The Los Angeles Dodgers are pumping the brakes on Shohei Ohtani's return to the mound.
On Thursday, reported Dodgers manager Dave Roberts says Ohtani's progress has been slowed a bit to give him a break. Ohtani is still working his way back from a hybrid Tommy John surgery he had in September 2023, as well as offseason surgery on the labrum in his non-throwing shoulder.
While Ohtani has not stopped throwing, the team is attempting to manage his workload.
"We just felt that to intensify the bullpens alongside of the intensity of the games wasn’t smart," Roberts said. "So we just wanted to kind of slow-play it."
Ohtani won't face hitters before the Dodgers head to Japan for their season-opening series against the Chicago Cubs. The team had been targeting May for the star's return to the mound, but that appears to be off now.
"I just feel, and we all feel, (that we’re) just trying to make it a broad time to return," Roberts said. "We just don’t know. And so I think that when he’s ready, when the process, the progression, as it’s going on, we’ll know. But I don’t want to put any kind of expectation on you guys, or Shohei."
Ohtani has been working as a designated hitter in spring training and has five hits in 12 at-bats with a home run. In 2024, Ohtani won the National League MVP award and led his team to a World Series title in his first season with the Dodgers. He hit .310, with 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, 59 stolen bases and an OPS of 1.036.
It doesn't seem like we'll see him on the mound any time soon, though.
Danny Rohl discovered Rangers’ problems run deeper than former boss Russell Martin as the Light Blues were blitzed 3-0 by Brann in Bergen.
The 36-year-old German head coach was installed as Martin’s successor on Monday with the Gers sitting sixth in the William Hill Premiership and having lost their opening two league phase games in the Europa League to Genk and Sturm Graz.
However, a new era at Rangers continued along familiar lines against a side third in the Norwegian top flight.
Emil Kornvig scored five minutes before the break to give Freyr Alexandersson’s side a deserved interval lead, Jacob Sorensen added a second after 55 minutes with Noah Holm firing in a third in the 79th minute, on a night when once again the beleaguered Light Blues performed to an embarrassingly low standard, and now sit pointless.
Cavenagh told to fire two key Rangers figures
Heart & Hand editor David Edgar was left furious post-match, calling on Andrew Cavenagh to immediately fire both Chief Executive Patrick Stewart and Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell.
Celtic legend turned pundit and wind-up merchant Chris Sutton was also there on social media to get his digs in.
It seems there will be no quick fix for Gers fans desperate to see the Ibrox club shake themselves out of their lethargy.
With five remaining Europa League games against tough opposition, progress into the knockout phase looks unlikely and after a sobering debut, the former Sheffield Wednesday boss now has to prepare his side to face Kilmarnock at Ibrox on Sunday.
Rohl’s first team selection saw him bring in defender Nasser Djiga and much-maligned 21-year-old striker Youssef Chermiti for Derek Cornelius and Bojan Miovski, who were both on the bench.
Thelwell had this week defended the signing of unproven Chermiti for a reported fee of £8.5million from Everton and he found little joy with some early touches and missed a first-half sitter but his team mates were really no better.
The home side looked more fluid and organised and in the 14th minute Eivind Helland headed a corner wide before Gers keeper Jack Butland made a terrific save from Ulrik Mathisen’s point-blank header, after he was set up by Holm.
Butland then parried Bard Finne’s angled-drive before Holm fired over the bar but Rangers came back and Norway international Thelo Aasgaard miskicked 14 yards from goal after taking a pass from skipper James Tavernier.
There was more profligacy when Chermiti meekly headed a curling Nicolas Raskin cross into the hands of Brann keeper Mathias Dyngeland.
The Norwegian side had regained control when Finne raced into the box with Tavernier nowhere to be seen but although he took a poor touch as defender John Souttar challenged, the ball moved past Butland with Kornvig first there to knock it into the net.
It was more of the same after the break for Rangers and the second goal was soon conceded, after Gers winger Oliver Antman conceded a foul wide on the left.
When Finne curled the free-kick into the box Sorensen easily got away from defender Jayden Meghoma to knock the ball past Butland.
Antman made way for Mikey Moore, who flashed a cross from Meghoma over the bar from 12 yards but Holm was more clinical from the same distance when a cross from Vetle Dragsnes landed at his feet.
