يواصل برشلونة عمله ويكثف محادثاته للانتهاء من تجديد عقد مدافعه إريك جارسيا، بعد نجاحه في تمديد عقد لاعب خط الوسط الهولندي فرينكي دي يونج.
ووفقاً لصحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية، فإن برشلونة يرى في تجديد عقد إريك جارسيا أمراً مهماً، وبمجرد الانتهاء من هذه المفاوضات سيبدأ البلوجرانا محادثات تمديد عقد فيران توريس.
وينتهي عقد فيران توريس مع برشلونة في 30 يونيو 2027 ويعد من أكثر الأمور التي يهتم بها النادي خلال الفترة المقبلة، ورغم بقاء ليفاندوفسكي وكريستينسن لكن النادي غير مستعد لتقديم عروض لهما في الوقت الحالي.
اقرأ أيضًا.. لابورتا يعلن موعد تكريم ليونيل ميسي في برشلونة
ويرغب توريس في مواصلة عمله مع برشلونة والبقاء ضمن صفوفه، كما يرى النادي أنه أحد العناصر المهمة وقد قام بتحسين أدائه في المواسم الأخيرة وأصبح يساهم في تسجيل الأهداف.
ويضع برشلونة عدداً من المهاجمين المرشحين للتنافس على مركز المهاجم في الفريق بنهاية الموسم الحالي، وهما دوسان فلاهوفيتش وإيونج وأسلاني.
With 22 goals and 12 assists in 22 matches, Lionel Messi sits atop the MLS scoring chart, tied with LAFC’s Denis Bouanga. Despite injuries that sidelined him for several games, Messi is enjoying his best season since arriving in the league. On Tuesday, Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano highlighted just how vital Messi is to the club.
Getty Images SportMessi leading the way
Ahead of Wednesday’s visit to New York City FC, Mascherano spoke about the current form of his star forward as the MLS regular season nears its end.
“It’s hard to choose one version of Leo,” Mascherano said. “He’s a player who seems to stop time and continues making a difference game after game. If there’s something he has shown throughout his career, it’s the ability to constantly reinvent himself and add new things to his game, as if he ever needed to. We’re happy with the level he’s showing because, obviously, like any team in the world that has Messi, it depends on him.”
AdvertisementGetty Images SportRodrigo De Paul fully settles in
The Argentine coach also discussed fellow countryman Rodrigo De Paul, who, in Mascherano’s view, has completed his adaptation to the team.
“He’s already gone through the riskiest stretch, those first few games after finishing his previous season with little rest,” Mascherano said. “Now, after a month and a half and several matches, I think he’s adapted. Physically he looks good, so we’ll try to manage his minutes as best as we can with so many games coming up.”
AFPSuárez ready to return after suspension
Mascherano also addressed Luis Suárez, who served a three-game suspension following an incident in the Leagues Cup and could return to action on Wednesday.
“He’s been training well, as usual,” Mascherano noted. “Obviously Luis is a player who’s used to playing all the time, so I imagine he’s eager and anxious to get back on the field. We didn’t do anything specific with him during the suspension – he trained with the team the whole time. In a way, the break was good for him because he had been playing a lot of matches.”
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Getty Images SportWhat next for Inter Miami
Inter Miami head to Citi Field to face NYCFC in a key Eastern Conference matchup. The Herons, coming off a 3-2 win over D.C. United, currently sit fifth with 52 points, while NYCFC are just ahead with 53 points.
David Beckham has entered a new chapter of his post-playing career, launching his own honey-based snack brand in the United States. The Manchester United icon, who discovered a love for beekeeping during the COVID-19 lockdown, has turned his hobby into a full-fledged business called BeeUp. The launch comes as Beckham and his wife Victoria's combined fortune recently surpassed the £500 million ($675m) milestone.
Beckham launches BEEUP snack business
Beckham announced the launch of BeeUp, a honey-based snack aimed at kids as a healthier alternative to sweets. The products hit U.S. shelves this week at major retailer Target, with Beckham proudly sharing his excitement on Instagram. He posted a photo in front of the stocked shelves.
