Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker has stated that he feels he is getting better with age, and has vowed to repay the London club’s faith in him.
Spurs signed the England international from relegated West Ham in the summer, but Harry Redknapp has recently revealed that some of the White Hart Lane board were sceptical about the signing due to his age.
Parker, who turned 31 on Thursday, is out to prove any doubters wrong.
“In the last two years, I feel my football has come on massively,” he told Mirror Football.
“I’ve taken on a lot more in terms of stature and confidence in the way I’m playing and the way I feel about things. There were the early parts of my career when I wasn’t mentally tough enough, and it was probably because I was too young.
“In the past, certain things may have got me down but now I’m older and wiser. I understand more about football, and life in general,” he stated.
As the midfielder enters the twilight of his career, he has earmarked Spurs as the team that he will retire at.
“I’ve signed for four years here and would like to think this is my last club. You’re thinking, ‘At 34? He won’t be able to run!’ But I honestly believe players these days can go on for so much longer.
“The game itself is moving on so quickly now in terms of sports science and how players need to look after themselves – I would like to think I would still have a lot to offer when I reach that stage.
“There is so much on offer to help players, like nutrition, specific training and preparation, plus the way you live your life.
“I’m open-minded about sports science and anything that can improve me. You’re talking about fine margins and if you can be one per cent better than your opponent, I try to embrace it,” he concluded.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Parker is set to face former employers Newcastle at St James’ Park on Sunday, as Tottenham look to make it five wins on the trot.
Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou sprung what has arguably been the biggest surprise of his short tenure as on Thursday evening, starting what was effectively a B team side in the Europa Conference League tie against Bodo/Glimt.
Indeed, the 56-year-old opted to go with the likes of Stephen Welsh, Liam Scales, Nir Bitton and James Forrest from the off, while regular first-teamers Cameron Carter-Vickers, Josip Juranovic, Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, Jota and Liel Abada all had to make do with a spot on the bench – a move that was seemingly the Greek-Australian manager throwing the towel in after a heavy 3-1 defeat in the first leg of the tie.
Subsequently – although perhaps expected, considering the lineup – the Bhoys rather unceremoniously bowed out of Europe in the shape of a 2-0 defeat to their Norwegian opponents, with the fixture ending 5-1 on aggregate – although, in truth, Celtic were fortunate this did not turn into a cricket score.
Indeed, a number of the Hoops players failed to cover themselves in any glory whatsoever on Thursday night, with stand-in left-back Scales, as well as central midfield duo Matt O’Riley and Tom Rogic, all having a game they will be hoping to put behind them as quickly as possible.
However, following an equally disappointing performance in the first leg, it will undoubtedly be the latter of this trio most gutted with his display last night, as the Australia international very much looked to be out of his depth against the Norwegian minnows.
Rogic’s Celtic shocker
Indeed, over the course of his 45 minutes on the pitch, the £1.35m-rated midfielder enjoyed just 30 touches of the ball – the third-lowest of any Celtic starter – completed a mere 12 of his 19 attempted passes – the second-lowest of any Celtic starter – and ceded possession of the ball on 12 separate occasions.
The £15k-per-week Aussie also struggled in a defensive capacity, losing four of his six duels, committing one foul and being beaten by an opponent once.
These returns saw the 29-year-old earn an extremely disappointing SofaScore match rating of just 6.3, ranking him as the joint third-worst player to feature in the match, while The Athletic’s Celtic correspondent, Kieran Devlin, also appeared far from impressed with Rogic’s display.
Indeed, before the fixture, the journalist stated of Rogic: “I’m not convinced he’s cut out for games this high-intensity and fast-paced.”
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Then, shortly after the 51-time capped international’s display, Devlin added: “Rogic really poor tonight too… Severe lack of quality and composure across the entire pitch.”
Indeed, while Postecoglou made it abundantly clear that he is prioritising the Premiership title race with his team selection, should Rogic and his teammates turn in a display similar to that of last night’s against Hibernian this weekend, the Bhoys boss could easily be made to look even more foolish than the 29-year-old did for once again starting the midfielder against Bodo/Glimt.
