Friends of Fulham

Everton now given late chance to hijack deal as Fulham refuse to pay just £800,000
Everton and Fulham could be heavily involved with each other before we hit the 5pm transfer deadline on Monday.

The Toffees have not only been linked with a move for Harry Wilson – who is currently going to become a free agent in July when his contract expires – but Everton have also been credited with an interest in Ricardo Pepi.

Fulham looked to be advancing with a £30m move for the United States international – but an update from Sky Sports now opens the door for David Moyes to nip in and frustrate Marco Silva.

Fulham refusing to pay just £800,000 more to sign Ricardo Pepi amid Everton links
Sky Sports now state that talks between Fulham and PSV Eindhoven have hit a wall as the Cottagers refuse to pay just £800,000 more to meet the Dutch side's valuation.

It is said that Pepi himself is happy to remain in the Netherlands until the summer if no agreement can be found with Fulham or any other side.

Sky Sports do not mention what PSV Eindhoven want for the American, although the BBC recently reported that they are chasing £30m in order to sell the 23-year-old.

Pepi – who Tim Howards admires – has netted 11 goals in 22 appearances across all competitions for the Eredivisie outfit so far this season, while also grabbing two assists.

Everton should steer clear of Ricardo Pepi
From our point of view, we have no idea why Everton were ever – allegedly – looking at Pepi in the first place.

That is not to say the PSV Eindhoven No.9 is a bad player, but Everton only recently invested heavily in another 23-year-old forward when spending £27m on Thierno Barry back in July.

Crucially, Moyes also only fields one striker in his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, so it would make little sense to spend £30m on Pepi just as Barry starts to shine, with four goals in his last five Premier League games.

A cheaper, experienced option who can help develop the Frenchman and also step in when he needs a rest would be far more sensible for The Friedkin Group to pursue, so hopefully, the Toffees do not decide to hijack Fulham's talks for Pepi.



https://www.everton.news/everton-now-given-late-chance-to-hijack-deal-as-fulham-refuse-to-pay-just-800000/

Michael Carrick has fixed the Ruben Amorim issue that left Ineos publicly embarrassed by Fulham
Michael Carrick's next test at Manchester United is a game against Fulham at Old Trafford, the reverse fixture of which brought Ineos immense embarrassment due to Ruben Amorim.

The game against Fulham at Craven Cottage near the start of the season was actually a good performance, at least the first half.

Man Utd had pinned Fulham back and missed numerous chances to end the game, but Fulham improved in the second half, and ultimately, Ruben Amorim had to settle for a draw.

A draw away at Fulham is hardly a "doomsday" scenario, but what happened afterwards might have set the wheels in motion to Amorim's sacking.

Ruben Amorim caused Man Utd embarrassment after Fulham game
When the Fulham game was played, the mood around the club was immensely positive following a spirited performance in the loss against Arsenal.

United had opened their Premier League campaign by dominating Arsenal despite the result, and when they picked up from where they left off against Fulham, hopes were high.

However, as time went on, Fulham grew into the game, and United looked utterly devoid of answers.

That improvement, according to Marco Silva and Alex Iwobi of Fulham, came down to a simple tactical tweak that left Amorim looking like a man with no Plan B.

Silva said after the game that they knew they could easily pin back United and create numerical superiority in the middle due to Amorim's system.

Iwobi went a step further and dissected the role of centre-backs jumping into the midfield, which he exploited by having plenty of space.

Those comments hit so hard that it emerged later via The Daily Mail that Ineos were 'furious' at Fulham's comments, as it basically made it clear that Amorim was easy to figure out, and he couldn't answer back.

That would become the template to beat Amorim's side, as that draw was followed by a defeat to Grimsby, with the season never really properly recuperating in between false dawns of wins.

Michael Carrick has fixed Amorim's tactical issue
Silva and Iwobi weren't saying anything revolutionary, which is why it was so frustrating that Amorim refused to change.

It was an issue everyone could see from a mile away, and it spoke volumes that Carrick addressed it as his first order of business.

Out went the two-man midfield and wing-backs, with Carrick restoring Kobbie Mainoo to the pivot alongside Casemiro, pushing Bruno Fernandes further forward.

Almost immediately, courtesy of Mainoo running his socks off, Casemiro being Casemiro, and Fernandes' defensive efforts being a bonus instead of a necessity, United's midfield looked transformed.

The numerical advantage disappeared as United cut through the midfield of Arsenal and City with precision, while also staying extremely solid off the ball.

Fulham will provide a challenge unlike the one Arsenal and City did, as they will dare United to break them down.

But for Carrick's part, Fulham won't find it so easy to play through United anymore either. Win, lose, or draw, there's no longer public embarrassment in store for United.



https://www.unitedinfocus.com/opinion/michael-carrick-has-fixed-the-ruben-amorim-issue-that-left-ineos-publicly-embarrassed-by-fulham/

Fulham muscle in to rival Crystal Palace in late twist for striker
Fulham have joined Crystal Palace in the race to sign Angers SCO's Sidiki Chérif in the winter market.

That's according to TRT Spor journalist Doruk Tecimer. He took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to cover Fulham, Crystal Palace and Fenerbahçe's interest in the striker.

Crystal Palace have already made advances to try and sign the 19-year-old earlier in this window.

On January 17th, Ouest-France stated Angers rejected the €20m bid submitted by Oliver Glasner's side. Last weekend, L'Equipe reported the Eagles are stepping up their efforts to try and sign him.

Since then, Wrexham and the Turkish club have joined the chase for the frontman. There has been a late twist in this case as Tecimer reports Fulham have entered the race to sign the Frenchman.

Marco Silva's side have been looking for a new striker in this window. Ricardo Pepi has been their main target, but Fulham haven't found an agreement with PSV Eindhoven yet.

This could be the reason why Fulham have joined Crystal Palace and Fenerbahçe to sign Chérif.

According to the journalist, the Istanbul club have an agreement in principle with Chérif and have to agree terms with Angers. He claims the Ligue 1 side are demanding €25m for the player. There's no mention whether Fenerbahçe are willing to meet their request.

Fulham and Crystal Palace need to be aware of fitness issue
At the weekend, Chérif picked up an injury in his side's 0-0 draw against Paris FC. Two days ago, the French media reported he will undergo an MRI to find out the extent of damage.

On Thursday, Ouest-France reported the Fulham and Crystal Palace target hasn't returned to training since the injury setback. The same source indicated he's unlikely to be fit on time for the weekend clash.

Silva and his side have to take this into account if they wish to get ahead of Fenerbahçe.

The Frenchman has scored four goals from 20 matches this season.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-muscle-in-to-rival-crystal-palace-in-late-twist-for-striker/

Games for the Weekend 01/02
We get to travel to Old Trafford for a 2 o'clock Sunday kick off
Haha yeah, that definitely felt like a smash-and-grab with a bit of VAR seasoning on top
Harry F'in Wilson though... wow, that free kick was pure Harry, pace, dip, precision — the lot. Verbruggen might feel he should've done better, but when it's hit that cleanly, keepers are basically reacting on instinct. If there was ever a moment to shove a contract across the table, that was it. Get. It. Done.
Anderson's through ball for Chukwueze was absolute class — weight, timing, vision, that pass made the goal. Chukwueze still had work to do, and that single touch to set himself before finishing was top-level composure, that's the difference between "half-chance" and "goal".
Brighton responding almost immediately really did suck the air out of the Cottage, you could feel it. Honestly, if I were a Brighton fan I'd be fuming, for once VAR absolutely bailed us out there. One of those where you're celebrating while quietly admitting: yeah... we'd be raging if that was given against us.

As for United... our record makes for grim reading, going back to 1905, is very poor with only 16 wins, 58 losses and 21 draws, however football has a funny way of ignoring history when momentum kicks in and the form that we've showed recently we've got every chance of taking a point, or points, from Old Trafford.
Carrick has had them playing with belief again, back-to-back wins over City and Arsenal is no small achievement, especially doing it with structure and discipline rather than the previous chaos, fourth place rewards their bounce.

That said, those "new manager bounce" teams can also be fragile if you get at them early. If we can disrupt their rhythm and avoid gifting them anything, the game really is there to be taken. It promises to be an interesting game, nervy, emotional, and probably not good for the blood pressure.
What's your gut saying — cagey chess match, or full-on end-to-end chaos? I'm hoping for the latter.

At the time of writing there's still no "official" signing of Oscar Bobb, plenty of reports that its happened but still no word from the club so he won't feature for this game.
Unfortunately Chukwueze's mother died so I don't think he'll play also assuming that Muniz, Tete and Lukic are not fully fit my team would be...

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COYW's

Games of Interest
Saturday 31/01
Leeds v Arsenal
Wolves v Bournemouth
Chelsea v West Ham

Sunday 01/02
Villa v Brentford
Man Utd v Fulham

---

come on over to the forum and join in the conversation...
https://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=36.0



https://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=3508

Man Utd vs Fulham Prediction: Will Carrick Continue Excellent Start at Old Trafford?
Manchester United are considered the favourites by the Opta supercomputer when they host Fulham on Sunday. Look ahead to the game at Old Trafford with our Man Utd vs Fulham prediction and preview.

Man Utd vs Fulham: The Key Stats

    The Opta supercomputer rates Manchester United as the clear favourites, with a win probability of 51.7% to Fulham's 23.7%.
    Michael Carrick can equal Ruben Amorim's longest winning streak during his United tenure with a victory here.
    Harry Wilson has been involved in 10 goals in his last 11 Premier League appearances for Fulham.

Michael Carrick has made a dream start to life as interim Manchester United boss. In fact, he will equal Ruben Amorim's best winning streak if his side can get past Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday.

After stepping into Amorim's shoes earlier this month, Carrick began with a well-earned 2-0 derby victory over Manchester City, followed by a dramatic 3-2 win at Premier League leaders Arsenal last weekend.