For frustrated Gers fans, it was a new face in the dugout but the same old frailties on the pitch.
Christian Pulisic believes, at 27 years of age, he could have another 10 years left in him. The USMNT star has also revealed that he intends to head home to MLS at some point in his career. While looking to the future, the United States international admits to feeling happy and settled at AC Milan for now – with life in Italy more enjoyable than his London-based stint at Chelsea.
European adventure: Germany, England & Italy for Pulisic
Pulisic left America in 2015 when making his way to Europe. He linked up with German giants Borussia Dortmund while still in his teens and has since taken in spells with Premier League and Serie A heavyweights.
Considerable success has been enjoyed along the way, becoming a Champions League winner, while personal bests continue to be posted with Milan. Pulisic has, however, stopped short of signing a contract extension there.
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Future plans: Pulisic intends to play in MLS
He feels comfortable at San Siro – with golf pro girlfriend Alexa Melton paying him regular visits – and sees no reason why he could not play for another decade, with a retracing of steps to the States being enjoyed along the way.
Pulisic has told of his present and future: “My Italian has improved a lot, and I feel much more confident in interviews now. I did a first telephone interview and found it difficult because I couldn’t see the person. I’m at a similar level to when I spoke German better. I like it here, I like the Italian culture, which I find very calm. I like the people, and the food is also very good. Does it beat London? Definitely.
“Where will I be when I retire from football? I’ve thought about it. I don’t know, it depends on where my career takes me. I’ll definitely spend some time in the United States. I’ve been away from my family for a long time.”
Pulisic added, with inspiration being taken from current Ballon d’Or-winning team-mate Luka Modric: “It’s hard to know when it’s time to retire. Looking at him [Modric] now, I see at least 10 years ahead of me. I want to keep going as long as possible. I see Luka in the dressing room: this guy is 40 years old and is performing like a 10-year-old. I wonder how he does it. I hope I can hold out, too. We’re so lucky to have this job.”
Ambitious targets: Pulisic wants Serie A title triumph
Pulisic has been nursing an injury of late, but has registered six goals for Milan this season – having hit 17 last season and 15 across his debut campaign with the Rossoneri. He is considered to fill the ‘world-class’ talent bracket and has plenty left to achieve at the very highest level.
The highly-rated forward said: “Am I in my prime? I’m at a good age in my career, probably in my best moment physically. I’ve learned a lot. I always say I hope my prime is next season because that’s always my goal. But if this is my prime, I want to enjoy it. But I definitely feel like I’m living my best moment in football right now.”
On his ambitious targets, Pulisic added: “The Scudetto? That’s our goal, definitely. I don’t want to look at it from the negative side, like it will be if we don’t win. We’ll do our best, and we’ll be judged game by game. There have been seasons where I haven’t won anything, but we’ve done so many great things. When you win that trophy, there’s nothing like it; the work pays off.
“Scoring goals is a private matter, at least for me. I wouldn’t share it. There’s enough pressure on us; there’s no need to put more. People don’t realise the pressure we put on ourselves. I ask a lot of myself, but all professionals do. I set goals to help the team.”
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Pulisic contract: Will USMNT star sign AC Milan extension?
Pulisic is under contract with Milan through to 2027, with that deal including a 12-month extension option. The Rossoneri had hoped to have fresh terms in place by now, as they recognise the importance of their No.11 to the collective cause, but the relevant paperwork remains unsigned and questions continue to be asked of whether Pulisic could be on the move again in an upcoming transfer window.
In the strange, paranormal world known as hitting, in which lucky socks or a borrowed bat are believed to carry superpowers, there is one five-letter unwelcome interloper who might as well be known as He Who Will Not be Named. Hitters do not even like to use the word “slump,” no less acknowledge such an enemy exists, such are its negative forces.
“I’m not in a slump,” premier hardball sensei Yogi Berra once said. “I just ain’t hitting.”
At its worst, though, a slump is unmistakable, even if it is unspeakable. For Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees, it has grown as large as the man itself. It cannot be ignored.
One of the great sluggers of this generation cannot get out of his own way. He is taking strikes and swinging at balls. He is late on fastballs and early on breaking pitches. He has struck out 19 times in 11 games this postseason while batting .150.
