Tag Futebol

Manchester United remain unbeaten in their last five Premier League games under Ruben Amorim, but the Red Devils have been told they are no better by a former Chelsea star who has delivered a savage verdict on their resurgence. The Portuguese coach marked his one-year anniversary at Old Trafford this month, but not everyone is celebrating, as former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has poured cold water on United’s apparent revival, insisting that, despite the recent upturn in results, the ship is still not in steady waters.

A run of promise overshadowed by doubt

United had been enjoying a welcome burst of momentum after picking up consecutive victories over Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton. The bright run of form sparked optimism that Amorim’s ideas were finally taking hold. But back-to-back 2-2 draws against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham halted their surge and reopened old questions about consistency and mentality. 

AdvertisementHasselbaink raises questions on United's revival

Those doubts came roaring back when Hasselbaink, speaking on , bluntly rejected the suggestion that United are moving forward.

"I don’t think they have improved, I’m sorry," he began. "Where, where have they improved? They have not scored more goals, they have not had less goals against, they have not won any trophies. Yes, they have been in a final in Europe but lost against a poor side – Tottenham were a poor side last year. He has got a lot of work to do, a lot of work. I don’t think they are creative enough, not like they used to be."

It’s not as if United haven’t backed their manager. The club spent more than £200 million ($264m) last summer, bringing in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and goalkeeper Senne Lammens in an attempt to erase memories of their disastrous 2024/25 campaign. They finished 15th in the Premier League, racked up just 42 points, the lowest tally since their relegation in 1974, and a defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final killed all hopes of a European campaign in 2025/26. Amorim has amassed 21 wins, 14 draws and 19 losses in 54 matches, numbers that suit a mid-table club but not a Premier League giant with significant financial muscle. 

Inside Old Trafford: Optimism growing

Despite the criticism, those inside Carrington and Old Trafford insist that the mood has shifted for the better. The recruitments are now more aligned with a long-term strategy, and Amorim has earned respect for staying true to his footballing beliefs even during the club’s darkest periods. It is believed that the INEOS hierarchy is hoping to see the club back in Europe and Amorim continues to enjoy the complete backing of the owners. His interview with last week captured what many inside the club admire about him.

"During my career as a manager, most of the time I was winning," he said. "When you are winning, you can say that you have convictions and you are loyal to your ideas, but you learn when you lose, when you are under pressure and I learned that when I’m under pressure, I’m stronger on my ideas and I keep with my ideas. Of course, it’s really important to feel the support of everyone in the club, especially the fans that help you, to give you that confidence to continue on your path, but that was the biggest learning point: when I’m under pressure, I can stick with my plan."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

AFPRoom to improve for United

Saturday’s match against Tottenham brought the same old sting for United supporters as they saw another lead surrendered and another chance to climb into the top four missed. Speaking to after the game, Amorim did not attempt to sugarcoat the frustration.

"During the game we felt like the three points were there to take home," he admitted. "But then with everything that happened, Harry Maguire and Casemiro coming off and conceding two goals…we scored again and it's a point. When you cannot win you don't lose, once again we did that. We have so much to grow as a team, because today was our day to win this game.

"We need to look at ourselves, we were not pressing with the same intensity, we felt comfortable but we need to understand that if we had more bravery we kill the game. But sometimes this happens, you have a better first half than second. We believe in our capacity to score goals until the last minute. It's a little frustration, but also pride at the response of the players at the response to second goal of Tottenham. This is the tip of the iceberg, we are at the beginning of becoming a strong team, so we have a lot to do."

United return to Premier League action at home to Everton after the international break, and after that, comes a tricky trip to Crystal Palace, where Oliver Glasner's men will push their limits.

Aoba Fujino starred with a goal in the first half as Manchester City beat relegation-threatened West Ham 1-0 in a Women's Super League clash on Saturday. The Cityzens would only manage to score once despite being the much superior side on the field, as they missed a series of chances throughout the game. Nevertheless, the win ensured the Manchester club remains within one point of leaders Chelsea at the top of the table.

