Man Utd’s fixtures for next season were recently confirmed, and Michael Carrick’s side have been handed a favourable start to the campaign.

The worst was feared when Manuel Ugarte was carried off the pitch on a stretcher during Uruguay’s clash with Spain at the World Cup.

Ugarte looked distraught, pulling his shirt over his head as the stretcher left the pitch. On Sunday, Manchester United confirmed he had suffered a knee ligament injury, and that an assessment of the injury was ongoing.

The club did not confirm whether ⁠Ugarte injured his anterior cruciate or medial collateral ligament, but he described his injury as “the most serious injury a footballer can face” on social media, suggesting it is his ACL.

Ugarte wrote: “Suffering the most serious injury a footballer can face in one of the most important matches in my country’s history, and seeing it end this way without being able to stay on the pitch and support my teammates until the final whistle, is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

“Hitting rock bottom will make me stronger in every sense, and I truly believe that’s the case here. Without a doubt, when life wants you to stop, it finds a way to let you know. It’s up to me to take the positives from this. Success in life is about starting again every time you fall.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Uruguay and United for being there for me from the moment it happened. A huge thank you as well to my family, my friends, and everyone who has sent me messages of support during this time.”

A torn ACL is a far more serious injury than an MCL tear. Ugarte could miss around 10 months of action due to the injury, which essentially rules him out for the majority of the 2026/27 season.

The injury is made worse by the crossroads Ugarte had reached. He was counting down the days until the World Cup, relishing the chance to represent Uruguay after receiving limited minutes at United, but a dream opportunity to play on the biggest stage has ended as a nightmare.

Ugarte was pencilled in for an exit from Old Trafford this summer. He needed a fresh start, a clean slate abroad after a difficult spell in England, but the injury denies him the chance to transfer to another club.

The injury could have an impact on United’s transfer plans this summer. The Reds have agreed a deal for Ederson and are pushing to make another midfield signing, but a replacement would also be sought if Ugarte was sold.

United can’t sell Ugarte due to his injury, but they are going to be a body light in midfield with the Uruguayan sidelined, meaning a third signing will still be needed.

At this stage, it looks like Kobbie Mainoo, a new signing, Ederson, Mason Mount, and Tyler Fletcher will be the midfield options, so a further addition makes sense ahead of a 60-game-plus season.

Fletcher’s breakthrough into the first team last season was timely. The talented academy graduate has the quality to contribute to the squad next season, but bringing in another senior midfielder would add much-needed cover.

United could look to sign a cheap third midfielder, someone with Premier League experience who wouldn’t break the bank, perhaps a player entering the winter of their career.

The signing would be a means to an end. They would be near the bottom of the midfield pecking order, but finding a player with that profile, a good character who would be willing to accept that sort of role, isn’t easy.

That’s without mentioning that United have to be careful with their budget in the transfer market. A third midfield signing could be signed as cheaply as possible, but at the end of the day, a permanent deal would still cost a fee.

The Reds may feel they need to focus on other areas of the squad. That could lead club chiefs to consider the loan market for a midfield signing, although players available for loan tend to be available for a reason.

United have done so in the past with mixed success. Odion Ighalo was a reasonable success, Marcel Sabitzer was decent, and the less said about Wout Weghorst’s stint the better. Sofyan Amrabat offered very little aside from a stellar display in the 2024 FA Cup final, while Sergio Reguilon was a pointless signing.

Relying on the loan market is far from ideal, but United might have to consider a temporary signing.

Man Utd may need another signing in midfield and Chelsea might have pointed the way with an unexpected move for another Premier League player.

While Manchester United are waiting to find out the full extent of Manuel Ugarte’s knee ligament injury, it looks certain that Michael Carrick will be without him for the majority of next season as he looks to reshape his midfield.

Ugarte could have been sold this summer to fund a third midfield arrival, but that option is now off the table and United might have to head back to the drawing board in the centre of the pitch.

They continue to work on a deal for Mateus Fernandes, but if they reach an agreement with West Ham, who will need to lower their £85million asking price first, they will still be heading into next season with a young, relatively inexperienced midfield.

It could be that Fernandes partners Kobbie Mainoo, but that would put together two 21-year-olds in the centre of the pitch. United have agreed a deal to sign Ederson, who turns 27 next month, but he hasn’t played in the Premier League before.

