Despite the lowly Premier League finish of 15th last season, there is a sense of optimism building at Manchester United, given the work done behind the scenes this summer.

The Red Devils have been active within the transfer market, already backing Ruben Amorim with over £130m worth of new additions in his quest for success at Old Trafford.

He only managed to achieve a 40% win rate after taking the reins back in November, but had to work with the players already at the club upon his arrival.

The summer window has given him the chance to land key targets, leading to Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo making the move to the Theatre of Dreams ahead of the new campaign.

However, despite the mammoth funds already splashed this window, multiple other players could yet join Amorim’s side, with one deal edging ever closer in recent days.

What Benjamin Sesko will bring to United in 2025/26

A new striker has been desperately needed at United during the off-season, unsurprisingly so given the lack of goals from current options Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee last season.

Whilst the pair cost upwards of £100m, they only managed to net seven league goals between them in 2024/25, leading to the club’s hunt to land Benjamin Sesko.

The Red Devils made a £74m offer for the RB Leipzig forward earlier this week, with the player himself accepting the proposal and wanting a move to Old Trafford over a switch to join Newcastle United.

It may be another hefty fee forked out by the board, but it’s one that would hand Amorim the tools he needs to succeed, especially considering the 22-year-old netted 13 league goals in the Bundesliga last season.

Such a tally is nearly two times higher than United’s current number nine options combined, evidently providing an upgrade on Zirkzee and Hojlund – fulfilling the club’s ambitions for the current window.

However, if he is to carry on his tremendous form from his time in Germany, Sesko will need added reinforcements behind him to help provide him the goods he desires in front of goal.

The player who could get Sesko firing at United

The additions of Cunha and Mbeumo to the number ten roles at United will have already injected needed quality into the front line, with the pair notching 13 combined assists in the Premier League last season.

However, other areas of the pitch could well also be bolstered in an attempt for immediate success, with more depth needed in the wing-back areas to suit Amorim’s system.

Such a need could see the hierarchy return to a deal for Inter Milan star Denzel Dumfries, after previously registering interest in his signature earlier in the window.

The Dutchman may be a full-back, but he has all the tools needed to thrive going forward, which could ultimately allow Sesko to have those key chances he craves at Old Trafford.

Dumfries achieved a total of five assists across all competitions in 2024/25, with three of which coming in the Champions League – highlighting his ability to star at the top level of European football.

However, his underlying stats from his recent year in Milan are arguably more impressive, further reinforcing the quality he possesses with the ball at his feet in forward areas.

The 29-year-old, who’s previously been labelled “one of the best right-backs in the world” by Jeremie Frimpong, registered 2.3 progressive carries per 90 last season – highlighting his talent at getting the ball forward into dangerous areas.

Denzel Dumfries’ stats for Inter in Serie A (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)	Tally
Games played	29
Goals & assists	9
Pass accuracy	73%
Progressive carries	2.5
Key passes	1.3
Crosses completed	3.6
Shot-creating actions	2.5
Touches in final third	21.1
Carries into final third	1.3
Stats via FBref

He also completed 1.3 key passes per 90 and 3.6 crosses per 90, having the creative nature to pick out the Slovenian and enabling him to unlock his aerial ability, which saw him score three headers in the Bundesliga last season.

Dumfries’ ability to thrive in the attacking third is further highlighted by his tally of 2.5 shot-creating actions, whilst registering 44% of his touches last season in such an area – subsequently being able to help the potential new signings with countless opportunities.

It’s unclear if the Red Devils will reenter the race for the Inter star, but it’s clear the Dutchman would add serious quality to the wing-back department at Old Trafford.

The pair linking up together in the Premier League is certainly a scary prospect, potentially topping off what has been a sensational window for United and Amorim.

Perfect for Mbeumo & Cunha: Man Utd in talks for another deal after Sesko

Manchester United could be about to make another huge move before the end of the window.

