Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez delivered a solid performance during Argentina’s thumping 4-0 win over Bolivia in a friendly yesterday.

The 28-year-old has been a key player for club and country, and he played 81 minutes for Argentina in their recent encounter against Bolivia on home turf.

Martinez had a comfortable evening as Bolivia managed just one shot on target. He completed an impressive 72 passes with a passing accuracy of 90 percent.

The centre-back also won 100 percent of his aerials (3/3) and tackles (2/2) with two recoveries.

Shortly after the game, popular Argentine outlet TyC Sports gave a 6/10 rating to Martinez.

He was praised for his positioning and for providing good support to debutant left-back Roman Vega.

They wrote: “Like his defensive partner, it was a match without too much work. Lisandro was well-positioned both in his own half and the opposition’s, attentive to supporting the debutant Vega, as well as initiating plays down his side of the field.”

Argentina’s next friendly will be against Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires before hosting Benin, which will be Lionel Messi’s final international game of his illustrious career.

The majority of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad are expected to feature. Hence, we can expect Martinez to be rested for the next match before facing Benin.

From United’s point of view, they will hope their £57 million signing plays just an hour of Messi’s farewell game and returns to the club without any fitness issues to worry about.

The Red Devils have had a tough start to the league season with five points from as many matches. The upcoming clash against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford is a must-win.

Spurs have shown a clear lack of chemistry in the starting XI after several signings this summer.

United should be favourites to return to winning ways in the league despite Spurs holding the upper hand on the head-to-head recently with five wins, three draws and just one defeat.

Martinez looks poised to line up in United’s defence alongside Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw.

He is an undisputed starter in the left centre-back role when fully fit, and the Argentine has the chance to help United end their three-match winless league streak on October 10.

Stats from Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .

Manchester United Women claimed a 5-1 victory at Durham on Wednesday, making it back-to-back wins in the Subway Players Cup.

United thrashed Sheffield United 10-1 in their opening game, before beating West Ham United in the Women’s Super League last weekend.

Teenager Mared Griffiths was on target again, chipping in with her fourth goal in the competition after scoring a hat-trick against the Blades.

Griffiths almost set up Rebeca Bernal inside eight minutes, but the Mexican summer signing’s left-footed shot was parried behind by Anna King.

Shortly after, Bernal put United ahead, with her effort taking a deflection into the net for her third goal in the competition.

Durham quickly drew level, as Lucy Watson’s free-kick from range beat Janina Leitzig in the United goal.

King produced a brilliant save to deny Ellen Wangerheim, who was played through by Griffiths, just after the half-hour mark.

The Red Devils continued pushing but could not restore their lead before half-time.

King kept Griffiths at bay early after the break, as United continued to control the game.

The Durham goalkeeper was eventually beaten for the second time, with Dominique Janssen curling her free-kick into the net.

Summer signing Jusu Bah extended the lead, drilling a left-footed attempt into the bottom corner, scoring her first goal in United’s colours.

Three minutes from time, Griffiths eventually got in on the act with a cool finish, before Elisabeth Terland completed the scoring in stoppage time.

Eva Olid’s side will be in action for the last time before the international break, taking on Liverpool in the Women’s Super League on Saturday at the Progress With Unity Stadium.

Article written by Henry Thornton .

Manchester United summer signing Carlos Baleba could make his Red Devils debut during the Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur on October 10.

The 22-year-old joined the club from Brighton & Hove Albion for £70 million this summer, but he is still awaiting his maiden appearance.

Baleba arrived at United with an ankle injury sustained in pre-season, and he only made the matchday squad against Fulham.

Manager Michael Carrick did not feel he was ready enough to feature, but the Cameroonian could make his debut against Spurs.

The Athletic claim that United’s staff have been left impressed by Baleba’s work ethic during his recovery progress in recent weeks.

The midfielder could feature for United’s academy against Lausanne-Sport later this week in preparation for his Red Devils debut.

