Three-year deal for former Surrey and England captain in first major coaching role

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Dec-2024Adam Hollioake, Surrey’s legendary former captain, has been named as Kent’s new head coach, on a three-year deal that will keep him at Canterbury at least until the end of the 2027 season.He will take over from Matt Walker, who stepped down in September after eight years in the role, with Kent having suffered relegation from Division One of the County Championship, as well as finishing bottom of the South Group of the Vitality Blast.Hollioake, 53, has had limited coaching experience since retiring from playing in 2007, but forged his reputation as an inspirational leader during his time at Surrey, whom he guided to seven trophies, including three County Championships, between 1996 and 2003.He played four Tests for England between 1997 and 1998, as well as 35 ODIs in which his temporary role as captain resulted in a famous tournament victory in Sharjah in 1997-98. His tactical acumen is widely regarded to have been ahead of its time, and he was considered to lead England into the 1999 World Cup, in which he also played.Hollioake’s career was marred by tragedy, when his brother Ben was killed in a car-crash in March 2002, and he drifted away from cricket after retirement. After moving to live in Queensland in 2004, he set up a property company but was soon forced to declare bankruptcy and subsequently forged a brief career as a cage-fighter.Having coached Hong Kong at the 2000 ACC Trophy, he returned to cricket in 2017 as head coach of Boost Defenders in Afghanistan’s Shpageeza Cricket League, a role that he chose to stay on in even after a fatal bomb blast outside the ground in Kabul where his team were playing.This will be Hollioake’s first major head coach role, but he served as an assistant coach at Surrey in 2024, having previously worked as a batting coach for Pakistan, Queensland, and England Lions. He had been lined up by his former Surrey team-mate Graham Thorpe to join the England coaching set-up during the 2021-22 Ashes, but was ruled out after a close contact tested positive for Covid.”I’m honoured to be appointed as the head coach of Kent,” Hollioake said. “It’s an amazing chance for me to work with a great squad of players and to be involved with a county with such a rich history of success.”County Cricket is something that I hold extremely close to my heart, and this is an opportunity that I could not turn down.”Kent’s director of cricket, Simon Cook, said: “Adam has shown throughout his playing and coaching career that he has outstanding leadership qualities and a winning mentality, something that was instrumental in our decision to move in a new direction following our robust and thorough search for a new men’s head coach.”We welcome Adam into the Kent Cricket family and look forward to his leadership of our men’s side going into the new season.”

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A diretoria do Corinthians está perdida na busca por um novo treinador. Após as recusas de Tite e Mano, a “bola da vez” é Roger Machado. O técnico está disponível no mercado e já sinalizou positivamente ao interesse, mas o departamento de futebol corintiano ainda não está convencido que ele é o nome ideal.

O Timão está na “caça” ao novo técnico desde a última terça-feira (25), quando Cuca sinalizou que deixaria o cargo após o duelo contra o Remo, pela Copa do Brasil, no dia seguinte, independentemente da classificação, ou não, da equipe. A vaga veio nos pênaltis, e com isso houve a tentativa de convencer o profissional a ficar no clube, mas ele já estava decidido a sair.

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+Róger Guedes e Paulinho são os melhores na derrota do Corinthians no Dérbi

Com a confirmação da saída de Cuca, a diretoria do time alvinegro voltou ao mercado em busca de um substituto. No dia anterior alguns contatos já haviam sido feitos, mas como o martelo sobre o pedido de demissão do ex-treinador ainda não havia sido batido, eles não passaram de conversas informais.

Um desses papos foi com uma pessoa ligada a Vanderlei Luxemburgo, onde foi dito que em caso de saída de Cuca, o diálogo seria retomado, mas isso não aconteceu por dois motivos: uma nova aposta por Tite e a resistência do presidente Duílio Monteiro Alves. Ainda que haja um “coro” interno no Timão, que é forte pela contratação de Luxa, o mandatário corintiano não sente confiança nos trabalhos recentes do treinador. Porém, ele concorda que Vanderlei tem o perfil de profissional respeitado e com boa gestão de elenco que é esperado pelo clube alvinegro.

+Assine o Star+ por apenas R$32,90 por mês e acompanhe o Timão na Libertadores quando e onde quiser!