In other news: Postecoglou could unearth Celtic’s next Dembele by unleashing 17 y/o “wonderkid”
Newcastle United have been dealt a major blow in their reported pursuit of Lille centre-back Sven Botman…
What’s the talk?
According to Calciomercato, Italian giants AC Milan have agreed a five-year contract with the Dutch defender ahead of the summer.
The report claims that he will earn €3m (£2.5m) per season plus bonuses as part of the agreement, which means that the Serie A outfit have committed to paying him at least £12.4m over the course of his initial contract.
Gutted
This is a huge setback for PIF as it suggests that they are set to miss out on a deal for Botman at the end of the summer, and Eddie Howe will surely be left gutted.
The defender agreeing to terms with Milan suggests that he is keen on a move to Italy and it could now be very difficult, albeit not impossible, for Newcastle to turn this situation around before he is able to complete the transfer.
He recently showed that he has the quality to produce a top-class performance against Premier League opposition as he caught the eye against Chelsea in the Champions League. As per SofaScore, he won six of his seven duels and made seven clearances, one block and two tackles.
The Dutchman also completed 91% of his passes out from the back to showcase his ball-playing ability. Howe would surely have been impressed by this aspect of his game, as it suggests that the Dutchman would be able to build attacks out from the back, helping Newcastle to progress the ball more efficiently.
Botman has averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.14 in Ligue 1 for Lille this season, winning a whopping 67% of his duels overall and making 4.7 clearances per game. He has been able to deliver consistently brilliant displays and his performance against Chelsea was not a one-off, which is why he would be a marvellous signing for the Magpies.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Therefore, Howe will be gutted that the club now look set to miss out on the 22-year-old. Milan appear to be closing in on his signature after this latest update and – for the reasons stated above – the Toon boss will be frustrated with the prospect of Botman not joining Newcastle in the summer transfer window.
Missing out on his services will be a major blow for PIF and they could now need to adjust their targets ahead of next season to find a new centre-back to bring in. If the Netherlands international decides to join Milan, perhaps the Magpies could go back in for Diego Carlos or identify an alternative target.
AND in other news, Newcastle plot record-breaking swoop for £54m-rated “winner”, fans will be excited…
One player that has now been linked with a move to Molineux Stadium is Tottenham outcast Cameron Carter-Vickers, who has impressed while on loan at Celtic this season.
What’s the news?
The USA international was reportedly available last summer for around £2.5m, but after having a sensational season in Scotland, his price tag is likely to soar beyond £6m, despite still being valued by Transfermarkt at just £2.7m.
At 24-years-old, his chances of playing Premier League football began to appear slimmer and slimmer in the summer, but after proving himself at Celtic, both Leicester City and Wolves are claimed by SBI Soccer to be very interested in acquiring his signature.
With just one year left on his Tottenham contract, the summer months will likely be when he finally leaves on a permanent transfer, and if Saiss is to leave the Midlands, the English-born defender could be a suitable replacement.
Like-for-like replacement
Wolves are currently set to lose Romain Saiss at the end of the season due to his contract expiring, which will be a big blow to boss Bruno Lage and the team, with the Moroccan’s impressive form this campaign seeing him average a 7.06 SofaScore match rating.
While Willy Boly and Yerson Mosquera are currently waiting for an opportunity to impress, Lage may opt to replace the 31-year-old star with a younger proven wide centre back to slot into the first team should Saiss’ contract not be renewed.
Carter-Vickers is a ball-playing defender who was once described by former Spurs star Jan Vertonghen as a “beast” due to his ability in the air and on the ground in one-on-one situations.
Having achieved an average match rating of 7.35 this season in the Scottish Premiership and keeping 13 clean sheets so far, his distribution has been arguably most impressive, having completed 89% of his passes, as well as four long balls per game and 17 passes per game in the opposition half.
With that in mind, he’d complement Max Kilman and Conor Coady superbly well, especially when you consider their own reputation as ball-playing defenders. Wolves have one of the best defensive records in the top-flight this term but the addition of Carter-Vickers could make them even better. After all, the thought of him playing alongside the two English centre-halves is a mouth-watering one.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Possessing superb physicality and aggression, he is naturally suited to the wide centre back role and could be a bargain replacement for Saiss.
