It feels like Serge Gnabry disappears for 11 months and then comes back just to destroy English clubs in the Champions League. Terrific strike.

Sensational stuff from Jamal Musiala to create this goal. The youngster dribbles through the Manchester United defence before setting the ball back to Serge Gnabry.

The former Arsenal star makes no mistake as he places a first-time effort past Andre Onana. Nightmare for United.

Andre Onana won’t want to see that one again. It’s a really poor goal from the Manchester United keeper’s perspective.

Leroy Sane links up neatly with Harry Kane on the edge of the box before firing a low effort at goal.

It certainly had a fair amount of power on it but it’s definitely one that you’d expect the keeper to save, however he can only palm it into his own net. Really poor from Onana.

It must be said that Sergio Reguilon has been excellent in these opening exchanges. He’s gone toe-to-toe with Leroy Sane a number of times and made some brilliant forward runs.

This has been a really encouraging start for Manchester United. The visitors have been really positive in these opening stages.

Another good opportunity arises for them as Marcus Rashford bursts down the left-side, chops back and drills an effort towards goal but Ulreich manages to hold it. Promising nonetheless.

It’s been somewhat of a nervy start for the Bundesliga champions – with Harry Kane yet to make an impact.

United certainly look up for it and are contesting well with the German side.

Wow – the visitors should really be in front here. Christian Eriksen does brilliantly to drill the ball across the face of goal towards Facundo Pellistri but the youngster is beaten to it by Alphonso Davies – despite the defender being behind him.

The ball falls back to Eriksen but he can only thump his effort at Ulreich before watching it go behind for a corner.

Huge opportunity for Erik ten Hag’s side early on.

Following a minute’s silence for the victims of the recent earthquake in Morocco and flooding in Libya, we’re underway in Germany!

Both sides are on the turf at the Allianz Arena and the Champions League music is thundering out of the speakers.

Surely we’re in for a cracker here.

Will this man make the difference for Bayern Munich tonight?

Let’s hope we’re in for a game as good as the earlier kick-off in Group A between Galatasary and FC Kobenhavn.

The visitors were two goals up until the 86th minute, which is when Sacha Boey pulled one back and two minutes late Tete found an equaliser.

Safe to say that the club’s Twitter admin was thrilled with the late goal.

The stage is set in Munich.

This week, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag insisted that he has no regrets about not signing Harry Kane this summer.

Ten Hag backed United’s decision to go for young Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund instead of Kane who will be determined to prove a point in Wednesday’s Champions League Group A opener.

It’s by no means the only headache for Ten Hag who arrived in Bavaria on Tuesday without 12 first-team players after Harry Maguire joined a growing casualty list.

Click below to read more…

Bayern Munich: Ulreich, Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, Davies, Kimmich, Goretzka, Sane, Musiala, Gnabry, Kane.

Manchester United: Onana, Dalot, Lindelof, Martinez, Reguilon, Casemiro, Eriksen, Pellestri, Fernandes, Rashford, Hojlund.

Five minutes until the teams are released for tonight’s match.

Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro led a dressing room rallying cry after defeat to Brighton, urging their Manchester United team-mates to rediscover the strong team spirit they built last season.

Mail Sport can reveal that players outlined their ‘major priority’ to re-establish a spirit that some of them feel has slowly started to be lost on the pitch after three defeats in the opening five games.

There are no concerns with the tactics or Erik ten Hag’s game-plan but more a sense that unfamiliarity between players, with changes brought about due to mounting injuries, the root cause of their stuttering form.

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OIe Gunnar Solskjaer has shared the names of the five superstars he looked into buying whilst at the helm of Manchester United in a new interview with The Athletic.

The United legend was originally named as an interim choice following the bitter dismissal of Jose Mourinho in 2018, but after a string of impressive form, was appointed formally to the role of head coach four months later.

During his tenure – which ran out after an ignominious 4-1 loss to Watford in 2021 – the former Molde coach oversaw a number of arrivals at Old Trafford with some, such as Bruno Fernandes, making a lasting impact on the squad.

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Erik ten Hag’s agent Kees Vos is in advanced negotiations about signing Manchester United midfield player Sofyan Amrabat to his Sports Entertainment Group agency.