AdvertisementHobby turns into a healthy-living business
"My love of beekeeping and making my own honey began as a hobby and quickly grew into a passion," Beckham explained in June. "As a father and former athlete, it's always been important to me to give my kids wholesome alternatives to sweets. That's why I created BEEUP-a new snack brand rooted in honey, my love for family, and active living.
"Whether it's early mornings, after-school sports, or weekend adventures, BEEUP delivers better energy, one delicious bite at a time. This time-tested superfood tastes delicious and provides the energy kids need – perfect for fuelling up before practice, lessons, or games."
Getty Images EntertainmentWhat is Beckham's net worth?
This new venture arrives as the Beckham family’s net worth crossed the £500m ($675m) mark, cementing David and Victoria's status as one of the UK’s wealthiest celebrity couples. Beckham has built his fortune through football, sponsorships, business deals, and Inter Miami’s stunning growth in value. BEEUP marks his latest move to diversify 'Brand Beckham' even further.
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BEEUP to continue rolling out in the U.S.
BEEUP will continue its rollout across the U.S. in the coming months, with Beckham expected to expand the brand internationally. The ex-England captain’s growing empire shows no signs of slowing, with Inter Miami and now BEEUP at the heart of his business portfolio.
كشف أحد الخبراء المتخصصين في مجال سوق الانتقالات الخطة المتوقعة من نادي ليفربول تجاه النجم المصري محمد صلاح، نهاية الموسم الحالي، 2025/26.
ويستعد ليفربول لخوض مباراة مهمة ضد خصمه تشيلسي على ملعب “ستامفورد بريدج” يوم السبت، في الجولة السابعة من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.
ويتصدر ليفربول جدول الدوري الإنجليزي برصيد 15 نقطة، وخسر مباراته في الجولة الماضية على يد كريستال بالاس بهدفين لهدف.
من جهة أخرى، وقع محمد صلاح عقدًا مع ليفربول في شهر أبريل الماضي، حيث سيستمر بمقتضاه مع بطل الدوري الإنجليزي لمدة عامين، أي حتى 2027.
منذ ذلك الحين، شهد ليفربول تراجعًا في مستوى محمد صلاح، كما أنه لم يسجل إلا هدفين في الموسم الحالي من الدوري الإنجليزي، بينهما ضربة جزاء.
وذكرت شبكة “rousingthekop” الإنجليزية أنه لا يوجد ما قد يشير إلى كون ليفربول غير راضِ عن أداء محمد صلاح أو تراجع مستواه، ولكنها تدرك أن خيار الرحيل في 2026 قد يتحقق.
وأشارت مصادر إلى أن إمكانية بيع محمد صلاح الصيف المقبل ستكون مطروحة حتى لو حافظ المصري على مستواه الذي قدمه الموسم الماضي.
وأفادت أنه ستُؤخذ رغبات اللاعب نفسه، بالإضافة إلى الاهتمام بخدماته، في الاعتبار ضمن عدد من العوامل، مع العلم أن ليفربول لديه بالفعل خطة لخلافة محمد صلاح.
واستدلت بقرار آرن سلوت بإراحة محمد صلاح في مباراة جالطة سراي في دوري أبطال أوروبا حيث لم يشارك أساسيًا، حيث ترى أن ليفربول بدأ يخطط لمستقبل ما بعد الملك المصري.
ولكنها أكدت في الوقت نفسه على كون محمد صلاح لا يزال محور خطط المدرب آرني سلوت، وسيظل هكذا طالما ظل مع ليفربول.
اقرأ أيضًا.. شكوك حول مشاركة 12 لاعبًا في مباراة ليفربول وتشيلسي
وقال خبير الانتقالات جرايم بيلي، في تصريحات للشبكة نفسها: “إنهم يخططون لخلافته، سواء كان ذلك العام المقبل أو الذي يليه، لا أعتقد أن الأمر يدعو للقلق حقًا”.
وأضاف: “حتى لو كان محمد صلاح يلعب بشكل رائع، فستكون هناك فرصة لرحيله الصيف المقبل، لا أعتقد أن الأمر متعلق بالمستوى، أعتقد أنهم سيقيّمون الأمر”.