AND in other news: Adama 2.0: Lage must now unleash £3m Wolves bargain with sheer “explosiveness”
Journalist Mark Guidi believes Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi could return at the beginning of April.
The Lowdown: Furuhashi’s absence
The 27-year-old was enjoying an unbelievable first season at Parkhead, contributing to 21 goals in just 27 appearances in green and white. However, he hasn’t been seen since the end of December due to a hamstring problem.
Ange Postecoglou’s side have managed to cope without their big summer signing, though, and are currently three points clear of Rangers at the top of the Premiership.
The Hoops travel to Ibrox at the beginning of April, and Guidi believes Furuhashi could make a long-awaited return for the Glasgow Derby.
The Latest: Guidi’s comments
Speaking live on Go Radio, relayed by Vital Celtic, Guidi had this to say when asked if he has heard any news from Celtic Park regarding Christopher Jullien or Furuhashi.
“To be honest, on Jullien? Not at the moment.
“On Kyogo. Well, there’s one or two murmurs that he’ll be available for the first game after the international break, which is Ibrox on April 3rd.
“Now we could see Kyogo coming on for the League Cup Final against Hibs, the impact he made with not a lot of training time behind him.
“So if it was to be the case, if that’s accurate, and he’s available for the game at the Ibrox, I wouldn’t imagine that he would start unless there’s an injury problem to Maeda or Giakoumakis or whatever.
“But certainly having somebody like Kyogo on the bench, what a lift that would give to Celtic, to the manager to the players to the supporters, albeit there won’t be Celtic supporters in the ground that day.
“And if he’s required for whatever reason, the circumstances, he is required to come on and give 25 minutes to half an hour, he would have that in his locker all day to go and do that.”
The Verdict: Huge
Postecoglou has had to rely on Giorgos Giakoumakis and January signing Daizen Maeda with Furuhashi out, but having the latter back would be a huge boost going into the final games of the campaign.
He has shown he can step up when needed following his heroics in the League Cup final, and hopefully, the Hoops will still be clear at the top of the Premiership when they travel to Ibrox.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Having Furuhashi back for the trip across Glasgow could prove crucial, not only for the derby, but for the title run-in itself, so it will be interesting what Postecoglou has to say when it comes to a return date for the star forward.
In other news: ‘Oh my god…’ – Celtic pundit fuming at ‘unbelievable’ news he’s hearing from Parkhead.
Aston Villa defender Calum Chambers is a doubt to face his former club Arsenal this lunchtime, according to the BBC.
The Lowdown: West Ham injury
Villa fell to a 2-1 defeat to West Ham last weekend and also left the capital with a number of injury problems.
Chambers, who has been labelled ‘magnificent’ by Ian Wright, played the entirety of the defeat to David Moyes’ side but suffered a facial injury.
Lucas Digne and Douglas Luiz also suffered problems at the London Stadium, with Gerrard now facing some big selection calls as he looks to get his side back to winning ways.
The Latest: BBC’s preview
BBC shared a preview of Villa’s meeting with Arsenal on Friday lunchtime. When it came to team news, they initially said that Chambers, along with Luiz, was a doubt but have now claimed they have been pictured in training, possibly leaving their participation up in the air.
Gerrard has since confirmed that Digne and Kortney Hause will also miss the game through injury.
The Verdict: Shame
Chambers was just beginning to establish himself as a regular under Gerrard after joining Villa in January, featuring as a starter in five of the club’s last six Premier League fixtures.
Ezri Konsa was an unused substitute against West Ham, so you’d expect that he will slot straight in alongside Tyrone Mings, should the 27-year-old miss out.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Hopefully Chambers won’t be out for long and will give Gerrard another selection headache against Wolves following the international break, providing he doesn’t feature today.
In other news: Gregg Evans drops Aston Villa contract news after ‘important’ deal confirmed
Leeds United correspondent Graham Smyth has made a contract claim on teenager Nohan Kenneh.
