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Burnley's run without a home league win will continue beyond the one-year mark after the Clarets were beaten 2-1 by Wolves at Turf Moor. On October 18, it will be 12 months to the day since they beat Leeds 2-0 in the Premier League. Since then, they have lost 11 games and drawn the other 10. It is the longest run without a home win across England's top four tiers. Jamie Vardy's first English football goal since returning last month put Nicky Hayen's side ahead, but defensive errors allowed Fer Lopez and Tawanda Chirewa to turn the game around, securing Wolves' first win in three and lifting them to sixth. In an interview with Sky Sports earlier this week, Vardy had been asked if this was his final season as a professional. "We'll have to wait until the summer and let my legs tell my head what they think!" he said. On Friday night, Vardy proved his legs still have plenty left in them. The 39-year-old found the net with his second shot of the game, scoring his first goal in English football since May 18, 2025, when he netted his 200th and final goal for Leicester. But his strike was not enough to send Burnley into half-time ahead. Kyle Walker gifted possession away just outside his own penalty area, and Wolves were quick to punish the costly error. Sean Neave took over, squaring the ball for Lopez to fire home via the inside of the left-hand post. Burnley lost their grip on the game after the break and fell behind with 18 minutes remaining. Igor's dreadful touch gifted Chirewa the opportunity to strike, and although his effort was met by Gregoire Coudert's gloves, the ball looped over the goalkeeper and under the crossbar. Burnley offered little in response and were met with a chorus of boos at the final whistle, as their fifth league defeat of the season was confirmed.

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The top stories and transfer rumours from Saturday's newspapers... Liverpool are planning to raid Aston Villa for record signing Johan Manzambi - The Sun Arsenal are eyeing a surprise January move for Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae as they look to plug holes in their backline - Mirror Manchester City's claim to have "irrefutable evidence" that will overturn their guilty verdict on appeal is based on a trove of emails, letters and bank statements - Telegraph JJ Gabriel is close to securing his Manchester United exit as his team-mates play on without him - Mirror Phil Parkinson's role as Wrexham manager is under increasing pressure - talkSPORT Troy Deeney has offered his services to Watford on an advisory basis as they face the prospect of another managerial change - talkSPORT Rangers boss Derek McInnes has revealed that he's happy enough with his squad that he doesn't want to see major transfer business in January - Scottish Sun Celtic are reportedly considering David Moyes as their next manager - with the whisper being branded "disrespectful" to under-fire Martin O'Neill - Daily Record Paper Talk is a review of the sports headlines from the national newspapers, every Monday to Friday, live on Sky Sports News from 10.30pm. Missed the show? Catch up on the latest news with the Paper Talk podcast. Ex-Man Utd player Antony revealed his home was burgled while on Champions League duty with Real Betis - The Sun Barcelona are facing major disruption ahead of their El Clasico showdown with Real Madrid after club workers threatened to go on strike - The Sun Alex Scott , the former Football Focus host, has left her role as a presenter of the Women's Champions League coverage on Disney+ - Guardian Rising tennis star Rafael Jodar has apologised and said he is still "learning how to behave on court" following an incident at the Shanghai Masters - The Athletic British Cycling is facing further questions after a former employee accused it of having a "toxic culture" days after Matt Richardson was sent home from the World Track Championships in Shanghai - Guardian

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Martin O'Neill wants Celtic to take the positives from a 4-1 defeat to Benfica when they host Hearts on Sunday - live on Sky Sports. However, is the 74-year-old right to be "really, really delighted" with the Hoops' second-half performance in Lisbon? The result leaves Celtic with no points from six after two league-phase fixtures in the Europa League and means they have now lost four of their last five matches across all competitions. Another defeat - fairly or unfairly - also raises more questions over O'Neill's future in the Parkhead hot seat. It was just weeks ago, following consecutive defeats to Rangers and a loss in their opening Europa League fixture, that O'Neill said he was going to consider his position after a gruelling week. He stayed, and now he must deliver. Here we answer some key questions as the veteran boss chases another huge result on Sunday... Following that 4-1 thumping against Benfica, O'Neill hailed Celtic's second-half display and believes they can still progress in the competition despite sitting 34th in a 36-team table. "The last thing you want to do is concede so early on," he told TNT Sports . "Then at 2-0 we've got a great, great chance to make it 2-1 and within a few minutes they make it 3-0. "We could have capitulated, but I thought the second-half performance was really terrific. It was a game of two halves. We created chance after chance, we should have scored more goals. "The second-half performance gives me what I would call the determination, and I think we can still qualify. I know it's down to six games, but we want to qualify for this competition to get into the knockout stages. "Overall, I'm really, really delighted with the second-half