Wolves are considering appointing former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick to replace the recently sacked Vitor Pereira.

Draw against Brighton served as the final straw for Pereira, with the club taking the decision to sack him on Sunday.

The dismissal does not come as a surprise given the club’s poor form, having not won a single game in the Premier League this season, drawing two and losing eight.

Sitting 20th in the table with just two points in 10 games, the club will have to get the replacement right, someone who can take them out of the relegation zone and keep them safe for this season.

Michael Carrick being considered for the Wolves job

According to The Athletic, several names are being considered with former Wolves manager Gary O’Neil among the top candidates.

Having been sacked just one year ago, he is now being linked with a shock return to the club to guide them out of their current rock bottom position.

Other names mentioned in the report are Middlesbrough manager Rob Edwards who made a name for himself with his impressive job at Luton and former Middlesbrough manager Carrick.

The report claims that the former Manchester United man is someone who is being discussed internally by the club and remains a potential candidate for the job.

He has also been recently linked with a return to Old Trafford, with reports suggesting that Carrick would be tempted by the Manchester United job.

Michael Carrick’s impressive job at Middlesbrough

Michael Carrick retired in 2018 and swiftly transitioned into coaching, taking on roles as an assistant manager at Manchester United under Jose Mourinho and then Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

He was then given an opportunity to manage Man United as the club’s caretaker manager in November 2021 following Solskjaer’s sacking.

Carrick managed three games and remained unbeaten in all three, winning two and drawing one.

Ralf Rangnick’s arrival saw Carrick leave the club, but his successful stint served as a launchpad for his managerial career as he landed his first permanent role with Middlesbrough.

The 44-year-old took over a club that was sitting in 21st place in the Championship and facing a potential relegation battle and he made an immediate impact, transforming the team into a an attractive, possession-based playing side.

Under Carrick, Middlesbrough’s form dramatically improved, climbing from near the bottom of the table to secure a playoff spot by the end of the 2022/2023 season.

His record included 18 wins in 30 games, demonstrating a remarkable turnaround in points-per-game average.

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Trent Alexander-Arnold’s sensational switch from Liverpool to Real Madrid last summer continues to stir controversy, with the England international now appearing to admit that his mind was made up long before his departure.

The right-back’s contract saga dominated headlines throughout last season, as reports claimed he turned down multiple new deal offers from Liverpool, supposedly holding out for improved terms.

Yet speculation linking him with Real Madrid never faded, and many suggested the Trent Alexander-Arnold was deliberately running down his contract to secure a free move to the Spanish giants.

While senior teammates Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk faced the media regularly to discuss their own contract situations, Trent’s absence from interviews became noticeable.

This silence, combined with his eventual exit, frustrated Liverpool fans, who accused their boyhood star of leaving the club in a way that would cause serious financial loss, given he was arguably their most valuable asset.

Trent’s Real Madrid unveiling raised eyebrows among Liverpool fans

Cracks began to appear in Trent’s narrative soon after the move. During his Real Madrid unveiling in June 2025, he slipped up by saying he had been “waiting a long time” for the transfer, a phrase that fuelled claims he’d been planning the switch for months.

He quickly corrected himself, insisting he had only been waiting a couple of weeks since the deal was finalised.

Adding further fuel, Trent spoke fluent Spanish during the presentation, suggesting he had been preparing for life in Madrid well in advance.

Jude Bellingham’s influence behind Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid decision

Now, ahead of the highly anticipated Champions League clash between Liverpool and Real Madrid, Trent has once again hinted that his decision to leave Anfield was made early, and that Jude Bellingham played a major role in convincing him.

Speaking to Amazon Prime (via Liverpool.com), he said:

“There was a lot of speculation… the ‘agent Jude ’ stuff. It was more so in his first season (at Real Madrid)… we’d meet up at England camps and everyone would want to know what it was like behind the scenes (at Real Madrid )… he said it was incredible, and he’d never seen anything like it.

“The drive from the whole club, to win and the expectation to win. He talked so highly of the club, and I’d made my mind up at the end of the day, I needed a change for me. I wanted a new challenge on and off the pitch.”

That admission is unlikely to sit well with Liverpool supporters, who will now feel vindicated in believing that the transfer saga was orchestrated long before it became public — and that the narrative around rejected contracts was merely a way to shift blame back onto the club.

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Liverpool star Federico Chiesa’s future at the club remains a talking point going into the January transfer window. 

