2019 is a poignant year for Tottenham. It’s the year they reached the Champions League final and rather shockingly, the same year Mauricio Pochettino was given the boot.

For all of the outstanding work Pochettino did in north London, turning the likes of Dele Alli and Harry Kane into genuine stars, he left the Lilywhites behind having not won a trophy.

So, what did Levy do? He went and hired one of the most successful managers of the 21st century; Jose Mourinho.

The self-proclaimed Special One has been there and got the t-shirt as far as English football is concerned. He’s a multiple Premier League winner, and a multiple FA Cup winner. He’s even won the Champions League.

Surely he was going to help Spurs earn the trophy they were craving? Think again. It all ended in tears.

Mourinho lasted just 86 games with a points-per-match record of 1.77, the third worst of his career. That rather said it all.

Mourinho's first transfers at Spurs

Entering in November of 2019, it wasn’t until January 2020 that the great Portuguese coach got the chance to welcome his own players to the capital.

It wasn’t the most rip-roaring start to proceedings, bringing Giovani Lo Celso and Steven Bergwijn to the club. The duo only just left Spurs in the summer but did so having not played very much football.

The summer of 2020 was a tad more promising though. Despite a world ravaged by the global pandemic, he welcomed two faces to the club from Real Madrid.

Mourinho was the one to entice Gareth Bale back to English football, welcoming the Welshman back on a loan deal. Bale was rather forced out of Madrid despite several years of wonderful service, scoring in a Champions League final and winning three LaLiga crowns.

He wasn’t the only player arriving from the Spanish capital, however. Left-back Sergio Reguilon joined and initially started very well in Spurs colours.

Indeed, analyst Raj Chohan admitted that the Spaniard was “unstoppable” at points, notably after a first-class assist for Bale’s goal against Brighton in a 2-1 win.

Remarkably, via loan spells at Atletico Madrid, Manchester United and Brentford, he is still on the books at Tottenham.

First Impressions

What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast's 'First Impressions' series has everything you need.

Why it's time for Reguilon to go

It’s now been four years, some might say arduous years since Reguilon first arrived under the tutelage of Mourinho.

In that first campaign, he proved to be an excellent acquisition, supplying five assists in all competitions from the left-hand side of defence.

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In 2021/22, he still impressed in the final third, scoring twice and assisting three goals but he ultimately wasn’t fancied by a ruthless and no-nonsense Antonio Conte who shipped out on loan in 2022/23. Since then, the 27-year-old has struggled to ever really catch the eye.

United only signed him on loan because of a lack of fit left-backs and that deal was cancelled in January 2024. Brentford did come calling and he featured regularly but it wasn’t enough to force himself into Ange Postecoglou’s plans.

Reguilon – who earns £53k-per-week – is still on the books at Spurs but is simply stealing a living at this point.

He’s not played a single minute all season and for the good of everyone, he surely has to leave in the January transfer window. Although he is named in the club’s 25-man Premier League squad, he was omitted from their Europa League squad list.

The Spaniard has gone from being an unstoppable asset during the days of Mourinho to someone with no chance of ever earning minutes again at Spurs. The only good thing for the Londoners is that he is actually out of contract next summer. An end, it would seem, is finally in sight.

Time's up: Spurs can finally axe Dragusin by signing "immense" £68m star

The exceptional star would be incredible for Spurs as a Radu Dragusin replacement.

2 ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 11, 2024

MatériaMais Notícias

Os três pontos e a liderança vieram, porém o Botafogo não teve uma boa atuação diante do lanterna Nova Iguaçu. Com os desfalques da defesa, o time não apresentou um bom futebol e só saiu de campo com a vitória por causa de Matheus Nascimento. O menino resolveu em dois lances – um deles de encher os olhos da torcida – mas o alvinegro teve muita dificuldade na criação e um primeiro tempo para refletir.

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A reflexão deve ser feita para compreender em que pontos a equipe não conseguiu ter volume de jogo. Em boa parte da partida, o Carrossel da Baixada teve o controle da bola e chegou na área explorando bem os espaços deixados nas costas de Jonathan Silva. Faltou efetividade ao ataque dos visitantes, que não conseguiram transformar a posse em gols.