performance, and it's a shame that we conceded the three goals first of all." Benfica were clinical and ultimately too much to handle. In the first half, even when Celtic were not causing their own problems, such as giving away a penalty for the hosts' opener, they were being cut apart at times. That's where the problem lies. Yes, O'Neill's side could have scored when they hit the frame of the goal in either half - but so could have their opponents. Yes, things did improve after the restart - but could it have got any worse considering the Hoops were 3-0 down after 36 minutes? O'Neill may be using all of his managerial experience to try to motivate his side and create some positivity among the fans ahead of a huge game against Hearts. After all, he needs a raucous Parkhead on Sunday to help them get past last season's runners-up. So those with a glass half-full mindset will be fully in favour of that. However, those with a glass half-empty approach will have been worried by Thursday and demand improvement. Quickly. Losing in their Champions League qualifier, to Rangers in the Premiership and League Cup, and now another Europa League loss - the worrying trend of failure in big matches is something that needs to end. Speaking on Sky Sports News, Tino Callaghan from A Celtic Exchange Podcast said: "They were the kind of comments I suppose you'd expect any manager to make. There are small positives to take from Celtic's second half, and I think the manager is choosing to accentuate them, which you would expect him to do. "However, there was so much wrong in the first half in particular, and that's where the real issues are for Celtic at this moment in time. "It's just the fact that at times we weren't even competing. We were completely outstripped in that first half, and I think that in itself points back to a more general feeling of frustration amongst the fans that we are no longer competing at the top table in Europe. "Back in the day, we would potentially draw Benfica in the Champions League and fancy our chances of maybe getting something, but we went into that game last night with no real hope. "I really thought he was going to leave after his comments after the Rangers game. They were particularly concerning. It's not that everyone else was asking the question. The man himself was asking the question of himself, and I thought there was a serious chance he would walk. "It seems that he's taken some time to reflect. He's probably spoken to people at the club and decided to stay on, but you need to start getting results if you've decided that you are the man for the job. "Hearts is massive now on Sunday. A must-win game. Martin O'Neill came out quite strongly, saying that he thinks we still can qualify in the Europa League too. I agree with that, but talk is cheap. You need to start doing it on the park, and that starts again on Sunday." Speaking before Celtic beat Motherwell, former Parkhead player and Sky Sports pundit Chris Sutton said: "I thought he was wrong to say what he said in terms of he had doubts [about his future in the job]. People will view that as a weakness. I think that was a big mistake. "I've never heard him talk like that in his whole managerial career. I just think, if I was Martin, I would just want an easy life. What has he got going for him at Celtic at this moment? "He didn't get the players he wanted in order to compete at the highest of levels in Europe, so he was let down there. He was undermined by one of his players, Cameron Carter-Vickers, who shouldn't be coming out publicly and undermining the manager and questioning the tactics. "It just shows where the club is at. It's like the Wild West, there are shots fired everywhere. You now have the situation where the Green Brigade are saying 'we are not going to rock up at European games. We aren't going to go to the cup games.' "The split between the top of the club and the supporters, I thought couldn't get any wider than last year. It does seem now that it is more fractious."

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Mikel Arteta says Arsenal will take a new team photograph including William Saliba after the defender's surprise absence from the one published this week. Arsenal supporters were left baffled by Saliba's omission from the official 2026/27 picture as Arsenal revealed he was unavailable to attend due to a medical appointment. Saliba is yet to play this season because of a back injury but the 25-year-old remains a key player, having made 184 appearances for the club, which heightened the intrigue around his omission. "What happened was that we have tried to do that picture three times already and we had to cancel it last minute for different reasons," explained Arteta ahead of Arsenal's away trip to Nottingham Forest, live on Sky Sports on Sunday. "We had some commercial obligations, we had some people who flew over to do that, so we decided to do that picture. "We will have another picture with the whole family. "Hopefully we can get them all together at some point one day, and we'll announce that as well." Arteta replied "yes" when asked to confirm that Arsenal planned to retake the picture and insisted Saliba was "completely fine" about the situation. He said: "Well, it wasn't in his hands. But Willy is normally happy about everything. He knows how loved he is. He was taking some banter from the players and he is completely fine." Saliba resumed training on the grass earlier this month and Arteta said he is progressing positively, with a scan scheduled for next week as he edges closer to a return to action. "I think next week we have another MRI with him to see how the healing process is going. "But every sign so far has been very, very positive. It will be good to have him."

