With the second round of Premier League fixtures approaching, managers across the division have been outlining their plans, and Everton boss David Moyes struck an upbeat tone ahead of his side's trip to Bournemouth.
Everton have made an encouraging start to the new campaign, beating Crystal Palace 2-0 in their league opener before thrashing Preston North End 4-0 in the Rumbelows Cup. Moyes was particularly pleased with the form of striker Thierno Barry, who has already scored four goals in his first two appearances for the club, including a hat-trick against Preston.
"He's tried to improve himself. Of course, we give him confidence and we do every game, but ultimately, you have to get it yourself," Moyes said of the forward's rapid impact.
The Everton manager also addressed his side's overall progress, saying, "It's very early days but we're really pleased with the opening two games. We need to try to keep building that momentum. We still need to be stronger than we are at the moment."
On the injury front, Moyes revealed midfielder Hayden Hackney is a doubt for the weekend after rolling his ankle, while Christian Nørgaard remains sidelined. "It's not something where we're going to get him back quickly, so we need to see how that develops," Moyes explained regarding the Dane's recovery timeline.
Transfer speculation also featured prominently in Moyes' press conference, with questions raised about a possible return for Jack Grealish following his loan spell last season. Moyes was quick to dampen expectations of any deal materializing, while also refusing to be drawn on other transfer targets. "We've not made any final decisions, but we are in the recruitment business and we want to see if we can bring in players if possible," he said. "I wouldn't talk about individual players at other clubs. Jack was brilliant for us, a great boy, but he's at another club. And we're not in a hurry to sell our best players, that's for sure."
Moyes elaborated on Everton's scouting approach, noting the club's reliance on staff working across various markets. "We have lots of scouts who are out working. They're the ones who'll bring people in which we wouldn't know so well - maybe from South America," he said, adding that his own knowledge of players across Europe and the UK feeds into a broader recruitment process before final decisions are made.
Elsewhere in the top flight, Manchester United prepare to host Ipswich Town at Old Trafford in their first home fixture of the season, needing a response after a disappointing performance away from home. Manager Michael Carrick is considering changes to his starting lineup, with Marcus Rashford poised for a possible recall to the front line after appearing from the bench previously. Reports suggest Rashford could partner Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes in support of Matheus Cunha, with Patrick Dorgu potentially making way. Kobbie Mainoo is also pushing for inclusion, while United will be without several players through injury, including Tom Heaton, Matthijs de Ligt, Mason Mount, and Manuel Ugarte.
Away from Premier League matters, the Women's Super League received notable news this week as Brighton's manager Dario Vidosic announced his departure just days before the season resumes. Vidosic, who guided Brighton to their first FA Cup final last term, is reportedly set for a move to Angel City. "I have loved my time at the Albion and am proud of what we have achieved together," Vidosic said in a statement. "Leaving has been a difficult decision, but I believe it is the right time for me and my family to begin a new chapter."
Based on reporting from Guardian Football and Standard Football.