Ainda não é assinante do Cariocão-2022? Acesse www.cariocaoplay.com.br, preencha o cadastro e ganhe 5% de desconto com o cupom especial do LANCE!: GE-JK-FF-ZSW

No primeiro tempo, o Glorioso foi um deserto de ideias, sem qualquer crtiatividade e aproximação entre as linhas. O meio de campo foi praticamente inexistente, com os volantes limitando-se a cumprir a função na marcação. As transições ofensivas simplesmente não foram bem realziadas e apenas o menino Raí tentou se aproximar da área, buscou triangulações e finalizou.

Dentro de todo esse contexto, um lance poderia ter mudado o rumo da partida mais cedo. Ronald recebeu a bola e ficou cara a cara com Luís Henrique. Todavia, a assistente assinalou um impedimento inexistente e prejudicou o Botafogo. Tirando essa jogada, o primeiro tempo foi preocupante, já que escancarou as carências do elenco para a temporada.

+ATUAÇÕES: Matheus Nascimento é decisivo, marca dois gols, e recebe a maior nota na vitória do Botafogo

Apesar dos desfalques, Enderson Moreira precisa repensar a maneira como o time joga. Breno começou bem com a camisa alvinegra, mas ao lado de Fabinho não teve uma boa atuação nesta segunda. Ambos foram pouco participativos na construção. Com isso, Ronaldo e Diego Gonçalves se limitaram a voltar para fazer a recomposição diante de um Nova Iguaçu superior em campo com 7 finalizações e 60% de posse no primeiro tempo.

Até os quinze minutos do segundo tempo, apenas Breno havia deixado o gramado para a entrada de Barreto. Porém, o Nova Iguaçu chegou com perigo em duas oportunidades, e Enderson decidiu apostar em mais um atacante na área – Erison. Mesmo com mais inicitiva. o primeiro gol do Botafogo surgiu em um lance despretensioso. Matheus Nascimento recebeu de Jonathan Silva, fez o pivô, e bateu no canto para abrir o placar.

+ Confira e simule a tabela do Campeonato Carioca

Na ponta, Luiz Fernando entrou e deu mais velocidade pelos lados. Tanto que o atacante se movimentou e abriu o corredor para Daniel Borges cruzar rasteiro na área. Aos 17 anos, Matheus Nascimento mostrou todo seu talento e em um toque de letra fez a torcida vibrar. Em uma noite chuvosa, Enderson colocou os jovens Kayque e Hugo e viu o adversário colocar a bola no travessão no fim.

Com a temporada no início, o time ainda está em formação diante das saídas de jogadores importantes. Sem Chay, Carli e Carlinhos, o Glorioso não teve uma boa atuação e precisa de reforços para a sequência da temporada. Nas próximas rodadas, a equipe terá pela frente dois clássicos seguidos, um quinta e outro no domingo: Fluminense e Vasco – os primeiros grandes testes pós-acesso.

Ruben Amorim is struggling to believe that he has only won four league games with Manchester United and is finding it hard to "fail and fail".

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United languishing in the 15th spot in PL standingsAmorim has already lost nine of the 21 matches Portuguese at his wits end to turn around the situationFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

With nine defeats in 21 games across all competitions, the Portuguese coach has found it increasingly difficult to turn things around at Old Trafford. The squad has seemingly struggled to adapt to his tactical approach, and issues surrounding training discipline have further complicated his task.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

United currently sit in 15th place in the Premier League, far from their usual battles for silverware and Champions League qualification. Although the possibility of a relegation fight remains unlikely, the team’s performance has been significantly below expectations despite spending significantly in the summer transfer market.

WHAT AMORIM SAID

Amorim was fully aware of the challenges awaiting him when he took the job, but the extent of the club’s decline has left him increasingly worried. In an interview with , the former Sporting CP boss admitted his concern over United’s current predicament and accepted that his pride is hurt.

"If you said to me in the beginning that you are going to win four matches in 14, I don’t believe you. I would say you are crazy you know. And that for me is the hardest part," Amorim said.

When asked if his frustration stemmed from being used to success – having won two league titles with Sporting, including in his first full season – Amorim explained that his disappointment goes beyond just results.

"It’s your pride as a coach – it doesn’t matter the context," he explained. "You are [at] Manchester United and you lose nine games in the Premier League. As a player… you know that when you get to this moment sometimes it is really hard to turn things around. And we are in this moment. So, I was expecting hard days, but not like this."