Beyond that, Mason Mount played in a deeper role towards the end of last season, but has had injury issues during his Old Trafford career, while 19-year-old Tyler Fletcher is probably next cab off the rank from the academy.

Given those options, United will almost certainly feel they need a third midfielder for a season that sees them competing on four fronts and looks more likely to feature 60 games than the 40 they have just played. The question is how they go about that.

They will receive around £6.4million in compensation from FIFA for Ugarte’s injury, as it occurred during the World Cup, but that won’t go far. United could look for a loan move as a short-term option, but the players available for that kind of deal would be limited.

Perhaps there is a solution within the Premier League. Chelsea have had an £8million bid for Granit Xhaka rejected by Sunderland, with the 33-year-old reportedly keen to reunite with his former Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso.

Xhaka enjoyed a sensational season with the Black Cats and remains an excellent Premier League midfielder. He could slot into one of those two deep roles in United’s midfield and bring leadership to what could be a young group of midfielders.

He was Sunderland’s captain last season and played in all but four of their Premier League games, helping to drive the club to an unexpected seventh-place finish. When he was fit, he played almost every minute for the club.

Alonso is keen to have Xhaka with him again after praising his leadership at Leverkusen, and that is an area United might need to look at this summer, with Casemiro’s departure leaving a void in that department, especially in the middle of the pitch.

A deal for Xhaka might not excite supporters, but it could make an awful lot of sense now that United must do without Ugarte, who can’t play for the club, but can’t be sold either.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

Advertisement

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

Manchester United’s summer transfer window is well underway with Michael Carrick’s first full season as manager looming

Michael Carrick has fewer than two months until his first complete campaign as Manchester United manager gets underway. And the club will undoubtedly support him in the summer transfer market.

Under Carrick’s leadership, United’s squad is set for significant changes this summer. Casemiro’s exit has already created a void that requires addressing. Brazilian midfielder Ederson will partially fill this gap, with his arrival scheduled following a medical in early July.

However, another of United’s summer objectives has been derailed. Manuel Ugarte was anticipated to be offloaded, but he sustained a serious knee injury while representing Uruguay at World Cup 2026.

A summer departure now appears improbable, though United will still be entitled to substantial compensation for this injury as the Manchester Evening News examines the latest transfer developments from Old Trafford.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

Manuel Ugarte compensation

Ugarte picked up a serious knee injury during Uruguay’s final group stage encounter against Spain in Guadalajara shortly before the interval. He was stretchered off in tears as his nation suffered a 1-0 defeat and were eliminated.

Early evaluations suggest this is a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, potentially ruling him out for approximately 9 to 12 months. While the injury hampers United’s summer transfer strategy, it activates a significant financial protection mechanism through FIFA’s Club Protection Programme (CPP).

This scheme functions as a global insurance arrangement intended to shield club sides from the economic strain of compensating players who sustain injuries while on official international duty. FIFA’s policy only becomes active once a player has been ruled out for more than 28 consecutive days owing to an international match incident.

After that 28-day period elapses, FIFA takes on the obligation of covering the player’s basic club wages, worked out at a daily rate until they receive medical clearance to resume full training. The scheme limits coverage at roughly £6.5million per player, per injury, which corresponds to a maximum weekly payment threshold of £120,000.

Since Ugarte’s weekly earnings at Old Trafford stand precisely at that £120k figure, FIFA will essentially cover his complete basic wage throughout his rehabilitation. United will collect approximately £6.5m in reimbursement if he is genuinely absent for the projected timeframe.

Juan Mata becomes owner

Meanwhile, former United player Juan Mata is set to take on an ownership stake at Melbourne Victory, the A-League outfit he presently represents.

The club has formally confirmed that the World Cup winner has committed to becoming a shareholder, with a non-playing role commencing following the conclusion of his playing days.

Mata said: “Australian football has a future I genuinely believe in. From the moment I arrived at Melbourne Victory, I’ve felt the passion of this Club and the potential of the A-Leagues, and I want to be part of building what comes next – not just for a season, but for the long term.