By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 6, 2025

The Premier League is finally back, but things are not looking so great for West Ham United.

Graham Potter’s side were tasked with a visit to the newly promoted Sunderland yesterday afternoon but, instead of picking up some early points, were comfortably beaten 3-0.

The result is a real wake-up call that unless the club do something dramatic in the closing weeks of the transfer window, they’ll be in real danger of going down come the end of the campaign.

Fortunately, it looks like West Ham are keen on bringing in an incredibly exciting talent, someone who could be their new Declan Rice.

West Ham target their new Rice

It would be fair to say that, so far this summer, West Ham’s dealings in the transfer market have been nothing more than fine.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

While the additions of Kyle Walker-Peters, Mads Hermansen and El Hadji Malick Diouf improve the squad, they aren’t really enough for a side that ended last season five points off the drop zone.

Luckily, it looks like the club are keen to make at least one more significant addition to the team as they circle someone who could be their new Rice.

At least that is according to a recent report from Eduardo Burgos, who has claimed that West Ham are interested in Andrey Santos.

In fact, the Spanish journalist has revealed that the Hammers sent Chelsea a €53m offer, which is about £42m, but it was rejected.

As things stand, it appears that the Blues do not want to sell the Brazilian, but if the last few windows have shown us anything, it’s that they will move on most players if the fee is right.

So, while it would be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, West Ham should be doing all they can to sign Santos, especially as he could be their new Rice.

How Santos compares to Rice

It should probably go without saying that we are not suggesting Santos is quite on the same level as Rice at the moment, but it might be closer than you’d think, and there are some undeniable similarities between the pair.

The first is, unsurprisingly, where they play on the pitch, as, like the Arsenal star, the Brazilian is someone who thrives as either a central or defensive midfielder and is a monster when it comes to breaking up play and helping out his defence.

For example, while respected analyst Ben Mattinson described him as a “duel monster” who is “brilliant at screening the backline,” talent scout Jacek Kulig arguably went even further and called him a “one-man war machine in midfield.”

However, just like the former Irons captain, the Blues gem is able to match up his tireless running and defensive attributes with an eye for goal and an ability to make things happen at the sharp end of the pitch.

In 34 appearances for Strasbourg last season, the 21-year-old phenom scored 11 goals and provided five assists and was praised by Mattinson for the way he “crashes the box” and his seriously impressive ability to “progress the ball.”

Finally, on top of being so similar to such an incredible international, the Rio de Janeiro-born ace has some sensational underlying numbers to his name.

According to FBref, he ranked in the top 3% of midfielders in Ligue 1 for tackles won, the top 5% for non-penalty goals and goals per shot, and the top 8% for dribblers tackled, among other metrics, all per 90.

Tackles Won

2.33

Top 3%

Non-Penalty Goals

0.32

Top 5%

Goals/Shot

0.22

Top 5%

Tackles

3.47

Top 6%

Touches (Def 3rd)

19.99

Top 6%

Goals

0.32

Top 7%

Dribblers Tackled

1.61

Top 8%

Pass Completion % (Long)

80.2%

Top 9%

SCA (Defensive Action)

0.16

Top 9%

GCA (Defensive Action)

0.03

Top 10%

Tackles (Def 3rd)

1.48

Top 11%

Tackles (Mid 3rd)

1.61

Top 12%

Tkl+Int

4.48

Top 12%

Touches (Def Pen)

3.40

Top 12%

% of Aerials Won

60.7%

Top 12%

Penalty Kicks Won

0.03

Top 14%

Clearances

2.11

Top 15%

Aerials Won

1.17

Top 15%

These numbers help to justify the image of the Brazilian star as someone who can help snuff out opposition attacks in his half before kick-starting a counter and bringing the ball all the way up the other end.

Ultimately, West Ham need to add some real quality to the side this summer, and while it will be difficult, they should be doing all they can to get Santos, especially as he could be their new Rice.