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DID YOU KNOW?

United’s recent form has been concerning, with back-to-back defeats against Tottenham and Crystal Palace adding to the growing pressure on Amorim.

"I am doing everything I know and we are still losing, and that is really hard to say," he said. "So I just want to say that I am giving everything… I took a lot of time to choose a club to leave Sporting and I chose this club for me. But after all that work, to fail and fail and fail is really hard. So I am giving everything, I want to change things, but sometimes your best is not enough. Let’s hope that we can change this in this game."

Gary O’Neil is battling to save his job as Wolves manager and an “insane” boss has reportedly emerged as an option to replace him at Molineux.

Huge game in O'Neil's Wolves career

It’s fair to say that it’s been a disastrous season for Wanderers to date, with O’Neil’s side propping up the rest of the Premier League table, having failed to win any of their 10 matches in 2024/25.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, there is now a huge amount of pressure on the shoulders of the Wolves manager, with a chunk of the fan base understandably feeling that a change could be needed in the dugout.

For now, Wanderers have stuck by O’Neil, showing plenty of patience, but there is no question that big improvements simply must happen for him to keep his job, starting with a massive game this weekend.

On Saturday afternoon, Wolves welcome Southampton to Molineux for their biggest match of the season to date, as they take on the side directly above them in the league. Defeat for the hosts would leave them four points adrift, but victory would take them above Saints and potentially put Russell Martin on a hot seat of his own.

Wolves line up "insane" manager

According to The Boot Room, Luton Town manager Rob Edwards is an option for Wolves, should the Premier League club part ways with O’Neil in the near future. He is seen as one of two possible choices for Wanderers, along with David Moyes, as those high up at Molineux weigh up whether the current boss is the right man to take the team forward or not.

Edwards would be an interesting choice by Wolves, and someone very much at the opposite end of his managerial career to Moyes, having masterminded Luton’s surprise promotion to the Premier League back in 2022/23. Granted, the 41-year-old then went straight back down to the Championship again, but his qualities weren’t lost on former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

“The job Rob is doing there is insane. I’m not sure it’s really respected enough that a team with the amount of points they had in the beginning of the season making such a footballing development, I’m not sure I saw that before.

“When you saw the Man United game, it was an incredible game of Luton. Yes, they lost it, but it was an incredible game. They increased possession periods during the season in a really crazy way. Good players, obviously top, top coached.”

This speaks volumes about Edwards’ ability as a young manager in the game, and while relegation last season may make some Wolves fans doubt his credentials, he could thrive in charge of better players at Molineux, having been Wanderers caretaker manager for one game back in 2016.

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The 3-4-3-playing Edwards may jump at the opportunity to return to Premier League management, and if Wolves don’t beat Southampton this weekend, there is every chance that a vacancy will need to be filled.

The Red Devils' most ineffective performers could be forced out of Old Trafford this summer unless they quickly start proving their worth

"I have a lot of problems. My job is so hard," Ruben Amorim told after seeing his Manchester United team suffer a miserable 1-0 defeat at Tottenham on Sunday. That result saw United hit a new 51-year low in the top flight as they dropped to 15th in the table. Worse still, there were no signs of the situation improving any time soon.

Amorim has been refreshingly honest about the standard of the squad he inherited from Erik ten Hag after leaving his comfort zone at Sporting CP back in November, but even he surely couldn't have imagined things would be bad barely three months into his reign. The players have so far failed to adapt to his preferred 3-4-3 system, and with each passing game relegation becomes a more realistic threat.

Some critics believe Amorim should shift away from his core beliefs to halt United's slide, but they are missing the bigger picture: It doesn't matter what formation he chooses with a team as rotten as this.

Positive change will only start taking effect at Old Trafford when Amorim is free to make his own signings this summer. To do that, sales will be needed first as part-owners INEOS strive to stay within the boundaries of the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules, and a select group of underperforming players will almost certainly be on the chopping block unless they buck their ideas up.

GOAL has run through the six United flops who will be playing for their futures between now and May, from the man failing as their last line of defence to the one floundering as the figurehead at the other end of the pitch…

• AFP
  

  Andre Onana

  Andre Onana is a complete liability. Most United fans gave the Cameroon international the benefit of the doubt after his dire debut season at Old Trafford, but now he has no hiding place.