Amorim never won more than three games in a row during his 47-game tenure (three in October 2025), and Carrick can now match that.

Indeed, including his first spell in 2021, Carrick has won 10 points in four Premier League matches (W3 D1). Only four English managers have won 13+ points in their first five games – Frank Clark in 1994 (13), Roy Hodgson in 1997 (13), Tim Sherwood in 2013-14 (13) and Craig Shakespeare in 2017 (15).

United have climbed to fourth on the back of going unbeaten in six Premier League games (W3 D3). They haven't had a longer unbeaten streak since a run of eight in January and February 2022 under Ralf Rangnick, and it is the longest current ongoing unbeaten run of any side.

The return of forward Bryan Mbeumo has been a particular boost for the Red Devils. United won just 20% of games while he was at the Africa Cup of Nations (P5, W1, D3, L1), compared to 50% when he is in the starting XI (P18, W9, D5, L4).

In the last two seasons, only Mohamed Salah (55) and Erling Haaland (49) have had a hand in more Premier League goals than Mbeumo (36 – 28 goals, 8 assists).

This fixture will not be an easy one for Carrick's men, though, with Fulham having hit a good patch of form.

Marco Silva's side have earned as many points in their last eight Premier League games (17 – W5 D2 L1) as they managed in their first 15 of the season (W5 D2 L8). It's the most points the Cottagers have ever amassed over any run of eight matches within a single season in the competition.

That upturn in results has coincided with a golden run of form from Harry Wilson, who has been involved in 10 goals in his last 11 Premier League appearances for Fulham (6 goals, 4 assists).

(https://theanalyst.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/harry-wilson-goal-involvements-last-11-games-2048x1536.jpeg)

Wilson has scored or assisted every 141 minutes for the Cottagers in 2025-26, the best ratio by a Welshman in a Premier League season (min. 1,000 minutes) since Aaron Ramsey in 2018-19 for Arsenal (a goal or assist every 136 minutes).

A newfound prowess at set-pieces has also been influential. Only three of Fulham's first 15 Premier League goals this season were scored via set-pieces (20%) but since the start of December, only two sides have netted more set-piece goals than the Cottagers (7), with that equating to 41% of their goals in that time (7/17).

United are likely to be without Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt for this game, while Patrick Dorgu suffered a hamstring injury against Arsenal that could keep him out for a significant period.

The loss of Dorgu is a particular blow given he has been involved in five goals in his last seven Premier League appearances for United (3 goals, 2 assists). Since the first game in that run on 21 December, only two players have been involved in more goals, while Dorgu ranks joint-top for chances created (14), joint-second for possession won (43) and top for fouls won (18).

Rodrigo Muniz and Sasa Lukic remain sidelined for Fulham, but Kenny Tete might come back into contention.

Man Utd vs Fulham Head-to-Head
United have a pretty formidable recent record against Fulham in the Premier League.

Indeed, the Red Devils have lost just one of their last 20 Premier League games against the Cottagers (W15 D4), a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford in February 2024.

The two teams played out a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage back in August, a game in which Bruno Fernandes missed a penalty.

Consequently, Fulham are now looking to claim at least a point in both Premier League matches with Man Utd for the first time since 2003-04 (W1 D1).

Man Utd vs Fulham Prediction
Manchester United are heavily favoured to come out on top by the Opta supercomputer, which rates their chances of victory at 51.7%.

Fulham, meanwhile, have a win probability of 23.7%, while the draw is ranked at 24.6%.

In terms of the season overall, United currently reside in fourth place and have an 18.5% chance of staying there come the end of the season, though their most likely finish as it stands is fifth (21.2%).

Fulham have climbed to seventh in the table, and are currently most likely to place eighth (12.6%).

(https://theanalyst.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/man-utd-vs-fulham-prediction-2025-26.png)

Man Utd vs Fulham Predicted Lineups
Manchester United: Senne Lammens, Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez, Luke Shaw, Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo, Mathues Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo.

Head coach: Michael Carrick

Fulham: Bernd Leno, Timothy Castagne, Joachim Andersen, Jorge Cuenca, Antonee Robinson, Sander Berge, Alex Iwobi, Emile Smith Rowe, Harry Wilson, Kevin, Raúl Jiménez.

Head coach: Marco Silva



https://theanalyst.com/articles/man-utd-vs-fulham-prediction-premier-league-02-2026

Bobb joins Fulham

(https://www.mancity.com/meta/media/opbkq0nd/departure_wide.png?width=1620)

Oscar Bobb has left Manchester City to sign for Fulham on a permanent deal.
The move marks the end of a successful six and a half-year stay at City for the 22-year-old Norwegian international attacking midfielder.

Bobb first made the move to Manchester as a highly rated scholar from Norwegian side Valerenga in the summer of 2019 and quickly made his mark within the City Academy.

He proved a key component as City's Under-18s recorded back-to-back league titles in both 2019/20 and 2020/21.

Subsequently fast tracked into the Elite Development Squad for the 2021/22 campaign, Bobb's natural skill and fine technique again came to the fore as helped City's Under-21s claim back-to-back Premier League 2 titles, with Oscar also named the EDS Player of the Year in both 2022 and 2023.

Included on City's summer 2023 tour to Asia, Bobb's impact was such that he was then immediately elevated into Pep Guardiola's first team squad for the 2023/24 season.

A part of City's squad that lifted the 2023 UEFA Super Cup, Bobb then made his senior bow for the Blues in the Premier League in September of that year, going on to then register a first senior goal in a 3-2 UEFA Champions League triumph away to Red Star of Belgrade in December 2023.

He then picked up another winners' medal as City were crowned 2023 FIFA Club World Cup champions with Bobb featuring as a substitute in our 4-0 final victory against Fluminense of Brazil.

That was then followed by arguably the highlight of Bobb's City career when he struck a quite magnificent 90th minute strike at Newcastle United to seal a dramatic 3-2 Premier League win for City.

It was a goal that ultimately proved pivotal with City going on to be crowned 2023/24 champions to seal a historic fourth consecutive English men's league title.

Meanwhile Bobb also established himself as part of Norway's senior international set up that season and has gone on to win 16 caps to date. 

After shining bright in City's 2024 Community Shield win over Manchester United, a fractured leg then saw Bobb sidelined for the majority of last season.

However, he returned to figure in last summer's FIFA Club World Cup campaign in the United States before then starting the 2025/26 season.

All told, Bobb made 47 senior appearances for City, scoring three goals.

Now he embarks on a new challenge at Craven Cottage.

"I leave City with nothing but amazing memories and I want to thank everyone for their help and guidance during my time here," Bobb said.

"I have been so lucky to be part of such a special football club and to have experienced so many fantastic moments are experiences I will always cherish.

"I have also learnt so much – not just as a player but as a person too – and for that I'm so very grateful.

"Thank you to everyone – to Pep, the coaches, all my incredible team mates and the fantastic City fans who have been so supportive to me.

"I wish nothing but the best for the Club."

"Oscar is a fine talent and a player that's developed a lot on and off the pitch in his six-and-a-half years at City," Director of Football Hugo Viana added. 

"He had a major impact at Under-18s and EDS levels, before stepping up into the first team, where he provided some crucial moments for the Club as we won our fourth title in a row. 

"We are really proud of the person he has become – and he is a fine example of the kind of quality player our Academy can produce. 

"We look forward to seeing him take the next step in his career and I am sure he can continue growing and developing with Fulham."

Everyone at Manchester City wishes Oscar the very best of luck in his new challenge.



https://www.mancity.com/news/mens/oscar-bobb-man-city-63905299

Fulham sign Bobb


The Club is delighted to confirm the signing of Oscar Bobb from Manchester City for an undisclosed fee.

A Premier League champion, Bobb has agreed a five-and-a-half-year deal, keeping him at Fulham until the summer of 2031.

He will wear the number 14 shirt.

Speaking to FFCtv, the 22-year-old said: "It feels great to be here. I had a great day meeting everyone and I'm very excited.

"I've always known Fulham to be a good club, with good players and a great stadium. I spoke to Sander, my good friend, and I spoke to the Manager, and he explained what the system's like, and how the lads are, and how the Club is.

"He seemed lovely, so it was an easy decision basically."

Tony Khan added: "I'm thrilled to welcome Oscar Bobb to Fulham! He is an exciting young player who is eager to come and play for the Club, as we aim to continue the team's positive momentum through the second half of the season and plan for a promising future!

"Welcome, Oscar! Come on Fulham!"

An elegant winger who thrives with the ball at his feet and has a good eye for a pass, Bobb primarily operates on the right flank and likes to cut inside on his left, though he can also play on the opposite side or behind a striker.

A Norway international, Bobb came through the Vålerenga youth setup in his native country, before joining the prestigious City Football Academy after his 16th birthday.

Funnily enough, his first taste of senior football came against Fulham, in a Premier League meeting at the Etihad at the start of 2023/24. That was the first of 26 appearances the 20-year-old made that season, as City won the Premier League and the Club World Cup.


Bobb had already opened his City account in the UEFA Champions League by the time he found the net in the Premier League, but that effort against Newcastle United will be fondly remembered by those of a blue persuasion for many a year.

With the scores level at 2-2 in stoppage time at St James' Park, Bobb made a brilliant run that was picked out by Kevin De Bruyne, before showing remarkable footwork to round the goalkeeper and dispatch the winner. It was duly named Premier League Goal of the Month.

He started the following campaign with an assist in a Man of the Match display as City defeated rivals Manchester United in the Community Shield at Wembley, but a broken leg suffered in training meant he didn't see action again until the following April.

Bobb began the current season as Pep Guardiola's first choice on the right wing, starting the first three Premier League fixtures, featuring 15 times in all competitions prior to making the move to Fulham.

