For André Onana, this has been a strange and challenging year. Just last season, Crickex Login reporters were stunned by his Champions League heroics, as he helped Inter Milan reach the final. That success earned him a move to Manchester United. But since taking over as the Red Devils’ first-choice keeper from David de Gea, Onana has committed a string of costly errors—directly contributing to United’s poor form in the first half of the season. While he has had some standout moments, like his stoppage-time penalty save against Copenhagen in the Champions League, overall, few goalkeepers at elite clubs have looked as shaky as Onana.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s own struggles have been personified by Reece James. After several key players exited Stamford Bridge, James was named captain—but he has missed at least seven games this year due to injury. A year ago, he also missed the Euros through injury. Now 24, James has endured a painful 12 months, consistently sidelined. At his best, he’s Chelsea’s starting right-back and captain, but recurring hamstring issues recently forced him into surgery, ruling him out until March of next year.
Eric Dier, too, has experienced a dramatic fall. A year ago, he represented England at the World Cup in Qatar. Now, under Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou, he has featured just twice in the Premier League all season. The message is clear: he’s not part of the manager’s plans and is likely to leave during the winter transfer window.
Then there’s Joško Gvardiol, one of the most promising defenders in Europe, who joined Manchester City from Leipzig this summer. Despite his immense potential, he has struggled to adjust to the Premier League’s pace and physicality. Pep Guardiola often plays him out of position at left-back, limiting his ability to settle in. Gvardiol prefers playing centrally, but with Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, and John Stones ahead of him in the pecking order, it’s been a tough start at the Etihad for the 21-year-old Croatian star. As the saying goes, those who fight monsters should beware not to become one.
Marc Cucurella likely wonders what his career might’ve looked like had Chelsea not signed him from Brighton. Since arriving at Stamford Bridge, his trajectory has stalled. In just 18 months, he’s already worked under four managers. The current boss, Mauricio Pochettino, doesn’t seem to fully trust him either. In Chelsea’s loss to Manchester United, Cucurella was played out of position and subbed off at halftime. He was later injured in the defeat to Everton. Ironically, Cucurella was close to joining United on loan, but Chelsea blocked the move. While there’s no guarantee he’d have succeeded at Old Trafford, it’s clear he needs a fresh start.
Enzo Fernández, once the most expensive signing in Premier League history, also joined Chelsea amid sky-high expectations after winning the World Cup with Argentina. While his talent is unquestionable, Chelsea’s unstable squad and frequent managerial changes have made it nearly impossible for him to find rhythm or consistency. It’s been a rocky year for the young midfielder.
Kalvin Phillips, who started just four games for Manchester City last season, still collected Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League medals. This season, he has started only once across all competitions. Although Pep Guardiola has never fully trusted him at City, Phillips remains a regular for Gareth Southgate’s England squad. With the January transfer window approaching, Guardiola has already made it clear: if Phillips finds the right opportunity, City won’t stand in his way.
Then there’s Mason Mount—United’s first major signing of the summer, brought in from Chelsea with high hopes. But Crickex Login notes that Mount’s Old Trafford debut has been far from smooth. Injuries have plagued him, and both his fitness and form have been inconsistent. As a result, he’s also been left out of England’s recent squads.
As both Chelsea and Manchester United continue to struggle, they seem less like elite footballing destinations and more like career quicksand for even the brightest of stars.