“I have enjoyed so much this past season on the pitch, and committing to Victory as a shareholder is the natural next step. I want to thank everyone associated with the Club and across Australian football for the way they’ve welcomed me.”

Thousands of Man United fans upgraded their matchday last season. This is how they did it.

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Various Prices

Seat Unique

Advertisement

Buy official packages at Seat Unique

Official premium experiences at Old Trafford are available now for the 26/27 Premier League season. Make it easier than ever to turn a regular fixture into something genuinely unforgettable.

Germany used to own World Cup penalty shootouts. On early Tuesday morning, Paraguay took that piece of history away from them in Boston.

In the biggest upset of the 2026 Fifa World Cup so far, Paraguay beat Germany 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in their Round of 32 match, sending the four-time champions out and reaching the Round of 16 for the first time since 2010.

Jose Canale scored the decisive sudden-death penalty after a chaotic shootout in which Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill made two crucial saves. For Germany, the defeat was historic and brutal. It was their first World Cup penalty shootout loss, ending a reputation built on decades of cold precision from the spot.

For Paraguay, ranked lower than Germany and beaten 4-1 by the USA in the group stage, it was a night that will sit among their finest World Cup memories.

Paraguay strike first, Germany respond

Germany, ranked 12th in the world, dominated much of the first half at Gillette Stadium but struggled to turn possession into clear chances. Paraguay, ranked 33rd, waited, absorbed pressure and then struck through a moment of German defensive failure.

It was Paraguay’s first goal in the knockout stage of a World Cup. It was also another troubling entry in Germany’s recent defensive record: they have now conceded in 10 consecutive World Cup matches.

Tah’s disallowed goal changes the mood

The match became the first of this World Cup to go to extra time, and Germany thought they had completed the turnaround in the first half of the additional period.

Jonathan Tah headed in what looked like a potentially decisive goal, but referee Jalal Jayed ruled it out after a VAR review. The intervention centred on Waldemar Anton’s contact with Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill.

The decision left Germany furious. Both coaches were booked in the aftermath, and the debate around the call will linger. In real time, the referee had allowed play to continue and the players were ready for the restart before VAR recommended a review.

Penalty kings lose their crown

Germany had scored each of their previous 15 World Cup penalties before this shootout. They had also won their previous four World Cup penalty shootouts. That aura disappeared quickly.

Gill saved Germany’s first kick from Havertz, and Mauricio scored to give Paraguay the lead. Joshua Kimmich rolled in Germany’s next effort to make it 1-1, before Gustavo Gomez restored Paraguay’s advantage.

Paraguay had a chance to win it, but Antonio Sanabria shot wide. Nadiem Amiri then made it 3-3, before Neuer kept Germany alive by saving from Fabian Balbuena.

The momentum seemed to have turned. Instead, it turned again.

Tah, whose extra-time header had already been disallowed, sent his penalty high over the bar. Canale then stepped up and blasted in the winner, sending Neuer the wrong way and Paraguay into the Round of 16.

A shock by ranking and reputation

This was not just a dramatic knockout result. By ranking gap, it was among the biggest World Cup knockout shocks since the introduction of the Fifa rankings.

Paraguay were ranked 41st before the tournament, while Germany were 10th, making it a 31-place gap. According to the ranking comparison provided, it is the fourth-biggest knockout-stage upset by ranking difference since the 1994 World Cup, the first edition after the introduction of Fifa rankings.

The result is also the first major upset of this World Cup knockout stage because a lower-ranked team knocked out one of the tournament’s traditional heavyweights.

Almiron and Enciso write Paraguay history

Paraguay’s goal had a story behind it.

Almiron had nearly lost his chance to make an impact at this World Cup after being sent off in first-half stoppage time against Turkey for breaching Fifa’s new rule against covering the mouth with a hand or shirt during a heated exchange. The offence was treated as unsporting behaviour rather than a severe verbal offence, and he served a one-match ban in the final group game against Australia.

Had Paraguay been eliminated before this match, that suspension would have ended his tournament. Instead, he returned against Germany and helped create the most important goal of Paraguay’s campaign.

Enciso, too, had almost missed the tournament. The 22-year-old was taken off in distress during the final warm-up friendly against Nicaragua, raising fears of a tournament-ending hamstring injury. He recovered in time and became a livewire against Germany, carrying Paraguay up the pitch in the opening minutes and later heading in the goal that pushed Germany into discomfort.