O Corinthians, então, foi atrás de Tite, o grande sonho. Considerado uma unanimidade no Parque São Jorge, ele seria a opção ideal para amenizar as críticas externas e o momento de desconfiança do elenco para com a diretoria, já que os jogadores estão se sentindo expostos com a ausência de comando. Ainda que Adenor houvesse recusado a proposta corintiana na semana anterior, quando o Coringão tentou ele para substituir Fernando Lázaro, o nome foi levantado novamente pela diretoria, que tentou apostar no apego sentimental para convencê-lo.

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O momento de crise institucional do Timão foi explicado para Tite, assim como o fato dele ser considerado o único possível a chegar sem resistência e resolver os problemas. Foi até falado com a esposa do treinador, Rosmari, para quem ele havia prometido que não trabalharia no Brasil. O técnico ficou sensibilizado com a situação e mal em negar novo convite do clube que ele considera o grande responsável por tornar possível a sua carreira internacional.

Tite chegou a pensar na proposta até sexta-feira (28), mas logo no início da manhã respondeu negativamente de novo. Isso porque, em conversa com o seu estafe, foi informado que tinha uma proposta interessante na mesa para trabalhar na Europa e que seria a melhor chance dele realizar o sonho de desenvolver um trabalho no Velho Continente.

Sabendo que não teria o novo técnico a tempo do clássico contra o Palmeiras, que aconteceu no último sábado (29), a direção corintiana conteve a pressa e partiu para a segunda opção: Mano Menezes. Empregado, no Internacional, o Timão estava disposto a pagar a multa rescisória de R$ 1 milhão para tirá-lo do clube gaúcho. No entanto, após algumas conversas com a direção do Colorado, Mano decidiu permanecer no Sul do Brasil. Ele não quis deixar o clube gaúcho pelas portas do fundo e ficar marcado negativamente por lá.

Para entrar em contato com Mano, a direção corintiana precisou, inclusive, conter o orgulho, pois o técnico é rompido com Roberto de Andrade. Diretor de futebol do clube alvinegro até o mês passado, ele foi o responsável por não renovar com Menezes quando assumiu a presidência corintiana, no início de 2015. Atual mandatário, Duílio Monteiro Alves não tem uma relação tão grande de divergências, mas não é tão próximo do técnico gaúcho, por conta da aproximação que tem com Roberto.

Com a segunda negativa, a diretoria corintiana viu o seu planejamento afetado. Vanderlei Luxemburgo segue tendo os seus adeptos, mas continua tendo resistência de Duílio, o que é acompanhado pelo gerente de futebol Alessandro Nunes. Após receber o “não” de Mano, o departamento de futebol fez consulta para técnicos estrangeiros, mas os considerou caros e longe de um custo-benefício que agradasse.

Roger Machado, então, entrou em pauta. Ele recentemente trocou de agente, e o atual representante tem feito contato com a direção do clube desde a confirmação da saída de Cuca. O Corinthians, então, não havia evoluído, mas foi convencido a avançar nas conversas porque tinha na possibilidade de contratação do treinador a chance de passar uma mensagem diferente para a sociedade, após as críticas pela contratação de Cuca, mesmo sabendo da condenação por atentado ao pudor com uso de violência contra uma garota de 13 anos, no fim da década de 80, na Suíça.

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As conversas se iniciaram poucas horas antes do clássico entre Palmeiras e Corinthians, no qual o Timão foi derrotado por 2 a 1, e não evoluíram após o jogo. Há a expectativa que elas retomem neste domingo (30), ainda na esperança corintiana de ter um treinador a tempo do jogo contra o Independiente del Valle, do Equador, marcado para esta terça-feira (2), pela Libertadores, na Neo Química Arena. Como perdeu em casa para o Argentinos Juniors, há duas semanas, pela competição continental, um novo revés pode complicar muito a equipe.

Ainda assim, estão previstas mais discussões internas em relação a Roger, já que ele não possui o perfil de trabalho desejado pela diretoria, que quer um profissional com currículo vitorioso e que comande o vestiário.

Celtic’s hopes of reaching the Champions League group stages for a fourth successive season, something they’ve never previously achieved, are firmly hanging in the balance.

On Wednesday night, at an ultimately mutinous Parkhead, the Hoops were held to a goalless draw by Kairat in the first leg of their play-off tie, mustering just three shots on target, the first time they’ve failed to score in 56 home matches.

