All posts by h716a5.icu

Jaffer: CSK look 'rattled', their batters are not even 'trying'

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Jaffer said that CSK shut shop too quickly if Shivam Dube falls in chases

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Apr-20252:46

Jaffer: ‘If top order doesn’t fire, CSK shut shop early’

Wasim Jaffer believes Chennai Super Kings (CSK) look “rattled” in IPL 2025, adding that their batting order doesn’t even “look like they’re trying” once Shivam Dube gets out. Mark Boucher, meanwhile, feels things are not “happening the way it used to before” for the side. In the 184-run chase against Delhi Capitals (DC) at Chepauk, CSK’s batters once again misfired as they suffered their third consecutive loss of the season.”They’re losing too many wickets upfront,” Jaffer said on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show. “Whether it’s form or poor shot selection, whether it’s selection alone, and maybe throwing around too many players and those players might be feeling like, ‘I don’t know if I’m in or out’, and that could be something we’re not used to when looking at a Chennai team. Usually, they’re stable, a good decision-making team and franchise. The team is like they’re a bit rattled at the moment.”With captain Ruturaj Gaikwad dropping himself to No. 3, CSK opened with Rachin Ravindra and Rahul Tripathi in the first three games. But with Tripathi making a total of just 30 runs, he was replaced by Devon Conway. The move did not pay off against DC, with the top-three batters falling inside the powerplay, which brought in Shivam Dube while they needed 143 runs at an asking rate close to ten runs an over. But after Dube fell for 18 in the tenth over, CSK found it hard to get going.Related

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“If their top order doesn’t fire and Dube gets out, it looks like they shut shop very quickly,” Jaffer said. “They feel really, really behind the game and it doesn’t even look like they’re trying. That approach has been the most surprising to me; it’s twice in two games, where they shut shop too early. That’s a major concern for CSK.”Dube’s dismissal was followed by an 84-run stand between MS Dhoni and Vijay Shankar, but they didn’t look like they would get close to chasing down the target. They were risk-averse, scoring just three fours and a six between overs ten and 18.This was CSK’s second faltered chase at home. They suffered a 50-run loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), where they were reduced to 26 for 3 in the fifth over after conceding 196 for 7. They also failed to chase 183 against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Guwahati, falling six runs short after batting out 20 overs.They have also used 17 players this season – more than they did in the entirety of the 2015 (14) and 2021 (16) IPL editions.”Their top order is really struggling,” Boucher said. “And we talk about your lower order which has been historically very strong and finishing off games, the [Ravindra] Jadejas, the Dhonis – the Dhoni little cameos that they usually have – they’re walking in just after ten overs. So, there’s a lot left to do from just a batsmanship perspective, and that’s where they’re getting it wrong.””The players that they had picked in the auction before – they picked Ajinkya Rahane, Robin Uthappa, [Ambati] Rayudu who are way past their prime – and they came and performed,” Jaffer said. “But that is not happening with this CSK: they picked Tripathi, they picked Deepak Hooda, and even Vijay Shankar. But things are not happening the way it used to.”

Not Dyche or Gerrard: Rangers should axe Martin for future "elite manager"

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Russell Martin has survived another day as Rangers manager.

On Saturday, the Gers reached the League Cup quarter-finals, managing to win 2-0 at Ibrox, although a Glasgow derby at Hampden on 2 November is probably far from what they need right now.

The question though still remains; will Martin be in charge by then?

Well, to avoid becoming the shortest-serving permanent manager in Rangers’ history, breaking Pedro Caixinha’s record, Martin would still need to be at the helm for the visit of Braga in the Europa League on 27 November, which appears unlikely considering he is yet to win a Premiership match in five attempts, leaving them second-bottom, ahead of Sunday’s trip to Almondvale.

Thus, surely 49ers Enterprises, who took over the club in the summer, are considering potential replacements, so a future “elite manager” should be top of their wish list, not the obvious front-runners.

The favourites to replace Russell Martin at Rangers

Ever since it became clear that Martin was not going to last particularly long in Govan, amid widespread protests against him and chief executive officer Patrick Stewart present throughout the weekend win over Hibs, two obvious front-runners have emerged, both with Merseyside connections.

Steven Gerrard would be the populist choice, with many supporters wanting to see him return to Ibrox, having managed the club for 194 matches between 2018 and 2021, re-establishing Rangers as a force in European football, as well as leading them to their sole Premiership title since 2011, stopping Celtic’s pursuit of ten-in-a-row.

