Manchester United spent big, around £207m to be exact, recruiting a brand-new front three this summer, so how are they getting on?

Well, Bryan Mbeumo scored against both Grimsby Town and Burnley in August, albeit his missed penalty that decided the EFL Cup tie at Blundell Park is what will live longest in the memory.

Meantime, Benjamin Šeško has scored in the last two matches, opening his account at Brentford before bagging his first at Old Trafford during Saturday’s victory over Sunderland.

Thus, Matheus Cunha is the only member of the trio yet to score this season, although the Red Devils’ next fixture, an away game against Liverpool at Anfield, would be a good time to change that fact.

Elsewhere, the phenomenon of players leaving Manchester United and thriving elsewhere is nothing new, but even a forward described as the “worst player” in the club’s entire history is outscoring the Šeško, Mbeumo and Cunha trident so far this season.

Man United alumni lighting it up elsewhere

As a society we’ve all become accustomed to the idea of players revitalising their careers by leaving Old Trafford.

Scott McTominay is the prime example of this, scoring 13 goals for Napoli last season, the key man as the Partenopei won only their fourth Scudetto, named Serie A’s player of the year.

This summer, the Scotland international has been joined by Rasmus Højlund at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona who, after only scoring four Premier League goals throughout the entirety of last season, has bagged four in just six games for Napoli, notching a Champions League brace against Sporting, before bagging the winner against Genoa last Sunday.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

Elsewhere, after scoring nine times during his short loan spell, Antony made his move to Real Betis permanent on deadline day, bagging his first of the season as los Verdiblancos held Nottingham Forest to a 2-2 draw at the Cartuja in the Europa League.

The Brazilian scored just 12 times in 96 appearances for the Red Devils, but has ten in 31 for Betis.

There are countless other players we could have cited for whom leaving Manchester United was the best career decision they’ve ever made, but one in particular, you may have completely forgotten about, is still scoring at a high level at the age of 33.

Manchester United's worst-ever attacker is now thriving

Let’s all enter our metaphorical DeLoreans and time travel back to November 2022.

The World Cup is about to begin in Qatar while, and this feels unthinkable now, Manchester United under Erik ten Hag were in a title race, going on to finish third that season with 75 points. For comparison, their 58 most recent Premier League matches have yielded just 68 points.

However, all was not well because, having been sidelined by Ten Hag, Cristiano Ronaldo made it clear that he felt “betrayed” and would leave the club “with immediate effect”.

Thus, in the January transfer window, the Red Devils desperately needed a new striker, but the Glazers said they simply did not have the funds available to make a permanent signing.

So, a creative solution was found, with Man United paying a reported fee of £2.6m to end Wout Weghorst’s loan move from Burnley to Beşiktaş and bring him to Old Trafford instead.

The Netherlands international had scored nine times in just 18 appearances for the İstanbul-based giants, but did not really bring that form to England, scoring only twice for United, on target against Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup and Real Betis in the Europa League.

Thus, onlookers were not impressed, with Jamie Redknapp, speaking on Sky Sports, describing him as simply “not good enough”, while Richard Keys asserted that he is the ‘worst player I’ve ever seen in a [Manchester] United jersey’.

After finally leaving Burnley, Weghorst returned to the Netherlands by joining Ajax in August 2024.

He scored 11 goals during his first season in Amsterdam, while he has started the new Eredivisie season on fire, netting five times already, including a brace against Sparta Rotterdam at Het Kasteel on Saturday.

This means, to date, he has scored more goals than Mbeumo, Cunha and Šeško combined to start the new campaign.

Does this mean Manchester United should have kept hold of Weghorst?

Well, probably not no, but it is further evidence that the curse of players leaving the club and thriving elsewhere is real.

Their own Yamal: Man Utd teen is "one of the world's most exciting talents"

Manchester United have an exceptional teenager in their academy ranks.

By
Matt Dawson

Oct 7, 2025

Manchester United are thought to be ahead of Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea to sign a new attacker likened to Amad Diallo.

Amad missing from latest Man Utd defeat

The Red Devils star was absent from the latest Man Utd loss to Brentford on the weekend, with Ruben Amorim unable to call upon the Ivory Coast international due to a family bereavement.

Prior to the weekend, the 23-year-old had featured in every game of the 2025/26 season and has been one of a few shining lights under Amorim at Old Trafford.