The Celts have never won any of their three previous visits to Kazakhstan, losing two, but Brendan Rodgers’ side will make the mammoth 3,500-mile trip east to Almaty next Tuesday needing to change that, or they’ll crash out.

Chants of “sack the board” began as murmurs but ended the night both raucous and vociferous, with Celtic supporters very unhappy about their side’s lack of transfer activity this summer, but could they finally be about to land a target they’ve been chasing for months?

Celtic's lack of cutting edge

As already alluded to, Celtic rarely threatened the Kairat goal, ending the night with a miserly xG figure of 0.44, creating just one Opta-defined big chance, this falling to centre-back Liam Scales, who headed a corner over the crossbar.

That lack of cutting edge will surprise no one, considering two of the Hoops’ starting front three have been sold in 2025, with Kyōgo Furuhashi departing in January, while Nicolas Kühn moved to Como earlier this summer.

The latter’s sale means that James Forrest is currently the first-choice on the right flank and, in fairness to him, he did force goalkeeper Aleksandr Zarutskiy into a spectacular save mere seconds after half-time on Wednesday.

Forrest is an undisputed bona fide Celtic legend, a true one-club man, but at 34 years old, no longer possesses the ability to be an elite-level difference maker in the Champions League, so it is quite clear that more quality is required.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

With that in mind, reports on the continent are revealing that Celtic have “reached a principle agreement” with Royal Antwerp to sign winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha.

They add though that the deal is “complicated”, albeit a medical has been scheduled, suggesting the deal will take place soon.

So, will Balikwisha become the eighth Belgian to don the famous hoops, joining compatriot Arne Engels, while following in the footsteps of such eclectic names as Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo, Jason Denayer, Dedryck Boyata, Joos Valgaeren and others?

Why Michel-Ange Balikwisha​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ should excite Celtic supporters

Fair to say, Celtic hold a long-standing interest in Balikwisha, documented as long ago as early-June.

The 24-year-old is into the final year of his contract, while Royal Antwerp are under further pressure to sell because they failed to qualify for any European competition, beaten 2-1 at Bosuilstadion in a play-off by Royal Sporting Charleroi back in May.

Thus, it is being reported that Balikwisha will cost around £4.5m which, based on the quality he possesses, could prove to be a bargain.

António Mango notes that he is a “direct winger”, while Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout believes he operates best as an “inside forward​​​​​​​”, praising his “pace, dribbling, finishing and technique”.

Balikwisha has suffered plenty of injury problems in recent seasons, but has produced plenty of big moments during his Antwerp career, scoring in the 2023 Coupe de Belgique Final against Mechelen, before bagging the clincher a few months later as his side ousted AEK Athens in the Champions League play-offs.

​​​​​​​

In total, Balikwisha has accumulated 30 goals and 17 assists in 145 appearances for Antwerp, starting all four of their Jupiler Pro League fixtures so far this season, netting during a 3-1 home win over Oud-Heverlee Leuven earlier this month.

So, let’s assess how his statistics compare to those of Forrest in recent seasons.

2025/26 season

Minutes

347

256

Goals

1

0

Assists

Zero

0

2024/25 season

Minutes

1,244

1,220

Goals

4

1

Assists

3

7

2023/24 season

Minutes

3,437

908

Goals

10

7

Assists

8

2

2022/23 season

Minutes

2,962

717

Goals

10

5

Assists

1

2

As the table documents, across the last three full campaign plus the start of this one, Balikwisha has outperformed Forrest every time, reaching double figures in terms of goals in both 2022/23 and 2023/24, something the Scottish international most recently achieved in 2019/20 under Neil Lennon.

While it was a memorable one, Forrest scored just one goal last season, with 22 of his 33 appearances coming as a substitute, underlining that Rodgers does not view the veteran as a key contributor.

Balikwisha, meantime, has proven he can score goals at a high level both in European competition and domestically. Global Football Rankings believes the Belgian top division to be the sixth-strongest in the world, behind only the traditional big five.

Thus, barring another bad injury, Balikwisha will absolutely add creativity and goal-threat to this flailing Celtic attack, so Rodgers will be desperate to see this deal get over the line as quickly as possible, with a trip to Ibrox to come on 31 August.