وواصل: “عقده لمدة عامين، لذا فهو عقد قصير الأجل على أي حال، لا يوجد وقت مناسب أو سهولة في التخلي عن هؤلاء اللاعبين العالميين، قد يكون بيعه الصيف المقبل مناسبًا لجميع الأطراف، حتى لو كان أفضل لاعب في الدوري الإنجليزي حاليًا، فلا أعتقد أنه من الممكن استبعاد رحيله الصيف المقبل”.
وأكد: “لقد أنفق ليفربول ما يقارب 300 مليون جنيه إسترليني على إيكيتيكي، فلوريان فيرتز وألكسندر إيزاك، هذا يعني أكثر من ربع مليار جنيه إسترليني على ثلاثة مهاجمين، هذا قد يكون الموسم الأخير أو ما قبل الأخير لـ محمد صلاح”.
وارتبط ليفربول مؤخرًا بإمكانية التعاقد مع مايكل أوليس، لاعب بايرن ميونخ، كبديل مناسب لـ محمد صلاح، وتطرق بيلي للحديث عن ذلك.
وقال: “يتفاوض أوليس بشأن عقد جديد مع بايرن ميونخ حاليًا، ولست متأكدًا من استعداده للمغادرة برأيي، سيكون على جدول أعمال العديد من الفرق مثل ديزيري دوي وبرادلي باركولا اللذين ارتبط اسمهما بـ ليفربول”.
واختتم: “ليفربول يعرف من هم اللاعبون المتاحون، ومن الواضح أنه إذا ومتى أصبح أوليس متاحًا، فسيكون من المفاجئ عدم وجودهم ضمن الخيارات المتاحة لضمه”.
You can understand a few disgruntled and impatient Arsenal fans right now, even if Andrea Berta has concluded some fabulous deals in the transfer window to date.
While Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke have all arrived, the Gunners boarded their flight on Saturday for their pre-season Asia tour without a new striker.
Some supporters may deem that a failure but Berta and Co are making progress. Viktor Gyokeres is poised to arrive at the Emirates Stadium, provided there are no late hiccups.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their first goal
Arsenal have long needed a striker and you sense that the fanbase will not be content with how this summer has played out until one signs on the dotted line.
Still, there could yet be a late twist in the tale.
Arsenal looking at Gyokeres alternative
Last weekend, The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed that Arsenal had made a breakthrough in their negotiations with Sporting regarding Gyokeres.
He revealed that Arsenal were ‘in the process of completing a move’ for the Swede and were taking the final steps in negotiations with the Lisbon club. It’s widely thought that the remaining hold up on the deal concerns the add-ons attached to the move. Frederico Varandas, the club’s president, is said to be hankering over how realistic those add-ons are.
Still, according to The Express’ Ryan Taylor, the Gunners remain ‘relaxed’ about the situation.
Before their pursuit of Gyokeres ramped up, the dream target for Arsenal and indeed for many other clubs was Alexander Isak.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Gyokeres’ international colleague has been the subject of interest from the north Londoners for some time now but amid recent interest from Liverpool, who are reportedly willing to slap £120m on the table, a new update has emerged concerning Arsenal.
Indeed, according to the club insider AFC Camden, ‘Isak’s representatives made contact with Arsenal in recent weeks’.
While this doesn’t mean a deal is necessarily on the table, particularly as it’s well documented Newcastle don’t want to sell, it’s interesting to see that the Gunners have been in talks as recently as this summer.
Last summer, the same source suggested that Mikel Arteta had told Martin Zubimendi to wait for Arsenal’s advances and lo and behold, the deal has now come to fruition. Perhaps this one might have legs too.
How Gyokeres compares to Alexander Isak
It’s safe to say that Arsenal need to score more goals next season. For the first time since the 1923/24 campaign, no player in the famous red and white scored double figures in a league campaign.
Yes, Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz endured multiple months out with injury, but it rubberstamps Mikel Arteta’s biggest problem heading into 2025/26.
If it’s goals you’re after, then few do it better than Gyokeres. No player in Europe’s biggest leagues last season scored more goals than Gyokeres’ 54. He netted those in 52 outings, underlining exactly why Arsenal are after him.
It’s not as though he hasn’t done it in England, either. At Coventry City he led an ultimately failed promotion charge, scoring 22 goals in 2022/23 for the Sky Blues.