Potter's own Xhaka: West Ham now targeting "technically gifted" £15m star

The brilliant midfielder could become West Ham United and Graham Potter’s own Granit Xhaka.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 16, 2025

England U19s 353 (Sawant 130, Fonseka 52, Rossouw 5-74) and 25 for 0 beat South Africa U19s 224 (James 84, Hansen 63, Jack 3-42) and 153 (Rowles 71, Vaughan 6-19) by 10 wicketsYoung Lions captain Archie Vaughan put the finishing touches on a comfortable 10-wicket win over South Africa Men U19s in the second Youth Test at Cape Town.Vaughan helped tidy up the home tail on the fourth morning to return 6 for 19 before he and Ben Dawkins knocked off a victory target of 25 in just 3.1 overs.The tourists needed two wickets to end the Young Proteas’ second innings when play resumed and Vaughan, who did the damage on the third evening with five wickets, immediately made an impact bowling Sandiswa Yeni for a duck.Eddie Jack wrapped up the innings when Nqobani Mokoena hit out to Alexander Wade in the deep as the hosts were bowled out for 153.The England Men U19 openers made light work of the chase, with Vaughan lap-sweeping Mokoena for six before Dawkins crunched Nathan Rossouw to the rope to win the game.England Men U19s won the series 1-0, after falling one wicket short of victory in the first Youth Test last week. South Africa Men U19s had won the preceding Youth ODI series 2-1.

Benjamin Sesko has yet to impress on the field for Manchester United since his big summer move from RB Leipzig. The Slovenian has faile to score a goal for the Red Devils despite playing close to 300 minutes. The search goes on, but a picture from training has shown Sesko mimic Old Trafford icon Mark Hughes and his famous 1989 volley against Manchester City.

Sesko shows off skills in Man Utd training

Sesko's arrival from RB Leipzig this summer was supposed to bring with it a flurry of goals to a struggling Manchester United side. However, the same form he displayed in Germany has not been showcased on the field in England.

But fans were given a treat on Thursday when the club shared a picture of Sesko attempting a side-on scissor volley, the type of which Hughes was a master of in his 1980s and 1990s heyday.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportSesko shows sharp form in training

While Sesko's overall form on the field has failed to suggest it, reports from inside the Manchester United camp have suggested that the Slovenian has been doing well behind closed doors since joining the club, described as “very sharp” in front of goal. He has also, at times, drawn “ripples of applause” from teammates marvelling at his finishing.

Sesko's stats so far at Man Utd

Sesko has played five games so far, totalling nearly 300 minutes in the Premier League and the Carabao Cup. However, the striker has only managed to take five shots, with just one of them troubling a goalkeeper. Additionally, the Slovenian has only managed a total of eight touches in the opposition's box and won nine of his 17 aerial duels despite his dominating 6ft 5in stature.

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GettyMan Utd to face off against Brentford with Sesko starting

Sesko will likely be a starter in Manchester United's crucial Premier League clash against Brentford on Saturday, as the Red Devils look to string together two wins for the first time this season.

Manchester City have now reached an agreement on personal terms with an “incredible” star, who has spoken to Pep Guardiola directly, according to a report.

Man City looking to hijack Premier League rivals

As we approach the final two weeks of the summer transfer window, Man City still remain keen to make multiple additions to their squad, and they are now looking to hijack a number of their Premier League rivals’ deals.

Despite bringing in Rayan Cherki as a replacement for Kevin De Bruyne earlier this summer, the Blues are still looking to sign a new attacking midfielder, and they have made contact over a deal for major Chelsea target Xavi Simons.

Not only that, but they have also joined the race for Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who has been identified as a major target for Manchester United, and it now appears as though the Italian is set to leave this summer.

With widespread reports suggesting the 26-year-old is set to be available for just £43m, City have now upped the ante in their pursuit of the shot-stopper, and a report from L’Equipe has revealed they have reached an agreement on personal terms.