As bad as Idah: Rodgers must now ruthlessly drop 5/10 Celtic man

This Celtic forward who was as bad as Adam Idah should be ruthlessly dropped to the bench.

ByDan Emery Aug 21, 2025

Manchester United have conducted some excellent business in the transfer market this summer – addressing the problems that have plagued the side in recent times.

Ruben Amorim has had his first off-season to get his feet under the table, allowing him to make the changes he’s desired since taking the reins in November last year.

He’s made a beeline to the attacking department this window, a decision which is understandable given the measly tally of 44 Premier League goals in their 38 outings throughout 2024/25.

Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have all been added to the Red Devils ranks, with the trio having the opportunity to nail down their starting roles in the side for years to come.

However, one area of the pitch is in desperate need of added investment before the window closes, with numerous players already in their hierarchy’s sights.

Man Utd’s hunt for a new midfielder this summer

Over the last couple of days, Stuttgart star Angelo Stiller has emerged on United’s shortlist, potentially taking the next step in his career after making 32 appearances in the Bundesliga last season.

Despite the interest in the German’s signature, reports of a move to Old Trafford for the 24-year-old appear to be wide of the mark – with other alternatives subsequently being drawn up.

One player the Red Devils have made a move for before the transfer deadline is Chelsea star Andrey Santos, according to GIVEMESPORT’s latest update.

They claim that Amorim’s side have requested information over a deal for the Brazilian, potentially handing him added game time for his development in the Premier League.

The report also states that talks have been ongoing due to the potential departure of Alejandro Garnacho, which could hand the Red Devils a boost in their pursuit of the midfielder.

Why United’s latest target would be perfect for Bruno

Given the additions of Cunha and Mbeumo to the number ten role, captain Bruno Fernandes will likely have to operate in a deeper role throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

The 30-year-old featured in such a role in the opening day defeat to Arsenal, but still managed to produce numerous impressive figures within attacking areas.

He registered five chances created at Old Trafford – the most of any player on the pitch – showcasing the talent he possesses when driving through the lines in Amorim’s side.

Bruno’s tally of 37 combined goals and assists last campaign proves he’ll be crucial in any success in the coming season – needing a free role to replicate such numbers this time around.

However, 30-year-old, who’s the club’s captain, may struggle to replicate such numbers in his new role, ultimately having to sacrifice his own numbers to allow the team to progress.

However, if he is to do such a thing, he will need a deep-lying option alongside at the heart of the side – something which Santos could offer should he join the side this summer.

The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at French side Strasbourg, a stint that gave him needed game time to continue his progression in Europe’s top five leagues.

His underlying stats showcase the ball-winning talents he possesses, able to partner Bruno in the middle of the park, which could allow the duo to star alongside one another.

Santos, who’s been dubbed a “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, ranked in the 94th percentile for tackles made (3.4), achieving a success rate of 59% – able to sit in a deeper role and regain possession for the Red Devils.

However, upon winning the ball, it’s crucial that any new addition is also able to thrive in possession to help the side impress in transition – something which the Chelsea talent demonstrated in 2024/25.

Games played

32

Goals & assists

13

Pass accuracy

88%

Progressive passes

4.7

Passes into final third

1.3

Tackles made

3.5

Interceptions made

1.1

Blocks made

1.5

Aerials won

1.2

% of tackles won

59%

He completed 88% of the passes he attempted, with 4.4 of which being into the final third – with such numbers able to provide Bruno with the chances to build on his impressive goal contribution tallies from last season.

Despite being a more defensive-minded midfielder, Santos still managed to post 13 combined goals and assists of his own – which could add a new dimension to Amorim’s side in his quest for success.

It’s unclear if the Blues would be willing to let the youngster leave Stamford Bridge this summer, but there’s no denying that he would be a superb addition for the Red Devils.

If he does move to the Theatre of Dreams, it could allow Bruno to continue his impressive career in Manchester – with the pair able to play a huge part in any success endured in 2025/26.

He's like Baleba: "Extraordinary" £35m star now wants to sign for Man Utd

Manchester United appear to have moved on from Carlos Baleba with a move for another star.

1 ByEthan Lamb Aug 22, 2025

Wolves have confirmed head coach Vitor Pereira has signed a new three-year contract despite his side being rooted to the bottom of the Premier League. The Portuguese arrived at Molineux last December and guided the club from 19th to 16th and top-flight safety. Although they have lost all four league games this season, he has been rewarded with a new deal.