The Dutch company represented United when they completed Amrabat’s loan signing of Fiorentina last month and are close to reaching an agreement to add the Moroccan international midfield player to their stable of over 600 players.

Amrabat is understood to have been impressed by Vos’ work in facilitating his move from Fiorentina in difficult circumstances on transfer deadline day, and is keen to join his agency, who also represent Pep Guardiola.

Click below to read more…

Harry Kane walked into the media amphitheatre at the Allianz Arena and took his seat on a dais. In front of him, the stage was lit in glowing red. It was the red of Bayern Munich, not the red of Manchester United.

As Kane sat and talked about tonight’s Champions League group stage tie with Erik ten Hag’s struggling side, it felt as if the England captain was the living embodiment of the lack of ambition and failures of recruitment strategy at Old Trafford.

Kane was for sale in the summer and it is thought he was open to a move to United. One of the best strikers in the Premier League, England’s greatest goalscorer, a leader, a consummate professional, was available and United did not even try to sign him. Bayern paid £100million to make him their new figurehead, the new face of a great club.

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Not that it really matters but Manchester United’s U19s took on Bayern’s earlier and were defeated 2-0.

Erik ten Hag has criticised his Manchester United side after their poor start to the season and urged them to ‘step up’ ahead of their Champions League trip to Bayern Munich.

United suffered a damaging 3-1 defeat to Brighton on Saturday that continued their difficult run, with Ten Hag’s side picking up just six points from their first five Premier League games.

Their poor performances have been coupled with off-field problems at the club which means wingers Antony and Jadon Sancho are not currently available to Ten Hag.

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While most of the attention in Group A will be on the clash at the Allianz Arena at 8pm, keep in mind that the other match in the group will be taking place much earlier.

Galatasary and FC Kobenhavn will kick-off their match in half an hour – at 5:45pm – in one of tonight’s early games.

The teamsheets are already out and there’s a few big names to take note of – with the hosts boasting talents such as Mauro Icardi, Dries Mertens, Hakim Ziyech, Wilfried Zaha and Tanguy Ndombele.

Erik ten Hag will be hoping to make a winning start in his first Champions League game as Manchester United boss when they take on Bayern Munich.

After yet another stuttering start to a Premier League campaign under the Dutchman, United turn their attention to the continent to face the Bavarian giants in a competitive match for the first time since 2014.

A win over their Group A rivals would be a great way for United to kick start their campaign, but a lengthy injury list will make the task of defeating Thomas Tuchel’s side at the Allianz Arena all the more the daunting.

Click below to read more…

The club shared their official matchday squad for their Champions League opener earlier today and it’s fair to say that their current injury crisis has taken a real toll.

There’s no Raphael Varane, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire or Mason Mount in the squad tonight.

Also, can we take a moment to appreciate that we are seeing Jonny Evans in a Champions League squad in 2023. Football heritage.

Welcome to Mail Sport’s live blog covering tonight’s Champions League clash between Bayern Munich and Manchester United in Group A.

History would suggest that this should be competitive fixture but, given the current struggles of Erik ten Hag’s side, it seems this could be rather one-sided.

We’ve got plenty of time before kick-off at 8pm tonight and plenty to discuss – such as Harry Kane, ten Hag and Kees Vos – so don’t go anywhere!

Tom Collomosse: I was here with Leicester two seasons ago in the Europa League and the atmosphere was incredible, for the reasons you say.

Legia will make it hostile for Villa and it’s important for them to start well in the group.

Villa were granted about 1,700 tickets for the game.

Tom Collomosse: He was a polite, thoughtful guy though fairly guarded – not surprising given the eventful life he has had.

He’s a gamble but he also has big-game experience – and the incentive to retain his place in the Italy squad, with Euro 2024 at the end of the season. That should aid Villa.

Tom Collomosse: Nicolo Zaniolo celebrated his birthday in July and probably reflected that he had experienced more in 24 years than many people do in a lifetime.

Aston Villa’s summer signing was sent death threats and chased through the streets by Roma fans furious at his desire to leave the Serie A club. He has felt the rough end of Jose Mourinho’s tongue and suffered two serious knee injuries, the second of which ruled him out of Italy’s triumphant Euro 2020 campaign.