Luis Enrique has also confirmed the Italy international is no longer his number one, saying: “These are always difficult decisions to make, I can only say good things about Donnarumma, he is one of the best players in his position and he is even better as a person. But we were looking for a different profiile. It’s my decision, it’s the club’s.”

Having been left out of PSG’s upcoming UEFA Super Cup final against Tottenham Hotspur, the PSG goalkeeper is set to depart, and he has already held direct talks with Guardiola over a move to the Etihad Stadium.

Romano: Man City now open talks to sign £86m "dream target" who Pep loves

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By
Dominic Lund

Aug 12, 2025

"Incredible" Donnarumma could be Ederson upgrade

There have been suggestions that Guardiola has been growing fed up with some of Ederson’s performances, with the goalkeeper looking particularly poor in the Club World Cup exit at the hands of Al-Hilal, and the Italy captain could be an upgrade on the Brazilian.

Statman Dave suggested the former AC Milan star is among the best goalkeepers on the planet, after playing a major role in his PSG side progressing past Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal to reach the Champions League final.

The PSG star has also been lauded as “incredible” by members of the media, and he has shipped an average of just 1.02 goals per 90 over the past year, which ranks him in the top 12% of goalkeepers in Europe’s top five leagues.

That said, Man City have already signed James Trafford this summer, and the young Englishman may be frustrated if City sign Donnarumma, given that it could severely hinder his chances of becoming the new first-choice goalkeeper.

اعترف تشافي هيرنانديز، أسطورة برشلونة ومدرب البلوجرانا السابق، أن النادي الإسباني حاول التعاقد بالفعل مع نجم ليفربول السابق، أثناء وجوده كمدير فني للبرسا.

تشافي عين مديرًا فنيًا لنادي برشلونة في منتصف موسم 2022، حيث استمر مع النادي الإسباني حتى نهاية موسم 2024، قبل أن يرحل ويأتي بدلًا منه هانز فليك.

ومن بين اللاعبين الذين ارتبط نادي برشلونة بضمهم خلال السنوات الأخيرة، هو لويس دياز، نجم ليفربول السابق وبايرن ميونخ الحالي.

وأكد تشافي بالفعل، أنه كان يرغب في التعاقد مع دياز وضمه لبرشلونة، لكن هناك سبب واحد منع حدوث الصفقة، ألا وهي المشاكل المالية التي عانى منها البرسا على مدار السنوات الأخيرة.

اقرأ أيضًا .. زيدان: سأعود إلى التدريب.. وأنشيلوتي لعب دورًا مهمًا في مسيرتي

وقال تشافي في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “توتو ميركاتو ويب”: “كان الأمر حقيقيًا، لكن الوضع الاقتصادي كان سيئًا للغاية، وصعبًا للغاية علينا في ذلك الوقت أن نتعاقد معه”.

وأضاف تشافي في حديثه: “كان التعاقد مع لويس دياز من أولويات الجهاز الفني وأنا شخصيًا عندما كنت المدرب، لكنه كان مستحيلًا”.

واختتم لاعب خط الوسط السابق عن أسباب رغبته في ضم دياز إلى برشلونة: ”الأسباب واضحة، لويس دياز لاعب كرة قدم من الطراز العالمي قادر على إحداث الفارق، جناح يتمتع بسرعة فائقة، هداف ويصنع الأهداف ومجتهد”.

دياز انتهى به المطاف خلال فترة الميركاتو الصيفي الأخير خارج نادي ليفربول، حيث تعاقد بايرن ميونخ مع الدولي الكولومبي، مقابل أكثر من 70 مليون يورو.

MatériaMais Notícias

Apósa derrota por 1 a 0 para o Bahia na noite desta quarta-feira (21), peloCampeonato Brasileiro, oPalmeirasse prepara para seu próximo desafio: o Botafogo. A bola rola neste domingo (25), às 16h, no Allianz Parque em duelo que pode valer a liderança do Brasileirão. Mas qual é o retrospecto do Verdão como mandante diante do Fogão?