Pereira puts pen to paper

Alarm bells may have been ringing for Wolves fans after failing to pick up a point from their opening four Premier League fixtures this season, with the Midlands outfit bringing up the rear in 20th. But, instead, Pereira has penned a new deal until 2028 in a strong show of faith for the 57-year-old. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWhat Pereira said about his new Wolves contract

He told Wolves' website: "I’m very proud to be Wolves head coach. It's an honour for me. This is the club that gave me the chance to come to the Premier League, the best league in the world. The people here embraced me as a member of the family, me and my staff we feel very good in the city, among the supporters. That’s why I really believe that with our work, with our supporters, with the support of the club, the fans and the city together, we will do it. We will increase our level, with ambition to make our supporters proud on the pitch. This is the moment that we need to be united. We are a one club city, and this city loves football. It is a passion. This is the spirit that we need to create together, to face and to compete with the best teams in this league.”

'Instant impact'

In Wolves' announcement, they said how Pereira made an 'instant impact' when he took over, and then secured a club record six Premier League wins in a row last season. And chairman Jeff Shi is clearly happy with him at the helm.

Shi added: "Vitor has made a very positive impact during his time at Wolves. He’s brought clarity, energy and a team spirit that gives us a foundation to be successful. What he achieved last season was excellent, with a highly competitive record, including six Premier League wins in a row and a deserved nomination for the Manager of the Season award. Now is a time for stability. Vitor needs time to work with the squad, to build a chemistry with new players, and we will do everything to support him and his staff."

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Getty Images SportWhat next for Pereira and Wolves?

Wolves lost key players Mateus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri this summer, highlighting how Pereira's hand was not as good as it once was. Next up, they face a huge clash against lowly Leeds United in the league on Saturday.

أعلن الجهاز الفني لـ منتخب مصر مواليد 2007 بقيادة المدير الفني وائل رياض القائمة التي اختارها للانضمام لمعسكر مفتوح يبدأ في الثامن من شهر أكتوبر الجاري، وينتهي في السادس عشر من الشهر ذاته، في مركز المنتخبات الوطنية بمدينة السادس من أكتوبر.

واستدعى الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم، أربعة لاعبين محترفين، تبعًا لاختيارات المدير الفني وائل رياض.

وعملت لجنة المحترفين بالاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم على التواصل مع الرباعي، في إطار جهودها لاستقطاب المواهب المصرية بالخارج، بالتنسيق مع الأجهزة الفنية للمنتخبات الوطنية.

وانضم الثنائي جوناس الملاح لاعب برومابويكارنا السويدي وكريم حسنين لاعب BSK 1933 النمساوي لمعسكر منتخب مصر مواليد 2007.

طالع | ضم ثنائي محترف لقائمة منتخب مصر قبل كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا

بينما تعذر انضمام كريم أحمد لاعب فريق ليفربول الإنجليزي بسبب الإصابة، كما تعذر انضمام ريان أبو الناي لاعب باريس سان جيرمان الفرنسي بسبب ضيق الوقت، على أن ينضم الثنائي خلال المعسكرات المقبلة. قائمة منتخب مصر مواليد 2007

حراسة المرمى: إياد تامر (الأهلي) – يوسف البشير (إنبي) – مصطفى سامي (المقاولون العرب).

خط الدفاع:محمد الأمين (بتروجت) – إياد مدحت (الأهلي) – يوسف محمد (إنبي) – عبد الله محمد (بيراميدز) – محمد عبد البصير (إنبي) – أحمد بلال (طلائع الجيش) – ماهر خالد (سيراميكا كليوباترا) – يوسف محمود (بيراميدز) – علي باسم (حرس الحدود).

خط الوسط: كريم حسنين (BSK 1933 النمساوي) – عمرو الشوادفي (زد) – محمد صالح (لافيينا) – محمد ياسر (طلائع الجيش) – محمد سمير (الإسماعيلي) – جوناس الملاح (برومابويكارنا السويدي) – عمر ثروت (المقاولون العرب) – محمود صلاح (غزل المحلة) – محمد وائل (طلائع الجيش) – عمر العزب (إنبي) – حسام عاشور التقي (الزمالك) – أدهم كريم (الجونة) – إبراهيم عبد الفتاح (زد).