Game 2 of the World Series on Saturday was a new low. Judge struck out swinging three times on pitches out of the zone, only the 16th time he had done so in his career. The Yankees again could not survive without some positive energy from their captain, losing 4–2 to the Los Angeles Dodgers to fall in the series two games to none.
Judge never did speak the word “slump” after the game, as he parried different versions of the question: He didn’t have to speak it. Accountable as he was, Judge gave away one of the root causes of his slump by how many times he used the same two words, with emphasis added:
“I’ve definitely got to step up. I got to do my job.”
“Especially with Gleyber [Torres] and what Juan [Soto] did at the top of the lineup, I've got to back them up.”
“They're going to keep getting on base. I've got to drive them in or move them over.”
“My boys are going to keep picking me up, but I’ve got to step up and pick them up, too.”
“It’s plain and simple. I got to start swinging at strikes.”
“Got to.” It’s the telltale admission of a hitter pressing. Judge knows how important he is to the Yankees. He knows at age 32 that he has waited his professional career to have this opportunity of playing in the World Series. And worse, he knows this October slump spans years. He is stringing together a legacy of empty postseason at-bats that is only getting harder to turn around.
In 55 postseason games, Judge is a career .199 hitter who is striking out 34% of his plate appearances, which is pretty much the regular season career of Mike Zunino. Judge has whiffed 85 times—12 more than anybody else in postseason history through 55 games (next closest is Cody Bellinger, 73).
While Juan Soto (right) stays hot in the postseason, Judge continues to struggle. / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Is there any one factor, someone wondered, that you can put your finger on?
“Just expanding the zone,” he said. “You know, that's really what it comes down to. You got to get a pitch in the zone and drive it. And if you don’t, don’t try to make something happen.”
It’s the obvious place to start. Judge chased pitches during the regular season at a rate of 18.7%, a career low. In the postseason it has spiked to 29.3%. He is 0-for-10 on 34 chase swings.
But it’s more than that. It’s mechanical. Manager Aaron Boone talked about Judge not able to get into his load position on time to fire off a good swing. He has hit sometimes with his feet in a slightly open stance and sometimes in the neutral stance that served him well in May when he crawled out of his season-opening 35-game slump. His swing is more uphill. He is falling across the plate when he misses a pitch away, a sign of a balance issue. Teammate Anthony Rizzo suspects a timing problem.
“It’s one of those intervals,” as Rizzo referred to He Who Will Not be Named. “You know, I think it just takes one feel. If you're asking [what’s wrong] the first thing is it's probably just timing.”
But there is a mental component that is starting to surface: an inability to get off his "A" swing when the moment is there. He is often caught in between on his swing decisions.
I had a specific pitch in mind from Game 2—a 2–0, 94-mph fastball from Dodgers starter Yoshi Yamamoto that froze him in the sixth inning—when I asked Judge whether he felt he had pitches to hit.
“Yeah, 2–0, Yamamoto, I think my third at bat,” Judge said. “He kind of grooved me a heater down and in. You know, when we're going well, we can fire on that. Then the next pitch is a curveball that we foul off. I just have to have a little bit better swing on those two.”
So deep is the valley in which Judge walks these days that Boone was looking at pop-ups for signs of life. He said before the game that a pop-up against reliever Blake Treinen in Game 1 had the ingredients of a turnaround for Judge.
“He threw me a four seamer, kind of up and in, and I just missed it,” Judge said. “I'd rather get the job done in that situation, but I felt better. But like I said, it comes down to I’ve got to get the job done.
“We're getting close. … I couldn't transfer it over to this game. You know, like I said, it comes down to you’ve got to be disciplined in my strike zone. That's what got us in this position all year long. So, just got to get back to that.”
Got to. Give credit, too, to how well the Dodgers have pitched Judge in the World Series. In Game 2 they threw Judge 21 pitches. Only twice did they double up on the same pitch within an at-bat—and each time Judge was fooled and struck out on a chase swing.
Yamamoto (top) dominated Judge and the Yankees, giving up only one hit in 6 1/3 innings. / Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
Here is how Yamamoto pitched Judge in terms of speed variation from pitch to pitch:
First at-bat, starting at 96 mph: -16, +17, -10, -8, -7, -1.
Second at-bat, starting at 80 mph: -5, +21, -10, +9.