Impressively, he has also managed to gain a solid grasp of English in just six months, thanks to daily lessons when he was playing for Galatasaray.

CLICK THE LINK ABOVE TO READ MORE

Tom Collomosse: Villa fans have been asking themselves for some time why Konsa never gets a look-in with Gareth Southgate – and former boss Dean Smith added his voice to that chorus this week.

There are still some kinks to iron out in Konsa’s game but he improves year on year and it is a surprise he has been overlooked, especially when rivals who are not regulars at their clubs continue to be selected.

Tom Collomosse: The Newcastle game wasn’t really a 5-1 game, and the players were clearly affected by the serious injury Tyrone Mings suffered.

The result at Liverpool perhaps showed Villa that there is still some way to go before they can hope to break into the elite.

Tom Collomosse: It will be a struggle but they are welcoming back players from injury now. Alex Moreno was on the bench at the weekend and Jacob Ramsey is close to returning, too.

They really need Nicolo Zaniolo or Leon Bailey to hit form, though, with Emi Buendia out for the rest of the campaign

Tom Collomosse: Well Villa fans are already booking their hotels in Athens for the Final next May!

Emery advised them against doing so and is far more circumspect in public, but he’ll see this as a competition Villa have a great chance to win

Tom Collomosse: Fans are optimistic. Though they have had heavy defeats to Newcastle and Liverpool this season, they didn’t puncture the mood of optimism.

Villa fans really do believe they are heading back to the big time under Emery.

Tom Collomosse: Yes they certainly can.

Unai Emery has won the Europa League four times as a coach and said in his first press conference after joining Villa that he wanted to win trophies here.

The Conference League is an excellent chance to do just that.

Tom is currently in Warsaw, where Aston Villa are preparing to take on Legia in their opening Europa Conference League group match tomorrow night.

Some nice insights there into Sunday’s clash between Arsenal and Spurs.

Sitting on the fence. 1-1!

Sami Mokbel: Personally, I think the team is far more equipped than last season to maintain a successful title challenge.

The addition of Rice has given them a solidity in midfield that was perhaps missing last season.

They are a bigger and stronger team this season. Kai Havertz is a prime example of that. His start has been lacklustre, but his physicality, his height have already been key.

Raya’s ability on the ball and calmness he exudes was there for all to see against Everton on Sunday.

Sami Mokbel: I think the Aaron Ramsdale/David Raya conundrum will be one of the most interesting selection aspects of Arsenal’s season. Two excellent goalkeepers. But how do you keep both happy?

Ramsdale started the season, Raya played against Everton on Sunday. Who plays versus PSV tonight?

Having played a key role in helping Arsenal back into the Champions League it would be harsh on Ramsdale to miss out on the club’s return to the competition.

Mikel Arteta can be ruthless, but that must surely be a factor for the Gunners. Moving forward, however, there is an emerging sense that Raya is moving towards being Arteta’s preferred option.

The very fact that Raya was signed from Brentford has put rival clubs on alert. Ramsdale is a fantastic keeper, if he may be available teams would be silly not to at least keep abreast of that situation.

My understanding is that clubs are monitoring the situation closely. But that doesn’t mean Arsenal will sell or Ramsdale will look to leave, of course.

Sami Mokbel: Kane is irreplaceable. That is clear.

But Postecoglou unleashing the shackles has helped unlock goals from other areas of the pitch.

Football under Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte and Nuno Espírito Santo was defensive minded. As an attacking unit, they suffered as a result.

Under Postecoglou, however, they have had seven different goalscorers already this season. That is very promising.

But the beauty in having Kane in their team was his ability to conjure goals out of nowhere. He is clinical.

The real test will arrive when Spurs aren’t clicking in an attacking sense. When they only have two or three opportunities in a game.

You could generally rely on Kane taking at least one of those chances. Long term, it remains to be seen if they can cope without him.

Right now, however, they are coping without Kane just fine.

Sami Mokbel: Maddison looks to be one of the signings of the summer.

I was lucky enough to spend 15 minutes with him at St George’s Park recently and what immediately struck me was how happy and content he was.