A key figure in Gerrard’s success in Glasgow was then-assistant Michael Beale, who returned to Ibrox as manager himself in 2022, lasting just 43 matches before being hounded out.

The pair did briefly reunite in Saudi Arabia, working together at Al-Ettifaq before Gerrard was unceremoniously sacked in January, so could the 49ers get the band back together?

The other leading candidate is Sean Dyche, who has also been out of work since January, dismissed by Everton earlier this year.

Having taken charge of 557 games as a manager, of which 332 have come in the Premier League, the former Burnley boss is surely one of the most experienced coaches Rangers could attract, and he has proven himself adept at getting the best out of whatever he has to work with, something the current occupant of the Ibrox hot seat certainly is not doing.

However, rather than playing it safe, Rangers should be bold and appoint a future “elite manager” who is currently out of work.

Rangers' dream Russell Martin successor

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Jordi Cruijff, son of the legendary Johan, asserted that “all the best managers were midfielders”, a claim supported by a study from The Athletic, which found that ‘almost half of coaches with a professional playing background were midfielders’.

Well, a man looking to reinforce that stereotype is Michael Carrick – formerly tipped to replace Gerrard in the hot seat by Charlie Adam back in 2021.

After spending 12 years at Manchester United as a player, he retired in 2018 and worked under José Mourinho and then Ole Gunnar Solskjær as an assistant coach, placed in interim charge for three matches in 2021, overseeing victories over Villarreal and Arsenal, as well as a draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

After leaving Old Trafford, Carrick returned to the North East, where he was born and raised, appointed Middlesbrough manager in October 2024.

As the table below documents, his time on Teeside was generally pretty successful.

Matches

136

Wins

63

Draws

24

Defeats

49

Goals scored

220

Goals conceded

177

22/23 league finish

4th

23/24 league finish

8th

24/25 league finish

10th

Best EFL Cup run

Semis

As outlined by the table, Carrick led Boro into the Championship play-offs in his first season, having taken over with the side 21st, before they were beaten 1-0 by Coventry City in the semi-finals.

He also guided them to the EFL Cup semi-finals, actually defeating Chelsea 1-0 in the first leg at the Riverside, but eighth and then tenth place finishes in the Championship saw him sacked and replaced by Rob Edwards during the summer, who has made a flying start in fairness, with Middlesbrough currently top of the table.

Nevertheless, Carrick earned plenty of praise, labelled a future “elite manager” by one analyst, while Jack Manship of Total Football Analysis was impressed by his ‘eye-catching’ brand of football, praising Boro’s ‘organisation’ and ability to attack quickly.

Meantime, Solskjær has backed Carrick to be a future Manchester United manager one day, describing him as a “winner”, forecasting he will be a top-class coach in the near future.

Thus, while Carrick is out of work, Rangers should surely do everything they can to convince him to take over in Glasgow, successfully taking a chance on Gerrard back in 2018, even more of a rookie himself at the time, so a young coach with fresh ideas is surely exactly what they need.

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ByBen Gray Sep 24, 2025

Chelsea women's player ratings vs Tottenham: Keira Walsh to the rescue! England star's brilliant strike pierces resolute Spurs as Alyssa Thompson impresses again

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Keira Walsh's stunning strike gave Chelsea a 1-0 win over Tottenham on Sunday as the defending Women's Super League champions maintained their position at the top of the table. The Blues huffed and puffed a lot in this game, producing a lot of nice build-up play without the incisive final ball. And so, up stepped Walsh just past the hour mark to rifle an effort from range into the bottom corner of Lize Kop's goal and secure all three points in some style.

No fixture in WSL history has a more dominant head-to-head than this one, with Chelsea having won all 11 meetings between the two sides ahead of this game. That disparity was evident in the way the afternoon unfolded, too, with Spurs constantly pinned back in their own defensive third as the Blues peppered the box with crosses and attempted passes. However, despite a record number of corners and touches in the opposition's box for the first half in a WSL game, Sonia Bompastor's side failed to really trouble Kop in the away goal. It wasn't until the second half, when Alyssa Thompson curled an effort on target, that the Tottenham goalkeeper was really forced into action.