Games

33

Goals

8

Assists

9

Minutes played

2,415

Whether it be playing on the right or in an attacking midfield role, Diallo has impressed under Amorim, scoring a memorable last-minute winner against Manchester City at the end of 2024.

Former Man Utd defender Rio Ferdinand hailed Diallo after his Etihad heroics, calling him “brilliant” under the current Red Devils boss.

“The new manager’s come in, and I would go as far as to say he (Amad) is the first name on the sheet for this new manager and that’s a testament to this kid’s character, his will to change the tide and swing against the current and say to people, ‘No, no, you can’t leave me out. You can’t! I might be small in stature but I have the biggest heart. I’m going to run, I’m going to work and then I’m going to make decisive, great decisions when I’ve got it, I’m going to impact the game.’”

“With and without the ball, he’s been brilliant. I think he’s a real footballer. I don’t think that was ever in doubt, everyone could see the talent. But they just didn’t see the other side of him when you look at him.”

Diallo is under contract until 2030, and by the looks of things, Man Utd want to bring in a player similar to the 23-year-old in 2026.

Man Utd in pole position to sign Kenan Yildiz

According to reports in Spain, Man Utd have taken the lead over Arsenal and Chelsea in the race to sign Kenan Yildiz from Juventus.

Ahead of both the Gunners and those at Stamford Bridge, the Red Devils may find it easier to sign Yildiz if Marcus Rashford seals a permanent move away from Old Trafford.

Yildiz is valued at more than £80m and Man Utd ‘appears willing to take the first formal step in negotiations’.

Amad Diallo

Man Utd

Antoine Griezmann

Atletico Madrid

Ademola Lookman

Atalanta

Morgan Rogers

Aston Villa

Rayan Cherki

Man City

A Turkey international who doesn’t have a weak foot, Yildiz can play on either wing or in a second striker role and enjoyed a fine Club World Cup campaign, scoring three goals and registering two assists in 250 minutes of action.

The 20-year-old has continued that form in 2025/26, which appears to have caught the eye of Man Utd, who appear to be in a great position to secure his services next year.

MatériaMais Notícias

Abel Ferreira surpreendeu a torcida do Palmeiras neste domingo (22), ao escalar três zagueiros na vitória do Verdão sobre o Coritiba por 2 a 0, pelo Brasileirão 2023.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasOlhar do Porco: Abel muda esquema e Palmeiras volta a vencer após seis jogosPalmeiras22/10/2023PalmeirasAuxiliar de Abel Ferreira manda recado à torcida do Palmeiras sobre fase negativaPalmeiras22/10/2023PalmeirasCom gols que ‘caíram do céu’, Palmeiras vence o Coritiba e encerra série negativa no BrasileirãoPalmeiras22/10/2023

+ Veja a tabela e simule os jogos do Verdão no Brasileirão

Criticado por muitos antes da bola rolar, a estratégia foi arriscada, tanto que por milímetros o Verdão não começou o jogo com o placar adverso.

Com o decorrer do jogo, Luan foi se soltando e atuando quase que como um primeiro volante, fez uma boa partida e ajudou demais o Verdão a controlar o jogo.

continua após a publicidade

+ Futebol total! Aposte R$100 e ganhe mais de R$570 com Valencia, Fiorentina e Ponte Preta

Para encarar o São Paulo na próxima quarta-feira, no Allianz Parque, Abel terá que decidir se vai manter a formação que bateu o Coxa ou não.

Na entrevista coletiva após o triunfo em Curitiba, Vitor Castanheira, auxiliar do Abel, falou sobre a estratégia de jogar com três zagueiros.

-Tentamos dar consistência para a equipe. Era o que estávamos precisando. Mas, ao mesmo tempo, não deixamos de olhar para a agressividade ofensiva. Acho que o plano de hoje correu na perfeição. – afirmou o português.

continua após a publicidade

Lembrando que esta foi apenas a terceira vez que Abel utilizou os três zagueiros nessa temporada e uma delas havia sido justamente diante do São Paulo, no Morumbi, pela Copa do Brasil.

Para um time que não marcava mais de dois gols em uma partida há dois meses, o Palmeiras deixou até que uma boa impressão pela má fase que vive.

Até por isso, se eu fosse o Abel, eu manteria o mesmo time, somente com o retorno de Endrick no lugar do Flaco López.

