Man United and problem No. 9
Most of Man United's expectations for the new season will be on the two new recruits Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. The two played together in the 2-2 draw with Everton. Although they did not score, they played impressively.
Mbeumo played on the right wing, while Cunha played as a fake nine. They have combined well with Bruno Fernandes, creating a flexible attacking trio.
With the ability to penetrate the penalty area and dribble by Cunha and Mbeumo, Man United will have many attacking options next season. In case they cannot buy striker Benjamin Sesko, the Old Trafford team can completely use an attack without any real "number 9" (forward).
Arias scored in his debut match for Wolves
Known as the "Pele of Colombia", Jhon Arias came to Wolves with great expectations. The former Fluminense winger has won the Best Player award at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 three times, thereby winning a place in the tournament's typical squad.
Despite only making his first appearance with his new teammates at Wolverhampton Wanderers last week, he did not disappoint everyone when he scored in his debut match in the 1-2 loss to Spanish side Girona.
Coming off the bench, Arias found space between the two defenders and showed his impressive strength, before finishing beautifully.
Nottingham Forest's ambition
Last season, Nottingham Forest played impressively and competed for a place in the UEFA Champions League until the final round. However, this summer, Forest have not shown any ambition to go further next season. They signed a new long-term contract with Morgan Gibbs-White this summer, but things on the pitch were not very promising.
In the five pre-season friendlies so far, Nottingham Forest have yet to win, scoring just one goal - a late goal in a 1-3 loss to Fulham. Their most recent loss was to Birmingham City at the weekend.
Chris Wood has scored 20 Premier League goals last season and manager Nuno Espirito Santo has tried several different options this summer, playing alone, testing new signing Igor Jesus, and even deploying both at the same time, but all have failed. With what they have prepared, it is difficult for Forest to cause a surprise like last season.
Xhaka leader could add strength to Sunderland
Granit Xhaka has unexpectedly parted ways with Bayer Leverkusen to wear the new Sunderland shirt next season. The 32-year-old knows what it takes to play in the Premier League after seven years at Arsenal. He also played in the UEFA Champions League last season.
Right from the friendly match against Real Betis, Xhaka showed leadership qualities, combined playing style and showed their characteristic physical strength in tackles. He could have also assisted with a beautiful pass if Simon Adingra had not been awarded an offside after putting the ball into the net.
Overall, Xhaka will certainly play an important role for players returning to the Premier League.
Mateta continues to score
Jean- Philippe Mateta has scored 30 Premier League goals in the past two seasons and continues to score continuously in friendly matches this summer. His double in the 3-1 win over Germany Augsburg took Palace's pre-season goals tally to four, after he also scored against Crawley Town and Mainz.
Mateta's impressive form is a good sign for Crystal Palace next season, as they are determined to create a surprise after winning the FA Cup last season.