It wasn't long after that, though, that she was beaten. Chelsea cranked up the pressure after the break and showcased better decision-making in key areas, carving out a chance for Thompson from close range which was well-blocked. But it was actually from range that the opening goal would be scored, as Walsh lined up a shot from 25 yards and rifled it into the bottom corner brilliantly.

Once the net rippled, the result felt secure, with Spurs having defended excellently but done little to trouble Hannah Hampton. There would be one a heart-in-mouth moment for the home fans, when Hampton uncharacteristically lost possession in a dangerous area, but it was a situation from which Chelsea escaped unscathed as they saw the victory out in an otherwise comfortable fashion, making it five wins from their first six WSL games and extending their unbeaten run in the competition to 31 matches, the second longest streak in competition history.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Kingsmeadow…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Hannah Hampton (6/10):

Didn't have much to do. Was good in possession, bar a sloppy error midway through the second half that, fortunately for her, went unpunished.

Ellie Carpenter (7/10):

Another fantastic display in defence and attack. Linked up well with Rytting Kaneryd to cause Spurs plenty of problems down their left.

Millie Bright (6/10):

Dominant in her duels and good in her positioning to prevent Spurs from having any joy on the counter.

Nathalie Bjorn (6/10):

Battled well when called into action, though that wasn't too often.

Niamh Charles (6/10):

Got just under an hour under her belt on her return from injury. Was solid in possession and won plenty of her duels.

AdvertisementMidfield

Keira Walsh (7/10):

Tidy on the ball at the base of midfield and won the game with her terrific strike.

Erin Cuthbert (8/10):

Never stopped in a typical all-action performance. Won so many duels and was excellent in possession.

Wieke Kaptein (5/10):

Had a fantastic chance to break the deadlock in first half stoppage time but didn't connect with the cross well enough. 

Attack

Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (7/10):

Caused plenty of problems with her direct running and ability to get in behind. Became more accurate with her final ball as the game went on.

Aggie Beever-Jones (6/10):

Worked hard off the ball and produced some nice touches in and around the box. Didn't get much service, however.

Alyssa Thompson (7/10):

Alongside Rytting Kaneryd, was one of Chelsea's liveliest players for most of the game, forcing Kop into her first meaningful save in the game. Final ball could've been better, though it did improve.

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Subs & Manager

Catarina Macario (5/10):

Couldn't impact the game too much on this occasion, though it wasn't for a lack of trying.

Veerle Buurman (6/10):

Slotted in nicely on the left. Wasn't racing up and down the wing but did help recycle possession and keep the pressure on Spurs with her quality in possession.

Guro Reiten (N/A):

Ensured Chelsea's threat out wide remained until the end, picking up the baton nicely from Thompson.

Sam Kerr (N/A):

Another late sub whose presence and quality on the ball kept Spurs pinned back.

Lucy Bronze (N/A):

Made her first appearance of the season in the closing minutes, after overcoming injury.

Sonia Bompastor (6/10):

Will want to see more cutting edge from her team in the final third, especially after similar issues plagued them in a 1-1 draw with Twente in midweek, but will have been pleased with how that improved in the second half as well as other aspects of this win, not least the fact she was able to get Bronze and Charles back from injury. Didn't panic at 0-0 and trusted her side to get the job done, which they did.

Jordan Cox suffers injury scare while scoring century against Somerset

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Essex batter retires hurt on 103 two days after being called up for England’s Test against Zimbabwe

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay04-May-2025Jordan Cox suffered an injury concern while celebrating his latest England call-up with a century for Essex on the third day of their Rothesay County Championship match with Somerset at Taunton.The 24-year-old fell to the ground clutching his left side just above the hip after taking a quick single off Jack Leach to put him on 99. He had been feeling the same area while batting and remained prostrate while being treated before being helped to his feet.Related

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Cox stayed at the wicket just long enough to hit a boundary off Leach and reach his ton at which point he immediately retired hurt. He took no further part in the Essex second innings and was replaced in the field when Somerset batted.Essex’s captain, Tom Westley, confirmed the extent of the injury at the close of play.”Jordan has a problem with his side, which our medical staff are in the process of assessing,” he said. “Unfortunately, because it is a Sunday it has not been possible to get the injury scanned. Hopefully, that will happen as soon as possible tomorrow and we will know a lot more then.”He played a tremendous innings and it was a shame he was not able to go on.”A broken finger forced Cox to miss England’s tour to New Zealand last year. On Friday he was recalled to the squad for the Test match against Zimbabwe later this month.The England squad are expected to assemble in London next week before a training camp in Loughborough leading into the four-day Test, which will be played at Trent Bridge on May 22-25. The encounter will be England’s first Test against Zimbabwe since 2003.