  United have dropped so many points because of Onana's mistakes. His positioning and handling are both poor, he doesn't command his box, and even his distribution is falling well below the required standard – which is truly unforgivable given he was initially signed from Inter on the strength of his reputation as an elite ball-playing goalkeeper.

  The loss to Tottenham should be the final straw for Amorim. Onana's pathetic attempt to parry Lucas Bergvall's shot away from danger gifted James Maddison the winning goal, and now he must be dropped for No.2 shot-stopper Altay Bayindir, effective immediately. That kick up the proverbial backside may be exactly what Onana needs, and if he doesn't rise to the challenge, it would just confirm he was never cut out for the pressures of life at Old Trafford.

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• AFP
  

  Alejandro Garnacho

  To Alejandro Garnacho's credit, he has at least been putting in a lot of effort for Amorim recently. Since being dropped from the squad for United's derby clash with Manchester City in December, the Argentine forward has shown real character to knuckle down and win back the coach's faith, and with Amad Diallo now sidelined for the foreseeable future, he's the biggest attacking threat remaining in Amorim's line up.

  There is one major caveat to all of that though: Garnacho is still an awful finisher. According to , the 20-year-old's conversion rate is the lowest of any player to have 10 or more 'big chances' in the Premier League this season, as he's scored just two times out of 14.

  He found himself through with just the goalkeeper to beat once again in the Tottenham game, only to somehow blaze the ball high into the stands when it seemed far easier to at least hit the target. Garnacho's attitude has improved, but his technique still leaves a lot to be desired and he lacks the composure United so desperately need in the final third. If that doesn't change, United will have little choice but to invite offers again this summer for an academy graduate who can generate pure profit on the balance sheet.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Diogo Dalot

  It's quite incredible that Diogo Dalot is into the seventh year of his career at United given his glaring limitations as a footballer. The Portugal international has survived largely because of his versatility, providing cover at full-back or wing-back on both sides, but he often stands out as the weakest link and has become an easy target for opposing teams.

  Going forward, Dalot is wildly erratic; he tends to either take the wrong option or overhit his passes, much to the frustration of his team-mates. Dalot doesn't redeem himself defensively either, too as he is easily beaten in one-on-one duels and a consistent offender when it comes to letting his marker go.

  That was the case once again in the build-up to Maddison's goal for Tottenham, as Dalot gave Son Heung-min far too much space to volley across the box. Dalot is still under contract until 2028, but the 25-year-old has shown almost no growth since his initial arrival at the club in 2018, and United would be wise to try and cash in at the next available opportunity.

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  Joshua Zirkzee

  Joshua Zirkzee has been unfairly disparaged by pundits and fans alike since his £36 million ($45m) summer move from Bologna. The Dutch forward has ability in spades; he can dribble past multiple defenders with ease and is a natural link-man who is capable of creating something out of nothing.

  Zirkzee possesses the elegance and touch of Dimitar Berbatov and the imposing physique of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and at 23, he has plenty of potential still to unlock. But at the moment, it feels like he is not suited to the intensity of the Premier League.

  The slower pace of Serie A brought the best out of Zirkzee, but he's struggled with not being afforded the same time and space in England's top division. Seven goal involvements in 37 appearances is a woeful record for a player with his abilities, and Amorim may decide to move Zirkzee on if he doesn't prove he can make a more decisive impact over the next four months.

December 2021 has been a month of highs and lows for Ajaz Patel. Less than three weeks ago, he became the third man in 144 years of Test cricket to take ten wickets in an innings. Patel has now failed to make the cut for the Bangladesh Test series at home, which begins with the first match at Bay Oval on New Year’s Day.New Zealand head coach Gary Stead has said that Patel’s exclusion is collateral damage to the team’s ‘horses for courses’ approach in home conditions. Patel was left disappointed, but not surprised with the call.Related

• World champions New Zealand look for big start to home summer against brittle Bangladesh