It’s no wonder really because his start at Tottenham has been phenomenal.

He is a player that fits perfectly into those Tottenham traditions. Full of flair and attacking qualities.

His family life is settled, recently becoming a father again after his partner gave birth to twins.

Life and football is being pretty good to Maddison right now.

Sami Mokbel: It has been a very promising start, for sure. The supporters are in love with their new manager and by all accounts the players (even those who aren’t playing) are enjoying working under Postecoglou.

The attacking style he has adopted is far more in line with the club’s traditions and that will serve Postecoglou well. The real test will come when they hit a tough patch, which they will because that is inevitable with teams in transition.

But from the opening five games there is plenty to suggest that Tottenham can be a force this season.

Not having European football to play should also help preparations for Premier League matches and help towards keeping players fresh.

Sami Mokbel: Wow! Tough first question. Both will be desperate for three points purely because of the opposition. Bragging rights.

For Tottenham, this will be provide the biggest test yet for Ange Postecoglou’s very promising revolution. Beat Arsenal and Spurs fans will truly believe they have turned the corner.

For Arsenal this is about points on the board in the title race as well as having the upper hand over their local rivals.

With that in mind, victory seems more of a necessity for Arsenal. They could be five points adrift of Manchester City by Sunday night.

They won’t want that even at this early stage. That said, I’m sure Spurs fans will disagree!

We’re going to be discussing this Sunday’s North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham, who have both made pretty good openings to the season.

Thanks a lot to Nathan Salt, some interesting stuff there on Man United ahead of their big game in Germany tonight.

Nathan Salt: The million dollar question. It’s just so difficult to see United pulling off a result akin to their late show against PSG all those years ago when Marcus Rashford got the winner.

Every Manchester United fan will hope I’m proven wrong but I’ll go with a 3-1 Bayern win.

There just doesn’t seem to be any leadership defensively, Lindelof and Martinez don’t look comfortable as a pairing and Reguilon is still bedding in – plus it’s away from home. Kane will have the bit between his teeth, too, and I fancy him to score.

Nathan Salt: The obvious answer is Harry Kane given he’s bagged four goals in five games. But I’m going to go with Leroy Sane.

Last season was dominated by the dressing room bust-up with Sadio Mane that left him with a bruised lip but with the slate wiped clean he looks absolutely lethal in this Bayern 4-2-3-1 system.

The threat of Kane ahead of him is opening up even more space for him to run into and he now looks back to the player that thrived at Manchester City.

Sergio Reguilon is going to have his work cut out tonight if Sane is allowed to get up to full speed

Nathan Salt: I do – whether that’s enough to stop the juggernaut that is Bayern Munich I’m not so sure.

Frankly, if it’s more of the same tonight they are risking a hammering and then they come back for a Saturday night late game away at Burnley with the weight of the world on their shoulders.

It’s going to start and end on the midfield battle tonight and if United can stifle that area and get a grip on the game they’ll have a chance.

One thing they can’t do is leave Casemiro as isolated as they have done in recent games. He’s trying to do the jobs of two or three players and not managing to do any that well right now.

Lose badly and Ten Hag will be in a world of pain you fear.

Nathan Salt: It spoke volumes that United’s 21-man squad for tonight’s game included four goalkeepers… and just five defenders.

It all looked positive when I was down at a rain-soaked Carrington when Raphael Varane and Mason Mount trained with the main group, only for them not to even make the trip to Germany.

The fact Sofyan Amrabat trained on his own suggests he’s not as close as United fans would hope to featuring, either.Ten Hag’s limited options, especially defensively with Aaron Wan-Bissaka injured now, means he’s got no choice but to go unchanged from the weekend with Diogo Dalot at right back, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof in the middle and Sergio Reguilon on the right.

The biggest tweak they have to make is to ditch the midfield diamond. Go to 4-2-3-1, put Christian Eriksen in a deeper role alongside Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes at No 10, and go for pace out wide with Marcus Rashford on one flank and Alejandro Garnacho on the other, with Rasmus Hojlund through the middle.

Bayern will look to burn United for pace through Leroy Sane and Alphonso Davies and so United have to give themselves a viable out ball on the counter. Rashford and Garnacho will give them that.