Profligate City edge to victory

City dominated proceedings right from the off and saw a couple of goal-scoring chances wasted within the first few minutes after kick-off. Star striker Khadija Shaw's close-range header was blocked in the 11th minute as City came very close to breaking the deadlock. However, 15 minutes later the hosts got their well-deserved lead as Vivianne Miedema went on a rangy run from the centre circle before finding Fujino with a simple pass. The Japanese forward entered the box and comfortably found the back of the net.

City enjoyed more possession and created better opportunities in the rest of the half, although West Ham did come close to restoring parity as Viviane Asseyi hit the post with a powerful shot after receiving a pass from Shekiera Martinez.

The second half saw both teams attack with great intensity, however, neither managed to influence the scoreline. Both the Cityzens and the Hammers missed a series of chances. Fujino could have doubled her tally around the 70th-minute mark, after Gracie Prior's header hit the crossbar and fell to her feet, but her attempt was blocked.

Despite securing all three points, City would be disappointed with their performance as they missed a series of chances against a West Ham side that was there for the taking. They next face Everton away from home on Sunday.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportThe MVP

Fujino was a livewire on the pitch throughout the 90 minutes and stole the limelight with a terrific performance up front. She combined well with Shaw in the attack and also secured the crucial three points for her club with a clinical finish in the first half. Had luck been on her side, she could have completed a brace as she saw an attempt from close range blocked in the second half.

The big loser

The Hammers were lucky not to witness a goal-fest thanks to City's toothlessness in front of goal, as the WSL giants missed a host of chances in both halves. The West Ham defence were clueless and could hardly cope with the intensity of the Cityzens' attack.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportMatch rating (out of five): ⭐⭐⭐

Daniel Levy made a few high-profile mistakes during his time as Tottenham chairman, but one is now seriously coming back to haunt him.

Daniel Levy leaves behind mixed Tottenham legacy

Levy’s resignation after 24 years as head of the Lilywhites boardroom sent shockwaves throughout the world of football.

He was regularly the target of criticism and even protests towards the end of his tenure, following a perceived lack of on-field ambition when compared to Spurs’ big-spending Premier League rivals.

Levy oversaw just two major trophy wins — the Carling Cup in 2008 and Europa League this year — but helped to transform Tottenham into a financial powerhouse off the pitch.

The 63-year-old helped to instigate Spurs’ transformative move to their brand-new state-of-the-art stadium and training facilities, which have made them one of the highest-potential clubs in Europe for success.

Real Madrid

£1.2 billion

Man City

£727 million

PSG

£700 million

Man United

£668 million

Bayern Munich

£664 million

FC Barcelona

£659.5 million

Arsenal

£621.5 million

Liverpool

£620 million

Tottenham Hotspur

£533 million

Chelsea

£474 million

via Deloitte Money League

Nearly three weeks ago, the news of his departure is still attracting plenty of debate, following reports that Levy was pushed to resign from Tottenham by the Lewis family and found out just hours before it was made official (The Times).

The chief made some pretty questionable calls as chair, not least the appointments of highly unsuitable managers which turned out to be disasters.

In terms of the transfer market, while there are plenty of success stories, one decision that’s now coming back to bite him is the refusal to strike a deal for PSG superstar Ousmane Dembele.

The Frenchman has resurrected his once-faltering career under Luis Enrique at the Parc des Princes, and fresh off the back of a stellar 24/25, he was crowned this year’s Ballon d’Or winner on Monday evening.

Dembele’s staggering 35 goals and 16 assists in all competitions last season, including an heroic Champions League final display against Inter Milan, gifted PSG a long-awaited treble whilst etching his name into the club’s history.

His winner away to Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals also turned out to be crucial, with the £317,000-per-week attacker starring in multiple positions as both a centre-foward and wide player across 24/25.

Tottenham refused chance to sign Ousmane Dembélé in 2022

Looking back to three years ago, it is now very interesting to note that Tottenham were actually offered the chance to sign Dembele

That is according to reliable journalist Alasdair Gold, who reported at the time that it was a ‘polite no’ to the opportunity of negotiating a deal for this year’s European player of the year.