• NZ squad for B'desh Tests: Tom Latham to lead, Ajaz Patel dropped

• NZ to tour Pakistan twice in 2022-23 to make up for postponed series

Patel said that the enormous success for the current New Zealand quicks at home has indirectly diminished the value of a frontline spin bowler in the XI. In the last three years, New Zealand’s spinners have bowled 152.3 overs at home and taken only seven wickets at a strike rate of 130.7. Of those overs, Mitchell Santner, who fulfils two roles in the XI, has delivered more than 100.In comparison, New Zealand’s quicks have delivered ten times more overs (1565.3) and taken wickets at a factor of more than 28 (196 wickets) at a strike rate that is almost three times better (47.9). In the only three Tests that Patel has played at home, he has been wicketless across 49 overs.”The reality is that they are looking for more batting at home and that is one aspect I am working on,” Patel, who has a Test batting average of 10, said. “Hopefully, there are a few opportunities to play some good knocks, and I will make sure that hunger is there.”Right now, we’ve got some of the best proper fast bowlers we’ve ever had in New Zealand. That’s not disrespecting any other era but, that’s the reality now. In the future, it may be different where a specialist spinner becomes more valuable in that environment.”Patel believed that for him and other New Zealand spinners looking to break into the Test squad, a change is needed in what surfaces are offered by curators in the country.”My job as a spinner is to show the groundsmen that something is possible here. And it’s up to the groundsmen to then turn around and say, ‘we want to see some spin bowling in New Zealand’,” Patel said. “It’s about trying to drive that change.”At the same time, it’s difficult to do that in the home conditions. Mount Maunganui is the main ground at the moment when it comes to spin bowling in New Zealand. I’d love to see a few more wickets that offer something. Even in domestic cricket, there is space for groundsmen to experiment a little bit and give players a different challenge. Even from a batting perspective, it allows players to learn how to cope.”Patel hoped that the latest squad announcement, which features a solitary spin-bowling option in allrounder Rachin Ravindra, would not scare off youngsters looking to become spinners in New Zealand.”My thing about being a spinner in New Zealand is to inspire a generation to take up the art,” Patel said. “I want nothing more than for someone to come along in 10-20 years and say, ‘I remember watching Ajaz bowl and I wanted to become a spinner.’ I hope this doesn’t deter anyone [to be a spinner] because it hasn’t deterred me. I know I can play a part. I’m still going to fight the fight to make spin bowling a part of the big picture in New Zealand cricket. At the moment, it is difficult with the strength of our seam attack.”Even though he was gutted when Stead informed him about the selectors’ decision, Patel said that he did not hold back on the call to express his disappointment. According to Patel, Stead and he are both honest communicators and he said it was important for him to pass along the message that despite the exclusion, he remains “passionate about playing Test cricket at home.”For now, though, Patel wants to dig in for the Central Stags. He says that the “hunger within” has grown even more and the “fire in his belly” has gotten even bigger.

كشف المدير الفني للمنتخب البرازيلي، دوريفال جونيور، عن حالة اللاعبين قبل مواجهة الأرجنتين، في تصفيات كأس العالم 2026، على ملعب مونومنتال.

وأشار المدرب البرازيلي إلى أن مواجهة فجر الخميس المقبل، ستشهد غياب عدد من اللاعبين مع تغييرات في مختلف المراكز.

أبرز الغيابات، الحارس أليسون بيكر، بعدما أصيب في مباراة كولومبيا الماضية، مما جعل الاتحاد البرازيلي يسمح له بالعودة إلى ليفربول.

طالع أيضًا.. رافينها يشعل الأجواء قبل مباراة البرازيل والأرجنتين: سنسحقهم بلا شك

وقال دوريفال جونيور في تصريحات بالمؤتمر الصحفي: “لدينا 4 تغييرات، سيشارك موريللو وجويلينتون وبينتو، جميعهم سيعوضون الغيابات التي نعاني منها”.

وشدد: “سنلعب ضد بطل العالم وأمريكا الجنوبية، سنقدم أفضل ما لدينا، ستكون مباراة مثل المعركة على أرض الملعب، نحن نحترم الأرجنتين وجمهورهم، لكننا سنقاتل بكل ما لدينا من أجل تحقيق الفوز”.

واختتم: “نتعرض للانتقادات أكثر من حصولنا على الاحترام الذي نستحق، لقد حققنا 7 انتصارات من 15 مباراة منذ أن تولينا المسؤولية، والآن هدفنا هو التأهل إلى كأس العالم”.