The Lowdown: Out of contract soon
The 19-year-old, who can play as a centre-back or as a holding midfielder, is out of contract at Elland Road at the end of June.
[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-39/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]
Kenneh is still yet to make a senior appearance for the Whites, although he has been a regular for the U23s this season.
He has turned out in 20 Premier League 2 games and three EFL Trophy fixtures, captaining the young Whites against Tranmere and Arsenal.
The Latest: Smyth’s comments
Smyth shared a Q&A on The Yorkshire Evening Post on Wednesday, with one topic of conversation on contract renewals.
The reliable reporter labelled a fresh deal for Kalvin Phillips as a ‘priority’ before having this to say on Kenneh.
“I think Kalvin Phillips will be a priority this summer because it’s the one that makes the most sense. I could see Nohan Kenneh getting a new deal before too long. He’s out of contract in the summer but he’s done well of late and impressed Jesse Marsch against Manchester United.”
The Verdict: Interesting…
Kenneh is slowly starting to establish himself as a mainstay in Leeds’ Premier League squad, making the bench in nine of the last 13 fixtures.
He missed out in Marsch’s first three squads but featured on the bench against Wolves last time out, with the Whites staging a dramatic comeback to win 3-2. Kenneh now has an impressive stat of receiving a booking before even making his debut after he joined in the celebrations following Luke Ayling’s winner.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
The American seemingly liked what he saw from Kenneh in the U23s’ 3-0 win over Manchester United last week, and it looks as if he could receive an Elland Road lifeline after catching Marsch’s eye.
In other news: ‘Been told’ – Sky Sports journalist now drops big Raphinha ‘update’ as Leeds exit gathers pace.
When Tottenham Hotspur splashed £28m on the signing of Sergio Reguilon back in September 2020, the Premier League side would have been well aware that the 25-year-old left-back may not be at the club for the length of his five-year £68k-per-week contract.
Indeed, with Real Madrid possessing a £43m buy-back clause for the Spain international – something the LaLiga side are reportedly planning to activate this summer – the defender could already be moving onto pastures new after just two seasons in north London.
As a result, Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici are reported to already be planning for life after Reguilon, with Genoa’s Andrea Cambiaso having recently been added to the 52-year-old manager’s list of potential targets to replace the £25.2m-rated Spaniard – according to Italian media outlet Alfredo Pedulla (via The Mirror).
And, considering how impressive the 22-year-old has been in Italy so far this season, it is not difficult to see why Spurs would be keen on landing the full-back ahead of 2022/23.
“He is a Paolo Maldini”
Indeed, over his 25 Serie A appearances in the current campaign, the ambidextrous left-back has been one of the few shining lights in a disappointing campaign for relegation-threatened Genoa, with the £4.5m-rated dynamo scoring one goal from an xG of 0.7 and registering four assists from an xA of 1.8, as well as making a highly impressive total of 330 pressures and 53 blocks over the course of the season.
In comparison, over Reguilon’s 23 Premier League outings this term, the 25-year-old who Jonathan Veal claimed looks “scared” when attacking has scored two goals from an xG of three and has provided three assists from an xA of four, as well as making a total of 275 pressures and 29 blocks in 2021/22.
Furthermore, Cambiaso’s agent, Giovanni Bia, clearly believes that the Italy U21 international has a huge future in the game, having stated of the £4.5k-per-week sensation back in February: “To make it clear, he is a Paolo Maldini.
“He can play on the right or the left as a full-back or in midfield. He is two-footed and has flexibility. I think he should be part of the new [Italy squad]. He has vision and quality – Italy needs players like that. We don’t have great full-backs at the moment. For me, he will be one of the full-backs of the national team for the next ten years.
“The boy is being watched by many teams. We will have to discuss with the club what is best for everyone. His contract is due to expire in 2023.”
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
As such, considering that is it being reported the Inter Milan, Juventus, Atalanta and Napoli target will be available for as little as €12m (£10m) this summer, should Reguilon indeed go on to re-join Real Madrid for £43m, it would appear highly advisable for Paratici to do all he can to land the Italian prodigy as the Spaniard’s replacement.