Nathan Salt: It’s a good question and that was an interesting line in his interview.

Whether it’s the pressure that comes with being under the brightest spotlight in English football or whether it’s that players quickly get above their station when pulling on a United shirt is hard to say.

But looking at the Brighton team and the Man United team on Saturday there just seemed to be one team with a clear identity and a buy-in to what the manager is trying to do.

Then there was another team that looked full of individuals in a side that has something of an identity crisis right now.Winning often seems to negate stories like this of ego clashes but United haven’t done a lot of that lately and as I say, one poor result and United always feel on the cusp of meltdown.

Nathan Salt: The more I watch Manchester United the more I sense they are only ever 90 minutes away from a crisis.

It sure felt that way at the weekend and it made me think that managing Manchester United is a beast I’m not sure one man can manage.But in all fairness Ten Hag got players he wanted.

They could have gone for Onana when he left Ajax but waited a year and spent north of £50m on him. Lisandro Martinez arrived last season for £55m.

Mason Mount was a priority target, they got him for huge money.Kane is the one that grates for fans.

Mail Sport exclusively revealed how he was willing to wait for United before they went for Hojlund and now you’ve got a young striker with the weight of the world on his shoulders to deliver.

The Glazers deserve plenty of blame for the toxicity that has now engulfed the entire club but transfer wise, Ten Hag has spent about £400m on players he wanted.

That’s on him – no one else.

Nathan Salt: Erling Haaland. Declan Rice. Moises Caicedo. Jude Bellingham. Harry Kane. Talk about aiming for the top.

Had United got even one of Haaland or Kane, and Bellingham over the line, things would be looking oh so different around Old Trafford now.Bellingham is one of the best midfielders in the world and Real Madrid looked to have landed a bargain for the next decade at under £90m.

Given midfield is one of United’s weakest areas, failure to land Bellingham – who was given a personal tour of Carrington by Sir Alex Ferguson once upon a time – will haunt them for years to come.

As for Haaland, the finest No 9 in world football at Solskjaer’s disposal instead of Anthony Martial? It’s far from a bold proclamation to say he would have silverware in the cabinet and may well still be sat in the dugout for United.

There is a resignation around Old Trafford at the moment that the ‘ones that got away’ list is becoming longer and longer as rivals splash the cash on stars names.

It’s early days on Rasmus Hojlund, who cost £72m, but Solskjaer’s Fab Five list just makes for painful reading for fans this morning.

Our first questions is coming right up…

Our own Oliver Holt has delved into the mystery of just how United managed to miss out on Harry Kane despite their long courtship…

… Solskjaer certainly thought so, but he chose Borussia Dortmund instead. The Old Trafford icon reveals he had a list of five superstars that he never managed to secure for United. What could have been, eh?

It’s never quiet at Old Trafford, is it? This morning saw Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tell all about his time in the hot seat and there were plenty of talking points to emerge.

Nathan Salt will be here from 12pm to pick through the Norwegian’s comments…

Hello, and welcome to Mail Sport’s weekly Premier League Q&A.

This afternoon we’ll be hearing from our experts on Manchester United, Aston Villa and all things north London derby.

Get your questions in below by using the comments, and we’ll put the best to our reporters.

And… there you have it! The half time whistle. Steve Cooper will be shocked to see his team heading into the break 1-0 down. Vincent Kompany will be delighted with the scoreline but not so happy with his team’s performance. They will be looking to produce a much better second half display.

Two minutes of added time. Will it be enough for Nottingham Forest to get back into the game? Only time will tell…

Koleosho is continuting to look dangerous down the left-hand-side. He’s shown what he’s capable of and Forest have to be cautious when marking him at distance!

What a goal, what a break through and what a run from Koleosho. He picks up the ball on the left-hand-side, takes it was Joe Worrall with his immense pace, plays it back towards the middle of the box for Amdouni to fire it home.

I can’t quite believe that didn’t go in!! Gibbs-White delivered a ball to the back post on a silver platter. There were three Forest players in that exact area but not a single one of them connected with it. Disappointing!