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"They give presence." Xabi Alonso sat up a little more in his press conference seat and pointed to his chest. "They give stability." Chelsea have made an erratic start under the Spaniard but last Saturday the midfield partnership of Moises Caicedo and Jordan Henderson brought control and balance to the team in a 5-1 thrashing of Bournemouth. "For me, it's fundamental that we get that area strong," Alonso told the media after that game, well aware of how Chelsea's excellent attacking play in the early weeks of the season has been undermined by a leaky defence, exposed in end-to-end contests. The answer lies in the middle of the pitch. Alonso, a star central midfielder himself during his playing days, has used a variety of players and combinations in that area through his first six Premier League games. Reece James has been a regular selection. But the Chelsea captain's knee surgery, which is going to keep him out for the coming months, necessitates Alonso settling on a different option. The Caicedo-Henderson combination could be the partnership he takes forward, with Everton away up next. They showed their character and quality last time out. Caicedo's return to fitness was always going to be a key element to the solution. The Ecuadorian had been limited to just 14 minutes of football this season before playing 72 against Bournemouth. His impact on the team was clear at Stamford Bridge. He topped the tackles won and interceptions metric for Chelsea, and also used the ball efficiently, posting a 96.4 percent passing accuracy, the best of any starter from either side. "With him, we have a better midfield area," said Alonso plainly. "When you are better in the middle, you have a more complete team, and I think that is something to build around. "He's going to be a key player for us. We knew that, and we have seen today." But if Caicedo delivered his expected attributes, Henderson delivered a couple of sensational surprises, whipping in two brilliant long-range goals. His influence with his all-round game - at 36 years of age - may be an even bigger surprise to his critics. The former Liverpool captain's controversial switch to Al Ettifaq in 2023 and subsequent struggles at Ajax seemed to be spelling the end to his career. But after Brentford brought him back to these shores, England boss Thomas Tuchel saw the situation differently, taking Henderson to the World Cup. Now Alonso is giving him an even more prominent role. "We signed him for everything - if he's able to score two beauties, as today, we are more than happy for him," smiled Alonso when asked about the player of the match. Henderson was everywhere against Bournemouth. He covered 11.9km, the most of any player, despite setting the record for being the oldest Chelsea player to be directly involved in three goals in a Premier League game. "Apart from the goals, he's done many, many good things," said Alonso. "A very 'midfielder' performance, always being involved in the action, always giving solutions to the team-mates." We'll keep you up to date with Everton vs Chelsea on Saturday; kick-off 12.30pm. Stay across the game with our live blog for team news, in-game updates and analysis. Then from 5.15pm you can watch FREE match highlights on the Sky Sports website and App. The wider impact was crucial. Alonso described Chelsea's display as "a very complete performance" and said Henderson and Caicedo bring the best out of players around them. "Both, in terms of qualities, are different, in terms of the positioning as well. I think that they help each other well," said Alonso. "And they give presence, they give stability. You know that they are going to be the ones that are going to be helping the rest, not just for his qualities, because they understand the game, they can play in shorter spaces, but as well, defensively, they give good balance." Alonso made a point of referencing Romeo Lavia and Valentin Barco in his post-match assessment last Saturday and he did the same in his pre-Everton press conference on Friday. They are two players who have also been deployed in central midfield this term. Squad depth is going to be important, even if Chelsea are not involved in Europe this season. But the Caicedo-Henderson axis could be his winning formula. Everton away on Saturday will be the next test to see if the pair can continue to bring cohesion and control to Alonso's Chelsea.

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Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez is set to be in the squad for Sunday's trip to Leeds United after he apologised for his public outburst about the club's hierarchy. Head coach Michael Carrick insisted the situation had been resolved and that everyone involved has "moved on" as he faced questions about Martinez criticising the lack of investment in the transfer window. Martinez, whose outspoken comments came after Tuesday's 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid, met the club's hierarchy, including Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada, and Carrick, on Thursday before making an apology. Asked about Martinez on Friday ahead of Sunday's trip to Leeds, live on Sky Sports, Carrick said: "He's released his statement and realised he made a mistake. "That's enough for us to move on with. From our point of view, the acknowledgement of what's been done is enough to move on."

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Welcome aboard the rollercoaster that is a rebuild in the Premier League. Before we begin, please ensure your seatbelt is securely fastened and keep hands, arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times. Newcastle and Aston Villa, who face each other live on Saturday Night Football , were two sides dismantled in the summer transfer window. Teams with clear identities, forced into new eras. The Magpies, after also losing Eddie Howe, retained 70 per cent of their league minutes from last season, the fifth-lowest figure, while Villa made the biggest change at just 49 per cent. Now the two sides face off live on Sky Sports , with their form in the league to start the 2026/27 season fluctuating as a result of the upheaval they endured during the summer. Here, Sky Sports dissects the turbulent time and outlines why more twists and turns are likely on the way. The departures of players like Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon are one thing - but Newcastle's rebuild stretches far beyond that. Howe announced his shock departure in pre-season, just under five years after taking charge and 25 days before the season began. The club were then forced to look for a new face in the dugout while also filling gaps on the pitch. Matthias Jaissle was named as his successor and the early indications were positive. Newcastle went unbeaten across their opening five games but a 4-1 loss at Leeds United offered a worrying insight into what could be to come. In their last two away trips they have lost by the same scoreline. The first time since 2012 that Newcastle have conceded four or more goals in back-to-back Premier League away games. The team look vulnerable defensively. No side has conceded more goals (13) and Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher blamed the "lack of physicality" in the squad after the loss at Coventry City, claiming they were "beaten up" on the road again. In contrast, Villa started slowly without a league goal scored until the 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest on September 12. Slow starts are not uncharted territory for Emery. Last season, they didn't score in the league until September 21. A chastening 4-0 loss to high-flying Brighton in their opener sparked alarm bells after losing Emiliano Martinez, Lucas Digne, Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins. A loss against Arsenal, a draw at newly-promoted Hull City and the defeat to Forest followed before a cup victory at Coventry stirred a degree