Erling Haaland
January 2026
City beat Newcastle comfortably to reach the final vs Arsenal, but some fans targeted Haaland after he started on the bench and remains on a poor scoring run (one goal in eight games). City protected a 2-0 first-leg advantage, then extended the tie with a Marmoush brace and a Reijnders goal. Haaland came on in the second half but did not score.
Kevin Keegan
January 2026
Kevin Keegan has been diagnosed with cancer after being admitted to hospital for ongoing abdominal symptoms, with his family confirming he will undergo treatment and asking for privacy. The update came via a family statement published on Newcastle’s website. Newcastle also posted public support, calling him “King Kev” and wishing him a full recovery as he begins treatment and continued monitoring.
Eddie Howe
January 2026
Eddie Howe downplayed speculation linking him with the Manchester United job, insisting he is fully committed to Newcastle and focused on upcoming matches. Howe said nothing has changed in his outlook, he ignores external noise, and remains driven by daily work at St James’ Park after delivering silverware and Champions League football.
Brennan Johnson
January 2026
Crystal Palace expect Brennan Johnson to complete a £35 million move and undergo a medical within 24 hours, with the club hoping to include him for the weekend match against Newcastle. The fee would break Palace’s transfer record. Palace have moved quickly after agreeing a £35m deal, with Johnson pushed down Tottenham’s pecking order after Kudus arrived and minutes limited under Thomas Frank. Palace want more quality for European commitments and to back Oliver Glasner with a headline signing.
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.
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.
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.
Alexander Isak
December 2025
Alexander Isak has admitted he is struggling to explain his slow start at Liverpool after a £125m move from Newcastle, with just two goals in 15 games as the defending champions sit ninth in the Premier League and battle stuttering form. Isak says there is no simple answer, stressing that dips are part of a career and that both he and the team must “fight” their way out of it. He accepts the transition has been slower than hoped but leans on experience, focusing on balance and consistency.
Estevao Willian
December 2025
Maresca confirmed Estevao has a “small muscle problem” that kept him out of the 3-1 Carabao Cup win at Cardiff and will sideline him for the Premier League clash at Newcastle. The teenager’s absence trims Chelsea’s already stretched attacking options. With Estevao, Colwill, Essugo, Delap and Lavia all unavailable, Maresca turned to Tyrique George and Jamie Gittens out wide before late goals from Neto and Garnacho sealed progression. The Italian framed the cup win as a dangerous tie negotiated well, but admitted the latest knock adds to his selection headache.
Dan Burn
December 2025
Newcastle vice-captain Dan Burn has been ruled out for at least six weeks after scans revealed a punctured lung and fractured rib suffered in the derby loss to Sunderland, meaning he will miss the entire festive schedule and likely around ten matches. Burn initially tried to play on after being caught in the ribs by Nordi Mukiele’s knee during a sliding challenge, but was withdrawn before half-time and later rushed to hospital after struggling to breathe, deepening an already severe defensive injury crisis for Eddie Howe.