+ Do amor ao ódio: o passo a passo da implosão da relação de Leila Pereira com organizada do Palmeiras

De volta ao banco de reservas alviverde após dois jogos, Abel terá muito trabalho para tentar vencer o São Paulo no Allianz Parque pela primeira vez nesse ano.

Many Rangers supporters want to see sporting director Kevin Thelwell replaced, and now a big claim has emerged regarding his position of power at Ibrox.

Thelwell feeling the heat at Rangers

The Gers’ 3-0 defeat away to Brann in the Europa League on Thursday has done little to silence the dissenting voices, with Danny Rohl experiencing a sobering life in charge at Ibrox. It is hard to blame the German, but this will only increase the magnitude of the job being asked of him.

There are high-profile characters galore at Rangers who are under huge pressure, including sporting director Thelwell, with former defender David Weir mentioned as an option to replace him by Heart & Hand.

There is no doubt that Thelwell hasn’t hit the ground running in his role, having arrived from Everton at the end of last season, and unless something drastic changes, it is hard to see him remaining in the job for too long.

The same applies to chairman Andrew Cavenegh and CEO Patrick Stewart, and now a big claim has dropped that highlights the level of power Thelwell has at Rangers at the moment.

Thelwell influencing team decisions at Ibrox

Speaking on Hotline Live [Ibrox News], journalist Keith Jackson claimed that Thelwell actually helped pick Rangers’ starting XI against Dundee United last weekend, and may have also influenced the line-up vs Brann.

“What I’ve heard, whether it’s right or wrong, but I suspect it’s correct – I think Thelwell had a hand in picking the team at the weekend when Steven Smith was in charge. Would it surprise me if there was a little bit of influence from the sporting director in that lineup (vs Brann)? Not in the slightest.”

This update perfectly illustrates the control Thelwell has at Rangers, and many will feel that him picking the team at home to Dundee United only undermined the job that Smith was doing. Not only that, but the Gers failed to win the game, falling further behind Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts in the process.

The 51-year-old Englishman has a huge amount to do if he is to win round the masses, and despite only being sporting director for a matter of months, the writing is arguably already on the wall for him, having blown a huge amount of money on the struggling

Youssef Chermiti and decimated the defensive ranks in the transfer window.

Rangers now told to replace Kevin Thelwell with "recruitment mastermind"

Would this be an upgrade for the Gers?

1 ByHenry Jackson Oct 24, 2025

Thelwell’s biggest hope of staying on at Rangers is enjoying a strong working relationship with Rohl, and helping oversee massive improvements on and off the pitch, but even then, his critics are unlikely to go away any time soon.

West Ham chiefs are already working to try and save Nuno Espírito Santo when the January window opens for business, with Brazil international defender Alexsandro now a key winter target.

According to recent reports, and amid the Hammers’ dire start to 2025/2026, David Sullivan, Karren Brady and the board are ready to back Nuno to the hilt with new additions mid-season.

Sky Sports reported last week that Nuno has got confirmation funds will be available to spend in January, and West Ham are actively targeting a new defender, midfielder and forward.

Much has been made of their glaring need for a new striker, with Real Madrid sensation Endrick rumoured to be on West Ham’s January shortlist as the east Londoners ponder a loan deal.

However, long-term injuries to Konstantinos Mavropanos and Ollie Scarles have left West Ham desperately short at the back too.

West Ham’s results in the Premier League so far

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

Leeds 2-1 West Ham

Mavropanos is expected to be out for up to six weeks after picking up a hamstring injury against Brentford, while Scarles was forced to undergo surgery on his collarbone and could be missing until 2026 (ExWHUemployee).

If West Ham’s desire for a star new defender to shore up their leaky backline wasn’t already there, it definitely is now.

So far, West Ham have conceded more goals than any other side in the Premier League, and it is crystal clear that Nuno needs to resolve this issue as soon as possible.

Bearing this in mind, Nuno has now got his eyes on Alexsandro.

The 26-year-old has been a mainstay for Lille and his impressive performances in France even attracted attention from Premier League title frontrunners Arsenal in the summer.

Before Mikel Arteta’s side eventually signed Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera as their central defensive additions, credible South American news outlet UOL reported that Arsenal held initial talks over Alexsandro, which eventually went nowhere.

This is good news for West Ham, as Nuno is believed to be extremely keen.