خط الهجوم: أحمد هيثم (راية) – يوسف صابر (المقاولون العرب) – حسن شريف (فاركو) – محمود حسن (الاتحاد السكندري).

Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze has both Arsenal and Tottenham hot on his heels during the final three weeks of this summer window, with the England international holding a preferred destination between the pair.

Eze was, by some distance, Oliver Glasner’s standout attacking force last campaign, racking up 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, and Palace still face the very real threat of losing their talismanic number 10 before the transfer deadline on September 1.

The 27-year-old’s £68 million release clause (including bonuses) was thought to expire on August 1, but new information from the last few days has now revealed that the clause actually remains active until this Friday.

Arsenal were also once the main contenders to sign Eze, with some reports even suggesting they’ve reached an agreement on financial terms, but it appears sporting director Andrea Berta won’t have a free run after all.

The Gunners have been in constant dialogue with Eze’s representatives since early July, but they’ve stalled on making a formal bid for him thus far – allowing north London rivals Tottenham a chance to swoop in and open talks with Palace (Fabrizio Romano).

Spurs were after Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White as their top attacking target, but despite booking a medical for the 25-year-old and being ready to trigger his £60m release clause this time last month, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side blocked the move, threatened legal action and convinced him to sign a new deal.

This has prompted them to turn to Eze, with Arsenal and Spurs now poised to battle for the former QPR star’s services.

Eze averaged more shots at goal, key passes and successful take-ons per 90 than any other Palace player last season, and given Liverpool are now closing in on a deal for Marc Guehi, the Eagles would be severely weakened if they lose their star creator too.

The presence of his active release clause theoretically means one of Arsenal or Tottenham could swoop in to trigger it at any moment, and this remains a possibility over the next three days until it expires.

Eberechi Eze's "first preference" between Arsenal and Tottenham

If both clubs are prepared to pay £68 million, the result of this transfer race could come down to who Eze would rather join.

According to The Independent’s Miguel Delaney, Eze does have a “first preference” between Arsenal and Tottenham.

The reliable journalist has revealed that the club he’d rather join is Arsenal, but that isn’t to completely discount Thomas Frank’s side, as Eze remains open to potentially signing for them as well.

Given Mikel Arteta currently has captain Martin Odegaard and newly tied-down youngster Ethan Nwaneri at his disposal for the number 10 role, Spurs are arguably in more desperate need of Eze.

Frank missed out on Gibbs-White and James Maddison has just succumbed to an ACL rupture which will rule him out for most of the season, so Arsenal could compound real misery on their rivals by beating them to Eze’s signature.

There’s a huge buzz of excitement at Manchester United football club at the moment, and understandably so, given the backing shown by the hierarchy this summer.

The board have already completed the big-money additions of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, but the attack looks set to have landed another talent during the recent overhaul.

Striker Benjamin Sesko has flown to Manchester for his medical, after he rejected Newcastle United in favour of a £74m switch to Old Trafford ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The trio will add 48 combined goals to the side, that’s based on their league figures from last season, a tally that is four more than the rest of the Red Devils squad managed in the Premier League in 2024/25.

However, now attention must turn to other areas of the pitch if Ruben Amorim is to have the best chance of leading the side back up England’s top-flight next season.

The latest on United’s hunt for new midfielders this summer

Carlos Baleba has emerged as a surprise option for United this summer, after the club’s hierarchy made an approach to land the Brighton and Hove Albion star.

Any deal for the Cameroonian international would be yet another huge investment, with Fabian Hurzeler’s side currently demanding a fee in the region of £100m for the 21-year-old.

However, other options are currently being considered by higher-ups at Old Trafford, leading to Javi Guerra being named as a target once again by TBR Football.

Their latest report claims that the Valencia star remains keen on a move to join Amorim’s side this summer, after previously making their interest known during the summer window.

It also states that the 22-year-old could be available for as little as £25m during this window, with Carlos Corberan’s side needing to raise funds due to their current financial situation.

Why United’s £25m target would be a better signing than Baleba

Over the last couple of months, Brighton star Baleba has been one of the standout talents in the Premier League – with his mammoth price tag no surprise given their previous dealings.

He was brought in from Lille back in 2023 as a replacement for Moises Caicedo, after the Ecuadorian star completed his own £115m move to Chelsea.