Third at-bat, starting at 95 mph: -6, +5, -18, +16.
That is exquisite execution changing speeds.
Judge is the kind of impactful hitter who is always just one swing away. He broke his April slump, for instance, with a May 5 homer off Tarik Skubal in his first at-bat when he squared up his feet.
“You’ve got to make your plate this big,” teammate Giancarlo Stanton said, holding his hands together roughly in the shape of a hamburger. “You feel like your plate is this big,” he pushed his hands far apart, “and you just have got to compress it. No, it’s not mechanical. He's going to help us win games here.”
Time and opportunity begin to slip away. Judge has 55 postseason games of pressure pushing down on his shoulders. His team faces a veritable must-win Game 3 on Monday. He is one of the game’s truly great sluggers and the emotional linchpin of this team. He has got to do something, and fast. And isn’t that how we wound up here, in the land of the unspeakable?
Bayer Leverkusen head coach Kasper Hjulmand insists his side "can win" against Vincent Kompany's Bayern Munich, despite admitting the "gap is now bigger" to the defending champions. As Kompany and team ride a perfect 8-0 winning streak, Hjulmand is looking to "close the gap" and prove the runaway leaders are not "unbeatable" in Saturday's crucial clash.
Hjulmand: 'Gap to Bayern is now bigger'
Hjulmand has insisted that his side can secure an upset against Bayern Munich in their top-of-the-table clash, stating that "no team is ever unbeatable" despite the champions' flawless start to the season.
The match on Saturday evening sees first-place Bayern host fifth-place Leverkusen, with the hosts already holding a significant seven-point lead after just eight league matches. While expressing belief in his own team, Hjulmand was candid in his assessment of the gulf that has opened up between the perennial champions and the chasing pack, including his own side.
"Perhaps the difference to Bayern is now a little bigger than last season, but we are working hard to close the gap," Hjulmand said at a press conference.
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Bayern's flawless, record-breaking start
Hjulmand's task is made all the more daunting by Bayern's perfect record, having won all 14 of their competitive matches in a record-breaking run for a top European team.
Their dominance has been absolute at both ends of the pitch. Kompany's side have scored a remarkable 30 goals while conceding just four. This relentless form has left all title hopefuls trailing in their wake. RB Leipzig, Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund are all scrambling to keep pace, but Leverkusen are the next team with a chance to halt the runaway train.
Despite the daunting statistics and Bayern's "flawless season so far," Hjulmand was defiant, insisting he would not travel to Munich with a defeatist attitude.
"No team is ever unbeatable. I never go into a game with that attitude," the Danish coach affirmed. "It's always possible to win a game. I believe it's possible."
A victory for Leverkusen would be the biggest statement made by any Bundesliga side this season and would cut the gap at the top to four points. A defeat, however, would see them fall 10 points behind, all but ending any realistic title aspirations before November.
Vazquez out and Tillman a doubt for Leverkusen
Leverkusen's attempts to achieve the "possible" will be hampered by injury concerns, particularly following a gruelling mid-week cup tie.
Hjulmand confirmed that his side, whom he referred to as the “best team in Germany” in a likely reference to their cup opponents, will be without Lucas Vazquez for the trip to Munich due to "muscular problems".
There is also a question mark over the fitness of Malik Tillman. The attacking midfielder, who has been sidelined with a thigh injury, is only just "returning to training" and Hjulmand stated he "could return to the squad," but a starting role seems improbable.
There was positive news regarding star man Alejandro Grimaldo. The free-kick specialist was a concern after Leverkusen were forced into extra time in the second round of the DFB-Pokal on Wednesday, eventually securing a 4-2 win over Paderborn.
The 120-minute "extra shift" raised fears over fatigue for the defender, but Hjulmand confirmed Grimaldo survived the cup appearance unscathed.
The coach stated that Grimaldo was "just exhausted" after the match, implying he will be fully available for selection against Bayern.
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What next for the Bundesliga title race?
All eyes will be on the Allianz Arena on Saturday. Leverkusen are facing the most difficult task in German football: attempting to stop a Bayern side showing no weaknesses this season and hell bent on defending their Bundesliga crown.