The Italian has seen very limited playing time despite being one of the most impactful attackers in the team at the moment.

While other players have struggled, Chiesa has looked like a breath of fresh air every time he has played.

In just 335 minutes across all competitions, and zero starts in the Premier League, he has scored two goals and assisted three.

He came off the bench to score the winner against Bournemouth in the opening fixture and was on the scoresheet again vs Crystal Palace, coming off the bench to score an important equaliser very late in the game (although Palace went on to score a stoppage time winner and win the game later on).

Despite his impressive form, Arne Slot refuses to hand him more minutes, although he was earned it on merit.

This has resulted in speculations about his future, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claiming that the player will have plenty of suitors come January.

Fabrizio Romano on Federico Chiesa’s future at Liverpool

Reports have suggested that the Reds will not look to sell Chiesa in January. However, Romano has claimed that numerous clubs could soon be on alert if his limited game time at Liverpool continues.

Speaking on the latest episode of Here We Go podcast, Romano revealed that several Italian clubs are keeping tabs on Chiesa’s situation ahead of winter transfer window.

He said: “He needs to play otherwise in January, I would not be surprised if Italian clubs return to the table and try again to get Federico Chiesa from Liverpool.

“I think this might happen. They might try.”

However, Romano also clarified that both the player and the club currently want to continue together.

He continued: “But at the moment, the desire of Liverpool and Chiesa is to continue together.

“So I don’t think it’s going to be an easy move for the January window, but interest remains and so we have to follow the game time for the next two months.

Federico Chiesa says he wants to stay at Liverpool

Chiesa has insisted he is happy at Liverpool despite the limited playing time. Speaking ahead of the Crystal Palace earlier this week, he reaffirmed his commitment to Liverpool, stating that he wants to win trophies with the club.

He said (as quoted by Liverpool.com):

“At the moment I’m happy with what I’m doing.

“I’m not happy with what the situation is like for the team because we’re not winning, but, personally, I think I’m giving a lot to the team, to the fans and I want to keep doing that in order to win in the future.

“That’s the main reason I’m doing this. Obviously, I want to stay here and I want to win for Liverpool again.

“I want to play good. That’s my main goal, then the coach is going to decide whether I’m starting or not. But if I keep on playing well, then, of course, I’m going to have more minutes. That’s because the coach sees that. He showed that to me because I’ve been playing better.

“Last year I wasn’t fit enough. I wasn’t mentally ready and I didn’t play. I was totally okay with it because I wasn’t up to speed with the other lads.

“This year, I felt as soon as we started I felt better physically and mentally. I have played more and I still need to play more to reach the level. I was playing a lot when I won the Euros (in 2021).

“I’m a different player now, but I like where I’m going and I like the fact I have improved in many aspects of my game, apart from the fact I have lost a bit of speed.”

[moresories latest]

Chiesa has established himself as a fan favourite at Liverpool

Federico Chiesa’s rapid rise to fan-favourite status at Liverpool is a testament to his infectious energy, passion, and commitment, qualities that have immediately resonated with the Anfield faithful.

Even with limited minutes due to injury and intense competition, the Italian’s infectious charisma and tangible commitment immediately won over the Kop.

Fans look for more than just goals and assists; they connect with players who visibly embody the club’s ethos, a blend of fierce intensity and a joyful appreciation for the Anfield atmosphere.

Chiesa’s direct, aggressive running, his refusal to shy away from a challenge, and his trademark energetic celebrations all showcase the kind of “fight” that instantly endears a player to the Liverpool faithful.

The post “I would not be surprised” – Fabrizio Romano drops interesting update on Liverpool fan favourite’s future at the club appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal continued their superb run of form, securing a comfortable 2-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor this afternoon.

First-half headers from Viktor Gyokeres and the impressive Declan Rice were enough to seal the three points, extending the Gunners’ lead at the top of the Premier League table and recording their ninth consecutive win in all competitions.

The match saw several players deliver exceptional performances, particularly in a dominant first half. Here is how the Arsenal players rated in their latest win:

Arsenal player ratings vs Burnley

David Raya (7/10): A remarkably quiet afternoon. Handled the little he had to do efficiently and distributed tidily.

Jurrien Timber (7/10): Active on the right flank, solid in defence with astute tackles, and provided good forward runs. 2 clearances, 3 recoveries, and 2/3 ground duels won, it was a great performance from the defender.