ويحتل المنتخب البرازيلي المركز الثالث برصيد 21 نقطة، بينما المنتخب الأرجنتيني يتصدر تصفيات أمريكا الجنوبية برصيد 30 نقطة.

ويتأهل أصحاب المركز الستة الأولى في أمريكا الجنوبية إلى نهائيات كأس العالم 2026، التي ستقام في صيف العام المقبل بالولايات المتحدة والمكسيك وكندا.

Birmingham City fans aren’t used to this feeling of being near the top of a division, having grown too used to watching their side struggle against the drop in the Championship for many seasons.

Now, however, Chris Davies’ men are a big fish in a small pond, with the Blues just off the top of League One at the moment owing to Matt Bloomfield’s Wycombe Wanderers picking up a stunning six wins in a row.

It’s been well spoken about the amount of firepower the Birmingham boss can call upon at a moment’s notice, with the likes of Jay Stansfield at his disposal, but it should also be known that the defenders at St. Andrew’s have also starred this season for the promotion chasers in equal measure.

Standout Birmingham defenders this season

The cash was splashed all over the pitch over the summer, with Birmingham seriously strengthening at the back by buying Christoph Klarer from SV Darmstadt 98.

The towering 6 foot 3 centre-back has been the dictionary definition of a man mountain for the League One titans, winning a very impressive 6.8 duels on average per league clash on top of also being a competent passer out from the back with 80.5 accurate passes per match.

He has also kept three clean sheets, with the brand new Blues number 4 not the only colossus Davies relies on defensively, with long-term Birmingham servant Krystian Bielik often partnering him at the back.

The one-time Arsenal youth product comes in at a monstrous 6 foot 2 himself, with a ridiculous 8.9 duels won on average blowing Klarer’s numbers out of the water, as 15 were won alone last time out versus Northampton Town.

Donning the captain’s armband too when he’s not been suspended due to too many bookings, the Polish defender has looked revitalised under Davies’ guidance to date.

Amazingly, there is a former centre-back who used to pull on Birmingham blue who’s even taller than this duo, a player who has seen his career take off after a brief loan stint at the club.

Dan Burn's rising transfer value after Birmingham

Giant defender Dan Burn was on the books of the West Midlands outfit for just one season, with the 6 foot 7 defender proving to be a hit with the St. Andrew’s masses during this spell.

The imposing defender would even end up returning to parent club Fulham mid-way through his time with the Blues in the Championship, as Burn then began to cement himself as a capable Premier League option at the back for the Cottagers.

Burn impressively bowed out of St. Andrew’s by helping his side go ten games unbeaten in the league, with Lee Clark and Co desperately attempting to get their star loanee back at the start of 2014, after the Birmingham boss had labelled his efforts as “outstanding.”

He would never return back, however, as the Blyth-born defender ended up starring for the likes of Wigan Athletic and Brighton & Hove Albion before a dream move to boyhood club Newcastle United became reality in 2022.

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Only worth around the £249k mark according to Transfermarkt when on loan at Birmingham, it’s fair to say his time at St James’ Park has seen this transfer value skyrocket way past this low amount, as Burn has even gone on to star in the Champions League for Eddie Howe’s Magpies.

The 32-year-old found the back of the net against Paris St. Germain in this illustrious competition in 2023, leading to ex-Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand hailing him as “phenomenal.”

A much-loved figure at Newcastle to this day, Burn’s value has increased all the way up to £6.6m according to Transfermarkt – which is a sharp 2550% increase from his once £249k price tag.

Whilst Burn attempts to still do his bit for the Magpies as his career inevitably winds down, Klarer and Co back at St. Andrew’s will hope they can keep up their resolute defensive displays as an instant return to the Championship remains on the cards.

Birmingham's "unique" loan star has seen value soar by £10m since leaving

This former Birmingham City loanee has seen his value shoot up since leaving St. Andrew’s.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 6, 2024

With inconsisent performances in SheBelieves Cup, questions still remain over who will replace longtime goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher

Since Alyssa Naeher’s retirement from the international game, questions have surrounded who would succeed the U.S. women’s national team’s longtime goalkeeper. 

The 2025 SheBelieves Cup was the first step toward providing some answers, as Jane Campbell and Mandy McGlynn received the call.