There is an expectation that Baleba could get the chance to push for a starting spot when Spurs visit Old Trafford next month.

Baleba’s return would be a huge boost for United

The Red Devils recruited Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans alongside Baleba to bolster the midfield this summer.

With Baleba sidelined, it was anticipated that Carrick would pair Santos with Kobbie Mainoo since he is more defensive-minded.

However, Tielemans has been the go-to choice to accompany Mainoo. The Belgian has impressed in phases, but his limited mobility has been exploited.

The 29-year-old is not the fastest when out of possession, and this has meant that United’s midfield has been exposed to more counter-attacks this campaign.

Baleba’s return would be a huge boost for United. He is an out-and-out holding midfielder and would bring extra mobility and a higher work rate in the position.

Whether he gets the nod to start against Spurs is a big question mark. It may depend on how he fares in training in the lead-up to the encounter on October 10.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .

Manchester United have received a major boost over the fitness of club captain Bruno Fernandes.

Fernandes is currently away on international duty and featured for Portugal in the 1-0 win over Wales.

Portugal manager Jorge Jesus recently revealed that the United midfielder has been playing through pain over the past three games.

The 32-year-old was subsequently left out of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League clash with Norway due to the same injury concern.

That sparked fears among United supporters that Fernandes could be dealing with a serious issue that might affect his availability for the crucial weeks ahead.

However, the Portuguese magnifico has now dropped a major hint that his return could be sooner than feared.

Fernandes took to Instagram to share a matchday photo ahead of Portugal’s upcoming clash with Denmark.

The post appears to suggest that the United captain is fit enough to be involved.

Michael Carrick will undoubtedly be pleased to see his captain making a swift recovery, although the United manager will also hope Fernandes is not being rushed back into action.

Portugal face Denmark tomorrow before hosting Norway at the weekend, giving Fernandes two more opportunities to feature for his country.

Carrick will be desperate for Jorge Jesus to manage Fernandes’ minutes carefully, particularly with United facing six games in just 21 days next month.

Fernandes is the creative heartbeat of this side, and his availability could play a crucial role in United’s results.

He had a €65 million (£56m) release clause which was only open to foreign clubs earlier this summer. That clause is now expired.

There were a few doubts over his future at United due to transfer interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey clubs this summer.

However, Fernandes chose to stay loyal and put in another right to bring United back to the top.

Stats from Fotmob.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .

Manchester United are set to play a behind-closed-doors friendly against Lausanne-Sport this week.

With several United stars away on international duty, the club have taken advantage of the break to arrange a friendly against another INEOS-owned side.

The Red Devils will not return to competitive action until October 10, when they welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Old Trafford after a three-week break.

The fixture will give head coach Michael Carrick an important opportunity to assess the fitness of his players and ensure they are ready for the demanding schedule ahead.

We believe two Man United players have a special opportunity to impress Carrick and stake a claim for a place in the starting XI against Spurs.

Carlos Baleba

Carlos Baleba moved to United from Brighton & Hove Albion for an initial fee of £65 million this summer.

An ankle injury forced the 22-year-old to watch from the sidelines at the start of the campaign, but he has now returned to full fitness.

Baleba could finally make his long-awaited competitive debut for United against Tottenham.

Getting valuable minutes against the Swiss side could give the midfielder the perfect platform to regain his match sharpness before a hectic run of fixtures.

Amad Diallo

Amad Diallo suffered an injury in the build-up to the opening Premier League game of the season.

The winger fuelled hopes of an imminent comeback by dropping a major hint on Instagram this week.

Carrick could hand his trusted attacker at least 45 minutes against Lausanne-Sport, allowing him to rebuild his match fitness without immediately throwing him into competitive action.

The 24-year-old could put himself firmly in contention to start on the right wing against Tottenham if he can put in a solid shift in the friendly fixture.

Stats from Fotmob.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .

Manchester United are heading into a demanding spell after the current international break, with Michael Carrick facing a crucial test of his squad.