Hjulmand's side will have to overcome their own injury issues and potential fatigue from their 120-minute cup tie. For Bayern, a ninth consecutive win in the league would further enhance their status as champions-elect, even at this early stage. For Leverkusen, it is a final chance to "close the gap" and keep the Bundesliga title race alive.
Manchester United are keen to strengthen at every given opportunity and may now find themselves ahead in the race to sign one of England’s rising stars.
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim keen to steady ship
Ruben Amorim is under pressure at Old Trafford and needs to strike together a run of results in order to avoid further scrutiny from external sources, albeit speculation is continuing to mount over his future.
Despite claims that the Portuguese boss could change his formation for coming fixtures, Dean Jones has claimed Amorim may instead look to alter personnel in an attempt to improve performances at Old Trafford.
He said: “I have spoken to connections close to the club, and there seems to be an expectation that this time, something does change. Realistically, it probably will not be the system.
“Because they have worked so tirelessly on his formation, he will probably roll it out again – but one thing he can do this time is change the personnel. This is the area that people seem to feel is most likely to change.”
Steve Parish is working tirelessly to stop Oliver Glasner making a future move to Old Trafford. The Crystal Palace boss would likely be a key contender if the role became vacant, but Amorim is still the man charged with turning around their Premier League fortunes.
Not just Hojlund: Man Utd must rue selling a CF who's outperforming Mbeumo
Manchester United may have made a mistake in allowing one former player to depart Old Trafford.
By
Ethan Lamb
Oct 3, 2025
Ultimately, the problems Manchester United have faced in recent years are far deeper than who is in the dugout, though the expectation on the manager is always a major talking point.
Either way, player recruitment is always on the agenda at the global giants and the Red Devils could have the advantage in the race for a player who could ignite their season.
Manchester United looking to win Hayden Hackney race
According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United are ahead of Fulham in the race to sign Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney, and they may look to formalise their interest in the England Under-21 international come 2026.
Tottenham Hotspur are also watching with intent and will have been impressed with what they’ve witnessed, given his return off a goal and two assists in nine appearances across all competitions.
Hayden Hackney in 2025/26 – Sky Bet Championship
Chances created
15
Successful passes
388
Successful crosses
4
Completed dribbles
9
Duels won
36
All statistics courtesy of Fotmob*
Labelled “outstanding” by pundit Neil Maddison, the Three Lions youth international is out of contract in the summer of 2027, and it remains to be seen if Boro are tempted to cash in come January or whether he will stay for their promotion push under Rob Edwards.
Manchester United made an approach for Carlos Baleba during the summer, illustrating their appetite to strengthen the engine room, and it appears that INEOS have their eyes fixed on some form of midfield reinforcement come the January window.
James Rodríguez is reportedly set to leave Club León at the end of the Apertura 2025, as his contract expires in December and neither side intends to renew. With only six months remaining before the 2026 World Cup, the former Real Madrid star will have to find a new destination and could either stay in Liga MX or make the move to MLS.
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An imminent goodbye
According to Mediotiempo, Rodríguez’s time with Club León will come to an end once the Apertura 2025 concludes. The Colombian joined La Fiera last semester on a one-year deal, originally drawn by the chance to play in the FIFA Club World Cup. However, León’s participation was canceled after FIFA disqualified them for violating ownership regulations, leaving James without that international showcase.
Since then, things haven’t gone as expected. León were knocked out in the quarterfinals of the Clausura 2025, and in the current Apertura campaign, they sit second-to-last (17th place) in the table. Rodríguez has gradually lost prominence within the team, scoring just three goals in 12 matches this season and five across 32 total appearances with the club.
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Ambriz won’t stand in James’ way
While the arrival of head coach Ignacio Ambriz briefly raised hopes, results failed to improve, with defeats to Toluca, Santos, and Atlas, and only a draw against Pumas in recent weeks. The report suggests that both the club and the player see separation as the best solution moving forward.
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MLS clubs keeping an eye on the Colombian
The same outlet reported that several major Liga MX teams are monitoring the 33-year-old’s situation, while MLS sides have also expressed interest in signing the 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner once his contract expires in December.
With the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, Rodríguez now faces a pivotal decision about the next chapter of his career – one that could determine his final act in top-level football.
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What comes next for Club León?