Indeed, not only does Cambiaso look to have a much higher ceiling than the 25-year-old, but he would also seem to be a much better fit for Conte’s tactical setup at Spurs.
AND in other news: Conte can unearth his next 243-goal talent in THFC prodigy who “runs over every blade”
One of the best players in the world over the last year has certainly been former Leeds United winger Raphinha.
Over the last couple of seasons in a Barcelona shirt, the Brazilian has 69 goals and assists for the La Liga giants, forming a largely unstoppable wing pairing with Lamine Yamal.
That sort of form earned the Blaugrana winger fifth place in the Ballon d’Or rankings, which is arguably lower than he deserved given the sheer weight of goals and assists he registered.
Incredibly, he was not included in Fifa’s The Best team of 2025, despite such a stellar year.
Whilst Raphinha is dominating world football, Leeds fans will no doubt look back fondly on his time at Elland Road.
Raphinha’s best moments for Leeds
It is hard to pinpoint the Brazilian winger’s single best moment during his time in West Yorkshire. Raphinha donned that famous White shirt 67 times over the course of two seasons, bagging 17 goals and assisting a further 12.
It is surely not too far-fetched to say his biggest contribution came in the 2021/22 campaign, in what turned out to be his final game for the club.
In a season where the Whites were threatened with relegation, Raphinha scored his 11th goal of the season, a penalty, to help them beat Brentford and survive in the Premier League.
There were other moments which stood out, too. The former Sporting CP star loved a goal against Everton, bagging three times in four appearances against the Toffees. That included this stellar strike in 2021.
Described as an “absurd” player by former teammate Crysencio Summerville, it was certainly deserved that the Brazilian donned the number ten shirt at Elland Road.
The numbers he put up and the level of performance certainly warranted such recognition.
Raphinha was sensational for Leeds, and they might finally have a player more exciting than him coming through the ranks.
Leeds’ best talent since Raphinha
In the past couple of years, Leeds have had some exciting footballers who have been either bought or produced via the academy.
In The Pipeline
Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.
Raphinha, of course, is one who was brought into the club, but the likes of Kalvin Phillips and Archie Gray are academy graduates.
Well, the academy has yet again produced another exciting talent. Harry Gray, the younger brother of Archie, is a “special” prospect according to football scout Ben Mattinson, and is on the cusp of the first team at his boyhood club.
Gray is a striker by trade and has been on fire this season.
In 13 appearances across all competitions for the Whites’ academy this term, he’s bagged ten goals, showing just how clinical he can be in front of goal.
Gray record per competition 2025/26
Competition
Games
Goals/assists
Premier League 2
6
5G, 1A
EFL Trophy
2
2G, 1A
Premier League Int. Cup U21
2
0
National League Cup
2
3G
FA Youh Cup
1
0
Stats from Transfermarkt
Perhaps the highlight of his season so far was a hat-trick against Scunthorpe United in the National League Cup.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
The 17-year-old showed excellent instinct in the box for his first strike, before bagging twice from outside of the box, including a sensational free-kick, to take home the match ball and secure a 3-1 win for Leeds.
His talent has already been recognised by manager Daniel Farke. The German gave him a debut last season in the Championship, and included him in the matchday squad in the Carabao Cup and once in the Premier League.
There is a case to be made that Gray is the best attacking talent since Raphinha was at Elland Road. He is clearly an excellent player, proven by the fact that he’s already made his first-team bow and is a real goal machine.
Yet, Leeds haven’t had an attacker who has exploded in the Premier League like the Brazilian since he departed. It is a long season and Gray might get the chance to do that this time around, or, failing that, get his chance in 2026/27 if they stay up.
He is certainly a brilliant talent and could be the most exciting attacker since their former number ten left the club.
Leeds star is fast becoming their best bargain since Pablo Hernandez
Leeds have now stumbled across their best bargain since Pablo Hernandez in this exceptional performer at Elland Road.
Manchester United have been a club in transition over the last 12 months, after Ruben Amorim was appointed as their new manager back in November 2024.