Here, he joins up with compatriot Sander Berge, who has been an international teammate since Bobb won his first cap at the age of 20. He now has 16 appearances – and two goals – to his name, and will represent Norway at this summer's World Cup, after helping them qualify for the tournament for the first time in almost 30 years.




https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/january/30/fulham-sign-bobb/

Fulham confirm second January signing as £27m Oscar Bobb joins from Man City
Midfielder may not be the last new face through the door before Monday's transfer deadline

Fulham have confirmed the signing of Oscar Bobb from Manchester City in a deal worth £27million.

Bobb underwent a successful medical on Thursday, but it remains to be seen if he can make his debut this weekend at Manchester United.

The 22-year-old has not played in over a month due to a hamstring injury, so may not be fit enough to make the matchday squad on Sunday.

He will wear the No14 shirt.

Bobb told the club's official website: "It feels great to be here. I had a great day meeting everyone and I'm very excited.

"I've always known Fulham to be a good club, with good players and a great stadium. I spoke to Sander [Berge], my good friend, and I spoke to the manager, and he explained what the system's like, and how the lads are, and how the Club is. He seemed lovely, so it was an easy decision basically."

Tony Khan added: "I'm thrilled to welcome Oscar Bobb to Fulham! He is an exciting young player who is eager to come and play for the Club, as we aim to continue the team's positive momentum through the second half of the season and plan for a promising future!

"Welcome, Oscar! Come on Fulham!"

Bobb becomes Fulham's first signing of the January window and bolsters their attacking ranks following the departure of Adama Traore to West Ham.

The Cottagers also hold a longstanding interest in PSV Eindhoven forward Ricardo Pepi, but Standard Sport understands there are currently no talks between the two clubs.

Fulham had submitted a bid for the American international, but talks have subsequently broken down, and it is unclear whether they will resume before next Monday's deadline.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-transfer-news-bobb-b1268925.html

Fulham confirm £27M signing of Manchester City forward Oscar Bobb
Fulham have announced the signing of Oscar Bobb from Manchester City for a reported fee of £27 million on Friday.

Bobb has struggled for minutes at the Etihad Stadium this term and has needed a fresh start to revitalise his career ahead of this summer's FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The 22-year-old has spent the last month on the sidelines after going off with an injury in Manchester City's 2-0 win over Brentford in the Carabao Cup on December 18, prompting executives at the Etihad Stadium to strengthen their attacking options with the £64 million signing of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.

Omar Marmoush is also back from the Africa Cup of Nations and after scoring his first Premier League goal of the season against Wolves last week, the Egypt international is set to stay at Manchester City beyond January following talk of interest from Tottenham.

City remain in the hunt for silverware on four fronts and Guardiola needs players he can rely upon in the second half of the campaign, with the Blues also bolstering their depleted backline with the £20 million acquisition of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace and by recalling Max Alleyne from loan at Watford.

The eight-time Premier League champions are not expected to make any further signings in the final week of the January transfer window, with Bobb's transfer to Fulham expected to be the first of a series of exits to follow.

After seeing an initial offer rejected by Manchester City, Fulham have paid Manchester City a reported £27 million, with the Blues inserting a 20 percent sell-on clause and matching rights in their academy graduate's contract at Craven Cottage – though there is notably no buy-back clause in the agreement.

Bobb was in attendance at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night as Manchester City progressed to the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 after a 2-0 win over Galatasaray. The Norwegian passed a medical in London on Thursday before putting pen to paper on a five-and-a-half year deal in the south of England.

Upon officially becoming a Fulham player, Bobb said: "It feels great to be here. I had a great day meeting everyone and I'm very excited," in conversation with the west London outfit's official media.

"I've always known Fulham to be a good club, with good players and a great stadium. I spoke to Sander (Berge), my good friend, and I spoke to the manager (Silva) and he explained what the system's like, and how the lads are, and how the club is. He seemed lovely, so it was an easy decision basically."

Bidding farewell to his boyhood club, Bobb added: "I leave City with nothing but amazing memories and I want to thank everyone for their help and guidance during my time here," in his final interview as a Manchester City player.

"I have been so lucky to be part of such a special football club and to have experienced so many fantastic moments are experiences I will always cherish.

"I have also learnt so much – not just as a player but as a person too – and for that, I'm so very grateful. Thank you to everyone – to Pep, the coaches, all my incredible teammates and the fantastic City fans who have been so supportive to me. I wish nothing but the best for the club."

Manchester City are expected to sanction a sale for fourth-choice goalkeeper Stefan Ortega Moreno in what remains of the January window, with the club also working to find a loan club for out-of-favour midfielder Kalvin Phillips.



https://cityxtra.co.uk/40910/fulham-confirm-27m-signing-of-manchester-city-forward-oscar-bobb/

Fulham sign Man City winger Bobb for £27m
Fulham have signed Norway winger Oscar Bobb from Manchester City for £27m.

Bobb, 22, has agreed a five-and-a-half-year contract at Craven Cottage and will wear the number 14 shirt.

"It feels great to be here. I had a great day meeting everyone and I'm very excited," Bobb said.

He added that he consulted Fulham midfielder Sander Berge, his Norway team-mate, before agreeing to the move.

"I spoke to Sander, my good friend, and I spoke to the manager, and he explained what the system's like, and how the lads are, and how the club is," Bobb said.

"He seemed lovely, so it was an easy decision basically."

Bobb is a graduate of Manchester City's academy and made 47 appearances for the senior side, scoring three and assisting four across all competitions.

Sources say City will retain a 20% sell-on clause, as well as matching rights for any future bids received by the Cottagers.

An example of this being exercised by City came in the summer when they re-signed goalkeeper James Trafford from Burnley after they also accepted a bid from Newcastle.

Bobb has fallen down the pecking order at City after the January arrival of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.

"I know there are rumours, I know there are talks," manager Pep Guardiola said on Saturday after City's win over Wolves.

Asked if Bobb wants to leave the club, Guardiola replied: "I think so."

Bobb, who has also had interest from Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund, has featured 15 times for City this season without scoring.

He last played on 17 December against Brentford in the Carabao Cup, when he hobbled off injured inside the opening 20 minutes.

Fulham have lost only one of their last seven Premier League games under Silva and sit seventh in the table following their 2-1 win over Brighton on Saturday.

Bobb has featured six times for Norway this year, helping them qualify for this summer's World Cup, and would unite with compatriot Sander Berge at Craven Cottage.

He missed almost the whole of last season after fracturing a bone in his leg during training in August 2024.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c3edk98e49po

Fulham complete signing of Bobb from Man City
Fulham have completed the signing of Oscar Bobb from Manchester City.

The Norwegian winger, 22, has agreed a five-and-a-half-year contract at Craven Cottage.

He has featured in 15 games in all competitions so far this season, nine of which have been in the Premier League.

Bobb has been sidelined since last month with a hamstring injury.

Whites boss Marco Silva is keen to bolster his squad this month, and Bobb is Fulham's first signing of the January transfer window.

The club have also been in talks to sign PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepi.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-complete-signing-of-bobb-from-man-city

Man City complete £27m sale of young star to Fulham as Pep Guardiola trims squad back down for Premier League title challenge
Manchester City have sanctioned the £27 million sale of highly-rated winger Oscar Bobb to Premier League rivals Fulham. The 22-year-old Norway international has put pen to paper on a five-and-a-half-year deal at Craven Cottage, ending his stint at the Etihad Stadium as Pep Guardiola looks to streamline his squad for the title run-in.

Craven Cottage arrival sealed until 2031
Fulham have completed one of the most intriguing deals of the January transfer window, securing the services of Bobb for a reported fee of £27m. The winger, who leaves City as a Premier League champion, has committed his long-term future to the London club, signing a contract that runs until the summer of 2031.

The move sees Bobb handed the number 14 shirt, and he arrives with a reputation as one of the most technically gifted young attackers in the division. Fulham confirmed the deal on Friday, expressing their "delight" at landing a player who had been on the radar of several European clubs.

The Berge connection and manager's pitch
Speaking to FFCtv upon his unveiling, Bobb revealed that a conversation with his international teammate Sander Berge played a pivotal role in convincing him to swap Manchester for London. The Norwegian connection proved vital, with Berge selling the lifestyle and the dressing room culture to his compatriot.

"It feels great to be here. I had a great day meeting everyone and I'm very excited," Bobb said. "I've always known Fulham to be a good club, with good players and a great stadium. I spoke to Sander, my good friend, and I spoke to the manager."

Bobb also highlighted the tactical clarity provided by the Fulham boss during their discussions. The promise of a system that suits his style of play was the final assurance he needed to leave the comfort of the Etihad.

"He explained what the system's like, and how the lads are, and how the club is," Bobb added. "He seemed lovely, so it was an easy decision basically."

An emotional Etihad exit
While the move offers Bobb the platform for regular first-team football, leaving City was clearly an emotional moment for the academy graduate. He made 47 senior appearances for the club overall, but had been limited to just 15 this season - only nine of which came in the Premier League. In a farewell interview with City's official website, the 22-year-old expressed his gratitude to the staff and supporters who nurtured his development from a youth prospect to a first-team squad member.

"I leave City with nothing but amazing memories and I want to thank everyone for their help and guidance during my time here," Bobb said. "I have been so lucky to be part of such a special football club and to have experienced so many fantastic moments are experiences I will always cherish."

Bobb paid specific tribute to Guardiola, acknowledging the education he received under the Catalan coach. "I have also learnt so much – not just as a player but as a person too – and for that I'm so very grateful. Thank you to everyone – to Pep, the coaches, all my incredible team mates and the fantastic City fans who have been so supportive to me. I wish nothing but the best for the club."

Guardiola streamlines for title charge
For City, the sale represents a continuation of their strategy to generate significant revenue from academy talents while keeping the first-team squad tight and competitive. With the Premier League title race entering its critical phase, Guardiola has opted to trim the fringes of his squad, allowing Bobb to depart rather than stagnating on the bench.

The reported £27m fee is another boost to City's balance sheet, following a pattern of selling young talent like Cole Palmer and Liam Delap in recent seasons. While Bobb was highly regarded by the City coaching staff, the path to the starting XI was blocked by the likes of Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku and Savinho.