of confidence to beat Tottenham prior to the international break. Villa are by no means the finished article, but with new signings Nicolas Jackson, Johan Manzambi and Zion Suzuki all impressing, their slow start is beginning to gather pace. The blistering performance to beat Fenerbahce 6-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday proved the levels this newly-formed squad can reach - consistency is the next obstacle for Emery to tackle. Two rebuilds moving at different paces, taking turns at different moments across the early parts of this season. There are plenty more to come. The stop-start form in the Premier League highlights each team's shortcomings. Newcastle have more errors leading to shots than any other side (14). Villa follow closely in second with 13. The two clubs are joint for errors leading to goals with three apiece. These figures point to disjointed squads, unfamiliar with the fresh faces around them and their instinctive actions, and errors arise as a result. The disconnect continues in other areas of the pitch. Villa have managed the fewest shots on target of any team (19) and Newcastle aren't far behind them with 24. Creating those chances is clearly an issue, with Emery's side recording the joint-fewest big chances (9), while Newcastle's 12 is the fourth worst. Only Fulham have a worse big chance conversion rate than Newcastle (16.7 per cent), too. One common theme combines the two rebuilds which could explain their stumbling form so far. After seeing key parts of their squad stripped away, the spines of the team that they would usually rely on, they have been forced to recruit new talents that will need time to produce on a regular basis in the top flight. The average age of the eight players signed this summer for Newcastle is 21.4. Asking them to replace the experience that Guimaraes, 28, and Tonali, 26, have at this level is no mean feat. Villa have a similar problem. A rejuvenation of their ageing squad was needed but replicating the same consistency that Emery's side are known for is a difficult task while embedding young talent. The average age of the senior players they sold this summer is 29, whereas the 11 new recruits brought in were 23. A figure which would be even lower if it wasn't for the signings of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 28, and Leon Goretzka, 31. The new recruits have shown their talent in flashes. Johan Manzambi's performance at Spurs on his first start, with a goal and assist, exemplified that. Bazoumana Toure's two goals for Newcastle have also shown he is capable of delivering. But while the new signings settle into their new environments - and with injuries to key players also playing their part - both teams are attempting to find a balance between slowly integrating new signings and needing immediate results in the Premier League. Newcastle and Villa are strapped in for a bumpy ride. The talent is there but there are plenty of twists and turns on the horizon - their meeting at St James' Park is just the next one.

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Chelsea captain Reece James is expected to be out for around three months after knee surgery. The 26-year-old sustained the injury in training last Friday before Chelsea's 5-1 home win over Bournemouth. The England international is now set to be out until 2027. Chelsea confirmed on Friday morning that James had undergone successful minor knee surgery. Blues boss Xabi Alonso is set to be asked about James' injury at his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon ahead of Saturday's trip to Everton. James has suffered multiple injuries throughout his career, and this is the latest setback that will keep him out of home games against Tottenham, Manchester United and Liverpool, as well as the trip to Manchester City. He enjoyed a relatively injury-free campaign last season as he made 29 Premier League appearances, the most he made since the 2020/21 season. It led to James being called up to England's World Cup squad, but he then suffered a hamstring injury at the tournament, which saw him miss three games. James then recovered to start in the semi-final loss against Argentina. The Chelsea academy graduate has made six appearances this season, including three Premier League starts. In March, James signed a new six-year deal at Stamford Bridge.

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For years, Don Strapzy has said it while watching the SE Dons, his words becoming part of the soundtrack to a football club built on ambition, personality and a belief that the game belongs to everybody. But when Alex Teniola scored in the 95th minute to complete a remarkable comeback against Chichester, the phrase found a new audience. The Dons had trailed 2-1 before scoring twice in added time to win 3-2. Don Strapzy's commentary went viral, capturing the kind of footballing drama that needs no embellishment. There was more to come. A 5-1 victory away to former National League club Weymouth followed, leaving the Dons one win away from the FA Cup first round proper. Three seasons ago, they were playing Sunday League football. Now, after six matches in their maiden FA Cup campaign, including a replay, they prepare to face Sholing in the fourth qualifying round, with Leicester City, Sheffield Wednesday or Reading among the clubs waiting in the next round. The Dons have already beaten four teams from higher leagues. They are one of only three clubs left in the competition to have started in the extra preliminary round. This is not supposed to happen. But then, the Dons have never been particularly interested in what is supposed to happen. "We are just normal people that dare to be great," Don Strapzy told Sky Sports . The club, founded in 2014 by south-east London rapper Don Strapzy, real name Andrew McHugh, and his friends, has grown from a Sunday League team into a football club, a content platform and a community with more than 250,000 YouTube subscribers. The videos have taken supporters inside dressing rooms, onto touchlines and into the lives of the people who make the club what it is. In 2024, a link-up with Forest Hill Park opened the door to Saturday football. Promotion followed, and the SE Dons name was adopted for the 2025/26 campaign. Their FA Cup debut arrived in August. A 2-0 victory against Erith Town at their home ground, The Garrison, announced their arrival in the competition. Now, the dream is becoming difficult to contain. "I used to speak to my dad about this all the time," Don Strapzy said. "My dad, he'd have a Guinness, and we'd get carried away. Like, 'Son, we're going to get to round three, get Man Utd.' "And I'd be like, 'Dad, we're getting carried away'." That conversation carries a different weight now. His father, known affectionately as Mr Old Skool, has since passed. So has his mother, Paula, who was a familiar presence around the club and helped with the kits. "It's allowed me to keep my parents' names alive," Don Strapzy said. "My mum, anything for Paula. People that haven't met her, I hear my mum's name all the time. "My dad, Mr Old Skool, he was a gentleman. He genuinely loved the club." Don Strapzy explained that, after losing Paula, the club gave his father something to look forward to each week. Now, the shirts bearing Mr Old Skool's name and the supporters singing for him in the 70th minute offer a way for his son to honour that legacy. "My life could have gone so differently," he said. "I've got friends who are gone. They ain't coming back. "My life could have gone in that route if it wasn't for my father, my mum, and my faith in the Lord." For all the jokes about European football, the ambition is sincere. Don Strapzy has no intention of pretending otherwise. "If we manage to beat Sholing, I'm asking myself, do we want the big tie now? Or do we try and get one that we can potentially go through?" he said. "The way God is writing this script right now, I wouldn't be surprised if we get to