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasO que muda? Richard Ríos deve ser titular do Palmeiras com a ausência de Gabriel MeninoPalmeiras22/06/2023PalmeirasPalmeiras conta com retorno dos convocados e inicia preparação para ‘decisão’ com o BotafogoPalmeiras22/06/2023PalmeirasOLHAR DO PORCO: Palmeiras e a sua incrível necessidade de produzir vilõesPalmeiras22/06/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

A última vez que o Alviverde perdeu como mandante para o Botafogo foi no dia 28 de maio de 2014, também pelo Campeonato Brasileiro. Na ocasião, a equipe carioca venceu por 2 a 0, em Presidente Prudente (SP). Já a última vez que o Verdão perdeu no Parque Antarctica, atual Allianz Parque, foi no dia 7 de dezembro de 2008, ou seja, há quase 15 anos. O resultado da partida foi de 1 a 0 para o Fogão, com gol marcado por Wellington Paulista.

+ Até 50% OFF em produtos do Verdão para os torcedores fanáticos!

No duelo, que foi o último que o Palmeiras perdeu como mandante para o Botafogo, a escalação do Alviverde, comandado pelo técnico Vanderlei Luxemburgo foi: Marcos; Gustavo, Jéci (Denílson) e Maurício; Fabinho Capixaba, Pierre, Sandro Silva (Jumar), Evandro (Thiago Cunha) e Leandro; Diego Souza e Kléber Gladiador.

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+ Palmeiras inicia período de um mês com sequência pesada e enfrenta uma ‘final’ atrás da outra

O retrospecto do Verdão nas últimas seis partidas como mandante contra o Alvinegro é positivo: cinco vitórias e um empate. Nas últimas 20, o ‘massacre’ é ainda maior: 12 vitórias palestrinas, seis empates e apenas duas derrotas. Nos confrontos dos últimos 50 anos: 40 jogos: 23 vitórias do Palmeiras, 12 empates e cinco derrotas. Em números gerais, o Fogão tem somente um triunfo por década contra o Alviverde.

As vitórias do Botafogo como visitante nos últimos 50 anos:

28/5/2014 – Palmeiras 0 x 2 Botafogo – Brasileirão – Presidente Prudente
7/12/2008 – Palmeiras 0 x 1 Botafogo – Brasileirão – Palestra Itália
12/2/1998 – Palmeiras 0 x 1 Botafogo – Rio-São Paulo – Palestra Itália
4/10/1990 – Palmeiras 0 x 1 Botafogo – Brasileirão – Palestra Itália
16/7/1978 – Palmeiras 1 x 2 Botafogo – Brasileirão – Pacaembu

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+ Abel lamenta imagens inconclusivas na derrota do Palmeiras e pede que Globo e VAR definam ângulo das câmeras

O Palmeiras não perde no Allianz Parque há quase um ano (a última derrota foi em 2 de julho de 2022, diante do Athletico-PR) e pode completar 32 jogos de invencibilidade na arena – esta já é a maior série sem derrotas na história da arena, com 24 vitórias e sete empates, superando o antigo recorde de 28 partidas estabelecido entre 2016 e 2017. Neste ano, o Verdão está invicto no Allianz e registra o melhor aproveitamento da história do estádio, com 87,5% (13 vitórias e três empates em 16 jogos), seguido por 2022, com 82,8%.

Tudo sobre

BotafogoPalmeiras

The summer window may now have slammed shut for another year, but Everton can still be active outside of the window with a free agent signing on the table.

Dewsbury-Hall shows love for Everton fans

The Blues have made an encouraging start to the new Premier League season, winning two of their three matches, seeing off Brighton and Wolves in back-to-back recent outings.