Yet, Isak has a special set of qualities that illuminate exactly why so many, including analyst Raj Chohan, have decided that he is “the best striker in the world.”
The Newcastle attacker may not have enjoyed a 50-goal season but he was still spectacular last term, bagging 27 in all competitions and finding the net on 23 occasions in the Premier League. Only Mohammed Salah scored more than the Swede in the English top-flight.
But it’s not just his goalscoring ability that makes him such a joy to watch. As some have already made reference to, he’s a bit like Thierry Henry. They’ve got that flair and exuberance, that willingness to run and dart down the channels, cutting inside in a similar fashion before unleashing hell on a goalkeeper.
“How many times did you see Thierry go through on goal and panic? It’s the same with Isak, if he goes through on a one-on-one you’re just always confident he’ll score,” Peter Crouch once said.
“Alexander Isak is giving me little vibes of Thierry Henry, to be honest. He’s looking so sharp right now. Those two finishes for those two goals [vs Southampton] make it seem like the easiest thing in the world,” said Nedum Onuoha on BBC Sport’s Final Score.
For those of an Arsenal persuasion, nothing brings more excitement than a player who plays in a similar manner to their all-time top goalscorer.
2022/23
27
10
3
2023/24
40
25
2
2024/25
42
27
6
It’s for that reason, and indeed Isak’s success in the Premier League already, that many would view him as the biggest superstar out of the two. He’s been doing it at the elite level for a number of years now, and he’s used to dominating the best defenders in the game.
After the Toon defeated Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, a game in which the Swede shone, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville noted that Isak had “Gabriel and Saliba on toast”. Considering the Gunners duo are two of the best centre-halves in the league, it was special praise indeed.
So, while a move to bring Isak to the Emirates is incredibly unlikely, there’s no doubting just how good a signing it would be.
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Stuart Matsikenyeri, who was recently interim head coach, is now the fielding coach
ESPNcricinfo staff04-Jul-2024Former South Africa quick Charl Langeveldt has been appointed bowling coach of the Zimbabwe men’s national team. Stuart Matsikenyeri, the former Zimbabwe batter who had been the side’s interim head coach prior to the full-time appointment of Justin Sammons, remains part of the coaching staff as fielding coach.Langeveldt and Matsikenyeri will join Sammons and newly appointed assistant coach Dion Ebrahim ahead of the five-match T20I series against India, which begins in Harare on July 6. South Africans Ravish Gobind and Curtly Diesel will also join the backroom as strategic performance coach and strength and conditioning coach respectively.Related
Justin Sammons appointed Zimbabwe head coach
Dave Houghton resigns as Zimbabwe head coach
The appointments were approved by the Mhishi Committee of Inquiry, which was formed to study the team’s failure to qualify for the recently concluded T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies.A near full-strength Zimbabwe were pipped by Namibia and Uganda, who took the two available spots from the Africa Region Qualifier in November 2023. The setback prompted Dave Houghton’s resignation as head coach, with the former Zimbabwe captain suggesting players were “not responding to my voice anymore.”In his absence, Walter Chawaguta had then taken over as head coach in an interim capacity, before Matsikenyeri stepped in to oversee the team’s preparation ahead of their tour of Bangladesh in April.Langeveldt’s most recent stint with an international side was with Afghanistan until the end of last year’s ODI World Cup in India. He has also been part of the coaching set-ups of Bangladesh and South Africa.
While they finally saw their team lift a significant honour in the Europa League, we reckon most Tottenham Hotspur fans are happy to see the back of this season.
For example, away from their continental success, the North Londoners finished all the way down in 17th place in the Premier League and failed to get past the Fourth Round of the FA Cup.
So, whether Ange Postecoglou keeps his job or not, Daniel Levy and Co need to do all they can to bring in the right players this summer, players who can help them rise up the table and put in a good showing in the Champions League next season.
Fortunately, the club seem to be on the same page, as reports are now linking the North Londoners with an incredible talent who could be their answer to Manchester United’s seemingly imminent signing of Bryan Mbeumo.
Tottenham transfer news
Back in the January transfer window, Spurs were one of several Premier League sides quite heavily linked with a move for Mbeumo, and while nothing came of it, the links didn’t go away.