This blunt response to Barcelona’s offering of Dembélé is made all the more humbling for Levy, considering how the 28-year-old has set France alight since his move to PSG just one year after Tottenham were approached.

The ex-Barca flop’s rise back to the pinnacle of footballing stardom has been a wonder to behold after injuries largely dampened his time at the Camp Nou, with Enrique explaining that Dembele’s “impeccable” attitude was perhaps a key factor.

Now, it is highly unlikely Spurs will get such a chance to sign him again, and it further highlights just how quickly things can change in football.

Former England seamer named in 14-man squad for visit of Derbyshire to Old Trafford

ESPNcricinfo staff15-May-2025James Anderson is ready to make his professional comeback, ten months on from his final Test appearance against West Indies at Lord’s last year, after recovering from the calf injury that prevented his involvement in Lancashire’s first five Rothesay County Championship matches of the season.Anderson, who turns 43 in July, has been named in the club’s 14-man squad for their four-day clash with Derbyshire, and barring late setbacks, is expected to take his place in their final XI at Emirates Old Trafford on Friday morning.His inclusion is a timely boost for a club that sits rock-bottom of Division Two after a dreadful start to their campaign, which this week resulted in the resignation of Keaton Jennings as captain. Dale Benkenstein, the head coach, is hopeful that Anderson’s unrivalled experience will help to steer the side back to better fortunes.”We obviously get a bit of a boost with Jimmy Anderson being available,” Benkenstein told Lancs TV. “He’s worked so hard, and he’s an amazing professional at his age. And what he’s achieved, the work that he’s put in to get back and ready for this game, is amazing. So it’ll be fantastic to have him back in the team.”Anderson’s last appearance for Lancashire came in July, on the eve of his 188th and final Test, when he claimed first-innings figures of 7 for 35 against Nottinghamshire at Southport.Related

Harris century gives Lancashire advantage in see-sawing game

Harrison spins it for Northants after Sanderson onslaught

Keaton Jennings steps down as Lancashire red-ball captain

“We know what he’s going to bring, but it is his first game back for a while,” Benkenstein said. “But that experience, you can’t have a more Lancashire through-and-through player. So to have that on the field is invaluable, as we have missed it over the beginning of the season. It’s great to have him back.”Since retiring with a national-record 704 Test wickets to his name, Anderson has been working as a bowling consultant with the England squad, but has stepped back from that role this summer, with New Zealand’s Tim Southee set to link up with the Test squad next week in a similar role.Anderson’s desire to keep playing was epitomised by his unsuccessful bids for selection at both the IPL auction and the Hundred draft. However, he has signed an multi-format deal for Lancashire, and if his body holds up, he is likely to play his first T20 match in more than a decade when the T20 Blast commences later this month.The Derbyshire match also promises to be Anderson’s first on-field appearance since he was knighted in Rishi Sunak’s resignation honours last month.His return will help to change the narrative for Lancashire, whose club hierarchy were moved to issue a public apology following their three-day defeat to Northamptonshire last week that left them rooted to the foot of the table.Since then, a new captain has been appointed – former Ashes rival Marcus Harris, whom Anderson dismissed twice in three Test appearances on the 2021-22 tour of Australia.Harris, however, has been a rare source of comfort for Lancashire this summer, scoring 749 runs at 83.22 including three hundreds.”Marcus is a very established cricketer and a very experienced person, and I feel like he understands where we are right now,” Benkenstein said. “I’m hoping that fresh pair of eyes gives us that spark we need.”As we all know, most Australians have that inner confidence. The way he is playing as well just helps.”A huge thank you to Keats,” Benkenstein added. “He’s one of the most amazing men you’ll ever meet. Having been a captain myself, you understand the pressures and the weight it has on you, especially in county cricket with the weight of cricket.”

Bayern Munich are reportedly planning to hold one final round of talks with Dayot Upamecano as pressure mounts over the French defender's unresolved contract situation. With negotiations stalling over salary demands and signing fees, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Real Madrid are monitoring developments closely – raising the prospect of another Bayern star walking away for free.