By sanctioning the move, City have allowed Bobb to flourish elsewhere while sharpening their own focus on the silverware hunt. For Fulham, they have acquired a player hungry to prove he can be a leading man in the Premier League, free from the shadows of the superstars at the Etihad.



https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/man-city-complete-gbp27m-sale-of-young-star-to-fulham-as-pep-guardiola-trims-squad-back-down-for-pre/blt8214434b83ae94db?utm_id=fa3iys5y8hyz9ezk&utm_source_platform=newsnow

Man Utd XI vs. Fulham: Dorgu Replacement Chosen—Injury News, Predicted Lineup
Manchester United have rediscovered their mojo under Michael Carrick.

Three Premier League victories on the bounce once seemed unthinkable for Manchester United but victory over Fulham would achieve the feat for the resurgent Red Devils.

Michael Carrick's tenure has started with two remarkable victories over Manchester City and Arsenal, reinvigorating a squad and fanbase that had grown weary under Ruben Amorim. Consistency is everything for United moving forward, though, and they must capitalise on renewed belief on Sunday afternoon.

Fulham are no pushovers and will cause issues, especially in transition, but United are overwhelming favourites to secure three points against the Cottagers given their recent ascent.

Match Snapshot

    🕒 Kick-off time: 2 p.m. GMT, 9 a.m. ET, 6 a.m. PT
    📍 Location: Old Trafford
    🏆 Competition: Premier League
    📊 Recent form: DDDWW

Team News

    ⚠️ Key injuries, doubts: Matthijs de Ligt, Patrick Dorgu
    🔢 Predicted formation: 4-2-3-1

Patrick Dorgu scored an absolute worldie against Arsenal to add to his strike against Manchester City, but the Denmark international also sustained a nasty injury at the Emirates Stadium. Just as he was getting going, the youngster will miss the next ten weeks or so with a hamstring problem.

Matthijs de Ligt remains absent in the heart of defence, although he's edging towards a return in the near future, while Joshua Zirkzee is back in training having missed the last two games.

Otherwise, Carrick has a clean bill of health for Fulham's visit.

Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Fulham (4-2-3-1)

(https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_69,y_0,w_976,h_1301/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:4,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FvoltaxMediaLibrary%2Fmmsport%2Fsi%2F01kg7byencz3mb5jjzec.png)

GK: Senne Lammens—The summer recruit has somewhat flown under the radar this season but his impact has been profound. Lammens oozes confidence between the posts and has a strong command of his area.

RB: Diogo Dalot—The return of Noussair Mazraoui from the Africa Cup of Nations means Dalot must once again battle for his starting berth in the coming weeks.

CB: Harry Maguire—Maguire has dealt with Erling Haaland and Arsenal's band of forwards admirably in recent matches and will be aiming to lock down Raúl Jiménez in similar fashion.

CB: Lisandro Martínez—Martínez's aggressive approach and ability to play out of defence has proven invaluable early in Carrick's reign.

LB: Luke Shaw—For Shaw, the toughest battle of those in red at Old Trafford: stopping Harry Wilson. The in-form Welshman has proved too much to handle for many full backs lately and has five goals and four assists in his last ten in all competitions.

DM: Casemiro—Casemiro has responded to official confirmation of his end-of-season exit by producing two excellent displays.

DM: Kobbie Mainoo—Carrick's arrival and formation tweak has allowed Mainoo entry back into the team—he now appears a nailed-on starter for the foreseeable future.

RW: Amad Diallo—Amad has been overshadowed by his fellow forwards since Carrick's appointment but it's only a matter of time before the Ivorian comes to the fore.

AM: Bruno Fernandes—The captain's standards barely dropped under Amorim despite questions over his future. He created 21 more chances than any other player during the opening 23 Premier League gameweeks.

LW: Matheus Cunha—Cunha has made an enormous impact from the bench under Carrick and his reward will now be a start with Dorgu out.

ST: Bryan Mbeumo—Mbeumo has led the line with distinction in the last two games and he's now scored against Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal this term as he tops United's goalscoring charts.



https://www.si.com/soccer/man-utd-xi-vs-fulham-injury-news-predicted-lineup-2-1-26

Bobb leaves Man City to join Fulham in search of game time ahead of World Cup with Norway
LONDON (AP) - Norway winger Oscar Bobb left Manchester City to join Fulham in a deal worth a reported 27 million pounds ($37.15 million) on Friday and will look to secure more game time ahead of the World Cup.

The 22-year-old Bobb failed to establish himself as a regular at City, where he has played since 2019.

His first-team opportunities were limited this season because of injuries and after Antoine Semenyo joined from Bournemouth in an $87 million deal this month to add to City's collection of wingers that also includes Jeremy Doku, Savinho and Omar Marmoush.

Norway will be playing in a World Cup for the first time since 1998. The Scandinavian nation will be in the same group as France, Senegal and the winner of a playoff bracket involving Iraq, Bolivia and Suriname.

Bobb has played 16 times for Norway, scoring twice. His international teammate Sander Berge also plays for Fulham.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-15512989/Bobb-leaves-Man-City-join-Fulham-search-game-time-ahead-World-Cup-Norway.html

Michael Carrick sends warning to Manchester United players ahead of Fulham test
Manchester United have beaten Manchester City and Arsenal since Carrick's arrival but the manager is cautious to avoid complacency

Michael Carrick has warned Manchester United they would be "bang out of order" to take victory over Fulham for granted.

United have begun Carrick's reign with victories over Manchester City and Arsenal but, are defeating the top two in the Premier League, they face a lower-profile third match against in-form Fulham.

It is the sort of fixture in which United have struggled too often in recent years, but Carrick said: "I don't think the past is too relevant in that respect. We understand it and what has worked before and what hasn't but really I think the boys are in a good place going into the game.

"Tough game, tough challenge, I think Marco [Silva] has got Fulham into a really good team. It's Fulham, just because we are at home, taking anything for granted is bang out of order."

United won with a minority share of possession in both games under Carrick so far and the former Middlesbrough manager is prepared to do the same if it gets three points on Sunday.

He added: "It might be a case it's the same flow of the game as the last two weeks. No shame in that, we will deal with the game in front of us and do whatever it takes to come out on top.

United will be without Patrick Dorgu, who suffered a hamstring injury in the 3-2 win at Arsenal last week after scoring in a second consecutive game, but the head coach is confident United can cope with his absence.

"It is not ideal, of course it is not," he said. "We weren't sure if it was cramp or something more serious and at the moment it looks something more serious, a number of weeks [out]. He was in such a good place.

"We don't want to lose good players. But that is part of having a squad is being able to cover certain things and we have got players who can do that."

Joshua Zirkzee is back in contention but Carrick shrugged off talk the forward could move in the remainder of the transfer window.

"I think Josh has just been trying to work to get fit," he said. "Josh is back training this week which is good news. I am just looking forward to working with him."

Matthijs de Ligt, who has not played since November with a back injury, remains sidelined.



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/michael-carrick-manchester-united-fulham-b2910956.html

Michael Carrick confirms crushing Patrick Dorgu injury blow ahead of Man Utd vs Fulham
Patrick Dorgu has been in inspired form for Manchester United but the Denmark international is facing weeks out after picking up a hamstring injury against Arsenal

Michael Carrick has confirmed that Patrick Dorgu is set for a spell on the sidelines after injuring himself against Arsenal but was unable to offer a specific timeline for the wing-back's return.

Dorgu has been in fine form for the Red Devils in recent weeks but injured his hamstring in the 3-2 win over Arsenal last weekend. It has since been claimed the Denmark international, 21, could be absent for as long as 10 weeks, sparking fears Carrick will be deprived of a key player for a significant period.

Carrick confirmed that Dorgu is expected to be out of action - but he stopped short of confirming whether it would be for a significant period, stressing the club were still working on the extent of the issue.

Speaking in his press conference on Friday, Carrick said: "Pat, unfortunately, he's going to be out for a period of time. We're still working through how long that's going to be.

"We'll have to see, [it's] disappointing, he's had such a big couple of weeks, Pat. We weren't sure whether it was a little bit of cramp or whether it was something a little bit more serious and at the moment it looks a little bit more on the serious note.

"So, it'll be a few weeks for that. How many weeks? We'll have to wait and see. So, that's disappointing for all of us really, and for Pat, he's in such a good place, but unfortunately it is part of football and it's something we've got to work through and get him back as soon as we can."

Matthijs de Ligt will also be absent for Fulham's visit to Old Trafford but Carrick should be able to call upon Joshua Zirkzee for the first time since his appointment, with the attacker back in training.

Carrick said of the Dutchman: "Josh is back training this week, which is good news, so he's been out for a short amount of time, but first kind of training with us since we've been here, so that's great to have Josh back."



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/man-utd-patrick-dorgu-injury-36643509

Fulham sign Man City winger Oscar Bobb
London (AFP) – Fulham signed Norway winger Oscar Bobb from Manchester City for a reported fee of £27 million ($37 million) on Friday.

The 22-year-old has joined Marco Silva's side on a five-and-a-half-year deal, which reportedly includes a 20 percent sell-on clause.

A graduate of City's youth academy, Bobb had slipped down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium after the arrival of Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth earlier in January.

"It feels great to be here. I had a great day meeting everyone and I am very excited," Bobb told FFCtv.

"I have always known Fulham to be a good club, with good players and a great stadium."

Bobb sought insight from Norway teammate Sander Berge before the move to Craven Cottage.

"I spoke to Sander, my good friend, and I spoke to the manager and he explained what the system's like and how the lads are and how the club is. He (Silva) seemed lovely, so it was an easy decision basically," he said.