Labuschagne faces vital outing in search for form

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

He missed out twice against Northamptonshire ahead of the selectors needing to decide the make-up of Australia’s top three

Andrew McGlashan22-May-2025How important will events in Cardiff over the next four days prove to Australia’s plans for the World Test Championship final? After his twin failures against Northamptonshire, Marnus Labuschagne has one more outing, against Middlesex, to find some form before decision day draws closer for the selectors over the make-up of the batting order.With Cameron Green’s strong showing against Kent, it feels like his recall for the final against South Africa is becoming increasingly assured even though he won’t be able to bowl. Therefore, the last call to make – providing Beau Webster’s overs are wanted and Josh Hazlewood’s shoulder doesn’t become an issue – would appear to be between Labuschagne and Sam Konstas, with Josh Inglis an outside option given chair of selectors George Bailey put his name in the mix. Whoever gets the nod will be Usman Khawaja’s opening partner.Related

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It may be that the selectors are not swayed massively by what happens in a pair of County Championship matches but Labuschagne, while being an incumbent Test player with an average of 46.76 and 11 hundreds, is not coming into the debate from a position of strength. His Test figure in this WTC cycle is 28.33 with just one century which came 29 innings ago against England during the 2023 Ashes; his last hundred in all first-class cricket was in June 2024.There was a similarity in his pair of dismissals against Northamptonshire last week: squared up and edging to third slip, firstly against fellow Australian Harry Conway, who has recently lost his state contract, and then to Ben Sanderson in a small chase. There wasn’t much to gain with Glamorgan needing 66 to win, but the chance of red-inker 30 went missing. As the catch was taken, Labuschagne lingered at the crease with the expression of someone pondering his lot.The selectors will deliberate long and hard before moving Labuschagne aside. Even when not at his best, the three half-centuries against India last season all came at crucial stages of the series. Unlike Konstas, Labuschagne also has considerable experience batting in England. But it would continue a strange time at the top of Australia’s order if they opt to effectively manufacture another opener.

“I do think it’s a role that more people could do,” Bailey said when the squad was announced. “I know there is a prevailing thought it is a specialised role. In certain conditions, there’s opportunities at different times that guys could do it.”For Green, meanwhile, another lengthy stay at the crease was a significant box ticked after a long period sidelined following his back surgery last October and there were no signs of the cramp he suffered during his debut century. His last outing will be against Northamptonshire, where Conway will no doubt be keen for another big-name scalp.”Fantastic to see him get some runs, but just also his ability to back up innings to innings and match to match,” Bailey said last week. I think he pulled up pretty sore after his first innings, having not played for a little while.”So he’ll get better and better as he does that. We know he’s a quality player, we know he’s a proven performer also, so whether and how many runs he gets are not necessarily as much of a concern as him getting some match play under his belt.”Those players who have remained in Australia, which include Konstas, have had another training camp in Brisbane this week ahead of flying to the UK. A clip posted on Cricket Australia’s social media during the week showed Konstas facing Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon.Hazlewood has been spending time rehabbing his shoulder ahead of a potential return to the IPL for the playoffs while Starc opted not to head back to the tournament when it resumed.

Harry Kane's rousing World Cup 2026 speech to England team-mates revealed by Thomas Tuchel after Three Lions secure spot

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

England manager Thomas Tuchel has revealed how captain Harry Kane delivered a rousing speech to his team-mates after Tuesday's emphatic 5-0 win over Latvia in World Cup qualifying. Kane scored twice in the win as the Three Lions booked their place at World Cup 2026 with two games to spare. Tuchel's side also have a perfect record in qualifying so far, winning all six games and are yet to concede a single goal.