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In fact, the Brentford star was still being touted for a move to N17 as recently as last month, but then this week, all hopes of the North Londoners securing the Cameroonian’s signature evaporated.
On Monday evening, The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed that despite interest from other sides, including Tottenham, the 25-year-old now wants to join the Red Devils.
Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts
While missing out on a player as talented as the former Troyes gem is never ideal, the good news is that the Lilywhites have now been linked with another sensational talent compared to him: Xavi Simons.
Yes, according to a recent report from TEAMtalk, Spurs are one of several teams interested in signing the RB Leipzig star.
The report claims that the North Londoners made contact with the player’s camp in January and that they’ll have to compete with Arsenal, Chelsea, and potentially Liverpool should they opt to move ahead with their interest.
The Dutchman is valued at around £65m by Leipzig, so while it would be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be Tottenham’s answer to Mbeumo.
How Simons compares to Mbeumo
So before getting into a couple of the other reasons why Spurs should be looking to sign Simons this summer, it’s important to examine this comparison to Mbeumo and where it comes from.
Xavi Simons celebrates
It stems from FBref, which compares players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, and in this instance, has come to the conclusion that the Brentford star is the fourth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Leipzig gem across the last 365 days.
The best way to understand how this conclusion was reached is by looking at some of the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, expected assists, shots and shots on target, goal-creating actions, tackles won, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.
Simons & Mbeumo
Statistic per 90
Simons
Mbeumo
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
0.48
0.42
Progressive Carries
3.56
3.43
Shots
2.09
2.08
Shots on Target
0.96
0.90
Expected Assists
0.25
0.25
Goal-Creating Actions
0.50
0.53
Tackles Won
0.88
0.82
Successful Take-Ons
1.38
1.37
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season
On top of their statistical similarities, the 22-year-old “pocket rocket,” as dubbed by analyst Raj Chohan, could also have the same effect on the North Londoners that so many expect the Bees ace to have on United.
For example, despite missing some of the campaign with an ankle injury, the Amsterdam-born dynamo was able to rack up a seriously impressive haul of 11 goals and eight assists in 33 appearances for the German outfit.
That means he averaged a goal involvement every 1.73 games for a team that struggled more than most expected this season.
Finally, in addition to his ability in and around goal, the 26-capped international is positionally versatile and is more than capable of playing off either wing, in attacking midfield and even as a centre-forward if need be.
Ultimately, missing out on Mbeumo isn’t ideal, but in Simons, Spurs could have their own goalscoring superstar on their hands, so Levy and Co should be doing all they can to sign him this summer.
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The young leader could be just what Spurs are after.
Manchester United’s recent fortunes would suggest that a place in the Europa League final isn’t quite guaranteed, not just yet, although Ruben Amorim’s men certainly have one foot in the showpiece following a stunning first-leg triumph on Thursday night.
Up against an Athletic Bilbao side who had conceded just 12 goals at home all season in LaLiga and in European competition combined, the Red Devils romped to a brutal 3-0 win in San Mames, maintaining their unbeaten run in this year’s edition.
Bruno Fernandes
After a nervy opening – which saw Inaki Williams notably guide his effort over the crossbar – the visitors took control through Casemiro’s backpost header, before ever-reliable skipper, Bruno Fernandes, converted from the penalty spot following a last-ditch foul on Rasmus Hojlund.
With Dani Vivian dismissed for the action that led to the spot-kick to compound matters for the home side, United swiftly extended their advantage just minutes later, with that man Fernandes rounding off an intricate team move just before the break.
A fourth and potentially tie-clinching goal did not emerge after the interval, although Amorim can have few complaints on a night in which his experienced heads, in particular, kept their cool.
Casemiro and Fernandes rise above the rest
If the former Sporting CP boss is to have any reason for negativity following Thursday’s convincing win, the Portuguese tactician may be concerned at the shaky start which his side endured, with Victor Lindelof notably among those to have needlessly squandered possession in the early exchanges.