Fulham, who visit Manchester United on Sunday, are seventh in the Premier League.



https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20260130-fulham-sign-man-city-winger-oscar-bobb

Harry Wilson set to trigger summer transfer scramble as Fulham star shines on big stage
Timing could not be better for Wales star as Wilson attracting big transfer intrerest

Harry Wilson is enjoying the best season of his career. And he is doing against the backdrop of uncertainty over his future. Wilson, 28, has scored eight goals, provided four assists and has already beaten his best returns in any of his previous seasons.

Furthermore, his goals have been crackers, whether it was his fabulous finish against Liverpool or a worldie against Crystal Palace. There have been plenty to choose from.

The Wales international started at Liverpool and was seen as a huge talent for the future but then had loans at Crewe, Hull, Derby, Bournemouth and Cardiff before finding his home at Fulham.

Wilson, who signed for Fulham for £12m, now finds himself in his fifth season at Fulham and his contract comes to an end this summer.

There will be no shortage of takers in this sort of form because he has helped Fulham into seventh place, he has been a huge goal threat and the fans have absolutely loved him.

The timing is great because he could be going to the World Cup this summer with Wales and his record of 17 goals in 67 caps is impressive at international level.

Fulham are keen to keep him but he is still on the original contract which begs the question why they have not renewed before now.

And the reality is that, before this season, he had not really caught light. Leeds tried to get him last summer but could not get the deal over the line.

Last season, Wilson was getting into the same positions but this season he is putting the chances away and he is in the form of his life and high on confidence.

He has always had the talent, belief and ability. But he was in-and-out for Fulham who now find themselves in a situation where they are keen to renew but Wilson also turns 29 in March so they have to be careful.

They have also signed Oscar Bobb from Manchester City and, while Marco Silva insists they want to keep Wilson, the likelihood is he will go in the summer as a free agent.

Aston Villa have been really keen and are the one club which might turn heads in this window because they are a club in Europe, have Champions League ambitions and that would be significant.

Leeds are keen again, Brentford and Sunderland but Wilson knows free agents can get better deals so it would take something remarkable to tempt him and Fulham now.

But this season does show that is mindset and mentality is superb. Some players cannot handle the uncertainty of being a free agent. Others thrive and chase a contract. That is not really the case for Wilson. But he has not been distracted by the uncertainty.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/harry-wilson-set-trigger-summer-36643244

Michael Carrick warns Man United against underestimating Fulham
Michael Carrick has said that if Manchester United underestimate Fulham after impressive wins over Manchester City and Arsenal it will be "bang out of order."

Carrick has started his interim spell in charge with victories over the Premier League's top two. He's looking to make it three-in-a-row when Fulham visit Old Trafford on Sunday.

And the former United midfielder has issued a warning before the meeting with Marco Silva's side.

"I think the boys are in a good place going into the game," Carrick told a news conference on Friday. "It's a tough game, tough challenge, I think Marco has got Fulham into a really good team.

"All of a sudden it is a different game, it's Fulham, just because we are at home, taking anything for granted is bang out of order."

Carrick has been boosted by the return of Joshua Zirkzee, who's back in training after missing the last two games through injury.

Matthijs de Ligt is still missing and Patrick Dorgu will also be absent after suffering a hamstring injury in the 3-2 win at the Emirates.

"Pat unfortunately is going to be out for a period of time," Carrick said. "It's disappointing because he has had such a great couple of weeks.

"We weren't sure if it was cramp or something more serious and at the moment it looks something more serious. It'll be a few weeks. How many weeks, we'll have to wait and see."

Dorgu's injury is a blow to Carrick, particularly after the Denmark international scoring against both City and Arsenal.

There are still three days left of the transfer window if United choose to dip into the market to strengthen the squad and Carrick left the door open for business before Monday's deadline.

"I think we are just working through it," he said.

"Never say never because a lot can happen and situations can be thrown up. Sometimes it is in our control, sometimes not. I am pretty calm and we have shown [against City and Arsenal] what we are capable of as a team.

"We'll have to see what the next few days bring."



https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/47777880/michael-carrick-warns-man-united-underestimating-fulham

Fulham: Marco Silva teases Oscar Bobb debut date ahead of Manchester United trip
The new £27million signing has been nursing a thigh injury

Marco Silva has confirmed that Oscar Bobb is unlikely to make his debut this weekend when Fulham travel to face Manchester United

The new £27million signing, who became Fulham's second January addition earlier on Friday, has not yet fully recovered from a hamstring injury.

Bobb, who moves to Craven Cottage in search of minutes ahead of this summer's World Cup, has not played in over a month and is not fit to travel to Old Trafford on Sunday.

Asked about the 22-year-old, Silva confirmed Bobb had trained with his new team-mates earlier on Friday, but facing United is "probably too soon" for the player.

He added: "He is in a good condition."

Bobb becomes Fulham's first signing of the January window and bolsters their attacking ranks following the departure of Adama Traore to West Ham.

"I'm very pleased," Silva said of Bobb's signing. "It is a very, very good move for us.

"Now it is up to us to make sure he is in the best physical condition he can be, because I'm sure he is going to be a very good signing for the football club."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-transfer-news-bobb-debut-date-silva-update-b1268915.html

Fulham move for Ricardo Pepi stalls, reason revealed
Fulham are reportedly interested in signing 23-year-old American striker striker Ricardo Pepi from PSV Eindhoven in the winter transfer window.

According to Sky Sports, Fulham and PSV Eindhoven are currently €1 million apart in valuation of Ricardo Pepi, but the Dutch outfit are not prepared to sanction his departure before signing an alternative. They have not managed to sign a replacement for the star striker, and therefore, the move has not materialised so far.

The report claims that the striker is prepared to stay at PSV if a move cannot be agreed upon. It will be interesting to see how the situation develops. Fulham need more quality and depth in the attacking unit, and Pepi would be a strong addition.

The USMNT international has registered 13 goal contributions this season. The youngster is currently sidelined with an arm injury, but he is expected to return to action next month. Several clubs are monitoring his situation, and the West London outfit will look to get the deal done before the window closes.

The youngster could prove to be an excellent acquisition for them, and he could help them do well during the second half of the season.

Fulham could do with a quality signing
It has been an impressive season for Marco Silva's men. They will be looking to finish in a respectable position, and signing quality players in January could make a big difference for them. Meanwhile, the opportunity to play in the Premier League will be exciting for Pepi as well.

It would be a step up in his career and he would get to test himself at the highest level. Regular football in England could help him improve further and fulfil his potential. The €1 million valuation gap between the two clubs is likely to be resolved, especially if PSV can find a quality replacement for their star striker.

The attacker is at the peak of his powers, and this could be the right time for him to take on a new challenge. He will look to compete at the highest level, and the London club could provide him with the platform he needs right now.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/01/30/fulham-move-for-ricardo-pepi-stalls-reason-revealed/

Marco: Bobb is very, very talented
Like all Fulham fans, Marco Silva was delighted to see the deal to bring in Oscar Bobb get over the line on Friday afternoon.

Following the departure of Adama Traoré earlier in the week, the 22-year-old arrived from Manchester City to add a fantastic option on the right wing.

"I'm very pleased, definitely very pleased, because I think it's a very, very good move from ourselves," Silva said in his pre-Manchester United press conference.

"We, as a football club, since Adama left the Club, or was coming close to leaving the Club, I had some players in my mind, and we as a Club had some players as targets.

"Oscar was one of them, for sure he is a clear replacement for the player that left the football club, that was Adama. We signed Oscar, and it's a great move from us.

"Very talented player, quality, individual quality as well. Needs more consistency in the gametime, has to come here to show himself and to help the team, like the other forward players who are helping ourselves so far.

"It's going to be great for us to have another – from an individual point of view – good player around those forward positions. Can play right, like Adama, can play inside, behind the striker as well. He's a player that can play in tight spaces, between the lines he's very good.

"Now it's a matter of us to work with him, to put him in the best physical condition he can be, because I'm sure that he's going to be a very good signing for the football club.

"And, of course, I have to congratulate the Club and the board for the move, to react from the player that left the football club, like Adama, to react in order to replace him with a – in my opinion – very, very talented player like Oscar Bobb."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/january/30/marco-silva-bobb-is-very-very-talented/

Signing Bobb 'a great move' by Fulham – Silva
Marco Silva says the signing of Oscar Bobb as a "great move" by Fulham.

The Norwegian winger has completed a transfer from Manchester City, signing a five-and-a-half-year contract at Craven Cottage.

His arrival follows the recent sale of Adama Traore to West Ham.

Whites boss Silva has been keen to improve his attacking options.

And he declared: "Very pleased, because I think it's a very, very good move from us.

"Since Adama left, or was coming close to leaving, I had some players in mind as targets and Oscar was one of them for sure.

"He's a clear replacement for the player that left the club. It's a great move from us. Very talented player, quality, individual quality as well.

"I have to congratulate the club and the board for the move and to be able to sign a player and to react in a way to replace Traore with a very, very talented player like Oscar Bobb."

Silva also confirmed that Kenny Tete will be in contention for Sunday's game against Manchester United after missing the start of the year through injury, while Rodrigo Muniz is close to a return.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/signing-bobb-a-great-move-by-fulham-silva

From the Press Box: Bobb through the door ahead of Man United trip
JK updates us from Marco Silva's pre-United press conference

Seventh in the league and new signing through the door. There's a lot to like about what's going on at Fulham right now. Fulham completed the signing of Oscar Bobb from Manchester City one hour prior to Marco Silva's press conference.

It's an impressive signing, and Marco Silva shared his delight with the new addition. But before that he gave an update on team news.

"Kenny is working completely, involved in everything that we need for the game. After last week where he was 67% completely involved, this week he has been completely fit from himself, he is going to be in contention for the game.

"Rodrigo Muniz is around the team already in some drills with the team.This week is probably going to be too soon, probably next week we are going to have good news about him as well. So far, let's continue in the same way, all the other players are going to be available for the game."

Silva said the club are supporting Samuel Chukwueze after the passing of his mother, and that's it's his decision whether he wants to be involved on Sunday.