round three." The Europa League, meanwhile, has already entered the conversation. "We've been dreaming big from the start," he said on Sky Sports News . "If we can win the FA Cup, we'll be in Europa League next season." Tongue firmly in cheek, perhaps. But the Dons have earned the right to dream. Teniola knows better than most what that belief looks like from the other side. Before joining the club, the forward played for Baiteeze Squad, one of the Dons' great Sunday League rivals. He described their rivalry as the Man Utd-Arsenal of that level, with hundreds turning out for matches that helped make grassroots football a spectacle again. Yet when the opportunity came to join the Dons, Teniola recognised something familiar. "I've always been a SE Dons sort of player," he said. "I wear my heart on my sleeve. And that's the kind of culture that's bred at SE Dons." His late winner against Chichester was a reminder of why he fits. Introduced in the 85th minute, he kept his composure to toe-poke the ball under the goalkeeper and send his team-mates into celebration. "I can never explain the feeling of scoring a winner," he said. "It's one of the best feelings in the world." The goal also carried a personal significance. Teniola's nickname, "Teniola Time", dates back to a late goal for Tonbridge Angels around a decade ago. His latest intervention has given the name another chapter. For Don Strapzy, the importance of the right characters goes beyond goals. "You're not just a football player," he said. "You need the right characters in your changing room, the right leaders, the right mentality." Big G, the club's long-serving captain and goalkeeper, understands that better than most. George Kamurasi is of royal lineage in Uganda's Tooro Kingdom and is often heard on a matchday bellowing the Dons spirit from between the sticks. His story reflects the extraordinary lives behind the badge. His own grief, including the death of his parents, has also helped shape a club where remembrance and belonging are never far from the surface. "What you see on camera is real," Teniola said. "No one is acting." That authenticity is the Dons' greatest asset. The Viking-style celebrations, the music, the travelling support and the catchphrases may have helped them build an audience, but the football is now matching the spectacle. Don Strapzy is under no illusion about what comes next. Sholing are two divisions above the Dons and have their own FA Cup dream to protect. There will be no overlooking them. But a place in the first round proper would put a club born in Sunday League football alongside teams with Premier League histories. For a group that once dreamed of taking on Manchester United over a drink and a conversation, that would be something. "It's history, bro," Don Strapzy said. "We're literally making history." The Dons have spent years building their boat to conquer new shores. One more victory could take them somewhere they have never been before. And if Teniola finds himself in the right place at the right time again, perhaps the commentary will take care of itself. Some things don't need commentary. Some things just need to be seen.

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Manchester United go into Sunday's game at Elland Road in a position they are all too familiar with. Under pressure. Michael Carrick's under pressure. The players are under pressure. And perhaps there is no one more under pressure than Jason Wilcox. The club's director of football was the target of Lisandro Martinez's post-match outburst following the defeat to Atletico Madrid in midweek, with the Argentine singling him out for not doing enough to prepare for the club's return to the Champions League. Martinez issued an apology on Thursday after internal talks, and Wilcox still has the backing of his bosses at Old Trafford. But he must be starting to think there is something in the Yorkshire water as he was also the centre of controversy the last time Manchester United visited Leeds. Rewind back to the start of the year. The two sides played out a rather unremarkable 1-1 draw. Matheus Cunha cancelling out Brenden Aaronson's opener. However, the big talking point came during the post-match press conference. Ruben Amorim was the man in the away dugout that day, and defended his position in sensational fashion. "I came here to be the manager of Manchester United. Not to be the coach. That is clear," Amorim reiterated to journalists. "I know that my name is not [Thomas] Tuchel, it's not [Antonio] Conte, it's not [Jose] Mourinho, but I'm the manager of Manchester United and it's going to be like this for 18 months or when the board decides to change." Two days later, Amorim was sacked. Then came the details of the explosive meeting with Wilcox that appeared to be the beginning of the end. Ahead of the trip to Elland Road, a meeting was held between the two where Amorim's tactical approach was discussed in detail. Ultimately, the decision to fire Amorim was one that put an end to in-house tension, but not one that would cause fireworks among the fanbase. Results under the Portuguese had not been convincing across his 14-month tenure. That would be further justified when Carrick came in and secured Champions League football during his interim spell. He was subsequently handed the permanent gig by Wilcox and co. Having seen the positive work that Carrick had already overseen, the change in fortune since means fans, like Martinez, are starting to look above the head coach for an answer. An outlay of £163m was the investment into the squad thanks to the signings of Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba. Was that enough to 'back' Carrick? Martinez didn't think so, but Wilcox certainly does. Speaking in a message published to the club's website following Tielemans' arrival, he said: "Last season, I wrote about the sense of responsibility to help get this great club back to the top. "A year on, we can be proud of the progress we have made towards our ultimate goals. We have taken great strides forward and can be confident that we have the right structures and processes in place to achieve regular and sustained success in the future. "We can all be proud of the winning culture that is developing at Carrington as we continue to build a talented and determined group of players ready to compete across all four competitions." Since those words, United have had a record-breaking start to the Premier League campaign for all the wrong reasons. They were eliminated from the Carabao Cup at the point of entry. Ironically, Wilcox watched the exact same events unfold last season. Elland Road was where things all came to a head under Amorim. After Martinez's comments, the same could be said again. This time though, the problem can't just be removed, even with the apology. Does this force Wilcox's hand to open up further dialogue with supporters? As Sky Sports News' Danyal Khan pointed out, it would be appreciated. "The shame is that there has been a lack of clear communication from the leadership. I know they do the in-house media sometimes. Jason Wilcox will do an interview here and there, but I really think it's missed," Khan said in a special Sky Sports vodcast. "Any time I go to Old Trafford, that's the issue. They want more clear communication. I don't know the reason why they haven't done that. But, I think if Wilcox did a day of media in pre-season, that would've gone a long way with fans." Away to Leeds is always a tough game for United. The last two occasions, Wilcox has been the man in the spotlight. In January, he found his way out by sacking Amorim. Squashing the beef with Martinez is his attempt to do the same now. Question is, will it be enough if United's dismal form continues? The longer things don't change on the pitch, the more Martinez's original outburst will appear to ring true with supporters. Now that he has specifically been brought up by a player, it will be a lot harder for him to shift the blame.