Such a move to the AMEX has allowed the youngster to take his career to the next level, featuring in 34 league outings last season as the Seagulls finished the season in 8th place.

His two-year experience in England’s top division would be a massive asset to any move to Old Trafford, but there’s no denying that his current price tag has been put in place to fend off interest.

Undoubtedly, there are cheaper and more effective options out there, with Guerra potentially providing just that for United between now and the closure of the window on September 1st.

When comparing his stats to those of Baleba from the most recent campaign, the Spaniard has managed to outperform him in numerous areas, potentially being a just as effective option for the Red Devils.

Guerra, who’s been dubbed “special” by analyst Ben Mattinson, is much more comfortable in possession, completing more progressive passes per 90, with more of which being made into the final third – aiding the new trio with chances to impress at Old Trafford.

Games played

36

34

Goals & assists

6

4

Progressive passes

4.8

3.9

Progressive carries

1.8

1.4

Passes into final third

4.2

3.6

Interceptions made

1.7

1.5

Clearances made

1.7

1.4

Recoveries made

6.8

6.6

However, he’s also showcased his excellent tallies without the ball, completing more interceptions and making more clearances per 90, able to hand Amorim the deep-lying defensive option he’s hunting for as a result.

The youngster’s dominance over the Cameroonian is further shown in his tally of recoveries made per 90, able to get himself into better defensive positions per 90 – arguably being a more well-rounded option for the Red Devils.

Guerra has constantly shown in LaLiga in recent months that he’s a huge talent with bags of time to improve further on his impressive start to his professional career.

His ability to outperform Baleba further indicates how impressive he’s been, allowing United to land a better talent at a fraction of the price in their hunt for a return to their former glory.

Perfect for Cunha: PL "monster" is now keen to join Man Utd after Sesko

Manchester United have wasted no time in making moves in the market after landing Benjamin Sesko.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 8, 2025

The Melbourne Stars allrounder caused a scare in the opening game of the BBL season

AAP27-Dec-2024Hilton Cartwright has revealed he had fears of being left paralysed while laying prone on the Optus Stadium turf in the BBL season opener.Cartwright sent a scare through Australian cricket last week, after falling awkwardly in the field in Melbourne Stars’ season-opening loss to Perth Scorchers.He was taken from the field in a neck brace and medicab, before being quickly cleared of any serious damage in hospital and being released back to Melbourne. Incredibly, the former Test representative returned to play for the Stars just three days later against Brisbane Heat, and has not missed a game yet this season.Related

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Speaking for the first time since the injury, Cartwright admitted his mind had spiralled quickly while laying on the turf with what was ultimately a case of whiplash.”It was an extraordinary series of events. It looked worse because there was no information surrounding it,” Cartwright said.  “My neck pain had subsided quite a lot by the time I was on the sidelines, it was all on one side. Needless to say the doctors did a great job with how they handled it.”But my mind spun to the worst-case scenario about being paralysed, or strokes. My mind was completely spinning. But thankfully I was home that night and I haven’t had any serious repercussions from it.”After diving for a ball in the outfield, Cartwright’s neck snapped back quickly and he was left to lay on the ground for close to five minutes while receiving medical attention. Adding to the concern was that the 32-year-old became a father for the second time in October, with another toddler also at home.”As soon as all that pain subsided I started thinking around all the short-term side effects,” he said. “Am I going to be in a neck brace for a couple of months whilst we have a newborn? It would not only be tough on me, but tough on my partner. Thankfully everything got cleared and there were no issues. So far so good.”Cartwright said he had been able to class the incident as a “freak” accident, helping it not play on his mind while in the field since.His comments came as Stars slumped to a fourth straight loss to start the season, with Sydney Sixers chasing down 195 against them with 11 balls and two wickets to spare at the SCG.Stars will now likely need to win at least five of their last six to have any hope of making the finals, beginning with Saturday night against the Sydney Thunder. Otherwise, they risk missing for a fifth straight season.”If we’re being true to ourselves we want to win all six games to give ourselves a chance,” Cartwright said.