• Bayern to hold crucial extension talks with Upamecano

  Bayern Munich are set for one more crucial meeting with Upamecano’s representatives to finalise terms on a new long-term deal. The 26-year-old, who has been revitalised under Vincent Kompany, remains happy at the club but has yet to agree to Bayern’s financial proposal. His camp is pushing for a salary increase closer to €15 million per year (£13m) and a signing bonus that would align his earnings with team-mate Alphonso Davies.

  Upamecano’s current contract, which runs until 2026, has become a flashpoint for Bayern’s wage structure, as several top performers demand parity following recent renewals. Negotiations have been ongoing since early autumn, with sporting director Max Eberl leading efforts to secure an agreement, but progress has slowed in recent weeks. According to Fabrizio Romano, Bayern still "have the ball in their court," but failure to meet financial expectations could see Upamecano explore other options in 2025.

  If no extension is agreed soon, the Frenchman will be free to negotiate a pre-contract with foreign clubs as early as January. Florian Plettenberg reports that Upamecano is unwilling to make concessions in talks, creating uncertainty within Bayern’s hierarchy. For a player who made 38 appearances last season and remains central to Kompany’s plans, losing him for free would represent a significant blow.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Upamecano has numerous suitors lining up

  Under Kompany, Upamecano has rediscovered his best form, becoming an integral part of Bayern’s high-possession defensive setup. His pace, composure on the ball, and improved positioning have made him a natural fit for the Belgian coach’s philosophy. Statistically, he ranks among Der Rekordmeister’s top five in completed passes and leads the team in successful tackles per 90 minutes.

  Yet despite his resurgence, uncertainty around his contract has opened the door for rivals. Liverpool are closely monitoring the situation, especially as Ibrahima Konate approaches the final year of his deal, while Real Madrid continue to explore defensive reinforcements ahead of 2026. Manchester United, meanwhile, see Upamecano as a potential long-term solution in central defence, with the player’s physical profile and European experience matching their recruitment needs.

• Bayern fear ripple effects if Upamecano demands met

  Upamecano’s case has become symbolic of Bayern’s evolving wage dynamics, as more players seek to align their contracts with the club’s top earners. Reports suggest the French defender earns around €10 million annually – significantly below the €15 million mark enjoyed by Davies following his recent renewal. His entourage believes parity is justified given Upamecano’s importance to Kompany’s system and his standing among Europe’s best centre-backs.

  The negotiations also reflect Bayern Munich’s broader push to secure stability after a turbulent 18 months marked by managerial changes and key exits. Sporting director Eberl has prioritised renewals for foundational players like Joshua Kimmich and Jamal Musiala, but Upamecano’s demands have proven the most complex. Bayern remain reluctant to exceed their internal wage ceiling, fearing that doing so could trigger a ripple effect of renewed salary demands across the squad.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Bayern to hold new talks before winter break

  Bayern Munich’s next meeting with Upamecano’s agents is expected to take place before the winter break, with both parties eager for clarity. If no agreement is reached, Bayern may be forced to consider a sale in the summer to avoid losing him for free – a scenario the club is desperate to avoid. Much will depend on whether Bayern choose to improve their offer or maintain their financial stance.

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has been advised to follow Harry Kane's example amid a slump in form following a nightmare run with hamstring injuries. The England star has struggled to build up any proper rhythm since hobbling off in December 2024 during Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Crystal Palace. After a long stint in the treatment room, Saka returned to action in April against Fulham, but fresh problems resurfaced this summer.

Arsenal’s golden boy still searching for spark

A fresh hamstring setback during the 5-0 demolition of Leeds in August ruled Saka out of clashes against Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, and Athletic Club. Now back on the pitch once more, the 23-year-old has struggled to hit the turbocharged form that made him Arsenal’s most reliable match-winner.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportFitness guru says patience is key

Premier League injury specialist Ben Dinnery has moved to ease fears about Saka’s form, explaining that his comeback is a gradual process rather than an instant fix.