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The top stories and transfer rumours from Friday's newspapers... Antonio Conte has made it known to Manchester United bosses that he would be keen on the job if they did decide to axe Michael Carrick - Daily Mirror Lisandro Martinez is reluctant to extend his contract at Manchester United amid his bombshell outburst over the board's lack of ambition - The Sun Roy Keane has accused Manchester United's dressing room leaders of being too busy podcasting to enforce dressing room discipline - Daily Mail Lisandro Martinez's furious outburst at the Manchester United hierarchy was prompted by Ayden Heaven being forced to play at left back - The Sun Ander Herrera has told the critics to stop hammering Bruno Fernandes and show the Manchester United captain more respect - Daily Mirror Former Manchester United star Paul Parker has revealed he would NOT sign Erling Haaland at Old Trafford - The Sun Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite is admired by Manchster United with Bournemouth and France star Adrien Truffert another name on their radar - Daily Mail Mikel Merino believes that a players-only meeting after last season's draw with Wolves pushed Arsenal towards the Premier League title - Daily Mirror Paper Talk is a review of the sports headlines from the national newspapers, every Monday to Friday, live on Sky Sports News from 10.30pm. Missed the show? Catch up on the latest news with the Paper Talk podcast. Celtic flop Michel-Ange Balikwisha has accused the Parkhead club of ruining his World Cup dream by refusing him a loan last season - Scottish Sun Thelo Aasgaard admits he didn't think twice about leaving Rangers to join Anderlecht - Scottish Sun Celtic hero Scott Brown has admitted he's missing the day-to-day life of being a football manager and previously rejected the chance to take the reins at Cheltenham Town - Scottish Sun Cristiano Ronaldo's return to the Portugal squad would be 'very difficult', according to his sister - Daily Mirror Alex Scott has left her role as presenter on Disney+'s Women's Champions League coverage just weeks after taking part in the launch of new show 'The Hangout', which was widely criticised by fans - Daily Mail

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Bournemouth's history-making season continued on Thursday as they played - and won - their first-ever home European match, beating Sturm Graz 3-0 in the Europa League. It makes it two wins from two for the competition debutants and perhaps more importantly, they held on to a lead they took towards the end of the first half - something they have been unable to do in a poor start to the Premier League. Evanilson will go down as the man who scored the first European goal at the Vitality Stadium and it was a thing of beauty. Adam Smith - captaining a team he joined in England's third tier 16 years ago - found him with a cross, with the Brazilian curling a powerful header past the goalkeeper from 15 yards out. Sturm Graz came out with intent at the start of the second half and could have equalised just after the hour. Jurgen Heil smashed the woodwork before Djorde Petrovic was needed to keep out Jacob Hodl's follow-up. But the Cherries rode the wave and doubled their lead through another Brazilian, Rayan. It was a howler from Daniil Khudyakov, whose spilled save from a corner landed to the Bournemouth forward. His low, fizzing shot then sped through the goalkeeper's outstretched hands. And in second-half added time, Bournemouth were awarded a penalty. Former Huddersfield man Jon Gorenc Stankovic was penalised for a foul on James Hill - also coming in the aftermath of a Bournemouth corner. Summer signing Alvaro Rodriguez stepped up to chip the spot kick in for his first Bournemouth goal, sealing another three points. It puts the Cherries fifth in the Europa League league phase table ahead of welcoming Ruben Amorim's AC Milan to the Vitality next Thursday. 12: CHANCE! Smith curls in a wonderful cross for the incoming Tavernier, but he's defended well as his attempt goes wide. 29: NO GOAL! The ball is in the back of the net for Bournemouth - but it's immediately ruled out for a handball against Bafode Diakate. 33: OFF THE POST!! Tavernier's curling effort hits the woodwork. 41: PENALTY?! REFEREE SAYS NO! Sturm Graz have their best attack of the half, with calls for a penalty after Beganovic goes down. He is unfairly booked after, but looked to already be losing his footing as Smith made contact. 43: GOAL! Evanilson gives Bournemouth the lead with an incredible curling header from some distance. 63: OFF THE POST! SAVE! Heil hits the post with a thunderous effort from the right, before Hodl's follow-up is stopped by Djorde Petrovic's legs. 76: GOAL! Rayan's low, hard shot beats Khudyakov after some poor goalkeeping. 