Wasted opportunity from Brownhill. He steps over a set piece and delivers it straight into the arms of Turner. His team-mates look a little frustrated with that attempt and I’m not surprised.

Cullen does incredibly well down the left-hand-side and break towards the box, but he should have passed it on! Instead in fired it aimlessly across goal… to no one.

Ridiclious yellow card! Mangala is penalised after stopping a quick free-kick. However, Amdouni actually kicked the ball away!

Chance for Burnley and unbelievable save from Turner! Burnley turned the ball over just outside the Forest box. It’s switched over to Amdouni – who unleashed an absoulte rocket from 20 yards out, forcing Turner to make an impressive save to his right.

Nottingham Forest are winning the physical battle this evening. They are charging down every ball and putting Burnley under pressure as soon as they touch the ball.

The fans are booing Burnley. They feel as though Vincent Kompany’s side are time wasting. I am not surprised they’re annoyed given their team has the momentum.

Callum Hudson-Odoi is playing with a lot of confidence. He is getting the ball at his feet, driving at defenders and linking up well with his team-mates.

Vincent Kompany is being exceptionally vocal on the sideline. He is trying to relay messages on to the pitch. It’s clear the first 25 minutes haven’t gone quite how he was planning.

Slight lapse in concentration from Forest. Their midfield line and forward line were far too disconnected in the press. As a result, Burnley were able to play in the pockets, turn and progress up the pitch – ultimately winning a corner. However, they did very little with it.

Forest defintely have the upper-hand at the moment. Sangare is doing well when it comes to holding up the ball and threading passes through to Elanga, Gibbs-White and Hudson-Odoi.

Burnley are far too sloppy in possession at the moment. Forest are picking their pockets and launching some dangeorus counter attack. Vincent Kompany’s men need to take more care on the ball.

Huge chance for Forest! Beyer has the ball on the left-hand-side and tries to run it out from the back. Awoniyi does well to take the ball off him and launch a counter attack.

The ball makes it way over to Hudson-Odoi. He unleashes an absoulte rocket – forcing Trafford to dive to his right. The goalkeeper does well to get a hand to it.

Another chance from Forest! Elanga drops in from the right and played a lovely pass to Hudson-Odoi. The former Chelsea-man ships it on to Awoniyi – who looks to fire it towards goal. However, Beyer did well to block it.

Nottingham Forest are looking dangerous on the counter. They are connecting well and asking question of Burnley’s defence. If it wasn’t for a good few blocks, Forest would be 1-0 up.

Vincent Kompany is furious with the yellow card and he is making his feelings known. The Burnley manager is suggesting a warning should have been given before a yellow card.

And just like that, we have our first yellow card of the game. It goes to James Trafford – who is booked for time wasting after just 10 minutes of the game.

Chance for Callum Hudson-Odoi. Burnley turn over possession,Gibbs-White gets on the ball and feeds in Hudson-Odoi, he cuts inside and shoots. Luckily for Burnley, his effort it blocked.

Another chance! McKenna plays a long ball forward for Awoniyi.He chests the ball down for to Callum Hudson-Odoi, who is is taken out.

Forest earn themselves a free-kick on the right-hand-side. Gibbs-White whips the ball into the box but his team-mates couldn’t quite connect with it and Trafford collects.

First chance of the game and it goes to Burnley! Foster picks up the ball on the left-hand-side, breaks forwards and unleashes from about 20 yards out. But, it didn’t cause too many issues – with Turner collecting.

Burnley looking to play down the left-hand-side more often than not. However, they’re turning the ball over far too easily once they break into Nottingham Forest’s half.

Burnley are dominating possession. They are playing the ball around the back, switching from one side to the other with relative ease. However, Forest are starting to creep their press forwards.

Good intesity from the start. Both teams fighting for every 50/50 and showing their physicality in the tackels. We’re in for a good game this evening.

And just like that, we’re off! It is Burnley who gets things underway this evening after a period of silence.

Here’s a reminder of the teams…

Nottingham Forest starting XI: Turner, Worrall, McKenna, Montiel, Aina, Mangala, Sangare, Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi, Awoniyi

Burnley starting XI: Trafford, Al Dakhil, Roberts, Taylor, Beyer, Gudmundsson, Cullen, Brownhill, Koleosho, Amdouni, Foster

“Naturally you’re sad to see him go, he’s been integral in these two years. I’ve been here but you wish him well. The club should be proud of how they helped him move on. I believe he will get to the very top.”