Both McGlynn and Campbell are “extremely talented,” per USWNT defender Emily Fox. Fellow defender Sam Coffey agreed, noting that both keepers were “up for the task” in challenging for the USWNT role. 

“I think we have so much talent in our goalkeeper pool," Coffee said. "I think it is a really exciting time and opportunity for them to come into this position where it’s kind of open and there’s an opportunity to really take a shot at it.

“They’re so incredibly talented and great with their feet and have such a great understanding of the game. I think these games are such a cool opportunity for them to continue to learn and be with the group and really take steps forward in their national team careers.”

For USWNT coach Emma Hayes, making good choices while under pressure is paramount. 

"I think for all the goalkeepers competing, they have to demonstrate they can make the important decisions under pressure on both sides of the ball," Hayes said. "Of course [show] the qualities unique to play in goal for this team means that more often than not you've got to be absolutely ready to make a significant, big save in every game. You've got to be good with your decision making and execution in the deepest spaces to help the team progress up the pitch."

But who could actually end up taking the starting job? INDIVISA takes a look.

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  Casey Murphy, 20 USWNT Caps

  2024 NWSL season: 26 games, 28 GA, 1.08 GA90, 75.9% SAVE, 6 Clean Sheets

  Longtime backup and North Carolina Courage goalkeeper Casey Murphy seems like the most obvious choice to replace Naeher. She’s the most experienced internationally of any candidate. In her 20 USWNT appearances, Murphy has kept a clean sheet in 15 of those games. 

  In 2024, Murphy allowed just 25 goals with the Courage while facing nearly 33 post-shot expected goals. Her shot stopping index of 0.77 in 2024 ranked first among U.S. keepers with more than 500 minutes played. 

  Murphy struggles with her distribution, however, tying for eighth in Passing per 96 minutes out of 12 U.S. keepers who have played at least 2,000 minutes since 2022. Her 2024 season was also average, with Murphy ranking fifth in the NWSL and recording just six clean sheets – the least for her in a NWSL season. 

  One thing about Murphy that could be working against her is her age – although the majority of the USWNT’s options at keeper fall into this category as well. She's 28 now, and will be 31 by the next World Cup. Hayes could be looking for a keeper that could hold down the role for longer than a single tournament cycle. 

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  Jane Campbell, 10 USWNT caps

  2024 NWSL season: 25 games, 39 GA, 1.56 GA90, 77% SAVE, 8 Clean Sheets

  Houston’s Jane Campbell notched two more international appearances during the SheBelieves Cup, bringing her total for the USWNT to 10. The 2023 NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year, she has consistently been one of the best in the league.

  But in 2024, she took a step back, allowing 39 goals – her most allowed in a NWSL season – and recording a 1.56 goals against per 90, her worst in the NWSL. 

  Against Colombia, she played well and didn’t allow a single goal. But Campbell’s outing against Japan at the SheBelieves Cup was less than stellar. Some blame can be placed on the team’s defense for the two goals she allowed in the 2-1 loss to Japan in the final – and there’s no doubt things may have been different if the team had Naomi Girma to anchor the back line.

  Ultimately, Campbell lacked composure on the ball and looked shaky at different points during the match. There is no doubt Naeher leaves big shoes when it comes to being calm under pressure, but it wasn’t the type of performance you want to see out of the starting USWNT goalkeeper.

  Combine that with the fact that Campbell appeared to regress last season, and she may not end up being the choice for the USWNT moving forward. 
  

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  Phallon Tullis-Joyce, 0 USWNT caps

  2024-25 WSL season: 14 appearances, 6 GA, 0.43 GA90, 88.6% SAVE, 9 Clean Sheets

  Phallon Tullis-Joyce was one of the best goalkeepers in the NWSL during her time in Seattle, ranking first in the league in 2022, before Manchester United paid a reported record transfer fee for her in 2023. During the 2024 WSL season she played backup under Mary Earps – which very well could be a reason to give her a shot at the starting spot. 

  After all, Earps was the best goalkeeper at the 2023 World Cup, winning the Golden Glove. Learning behind a talent like that is huge for Tullis-Joyce’s development, and she’s since gotten to step out and take over the starting spot for herself following Earps’ departure for Paris Saint-Germain.

  She’s played in 14 matches so far this season, ranking second in the WSL with just six goals against, .42 goals per 90 and a near 89 percent save rate. Her goals conceded are the fewest of any keeper in the WSL, and her save percentage also ranks first. 

