#AFC academy graduate Dan Ballard at it once again for Sunderland with a lovely header — absolutely incredible scenes at the Stadium of Light.

I don’t write often on Substack, but here’s my take on Martin Odegaard and his understated importance for #AFC this season. More on praise from coaches & rival players for his elite ability to scan play, adapting to new signings & captaincy criticism: substack.com/@aaronjaffe/no…

🚨 Andre Onana not involved for Manchester United against Arsenal. 29yo goalkeeper has trained only 3 times since recovering from hamstring injury & working alone at Carrington today. Said to be in good physical shape but not ready for #AFC The Athletic | Football nytimes.com/athletic/live-…

And so it begins… #AFC

CALAFIORI!!!

These half-time interviews are rather strange. Odegaard mentioning that “it’s been a bit too hectic at times” and that “we need to control it a bit better.” #AFC

It certainly wasn’t pretty and there’s still so many things to work on. #AFC were nowhere near effective on counter attacks and getting Gyokeres involved. But it’s an away win at Old Trafford, and the three points are so crucial. Onto Leeds next week — which is so different.

Mikel Arteta: “Big result! When you feel that they are building something special with momentum and new signings and they want to kick on the season and you are able to come away with the win. Very happy and proud of the team.” #AFC

Arteta on record at Old Trafford: “I think that was the case. I think 18 or 22 years here at Old Trafford without a win before I came. And now I go in the dressing room, we won here in the first game, and we are still not happy. [It is a] good sign.” #AFC

Arteta: “The team has to find that resilience throughout the season for 10 months in different contexts to be able to do that [win games]. Of course we have to improve a lot of things and that will happen very soon.” #AFC

A reminder that there is plenty of #AFC involvement in 2025 PFA Awards tonight. Declan Rice up for the men’s POTY, Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo for women’s POTY, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri for the young POTY and Olivia Smith for the women’s young POTY.

Olivia Smith is the PFA Young Player of the Year. 🏆 #PFAawards

Norgaard missing GW1, Zubimendi with a late recovery from sickness to make Sunday’s game, Havertz set for a spell out by GW2 - an absolutely bonkers start to 25/26 for #AFC.

Latest round of #PL fixture amendments are out for October. One change for #AFC: Fulham vs Arsenal on Saturday October 18 moved to 5.30pm kick-off - selected for Sky Sports coverage.

Nothing like a transfer announcement excitement after a six-hour flight. Nothing. #AFC