England heading to the World Cup

England became the first European nation to book their spot at World Cup 2026 after beating Latvia in Riga. Tuchel has enjoyed a flawless start as England boss since taking over from Sir Gareth Southgate and will now be targeting glory in North America, Mexico, and Canada next summer. Captain Kane will likely be key to England's hopes of success after adding two more goals to his international collection on Tuesday. That's now 76 from 110 appearances from Kane for England, with his two goals also ensuring another slice of history for the captain as he's now scored more than once for the Three Lions for the 13th time in his career. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportKane's World Cup speech revealed

Kane has been leading by example in World Cup qualifying, scoring six goals in six games for England, but also had some motivational words after his team clinched their spot in next summer's tournament. Tuchel revealed how he spoke to his team-mates after the victory: “I need to enjoy this moment. I can feel it in the dressing-room. It is a very special moment. It’s not daily business that you qualify for a World Cup. We will then think about how this affects our next camp. Harry just gave a speech when he said that everyone will be ready to keep this thing going in November, that no-one will step back and take this thing for granted. They feel they’re building something. Maybe it will give us the chance to try some stuff and manage minutes, but I can assure we will stay competitive no matter how we organise these two (qualifying) matches."

England to experiment ahead of World Cup?

England still have two more games to play in Group K but qualification may allow Tuchel to experiment and rotate his squad. Big names including Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish all missed out on the latest call-up and Tuchel has previously warned his players he is willing to leave some of his most talented players at home as he aims to find the best mix. England's penultimate World Cup qualifier is due to take place on November 13th against Serbia at Wembley before the Three Lions wrap up their campaign away to Andorra three days later.

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Kane looks ahead to World Cup 2026

Kane has already looked ahead to next summer's tournament and feels Tuchel is building an exciting team. He told the : "We’ve had a great start to the qualifying campaign. People just expect us to qualify but you still have to go out there and do it. The performance against Serbia (a 5-0 win in Belgrade last month) was at a really high level and that’s the standard we have to set for all the games going forward. Of course there’ll be tougher games on hopefully that run to winning the World Cup. We’re at the start of a mountain – there’s a long way to climb and there’ll be a lot of ups and downs along the way. What we’re building with the new coach (Thomas Tuchel) is that togetherness because once you get to that tournament, you’re going to be with each other for six, seven weeks so you have to be able to get along with each other.

"Tuchel has a great record in major tournaments. That’s what it comes down to. There’s a lot of great teams – us being one of them – but ultimately it’s about who can pull it together at the right time. Tournaments are about moments. We got to two finals through big moments and stepping up and obviously we fell short in the final moment but that gives us confidence that we can be there and just take that extra step."

£105,000-a-week "real baller" who "can be a superstar" now open to Everton move

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Everton are keeping tabs on the availability of a Premier League striker as they look to kick on after a dramatic late win against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Grealish dedicates winner to Everton fans

The Blues picked up a massive 2-1 win at home to Palace in the Premier League, ending the Eagles’ 19-game unbeaten run in dramatic fashion.

It was Jack Grealish who scored the winning goal in stoppage time, and speaking after the game, the delighted 30-year-old dedicated his big moment to the Everton fans, via the club’s official site.

“I’m over the moon to get my first goal and to do it here at Hill Dickinson in front of the fans, my family and in the last minute as well to win the game. It was an unbelievable feeling. Do you know what’s mad? In the last few games when we’ve been here, we’ve been drawing and I keep saying to myself in the 85th minute: ‘Come on Jack, imagine if you scored now’.

“I did it against Villa and West Ham and didn’t score, so today I said the same thing again and scored! I ran to where my mum and dad were, that was nice, and that goal goes to all the Evertonians who’ve made me so welcome.”

Despite their largely positive start to the season, Everton could still do with some more attacking quality, especially in the number nine role.

Thierno Barry was poor against Palace and is clearly still adjusting to his new surroundings, while Beto has proven time and time again he is not the long-term solution up front.

Everton keeping informed over deal for Premier League "baller"

According to TEAMtalk, Everton will be “kept informed” about the availability of Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee, with the forward open to joining another English club in January and the Blues in the market for attacking signings.

Despite struggling to consistently impress in a Red Devils shirt to date, the £105,000-a-week Dutchman is also wanted by fellow Premier League side West Ham, who tried to sign him when David Moyes was in charge, with the Scotsman clearly a fan.

Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund pictured with Joshua Zirkzee and Bruno Fernandes.

Zirkzee could be a divisive signing for Everton among the fanbase, considering he hasn’t exactly set the world alight for United yet, having arrived from Bologna in a big-money move last year.