  If you ask Manchester United coach Marc Skinner, Tullis-Joyce has abilities that he hasn't seen before. 

  “I’ll be very clear: she has all of the foundations,” Skinner told Chris Brookes in 2023. “I’ve never seen a goalkeeper make the saves that she makes, honestly. … She’s so athletic. I think it’s just making sure she can make those in big moments. … I think you’re going to see a world-class goalkeeper. I really do. She’s got all of the qualities she needs.” 

  The biggest knock against Tullis-Joyce when it comes to taking the starting USWNT spot is that she lacks international experience, having yet to make her first international appearance. She received her first call-up to the USWNT on the tail-end of last year, and Hayes has made note of that.

  “Her shot-stopping and her ability to cover the frame is second to none,” Hayes said after Tullis-Joyce’s call-up. “But in terms of building up with the team, connecting with the team, there’s room for improvement.”

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  Mandy McGlynn – 2 USWNT caps

  2024 NWSL season: 24 appearances, 38 GA, 1.58 GA90, 73.6% SAVE, 4 CS

  McGlynn has just two USWNT caps, but is making her case all the same. McGlynn (formerly Haught) only received her first national team call-up last October, replacing an injured Campbell before posting a shutout in the team’s 3-0 win over Argentina. She had a 100% pass completion rate in that game, and despite not having “much to do” McGlynn still impressed with a save that she dubbed “simple.”

  Since then, she’s received invites to December and January camps, before getting a nod for the SheBelieves Cup. At 26 years old, she’s one of the youngest candidates. An NWSL champion, McGlynn had the best 2024 of any U.S.-eligible keeper when looking at the key advanced metrics, even despite being on a struggling Utah Royals team.

  Even still, McGlynn posted a plus-6.9 post-shot expected minus goals allowed, which showcased her raw shot-stopping ability. Factor in that the shots on target that McGlynn faced had the highest post-shot expected goals value of any NWSL goalkeeper at 0.32 and that makes her 2024 more impressive.

  Another key for McGlynn’s is the fact that she has experience overseas, playing for Swedish club Piteå Idrottsförening. She’s still young in her professional career, but she ranks in the top percentile where it matters for an elite goalkeeper.

  Combine that with the fact that Hayes would be able to mold McGlynn into the keeper of the long-term future for the USWNT, and you could be looking at the team’s next starter.

Erik ten Hag revealed that he had to be soft with the Manchester United squad as he accused social media of making players less "thick-skinned".

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Ten Hag was shown the door in OctoberAllegedly lost confidence of the dressing roomHit out at players for getting offended too easilyFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Ten Hag, who spent 13 years as a professional footballer before shifting to management in 2012, shared his thoughts on how the modern era has altered the mental toughness of players. Reflecting on his own experience, he suggested that the constant exposure to social media has made contemporary footballers more sensitive to external opinions, especially criticism.

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Speaking on , Ten Hag said: "[You have to consider] the player's well-being. How does he deal with the media? How does he deal with fan reactions? How does he deal with social media in this world? All of that influences a player. Sometimes positively, sometimes negatively.

"This generation for example, they usually find it difficult to deal with criticism. Criticism really gets to them. The generation that I grew up in had much thicker skin. You could be much more direct with that generation. I was approached much more directly. If I was to do that with a current group of players I would demotivate them."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Further delving into the challenges of modern-day management, Ten Hag spoke about the difficulty of getting tactical points across to players in today’s fast-paced world. He highlighted how players' short attention spans, influenced by social media and quick-bite platforms like TikTok, have made traditional coaching methods more complicated.

"What did [Donald] Trump use in his election campaign? Mainly TikTok. That is how the current generation take in information," he argued.

"They have a very short attention span, and in that short attention span you need to deliver your message. But football is complex, and that is the biggest challenge for all of us. You can't tell in one or two minutes how you must play football tomorrow."

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DID YOU KNOW?

Ten Hag’s tenure at Manchester United was marked by inconsistency, and ultimately, that led to his dismissal in October. When he was let go, United sat in a disappointing 14th place in the Premier League, having secured just three wins in their first nine league matches of the season. While he brought some success to Old Trafford, winning two cup titles, his league performances fell short of expectations.