© Benjamin Rasmussen for The New York Times
Newcastle players look revitalised, Liverpool’s curious transfer strategy and a worrying start for Palace
Amid the concerns at Manchester United, one player unquestioned is Senne Lammens. The goalkeeper produced some important first-half saves against Ipswich to keep his side in the game in difficult circumstances. A relaxed character, the Belgian is a calming influence in an emotional environment, especially with a panicked defence. When Julio Enciso was through on goal, Lammens had to decide when to come and how far, getting his distance and angles perfect to ensure the Paraguay attacker was repelled. His distribution was also excellent, instigating rapid attacks and bringing the dynamism demanded from the modern goalkeeper. Will Unwin
Match report: Manchester United 5-2 Ipswich Town
Reaction: Carrick hails United’s grit after rout of Ipswich
Will Unwin: Rashford return feels like marriage of convenience
Match report: Liverpool 2-2 Nottingham Forest
Reaction: Iraola angered by substitution delay
Match report: Chelsea 4-3 Brighton
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© Composite: Getty/AP/PA
© Composite: Getty/AP/PA
© Composite: Getty/AP/PA
A lack of offers and problems in finding a replacement may be behind the move, but that does not mean it cannot work
The first chant of the match was for Marcus Rashford, Manchester United’s returning rogue son, the one banished for 18 months, first to the Midlands and then Catalonia. Every football fan loves an academy product who has risen up the ranks, from scrawny child to getting 76,000 off their seats. Rashford is one of these, living out the dream of everyone inside Old Trafford and they are willing to forgive but want something in return.
Not since 7 December 2024 has Rashford been seen in red at Old Trafford. Then it was as a substitute forlornly trying to turn things around in an eventual 3-2 defeat by Nottingham Forest. His relationship with Ruben Amorim was already deteriorating, the second head coach to have become irritated with Rashford. After loans with Aston Villa and Barcelona, everyone is surprised to see him back; it feels like a marriage of convenience because of a lack of offers and securing a replacement was deemed complex.
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© Photograph: Adam Vaughan/EPA
© Photograph: Adam Vaughan/EPA
© Photograph: Adam Vaughan/EPA
These nascent moments of the new season can often provide false hope but, as both sets of players shook hands after what was indisputably the correct result at Elland Road, it was difficult not to imagine we had just witnessed a contest between two sides that should have lofty ambitions for the months ahead.
Leeds and Brentford were victorious on the opening weekend in differing circumstances. Leeds crafted a hard-earned but ultimately deserved win at Nottingham Forest, while Brentford Tottenham. Time will tell what the ceiling of both these sides is but, as they each continued their unbeaten starts here, hopes should be high.
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© Photograph: Jason Cairnduff/Action Images/Reuters
© Photograph: Jason Cairnduff/Action Images/Reuters
© Photograph: Jason Cairnduff/Action Images/Reuters
© Cole Burston/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
© Kent Nishimura for The New York Times
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