León will close the Apertura 2025 regular season with two challenging fixtures – first visiting América on Matchday 16 and then hosting Puebla on Matchday 17 – as the club looks to finish the campaign on a positive note.
Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank boasts a wealth of hugely impressive talents in his squad that have seriously impressed under him so far.
The Dane’s exceptional start to life in the Spurs dugout has yielded four wins from seven in all competitions so far, including just two defeats, and they were desperately unlucky to lose that UEFA Super Cup final to European champions PSG.
While a draw at underperforming Brighton last time out is hardly cause for major celebration, the Amex has been a very unhappy hunting ground for Spurs in recent years.
Ange Postecoglou’s Lilywhites blew a two-goal lead to surrender a 3-2 defeat on the south coast this time last year – losing 4-2 away to them the year prior – and history threatened to repeat itself again when Spurs found themselves 2-0 behind last Saturday.
However, Frank’s side displayed real dogged professionalism to claw themselves back to 2-2 — courtesy of goals from Richarlison and reported Spurs transfer target Jan Paul van Hecke (OG) — and had even more chances to score before the final whistle.
Xavi Simons missed a great opportunity to net his first Premier League goal for Tottenham, in what was a promising display of what is to come from the Dutchman, while Lucas Bergvall added to his ever-growing collection of excellent performances.
Lucas Bergvall’s career at Tottenham so far
Stats
Appearances
52
Goals
2
Assists
6
Bookings
8
Minutes played
2,714
via Transfermarkt
Spurs’ midfield is looking stacked right now, with summer loan signing Joao Palhinha also impressing as he eyes a 2026 permanent move to Tottenham.
Alongside the likes of Bergvall and Palhinha, a special nod has to go to the young Pape Sarr.
Tottenham told "important" Pape Sarr deserves much more credit
Speaking to Tottenham News, ex-Brentford boss Martin Allen has claimed that Sarr has gone unnoticed with his Spurs performances this season, and deserves more credit.
Signed by Fabio Paratici in 2021 for around £15 million, the Senegalese spent the rest of 21/22 back on loan at FC Metz before playing his way into the Spurs senior team.
The 23-year-old was awarded a new long-term contract last year as a result of his showings under Postecoglou, keeping him at the club until 2030, and Sarr has been equally as good since Frank replaced the Australian.
Tottenham Hotspur's Mathys Tel, Pape Matar Sarr, Richarlison and YvesBissouma
Prior to their draw at Brighton, Sarr was handed the starting nod by Frank in each of Tottenham’s first four Premier League games — bagging his first of the campaign in a 3-0 win at West Ham and assisting Brennan Johnson’s third against Burnley in a 3-0 opening weekend victory.
According to WhoScored, the ex-Ligue 1 sensation is Tottenham’s third-best performer by average match rating per 90 in the top flight, with only Mohammed Kudus and Richarlison sitting above him.
In truth, Sarr’s price tag from four years ago is now looking like chump change, and he could be a fixture of Frank’s midfield for years to come if he carries on performing when required.
Marcus Rashford has been accused of lacking accountability for the problems he and Manchester United faced last season. The forward fell out of favour under Ruben Amorim as results fell off a cliff, failing to apply himself in training according to the head coach, but has since joined Barcelona on loan and is enjoying his best run of form in more than 18 months.
Ex-Man Utd striker weighs in
Louis Saha, who spent four and a half years with Manchester United between 2004 and 2008, suggested that Rashford didn't respond in the right way to the challenges that faced him at Old Trafford last season.
"As a professional, you need to find solutions, regardless of whether the manager likes you," Saha said, speaking to football betting site BetVictor. "We all face moments where we have to perform on the field, and that wasn't his response. There were definitely times I saw a player who was out of form, who didn't want to be there, and that's not normal.
"It's not normal to play like that. You might want to request a transfer, but when you're on the field, you work hard. He wasn't working hard, something was clearly wrong, and he was unhappy. You shouldn't let anything take away your joy on the pitch because you have a responsibility to your fans. It's not about the manager, or the club owners; it's about the thousands of people paying for tickets.
"I get angry because it feels like a waste, and it shows a lack of accountability. Now, I'm very happy for him as a football player, not just for me, but for fans all over the world in Barcelona who can now enjoy a terrific player. But, of course, as a Manchester United fan, I'm angry."
