Manchester United fans have been quick to lay praise on an unsung hero following Michael Carrick’s side’s 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in pre-season on Saturday afternoon.

The Red Devils were made to work hard for the result, having initially been pegged back within five minutes. But a Bryan Mbuemo double signed, sealed, and delivered victory at AIK’s Strawberry Arena in Stockholm, Sweden.

Indeed, the Cameroon international is expected to play a starring role in his manager’s first full Premier League season in charge ahead of this month’s opening fixture at Hull City. But Carrick will feel galvanised by the return to form of another key player.

Man Utd Lay Praise on Unsung Hero in Pre-Season Win vs Atletico

When he signed for an initial £52.2m from Lille in 2024, Leny Yoro instantly became one of the most expensive teenagers in world football. While he has been a slow-burner up until now, this weekend’s action saw him move into a right-back role and thrive as a result of the position change away from his usual central role.

Reacting to his performance, which saw him effectively deal with Ademola Lookman and then be able to gallivant forward himself on the odd occasion, one X user wrote:

A second continued: “Leny Yoro has been a monster at right back for Man United against Atletico Madrid, he has pocketed Ademola Lookman and still surged forward progressively to whip in crosses at the opposite end,” as a third added: “Leny Yoro playing right back will save his United career, he has really improved.”

Elsewhere, another remarked: “Is Yoro becoming [Jurrien] Timber esque? ‘Cause the way he is moving at RB is perfect for some offensive coverage and excellent for defensive stability,” as a fifth concluded: “Carrick moving Yoro to his new position is a masterstroke!”

His Pre-Season Start in Numbers

Playing the full 90 minutes, the Frenchman had 68 touches, which led him to an 83 per cent passing accuracy (eight of which were in the final third), while he made seven ball recoveries, three clearances, three interceptions, created three chances, and successfully completed two tackles.

It was another promising display from right-back, and with Patrick Dorgu showing that he’s much better playing further forward, Carrick might not need to dip into the transfer market to solve the club’s longstanding issues in that position.

Matthias Jaissle is set to replace Eddie Howe at Newcastle United and one of the first signings the transfer chiefs should hand him is a reliable goal-scoring number nine.

A new era is beginning at St James’ Park after Howe ended a near five-year reign with the Magpies. In that time, the English coach achieved Champions League qualification along with winning the Carabao Cup.

Jaissle is the man the higher-ups believe can take the Tyneside outfit forward, although he’s arriving during a difficult period. Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon have both been sold, and Bruno Guimaraes is reportedly close to moving to Arsenal.

Losing high-profile names isn’t ideal for the German, but one of his biggest issues is a lack of firepower. New signings Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa failed to deliver last season, while William Osula isn’t producing prolific numbers.

Newcastle Must Reunite Jaissle With Toney

Newcastle haven’t replaced Alexander Isak with a suitable striker since the Swede left for Liverpool in a £125 million deal last summer. A lack of goals was a problem for Howe’s side, who finished 12th in the Premier League and missed out on Europe.

Jaissle may just have the solution as he has spent the last three years coaching Ivan Toney in the Saudi Pro League. The English frontman joined Al-Ahli from Brentford in the summer of 2024 for £40 million.

Toney has been one of the most potent strikers in Saudi since making the move and flourished under Jaissle. Last season, he found the back of the net 32 times in as many league games and he helped his side win the AFC Champions League for a second consecutive year.

The 30-year-old appears to be enjoying life in the Middle East, but the chance to reunite with Jaissle at Newcastle could appeal. And so too will the German coach, who will want to ensure he has enough firepower for his new side to battle for Europe.

Why Jaissle Will Want ‘Fantastic’ Toney

Toney’s wages could be an issue for Newcastle as he is “earning well” in Saudi Arabia but the Premier League club’s ownership should be taken into consideration. They will surely want to back their new manager and have seen just how successful the pair are when working together.

While Toney has reportedly ‘not indicated’ he wants to leave Al-Ahli, Jaissle’s exit could make him ponder a return to the Premier League. He had already made a name for himself in the English top-flight, firing Brentford to the top-tier and helping the Bees establish themselves in the big time.

Jaissle’s assessment of the England international was made clear by Thomas Tuchel after his surprise call-up to the national team for the World Cup. He said that his German compatriot gave him “fantastic feedback” and a similar endorsement may be put to the Magpies’ transfer chiefs.

Bradley Barcola is at the top of Liverpool‘s wishlist but there’s a superior winger whom the Reds should be chasing.

The Frenchman is thought to be keen on a move to Anfield and latest reports claim that the club are working towards making a bid. While the Premier League giants have been looking at spending £100 million, Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly demanding £145 million.

That is an outrageous fee, but it represents where the market is at, having seen the likes of Morgan Rogers join Chelsea for £117 million and Elliot Anderson head to Manchester City for £116 million. He is one of Europe’s most highly rated attackers who impressed despite often taking a backseat to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia at the Parc des Princes.

Barcola registered 13 goals and seven assists in 49 games across competitions for Luis Enrique’s European champions last season. He also caught the eye during the World Cup with France, sometimes beating Desire Doue to a starting berth in Didier Deschamps’ attack.

Liverpool Should Move For Cheap Barcola Alternative

REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq

The main problem Liverpool face in pursuing Barcola, 23, is the fee, as they could break the British transfer record for a third time in the space of a year. They forked out £116.5m for Florian Wirtz and followed that up with a £125m deal for Alexander Isak.

Barcola ticks plenty of boxes for Andoni Iraola, but there are similar wingers out there who are less expensive. One of them is Nico Williams, whose similarities are hard to ignore given his explosive profile and ability in one-on-one situations.

Where Williams edges Barcola is his dual-footed delivery and consistency against deep defensive blocks. He is Athletic Club’s talisman, and while he managed six goals and seven assists last season, he spent much of it on the sidelines.

Williams, 24, already knows how to be the star man in a European team and he’s dealt well with that pressure. He is a more traditional winger than Barcola and could cost much less than the Frenchman.

A £77m release clause was reportedly inserted into the new contract he signed last July after Barcelona tried signing him. That fee is much more reasonable and allows Iraola’s transfer chiefs to address other areas of his squad.

The Reds Need to Consider Budget And Squad

Annegret Hilse via Reuters

Spending £145m on Barcola will eat away at the club’s transfer budget and comes with huge risk. We’ve seen Wirtz struggle to convince since making the move to Anfield and his transfer fee is recalled each time he fails to impress.

Luis Figo called Williams a ‘bargain ‘, and in today’s market that’s a fair assessment of a player who has lit up La Liga over the years. Such have been his impressive displays in his homeland that the likes of Barca and Real Madrid have shown interest.

If Iraola wants to propel Liverpool back into the title picture, it’s important to look at strengthening his squad rather than focusing solely on one position. A new left-back is needed following Andy Robertson’s departure and the Reds could look at bringing a midfielder to Merseyside amid Curtis Jones’ uncertain future.