In an interview with, he said: "With Bukayo Saka, he had that big hamstring injury last season and he’s come back into the fold this season and picked up a couple more niggles. I feel like he needs a bit more fluidity to get that match fitness and sharpness back. I wouldn’t be that quick to say that he’s looking a shade of his former self, but the difficulty is that he’s coming back into the forefold and hasn’t had a lot of first team minutes, so it may take him some more time to get back into the flow and intensity of things."

Getty Images SportLook at Kane as the shining example

To underline his point, Dinnery pointed to Harry Kane’s remarkable recovery from his own career-threatening hamstring tear in 2020. The then-Tottenham striker snapped his hamstring against Southampton, sparking fears his best days might be behind him. Instead, Kane came back stronger, breaking records and rewriting the narrative after a 2023 switch to Bayern Munich.

"There’s nothing to suggest that Saka won’t get back to those pre-injury levels; there’s a lot of examples of players who have sustained hamstring injuries and returned to even better levels – Harry Kane is a great example of that," Dinnery argued. "He definitely needs a few weeks to get back to full fitness – and Noni Madueke’s injury means he’ll likely be playing week in, week out, but I wouldn’t be concerned with Saka’s current state at this moment in time."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportCrucial games looming large

Arsenal’s thrilling 2-1 win over Newcastle at the weekend has given them a lift, but the challenges don’t stop coming. On Wednesday night, the Gunners welcome Olympiacos to the Emirates in a Champions League showdown, before returning to domestic duty with a London derby against West Ham on October 4. For Saka, these fixtures offer the perfect platform to silence the doubters and prove he can still be Arsenal’s game-changer, even while finding his rhythm.

Napoli head coach Antonio Conte has claimed that his side are not a well-oiled machine after they registered a slender 3-2 win over Pisa in Serie A last night. Although Gli Azzuri sit comfortably at the top of the league table having won all four of their games, such a statement from the Serie A winner comes as a shock after their latest win.

• Napoli bounce back from Man City defeat

  Ever since kickstarting their season in late August, Napoli have played five games across the Serie A and the Champions League, and the only defeat has come against Manchester City in their continental opener last week. At such a juncture, after losing 2-0 to Pep Guardiola's side, Gli Azzuri regained their momentum with a 3-2 win over Pisa, a game where they conceded a late goal to project the scoreline as a narrow one. 

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Conte tempers expectations after Pisa win

  While they started the game against Pisa with a lead in the first half thanks to Billy Gilmour, the visitors equalised in the 60th minute through a spot kick. Conte's side scored two more goals in the 73rd and 82nd minutes through Leonardo Spinazzola and new signing Lorenzo Lucca, respectively. However, a late goal from Pisa's Lorran reduced the margin. 

  Conte argued the display shows his team will struggle to compete for every title this season after claiming the Scudetto by a slim margin last term. 

  "When I say calm and preach caution, I mean it for this reason: we, unlike others, don't have a well-oiled squad to play a season with various commitments like the Champions League, Coppa Italia, and Supercoppa," he said. "Players come from different backgrounds and have the Scudetto on their shirts: you play with high expectations. We, unlike others, have to work on the pitch to grow and level up, but sometimes you don't have time and experience is gained slowly. When I hear talk of a big transfer window, well, that's another story."

• Conte stresses Napoli not 'used to this'

  Conte has also claimed that Napoli will need time to adapt to such a hectic schedule, where they are playing in numerous competitions, as the players will undergo significant physical and mental stress, which they are not accustomed to. He said: "Other clubs are systematically in Europe and therefore used to this, we are not, and inevitably playing every three or four days brings physical and mental stress that some of these players aren’t accustomed to."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• AFP
  

  What next for Napoli?

  Napoli will resume action on September 28, when they face third-placed AC Milan in Serie A.

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

• Mitchell Marsh dropped, Beau Webster to debut in Sydney

• 'Unfair' to question Marsh's fitness as pressure grows on Test spot

• Stats – A sorry end to 2024 for India and Rohit

• Labuschagne digs deep to handle Bumrah's heat

• A Test match to remember for the lower order

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.