90+2: PENALTY SCORED! Stankovic fouls Hill as he strikes inside the box and Bournemouth are awarded a penalty. Rodriguez scores from the spot. Bournemouth captain Adam Smith to TNT Sports : "It's been a long time coming. The fans were up for it, the players were up for it so we're very happy with the performance. "It wasn't my best cross [for Evanilson's goal], but I put it into the area and what a finish from him. It's a great header. He's deserved it because he's worked very hard this season and many more to come from him. "We deserved that bit of luck and from there, we went on to win the game. In the second half, we got a bit tired but the quality that came off the bench is great. We look forward to Sunday now." On if this can be a springboard for Bournemouth: "It was very disappointing at the weekend [against Chelsea]. We let ourselves down as players, we know that. We had a chat with each other and got a reaction today. "That's a Bournemouth performance right there, but the week is not done. We have a massive game against Sunderland and we need to get three points." Bournemouth head coach Marco Rose to TNT Sports when asked if he saw what he wanted from his team: "Yes. Performance wise, clean sheet, attitude, effort. A deserved win and now we have to continue and get consistent in this kind of thing. Sunderland is the next challenge. "I believe in this team and I know we are always confident, despite being in a difficult situation [in the Premier League]. Even today, we changed some players. "We could see that the squad is working, that everyone is keen to play, that everyone deserves to play and it's good for us for the next few weeks to have a competitive squad. "Today, we won 3-0 and it's a really good result after a good performance, but we have to prove it [consistency]. "Alvaro Rodriguez did some steps the last three weeks which began with the national break. He worked really hard individually and you could see every step and I'm quite happy that he scored. "If we stick together like this, if we have our fans then we are hard to play [against] and then it's hard to beat us. That's what we should take into the next game. It's getting tough one but it helps this kind of game, this result." Analysis from Sky Sports News' Mark McAdam at the Vitality: "Back-to-back wins in the Europa League! "Not a classic by any stretch but one that will live long in the memories for Bournemouth fans; their first ever taste of European football at the Vitality - a real moment in history. A game they dominated across the pitch from start to finish. "This needs to be the springboard for their season and their next match against Sunderland in the Premier League on Sunday. Win that and suddenly their season is off and running..."

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Georginio Rutter scored twice and set up one as Brighton thrashed Kauno Zalgris 4-0 to get their Conference League campaign off to a winning start. Brighton were dominant from the first whistle to the last against the Lithuanian Cup winners and took the lead through Rutter, but only after a VAR check. The ball had initially been deemed to have gone out of play before Ibrahim Osman's cut-back to the Frenchman, but the goal was awarded after review. Rutter then turned provider as Brighton doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time when Hinshelwood - returning to the side for the first time since the Premier League opening weekend - slotted into the corner. The third came after a lung-bursting run from Malick Yalcouye, who played Osman through to cross for Rutter to turn into the net with ease. Matt O'Riley made it four with a header as he scored his first Brighton goal since August 2025. The Australia international should have got his second with another header late on, but was denied by an excellent save from Tomas Svedkauskas. It is now five straight wins in all competitions for Fabian Hurzeler's side who host rivals Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday, live on Sky Sports. Analysis from Sky Sports News' Sophie Evans: "A convincing win for Fabian Hurzeler's side as they kick off the club's second chapter in Europe in style. The fans around the stadium are already confident of a strong run in this competition, chanting 'we're going to go to Istanbul'. "The Brighton boss joined his team in applauding this evening's home support. He said that their energy would be crucial in making the Amex a fortress for the opposition this season. "It's five wins in a row in all competitions for the Seagulls. They were already the favourites to win the Conference League and their dominant performance this evening will only drive that narrative." 3: CLOSE! Costinha heads over from six yards out! Excellent early opportunity for Brighton. 14: SAVE! Gross shoots from the free-kick, but his effort is tipped over by the goalkeeper! 32: CLOSE! Dunk whips a shot at goal from distance that goes just over and lands on the roof of the net! 35: SAVE! Gross with an excellent delivery from the right for Hinshelwood who heads into the ground forcing the goalkeeper to make an acrobatic one-handed save. 43: GOAL! Rutter opens the scoring after turning in Osman's cross. The goal is awarded after a VAR check. 45+1: GOAL! Rutter turns provider and crosses for Hinshelwood who produces a tidy finish across the goalkeeper to double Brighton's lead. 49: SAVE! Gross picks out De Cuyper with a lovely ball, the substitute crosses on the volley for Hinshelwood whose header is tipped over. 53: GOAL! Rutter scores his second of the night after a quality ball from Yalcouye to Osman who cuts back for the Dutchman to apply the finish. 67: GOAL! O'Riley heads across the goalkeeper and into the net to make it 4-0 to the home side. 79: SAVE! Costinha with a header at the back post. Well saved by the goalkeeper! 82: SAVE! O'Riley's bullet-header is saved brilliantly by the Kauno Zilgris goalkeeper.