Multiple new Everton signings have made a positive impression at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and while Jack Grealish is stealing the plaudits, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who scored against Wolves, has spoken glowingly about his new fans after joining from Chelsea earlier this summer.

“I always knew how good the Everton fans were, but genuinely, home and away, you don’t see an empty seat, which for me tells you all you need to know.

“They’ve welcomed me so well since I’ve got here, which means a lot for me and my family and gives me the confidence to go and try to play well for the Club. Look, it was a great day today. I’m happy that we sent them home with three points and yeah, on to the next. It’s been a big, big week and the players deserve a lot of credit.”

While the window has closed, there is still a chance for Everton to sign players who are free agents, which has led to a promising new update emerging.

Everton backed to make out-of-window signing

Speaking to Everton News, journalist Graeme Bailey claimed that Everton could still look to sign a new defender – one who is without a club currently and therefore a free agent. Celtic have already done something similar, bringing in Kelechi Iheanacho after the window shut on Tuesday due to their striker shortage.

On the face of it, Everton’s squad looks fairly strong after an impressive summer, with the likes of Grealish, Thierno Barry and Tyler Dibling adding plenty of firepower in the final third.

That said, added squad depth is never a bad thing, and if Moyes feels that another defender would bolster his side’s chance of enjoying a successful season, he needs to be trusted, especially given how much of a problem position the right-back spot has been in recent years.

Tyler Dibling

Southampton

£35.1m

Thierno Barry

Villarreal

£26m

Kieran Dewsbury-Hall

Chelsea

£24.8m

Carlos Alcaraz

Flamengo

£13m

Adam Aznou

Bayern Munich

£7.8m

Mark Travers

Bournemouth

£4m

Merlin Rohl

Freiburg

Loan

Jack Grealish

Manchester City

Loan

Tom King

Wolves

Undisclosed

With Jarrad Branthwaite out injured currently, there is arguably a lack of depth at centre-back too, with veteran pair James Tarkowski and Michael Keane being relied upon week in week out. There is also no guarantee that Branthwaite will remain an Everton player for the long-term future, so if the right player is available on a free transfer, it is certainly something that the Blues should look into.

Silva sold "world-class" Everton star, now he's worth more than Grealish

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ByKelan Sarson Sep 2, 2025

Kurt Zouma could be a potential option, for example, especially as Moyes knows him so well from their time together at West Ham, with the 30-year-old bringing experience to the back-line.

A “fantastic” Liverpool player appears to be edging closer to sealing a move away from the club before the summer transfer window slams shut.

Isak and Guehi getting closer to Liverpool

The Reds’ summer got off to such an exciting start, not least because Florian Wirtz joined in a record-breaking move from Bayer Leverkusen, but there has been a feeling that the Premier League champions need to sign both Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi to make it a truly memorable window.

While there is work to do in that respect, it increasingly looks as though the Premier League pair could both be heading to Anfield, with positive progress made.

Firstly, Newcastle United are signing VfB Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade, as well as retaining an interest in Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, meaning a second offer for Isak from Liverpool is more likely to be accepted.

Meanwhile, the Reds have reportedly submitted a £40m offer for Guehi, following his appearance for Crystal Palace in the UEFA Europa Conference League on Thursday evening, with the England international considered an ideal centre-back addition.

"Fantastic" Liverpool ace close to leaving

Now, according to various reports, Kostas Tsimikas is now close to sealing a loan move from Liverpool to Roma, with the transfer seemingly in its final stages and “one step away”. This comes after Gazzetta dello Sport [via Sport Witness] reported that the Greek was pushing for a move away from Anfield this summer.

This feels like a good outcome for all parties for now, prior to a likely permanent exit next summer, with Tsimikas unlikely to play much for Liverpool this season.

Kostas Tsimikas’ trophy wins at Liverpool

2025

Premier League

2025

FA Cup

2022

EFL Cup

2024

EFL Cup

2022

Community Shield

2022

Milos Kerkez’s arrival has pushed him further down the left-back pecking order, so barring injury woes in that position, opportunities will be limited.