So many Red Devils players appear to thrive more when they leave Old Trafford, however, from Scott McTominay to Antony and Marcus Rashford, so Zirkzee could do the same, having been hailed by Lee Sharpe.

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Zirkzee possesses a nice touch and a strong awareness, dropping deep into the midfield and linking with others, and he could be an ideal foil for Barry or Beto for Everton, adding even more depth to Moyes’ attack at the same time, as they look to potentially push for Europe this season.

Man Utd star who is the "exact same as Rooney" could be their new Fernandes

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

The 2024/25 campaign was undoubtedly one of the worst in Manchester United’s history, with the Red Devils registering their lowest-ever Premier League finish under Ruben Amorim.

His side ended the year in a measly 15th place, just a handful of spots above the relegation zone, but it didn’t stop Bruno Fernandes from impressing within attacking areas.

The 31-year-old registered a total of 37 combined goals and assists across all competitions – certainly preventing the side from being dragged into a relegation battle.

Such a year was one of the best of his career at Old Trafford, with the Portuguese international often being the go-to man to get them out of trouble, which is something needed in a club captain.

However, he’s often had to revert to operating in an unfamiliar number eight role since Amorim took the reins last November – a decision that has proved a huge talking point in recent months.

The real question is, where is Fernandes best suited and how effective are the team as a whole depending on which role he operates in?

The effect of Bruno playing in the #8 compared to the #10

Since Amorim’s appointment, Bruno has been named in the starting eleven on 34 occasions in the Premier League – missing a couple due to suspension or being rested ahead of the Europa League.

The Red Devils have lost 50% of their games with the 31-year-old operating in a deeper position, compared to just 37.5% when he started in his natural position.

Such a record could indicate that Amorim’s side have often lacked creativity in attacking areas – something which is backed up by the goalscoring figures.

In such a period, United averaged just 1.06 goals per 90 when Bruno featured deeper, whilst posting 1.3 per 90 when operating further forward – further backing up his incredible ability to create carnage.

The only benefit of the former Sporting star operating deeper is the goals conceded tally, letting in 0.19 goals fewer when playing in one of the two box-to-box roles.

All the aforementioned figures showcase how important the captain is in forward areas, with Amorim needing to utilise him in such an area as a result.

However, that could take away the minutes of one other player in the process, leaving the manager with a huge conundrum if he is to save his job at Old Trafford.

The United star who’s becoming a Bruno-type player at United

During the recent summer transfer window, the United hierarchy handed Amorim a £200m budget to make the changes he required to his squad after the dismal 2024/25 campaign.

He decided to use the majority of the funds within the forward areas, landing two players to operate in the number ten positions of his infamous 3-4-2-1 system.

Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha were the players to fill such roles, as seen by the majority of the outings in recent months following their respective moves to Old Trafford.

The latter of the duo has missed some action due to a hamstring injury, which has handed Bruno the opportunity to feature in his preferred role – but such chances have been few and far between.

However, he’s not alone in being forced to feature in another position, with Amad Diallo similar to Bruno in having to make do with minutes in other areas of the pitch.

The Ivorian joined the Red Devils back in the winter window of 2021, arriving from Italian side Atalanta as a right-sided winger with huge potential to explode in England’s top-flight.

Given the difference in system, the 23-year-old has been forced to operate in either a number ten role or a right-wing back position over the last couple of months.

Amad, who “plays football like a kid” as described by Gary Neville, has been questioned over his best position, but it’s clear that he’s more suited to a wing-back role.

His best display of the 2024/25 campaign came at Old Trafford, where he scored a hat-trick against Southampton – doing so whilst operating in a somewhat deeper position.

Games played

26

Goals & assists

14

Pass accuracy

86%

Shots taken

2.6

Chances created

2.4

Successful dribbles

2.1

Touches in opposition box

7.2

It’s also allowed him to bring out his creativity, as seen by the 4-0 triumph against Everton, subsequently registering two assists and claiming the Man of the Match award.

The similarities between him and Bruno are there for all to see, with both needing to adapt their games in recent times to make an impact within Amorim’s philosophy.

Both have popped up with key contributions in numerous matches, undoubtedly making them two players who will be vital if the club are to return to their former glory in the near future.

Bad news for Sesko: Man Utd ready to pay £52m to sign "one of the best" CFs

Man United director Jason Wilcox is already considering the club’s options at centre-forward.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Oct 16, 2025

Lucia Kendall: Who is the latest Lioness who wowed England & Sarina Wiegman on debut?