Alexsandro makes key demand to join West Ham in January

According to Hammers News, the Irons boss wants him in the first week of January after identifying Alexsandro as the club’s priority defender signing this winter.

A deal is described by one transfer source as having a “good” chance of happening, and early talks have already been held over the centre-back’s potential arrival.

However, Alexsandro has apparently set out a key condition to join West Ham.

It is believed the Ligue 1 star wants “assurances” that there will be a route out of the London Stadium if West Ham enter the doomsday scenario of relegation, so it appears he’s looking for a safety net before committing.

While Alexsandro has been excellent for Lille overall, as evident by the Gunners’ reported interest earlier this year, he has real disciplinary issues.

Last season, the player was handed a seismic 13 bookings in all competitions, picking up three yellow card suspensions in the French top flight alone.

Nuno would need to try and work this out of Alexsandro’s game if the defender moves to Rush Green at the start of next year, but according to ESPN, he could be available for just £26 million.

West Ham have also held talks to sign two more players from the same club

Getting to his 400th wicket in his 100th Test, with a flurry of records thrown in, makes it a game to remember for Mitchell Starc

Andrew McGlashan15-Jul-2025

Mitchell Starc termed the Jamaica Test match as an “uncomfortable” one for him. West Indies’ batters might well have said, “speak for yourself”. Starc was not, of course, referring to when he had the pink ball in hand.Starc’s feelings around the last few days refer to the attention on him for his 100th Test. “Get on with the cricket,” he said ahead of the game. He has often spoken about how he will only reflect on landmarks and achievements when he hangs up the bowling boots. In this match, he added plenty to the list: a triple-wicket opening over, his 400th wicket, and the quickest five-wicket haul in a Test innings.It was as though he was putting together his own highlights package to mark the occasion: inswingers, pads struck, stumps splattered. Only one of his wickets needed the assistance of a fielder. In some ways, it was a bit of a shame Mikyle Louis got his pad in the way of the 400th.Related

Ten days in the Caribbean: WI batters hit new lows, questions remain around Australia's top three

Stats – WI post second-lowest Test total; Starc takes five in 15 balls

'Unreal' – Starc and Boland amaze each other with stunning feats

The night before the match, Starc was presented with a couple of signed shirts and a bottle of Jamaican rum to mark his century. But what seemed most special was a video put together with messages from family, friends, former Australia cricketers and players from his AFL team, Greater Western Sydney Giants.”It’s certainly been uncomfortable throughout the week,” he said. “I was happy just to have a win and sing the song. It’s certainly been a special week to play, to wear the baggy green. It’s been one I’ll cherish for a long time.”Such was the speed of Australia’s victory (or West Indies’ disintegration) that supporters were playing on the outfield before it even went dark. While Starc and Scott Boland finished the game in the blink of eye, this was not a collapse under lights. On the first two days of the match, wickets had been hard-earned in the first two sessions. But on the third, the sun hadn’t even started setting when Starc claimed three in his first over.In fact, Australia bowled just nine overs under lights for the game, on the first evening after they made the decision to have a thrash, losing 7 for 68 in the process. They found themselves batting under lights yesterday and were 99 for 6. In the fourth innings, they were preparing to try and hold the game until the lights took hold, hoping 203 runs would be enough to take the game deep if needed.”[It’s] probably a win against the conditions in the fact that we only bowled ten [nine] overs under lights,” Starc said. “I think everyone today with the ball was pretty spot on. I don’t think anyone thought it was going to happen that quickly. We were talking about almost consolidating the scoreboard until we got closer to that night session.”It wasn’t a plan to drag it out. [But] if things weren’t happening straight away, we knew that things would happen quicker in the night session. [It was like] this is what we want to do at the start, but if it doesn’t happen straight away, let’s just chill out and stop the scoreboard and cash in at night. Didn’t need to.”Starc’s 6 for 9 took him to 20 wickets at 16.45 in this four-Test stretch, which started with the World Test Championship final. For the second time in ten Tests, following his 6 for 48, also with the pink ball against India last season in Adelaide, he has improved his career-best.Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins lead the trophy celebrations•AFP/Getty Images

