's ours, it's not for me to comment on." That is standard enough. Managers do not confirm business until the paperwork is done.
Photo IMAGO
Baleba's potential arrival matters because United looked short in key areas at Hull. The new midfield pairing of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans never imposed themselves and Hull took advantage early. United were two down by half-time and, from there, the afternoon became a test of nerve more than quality.
There were changes after the break. Marcus Rashford, Benjamin Sesko and Kobbie Mainoo were introduced, but the game never swung. United had more of the ball, Hull stayed organised and the home side managed the contest well.

#united #midfield #game #player

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "I thought we had moments and then two set plays caught us today.
"That decided the game in the end. We've conceded two goals today from set plays. We'll look at it and improve it for sure. We keep working and moving forward.
"It's constant, it's evolving all the time. Just because we haven't got any points today, it won't change what we do next week. We look forward and be excited with the season that is still ahead of us.
"We've got to find the answers, we didn't quite click and find the right solutions today.
On Marcus Rashford: "I thought he came on and looked dangerous in moments. We probably relied on him a bit too much. Marcus playing today will be better for it with a game in his system."

#today #game

Manchester United begin the 2026-27 Premier League away from home. They visit newly promoted Hull, who are full of excitement after their epic promotion last season.
Today at the MKM Stadium, the best league in Europe returns to the spotlight with these confirmed line-ups:
Hull City: Tzolakis, Coyle, Ajayi, Egan, Mendy, Giles, Crooks, Slater, Belloumi, Stroud, McBurnie.
Manchester United: Lammens; Mazraoui, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Tielemans, Santos; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Dorgu; Cunha
Amad Diallo and Mason Mount are not playing today. Rashford is on the bench.

#league #today #Europe

Five Premier League games on Saturday, starting with Hull v Man Utd
McBurnie leads line for Hull, Man Utd's Rashford on bench - team news
Are Carrick's side going to challenge for **** le? Have your say at top of page
Play our new Match of the Day Predictor game | How to follow the opening weekend across the BBC | What are the new rules this season?
Premier League: Rashford on bench as Man Utd visit promoted Hull on opening weekend

#hull #opening #weekend #five

2026-08-22T10:27:40Z
TEAM NEWS IS IN...
Here's a look at how Hull City and Manchester United lineup:
Man Utd XI: Lammens; Mazraoui, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Tielemans, Santos; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Dorgu; Cunha
Man Utds Subs: Darlow, Dalot, Yoro, Martinez, Mainoo, Zirkzee, Lacey, Rashford, Sesko

#hull #city #mazraoui

FIFA has suspended Argentina pair Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina for their roles in the melee that erupted following the World Cup Final.
Paredes has received a substantial 10-game suspension, while Nahuel Molina has been issued a seven-game ban. Single-match suspensions have been given to Thiago Almada and Pablo Martín Páez Gavira.
Paredes and Molina both drew particular scrutiny for their actions after Argentina suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the final in New York.
Wayne Rooney urges Man United to sign **** nal star and sends Marcus Rashford warning
Dead body found at EFL Championship stadium as police begin investigation

#Argentina #final #single

Aston Villa's extensive list of summer outgoings has been extended with the departure of England defender Ezri Konsa, who has completed a move to Premier League champions ******* nal.
The 28-year-old has joined Mikel Arteta's side on a four-year deal, which includes the option for a further year. The London-born defender has set the Gunners back £51 million, with another £4 million in add-ons (total of $76.3 million).
Konsa will provide ******* nal with some much-needed depth at both centre and right back, with William Saliba and Jurrien Timber both currently sidelined. He arrives off the back of a FIFA World Cup campaign during which he played in all eight of England's games, starting seven and scoring once in the third-place play-off win over France.
Wayne Rooney urges Man United to sign ******* nal star and sends Marcus Rashford warning
Dead body found at EFL Championship stadium as police begin investigation

#back #konsa #england #ezri

MLS All-Star winger and U.S. Under-23 international Zavier Gozo has officially joined Premier League side Crystal Palace on a five-year deal.
The 19-year-old joins from MLS club Real Salt Lake, where the Utah native had been a part of their program since 2021.
Having made his MLS debut back in October 2023, it wasn't until last season that he became a regular for the first team, scoring four goals and providing three ****** ists in 32 games across all competitions. Gozo's performances led some to speculate he could be a surprise inclusion in Mauricio Pochettino's FIFA World Cup roster, although as things stand, he is yet to make his senior international debut.
Wayne Rooney urges Man United to sign ****** nal star and sends Marcus Rashford warning
FIFA fires executive after he called for embattled President Gianni Infantino to resign

#league

Marcus Rashford has reportedly been offered to Fenerbahce via intermediaries this week, 'sources have told' Turkish Football.
The outlet claims that contact has indeed been made in order to gauge whether Fenerbahce would be interested in signing the forward.
However, Rashford himself has already privately ruled out a move to Turkey.
Manchester United remain open to facilitating his sale in order to secure a sizeable fee, which would be classed as pure profit due to his status as an academy graduate.
Yet, they can only do so if the player actually green-lights the potential switch. From his point of a view, he will stay put at Old Trafford unless a suitor from one of Europe's top-five leagues comes calling.

#fenerbahce #Football #manchester

This was a pre-season finale to forget for Manchester United.
Just a week away from their Premier League opener at promoted Hull City on Saturday, Michael Carrick's men took the lead twice against AC Milan before finishing on the wrong end of a 4-2 beating.
First, the positives.
Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez all made their first appearances of pre-season. Skipper Bruno Fernandes and Youri Tielemans played for the full 90 minutes.
From the looks of it, there are no fresh injury concerns for Michael Carrick at the end of a six-match pre-season that has been largely positive, albeit with a foot issue for Mason Mount in Gothenburg seven days ago that was initially shrugged off as a precaution but has now kept the in-form midfielder out for almost three full games.

#season