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

There was no shortage of stars on show as the Lionesses took to the pitch for Tuesday's clash with an Australia side boasting plenty of household names of their own. Be it the likes of Lucy Bronze, Ella Toone, Beth Mead and Alessia Russo in the home colours, or Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord, Ellie Carpenter and Steph Catley representing the visitors, there was top-class talent all over the park. And yet, it was a relatively unknown 21-year-old by the name of Lucia Kendall who stole the show.

Many of those who watched the action unfold at Pride Park will not have been familiar with Kendall prior to Tuesday. After all, the midfielder had only just earned her first senior call-up for October's friendlies that were scheduled to celebrate the summer's Euros success. Even regular watchers of the Women's Super League might not have come across Kendall just yet, given she is only a few games into her first season in the top-flight.

But Kendall will have put herself on many more radars now after a Player of the Match display in the biggest game of her career to date. "I had hoped, maybe," Sarina Wiegman said afterwards, asked if she was surprised at how comfortable the debutante looked. "Expected? You never know exactly what you can expect in the first game. I just wanted her to go out there and play and enjoy herself. I think that's what she did."

GettyWhere it all began

A talented cricketer in her youth as well as a promising footballer, Kendall joined Southampton at the age of 11 and would make her first-team debut five years later, starting a journey that would see her become a key player for the Saints during their rise up the leagues. The midfielder scored in the victory over Portsmouth which secured the National League title, bagged a brace a week later in the National League Cup final as Southampton sealed a double and was a stand-out performer in the play-off win over Wolves the following month, as the club achieved promotion to the second-tier at the end of a monumental 2021-22 season.

Kendall took to that new challenge like a duck to water. Her performance level went up a notch in the Women's Championship, now rebranded as WSL 2, and Aston Villa took real notice, snapping the young midfielder up on a free transfer upon the expiry of her Southampton contract back in the summer. Having been trusted consistently on the south coast, Natalia Arroyo, her new head coach, has continued to rely on her in the Midlands, too, with Kendall starting all of Villa's last four games before the international break.

"I'm really grateful for the level of trust that she's shown in me," the 21-year-old said of Arroyo last week. “I'm a young player in the team and so even the first start that I was given at the Emirates Stadium, not every manager would throw you in the deep end like that. But I was really grateful for that opportunity and to be able to show what I can do and I feel that trust from her.

"Being at Southampton for so long, I've played regular senior football from when I was 16, and I think that's given me a really good step. The consistent trust that they've shown in me as a player and belief, and to be able to make that next step, I felt like I was ready for it."

AdvertisementGetty ImagesThe big break

Kendall's steady progress at club level has been mirrored at national team level, too. She's played in essentially every age group with England, making the jump up to the Under-23s at the end of 2023 when she was still just 19 years old. The strong communication and aligned approach within the pathway then helped her make that final step into the senior side this month. The Lionesses have needed to build out the depth in their midfield for a while now, and Kendall, whose start to the new club season has been praised by Wiegman, provided a potential option to help with that.

"It's amazing to see the players go through [the pathway]," Emma Coates, head coach of the U23s, said last week. "I worked with Lucia back in the U18s and U19s. Between myself and Gemma [Davies, U23s assistant], we've probably spent the last four or five years working with her. Granted, it's a very small proportion of time that we spend with her, but to just be part of her journey and then see her make that step across is brilliant.

"We were at St George's Park the other day and I was chatting with Sarina, seeing how she's settling in, how she getting on, and the feedback has been positive. Lucia had a big smile on her face. It's a really nice moment and it's great for the [other U23] players to see as well."

Getty ImagesHow it's going

It all culminated in her England debut on Tuesday and an impressive debut at that. Kendall completed 50 of her 51 attempted passes on the night, created a whopping five chances and was very unlucky not to get on the scoresheet, hitting the woodwork with one opportunity before just not getting the connection she'd have liked on another.

"It was amazing, to be honest," she told afterwards. "I felt at home. The girls were so easy to play with. You've got world-class players on that pitch, so it was easy to fit in. When I was a little girl you couldn't even dream of that, to be able to go out there to a sell-out crowd, playing with a team that had just gone and won back-to-back Euros. It was really special."