Tsimikas has been a good servant for Liverpool, making himself a hero by scoring the winning penalty in the 2022 FA Cup final shootout victory over Chelsea, and being called “fantastic” by journalist Ian Doyle, but he has never quite felt like a genuinely excellent option.

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Posts ByCallum Kemp Aug 28, 2025

That’s not to say he hasn’t performed well at times, keeping the pressure on Andy Robertson, but his time at Anfield should be reaching its natural conclusion.

Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that his dismissal by Bayern Munich was "worse" than the sackings he faced at Chelsea and Real Madrid. The Italian coach says it was a mistake against Paris Saint-Germain that saw him given his walking papers just a month into the 2017-18 season. The legendary manager reflected on the disappointing period in an upcoming autobiography.

• Not Madrid or Chelsea: Bayern sacking the most ruthless for Ancelotti

  Ancelotti is one of the most celebrated and decorated coaches in football history, with a CV that speaks for itself. He achieved success at almost every club he managed, but that was not enough to prevent him from facing the sack. He was dismissed by Chelsea in 2011, just a year after he helped the Blues win the league and cup double. In 2015, Real Madrid let go of him after he guided them to their 10th Champions League title. However, it was his sacking by Bayern in 2017 which Ancelotti has described as the most "ruthless." It was the first time he was sacked mid-season in a career which had completed 22 years at the time.

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• AFP
  

  Ancelotti explains why Bayern sacked him

  published excerpts from Ancelotti's upcoming book, in which the legendary head coach was critical of Bayern while revealing the reasons that led to his dismissal.

  "Once, the bosses asked me to instill more discipline among the players and gave me a list of five points to read out to them," he said. "However, I felt that we were dealing with a top-class professional team, not a youth team, so the players should be treated accordingly. So I stood in front of the team in the locker room, pulled the piece of paper out of my pocket, and said, 'I have orders from the board to read this list to you.' That was my way of distancing myself from this task.

  "Then, at the end of September, we went to another of my former clubs. Against Paris Saint-Germain, I decided to forgo our aging wingers and let our defenders push further forward, while we focused primarily on attacks through the middle. It was a mistake. The balance was off, and they were able to disrupt us with their counterattacks. They scored their first goal in the second minute. The final score of 3-0 was Bayern's heaviest defeat in the competition in 21 years.

  "The day after the game, the club's board met and concluded that I was the problem. 'Our team's performance since the start of the season hasn't lived up to the expectations we had of them,' [Karl-Heinz] Rummenigge said. The game in Paris clearly showed that we had to take action.

  "I've been fired four times by major clubs: Juventus, Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich. This goes to show that it doesn't take an erratic president or unpredictable owner to get you fired. Shareholders of a company can do that, too.

  "It was the most ruthless dismissal of my entire career. After my departure, they reached the Champions League semifinals and were eliminated by — guess what! — Real Madrid."

• A look at Ancelotti's coaching career

  After an illustrious career as a midfielder, Ancelotti took his first steps in football management at Reggiana in 1995, before coaching Parma and Juventus. Since leaving Juve, he has coached AC Milan, Chelsea, PSG, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Napoli and Everton, before returning to Madrid for a second spell in 2021. In all, Ancelotti has won 31 titles at club level. He holds the record of winning five Champions League as a manager, doing so twice with Milan and thrice with Madrid. At the end of last season, he left Madrid after being in-charge for four seasons and joined the Brazil national team.

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  What's in store for Ancelotti beyond 2026 World Cup?

  The 66-year-old was appointed as Brazil head coach on a deal that will expire after the 2026 World Cup. The ex-Milan, Chelsea and Madrid boss recently hinted that he wouldn't mind extending his stay as the Selecao's manager. However, he left the doors open to a Real Madrid return, stating that they are the only club he would consider managing after his time as Brazil boss comes to an end.