Nagelsmann’s calls under scrutiny

Julian Nagelsmann made his boldest selection calls of the tournament before kick-off. Musiala was left out of the starting line-up, Deniz Undav came in, and Germany shifted towards something close to a 4-4-2.

The idea was to create more chances and offer better protection when possession was lost. Germany did look more stable for stretches, but only to a point. Their defending remained vulnerable, and Paraguay’s goal was far too easy in construction.

Nagelsmann eventually had to move back towards his more familiar shape. Leon Goretzka replaced Felix Nmecha and brought more physical presence to midfield. Musiala later came on for Undav, who did not make the most of his chance.

The equaliser came from Wirtz and Havertz, with Havertz producing a strong header. But Germany never found enough rhythm or force to put Paraguay away.

The questions will now come hard. Why did Leroy Sane continue to start despite limited output? Should Kimmich have played in midfield? Was the double-six combination of Aleksandar Pavlovic and Nmecha worth persisting with when the side appeared overly technical and short of physical edge?

Germany’s World Cup decline continues

The defeat fits a wider pattern.

When Germany beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the 2014 World Cup final, they were at the peak of modern tournament football. Since 2002, they had finished second, third, third and then first across four World Cups. Their 7-1 demolition of Brazil in Belo Horizonte in 2014 had become a symbol of ruthless excellence.

Since that triumph, however, their World Cup record has collapsed.

They failed to get out of the group in 2018 after defeats to Mexico and South Korea. They failed again in Qatar in 2022, losing to Japan, drawing with Spain and not beating Costa Rica by enough to advance on goal difference.

This time, they did get out of the group. But a Round of 32 exit against Paraguay, sealed by their first World Cup shootout defeat, will feel every bit as damaging.

What next for Germany and Paraguay

For Germany, the tournament is over and the scrutiny has only begun. The VAR controversy over Tah’s disallowed header will form part of the debate, but it cannot hide the larger problem. Germany did not create enough, did not defend well enough and did not show the authority expected from a side of their stature.

The press, former players and supporters will now examine every choice, from team selection to tactical structure and the direction of Nagelsmann’s project.

For Paraguay, the story moves in the opposite direction. They are into the Round of 16 for the first time since 2010 and have done it by beating Germany at what used to be Germany’s own game.

Gill was the hero of the shootout. Enciso and Almiron made history in regulation. Canale finished the job under sudden-death pressure.

Several Man Utd players will officially leave the club when their contracts expire today.

Six players are set to leave Manchester United today as their contracts expire, including Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, who will see his four-year spell at Old Trafford come to an end.

United confirmed in January that the 34-year-old wouldn’t be offered a new deal and would leave when his contract expires. They have since confirmed that left-back Tyrell Malacia and winger Jadon Sancho will also depart the club.

That first-team trio all have contracts that expire on June 30. Casemiro is set to join Inter Miami on a free transfer, while Malacia has been weighing up his options after training abroad this month to keep up his fitness.

Borussia Dortmund are reported to be interested in signing Sancho, who has spent the last two-and-a-half years out on loan, firstly back at Dortmund, then at Chelsea and Aston Villa. He played just 83 games for United in five years after joining for £73million.

Casemiro made 160 appearances for United, winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup and cementing his status as a fan favourite. Malacia suffered cruel luck with injuries during his time at Old Trafford and made only three substitute appearances last season.

As well as that first-team trio, academy players Sonny Aljofree, James Bailey and Malachi Sharpe will also leave United when their contracts expire today.

Manchester City have had to pay Chelsea for Enzo Maresca but it is the West London club who may end up counting the cost

It didn’t have the audacity of Antoine Semenyo backheeling in a Wembley winner, or the mic-drop moment of Bunny Shaw announcing in the middle of a parade that she was signing a new deal, but the three statements that accompanied Enzo Maresca’s change of job marked up another Manchester City victory over Chelsea. On and off the pitch, the Blues are continuing to flex their muscles.

Chelsea will count the words on Monday and the figure – at least £17million – that they have picked up for Maresca as a success, and they are right to do so. The very fact that Maresca and City both posted reflected that, for they certainly would not have done if the West London club had not insisted on it as part of the compensation agreement thrashed out over the last few weeks.