"Chukwueze is going to have everything he needs in this moment, simple as that. If he needs one day, two days, one week, he is going to have, depending really from him, how he feels. Right now, completely support from myself, from an individual point of view, for the club as well.

"It is going to be his decision much more than anything. What he needs from us, we are here to support him."

The question turned towards the new man and Silva said that Bobb was a replacement for the departing Adama Traore.

"I'm very pleased, because I think it's a very, very good move from ourselves.

"We, as a football club, since Adama left the club, or was coming close to leaving the club, I had some players in my mind, and we as a club had some players as targets.

"Oscar was one of them, for sure he is a clear replacement for the player that left the football club, that was Adama. We signed Oscar, and it's a great move from us.

"Very talented player, quality, individual quality as well. Needs more consistency in the game-time, has to come here to show himself and to help the team, like the other forward players who are helping ourselves so far.

"It's going to be great for us to have another – from an individual point of view – good player around those forward positions. Can play right, like Adama, can play inside, behind the striker as well. He's a player that can play in tight spaces, between the lines he's very good.

"Now it's a matter of us to work with him, to put him in the best physical condition he can be, because I'm sure that he's going to be a very good signing for the football club.

"And, of course, I have to congratulate the Club and the board for the move, to react from the player that left the football club, like Adama, to react in order to replace him with a – in my opinion – very, very talented player like Oscar Bobb."

There were questions around whether Fulham were thinking about making Chukwueze's loan a permanent deal this summer.

"We have time, we have time to talk about it. I think the option is there, it's dependent on us. We all are very pleased with him, his integration in our football club, his adaptation is being very good for the Premier League.

"I'm very pleased. He's a great lad, he's a nice boy, create a good environment, he's adapting for what we need, he's adapting for the Premier League demands. He has quality, that's the most important thing and we are going to have time to do it.

"But of course, ourselves, myself as a manager, ourselves as a football club, the fans, they have the same feeling for sure and they share the same feelings with us."

So, Manchester United. What will happen on Sunday? Wins against Man City and Arsenal have been impressive and have got the fan back onside, but Fulham are no mugs. Fulham will go to Old Trafford with confidence that they can win back-to-back games there after last season's FA Cup win (albeit on pens).

But to finish off - Bobb in, Silva happy. Another one or two before 7pm on Monday would be very impressive and would indicate to Silva and fans that the board are serious about their intentions of long-term planning.

Enjoy the weekend and COYW!



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/from-the-press-box-bobb-through-the

Pre-Man Utd Press Conference
Marco Silva is relishing the opportunity to go head-to-head with Manchester United again on Sunday.

Battles with the Reds have been very tight contests the last few years, but we come up against a new coach this time around in Michael Carrick, with their former midfielder leading his side to wins over Manchester City and Arsenal in his first two games in interim charge.

"Playing against Manchester United, home or away, they are always special and difficult games – at Old Trafford, probably more," Silva explained.

"The environment, for sure, is going to be great, and we like this type of challenge, it's going to be a great test for ourselves. To test ourselves in these type of places and against sides that are full of motivation, is going to be a great one for us.

"And we face it, we go there to really match them, and to do our best to get a good result, understanding all the noise around and the reaction from them."

In such a tight season, an away win on Sunday would move us to within a point of our opponents, who currently sit fourth in the table. Not that Silva expects that to affect how the match plays out...

"The Premier League has been very competitive," Silva said. "Last season was very, very competitive. This season has been more.

"Everybody expected it's probably not so easy to have another one with the same level of competitiveness and all that stuff, [but] this one has been.

"You get two, three good results, and you are in a great position in the table. But if you are not on the top of your game, in two, three games you fall down straightaway, and you are going to be in the positions that are not so nice.

"We go game by game, already go for the next one with full motivation. Understand the challenge that is ahead of us. If Man United is four points above ourselves, or one point, or 10 points, it's not going to have any impact in the game."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/january/30/pre-man-utd-press-conference/

XI Prediction: Carrick to clobber Fulham? Mbeumo to lead the line again? Cunha to shine?
Manchester United -v- Fulham

Premier League

Old Trafford, Manchester

Sunday 1st February 2025; KO 14:00 GMT

Manchester United welcome Fulham to the Theatre of Dreams on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League. United have won their last two matches in the league with Michael Carrick at the helm, beating Manchester City 2-0 and Arsenal 3-2. What a time to be alive. Six points out of six for Carrick so far.

United sit fourth in the Premier League at the time of writing, a point clear of fifth placed Chelsea and eight points behind third placed Aston Villa and second-placed City. United have closed the gap to 12 points behind Arsenal. Fulham sit in seventh place in the league, four points behind this United side.

Manchester United Top Scorers & Assists
⚽️ 8 – Bryan Mbeumo, 5 – Bruno Fernandes, Benjamin Sesko, 4 – Casemiro, Matheus Cunha, 3 – Mason Mount, 2 – Amad, Patrick Dorgu, Harry Maguire, Joshua Zirkzee, 1 – Diogo Dalot, Mathijs de Ligt

🅰 10 – Bruno Fernandes, 3 – Amad, Patrick Dorgu, 2 – Matheus Cunha, Diogo Dalot, 1 – Casemiro, Ayden Heaven, Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo, Bryan Mbeumo, Mason Mount, Benjamin Sesko, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee

Fulham Top Scorers & Assists
⚽️ 9 – Harry Wilson, 6 – Raúl Jiménez, 5 – Emile Smith Rowe, 3 – Samuel Chukwueze, 2 – Alex Iwobi, Saša Lukić, Ryan Sessegnon, 1 – Calvin Bassey, Tom Cairney, Kevin, Josh King, Rodrigo Muniz, Harrison Reed, Kenny Tete

🅰 ::bump::  5 – Harry Wilson, 4 – Samuel Chukwueze, Kevin, 3 – Raúl Jiménez, Saša Lukić, 2 – Alex Iwobi, Ryan Sessegnon, 1 – Joachim Andersen, Sander Berge, Tom Cairney, Timothy Castagne, Josh King, Rodrigo Muniz, Harrison Reed, Antonee Robinson, Adama Traoré

Predicted Manchester United XI:
Lammens;

Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw;

Mainoo, Casemiro;

Amad, Fernandes, Cunha;

Mbeumo

Predicted Fulham XI:
Leno;

Castagne, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson;

Iwobi, Berge;

Wilson, Smith Rowe, Kevin;

Jiménez

Goalkeeper: Senne Lammens
Senne Lammens is the best goalkeeper United have in the squad this season. He has grown into his position since signing for United, despite what opposition supporters say about him. He is the first goalkeeper since David De Gea to actually command his area, being brave and know when to punch the ball clear.

If you compare him to Andre Onana, you wonder why Onana is a footballer at all, let alone a goalkeeper. Lammens has a great future ahead of him and I really believe that he will thrive at United once the latest new era has stabilised and the club are bringing in players to better the football, not just the profits of the club.

Defence: Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw
United's defence has found their feet this season. The central defensive partnership of Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez has been great for the last two matches, but Martinez has played well with Ayden Heaven too. The move to a four at the back system has been a revelation for United. Three at the back doesn't work.

United will continue to grow defensively as there is work to do in order to sure up the defence and start to rise from the ashes and make something of this football club again. In the full back positions, Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw will be starting against Fulham – I would not expect many changes from Carrick at this stage.

Midfield: Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro
The United midfield ha something to talk about again with the partnership of Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo. The duo have done amazingly in the last two matches with Manuel Ugarte not really getting many minutes on the pitch. United will need to make some changes to the midfield in the summer though.

There will be options for Carrick against Fulham with both Ugarte and Mason Mount able to play in these positions, although Mount is more of an attacking player. Carrick could bring more youth players into the first team squad, but that may seem unlikely at this time as it could be a risk for him and getting top four.

Attacking Midfield: Amad, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha
The attacking midfield has some great players who seem to be in full form at this stage of the season. Amad will remain on the right wing with Bruno Fernandes playing through the centre and with Patrick Dorgu out for the foreseeable future, Matheus Cunha playing on the left wing. That is a top attacking line.

Carrick will have many options here with Mount able to play in any of the three positions and the likelihood of Joshua Zirkzee back in contention plus the addition of Shea Lacey, if he makes the squad as he really has something about him and is full of confidence and does not shy away when playing for the first team.

Striker: Bryan Mbeumo
The forward should once again be Bryan Mbeumo. The Cameroonian is United's top scorer this season with eight goals so far this season. Carrick sees more from Mbeumo than he does from Benjamin Sesko, who will remain on the bench. Perhaps Sesko will get a great opportunity in the coming matches for United?

Sesko could be learning a new system in the background, hence why he has been benched. There has been some good plays from him before Carrick took charge of the club. Mbeumo is a player more likely to find the back of the net for United though, which is a good thing. United have a good group of players now though.

Substitutes: Altay Bayindir; Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven; Mason Mount, Manuel Ugarte; Joshua Zirkzee, Benjamin Sesko, Shea Lacey

United will have nine players on the bench against Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday. Altay Bayindir will be the goalkeeper on the bench. In defence, Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven will all be available to add some strength in depth on the bench, should defensive substitutions needs to be made.

In midfield, Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte will both be available for the Fulham clash. I don't see Carrick making any major changes to his XI as they have only played twice in the last two weeks. In attack, Joshua Zirkzee could be back along with Benjamin Sesko and Shea Lacey, adding some strength to the bench.

Match Prediction

United need to play exactly the same way they have played against both City and Arsenal in the past two weeks; press the opposition, let them hold possession of the ball and strike on the counter and shock the opposition by scoring goals. United have scored five goals in two matches, conceding just two.

Getting the better of Fulham will be the task for United as they need to keep a charge into the top four this season as qualifying for the UEFA Champions League is a just this season and Carrick seems to be up for that challenge, doing so well after two matches — getting six points out of six against the top two teams.