The Red Devils have six games to play across the Premier League and UEFA Champions League in the final 20 days of October.

United return to action on October 10 when Tottenham Hotspur visit Old Trafford in a game that could immediately set the tone for the hectic period ahead.

Spurs strengthened heavily during the summer but have struggled to turn their new additions into a cohesive unit, leaving them rock-bottom of the Premier League with just two points from five games.

From United’s perspective, anything less than three points at home would represent a disappointing result.

Just three days later, the difficulty level rises sharply as United travel to Spain to face Atletico Madrid in their second Champions League fixture.

United’s historically difficult record against Spanish opposition makes this one of the toughest assignments of the month.

Atletico are expected to win this intriguing contest.

The challenge does not get any easier as United then head to Elland Road for a fiercely contested Premier League meeting with Leeds United.

Leeds have made an impressive start to the campaign and could make life extremely uncomfortable for United, with a draw appearing more realistic than an away victory.

United will then board another flight, this time heading to Italy for a Champions League showdown with Como.

Cesc Fabregas has transformed Como’s fortunes since taking charge, and United could find themselves settling for a share of the spoils in another tricky away fixture.

The Red Devils will finally return to Old Trafford to host Bournemouth in the Premier League.

Michael Carrick and his men must target all three points against the Cherries, who are still adapting to the methods of new manager Marco Rose.

The final test of the month arrives on October 31, when Chelsea host United at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea possess considerable attacking threat but have also shown defensive vulnerabilities, just like United. A point would not be a bad result for the Red Devils.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .

Manchester United have been handed a major boost ahead of their Premier League showdown with Tottenham Hotspur next month.

Tottenham defender Jan Paul van Hecke has been forced to leave the Netherlands camp after suffering a foot injury against Serbia, potentially ruling him out of the clash with United.

The 26-year-old has become an important figure for Spurs since arriving from Brighton & Hove Albion in a £52 million deal, with manager Roberto De Zerbi playing a key role in bringing him to North London.

Van Hecke has started all five games for Tottenham this season and also scored against Aston Villa.

The centre-back has impressed with his composure in possession and ability to carry the ball out from the back. 

His potential absence could leave Tottenham without a key outlet in their build-up play.

If the defender fails to recover in time, De Zerbi could be forced to turn to Tosin Adarabioyo or Marcos Senesi to fill the void.

Spurs could also be without right-back Pedro Porro, who is expected to miss the clash after suffering a hamstring injury that forced him to withdraw from the Spain squad.

Tottenham are currently 20th in the Premier League after collecting just two points from their opening five games.

United have endured their own nightmare start to the 2026/27 campaign, with only one win in five matches.

The international break has certainly compounded problems for United head coach Michael Carrick.

Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui have both suffered injuries while on international duty, leaving Carrick with a major headache at left-back.

Bruno Fernandes was also forced to miss Portugal’s second international fixture because of fitness concerns, although the United captain has since returned to training.

Carrick will now hope his key players can overcome their respective setbacks and return in time for what could be a crucial clash with Tottenham.

Stats from Fotmob.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .

Manchester United legend Roy Keane has claimed that he would have thrown his medals in the bin if he had been a player at Manchester City.

An independent Premier League commission has found City guilty of serious breaches of the financial rules covering the 2009/10 to 2017/18 seasons.

The commission found that City used “sham” commercial agreements to artificially inflate their revenues and reduce their costs by more than £900 million during the period under investigation.

Keane believes the findings raise serious questions over the legitimacy of City’s success during the period in question.

He said (ITV Sport): “If I was a player at Man City that had the success over the last few years, I will be 100% sticking those medals in the bin.”

When asked whether he would feel let down by the club, Keane responded: “100% of course, it is cheating.”

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters even said that City “systematically broke Premier League rules for nearly a decade.”

The findings were published in a 40-page decision following a four-year Premier League investigation. 

Masters also described the disciplinary case and decision as the most significant in Premier League history.