The 40-year-old arrived with huge expectations after his spell in Portugal with Sporting CP, which saw him claim the Liga Portugal title on two separate occasions.
However, his 3-4-2-1 system has failed to have the desired impact at Old Trafford, which has often led to supporters getting frustrated with his stubbornness to change shape.
The fanbase have also been crying out for the likes of Kobbie Mainoo to gain more game time, with the Englishman often having to settle for a place on the bench in every Premier League game this campaign.
He may have opened up a new can of worms over the last couple of weeks, after making some unpopular comments about multiple players on the books at Old Trafford.
Why Chido Obi and Harry Amass are unlucky to play under Amorim
The academy has often played a huge part in United’s success in years gone by, but Amorim has done himself no favours with his comments over recent weeks.
He was asked about the potential of utilising some youngsters within the first-team ranks in the near future, with Chido Obi and Harry Amass two of the names suggested to the boss.
He stated that the left-back was struggling in the Championship during his loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday, but he’s been one of the standout players for the Owls.
The 18-year-old has already featured on 16 occasions in England’s second tier, and even managed to score his first senior goal against Southampton.
As for Obi, Amorim claimed he’s struggled to start in the U21s side this campaign, but the 18-year-old has already racked up a total of 13 appearances across all competitions.
The Danish youngster has already scored on five occasions, including three in three starts in the U21 Premier League, subsequently demonstrating his clinical nature in front of goal.
However, the manager’s recent comments highlight the lack of faith he currently has in the youth players at United to make the step up and feature in the first-team.
The United star who’ll never play for the club again
The aforementioned academy duo aren’t the only ones who have struggled to make their impact at United over the last couple of months, with Mainoo unable to get into Amorim’s plans.
Like Amass, he’s a product of the Red Devils’ academy, but he’s been restricted to 11 substitute appearances in the Premier League this season, with none of which coming from a starting role.
The player himself has covered his displeasure over his lack of first-team action, subsequently leading to the youngster asking for a move away from his boyhood club.
However, such a move has been rejected, with the Red Devils wanting to keep hold of the youngster despite his lack of action throughout the 2025/26 campaign.
He’s not alone in struggling to make an impact, with centre-back Tyler Fredricson potentially already playing his last game for his boyhood club under Amorim.
The 20-year-old managed to break into the senior ranks last season, subsequently making two appearances in the defeats against Brentford and Wolves.
Subscribe for deeper United analysis and youth insights Keep following Manchester United’s youth and management storylines: subscribe to the newsletter for in-depth coverage of Amorim-era decisions, academy prospects, squad dynamics and clear context on what it means for the club’s direction. Subscribe for deeper United analysis and youth insights Keep following Manchester United’s youth and management storylines: subscribe to the newsletter for in-depth coverage of Amorim-era decisions, academy prospects, squad dynamics and clear context on what it means for the club’s direction.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
He’s also only made one senior appearance this time around, featuring for just 45 minutes in the now infamous Carabao Cup Second Round defeat against League Two outfit Grimsby Town.
Fredricson may have appeared on the bench against Bournemouth on Monday night, but unfortunately for his sake, he’s been overtaken by Ayden Heaven in the pecking order.
Such a situation, coupled with the manager’s lack of faith in the youngsters at his disposal, could well spell the end of his career at Old Trafford – under Amorim at the very least.
Tyler Fredricson – stats against Grimsby
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Minutes played
45
Touches
50
Passes completed
37
Tackles won
1
Blocks made
0
Interceptions
0
Fouls committed
1
Yellow cards
1
Stats via FotMob
His showing against Grimsby at the start of the season is evidence that, unfortunately, he’s not up to the standard required in the Premier League, given the current situation.
It’s a real shame to see the club’s academy setup going to waste at present, with such a decision potentially being a deciding factor in his spell at the club.
However, for the players currently on the books, it will no doubt spell bad news, which could lead to the departure of Fredricson alongside Amass and Obi.
Far better than Mainoo: Man Utd make £100m star their "top top target"
Manchester United have now set their sights on one player ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.