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Celtic showed second-half fight but were ultimately outclassed away to Benfica as they were beaten 4-1 in the Europa League. Defensive mistakes from Celtic helped Marco Silva's hosts race into a three-goal lead by the break, with Jhon Duran at the double and Alexander Bah on the scoresheet. Camilo Duran - who had made his own way to Portugal after staying in Scotland for the birth of his child - pulled one back for Martin O'Neill's side and hit a post as Celtic tried to set up a grandstand finish. But instead, Vangelis Pavlidis wrapped up the scoring and a comprehensive win for Benfica, which leaves Celtic with two defeats from their first two games in the league phase. There may have been encouragement in some of their second-half attacking play but alarm bells were ringing at the back. In Lisbon, the city which hosted Celtic's greatest moment in the 1976 European Cup final, the visitors handed Benfica a head start when Dane Murray kicked the back of Jhon Duran's leg in a crowded box. The former Aston Villa striker was cool with his panenka penalty. Sebastian Tounekti then switched off for Bah to volley in before Auston Trusty and Celtic keeper Vijami Sinisalo contrived to let Jhon Duran score from what appeared an impossible position for the third. Celtic were desperately unlucky not to bring the game back to 2-1 before that, with Kasper Hogh hitting a post from close range before Camilo Duran curled the rebound against both the crossbar and the other post. And it would not be the last time the frame of the goal was rattled. Fredrik Aursnes nodded against a post at the other end, from what was eventually flagged an offside position, while Andreas Schjelderup and Tomas Araujo hit the woodwork in the second half, with Camilo Duran's strike against an upright in between. Fine margins in those moments - but the difference between these sides was far greater. 4: PENALTY TO BENFICA! Murray kicks Jhon Duran in the back of the leg as he goes to make a clearance in a crowded penalty area. 5: GOAL! DURAN WITH THE PANENKA! Cool as you like from the Colombian striker who dinks in the opener. 23: GOAL! It's cute from the impressive Gianluca Prestianni, who lifts a cross into the box for Bah to volley in - but it's terrible from Tounekti, who goes to sleep and allows Bah to run off him and into space to convert. 25: SIDE-NETTING! Jhon Duran fires the wrong side of the near post and Celtic are on the ropes here. 28: CELTIC SO UNLUCKY! Hogh volleys against the upright from Tounekti's cross before Camilo Duran bends a follow-up shot against the crossbar and post. 35: OFF THE POST! But the offside flag goes up. Jhon Duran meets a corner and heads it into the six-yard box but Fredrik Aursnes nodded against the post before being flagged offside. 36: GOAL! Trusty tries to show Jhon Duran away from goal but the striker hooks his foot around the ball and somehow angles an effort past Sinisalo at his near post. 63: GOAL! Camilo Duran pulls one back for the Hoops, heading in sub Haissem Hassan's cross. 72: OFF THE POST! Sub Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain feeds Camilo Duran in the box and he crashes a left-foot strike against the near upright! 74: OFF THE POST! Andreas Schjelderup now goes close for Benfica! 89: GOAL! Pavlidis runs in behind and clinically fires low into the net from the edge of the box to make it 4-1. 90: OFF THE FRAME AGAIN! Araujo heads Pavlidis' cross against the bar! Celtic boss Martin O'Neill to TNT Sports: "It's the last thing you want to do, concede so early on. At 2-0 we have a great chance to make it 2-1 and then in a few minutes they make it 3-0. We could have capitulated but I thought the second half performance was really terrific. "We created chance after chance, we should have scored more goals, and of course you're going to leave yourself a bit open at the end. But this second-half performance gives me the determination. I think we can still qualify. I know it's down to six games. We can still do it. "Overall, I'm really, really delighted with the second-half performance and it's a shame we conceded the three goals first of all." Celtic captain Callum McGregor to TNT Sports: "A disappointing result. We're here to try to get points and win but we played against a really good side, with really good quality in the final third. First half we didn't really help ourselves, in terms of the unforced errors that lead to the goal, but second half gives us a bit to hang onto in terms of performance. We scored one, could have scored another couple as well. A game of two halves."

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Sunderland survived a huge scare as they came from behind to clinch back-to-back Europa League victories with a 2-1 win over Torreense following Noah Sadiki’s 93rd-minute winner. Regis Le Bris' side made hard work of their first European away fixture in 53 years, trailing at half-time to the Portuguese second division club, who took a shock lead through centre-back Volnei Feltes' outstanding strike from 25 yards that nestled in the top right corner. Sunderland were frustrated during the first-half when Timur Tuterov's close-range header from Luke O'Nien's long throw was ruled out for a soft foul, but it was no excuse for a poor performance, failing to have a shot on target until the 57th minute. Le Bris had made seven changes and was forced to bring on regular first-teamers Enzo Le Fee, Granit Xhaka, Reinildo and Nordi Mukiele midway through the second period to turn the game. Mukiele provided a deserved equaliser, crossing for Jules Ahoka, who used the pace on the delivery to guide the ball back from where it came and into the bottom right corner. Sunderland were denied a late penalty after a VAR check, but their relentless second-half pressure finally paid off in stoppage time. Xhaka touched the ball down for Sadiki in the area and he slammed a shot into the net before jumping into the away end to celebrate with their jubilant supporters.