Tag Archives: Premier League

Højlund

Højlund Benched as Manchester United Faces Arsenal, Future in Doubt

Rasmus Højlund will not feature in Manchester United’s Premier League opener against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday, a decision that has cast fresh uncertainty over the young striker’s future at the club. Højlund, 22, has found himself increasingly on the sidelines following the summer arrival of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig in a deal reportedly worth around €85 million ($98.8 million), including add-ons.

Story Highlights:

  • Rasmus Højlund omitted from Manchester United vs. Arsenal opener.

  • Benjamin Sesko’s summer signing adds to Højlund’s uncertainty.

  • AC Milan exploring season-long loan with permanent option.

  • Højlund prefers to stay at United but may move for playing time.

  • United goalkeeper André Onana out with hamstring injury.

  • Sesko on bench, potential debut expected later in match.

Sources close to the situation have told ESPN that AC Milan are exploring the possibility of bringing Højlund in on a season-long loan, with an option to make the transfer permanent next summer. While the Denmark international has made it clear, both publicly and privately to club officials, that he wishes to remain at Old Trafford, he is aware that securing regular playing time could necessitate a move.

Højlund signed for United from Atalanta in 2023 for £72 million ($99 million), one of the Premier League’s most expensive transfers of the season. Since then, he has struggled to cement himself as the club’s first-choice No. 9, scoring 14 goals in 63 league appearances. His absence from the starting lineup against Fiorentina in a recent preseason friendly has reportedly added to his uncertainty.

Speaking at Friday’s press conference, United manager Amorim was cautious when asked about Højlund’s potential involvement against Arsenal. “He’s one more option,” Amorim said. “We will see. We are focused on this game and Rasmus is still our player.”

The absence of goalkeeper André Onana also marked a notable omission from the matchday squad. Onana missed the team’s preseason schedule with a hamstring injury, and his fitness remains a concern heading into the season opener.

Meanwhile, Benjamin Sesko was named among the substitutes and could make his United debut later in the match. The 19-year-old joins new recruits Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, both of whom are expected to feature in the starting XI.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, on the other hand, handed a start to new striker Viktor Gyökeres, who will look to make an immediate impact at Old Trafford. Fellow new recruit Martín Zubimendi lined up alongside Declan Rice in midfield, adding fresh options for the Gunners.

Manchester United Team:
Altay Bayindir, Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, Patrick Dorgu, Leny Yoro, Casemiro, Bryan Mbeumo, Luke Shaw
Substitutes: Tom Heaton, Tyler Fredricson, Ayden Heaven, Harry Maguire, Hannibal Mejbri, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, Amad Diallo, Benjamin Sesko, Joshua Zirkzee

Arsenal Team:
David Raya, Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Riccardo Calafiori, Martín Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Viktor Gyökeres

As Manchester United prepare to face Arsenal without Rasmus Højlund, the young striker’s future remains uncertain. With new competition from Benjamin Sesko and potential interest from AC Milan, Højlund faces a critical decision: fight for his place at Old Trafford or seek regular playing time elsewhere. The coming weeks could prove decisive for both his season and his long-term career.

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Tottenham vs Bayern: New Faces, Big Moves, and Bigger Questions

As preparations draw to a close ahead of a challenging campaign, Tottenham Hotspur find themselves under the bright lights of the Allianz Arena this Thursday evening. The north London club are set to lock horns with Bundesliga giants FC Bayern Munich in what promises to be a compelling final warm-up fixture before their UEFA Super Cup clash with Paris Saint-Germain next week. Kick-off is set for 5.30pm UK time, with the match broadcast live on SPURSPLAY.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Final pre-season fixture for Tottenham before UEFA Super Cup vs PSG.

  • Kick-off at 5.30pm UK time, live streaming on SPURSPLAY.

  • Six changes from the Newcastle draw, with fresh names and formations.

  • Joao Palhinha debuts against former club days after loan transfer.

  • Son departs for LAFC, prompting changes in attacking setup.

  • Tel on the bench vs former team; Vicario returns in goal.

Spurs Head Coach Thomas Frank, overseeing his final pre-season experiment, has made six changes to the starting lineup that held Newcastle United to a 1-1 draw in Seoul just four days ago. The fixture against Bayern offers more than just a test of fitness and tactics—it serves as a clear signal of how the squad is being shaped for the high-stakes season ahead.

Among the most notable developments is the inclusion of Joao Palhinha in midfield. The Portuguese international, who only days ago completed a loan switch from Bayern to Tottenham, returns to familiar turf—albeit in new colors. Wearing the number six shirt, Palhinha steps directly into the midfield trio and will be closely watched as he makes his first appearance in Lilywhite.

Meanwhile, Spurs supporters are still processing the emotional farewell of club icon Heung-Min Son, who completed a move to LAFC just last evening. Son’s departure inevitably leaves a gap both on and off the pitch. In response, Frank has shuffled the forward line, introducing Richarlison and Mohammed Kudus as starters. Former Bayern attacker Mathys Tel, who recently joined Spurs, starts on the bench, potentially poised for a cameo against his old side.

The backline has also undergone adjustments. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario returns between the posts, restoring familiarity at the back. Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence also come into the defensive setup, offering fresh legs and tactical flexibility. Antonin Kinsky, Kevin Danso, and Ben Davies make way and will be available off the bench.

It’s a match loaded with subtext and symbolism: a newly reshaped squad stepping into one of European football’s most iconic stadiums, eager to show cohesion, resilience, and readiness ahead of a season filled with domestic and continental ambition. With Bayern offering top-tier opposition, this clash is expected to provide a crucial glimpse into Spurs’ depth, chemistry, and tactical direction under Frank’s leadership.

Tottenham Starting XI:
Vicario; Porro, Romero (c), van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Palhinha, Sarr; Johnson, Richarlison, Kudus.

Substitutes:
Kinsky, Austin, Davies, Danso, Vuskovic, Gray, Bissouma, Bergvall, Odobert, Tel.

As Tottenham Hotspur close the curtain on their pre-season campaign, all eyes are now on how the pieces come together when the stakes are real. The clash against Bayern Munich not only tests tactical cohesion and squad depth but also marks the beginning of a new chapter—one shaped by fresh signings, emotional farewells, and sharpened ambitions. With Joao Palhinha stepping onto familiar ground in unfamiliar colors and the void left by Son still echoing, Spurs enter the season opener with both questions and promise. Thursday’s performance may not define the season, but it will certainly hint at the tone Thomas Frank intends to set.

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