Touches
Casemiro (109)
Accurate passes
Victor Lindelof (97)
Key passes
Bruno Fernandes (3)
Crosses
Bruno Fernandes (5/7)
Shots on target
Bruno Fernandes (3)
Successful dribbles
Ugarte & Sannadi (2)
Defensive actions
Casemiro (9)
Duels won
Casemiro (10)
Possession lost
Nico Williams (20)
The Swede did, thankfully, redeem himself soon after with a vital goal-line block, with Manuel Ugarte also enjoying his own in-game redemption, having shaken off a careless beginning to ultimately register two assists on the night, including a clever backheeled flick for Fernandes’ second.
Some initial nerves may have been understandable, although in the case of the captain and Casemiro, the experienced pairing proved to be “the difference again”, in the words of journalist Samuel Luckhurst, having been head and shoulders above the majority of their teammates.
For Fernandes, such a performance has simply become the norm, with the influential skipper now boasting 37 goals and assists this season in all competitions, including seven goals and four assists in the Europa League alone.
To see the 30-year-old pulling the strings is no surprise, although for his veteran teammate, this recent resurgence has been a welcome one, not least considering it appeared as if he was approaching the end of a storied career not too long ago.
Casemiro
Once looking like “he is playing in Soccer Aid” under Erik ten Hag last term, as per pundit Jamie Redknapp, Casemiro has been reborn in the Amorim regime, with the return to Spain seeing the former Real Madrid warrior win ten of his 12 attempted duels, alongside getting on the scoresheet.
A starter in every knockout stage game in the competition, this redemption arc continues for the 33-year-old – much like it does for Harry Maguire.
The Man Utd hero who's now undroppable again
The importance of Fernandes and Casemiro was evident as even at 3-0, Amorim opted not to rest the star duo despite making a raft of changes, with the two men simply pillars in this developing 3-4-3 system.
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In a similar manner, the fact that Maguire was withdrawn just after the hour mark was also a sign of his growing stature under the new regime, with Amorim unable to afford an injury setback to the 6 foot 4 Englishman.
The 32-year-old hasn’t been a stranger to periods on the sidelines this season, having actually only featured on 34 occasions, although at present he looks the real bedrock in a back three that repeatedly chops and changes with each passing game.
Harry Maguire
A player his manager previously described as “perfect” for this setup, following the extension of his contract by a further 12 months, Maguire looks at home in the centre of the defensive trio, having been largely untroubled against the Basque outfit.
There was one hairy moment just prior to his withdrawal, amid appeals from the home crowd for a red card following a ‘foul’ on Maroan Sannadi, although it was otherwise plain-sailing, with the former Leicester City man spraying passes with ease after racking up a 97% pass accuracy rate in total.
Much like last month and his stoppage time heroics to clinch victory over Lyon, it was actually his impact in the final third that was most memorable from Maguire’s outing, with the towering defender proving an unlikely menace down the right flank, before whipping in a cross that eventually found its way to Casemiro, via the head of Ugarte.
The sight of the big man twisting and turning truly was a joy to behold, with that marking another “glorious” moment – as per The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell – in the revival of a player who was memorably stripped of the captaincy by Ten Hag back in 2023.
There were even suggestions that a move to West Ham United was on the cards that summer, yet now the £190k-per-week powerhouse looks a key cog in the Amorim machine – with the aforementioned Luckhurst noting his ‘solid’ 8/10 performance on the night.
In an era of pursuing younger and younger signings, with the aim of looking to the long-term, the likes of Maguire, Casemiro and Fernandes are proving that experience and class are simply priceless.
Man Utd may have found the new Scott McTominay in an unlikely source
Man Utd have found a new figure who may soon emulate McTominay…
And so, Manchester United are Bilbao-bound again. The Europa League final awaits…
Having cruised to a surprise 3-0 win away from home last week at San Mames, the Red Devils endured a typically nervous start on what should have been a routine night at Old Trafford, with Mikel Jauregizar’s first-half stunner sparking renewed hope for a depleted Athletic Club side.
The away side’s dominance continued in the early knockings of the second period, with United looking set to potentially pay for their inability to kill the tie sooner, with Alejandro having spurned a gilt-edged chance before the break.
Thankfully for Ruben Amorim, the Portuguese rolled the dice with his 60-minute substitutions and the right number came up, with the introduction of Mason Mount, in particular, helping to reinvigorate the misfiring hosts.
