Conor O'Neill

With Benjamin Sesko out until at least January, Manchester United are exploring the market for centre-forwards in the winter transfer window. The Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is one of those under consideration, though a move is considered remote given the rivalry between the teams. Our data writers @ThomHarris_ and @Conor0Neill_ analyse Calvert-Lewin's style and strengths, as well as picking six other strikers who could make an impact at Old Trafford. From Folarin Balogun and Ivan Toney to the in-form Esteban Lepaul and Nicolo Tresoldi... nyti.ms/48jAoXs

The winner of the 2026 Ballon d'Or will be anointed tonight, and whoever is chosen is sure to provoke righteous indignation among the fans of those spurned. But which factors really determine who wins football's biggest individual award? Goals? Trophies? Geopolitics? 📝 @Conor0Neill_ 🔗 nyti.ms/4Bq17yZ

Who should win the men’s Ballon d’Or? That's the question our reporters asked 100 people in football — players and managers, past and present, coaches, sporting directors, scouts, presidents and other executives from around the world. There were some slightly eyebrow-raising selections. A current Bundesliga sporting director voted for Declan Rice in second place. A former international player and manager picked Marc Cucurella in third. A former Premier League coach chose Marquinhos in third place. The winner? Harry Kane. By some margin. 📝 @NickMiller79, @Conor0Neill_ Free to read 🆓 bit.ly/4yzwqoa

Manchester City have adopted a boldly attacking style under Enzo Maresca, with the graphic showing how they regularly commit six players forward in possession, leaving Elliott Anderson to patrol almost the entire midfield. Combine that with Andoni Iraola’s counter-attacking approach and there should be plenty of excitement on show. @Conor0Neill_ Follow Liverpool vs. Manchester City with our live coverage: nyti.ms/4jRLo5j

Despite some teething issues that have seen them draw three of their five matches, the early evidence suggests that Liverpool have managed their transition under Andoni Iraola well. In a more literal sense, they have hit the ground running, recording a higher volume of sprints than any other side with 257 per game. Part of this increase in intensity is in keeping with Iraola’s high-pressing mantra, with Liverpool applying high-intensity pressure to a league-high 49 per cent of their opponents’ touches in the opposition half. They have also answered his call for more direct football, hitting 10 per cent of all passes long, their highest share over the last seven seasons. 📝 @Conor0Neill_ 🔗 bit.ly/4dtStVM