FOOTBALL

Kolo Muani insists Spurs squad still fully backs Thomas Frank

Randal Kolo Muani
December 2025

With Tottenham languishing in 14th after an erratic start under Thomas Frank, Kolo Muani has publicly backed his manager, stressing that the squad remains united, communicates well with the staff and is fully committed to working through this demanding period together on and off the pitch. Speaking at a club Christmas event, Kolo Muani described a positive relationship with Frank and his coaches, spoke of strong fan support and emphasised enjoyment around the club. He framed Spurs’ struggles as a shared challenge, insisting belief in the project and dressing-room trust remain intact.

McTominay weighs Premier League return after becoming Napoli’s unexpected superstar

Scott McTominay
December 2025

Since leaving Manchester United for Napoli in 2024, McTominay has transformed into a title-winning talisman, scoring 13 goals in his debut season, lifting Serie A and collecting MVP and Serie A Player of the Year honours, becoming the first Scottish winner of the award. Now 29 and treated “like a god” in Naples, McTominay is reportedly feeling the strain of constant attention and scrutiny. Linked with Spurs, Newcastle and even Barcelona, he is understood to be considering his long-term future, with a potential Premier League return no longer ruled out.

Dorgu volley crowns Man Utd as Premier League’s new set-piece kings

Patrick Dorgu
December 2025

United beat Newcastle 1-0 despite having just a third of possession, as Patrick Dorgu reacted quickest to a half-cleared set piece and lashed home a stunning 15-yard volley. The goal, his first for the club, lifted Amorim’s side up to fifth place. Amorim hailed the win as one of his best at United, praising his players’ willingness to suffer, defend deep and attack every cross. He highlighted Dorgu’s confidence and Ugarte’s revival in a slightly freer role where errors are less costly and risks are encouraged.

Guardiola prefers comfort cushion as City chase leaders Arsenal

Pep Guardiola
December 2025

Pep Guardiola says he would much prefer Manchester City to be comfortably top rather than chasing Arsenal, but insists they remain well placed across competitions, close in the league, strong in the Champions League and Carabao Cup, and about to launch their FA Cup campaign. Aiming to avoid a second straight season without a league title, Guardiola urged players not to overindulge at Christmas and highlighted the difficult Forest trip, while also paying tribute to club legend John Robertson, emphasising respect for opponents even amid City’s relentless push for trophies.

Liverpool eye Goncalo Ramos loan to plug Isak gap up front

Goncalo Ramos
December 2025

Liverpool are exploring a six-month loan move for PSG striker Goncalo Ramos as they seek immediate cover for record signing Alexander Isak, whose serious injury has left Arne Slot short of centre-forward options at a crucial stage in the Premier League title race. Reports claim Ramos, who has nine goals this season, fits Liverpool’s pressing demands and penalty-box profile, offering a ready-made stopgap that would bolster depth alongside in-form Hugo Ekitike without forcing another huge permanent outlay so soon after their £125 million Isak investment.

Neville hails Heaven’s breakout display but slams Amorim’s “bizarre” subs

Ayden Heaven
December 2025

Gary Neville praised 19-year-old defender Ayden Heaven for an outstanding Player of the Match performance against Newcastle, highlighting his aerial dominance and composure, but criticised Ruben Amorim’s second-half substitutions for destabilising United’s shape as they clung on to Patrick Dorgu’s volleyed winner. Neville lauded Heaven’s mentality after earlier struggles versus West Ham and Bournemouth, yet argued that withdrawing Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw for Tyler Fredricson and long-exiled Tyrell Malacia invited pressure, branding the late in-game configuration “bizarre” even though United ultimately ground out the result.

Aaronson and Leeds hunt vital points against rising Sunderland

Brenden Aaronson
December 2025

Leeds, sitting 16th, host high-flying Sunderland in a meeting of last season’s promoted pair, needing points to stay clear of relegation trouble after shipping 31 goals, even though their recent head-to-head record offers encouragement with a win and draw last campaign. Aaronson, who started both Championship fixtures against Sunderland, is again expected to play a central creative role, with Leeds tasked to tighten defensively against opponents who concede little but struggle to score, turning the match into a tense balance between resilience and opportunism.

Richards fitness race exposes Palace depth before Spurs showdown

Chris Richards
December 2025

Richards suffered a cut foot that needed stitches against Arsenal and is now battling to be fit for Palace’s meeting with struggling Spurs, in a fixture that caps a landmark year in which Palace overachieved, lifted two trophies and climbed into the top eight. Manager Oliver Glasner expects the defender back early in the new year if Sunday arrives too soon, and without him Palace must rely on squad depth and tactical cohesion to exploit Spurs’ poor league form while preserving the resilience that has defined their 2025 rise.

Musah’s Inter test could redefine his status at Atalanta

Yunus Musah
December 2025

Musah has finally earned a full 90 minutes for Atalanta, taking advantage of injuries and AFCON absences, and now faces a crucial test of trust as his club weigh whether to start him again against league leaders Inter in a demanding midfield battle. Inter’s control through experienced midfielders Nicolò Barella and Piotr Zieliński will severely stress Atalanta’s structure, and another start for Musah would signal growing confidence from Gian Piero Gasperini, while benching him again would underline how fragile his standing remains after a difficult year.

Pulisic and Milan seek statement control win over Verona

Christian Pulisic
December 2025

Milan host relegation-threatened Verona needing a controlled win to maintain pressure in an ultra-tight title race, after dropping points against Sassuolo and losing the Supercoppa Italiana to Napoli, which has slightly stalled their recent momentum. Pulisic, Milan’s most consistent attacking outlet this season, is expected to steady the side by exploiting Verona’s weaknesses and providing end product in a match where efficiency, patience and focus matter more than spectacle if Milan are to keep pace at the summit.