Two stunning strikes from the Englishman – which marked his first goals at the Theatre of Dreams in any competition – bookended further efforts for both Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund, with the Premier League side romping to a 7-1 aggregate scoreline in the end.
Mason Mount
It was a night that began in shaky fashion, but this one was all about the finishers – in truth, it was the night that Mount finally came to the party.
Mason Mount's magic Man Utd moment
What a week it has been for the former Chelsea man. Handed his first start since his return from injury against Brentford at the weekend, the 26-year-old duly popped up with the opener at the Gtech, before again delivering the goods this time around.
In truth, Amorim’s repeated praise for the injury-hit playmaker has looked more like blind faith than anything else in recent months, with Mount seemingly heading the way of a litany of failed signings before him. Indeed, two goals and only one assist in 41 games before Thursday night’s encounter made for grim reading.
And yet, is there life in this £55m man? On the evidence of last night, there certainly is, with the forgotten talent sparking United’s in-game comeback with a delightful cruyff-turn and curler into the far corner.
As journalist Samuel Luckhurst noted, there were shades of Federico Macheda’s famous Aston Villa effort about that equaliser, although Mount went on to emulate a far more notable name in David Beckham at the death, having lofted the ball into the empty net from range.
Amid a largely wretched two seasons in Manchester, the Champions League winner has hardly come close to reaching the heights of his fellow number seven, although this electric cameo – hopefully – can be the start of something brighter.
In the short term, perhaps the Cobham graduate has etched his name into Amorim’s showpiece starting lineup. The same is also true of Amad Diallo.
Man Utd star now "has to start the final"
They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and well, that is certainly true in the case of Amad.
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The shining light of Amorim’s early tenure, the Ivorian was cruelly struck down by injury in mid-February, having at that stage looked almost certain to miss the remainder of the campaign.
Having since defied the odds to work his way back to fitness, the 22-year-old has simply picked up where he left off earlier this year, as indicated by his stunning strike off the bench against the Bees on Sunday.
GK
Andre Onana
RCB
Matthijs de Ligt
CB
Harry Maguire
LCB
Leny Yoro
RWB
Noussair Mazraoui
CM
Bruno Fernandes
CM
Casemiro
LWB
Patrick Dorgu
RAM
Amad
LAM
Mason Mount
ST
Rasmus Hojlund
Again called upon as an impact player on Thursday night, the former Atalanta starlet quickly showcased why he now “has to start the final”, according to Luckhurst, after putting in a dazzling 30-minute showing.
Involved in the initial build-up to Mount’s first of the night, having surged down the left flank, the diminutive speedster was particularly crucial in teeing up Hojlund late on, having skipped his way into the penalty area before picking out the goal-shy Dane from the byline.
As he showcased amid that assist, Amad is simply a relentless and electric presence down that right flank. At one stage, he evaded his man with a sensational turn on the halfway line, albeit with teenager Harry Amass unable to convert at the end of that fine sweeping move, following another key intervention from Mount in between.
In all, that 8/10 showing – as per Luckhurst – from the dynamic left-footer saw him successfully complete 100% of his attempted dribbles and win 100% of his total duels, taking no time at all to get up to the speed of the game.
Amad Diallo
That standout cameo may suggest that Amad – and Mount too – could well be vital in helping to change the game in the final against Tottenham Hotspur, although Thursday served as a reminder as to why he simply must be in the starting XI, be it as a wing-back or a number ten.
With options now there for Amorim to call upon, as his squad edges back to full fitness, perhaps United may well finally peak at just the right time. Bring on Bilbao!
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Vithushan Ehantharajah28-Aug-2024The circumstances around Ollie Pope’s temporary Test captaincy are peculiar enough with Ben Stokes sitting stage-side like a proud mum at the school play encouraging you to smile more. But as England’s stand-in primes himself for the honour of leading the team out at Lord’s on Thursday, he does so with the focus squarely on him as a player rather than a defacto leader.Victory in the first Test at Manchester was, by and large, routine. Sri Lanka’s resistance amounted to quelling England rather than countering them. Pope captained well, particularly when shorn of Mark Wood for the business end of Sri Lanka’s second innings, albeit with assistance from a ball-change 41 overs in. But his sole takeaway was a need to strike a balance between skippering and batting.Scores of 6 in both innings were far from ideal. And the nature of the dismissals – bowled stuck on the crease; scuffing a reverse sweep to first slip – would have been fertile ground for riffing on a No.3 preoccupied with digesting his on-field captaincy had Pope not sowed the seeds of that take and then harvested them himself.Related
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“Probably one of the things I can improve on this week and the next is making sure you don’t do that,” Pope said. “You walk off the pitch and, when you’re batting three, you get your pads straight on and you know you could be in whenever. That’s probably the main thing – not thinking about all the decisions you just make on the pitch. Just thinking ‘right, now it’s time to bat’.”Batters are creatures of habit, but Pope’s habits at first-drop have only been grooved over the last couple of years. He has always tried to maintain a chilled disposition while waiting his turn, keeping one eye on the television to spot the amount of seam and swing on offer, occasionally venturing onto the balcony for a sit-down. He has always enjoyed a wander around the dressing room, nattering to team-mates without imposing himself on other people’s routines, which is a rare skill itself.Harry Brook practises his golf swing as Ollie Pope looks on•Getty ImagesSince June 2022 – when he first appeared at No.3 for England – those conversations have been a little shorter and with pads on. “It’s probably what I’ve learned over the last two years – save as much energy for when you’re out in the middle rather than just watching every single ball too closely.”That Joe Root is in the dressing room is of some help to Pope’s pursuit of a new equilibrium. What advice there has been thus far has centred on the need for a routine to shed how much “more taxing” fielding becomes when you’re the one setting the fields.If Root can offer anything, it is empathy, because balance was something he never truly found. He skipped between No.3 and No.4 with all the certainty of a man holding his phone out the window looking for better reception.He averaged 46.44 across 64 Tests as captain, lower than an overall career average of 50.33 and drastically below the 53.82 across the 80 Tests he has played without the armband. It’s worth noting his best run as captain came from the start of 2021, averaging 54.36 in his final 20 Tests. England lost 11 and won just four of those. It speaks volumes of Root’s candour he has not turned to Pope and shouted, “Ditch it and run!””I’ve got two more weeks of the series, it’s not like I’m saying I’m fatigued about it,” Pope said, assuring all this was very much a “him” problem rather than one for the rest of English cricket to concern themselves with. “It’s just finding a way to compartmentalise.”Not for the first time, Pope has brought honesty to the table. He was one of the first to talk of the challenges of bio-secure living during the Covid-19 summer of 2020, speaking openly about the emotional tax of being stuck in a hotel that overlooks the ground you had just toiled on earlier that day. Whether talking about the early shift to Test cricket when he debuted at Lord’s in 2018, restricted bubble life or getting to grips with a new batting position, he has always been forthcoming.Regardless of how Pope’s batting goes over the last two Tests of the summer, Stokes and Brendon McCullum will give him leeway. He has been their pet project, not just as a No.3, where he is still averaging 42.60, but as a vice-captain, a move taken to coax leadership out of him. And they are more than satisfied with how he has acquitted himself over the last two years.But Pope is desperate to get this right. It is as much about the captaincy as a career that feels in a constant state of flux. Even this year alone, a blockbuster 196 against India and a calming 121 against West Indies surround 11 scores of 23 or lower across 16 innings.Set against a rock-solid set of openers, a thriving middle order in which Harry Brook is emerging as the tallest pillar, Pope is under the most scrutiny. Should Dan Lawrence cash in his “free hit” as a makeshift opener in the absence of Zak Crawley, or Jordan Cox get the opportunity to press his claims further, there is a future where a tough decision might need to be made.This summer, Ben Foakes, Jonny Bairstow and Jack Leach were discarded from the Test side. Moeen Ali, recently Jos Buttler’s vice-captain, has been left out of the white ball sides to face Australia. Dawid Malan, once regarded as the best international T20 batter in the world, announced his retirement on Wednesday having been deemed surplus to requirements. This is a management group not afraid of grasping the nettle.All of which brings us back to that earlier quandary of balance. Pope may be one game into a three-game stint leading this team, but it probably would not hurt him to broach it more selfishly and tip the scales one way.Captaincy may be an honour. But batting needs to be his primary focus for a reliable future.