Manchester United 3-1 Fulham



https://mufclatest.com/xi-prediction-carrick-to-clobber-fulham-mbeumo-to-lead-the-line-again-cunha-to-shine/

Matchday Preview: Man Utd
🆚 Manchester United
🏟 Old Trafford
🏆 Premier League
🗓 Sunday 1st February
⏰ 2pm

The opposition

Things are looking up for Manchester United since bringing in Michael Carrick as interim head coach following the departure of Ruben Amorim. It was a daunting first two games for their former midfielder, against Manchester City at Old Trafford and a trip to leaders Arsenal, but they managed to come away with six points, putting them into the Premier League's top four.

Team news

👹 In-form Patrick Dorgu misses out after going off injured in the Arsenal win so joins Matthijs de Ligt in the treatment room, but Joshua Zirkzee returned to training this week.

🤍 While Kenny Tete is expected to return, the game comes too soon for Saša Lukić and Rodrigo Muniz, but we may hopefully see the latter against Everton next week. Marco Silva says Samuel Chukwueze's involvement is up to the player, following the sad passing of his mother.

Tickets

The away allocation has sold out, meaning there will be 2,424 Fulham fans at Old Trafford. Fans attending are reminded that digital tickets are in operation for this fixture.

Kits

Both sides will be in home strips, though we will be sporting our black shorts to avoid a clash.


Weather

🌧� Light wind is expected in Manchester, coupled with temperatures of nine degrees.

Coverage

FFCtv subscribers can listen to commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid, while the match will also be broadcast on Sky Sports. Overseas supporters can see who is showing the game in your region at this page.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/january/30/matchday-preview-man-utd/

Everton, Fulham, Newcastle United sounded out for Angel Gomes move as Wolves push hard for deal
Everton, Fulham, and Newcastle United have been offered the opportunity to sign 25-year-old English midfielder Angel Gomes from Marseille.

Angel Gomes has been linked with a move to the Premier League in the past as well. According to a report from TEAMtalk, Everton, Fulham, and Newcastle United have been sounded out about a move for the 25-year-old, and it remains to be seen whether they are prepared to pursue the opportunity.

The Englishman has proven himself in Ligue 1, and there is no doubt that he has the technical attributes for English football. He could prove to be a very useful acquisition for all three clubs.

Everton need more creativity and control, and Angel Gomes could prove to be an interesting addition. He will help create more opportunities for their attackers, and the prospect of competing in the Premier League will be exciting for the player.

Fulham have done quite well during the first half of the season, and they will look to sustain that form in the second half as well. They will look to finish as high as possible in the Premier League table. Signing a quality midfielder in January could make a big difference for them.

He will help create opportunities for his teammates and add more technical ability in the final third. Angel Gomes can play as a central or attacking midfielder. However, other midfielders, including Gabriel Sara, are also on Fulham's wishlist.

Newcastle United also keen on Gomes
Finally, Newcastle United are keeping tabs on Angel Gomes as well. It will be interesting to see if they decide to take up the opportunity to sign the player in January. They have the resources to get the deal done and they have an ambitious project. The 25-year-old will be tempted to join them.

They need more creativity and cutting-edge, and Gomes should prove to be an excellent addition. He is entering the peak years of his career, and this is the right time for him to take on a new challenge. The move to the Premier League could help him improve further and fulfil his potential.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/01/30/everton-fulham-newcastle-united-sounded-out-for-angel-gomes-move-as-wolves-push-hard-for-deal/

Tottenham Eyeing 'Genius' Manager to Replace Thomas Frank, Willing to Wait Until Summer
Tottenham Hotspur are considering a move to appoint Fulham boss Marco Silva should they decide to sack Thomas Frank, according to Sports Boom.

Spurs have had a difficult season so far and sit 14th in the Premier League after a string of poor performances, which have brought huge pressure onto the manager's job, with a large section of the fan base calling for him to be removed from his post.

The north London club are said to be considering a change, but their performances in the Champions League, which saw them qualify for the last 16 in fourth place, have forced the board to question whether it would be the right decision. That hasn't stopped any long-term succession planning though, and they have identified a candidate for their next permanent manager.

Tottenham Consider Marco Silva as Next Manager
Silva, who has been described as a 'genius', has done wonders as manager at Fulham in recent years, and the Cottagers are currently sitting 7th in the Premier League table, just four points off a Champions League spot.

But the Portuguese coach is currently due to be out of contract at Craven Cottage at the end of the season, and that has sparked the attention of the north London club when considering options to replace Frank.

ENIC are keen to appoint someone with a similar philosophy to Frank should they get rid of the Dane, as they want to ensure a smoother transition for the squad. Silva is understood to want to see out the season with Fulham before assessing all of his options, but an approach from Tottenham could make him think twice about that.

 Silva is keen to test himself at the highest level, and while Spurs' struggles in recent seasons are noted, they are still considered to be one of the top teams in the country.

It's believed that Spurs would likely wait until the end of the season before making an approach, even if they did sack Frank mid-season, with former midfielder and West Brom boss Ryan Mason being considered for a potential interim manager role should that scenario take place.

Silva Would Be Major Frank Upgrade
Frank made a real reputation for himself while at Brentford, but it was his pragmatic style and lack of expectation that often saw him credited so much. Now that he has more spotlight on him, his shortcomings are becoming more glaringly obvious.

Silva has a similar situation at Fulham, but he is consistently over-performing with his squad, plays attacking football and regularly gets a tune out of players who have underperformed elsewhere.

On paper, Silva would be a huge upgrade on Frank, and if he's willing to join then the board should be seriously considering making it a reality that he takes over as the club manager in the near future.



https://www.givemesport.com/tottenham-want-marco-silva-thomas-frank-replacement/

Cunha To Start, Sesko On The Bench | 4-2-3-1 Manchester United Predicted Lineup Vs Fulham
Manchester United will welcome Fulham at Old Trafford this Sunday as they look to secure a good result at home in the Premier League. The Red Devils managed to earn a hard-fought 3-2 win away at Arsenal recently, which should give them a ton of confidence heading into this game.

Michael Carrick will set his men up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and is expected to make one change to his first team for this clash. Matheus Cunha could play from the start of this game, but Patrick Dorgu is a major doubt for this contest.

4-2-3-1 Manchester United Predicted Lineup To Face Fulham

Defence
Senne Lammens will operate in goal for the Red Devils after he conceded two goals in his last outing. Harry Maguire will function alongside Lisandro Martinez at the heart of the Man United backline as they hope to keep a solid shape when defending inside their half.

Diogo Dalot will hope to catch the eye as the right-back, while Luke Shaw looks to prove his value on the other side as the left-back. Both of them will have to pick and choose their moments to join in on the attack.

Noussair Mazraoui and Ayden Heaven will provide cover for the defensive positions on the bench.

Midfield
Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro will operate as the holding midfielders as they focus on making life tough for the opposition at the centre of the park.

The talented trio of Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo will play just ahead of them as part of Man United's attack. All three of them need to be at their best if the Red Devils are to secure maximum points from this weekend.

Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount will have to be content with a place on the bench and might come on to make an impact in the second 45 minutes if required.

Attack
Bryan Mbeumo will lead the charge for the Mancunian giants in the final third. He has to find a way to cause a lot of problems for the Fulham defenders this weekend.

Benjamin Sesko will be available for selection on the bench as they wait for their chance to influence the game in the latter stages if needed.



https://the4thofficial.net/2026/01/cunha-to-start-sesko-on-the-bench-4-2-3-1-manchester-united-predicted-lineup-vs-fulham/

Paul Merson singles out Michael Carrick's biggest call to make in 'hard' Man Utd vs Fulham prediction
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has dropped his two cents on the major test that Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick now faces against Fulham.

Michael Carrick has well and truly blown all expectations out of the water after his sensational start to life as Manchester United interim head coach this season.

United defeated Manchester City 2-0 at Old Trafford in Carrick's first match in charge at Old Trafford after the Red Devils sacked Ruben Amorim earlier this month.

The Red Devils then followed up their performance against Manchester City with another sensational – and massive – result at the Emirates last weekend.

Man Utd beat Arsenal 3-2 in a Premier League comeback victory and Carrick's men strengthened their position to mount a top-four challenge in the 2025-26 season.

Paul Merson on Michael Carrick vs Ruben Amorim ahead of the Man Utd vs Fulham match at Old Trafford
Michael Carrick has been widely praised for his immediate impact after Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe brought the 44-year-old Manchester United legend back to Old Trafford.

Man Utd are now fourth in the Premier League table and the Red Devils are a point clear of fifth-place Chelsea and two points clear of sixth-place Liverpool.

Speaking in his column for Sportskeeda, Paul Merson believes that Carrick is now in a similar situation as Ruben Amorim over what people expect next from Man Utd.

"This is the game for Michael Carrick," he said.

"Manchester City at home and Arsenal away, no-one expected Manchester United to do anything.

"But now, everyone will turn up to Old Trafford expecting a win over Fulham!

"We saw this with Ruben Amorim at times. He would do well in some of the big games and then lose to the so-called smaller teams.

"Will Carrick be able to buck the trend?"

Paul Merson spotlights the Patrick Dorgu challenge that Michael Carrick faces amid his Man Utd vs Fulham prediction
United legend Carrick will be without the in-form Patrick Dorgu after the 21-year-old Danish wing-back suffered a hamstring injury in Man Utd's 3-2 win over Arsenal.

Patrick Dorgu was forced off the pitch late in the second half at the Emirates last Sunday and the Denmark international could be ruled out for a number of weeks.

Merson thinks that Carrick's need to replace Dorgu – likely to be with Matheus Cunha – is the only change that the interim head coach will make to his team.

"Patrick Dorgu is out injured and will have to be replaced," he added.

"Otherwise, I don't think Carrick will change anything for this clash.

"This will be a hard game for United and I don't buy it when people say they'll win for sure because they beat City and Arsenal."