“I felt like my rhythm has been pretty good for a while now,” he said. “Even coming into the lead up to Lord’s, I felt like everything was clicking into place. It’s been nice to have that carry on throughout the series. Today, again, just felt like everything was in sync and got some late swing. I think perhaps the breeze might have helped in the fact that I wasn’t under lights.”Starc’s six and Boland’s hat-trick meant that for just the second time in an innings of significance when he was fit, Pat Cummins wasn’t required to bowl. “My favourite part,” he joked.”I think a lot of the chat leading into this week is how resilient you need to be and professional to make it 100 Tests,” Cummins said of Starc. “[But] I think that’s kind of the Starcy I always remember playing alongside. He can tear a game open by himself really in the matter of a couple of overs. It feels like he can do it in any format, any time.”When day-night Tests were introduced, Starc was a strong voice questioning the wisdom of it. He still believes they need to be scheduled carefully, and that Adelaide is an ideal model, but he can see a place for them – 81 wickets 17.08 no doubt helps.”It’s good for my record,” he said with a smile.

After new coach Walter handed him a lifeline, Sodhi became the third men’s player to 150 T20I wickets and committed to keep playing for NZ

Deivarayan Muthu25-Jul-2025A fairly low-profile tri-series in Zimbabwe continues to bring a number of high moments for Ish Sodhi. In New Zealand’s opening game, he made his 200th international appearance and then he marked his 201st appearance by becoming the third player to 150 wickets in men’s T20Is after Tim Southee and Rashid Khan. Along the way, Sodhi, 32, bagged his career-best T20I figures of 4 for 12 against Zimbabwe in the lead-up to the final against South Africa.Sodhi is uncontracted – young legspinner Adithya Ashok pipped him and earned his maiden deal – but he certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed by new coach Rob Walter. In the final, Sodhi is set to tick off another landmark: New Zealand’s most capped T20I player. He’s currently level with Southee on 126 T20Is.Related

Bracewell replaces Phillips for NZ's first Test against Zimbabwe

A numbers man, Sodhi is savouring every high. “It’s really nice. I’m really proud of the achievement. To get 150 wickets in a format for your country, obviously you have to play for a long period of time to be able to do that. It’s something I’m really proud of and hopefully there’s a lot more on the bank.”On Thursday, Sodhi also took a moment to reflect on his early years. Born in India, Sodhi moved to Auckland with his parents when he was a child. After impressing Daniel Vettori during an Auckland playing trial he broke into the New Zealand squad when he was 20. He has since become a key player for New Zealand, especially in white-ball cricket.”It has been an incredible journey,” Sodhi said. “I think something came out of the other, I think I debuted in 2013. I think my first ODI was here in Harare. It’s nice to be here and still being able to perform for New Zealand. Hopefully it’s something I can still do for a time to come.”Contracted or not, Sodhi is eager to play for New Zealand and win games for them. Having been thrown a lifeline by Walter, Sodhi could form a potent partnership with captain Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell as New Zealand tune up for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.”There’s always incentive to win games for your country, I like playing international cricket,” Sodhi said. “Growing up, it’s the only thing I ever wanted to do and I think it’s probably the same for all the guys that are in there now. International cricket is really special. You pop the fern on, certainly things you dreamed of in the backyard growing up playing. Any game for New Zealand, there’s always motivation out there to be playing your best.”ESPNcricinfo LtdThe 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean was a forgettable one for Sodhi and New Zealand. In spin-friendly conditions, Sodhi sat out three of New Zealand’s four games, but in the lead-up to the next World Cup, he’s trying to reinvent himself. On Thursday, he fronted up to bowl in the powerplay – after Zimbabwe had run away to 21 for 0 – and claimed figures of 2-0-5-3 during this phase. Sodhi had also operated in the powerplay against South Africa in New Zealand’s series opener. This tri-series is the first time since 2021 that Sodhi has bowled in the powerplay in T20Is and it’s a role he relishes playing for the Black Caps.”It’s quite a new role for me and I haven’t bowled a lot in the powerplay in my career,” Sodhi said. “So, this is a really strong New Zealand side nowadays, so trying to get into the side and almost have to learn to be able to bowl in the powerplay. So, it’s really nice it could come off as it is relatively a new role. I’m trying to play for New Zealand and yeah to get some wickets was quite pleasing and it shows me I can do it at this level and yeah something I want to keep building.”Sodhi also delivered a glowing appraisal of Tim Seifert, who is currently the leading run-getter in the tri-series, with 166 runs in four innings at a strike rate of 145.61. Sodhi believes that Seifert has become a more versatile and dangerous batter after playing franchise T20 cricket around the world. In the lead-up to the tri-series, Seifert was part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL and San Francisco Unicorns in the MLC, and his next franchise assignment is with CPL champions St Lucia Kings.”Yeah, look Seife is incredible,” Sodhi said. “I’ve sort of seen him come through when he was 18 years old playing cricket in all the districts he came through. A lot of talent, hit the ball really nice and cleanly. But I think the product of franchise cricket that’s made him such a good player is that he’s been able to play on surfaces that aren’t actually that great for batting.”If you look at that surface out there, it wasn’t the truest of surfaces but to score at the rate that he did shows great growth in his game. It shows that he’s rallied around a lot of great players all around the world in the franchise tournaments that he’s played and it’s making him a lot better player. It’s a huge asset for New Zealand cricket the way that he’s playing and he’s still so young.”The way he’s batting is showing a lot of leadership. He’s leading from the front and it’s great to see him being in my shoes having seen him come through when he was an 18, 19-year-old. It’s brilliant to see.”