Keane’s comments will certainly resonate with Man United supporters given the fierce rivalry between the two Manchester clubs.

From United’s perspective, it remains to be seen whether the club will pursue any legal action or financial claims connected to the findings.

The wider ramifications for other Premier League clubs are yet to be established, with the process still ongoing and sanctions against City yet to be determined.

Several former City players have defended the achievements of their team-mates and argued that their success was earned through performances on the pitch.

However, that is a false narrative as they assembled a team of superstars only after misrepresenting their financial books.

City are going to appeal against the verdict, but the Premier League must take strong action against the club.

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has a major dilemma to solve after this international break.

Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui have suffered injuries while representing their respective countries this week, leaving Carrick with fresh concerns at left-back.

Both players have stepped in at left-back to provide cover for Luke Shaw.

Shaw is currently fit, but his injury record means United cannot afford to rely solely on the England international throughout a busy schedule.

Harry Amass is another natural left-back within the squad, but he is yet to establish himself as a regular first-team option.

Carrick cannot simply expect Shaw to play twice every week and risk losing him to another injury.

The United head coach may now have to think outside the box and find an innovative solution to his growing left-back problem.

We believe Ayden Heaven has the attributes to temporarily fill the role if Carrick decides to explore an unconventional option.

Heaven is primarily a centre-back, but his technical ability gives him the tools to operate on the left side of the defence.

The 20-year-old possesses an impressive left foot and has shown that he can play incisive passes through the lines.

He has also demonstrated his ability to carry the ball forward, which could make him an intriguing option at left-back.

Leny Yoro has already been used at right-back on several occasions this season, showing that Carrick is willing to adapt his defenders when necessary.

Heaven could now be handed a similar tactical role and asked to provide cover for Shaw on the opposite flank.

The 20-year-old could struggle to secure regular minutes in his preferred centre-back position given the competition ahead of him.

Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro are ahead of him in the pecking order.

The imminent injury return of Matthijs de Ligt would add even greater competition and could push Heaven further down the pecking order.

That could make a temporary role at left-back a valuable opportunity for Heaven to force his way into Carrick’s plans.

Heaven must now make the most of any opportunity that comes his way and prove that he can provide a reliable solution on the left.

Stats from Fotmob.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .

Manchester United have had a frustrating international break with a couple of untimely injuries.

Versatile left-back Patrick Dorgu picked up a hamstring injury on Denmark duty against Wales on Sunday and has subsequently returned to Manchester for further medical tests.

The club have now suffered another setback with Noussair Mazraoui picking up a lower back concern. The Moroccan ace was visibly in pain before his substitution against Lesotho.

This has left United with a potential void in the left-back department. Luke Shaw is an undisputed starter in the role when fit, but he has had plenty of injury troubles in his long career.

The Englishman stayed unscathed throughout last season with only league football to focus on, but with the extra European workload, his minutes may need to be managed to keep him fit.

Mazraoui has shown with Morocco that he is very comfortable as a makeshift left-back, but United now won’t be able to rely on his services or Dorgu, who are both on the sidelines.

Judging by the initial reactions, the pair could be out of action for some period of time.

This could be a blessing in disguise for club graduate Harry Amass, who came close to leaving United over the summer. The youngster was touted to leave for just £6 million.

Amass has since been reintegrated into the squad and made his first appearance of the season as a substitute during the 4-0 win over Sabah FK in the Champions League.

The 19-year-old has not made the matchday squad in the Premier League this term, but could be involved when United host Tottenham Hotspur on the 10th of October.

Shaw will certainly be the starting left-back against Spurs, but Amass could get minutes off the bench.

The wonderkid could also get into the starting XI, given United have a hectic schedule coming up with eight matches in 29 days, which represents a game almost every fourth day.

Shaw’s long injury record and fitness concerns mean Amass could get a surprise starting chance under manager Michael Carrick. The onus is on him to impress and earn more minutes if Dorgu and Mazraoui are sidelined for long.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .