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Our South Africa correspondent welcomes English cricket’s attempts to diversify its fanbase

Firdose Moonda01-Sep-2022″Do you remember we went to the first ever one?” A cricket fan asked his friend on the walk down Wellington Road, which leads to Lord’s, on Tuesday afternoon. “We had just been released from our f****** Covid.”We all remember what we first did when we were released from our f****** lockdowns. How fortuitous for the ECB that some people will remember attending the Hundred. How fantastic that some of those people have decided to go back, a year later, when the world has changed again; when they could be in the West End or at the football, at a music festival or a pub – 13,152 turned up on a Tuesday evening laced with a chilly breeze to attend the women’s match and 24,116 the men’s. If anyone wants to know if this ‘thing’ works, tens of thousands of people think it does.And they’re not your regular cricket people. They’re what we’d call the minority in a stadium in England – not pale, stale and male – and they’re not having your regular cricket conversations.”How do you know if it’s going to be a fast bowler or a spin bowler?,” a boy asked his father, in the last quarter of the women’s match between London Spirit and Birmingham Phoenix, who were attempting to defend 82, and had just brought on offspinner Ria Fackrell.”The fast bowlers come in quickly and from a long way away,” the dad answered.On cue, Georgie Elwiss got the ball next. “Like this, see?”There was a pause as the child considered the mechanics of speed, distance and time, before moving on to specifics. “How fast do they bowl?”Pace is pace, yaar, and everyone wants to know about it, no matter how old they are. “Do you remember in the England-South Africa Tests, the South African bowlers were all really quick?” the father asked.I was quietly chuffed with the way the conversation was going. “The South Africans bowl about 90mph,” the father said. “And England’s best bowler Jimmy Anderson is about 83mph.”Another pause, and I wondered if this young fan was going to be swayed by speed alone. “Jimmy Anderson is the best,” he concluded. Can’t argue with that.Male cricketers were the examples the father used but it was a women’s match which enthralled his son, as Naomi Dattani and Grace Scrivens chipped away. They needed 35 from the last 35 balls, and more than a run-a-ball after that. Cries of “two, two,” from both father and son came every time the ball was hit into some space. At one stage, London Spirit’s ask had grown to 16 runs off 11 balls and they were preparing for defeat but Dattani hit a glorious straight drive to bring the equation down and a song every 12-year old knows the words to was blasted around the ground.Ravi Bopara smoked five sixes in 45 off 20 balls for London Spirit•ECB via Getty ImagesIt’s cricket but “not only about the cricket,” the DJ reminded us. Maybe that jars with you (after all, you’re reading a cricket specialist website and are probably a pretty serious cricket fan) but in a world with entertainment options everywhere, cricket has to keep up. So the Hundred has partnered with BBC Music Introducing to showcase a selection of artists in the intervals. Tuesday night’s was SOFY, a self-titled indie-pop artist from Leicester. She described Lord’s as “much more civilised” than the King Power Stadium.While SOFY brought the moody chilled vibes, the two on-field presenters regularly reminded the crowd that they need to “give this place some energy” and adopted the IPL-style puppet-master approach to audience participation.”Make some noise,” they command and noise is made. “We say London, you say Spirit,” and chants of “London Spirit” began. “We say Lord’s, you say cricket,” and cue the “Lord’s Cricket” chorus. Their crowning moment was getting the Mexican wave to go around the ground, including the Pavilion (yes, MCC Members stood up and raised their arms) at the first time of calling. Later, they asked everyone to turn their smartphone spotlights on to create a band of light (lighters are so 1990, aren’t they?). The mood dimmed a touch when the big screen then displayed a message asking for lights to be turned off so play could resume.By then, the men’s match was well underway and the atmosphere had changed a bit. Some of the parents with younger kids had left – and remember that those are kids who will grow up around a regular diet of women’s cricket – and the 20 and 30-year-olds were in. Many of them had not taken an interest in cricket before the Hundred (one prominent cricket photographer’s 23-year-old daughter and her partner were among them) and were treated to all the thrills and spills of a nail-biter.Related

• Dattani, Scrivens help Spirit scrap home to end Phoenix's campaign

• Matthew Wade 81 helps see Birmingham Phoenix to thrilling one-wicket win

• Matthew Wade: 'We've given ourselves a chance. We'll hope for a draw or a washout'

• Charlotte Edwards: 'Girls now trust that they can hit sixes down the ground'

Ravi Bopara’s 20-ball 45 ensured London Spirit set Birmingham Phoenix a competitive target of 140. Liam Dawson’s two wickets in five balls threatened to put Spirit straight into Saturday’s final but Matthew Wade’s 81 ensured Phoenix were in it all the way.The scores were tied when the ball that should have been the final delivery was called wide, and my thoughts immediately turned to whether the playing conditions make provision for a Super Over, or even if they would call it that, given that the o-word is not the said thing in this format. “Set of five,” is the preferred terminology. So how about a Super Set? Too complicated, maybe?In the end, Phoenix won, but not well enough to qualify for Friday’s eliminator. Whether those in attendance knew that is hard to say. And that wasn’t the only thing that could have been better explained. The team score is not prominently displayed, for example, with the big screens preferring to show runs scored or needed and balls faced or remaining. It’s not always obvious how many wickets have fallen or which set is being bowled, and the timer between the change of ends can be distracting. But at its core, the Hundred is still cricket. One team bats until either they are dismissed or out of overs, then the other team does. The team that has the most runs wins.The women’s match proved to be a low-scoring thriller•Getty ImagesIt’s been deliberately marketed to attract a non-traditional cricket audience and cricket being the game it is, the traditional audience don’t always like that. And the new audience will face a challenge when they move on to other formats and discover overs are made up of six balls, and you don’t get two bowled from the same side.Think of the re-explaining the father will have to do when his son wants to know why Anderson or Kagiso Rabada are not strategically used to deliver sets in succession. But it’s an interesting tactical innovation and will likely deliver some intriguing strategies as the Hundred continues to be played. For those of us who have watched cricket all our lives, it’s not that difficult a concept to adjust to, even if we want to dismiss it as unnecessary.It’s the opposite argument we should be making. It’s necessary that cricket evolves. In South Africa, we have dispensed with three-Test series to accommodate for a T20 league because that’s the only way the game will be financially viable. It’s up for debate why the ECB chose to create a whole new format, not to mention its impact on other formats, but at least it’s an attempt to get cricket to keep up.It’s also necessary that cricket becomes more welcoming to more people. We’ve just been through a Social Justice and Nation-Building process which has exposed exclusion in South Africa and the ECB’s own review is about to get underway. We know the game has a history of racism, misogyny and intolerance that should be driven out. If an environment can be created where groups of friends, families and people from a variety of backgrounds can get together, that should be encouraged, especially as we collectively recover from the f****** pandemic, and all its after-effects.

England wicketkeeper reveling in moment after starring in back-to-back Test successes against New Zealand

Vithushan Ehantharajah20-Jun-2022Among the glazed eyes of those packed into Nottingham’s Mega Munch in the early hours of Wednesday, several of whom had secured a stunning victory at Trent Bridge against New Zealand, stood one looking the freshest of the lot.Ben Foakes was propped at the greasy counter, cap on, seemingly with his wits in check while those around him sported tell-tale ruddy cheeks. His aura was as it was at the end of the first and second Tests when he helped England home: calm and unflustered after the chaos. Amid the bombastic exploits this last month, he has been the designated driver.A few days on, Foakes admits to ESPNcricinfo his look was deceiving. “I didn’t feel fresh,” he laughs. “I think it’s the first time I’ve actually been out this year. The next day was a complete write-off.” As for his order, he went healthy (ish). “I didn’t go chips, just a fried chicken burger. It was good, actually. Though I suppose everything at 4am is.”Memories of getting back to the hotel are understandably hazy. But the imprints of a series win, moreover how England chased down 299 in 50 overs on the final day to secure it, will have greater permanency. From the dressing room to the bar and on to late-night kebab shop, many of the chats between players, even members of the public – some of who had been in the stands earlier that day – circled back to the efforts of that day.Related

• England trying to break the Test mould – Jonny Bairstow

• Root's 115* seals England march to victory

• Go, Jonny go. And just keep going

• Stokes' England hurl themselves into riotous embrace of Baz-ball

• No fear: England have dared to dream under their new brains trust

There is a tangible sense of fun around the men’s Test side. A renewed freedom under the leadership of Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, both in their expression and the fact they were out that late at all. The midnight curfew that had been in place since the end of 2017 momentarily lifted to savour their feat.”Any time there is a Test like that, which is very rare, you can feel it in the stadium and around,” says Foakes. “The atmosphere inside was incredible and you could see that filtering out of the ground. After a tough couple of years [in which England won just one Test in 17], it was a really good buzz in English cricket. With the new era, the way it’s talked about how we are going to play, it’s all blended in as positive vibes.”In the infancy of such upward flux, there is a tendency to laud two wins picked up against the reigning (if slightly weathered) World Test Champions as totems rather than merely early foundations. Cynics might regard a blowout with five Tests still to come this summer, and indeed the final match against New Zealand this Thursday, as a premature celebration. Sure, it’s been fun. But the dry mouth and headaches won’t be far off.Except, for those involved, this feels different. McCullum’s approach may have a whiff of “no tactics, just vibes”. But there is a belief among those who go out there and live it that he is instigating a shift in what English Test cricket should be, how it should feel and who it is for. The best encapsulation came in that final tea break, with 160 runs still to get.”Baz’s team talk at tea – it was like William Wallace!” Foakes says. “After he was done, everyone was desperate to get out there.”The traditional Test approach in that situation would be ‘see how it goes, see how many wickets we’ve got left, then if the situation isn’t there, do we shut up shop?’ He was like, ‘Nah, we’re not doing that. We’re winning this game. If we don’t, so be it – we’ve done it the right way. It doesn’t matter if we don’t win this game.’ And it took the pressure off.”To English cricket’s conservative ears, it is inspirational talk bordering on heresy. The gloom that has encapsulated the Test set-up is because it matter when they don’t win. It is why Joe Root had to step down from the captaincy, even in the form of his life. Why others beyond the field of play have lost their jobs. Why, going into the Test summer, there was such widespread disillusionment with the format in this country. All the more reason, according to Foakes, why such talk needs to be so strong. Any alterations to the fabric of Test cricket require the players to do the sewing.

“I had a few questions and didn’t want to be too indecisive and not know how I am meant to be playing. [McCullum] has been really clear with the doubts I had and it was good for me to be open with him”

“It has changed the way I look at Test cricket,” Foakes says. “With playing for England, there are obviously a lot of pressures, a lot of criticisms and things like that. If you think about that too much, it weighs on you. But over the last two weeks, it’s clear to see the positives and how amazing playing for England can be. Baz and Stokesy, the way they are, promote that.”‘Ground-breaking’ is too big of a word. But when I think about it, my approach to Test cricket has always just been about endurance, mentally slow for a reason, and meant to be calculated. When you play for England, there is another side to it – the entertainment factor.”I guess it’s similar to the New Zealand game a year ago [at Lord’s, where England declined to chase 273 in 75 overs]: we could have gone for the win, but didn’t. For pure entertainment value, within the crowd and at home, even if you lose that game at Trent Bridge, you’re probably doing more for Test cricket. There’s a balance in the game and trying to improve the viewership of it as well.”During the post-tea carnage in Nottingham, when England went from 139 for 4 to 272 for 5 inside 11.3 overs, 93 of those 133 runs from the blade of Jonny Bairstow – the man dismissed, having made 136 – Foakes was in a unique position. He had access to one of the best views in the house in the home dressing room, while burdened with impending responsibility as the next man in. Usually “really nervous” while waiting his turn, he was uncharacteristically at ease. “I usually pop out the back to keep myself busy. I must have gone to do it 10 times but every time there was a six, so I kept coming back to see what had happened.”We needed a lot of runs and it should have been a tight finish. But I was so chilled. When Jonny did get out, I was shocked because I was nestled in watching the game. Everyone during their partnership was like, ‘what the hell is going on?!'”Having snapped out of spectator mode, he went out to the middle and accompanied Stokes to the conclusion. He even had to push the skipper ahead of him, insisting he lead the pair off having finished unbeaten on 75. “I’ve just tapped it around for 12,” was the rebuff when Stokes insisted the pair walk off Trent Bridge together.He had a similar walk at Lord’s the week before, albeit with Root further ahead following his 115 not out to Foakes’ 32. Nevertheless, he was clapped through the Long Room, fulfilling an experience he had always wished for as a kid.That was an overdue home debut, coming as a new era lock rather than a seat-filler as the previous 11 caps abroad had been. His work behind the stumps so far has been as you’d expect from the poster boy of glovemanship. The two finishing cameos speak of assurance, along with 56 in the first innings of the second Test, a welcome third fifty-plus score in his career. His previous one, a half-century against Sri Lanka in November 2018, followed on from a debut knock of 107 the match before.Foakes hugs Ben Stokes after the latter hit the winning runs at Trent Bridge•Getty ImagesAs expected in almost four years since that bright start, form has fluctuated and, in turn, technique tweaked. A first-class average of 24.58 in the 2019 summer elicited a change from a more open stance brought about by adjustments made to county bowlers going wide and moving the ball back into right-handers. His back hip was coming through too much, creating unforced errors against the moving Dukes ball. He has also changed his bats to the shorter blade version used by Gray Nicolls stablemate Ollie Pope.The next thing Foakes wants to get right is his approach. Even in this “express yourself environment”, there is plenty of critical thinking taking place.”In the first Test at Lord’s in the first innings, I ended up playing a crappy shot just because I was a bit in-between. Batting with Jimmy [Anderson] I was thinking, ‘what am I meant to be doing here?’ And I ended up playing a wishy-washy shot to a ball I would have left from Tim Southee.”The issue to overcome, he says, is acquiring the flexibility to be a No. 7 in this XI, straddling the fence between the full-time batters and the tail. The difference between operating as a facilitator or aggressor is just one ball at the other end. For someone accustomed to batting five at Surrey, it is not a natural fit. He has picked McCullum’s brains to untangle his own.”I had a few questions and I didn’t want to be too indecisive and not know how I am meant to be playing. He’s been really clear with the doubts I had and it was good for me to be that open with him. It means I’m going out into in every innings knowing I have backing.”I don’t have a massive power game. But I can use my feet, do different sorts of things to accelerate my scoring without being reckless. Going back to that Southee ball – how do make that a ball I can score off by doing something different? I’ll never do what Rooty did and scoop Southee over my head. I’m never going to try it, but I might be able to do things with my strengths.”It will take time before we can say the McCullum-Stokes axis has reinvigorated English Test cricket, beyond the third Test at Headingley and even this summer. It’s too soon to say they have reinvented the long-form game. They are merely rolling the dice, trying to get some change.Any long-term change requires the likes of Foakes to seize the opportunities to truly reframe England’s psyche. It is a different kind of responsibility, one which will feel heavier once this honeymoon period is over.Right now, though, it feels like a privilege. “I just think it’s a really fun time to be involved,” Foakes beams. “That’s the way I’m looking at it.”

Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed a double injury setback following their Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich, with Achraf Hakimi and Ousmane Dembele both ruled out for several weeks. Hakimi suffered a severe ankle sprain after a reckless challenge, while Dembele sustained a calf issue. Both will be reassessed after the international break, heightening concern ahead of a congested fixture run.

• PSG issue medical update after Bayern loss

  PSG have confirmed that Hakimi and Dembele will be sidelined for several weeks following injuries sustained during the Champions League defeat to Bayern at the Parc des Princes. The match, which ended 2-1 in Bayern’s favour, proved costly beyond the scoreline as PSG lost two key starters before half-time.

  Hakimi was forced off after suffering a severe sprain to his left ankle in first-half stoppage time, with PSG announcing the following day: "Achraf Hakimi has severely sprained his left ankle, which will leave him unavailable for several weeks.”

  Minutes earlier, Dembele had already exited the field after signalling discomfort in his left calf immediately following what he believed to be the opening goal. He has “picked up an injury to his left calf and will therefore remain on the treatment table for the next few weeks,” according to the French side.

  The club confirmed that detailed updates will arrive “after the international break,” leaving the timeline for both players’ returns uncertain.

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• AFP
  

  Luis Diaz challenge sparks fury and concern

  Hakimi’s injury stemmed from a reckless tackle by Bayern winger Luis Daz in the closing moments of the first half. The Colombian initially received a yellow card, but after a VAR review, the referee upgraded it to a straight red due to the severity of contact and the dangerous twisting motion of Hakimi’s ankle.

  The Moroccan right-back was visibly emotional as he was helped off the pitch, later confirming his determination to return quickly: "Falls are part of the journey, the comeback makes the difference. Thank you all for your messages."

  Hakimi left the pitch in tears and could not put weight on his leg, he now faces a race against time to be fit for the Africa Cup of Nations, with Morocco set to open their tournament on December 21. The national team captain was expected to be one of the poster figures of the campaign.

  Bayern coach Vincent Kompany expressed his concern for the full-back post-match, saying: “I hope Hakimi recovers quickly. We know what it’s like to have an injured player in a match of this intensity.” Meanwhile, Colombian international Diaz posted soon after on Instagram: “Wishing Hakimi a quick return to the pitch.”

• Another upset for Ballon d'Or winner Dembele

  For Dembele, the injury represents another disruptive moment in an already stop-start season. The France forward had only recently returned from a six-week absence due to a hamstring issue sustained in September, and this latest calf injury threatens to derail his rhythm once more. The French superstar headed straight to the tunnel after being substituted, suggesting immediate concern from the medical staff.

  This setback comes at a difficult time for PSG, who are also without Desire Doue and Nuno Mendes, stretching squad depth significantly during a crucial stage of their European campaign.

  The timing of both injuries is far from ideal for PSG, as the European champions are balancing domestic title pressure with high Champions League expectations, but recent performances have shown signs of fatigue and inconsistency. Luis Enrique's team lacked sharpness against Bayern especially in defence, and losing two key starters only complicates matters.

  Hakimi has been instrumental in PSG’s transitional play, while Dembele has slowly grown into Enrique’s tactical framework. Without them, the team may need to rely on less experienced or out-of-position replacements. 

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• AFP
  

  Challenges lies ahead for PSG

  The upcoming Ligue 1 fixtures and remaining European group matches will test depth and adaptability, as they will hope both players can respond well to treatment after the international break. The club remain confident Hakimi will recover in time to feature at AFCON, but his status will depend on stability and swelling reduction. For Dembele, the key will be avoiding further muscular relapse.

  PSG face Lyon next in Ligue 1 before returning to Champions League action in a demanding continental schedule. Enrique will need to reshape his lineup, rediscover rhythm, and keep the squad physically managed to avoid further setbacks.

While Sunderland has been stealing a lot of the headlines as an underdog emerging from the Championship into the Premier League, Leeds United has also made the transition to top-flight life look relatively smooth so far.

After all, Daniel Farke’s Whites are only five places behind the Black Cats, sat in a comfortable 12th position, with the recent 3-1 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers pulling them away from any early relegation shouts.

Before this confidence-boosting victory at Molineux, there would have been many audible groans in West Yorkshire surrounding Leeds’ wastefulness in front of goal, with just one goal being fired home, until Leeds took out their frustrations on their bottom-of-the-table victims.

While Noah Okafor did break his duck in the West Midlands, there might still be some grumbles in Leeds circles that Largie Ramazani was allowed to leave the building on loan for Valencia this summer, with the quick Belgian potentially offering competition to the Swiss international if he had remained.

Ramazani's promise at Leeds

Despite costing a hefty £10m to pick up last summer, Ramazani would never become an out-and-out starter for Farke last season.

Often having to play second fiddle to Manor Solomon, the 24-year-old could well have felt downbeat about his situation at the Championship high-flyers. However, when he was unleashed into the action, he was often a force to be reckoned with.

From just seven Championship starts last season, the “explosive” attacker – as he was once labelled by scout Jacek Kulig – would collect a stunning six goals and two assists, with a breakneck brace even coming his way against Bristol City from just nine minutes of action.

You would think, therefore, that the German would want to utilise his impact substitute in the league above as well, with Kulig further lauding him as an effective “weapon” on the counter-attack.

Instead, much like Isaac Schmidt, the one-season wonder at Elland Road has now been chucked out on loan to European shores.

Thankfully, Leeds have arguably recruited well – away from allowing Ramazani to move on temporarily – with Okafor offering clear quality down the flanks, on top of Anton Stach further providing a goal threat from the middle of the park.

However, away from the big bucks being splashed on that exciting duo, Leeds have also seemingly struck gold with this under-the-radar signing, who is now worth more than Ramazani’s £10m valuation.

The "unplayable" star worth more than Ramazani

Indeed, it should be expected that both Okafor and Stach would hit the ground running, considering they cost a whopping £38m combined to tempt to Elland Road.

On the contrary, the Premier League newcomers would have been willing to exercise more patience with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, as the former Everton marksman tries to get his choppy playing days back on track in West Yorkshire on a free transfer deal.

Minus his obvious struggles at the start, with a penalty miss in the EFL Cup knocking Farke’s men out away at Sheffield Wednesday, Calvert-Lewin has shown flashes already of why Leeds gambled on his services, with this expertly taken header against Wolves setting his new employers up for a comeback win.

The hope will be now that the injury-prone attacker, first of all, stays out of the treatment room at the Whites, but also that he can kick on and reach the unbelievable heights he once displayed at the Toffees.

Indeed, pundit Tony Cascarino even once referred to his ability to battle valiantly and put away chances as making him “unplayable” on his day.

If the experienced top-flight forward can recapture his Everton peak, which also saw him be referred to as a “monster” by the aforementioned Kulig, survival should be comfortably clinched for Farke and Co, with Calvert-Lewin bagging 58 goals and counting in the gruelling division.

Football Transfers even estimates that the commanding 28-year-old has a value of £15.4m, which trumps Ramazani’s £10m, despite entering the building this summer for nothing.

That value will surely only rise higher if he can be the talisman Leeds need in their bid to beat the drop, having once been worth a colossal £34m according to the same site.

Alongside Harry Gray: Leeds can unleash 19-year-old who's a "joy to watch"

Leeds United youngster Harry Gray is not the only promising talent who could make a breakthrough at Elland Road.

1

By
Dan Emery

Sep 24, 2025

Wayne Rooney has been brutally informed, by Danny Simpson during an exclusive interview with GOAL, that his dream of one day becoming Manchester United manager is likely to have "died". The Red Devils legend has, however, been talked up for alternative roles at Old Trafford – and one of those could see him help son Kai to chase the professional football dream.

• Getty
  

  Rooney's managerial career: Struggles in England and America

  United’s all-time leading goalscorer stepped into coaching at Derby County when bringing his distinguished playing career to a close. He has since occupied dugouts at D.C. United in MLS, alongside NFL legend Tom Brady at Birmingham City and in the Championship with Plymouth Argyle.

  Unfortunately, none of those posts have delivered much success – with stints at St Andrew’s and Home Park being cut alarmingly short. Rooney has been out of management since the end of 2024, with the 39-year-old enjoying a return to punditry work as wife Coleen sees her stock soar on the back of a runner-up finish on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here.

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• Backroom role? How Rooney could return to Old Trafford

  Rooney has not ruled out another managerial role, but is a long way off coming into contention for the top job at Old Trafford. He could, however, return to familiar surroundings in a backroom post that allows him to work with United’s strikers or academy hopefuls.

  Quizzed on whether such a job should appeal to Rooney and the Red Devils, ex-United defender Simpson – speaking in association with – told GOAL: "When you look at it like that, I think so. You could never say that these players can’t have a role or a place at a club where they have done so much and do care about the club.

  "I know it’s difficult because they are in the media and being honest, but that’s part of the game. He has to be honest – he can’t protect United, he can’t protect the players, he’s got to be honest and say what he sees. Why wouldn’t you, as a striker, want Wayne Rooney coming in. Imagine [Benjamin] Sesko and he’s got Wayne Rooney helping him. It’s not a bad shout.

  "As a manager? Yeah, I think that’s died. The roles that he took were so difficult and he doesn’t get the credit for that, taking teams at difficult moments. The Birmingham one, they were flying, everyone was happy, so he upset the apple cart by going in as manager. But some of the other clubs that he took, they were in difficult moments.

  "I would love to see Wayne Rooney back at United helping the young lads. If it was me and I was a striker and he came in to help me, you would be annoying him with questions all the time – what do you do in this position, what do you do in this position? That would be something I would like to see."

• Getty/Instagram
  

  Another Rooney at Man Utd: Kai starring in academy ranks

  Rooney’s eldest son, Kai, currently forms part of the youth set-up at United, with the teenage forward considered to be a hot prospect. Asked if Wayne could help to bring another Rooney into the Red Devils’ first team, Simpson added: "When [Michael] Carrick has been there, Ruud [van Nistelrooy] was there and all these ex-players, [Darren] Fletcher was there for a few years and is U18s manager and has started his own journey.

  "Kai, I’ve seen him play a few times and he looks fantastic – looks just like his dad but obviously left-footed! Any time that you get a chance to bring these ex-players back in, I think you have to. Whether he would want to do that, I don’t know.

  "Years ago, he wasn’t even my kind of legend, but I was at Blackburn and Nigel Winterburn came in for Paul Ince. I’m a full-back and I was soaking up everything he was trying to tell me. I’m not an Arsenal fan. Players respect what other players have done in the game. You can be a sponge and take in as much information as you can."

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• Documentary & punditry work: What next for Rooney?

  Rooney, who is set to star in an upcoming Disney+ documentary alongside Coleen and their four sons, has offered no indication that he is considering a return to Manchester United. He is on hand to give words of wisdom to Kai, having found it difficult to watch him in action down the years, and continues to keep a close eye on how the Red Devils are faring during a difficult era for all concerned at Old Trafford.

An “unbelievable” Newcastle United player may have played his final game for the club, with a move abroad possible before the league’s summer transfer window closes.

Potential debuts for Newcastle against Wolves

The Magpies return to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon, welcoming Wolves to St James’ Park and looking to kick their season into gear after a relatively slow start.

A frustrating summer window at Newcastle ended positively, despite losing Alexander Isak to Liverpool, with Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa arriving from VfB Stuttgart and Brentford respectively.

The Magpies’ two newest signings will both be vying for a start this weekend, and Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has talked up the idea of Woltemade leading the line.

“Eddie Howe has to start with Nick Woltemade, if not both him and Yoane Wissa together. Wissa hasn’t played a lot of football recently, so I’m not sure if he goes straight into the starting XI. But if you’re those two forwards, there is no better opportunity to get off the mark than facing Wolves at home!

“I always go with the logic that if the best team in the league wants to sign you, then you’re a good player. Bayern Munich wanted Woltemade, so he must know how to play! If him and Wissa can together get the goals scored by Isak last season, it’s a good transfer window for Newcastle in my opinion.”

Newcastle hero could leave before the weekend

Away from incoming signings, it looks as though Jamaal Lascelles could leave Newcastle on Friday, with reliable journalists Craig Hope and Simon Jones of The Daily Mail reporting that Trabzonspor are “exploring a deal” for the centre-back.

The Turkish transfer deadline day is Friday evening, so it would be a last-gasp piece of business if it does go through, with the 31-year-old only having a year remaining on his current deal.

A move away for Lascelles could make the most sense for all parties, considering it would allow him more regular playing time after dropping down the pecking order, as well as meaning Newcastle cash in on him instead of losing him on a free transfer.

If Lascelles does leave, he will be remembered as an excellent servant for the Magpies down the years, captaining them impressively earlier in his career and being showered with praise by Eddie Howe.

“He’s been an unbelievable captain for us. Captaincy doesn’t just exist on the pitch, it has to exist off the pitch. The two things are so intrinsically linked. A lot of our success last year wasn’t just down to the team, it came down to a group of players giving everything on and off the pitch.”

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At 31, the £40,000-a-week Lascelles is still young enough to be a key starter away from Newcastle, meaning a move to Turkey could be wise, rather than warming the substitutes’ bench for months on end at St James’.

Borussia Dortmund defender Almugera Kabar has submitted a transfer request to leave the German club. The 21-year-old has yet to make an appearance this season and does not feature in manager Niko Kovac’s plans. Kabar is reportedly looking for a loan move, with Brentford and three other English clubs expressing interest in signing him during the winter transfer window.

• Kabar's transfer request

  According to German outlet , Kabar submitted a written transfer request to Borussia Dortmund officials two weeks ago, expressing his desire to leave the club after receiving no playing time this season. Clubs from England have shown interest, and according to Bild, Dortmund received a €20 million (£17m/$21m) bid from English club Brentford. The offer was rejected, as Dortmund are not looking to sell the defender permanently.

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  Kabar's lack of playing time under Kovac

  Kabar has struggled for playing time under Niko Kovac this season. Failing to make a single appearance for Dortmund’s senior team as he could not displace Daniel Svensson from the starting XI, Kabar has only featured three times for Dortmund's reserve side in the Regionalliga West. This lack of first-team opportunities has prompted him to seek a move away from the club in search of regular minutes.

• Why Kabar is highly rated

  Kabar joined the Borussia Dortmund academy at the age of 13 and has steadily progressed through the ranks since then. His profile rose significantly after being part of the Germany U-17 World Cup-winning team in 2023, as well as the U-17 European Championship-winning squad the same year. Kabar was named captain of Dortmund’s U-19 team during their UEFA Youth League campaign last season. Despite strong performances, which included one goal and an assist, they were eliminated in the intermediate stage by Real Madrid. His potential prompted Dortmund to secure him with a contract extension until 2028, signed in February of this year.

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  What could happen in the winter transfer window ?

  Dortmund will aim to negotiate a loan deal for the talented defender rather than a permanent sale. For Kabar, a January move would provide the opportunity to continue his development and gain regular first-team experience without hindering his progress.

Newcastle United are in the mix to sign an “extraordinary” Champions League winner, with the player in question compared to Magpies midfielder Sandro Tonali.

Howe proud despite Newcastle defeat

The Magpies were beaten 2-1 at home to Barcelona on Thursday evening, with a stunning St James’ Park atmosphere not quite doing enough to help their side get a positive result, despite a late consolation from Anthony Gordon.

Newcastle’s performance was impressive on the whole, with the hosts dominating the first half, in particular, but Barca’s quality shone through, not least when it came to Marcus Rashford’s second goal of the night.

Despite the result, Eddie Howe still tried to be positive, speaking of his pride at the performance, as his team showed they could match one of Europe’s best teams for long periods.

“There was a lot of effort, commitment and heart from the players. It was a good performance, without being a great one, and to beat Barcelona, I think you need a great one. We had the chances – two big moments in that first half – but we didn’t take them. Unfortunately, when you concede the first goal, the game swings on that moment.”

Newcastle keen on signing "extraordinary" Real Madrid star

According to Caught Offside, Newcastle are among the clubs who are interested in signing Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga in 2026.

Chelsea and Manchester United are also mentioned as options for the £70m-rated midfielder, with the two-time Champions League winner out of contract at Madrid in the summer of 2029.

Camavinga would be a huge statement signing by Newcastle, considering the Frenchman is arguably considered one of the best central midfielders in Europe currently, also being able to do a job at left-back. He has also been likened to Tonali, in terms of style.

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The Madrid ace has been hailed as “extraordinary” by Carlo Ancelotti, which is high praise from a legendary manager, while Paul Pogba lauded his quality back in 2021, following his debut for France.

“It is a pleasure to see him don the [France] shirt. To score after his first start [against Ukraine in a friendly], that is honestly wonderful. I was truly happy for him. I only wish him the best and much more. He has everything for that. His future is in his hands. He is very at ease, he is a little dancer. He makes me think a bit about me. He is not a timid person.”

Whether Camavinga is eyeing a move away from Madrid remains to be seen – his contract situation means big money would still be needed to get him – but if Xabi Alonso doesn’t consider him an important part of his plans, Newcastle should be looking to swoop.

Manchester United and Sir Jim Ratcliffe splashed the cash in the 2025 summer transfer window, but who are the club’s current most expensive signings of all time?

Here at Football FanCast, we’ve taken a look at Man Utd’s most expensive additions in their famous history, as per Transfermarkt, with a detailed look at the top 10.

Here's a detailed look at Man Utd's 10 most expensive signings:

10

Angel Di Maria

£60m from Real Madrid

Back in 2014, Angel Di Maria put pen to paper on a five-year deal with Man Utd in what was at the time, a club and British transfer record.

The Argentine signed from Real Madrid under Louis van Gaal, but after just one season and 32 appearances, was sold to Paris Saint-Germain.

9

Matheus Cunha

£62.5m from Wolves

One of three big-money signings in 2025, Matheus Cunha was the first addition ahead of Ruben Amorim’s first full season in charge at Old Trafford.

Man Utd triggered the £62.5m release clause in Cunha’s Wolves contract, with the Brazilian forward set to play in behind the striker.

8

Rasmus Hojlund

£64m from Atalanta

The Red Devils won the race to sign Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta in 2023. The Denmark forward was just 20 years of age when he signed for the club and netted 10 Premier League goals during his debut campaign.

However, in 2025, Hojlund was allowed to join Napoli on loan with an obligtion to buy for £38m in 2026.

7

Benjamin Sesko

£66.4m from RB Leipzig

Benjamin Sesko was brought in before Hojlund’s exit as the new main centre-forward for the Red Devils.

The towering Slovenia striker starred for RB Salzburg and RB Leipzig before heading to Manchester in an initial deal worth more than £66m.

6

Bryan Mbeumo

£71m from Brentford

After starring in the Premier League with Brentford, Bryan Mbeumo swapped London for Manchester in a transfer worth £71m.

The versatile forward signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford which, providing he stays until 2030, will see him earn £39m in wages during his time with the Red Devils.

5

Jadon Sancho

£73m from Borussia Dortmund

Jadon Sancho failed to make the desired impact at Old Trafford after being brought in by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2021.

Sancho has also had a frosty relationship with Erik ten Hag, with the Dutchman publicly saying the winger wasn’t being included in matchday squads due to his performances in training. In 2024/25, he headed on loan to Chelsea, and in 2025/26, joined Aston Villa for the season.

4

Romelu Lukaku

£75m from Everton

Another big-money signing that didn’t work out for Man Utd was Romelu Lukaku, who signed from Everton in 2017.

The Belgian arrived at Old Trafford shortly after Wayne Rooney went the other way, however, Lukaku was on the move again just two years later, joining Inter Milan.

3

Harry Maguire

£80m from Leicester City

Man Utd pipped Man City to the signing of Harry Maguire from Leicester City in 2019. The centre-back has since been a hot topic of conversation at Old Trafford but has remained a regular for the majority of the time.

He’s worked under a number of managers and even captained the Red Devils for a number of years before Erik ten Hag handed that responsibility to Fernandes in 2023.

2

Antony

£81.3m from Ajax

The club splashed the cash on winger Antony to quickly reunite him with Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.

The Brazilian starred under Ten Hag in the Netherlands, however, after moving to England, Antony struggled to make the same impact, not exactly living up to the huge fee, and signed for Real Betis for just over £20m in 2025.

1

Paul Pogba

£89m from Juventus

Top of the list is Paul Pogba, who actually came through the academy at Carrington. The French midfielder eventually left for Juventus in 2012, but four years later, returned to Old Trafford in a huge £89m deal.

Pogba’s second stint in Manchester had plenty of ups and downs, and in 2022, he left when his contract expired.

Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has addressed sensational reports linking Thomas Muller with a World Cup assistant coach role. While praising the veteran's coaching potential, Nagelsmann has definitively ruled out a reunion for the 2026 tournament, citing Muller's contractual obligations and success with the Vancouver Whitecaps.

• Nagelsmann praises Muller's coaching potential but rules out 2026 role

  Nagelsmann has addressed speculation linking Muller with a position on his coaching staff, calling the player a future candidate but ruling him out for the 2026 World Cup. Talking to , Nagelsmann praised his former protege's suitability for a coaching role but confirmed Muller's playing commitments with Vancouver Whitecaps make any involvement next summer impossible.

  "Thomas is definitely a candidate who could hold such a position," Nagelsmann said. "What isn't there now can become one day in the future. He has what it takes to be a head coach." 

  However, Nagelsmann explained the logistical hurdles, noting: "He still has a contract in Canada until winter 2026. The coach won't be so thrilled if Thomas says: 'Yes, I'll come two or three weeks later because I still want to be an assistant coach.'"

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  MLS director credited with floating the idea

  The prospect of Muller joining the national team setup was first raised by Ernst Tanner, the sporting director of MLS side Philadelphia Union. Tanner endorsed the move, saying to : "Basically, I'm a fan of innovative ideas." His comments sparked the debate about whether the decorated veteran could be integrated into Nagelsmann's backroom team for the tournament.

• Muller focused on trophy-laden spell in Vancouver

  Nagelsmann confirmed he has been in contact with Muller and that the forward is enjoying his time in Major League Soccer. 

  "I've spoken with him a few times; he's having a great time in Vancouver right now, he's playing well, scoring a lot of goals, providing a lot of assists. And he's trying to advance football there," the Germany boss added. 

  Muller recently became the most decorated German footballer in history, winning his 35th career trophy after scoring in the Canadian Championship final to lead the Vancouver Whitecaps to victory.

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  What next for Muller and the German national team?

  While Nagelsmann has left the door open for a future collaboration, Muller will not be in the dugout for the 2026 World Cup. His focus remains on his playing career with the Whitecaps, where his contract runs until the end of 2026. Nagelsmann concluded definitively: "I'm going out on a limb here: he won't be taking on a position as assistant coach this summer – neither for me nor for any other coach." 

  Germany will therefore proceed with their existing coaching staff as they continue their World Cup qualification campaign.