Middlesbrough got their Carabao Cup campaign off to a winning start with a narrow 1-0 victory over Wrexham at the Riverside, courtesy of a second-half goal from Will Lankshear, though it was what happened with Lankshear moments after his strike that really caught the eye.

It was a solid, if unspectacular, opening round performance for Boro, who will have been pleased to get their first taste of victory against a fellow promotion favourite, in what was their first competitive match since their playoff final heartbreak against Hull.

But it wasn’t just the result that had fans talking come full-time. A moment during the closing stages ended up stealing the headlines entirely, as Middlesbrough were left playing with ten men for a brief spell, in what turned out to be a landmark moment.

Middlesbrough Forced to Play with Ten Men Against Wrexham

via Reuters

20 minutes after the Tottenham loanee’s goal on the hour mark, his number appeared on the fourth official’s board, with his manager deciding to bring on Fin Cartwright in his place. However, his manner of leaving the pitch shortly after ended up generating just as much attention as the strike itself.

The 21-year-old took longer than the permitted 10 seconds to make his way off the field, triggering a brand-new rule that saw Middlesbrough temporarily reduced to ten players.

See the new rule come into force below:

It marked the first time the regulation had been enforced in the competition, catching plenty of fans and pundits off guard in the process.

New Substitution Rule Explained

The rule itself stems from a change to the global Laws of the Game published by IFAB (the International Football Association Board) ahead of the 2026/27 season, and has since been confirmed for use across English football, including the Premier League, EFL, National League and WSL. It’s designed to minimise delays and keep matches moving.

Should a player exceed that limit, the substitution cannot be cancelled, and the player originally earmarked to come on cannot be changed either. However, the replacement will only be permitted to enter the pitch at the first stoppage after a full minute has elapsed, meaning the team in question is left playing a man short in the interim.

In previous seasons, delays during substitutions were far more common and often seen as a time-wasting tactic, but several other tweaks have been introduced for the new campaign as part of the push to reduce time-wasting and improve the flow of matches.

Manchester United have reportedly identified Fulham star Antonee Robinson after being told they cannot sign their first-choice left-back target. Michael Carrick needs to add another left-back this summer, needing more competition for Luke Shaw, who is now 31 and with a colourful injury history, and Patrick Dorgu, who has not fully convinced just yet.

The Red Devils have already signed two midfielders so far this summer, and there is likely to be a third. Carrick is also likely to add an attacker, along with a left-back, but the left-sided signing will not be priority target Lewis Hall.

Sky Sports say Newcastle United have rejected the Hall approach, refusing to lose another key player after selling Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.

Man Utd identify Lewis Hall transfer alternative

It is now being reported that Fulham and USMNT star Robinson is being considered by United as they search for a left-back. TalkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has said: “Keep an eye on Fulham’s Antonee Robinson, the USA international.

“Their experienced Premier League campaigner would probably come a lot cheaper than Lewis Hall. He’s someone I’m told is on Manchester United’s radar as well.”

Robinson has established himself as one of the most reliable Premier League left-backs in the last couple of seasons, and his ability to get forward means he is seen as an ideal option by many clubs, with a number of top clubs having shown interest over the last 12 months.

“He’s improving season by season, and week by week you can see he is improving, and we are really proud to have him with us.” – Marco Silva, former Fulham boss.

The American is now 29 years of age, with his birthday today, on Saturday, and his current Fulham contract runs until 2028. The latest reports claim he will cost around £25million.

What to know about Antonee Robinson

• Fulham league appearances: 194
• First club: Everton
• Joined Fulham: 2025
• Contract until: 2028
• USMNT caps: 58

Robinson ‘one of the best’ in the league

Robinson has clearly been one of the most consistent players in his position over the last couple of years, and he has plenty of English football and Premier League experience, which is a big part of United’s current transfer strategy.

“He’s been great for us. He’s one of the best left-backs in this league. It’s not just the way he is able to stop players, but the way he is able [to] help ourselves,” now former Fulham boss Marco Silva said at the end of 2024.

“He’s a top player and a great professional. He’s a proper athlete and is improving in some defensive positions. We want him to improve. He’s improving season by season, and week by week you can see he is improving, and we are really proud to have him with us.”

Manchester City are closing in on a deal to sign Gerónimo Rulli as they look to replace James Trafford. Trafford served as City’s main back-up goalkeeper last season having initially been signed as a number one, only for Gianluigi Donnarumma to be signed later in the summer window.

But wanting to play regular football, Trafford moved on to Leeds United this summer, joining on a club-record deal that could be worth up to £45million. That left City needing to sign a new back-up keeper, with third-choice keeper Marcus Bettenelli not seen as a number two, but it looks as though a new stopper has been found.

Man City closing in on Rulli transfer

Lee Smith via Reuters

GIVEMESPORT understands that Man City are closing in on a deal to sign Marseille goalkeeper Rulli, It’s understood the package is in the region of €2million (£1.7m) for the 34-year-old who has plenty of experience at the top level.

Rulli has spent the last two years with Marseille, making 63 league appearances after his single season at Ajax. Before that, he enjoyed a successful couple of years at Ajax under Unai Emery, serving as the Yellow Submarine’s number one as they won the Europa League title and subsequently reached the Champions League semi-finals. Rulli notably scored a penalty and then saved a penalty from David De Gea in the Europa League final penalty shootout against Manchester United. The shootout saw all 11 players from each team take a spot-kick, and Rulli’s heroics landed Villarreal their first-ever major European trophy.

The goalkeeper has also won the World Cup, having been in the Argentina squad for the 2022 World Cup, although he was second choice behind Emiliano Martinez.

Geronimo Rulli’s impressive list of achievements

• Europa League (Villarreal – 2020/21)
• FIFA World Cup (2002 – Argentina)
• Copa Ámerica (2024 – Argentina)
• CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions (Argentina – 2022)
• Europa League Team of the Season (Villarreal – 2020/21)

What to expect from Rulli at Man City

Rulli will, of course, play a back-up role at City, but he should offer a steady pair of hands for the most part. He was described as a ‘very important player’ by Emery during his Villarreal days, but it must be added that he can be a little erratic.

Rulli didn’t always convince at Villarreal, and his decision-making come out of his box, and indeed coming to gather balls in the air was criticised by fans at the time. He also struggled to convince at Ajax, and ultimately lost his place because of a shoulder injury, but he has enjoyed a much better time of things at Marseille, so he will arrive at City with much more confidence, and he does have a natural ability as an acrobatic shot-stopper.