Arsenal legend Merson has backed United to secure all three Premier League points against Fulham and has tipped Carrick's men to win 2-1 at Old Trafford on Sunday.



https://www.unitedinfocus.com/news/paul-merson-singles-out-michael-carricks-biggest-call-to-make-in-hard-man-utd-vs-fulham-prediction/

Premier League news: Carrick vows United will not ease up; Isak saga is behind us, says Howe
Taking Fulham lightly would be 'bang out of order'

Michael Carrick says Manchester United would be "bang out of order" if they take Fulham for granted on Sunday afterimpressive wins against Manchester City and Arsenal. Those victories have lifted United to fourth, on 38 points, four points ahead of Fulham, and Carrick warned there would be no change of approach when Marco Silva's side arrive at Old Trafford.

"Tough game, tough challenge," said United's interim manager. "Marco has got Fulham into a really good team. Just because we are at home, taking anything for granted is bang out of order so it might be a case it's the same flow of the game as the last two weeks. No shame in that, we will deal with the game in front of us and do whatever it takes to come out on top."

Joshua Zirkzee, who has returned to training after injury, has been linked with a transfer before Monday's deadline. "I think Josh has just been trying to work to get fit and get back around the group and it's been great to have him back training yesterday," said Carrick. "That's literally as far as it goes for me and for Josh. I'm looking forward to working with him. Nothing else needs to be said."

Carrick did confirm Patrick Dorgu will be unavailable for a prolonged period due to the muscle problem he sustained at Arsenal. "He's disappointed, he's had such a big couple of weeks," said Carrick. "We weren't sure whether it was a little bit of cramp or something more serious and at the moment it looks a little bit more on the serious, so it'll be a few weeks for that. How many, we'll have to wait and see." Jamie Jackson

No bad blood over Isak wrangle, says Howe
Eddie Howe is not expecting to welcome any new faces to his Newcastle squad before the transfer window closes on Monday night but travels to Liverpool on Saturday buoyed up by a fine away performance at the Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain.

That 1-1 draw on Wednesday night secured Newcastle a two-legged European playoff against Qarabag. It entails a long trek to Baku but Howe believes his team's recent struggles on the road should be consigned to the past. "It was a high-level, elite, game in Paris," he said. "My players showed their quality; we've proved how good we are away from home. We should have no fears now."

More immediately, Newcastle are seeking a first Premier League win at Liverpool since 1994, with Howe maintaining the bad blood provoked by Alexander Isak's protracted £125m transfer to the Merseyside club last summer is forgotten. "We've moved on," he said. "What happened is irrelevant now. We're not looking back, we're looking forward. There's certainly nothing (animosity behind the scenes) on our side."

While Isak is sidelined by a broken leg, Newcastle's captain, Bruno Guimarães, faces a fitness test on his ankle injury. Although Joelinton will be absent, Guimarães's midfield sidekick appears weeks rather than months away from a return."Joe flew to Barcelona for an injection into his groin," said Newcastle's manager. "And the specialist feels his return could be quite quick, we're looking at weeks not months."

The full-back Tino Livramentois pencilled in to recover from hamstring trouble in time for a return in early March. Louise Taylor

Fair to judge me on this season, says Slot
Arne Slot has said it is fair to judge him on a troubled second season at Liverpool and not his title-winning debut, with online abuse "part of the job" of being a manager in 2026.

Slot has received fierce criticism on social media, a lot of it personal, and it reignited when his team's 13-game unbeaten run ended at Bournemouth last Saturday. Even comfortable passage into the last 16 of the Champions League for a second successive season on Wednesday, courtesy of a 6-0 rout of Qarabag, did not spare Slot criticism, specifically in regards to one post-match comment.

A reminder that Liverpool exited the Europa League quarter-finals against Atalanta two years ago, before sailing through the Champions League group two years running, landed Slot in trouble with the keyboard warriors.

Rather than feeling entitled to more respect for winning Liverpool's 20th league championship last year, the Dutchman accepts that he should be judged on the merits of the current campaign. Liverpool are sixth, 14 points behind leaders Arsenal, before facing Newcastle at Anfield on Saturday.

"Maybe that has changed for managers, that even if you have won something there is still room for criticism, which to a certain extent is normal because we are in a new season and I was the first to say to the players: 'We have to forget last season'," said Slot. "So it is fair that people judge me on this season and not on last season."

"It is the part of the job, part of the thing we are living in," Slot added. "What I meant [about the Europa League comment] was that season Liverpool ended up third in the league and we are currently sixth, so I didn't want to make the point that was a poor season.

"I only said we have achieved so much at this club but sometimes we also have to enjoy a moment like this. We cannot take those things for granted. For all the other things that are being said, that is what you have to accept if you are a manager that is not winning enough games."

Slot's options are stretched for the visit of Newcastle on Saturday, though Ibrahima Konaté should return from compassionate leave and Curtis Jones is available after illness. But the head coach insists he is happy with the size of Liverpool's squad and the club's business model. "Everyone talks about £450m [being spent] but we had to recoup £300m [since 2024]," he said. "That's our model and I am not frustrated about that. Maybe I am little bit frustrated that too many people don't notice what our model is. That's the model I stepped in to and I even embrace it. It's a good model to have for any club.

"We were able to achieve a lot of good things since this ownership is here with this model of sustainability. So we sold for £300m and bought £450m. But £250m we haven't used yet – Alexander Isak, Jeremie Frimpong only a little bit and Giovanni Leoni not at all. That is the reality." Andy Hunter

Fulham sign Bobb for £27m
Fulham have completed the signing of winger Oscar Bobb from Manchester City on a five-year deal. The 22-year-old Norway international has moved to Craven Cottage in what is understood to be a £27m deal.

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola missed media duties before his side's trip to Tottenham for personal reasons on Friday. The Manchester City manager was due to hold a lunchtime press conference to preview Sunday's Premier League game but the club later confirmed the assistant Pep Lijnders would take his place.

It comes after Guardiola gave a speech in support of Palestinian children at a charity concert in his home city of Barcelona on Thursday. The club said Guardiola was not present due to a personal reason. The Spaniard was expected to be back for training on Saturday. PA Media

Frank convinced Spurs owners 'super committed'
Thomas Frank talked up the "big commitment" of Tottenham's owners despite a quiet January and insisted transfers were not as easy as Football Manager after they missed out on Antoine Semenyo. Spurs will face Semenyo on Sunday when Manchester City visit and Frank revealed the former Bournemouth attacker had been a big target for this winter transfer window before he decided to join Guardiola's title-chasing side.

With only days of the window left, Tottenham have signed Conor Gallagher from Atlético Madrid and the teenage Brazilian left-back Souza, but sold last season's leading scorer Brennan Johnson and lost Mohammed Kudus, Richarlison, Rodrigo Bentancur, Ben Davies and Lucas Bergvall to serious injuries in January.

It led Frank to acknowledge his current squad of players to choose from was weaker than at the start of this month, but he rejected any notion that the majority owners ENIC – run by the Lewis family Trust – were not committed to this project with Spurs down in 14th in the Premier League table.

Before a daunting run of fixtures in February, which begins with the visit of City, Frank said: "I think we lost, I can't remember, six or seven players inside three weeks in January? That's crazy. There were definitely too many, so yeah of course [the squad] it's weaker than we started the first of January.

"I can promise that the Lewis family is super committed to this project. They want to do everything and I would go against my rule, hopefully only once, that there's no doubt it's clear that the club wants to sign Semenyo. They did everything. I think that's a clear signal.

Frank revealed a late call would be made on Micky van de Ven after he missed the impressive midweek victory at Eintracht Frankfurt with a "minor" injury, but Spurs could still be without eight players despite Pedro Porro and Richarlison being primed for a return at the end of February. PA Media

Nuno believes Traoré can boost survival drive
Nuno Espírito Santo believes he can get the best out of Adama Traoré and that the "unique" winger can boost West Ham's efforts to beat the drop after the manager was reunited with Traoré, having coached him at Wolves, rescuing the 30-year-old from a disappointing season at Fulham.

"I've worked with him for many years, and I know him well," said Nuno. "He's unique – there aren't many players with his ability one-on-one, or with his pace. He's going to give us many things that we need. He possesses great threat, and he has great energy, not only on the pitch, but in the dressing room and at the training ground too. He's a special person to have around. It's not up to me to judge what's happened to him before. I'm just happy to have him here."

The Hammers briefly closed the gap to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest to two points last weekend after beating Sunderland, but Forest responded a day later by winning at Brentford to leave Nuno's side five adrift of safety going into Saturday's trip to Chelsea. "We just have to focus on ourselves, and ignore what our opponents are doing," Nuno added. "We have to try to compete well, play well, achieve results and keep going. We can't focus on what the other teams are doing, because we can't control that." PA Media

Rosenior reinforcements 'must be right'
Liam Rosenior said Chelsea are ready to move in the final days of the transfer window if the right players are available. The Blues are in the market for a central defender and have been optimistic that a deal for a long-term target could be reached before the end of January.

A long-term injury to Levi Colwill which is likely to see him miss the whole season has left Chelsea short of options in the position, but it is understood no emergency cover is likely to be sanctioned with the club preferring to stick with their recruitment plans from before the England defender's injury.

The deadline for deals is on Monday night and Rosenior confirmed that the sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Lawrence Stewart are actively working on strengthening the team and are ready to back their head coach. "The guys are working hard to stay on top of things in terms of information on what's out there, who's interested in our players," said Rosenior. "It's about being prepared for any development.

"My job along with the guys is to make the squad in every area as strong as it can possibly be. Certain players come up that you don't expect to come up, and then can strengthen you. Whether that's a striker or a wide player or a defender. If we see something, I know the guys are willing to do it. I don't want to bring in players for the sake of bringing in players. There's a possibility it could be busy, a possibility it could be quiet." PA Media



https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/premier-league-news-carrick-vows-203824551.html