After claiming the MLS Golden Boot, Lionel Messi has been named to the MLS Best XI for the second time since joining Inter Miami. The recognition comes after Messi finished with the second-most goal contributions in a single season in MLS history and became the second player in league history to lead the league in goals and assists.

Getty ImagesA star-studded team

The squad features six first-time honorees and players representing nine different clubs, with the Philadelphia Union and Vancouver Whitecaps each seeing two players recognized. The team features multiple award winners, too, including Golden Boot winner (and MVP favorite) Messi, MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Dayne St. Clair, MLS Defender of the Year Tristan Blackmon, MLS Young Player of the Year Alex Freeman, and MLS Newcomer of the Year Anders Dreyer.

Freeman is the youngest player named to the Best XI in five years (Brenden Aaronson in 2020), while Dreyer joins Roman Burki and Walker Zimmerman in making the list from a first-year expansion team in the 2020s. Denis Bouanga, meanwhile, became the first player since Josef Martinez to make the team three consecutive times as he joins Dreyer and Messi as the three attackers in the team.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportBest XI in full

Goalkeeper: Dayne St. Clair (Minnesota United FC)

Defenders: Tristan Blackmon (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Alex Freeman (Orlando City SC), Jakob Glesnes (Philadelphia Union), Kai Wagner (Philadelphia Union)

Midfielders: Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders FC)

Forwards: Denis Bouanga (LAFC), Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF)

GettyLocal flavor

Four players in the side have played for the U.S. men's national team this year: Freeman, Blackmon, Sebastian Berhalter and Cristian Roldan. All four were in the U.S. squad for the September camp, with Roldan and Freeman returning for the October camp as well. Berhalter, meanwhile, joined Freeman this summer in representing the U.S. on the run to the Gold Cup final.

Canada, too, is represented by St. Clair, who becomes the second Canadian player to be named to the MLS Best XI in the last decade, following Tajon Buchanan in 2021.

The five domestic selections are the most since 2015, when there were also five: Luis Robles, Matt Hedges, Benny Feilhaber, Ethan Finlay and Dax McCarty, all American.

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Of the Best XI selections, Freeman is the only one not left in the playoffs after Orlando City were knocked out in the Wild Card round. All five deciding Game 3s of the current round will be played this weekend.

Club Brugge and Barcelona played out a six-goal thriller on Wednesday night as the spoils were shared in an entertaining 3-3 draw. The Belgian side responded to back-to-back Champions League defeats with a solid point. Barcelona, meanwhile, came from behind three times to secure what could prove a precious result in their bid to book their place in the last 16 of the competition.

Brugge raced into an early lead as Carlos Forbs beat the offside trap and presented Nicolo Tresoldi with an easy chance to tuck past Wojciech Szczesny. The lead, though, lasted just two minutes as Barcelona hit back with a bang through Ferran Torres, who easily beat Nordin Jackers from close range.

And Barca missed the chance to go ahead in the 10th minute as Fermin Lopez, who provided the assist for Torres, struck the outside of the left post. The hosts made the Spanish champions pay for their profligacy as they were ahead again in the 17th minute following a rapid counter. Forbs and Christos Tzolis linked up well, with the former on hand to follow up his early assist with a well-taken effort past Szczesny.

