Category: Premier League

How Michael Carrick’s Manchester United could look in 2026-27

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Managers, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting, Team Analysis

After a string of successive failings at Manchester United, Michael Carrick brought a breath of fresh air to the club at the start of the year. The Red Devils lost just two of their seventeen matches with Carrick in charge, winning twelve and drawing three. We'll never know what might have been possible had he been in charge from the start of last season. But now we'll get a chance to find out all that is possible in 2026-27. The next few weeks will now be Carrick's time to prepare the squad for all the continued harmony they witnessed from January to June. Integrating Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos will be important puzzle pieces in that quest. And as they do, Carrick just might found out whether or not he still needs to find a like-for-like replacement for Casemiro.

How Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea could look in 2026-27

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League, Team Analysis

Xabi Alonso enters Chelsea as one of the most reputable managers in the world, despite only being in the managerial scene for seven years. He also enters at a time when Chelsea desperately need someone to steady the ship. The Blues finished a measly 10th in the 2025-26 Premier League season, and lost the backing of some of their most influential stars. Although the Blues have spent over a £1 billion in the Todd Boehly era, they now have someone with a clear tactical identity that can work to get the best out of another summer of new recruits. The early indications are expensive, but positive. Here is how Alonso's Chelsea could look next season.

How Bruno Fernandes assists so many goals

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Attacking Midfield, Central Midfield, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Premier League

Bruno Fernandes has been the best player in the Premier League this season, and has fully deserved his league-tying assist record. It now remains to be seen on the final matchday as to whether or not he will become the sole player to break the 20 assist barrier. Either way, Bruno deserves his 2025-26 PFA Player of the Season crown. Here is how Bruno assists so many goals.

Tottenham didn’t win, but they finally showed they care

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League, Team Analysis

De Zerbi's team now have five games to go, and they need to make them count. The only way to do that is to channel everything they showed in this match, and show that they truly care about staying up.

Picking the 2025-26 Premier League Team of the Season

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League

Every time you open social media and listen to the noise of the 2025-26 Premier League season, you will often hear cries of "worst season ever." Even Arne Slot called the league "boring". I beg to differ. This feels like a season that will come down to the final day, and still have plenty to play for in the remaining fixtures. But before the final run-in, I wanted to cast my Premier League Team of the season for 2025-26.

Tottenham win the award: Most disastrous season in Premier League history

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League, Team Analysis

With one of the highest wage bills in the league, if Tottenham succumb to relegation, this will be one of the most disastrous seasons of any top-flight side.

Benjamin Šeško is United’s best striker in years

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Game of Numbers, Player Analysis, Player Education, Premier League, Striker

With four goals in his last five matches, Šeško earned himself the Premier League's Player of the Month award for February. This, in just 85 minutes of making an impact off the bench. If he can continue to grow from here, the 22-year-old will almost certainly stake his claim as United's best striker in years.

Michael Carrick has given Manchester United their joy back

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Managers, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Premier League, Team Analysis

At the time of Ruben Amorim's shock sacking, Manchester United sat sixth in the table. There were signs of hope and progress, but also much in the way of disappointment and misalignment. Since Carrick entered the frame at Old Trafford, the Red Devils have won four in a row, closing the gap on City in second to just three points. This is a United team that are not only playing with simultaneous swagger and stability. But a team that is rooted in togetherness. Even beyond the results, this is the most impressive thing that Carrick and his coaching team have done since coming into the fold at United. They've created a team that are incredibly organized and tough to beat, fluid and exciting on the attacking end, and together in everything they do.