To be presented with her Player of the Match award by Bronze at full-time was the cherry on the cake for someone whose performance level may have surprised many, but not Wiegman.

"To be honest, I was not really surprised because she has done so well with Aston Villa in the first part of the season," the Lionesses boss remarked in her post-match press conference. "She came into our environment and straight away you saw her understanding of the game, her reading of the game and she was connecting with players very quickly and very well. Also, she keeps things very simple. Well, it looks simple. It's not simple."

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Getty ImagesBiggest strengths

Kendall's confidence in possession is something that stands out immediately. "She's constantly wanted the ball, constantly showing, even in her own half," Ian Wright noted on punditry for on Tuesday. She's got good reason to have that belief in herself, too, given how good she is on the ball. That was evident in her completing all-but one pass in that win over Australia and creating so many chances.

That all-roundedness she is able to showcase in possession is also a consequence of the various midfield positions she has played in her career. Kendall is able to be so confident in picking the ball up in dangerous, defensive areas because she's played that holding role and had to do that, and she's able to be just as confident threading a pass through for her centre-forward because she's also played as a No.8 and a No.10.

That experience means she has picked up some of the other traits associated with each, too. She's able to make those late midfield runs into the box, she's strong and stands her ground in her duels and she's able to identify where the pockets of space are for her to pick up and cause problems for the opponent.

"I’d like to say that I can play any of those three roles, probably more naturally a little bit more defensive, but I want to be able to play all three positions in that midfield," she noted last week.

Netherlands win epic contest after three Super Overs against Nepal

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

This was the first time any men’s professional match – T20 or List A – had gone into a third Super Over

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Jun-2025Historic scenes unfolded in Glasgow as the Netherlands-Nepal game went into a third Super Over, with Netherlands prevailing in a thrilling contest. This was the first time any men’s professional match – T20 or List A – had gone into a third Super Over, and it was Netherlands who eventually came on top in a topsy-turvy encounter.With Nepal requiring 16 to win the match in the final over of regular time, Nandan Yadav hit fast bowler Kyle Klein for 4, 2, 2, 4 and took the game into the first Super Over.Left-arm spinner Daniel Doram was tasked with bowling the over, and he went for 19 with Kushal Bhurtel smashing him for two sixes and a four. Doram had conceded just 14 in his four overs and picked up three wickets during regular time. Michael Levitt then launched a six the first ball and Max O’Dowd went 6 and 4 off the final two balls to take the game into a second Super Over.Lalit Rajbanshi was then smashed for two sixes off his first three balls but came back well as Netherlands were kept to 17 in Super Over No. 2. Rohit Paudel crashed a six first ball while Dipendra Singh Airee hit a four as the equation came down to seven off the final ball. Airee then smashed Klein over cow corner to take the game into a third Super Over for the first time.Offspinner Zach Lion-Cachet started the third Super Over, and grabbed the wickets of Paudel and debutant Rupesh Singh as Nepal failed to score a run. Levitt then held his cool and thumped Sandeep Lamichhane for a six over long-on to finally end a thrilling contest.Earlier defending 152, left-arm pacer Ben Fletcher had a dream start to his T20I career, getting Lokesh Bam caught behind with a full and wide delivery. Klein then had Anil Sah caught at mid-on as Nepal slipped to 9 for 2 in 2.1 overs. But Bhurtel and Paudel took the attack to Netherlands.Nepal raced to 52 for 2 in five overs before Doram ended Bhurtel’s brisk stay on 34. The runs dried up after the powerplay, with Doram taking charge. He got rid of Airee and then Kiran Thagunna as Nepal could only reach 97 for 5 after 15 overs. With 56 required off the last five overs, it was Rupesh who got Nepal going with a four and six but fell soon after. Paudel and Karan KC kept Nepal in it before the game ran into overtime.In the first innings, seamer Nandan took the new ball for Nepal and was taken for two back-to-back fours by O’Dowd before the opener planted fast bowler Karan over the ropes. But the introduction of spin changed the narrative.Rajbanshi struck with his first ball, sending O’Dowd back. Lamichhane was introduced into the attack after six overs and made an immediate impact. He first flattened Levitt’s middle stump with his second ball and four balls later had Netherlands captain Scott Edwards caught at deep backward square leg.Lamichhane then struck for a third time to dismiss Noah Croes. Saqib Zulfiqar’s late blows, however, took Netherlands past 150.

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