That does look a small victory in the context of the war waged by City to defend and protect their interests as one of the leading football clubs. Maresca made Chelsea world champions 12 months ago but has now been picked out as the man to maintain and sharpen City’s edge.

The words and money issued after confirmation of Maresca’s appointment by City roughly tell how an eventful year unfolded. The Blues approached Maresca about the possibility of succeeding Guardiola without any firm possibilities, he then told Chelsea (as he was contractually obliged to do) and despite also inviting them to offer a new contract they believed that he had made his mind up and wanted out.

Trust was lost and the situation exploded in a matter of weeks, leaving Maresca out of a job by January. As he has rejuvenated and sunned himself in the Maldives while taking meetings with AC Milan and then City to decide on his next job, Chelsea’s season fell apart as they hired and fired another manager and finished so low in the Premier League final standings that they will not play any European football next season.

As much as they can count their money at Stamford Bridge though, they have lost a manager who they could have enticed with a new contract and will not get the sizable funds that English clubs get playing in UEFA competitions next season. City, on the other hand, have landed one of a shortlist no longer than half a dozen of coaches they thought capable of succeeding Guardiola.

It does feel a lot to be paying £17m for a manager, but then at least for City it is not a regular occurrence. Guardiola cost nothing and their last handout to a manager was back in 2013 when they sacked Roberto Mancini and his staff. Chelsea have recouped less for Maresca than they paid Brighton for Graham Potter (£20m) and not far off what they paid Potter to sack him less than a year later (£13m); Manchester United paid £11m to hire Ruben Amorim after paying £10.4m for sacking Erik Ten Hag, and have set aside a provision of £15.9m that Amorim could get after his subsequent sacking.

City do not expect to be paying Maresca out, but if £17m and a public statement is what is needed to land them the coach that they want it has been quickly seen as a price worth paying. Considering the influence Maresca will have and the fact that players are valued at as much as £116m, that doesn’t feel terrible value either.

City have paid out for Maresca, but if he lives up to their expectations it will be Chelsea who end up counting the cost of an explosive and expensive episode..

The Minnesota Vikings recently concluded a busy offseason — even if they didn’t sign as many players from free agency as in 2024 and 2025. Mainly, the club acquired a new quarterback and hired a new general manager.

And with training camp about one month away, VikingsTerritory is here to rank the Top 10 offseason transactions. The list is in ascending order (No. 1 = best offseason transaction).

Kyler Murray’s Bargain Deal Headlines a More Disciplined Vikings Offseason

10. Shoring Up OT with Ryan Van Demark and Caleb Tiernan

Christian Darrisaw’s ACL recovery — that began in October 2024 — hasn’t gone swimmingly, though he’s ready for 2026, alas. Brian O’Neill missed games last year, and his contract is set to expire after this season.

So, Minnesota added Van Demark, one of those guys who could start on many NFL teams, and used the “best player available” philosophy on Tiernan, an OT, in Round 3 a couple of months ago. Tiernan is the compensatory pick from Sam Darnold’s free-agent exit, for those keeping score at home.

If Darrisaw and O’Neill miss time, fans don’t have to dive into the deep end of panic. There are two contingency plans.

9. Pulling CB Charles Demmings Out of Round 5

Demmings has already turned heads as a minicamp scrapper; there’s a chance that you glance at the depth chart a year or two from now and see him penciled in as a starter.

The Vikings haven’t successfully drafted a cornerback of any kind since Trae Waynes or Mackensie Alexander — a decade ago — so one is just destined to succeed at some point. That could be Demmings.

It’s also worth noting that Minnesota’s CB depth behind the starters last year was a guy named Jeff Okudah. Now, it’s Demmings and veteran James Pierre. A change of pace of the best kind on defense.

8. Swinging for the Fences for Boom-or-Bust Caleb Banks

Banks represents the Vikings’ ultimate make-or-break prospect for 2026.

Heading into the draft, Minnesota forlornly needed a clear, undisputed win. The front office had endured too many unproductive draft weekends, too many “maybe next year” prospects, and too many picks that appeared better in theory than in reality.