Barcelona huffed and puffed for an equaliser in the second half as Fermin forced a fine Jackers stop six minutes after the break, and their pressure finally paid off on the hour mark as Lamine Yamal slalomed his way through a sea of Brugge bodies, played a neat one-two with Fermin before finishing superbly past Jackers.

Parity, though, lasted just two minutes as Forbs again ruthlessly exploited Barcelona's high defensive line to delicately dink past Szczesny to score his second and Brugge's third.

Barcelona were again level with a little over 10 minutes to go as Yamal's cross was turned past Jackers by Tzolis as the La Liga giants looked to claim a pressure victory in Belgium. And while Barca dominated, they rode their luck late on as Szczesny came close to committing a costly error in injury time in an entertaining stalemate.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from the Jan Breydelstadion…

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Wojciech Szczesny (4/10):

  Was left exposed by Barcelona's high defensive line for all three goals. Did deny Seys at his near post minutes after the break. Came very close to committing a costly effort in second-half injury time.

  Jules Kounde (6/10):

  Played Forbs onside for Tresoldi's opening goal. Hit the crossbar midway through the first half.

  Ronald Araujo (5/10):

  Captained Barcelona on the night but struggled to marshal the Blaugrana backline against this rapid Brugge attack.

  Eric Garcia (5/10):

  Made a vital clearance early on from a Tzolis cross. Hit the bar in the second half but looked lost at the back whenever the Belgian side pushed forward.

  Alejandro Balde (4/10):

  Really struggled against Forbs. All three Brugge goals came down his side and almost conceded a second-half penalty.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  Midfield

  Frenkie de Jong (7/10):

  Dictated the tempo in the middle of the park and linked the defence and attack well.

  Marc Casado (6/10):

  Tidy on the ball but offered little going forward. Came off after an hour.

• AFP
  

  Attack

  Lamine Yamal (9/10):

  Hauled Barcelona level on the hour mark with a fine finish following neat link-up play with Fermin and forced the third with a cross from the right that was inadvertently turned past Jackers by Tzolis. Saved the Spanish side in Belgium.

  Fermin Lopez (8/10):

  Provided the assist for Ferran's equaliser and clipped the post shortly after. Forced a good Jackers save after the break and linked up well with Yamal for the winger's goal.

  Marcus Rashford (6/10):

  Had a few first half chances, the best of which forced Jackers into a low stop shortly before the beak.

  Ferran Torres (7/10):

  Bagged a rapid leveller after Barcelona had gone behind with a well-taken finish. Came close to adding a second on the stroke of half-time after rounding Jackers. Replaced after an hour.

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  Subs & Manager

  Robert Lewandowski (5/10):

  Saw a low drive blocked by Ordonez with 15 minutes to play. Evidently still short of match fitness.

  Dani Olmo (6/10):

  Offered Barcelona more drive from midfield after replacing Casado on the hour mark.

  Pau Cubarsi (N/A):

  Came on for Garcia in added time.

  Gerard Martin (N/A):

  Replaced Balde for the final seconds.

  Hansi Flick (5/10):

  Got his tactics completely wrong as the Barcelona defence looked completely exposed whenever Brugge pushed forward. Yamal spared his blushes.

The biggest uncertainty surrounding the Los Angeles Dodgers heading into the postseason was the strength of their pitching. Despite a slew of key pitchers sidelined with injuries, the Dodgers' depleted pitching staff has been sensational in October, and over their last three games in particular.

After defeating the New York Mets, 9-0, in the opener of the NLCS on Sunday night, L.A. has tied the all-time MLB record for the most consecutive scoreless innings in postseason history. They have not surrendered a run in 33 innings, going all the way back to the second inning of their Game 3 NLDS loss against the San Diego Padres.

Since then, it's been smooth sailing on the mound for the Dodgers, who blanked the Padres in the last two games of that series and delivered another scoreless outing during Sunday's Game 1 against the Mets.

Not only have they tied the record previously held by the Baltimore Orioles, who threw 33 straight scoreless innings in the 1966 World Series, the Dodgers have set the record for the most consecutive scoreless frames in National League postseason history.

Jack Flaherty toed the rubber on Sunday night, throwing seven scoreless innings with six strikeouts. He passed the baton to Daniel Hudson and Ben Casparius who handled the final two innings of the contest.

L.A. will look to continue its prolific pitching run on Monday when they host the Mets in Game 2.