“If we can get him in a good place, then he’s a really exciting player. He’s still young enough to show it again. We’re really looking forward to getting our hands dirty with him.”

“He has undoubted quality and is the profile of midfielder we wanted to bring here. It’s been a long process to get him here and we’re delighted that he’s chosen us, because he could have chose a lot of others.”

Nottingham Forest are favourites with Sky Bet to beat Burnley at home when the clubs clash in the Premier League.

Forest have been impressive in patches this season, including wins against Sheffield United and Chelsea to coincide with promising displays in losing efforts to Arsenal and Manchester United.

“I said it before, I felt we showed that we are going to have a thing or two to say in this league – especially against the teams around our position in the league.

“And then they went and signed seven players on deadline day! But its the same for us. We have a lot of new players and we’re trying to find the team that can carry us through the first phase of games and carry on from there.”

“We’ll see. Not because it’s an away game. I think every team is different. Hopefully we’ll see a much improved side in terms of the basics.”

“The club decided to go in that way. You get the choice to go for players that give you five/six years of struggle and the life-shelf is over and you can’t progress or you get the chance to find that balance between youthfulness and talent. We’ve gone that way. We’ve chosen a team that’s balanced with experience and young players.”

“For any team coming up, no one imagines an easy start. We’ve had goal threat and chances. a couple things, obviously, are linked to us needing a better understanding of the each phase of the game. But, we live to make progress.”

JJ Watt has revealed that he was drawn into playing poker and drinking beers with Burnley‘s players after their Championship title win last season.

The former NFL player became a minority owner at the Premier League club – alongside his wife Kealia – shortly after they secured the Championship title last season.

Watt, who is still only 34, headed to Lancashire for the parade to toast their title-winning campaign under Vincent Kompany.

He was reunited with the Burnley manager for a conversation on Men in Blazers this week and Watt opened up on the conflict of socializing with players of a similar age – when he is technically their boss.

“Yeah for sure, at times. We didn’t really have the opportunity to carry on what we did in the Champ because the team changed. We had to find a way, it took us a little while and we found out the reality of the level.

“Things started to turn for the better and we managed to finish the season well enough to get enough points and stay in the league. We’re always adapting but, at the same time, sticking to a lot of core principles that we believe in.

“I still feel like we’re growing. We respect that. We’re taking it day by day, trying to be the best I can, and seeing where it takes us.“

“We’re an ambitious group. Nothing’s really changed. What it does help is confidence, belief. Unfortunately we had to split up for the intl break but the boys are back and vibrant. A few new faces through the door.”

Starting XI: Trafford, Al Dakhil, Roberts, Taylor, Beyer, Gudmundsson, Cullen, Brownhill, Koleosho, Amdouni, Foster

Subs: Muric, Cork, Rodriguez, Benson, Berge, Zaroury, Ramsey, Ndayishimiye, Delcroix

Starting XI: Turner, Worrall, McKenna, Montiel, Aina, Mangala, Sangare, Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi, Awoniyi

Subs: Viachodimos, Tavares, Kouyate, Wood, Santos, Domínguez, Niakhaté, Yates, Origi

So, how are things looking for Burnley? Well, Anass Zaroury will return to Vincent Kompany’s side after severing a three-match ban following his red card on the opening day of the season.

Kompany will also have Aaron Ramsey and Vitinho at his disposal. However, there are still question marks over Hjalmar Ekdal following his knee injury.

So, Nottingham Forest will be forced to go without Danilo this evening. Serge Aurier and Anthony Elanga may be sidelined too as both are struggling with injuries.

However, Nottingham Forest could see several newbies make their debuts. Callum Hudson-Odoi, Divock Origi and Ibrahim Sangare could be given the nod this evening.

Hello and welcome to Mail Sport’s live blog for this evening’s fixture between Nottingham Forest and Burnley. We’ll be bringing you all the latest news regarding the game, as well as, minute by minute coverage of the fixture itself. So… make sure you stay tuned!