Maharaj was set to be in the XI for the first ODI against Pakistan but limped off just before the toss

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Dec-2024

Keshav Maharaj picked up a five-wicket haul in his last Test outing•Associated Press

South Africa have been left sweating over the fitness of Keshav Maharaj ahead of their last two Tests of the ongoing World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle. Maharaj was seen limping off during warm-ups ahead of the first ODI against Pakistan on Tuesday because of a groin strain. It is understood that Maharaj was in the XI before he sustained the injury right before the toss and was replaced by Andile Phehlukwayo. He will have a scan on Wednesday.After the three-match ODI series, South Africa face Pakistan in two Tests, needing just one more win to be assured of a top-two finish to qualify for the WTC final next year. Maharaj is a key component of South Africa’s Test side, often their lone specialist spinner in the XI, with Aiden Markram offering support with his part-time offspin. Maharaj bowled them to a win against Sri Lanka in Gqeberha earlier this month, returning 5 for 76 on the last day to trigger a collapse.Related

WTC final scenarios – SA need one more win for guaranteed top-two finish

Fractured toe puts Anrich Nortje out of T20Is against Pakistan

While the severity of Maharaj’s injury is yet to be ascertained, this adds to the long list of injured South Africa bowlers. Anrich Nortje was ruled out with a fractured toe ahead of the T20Is against Pakistan; Gerald Coetzee and Lungi Ngidi are out until January with groin and hip issues respectively; Nandre Burger has been ruled out of the summer with a stress fracture of the lower back; Wiaan Mulder is in a race to be fit for the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan after breaking a finger against Sri Lanka.Dane Piedt and Senuran Muthusamy are the spinners in contention for the Boxing Day Test, if Maharaj is ruled out. Batting allrounder Neil Brand, who bowls left-arm spin, and legspinner Shaun von Berg also made Test appearances this year for South Africa. Left-arm wristspinner Tabraiz Shamsi, who last played first-class cricket in 2021, could be in with an outside chance.

In what could give them an early edge ahead of their opening day battle, Manchester United have now reportedly come thundering into the race to hijack Arsenal’s deal for a £20m midfield talent.

Man Utd gearing up for opening day Arsenal clash

Ruben Amorim couldn’t have asked for a much tougher start to his first full season in charge at Manchester United with the visit of Arsenal awaiting on the opening day. The Gunners will be looking to go again in pursuit of the Premier League title and end their misery at long last and whilst their first hurdle may seem routine on paper, they could yet be up against a new-look Man United side.

The Red Devils have already welcomed Matheus Cunha and are reportedly confident that they will complete a deal to sign Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo. But they’re not done there. INEOS are looking to end this summer having made a statement of intent.

Alongside Mbeumo and Cunha, the likes of Emiliano Martinez and Hugo Ekitike could yet arrive to hand Amorim a major boost at both ends of the pitch.

It’s difficult to mention Ekitike without also mentioning top target Viktor Gyokeres, however. As Manchester United and Arsenal prepare to square off on the opening day, it is the Gunners who could land the early advantage by signing the Sporting Club star amid reports that he prefers a move to the Emirates rather than Old Trafford in the coming months.

As talented as Ekitike is, Gyokeres would undoubtedly transform Manchester United’s frontline. Alas, all signs are now pointing towards North London for the Swede who could be set to instead take Arsenal’s attack to a whole new level.

That may not be the last we see of Arsenal and United’s transfer battle, however, with both sides now reportedly jostling to sign another talented target before they meet in August.

Man Utd blistering into Agoume race

According to TeamTalk, Manchester United are now blistering into the race to sign Lucien Agoume in a move that could see INEOS hijack Arsenal’s move to sign the midfielder.

Inter approach to sign both Hojlund and "fantastic" £14m-a-year Man Utd star

He’s among those almost certain to leave.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 21, 2025

If there were any concerns that the Frenchman could be out of United’s price range, then Sevilla’s financial troubles should instantly put those to bed. As the Spanish club look to raise funds, Agoume could reportedly be available for just £20m this summer.

Praised for his “incisive” passing ability by analyst Ben Mattinson, Agoume may yet have the chance to showcase that trait in English football next season. The 23-year-old is reportedly keen to join a Premier League side which should hand Manchester United and Arsenal a major boost.