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Rashford's fine Barcelona form
Rashford had enjoyed a career best season in 2022-23, racking up 42 goals and assists combined in 56 appearances for United that year. But over the subsequent 18 months, from the start of 2023-24 until being dropped by Amorim in December 2024, this dropped to just 24 in 67 games.
After showing flashes in the second half of last season with Aston Villa, Rashford has quickly started hitting impressive numbers again since joining Barcelona on loan. So far, it's 12 goals and assists in only 13 outing for the Blaugrana across La Liga and the Champions League. He's netted four times in Europe alone and set up Barcelona's only goal in the weekend's El Clasico defeat.
Rashford was 'part of the problem' at Man Utd
Rashford recently implied that he considered the "inconsistent environment" he encountered at Manchester United over the past couple of seasons to be behind his sustained loss of form.
"I feel like I have been in an inconsistent environment for a very long time, so it is even more difficult to be consistent," he complained.
That prompted a response from ex-United skipper Roy Keane that suggested Rashford was part of the problem that was causing it, with managers and staff coming and going. "Towards the end of his time at United, there was obviously issues. He was part of the problem with the environment, especially [being] one of the most experienced players at United," Keane went on to say during an appearance on ITV programming. "He should have been setting the standards and showing new people at the club what it's like to be a United player."
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England star keen on Barcelona stay
Barcelona hold an option to buy Rashford for just £28 million ($37m), significantly cheaper than the £40m ($53m) that rivals clubs are expected to be quoted, and it has been reported that the England international would like to continue in Catalonia beyond this season. He wants to stay and Barcelona are said to be "closely monitoring" the situation.
"I'm enjoying this football club and I think for anybody who loves football, Barcelona is one of the key clubs in the history of the game. For a player it is an honour," Rashford told last week.
However, the big obstacle for Barcelona, still not out of the financial woods, is being able to afford it.
After failing to impress once again as Liverpool suffered their first defeat of the season against Crystal Palace, Jamie Carragher has pinpointed “another problem” that Florian Wirtz is having at Anfield.
Slot: Liverpool "have to go back" to set-piece strength
In what is becoming quite the trend, Liverpool were undone by two set pieces against Crystal Palace as the Eagles shocked the Premier League champions late on at Selhurst Park. Eddie Nketiah’s late strike was the fourth goal that Liverpool have conceded from set pieces this season in a record that Arne Slot admitted must change.
The Dutchman said in his press conference ahead of the Galatasaray game: “Last season I said many times, the reason we hardly conceded was that 11 players worked incredibly hard to make it difficult for the other team to even create a chance.
“That’s what we have done this season many times as well, but you can work as hard as you want but a set-piece is almost a different game inside a game. That was, by the way, one of our main strengths last season, that we hardly conceded from set-pieces.
“We have to go back to that, we haven’t changed our set-up, we haven’t changed anything, so we have to prove in the upcoming weeks and months that we were maybe a bit unlucky in conceding some set-pieces.
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“That can happen in five or six games [and can be] difficult to see it for the long term. We definitely have to improve because I also see teams in the Premier League that win games by set-pieces, and we lose games because of set-pieces.”
It’s not just set pieces that Liverpool should be concerned with, however. £116m arrival Wirtz is yet to make his mark and many have had their say as to why that is, including former player Carragher.
Carragher pinpoints "another problem" for Wirtz
Without a goal or assist since the Community Shield, there’s no denying that Wirtz is struggling to adapt to life at Anfield. The German has looked a shadow of the player that many know he is capable of becoming at Anfield and Saturday’s defeat has welcomed some uncomfortable questions.
Taking the chance to have his say on Wirtz’s struggles, Carragher actually told Monday Night Football that the form of Alexis Mac Allister is causing the midfielder “another problem”. The Argentine has faced injury struggles since the end of last season and has endured his own poor form on the pitch as a result.
There’s plenty of truth to that statement. In Wirtz’s most impressive Premier League display, he only showed signs of life against Arsenal when Mac Allister was replaced by Curtis Jones and no longer occupying similar spaces to the former Bayer Leverkusen star as a result.
The big question for Slot this summer revolved around how he would get both Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak in his side. As it turns out, however, his biggest problem could be fitting both Mac Allister and Wirtz into his midfield.