Riccardo Calafiori (7.5/10): Caused headaches with his advanced positioning on the left and linked up well with Leandro Trossard. Defensively solid with 100% tackles won, six clearances, and 3/4 ground duels won.

William Saliba (8/10): Shook off a late fitness worry to deliver his typical ‘Rolls-Royce’ performance. Calm, composed, and rarely troubled, ensuring another clean sheet.

Gabriel Magalhaes (9/10): Dominant defensively, dealing with all aerial threats. Crucially provided the flick-on assist for Gyokeres’s opening goal from a set-piece. A true warrior at the back and dangerous threat from set pieces upfront.

Declan Rice (9/10): A colossal performance. His pinpoint corner led to the opener, and he then scored a thumping header to double the lead. Controlled the midfield with superb technical skill and relentless work rate.

Eberechi Eze (6.5/10): A performance of two-halves from the England midfielder. Hugely involved in Arsenal’s game in the first half but faded somewhat before being replaced in the second period.

Martin Zubimendi (7/10): Kept the midfield ticking over with excellent, progressive passes, though he later had to limp off, an injury scare that will be a concern for Mikel Arteta.

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Bukayo Saka (6/10): A relatively frustrating day in front of goal for the star winger, missing two big chances which he would otherwise normally bury.

Leandro Trossard (7.5/10): A constant menace in the final third. Assisted Rice’s goal with a perfect cross and was unlucky not to score himself after an effort was cleared off the line.

Viktor Gyokeres (8.5/10): Perhaps one of his best half in an Arsenal shirt. Scored the opening goal with a classic poacher’s header and his hold-up and link-up play were exceptional, including an exquisite pass in the build-up to Rice’s goal. He was substituted at half-time due to an injury, which is said to be not a very serious one.

Subs: Mikel Merino (6/10), Piero Hincapie (5/10), Ethan Nwaneri (6/10), Christian Norgaard (6.5/10)

The post Arsenal player ratings: Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes boss it as Arsenal extend unbeaten run appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arne Slot’s future at Liverpool is expected to be decided by what happens in the next ten days. 

That is according to a report from Football Paparazzi, which claims that the hierarchy at Liverpool are becoming increasingly worried by the current form, and have ‘frozen’ the talks about Slot’s contract extension.

As per the report, while the Liverpool board are ‘fully backing’ Arne Slot in public for now, they have privately set a three-game ultimatum which could decide the manager’s fate.

Liverpool’s next three games

The Reds first host Aston Villa at Anfield tonight, before welcoming Real Madrid to Merseyside for a crucial Champions League clash. They then travel to the Etihad Stadium to face fierce rivals Manchester City.

Aston Villa have proven to be a tough team to beat under Unai Emery. They will be full of confidence having beaten Man City 1-0 last week and will be looking to grab all three points against a side at their rock bottom.

Liverpool will have to be at their very best, both physically and psychologically to beat Villa, which is perhaps the only fixture they can realistically win out of the three they play at the moment.

Win against Villa could be crucial in restoring morale and momentum before facing two European giants in Real Madrid and Manchester City. However, further defeats could have devastating consequences for Slot’s tenure.

These three games have the power to make or break Liverpool’s season. League defeats against Villa and Man City would not only put to bed their chances of a Premier League but would make a top four finish unlikely as well.

And a defeat to Madrid in the Champions League would make it difficult for them to qualify to the next round.

Who could replace Arne Slot if Liverpool make a change?

Despite the report, a managerial sacking still appears unlikely at this stage, especially considering Slot guided Liverpool to a Premier League title last season.

However, the form and the performances have no doubt been abysmal, specially considering the record breaking summer spending by Liverpool. Should the slump continue, Liverpool may be forced to pull the trigger sooner than expected.

If Slot is to be sacked, it is interesting to see who they can bring in at this point. Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is a man in demand for the job he has done and will no doubt be one that the club will be looking at.

Moreover, the connection with Richard Hughes makes it even more plausible.

Iraola is also linked with the Chelsea job while Manchester United are also said to be admirers of the Spaniard.

Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp has also refused to rule out a future return at Anfield in a recent interview and perhaps would take a short-term role back to stable things at the helm.

While it’s too early to predict Slot’s fate, the next ten days could be career-defining. Liverpool’s upcoming results will determine not just their season trajectory, but also whether the club stands by their current manager or looks elsewhere to salvage their campaign.

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