It would be putting it mildly to say Everton’s exhaustive search for a new right-back met an underwhelming response when it concluded with the signing of Ainsley Maitland-Niles on Monday. But there was an overwhelmingly positive reaction to the £4.3m recruit’s Everton debut as his stunning 25-yard strike rescued a point with virtually the final kick of the game against Manchester United.Michael Carrick wiped his face in sheer disbelief after the former Arsenal player, 19 minutes into his first appearance for David Moyes’s side, found Senne Lammens’ top corner to send Hill Dickinson Stadium into raptures at the end of a troubled week. United were on the verge of victory following Benjamin Sesko’s 88th-minute header beyond Jordan Pickford but Everton, indignant and defiant after the shambles of transfer deadline day, twice fought back to preserve their unbeaten start to the season. A slow-burning contest erupted into a wildly entertaining second half. Continue reading...
Aston Villa have moved to secure the long-term future of Amadou Onana, with the midfielder agreeing a new contract despite currently facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines with an ACL injury. The Belgium international has become an important part of Unai Emery’s midfield since arriving from Everton in 2024, and Villa’s decision to extend […] The post Aston Villa secure new contract for midfielder, agreement reached until 2031 appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Michael Carrick has backed Kobbie Mainoo to enjoy another major season at Manchester United despite the intense competition now surrounding him in midfield. United spent heavily strengthening that area this summer, bringing in Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites […] The post ‘There is loads to still come’ – Carrick is expecting big things from Man United player appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Amorim is now within touching distance of a remarkable record that has even eluded legendary Milan coaches such as Carlo Ancelotti. Christian Pulisic and Ruben Amorim have already enjoyed a perfect start to the new Serie A campaign, but Sunday’s trip to Juventus offers the Milan coach a chance to enter some very exclusive company. Amorim is now within touching distance of a remarkable record that has even eluded legendary Milan coaches such as Carlo Ancelotti. Milan has won both of its opening league matches, beating Torino 2-1 away before overcoming Venezia 2-0 at San Siro. Juventus has also collected six points from its first two games, setting up an early-season showdown between two sides that have yet to drop a point. For Pulisic, the fixture represents another opportunity to contribute to Milan’s strong beginning under their new coach. The American is among the attacking options available to Amorim, although he is expected to begin the match on the bench as he continues working his way back to full match fitness. The team also has several other attacking options, including Goncalo Ramos, Diego Moreira and Omari Hutchinson. The depth available to Amorim could prove crucial in Turin, particularly against a Juventus side that has also started the season with maximum points. There is also unfinished business for Pulisic at the Allianz Stadium. The American missed a penalty in the corresponding fixture last season, while Rafael Leao also squandered a one-on-one opportunity as the Red and Blacks failed to take advantage of their chances. Milan’s perfect start comes with history within reach The significance of Sunday’s match becomes clearer when Milan’s opening two results are placed alongside the club’s history. A victory in Turin would give Amorim three wins from his first three Serie A matches in charge, something that has been achieved remarkably rarely by Milan coaches. Only three managers have previously managed such a start. Mario Sperone did it in 1952, Giuseppe Viani followed in 1956, and Luigi Bonizzoni became the most recent coach to accomplish it in 1958. Amorim can now become the first Milan coach in 68 years to match that extraordinary opening. The fact that Ancelotti, Sacchi and Capello all failed to achieve it makes the opportunity even more striking. AC Milan coach Ruben Amorim gestures Even Milan legends could not manage it Sacchi lost his second league match after taking charge, while Capello won his opening two before drawing his third match, coincidentally against Juventus. Ancelotti’s first Serie A game as Milan coach ended in a 0-0 draw against Piacenza in 2001. Bonizzoni’s achievement in 1958 was particularly memorable because Milan went on to enjoy an outstanding campaign. The club lost only twice that season and ultimately won the Scudetto, adding another layer of history to a record that has remained untouched for nearly seven decades. Viani had also enjoyed a strong start two years earlier, winning his first three matches before Milan eventually went on to claim the Serie A title. Amorim therefore has the opportunity to join a very small group of managers whose early success became part of the club’s history.
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