Mitchell Starc has been termed one of Australia’s “toughest” cricketers as he was backed to be fit for the Sydney Test after having maintained speeds above 140kph in Melbourne despite battling a back problem.Starc first showed signs of discomfort in the first innings at the MCG, but was able to play a key role in the dramatic victory push where he claimed Virat Kohli on the final day. Starc went for scans on Wednesday, but he also spent time in the gym during what became an optional training session where none of the bowlers who played in Melbourne turned their arm over.Normally, Australia have their main training session two days out from a Test but have tweaked their build-up given the short turnaround between the final two matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, and the heavier workload at the MCG.”He’ll be fine. He’ll push through,” Alex Carey said. “I’ve played with Starcy for a long time now, and [he’s] one of the toughest cricketers I’ve played with. He’ll grimace, he’ll grab his rib no doubt, but he’ll be ready for the contest.”Related

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Starc has been lauded for his consistency across this series, with Ricky Ponting regularly saying he has never seen him bowl better. He has 15 wickets at 28.73 in the four Tests and was unfortunate not to claim more than the one wicket at the MCG.”I thought first spell [in the second innings] without the reward was some of the best bowling I’ve seen this series from him,” Carey said. “He’s a quality player and has been for a long time. He’s got an opportunity now to help this team in a Test match. He’ll be up for the contest, and I think his bowling’s just gotten better throughout the series.”Overall, Starc’s numbers have faded towards the end of long Test campaigns, with his average in the fourth and fifth matches at 41.82, whereas it is 25.91 across the first three games of a series. He has also struggled at the SCG, his home ground, with nine Tests having brought 24 wickets at 44.16 on a surface that hasn’t always offered much encouragement for the quicks, although Carey said it was reasonably well grassed two days out from this match.Should Starc not be able to take his place in the XI, it would open the door for Jhye Richardson to play his first Test since the 2021-22 Ashes. He featured for Perth Scorchers on New Year’s Day, where he bowled with pace and movement to claim 3 for 29 against Adelaide Strikers before rejoining the Test team in Sydney.Sean Abbott is the other reserve quick in the squad, and would add more depth to the batting order if he were handed a debut as one of three seamers.”Whenever we have put someone in the spotlight, the true Aussie way is to show them how good we are”•AFP/Getty Images

The other player under scrutiny heading into the final men’s Test of the home summer is Mitchell Marsh, who has made 73 runs in the series, with uncapped allrounder Beau Webster remaining part of the squad. However, as with those who have been in focus during the series – the likes of Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith – Marsh has been backed to make an impact.”Whenever we have put someone in the spotlight, the true Aussie way is to show them how good we are,” Carey said. “So I think it is Mitch’s time.”After his thrilling debut in Melbourne, Sam Konstas will also be the focus of much attention after leaving an impression both with the bat and in the field. He was the only frontline batter not to have a hit at training on Wednesday.”I was a spectator that first session,” Carey said. “I probably had the emotions of the 90,000 that were there. At times I couldn’t watch it, at times I was cheering.”But just the energy he brought, it was something different. I probably wasn’t expecting that amount of difference, but he played a style of cricket that was probably new to India as well.”We’ll wait and see how we plays out here. I don’t think that’s his blueprint every Test match, but to be able to throw a few punches early and get a bit of momentum for us, which the opening partnership was probably just lacking that intensity.”I thought Nathan [McSweeney] and Usman [Khawaja] got us through tough situations as well by facing lots of balls. Sam was able to score a little bit, so hopefully another opportunity in front of his home fans.”Weather is often a talking point around Sydney Tests and, with the series poised at 2-1, could shape as an important factor. Currently the first three days look fine and settled, but there is a greater chance of showers on Monday and Tuesday.Mitchell Starc was often spotted stretching his back at the MCG•Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

A draw would be enough for Australia to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in a decade, but would leave them short of cementing a place in the World Test Championship final before the Sri Lanka tour at the end of January.”[It would be] reward for 24 months of really solid cricket,” Carey said. “[It is] a group that is extremely experienced, skilful, [with] Australian legends amongst it, who are continuing to surprise us with how good they are… but we can’t look too far ahead.”We know it’s a really quality outfit in India, who have shown they are well and truly capable of bouncing back. So for this group, it’s head down, another opportunity to win a Test match, and if are able to secure the trophy it would be fantastic.”It is hoped that the first three days at the SCG, the annual Pink Test to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation, will be a sellout following an Australian-record attendance across the Melbourne Test.