Naturally (sarcasm), the Vikings then drafted a massive Florida defensive tackle who had sustained two foot injuries in seven months.

That encapsulates the current Banks experience. In January, he was considered a legitimate 1st-Round talent. However, a broken foot at the NFL Combine forced every team to re-evaluate the risk associated with his high upside. Minnesota decided the upside was worth the big gamble.

Banks could become the interior force this defense has lacked for years. Conversely, he could prove to be another painful draft miss if his injuries persist or his skills don’t fully translate. There is no middle ground here; it’s an all-or-nothing proposition.

7. MIN Trims Mediocre Dead Weight at DT

Former Vikings boss Kwesi Adofo-Mensah — more on him in a minute — signed Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave in 2025 free agency, two aging defensive tackle solutions that were exciting at the time. Then, they both underachieved in Minnesota. The Vikings did not hunker down and retain mediocre performers; they flipped the script.

Instead of Allen and Hargrave, Minnesota now has Banks and the next guy on this list.

6. DT Domonique Orange the Pick in Round 3

The Vikings have desperately needed a true nose tackle since Linval Joseph left the team six years ago. They found it in Orange, a 3rd-Rounder from Iowa State. So long as Orange can keep veteran Levi Drake Rodriguez at bay this summer at training camp, there’s room for the rookie to start immediately.

Minnesota needed a huge run-stuffer. That’s Orange.

5. No Free Agency Spending Bonanza — Salary Cap Reset

The Vikings adopted a more conservative approach to free agency this year. After aggressive spending in 2024 and 2025, Minnesota exercised significantly more restraint in 2026. The flashier path was certainly an option. Tyler Linderbaum would have generated buzz; Trey Hendrickson would have hyped the fanbase.

Rather, the Vikings prioritized value. Murray signed for a modest contract. Jauan Jennings landed at a reasonable number. The remaining veteran additions followed the same pattern: useful players and manageable salaries.

The approach won’t win any offseason headline contests. Yet, it provides the Vikings with more flexibility, especially next offseason.

Minnesota spent with discipline. For the Vikings, after the past few years, it was a plot twist.

4. James Pierre Added as CB3 Insurance

Pierre tabulated an 86.8 Pro Football Focus grade in 2025. His predecessor in Minnesota, the aforementioned Okudah, logged a 32.8.

That should tell you all you need to know about this CB3 upgrade.

3. Vikings Put Foot Down, Fire Kwesi Adofo-Mensah

Adofo-Mensah’s dismissal was hardly a surprise. His draft record had become a sinful liability, and the Sam Darnold debacle did him no favors. After four largely underwhelming draft classes, the Vikings had a clear rationale for a front office reset.

The timing, though, was weird. Minnesota could have made the move the day after the regular season, immediately entering the general manager market and conducting a standard search. But the Vikings waited until late January, creating a strange four-month limbo period with Rob Brzezinski temporarily in charge.

Perhaps it will all work out in the end, and the plan made more sense internally than it appeared externally. Nevertheless, the calendar made the entire situation jarring.

2. It’s Jauan Jennings at WR3

For a while, signing Jennings seemed like a long shot for Minnesota in free agency.

Initial reports suggested he sought WR2 money, which could easily reach $25 million. At that price point, the Vikings would have had no choice but to pass. Lo and behold, he signed with the Vikings.

Jennings’ actual deal with Minnesota features an $8 million base salary, with incentives that could increase it to $13 million. For a team already featuring Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, Jennings provides the Vikings with a gritty, chain-moving WR3 who excels in San Francisco for years.

1. Kyler Murray Signs on the Dotted Line

Murray’s arrival in Minnesota was initially anticipated to be a major hurdle. At the start of the offseason, it seemed the Vikings would need to trade for him or win a bidding war if Arizona ever made him available. Then, the Cardinals simply cut him.

From that point, the process unfolded with surprising speed and minimal drama.

Murray had a few Zoom calls and signed with the Vikings almost instantly. Fans didn’t even get the full soap opera: Murray became available, and the deal was done.

Now, the Vikings have a quarterback with 4,000-yard and 30-touchdown potential on a $1.3 million contract. If he succeeds, it could be the best bargain in American sports. Minnesota also might’ve stumbled into its starting quarterback for the next several seasons.

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker