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“Up to them to decide how they’re going to take their games forward,” says coach after India defeat

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Jun-20243:15

Kirsten: ‘Pakistan made poor decisions at important phases’

Gary Kirsten has issued a stark warning to his players that they face being left behind by the modern game if they don’t improve, as the repercussions after two straight losses in the T20 World Cup 2024 begin.Pakistan lost to India in New York on Sunday in a tight game, failing to chase a target of 120. That, coupled with a shock Super Over loss to USA in their opening game in Dallas last week, means their chances of progressing to the Super Eight are already out of their own hands. For Kirsten, who began officially as Pakistan’s white-ball coach a week before the tournament began, the start could not have been any rockier.Related

Chance for Canada to shut the door on Pakistan's stumbling World Cup campaign

Bumrah spearheads India's defence of 119; Pakistan on brink of elimination

Kirsten bemoans Pakistan's 'poor decision-making'

Old debate, simple answer: Pakistan's batting just not very good

Asked after the loss to India whether the team had put themselves under too much pressure, Kirsten agreed.”You are pretty much spot-on,” he said. “These guys are all international players and they’re aware that when they’re not performing at their best that there’s going to be pressure put on them. That’s understandable, but a lot of these guys have played a lot of T20 cricket around the world over many, many years and it’s really up to them to decide how they’re going to take their games forward.”Kirsten didn’t take names, but Pakistan have retained a strong T20 core through the last three World Cup campaigns now. Seven of the XI that played in New York against India were part of the team that lost the semi-final to Australia in November 2021. Six from yesterday’s XI were in the side that lost to England in the final a year later at the MCG.The scrutiny will fall on the captain Babar Azam and his opening partner Mohammad Rizwan, each of whom have top-scored in the two games but with innings that divided opinion for their strike rate and notable lack of intent. Their approach has been consistent through the three campaigns and though Pakistan experimented with the opening partnership in the run-up to the event, Kirsten said there was “concern around how we can put our innings together and structure it”.Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf have also been part of both previous campaigns and though the bowling has mostly held up its end of the bargain – and came in for praise from Kirsten yesterday – the decline in Shadab’s legspin has hurt Pakistan.Kirsten acknowledged that he still needed time to take better stock of the situation but was clear that players needed to evolve as the format did.”As I said, I’ve only been here a handful of days. I’m having a look into the environment and looking at what the issues are. I look at these players, I’ve watched them play many, many years on TV and kind of getting to know them, they’re fantastic guys. They’re playing for their country, so they really are pumped. I mean, there’s a lot of very disappointed guys in the change room now.”I think for me the most important thing for every international player is that you continue growing and developing as a player, and understanding what the demands of international competition are. The game is changing pretty much every year. So, if you’re not up to it and you’re not improving, you’re going to get found out somewhere.”Former captain Wasim Akram, who was commentating on the game, went further and called for a clear-out from the current team. Though Akram did not take names, he said the nature of the defeat meant somebody had to “bell the cat now”.”Enough is enough. We need changes now. Bring in a new team, six to seven players and then back them through losses so they can develop as a team. It’s time for the PCB chairman to take a bold step. We keep hearing [of the team] that this guy isn’t talking to that guy, or that guy isn’t talking to him. This was the best New York pitch so far, it wasn’t that difficult. How difficult was it to chase 120?”After this performance I don’t think Pakistan deserve to go into the Super Eight.”1:47

Mumtaz: PCB needs to provide leadership skills to players

Shahid Afridi, another former captain, was also far from pleased with what he saw. “The Pakistan batting line-up simply isn’t clicking and what we saw was a weak display of power hitting,” Afridi wrote in his column for the ICC. “For several reasons, this game [against India] wasn’t about playing aggressively. But strategy and smart cricket were required to get the run chase over the line, and those qualities are exactly what Pakistan lacked.”I think now is the time for Gary Kirsten and Babar Azam to make some changes. I would like to see Salman Ali Agha [he is not part of the T20 World Cup squad] come into the side in place of Usman Khan and Abrar Ahmed to come in for Shadab Khan.”Most of all, I believe Fakhar Zaman should be promoted to open the innings alongside Mohammad Rizwan, with Babar dropping down to number three.”There are some tough conversations and choices to come but we need to remember that there is still hope: Pakistan are not out of the tournament yet.”

With Jaka Bijol officially signed and delivered, Leeds United have now reportedly turned their focus towards a second defensive addition in the form of a £38m La Liga ace.

Jaka Bijol completes Leeds move

It took some time but Bijol is finally a Leeds player. The defender has arrived from Udinese for a reported £15m and becomes the Whites’ second signing of the summer after Lukas Nmecha.

After putting pen to paper to make his move official, Bijol told Leeds’ official media channels: “This is a big day for me, for my family and I’m happy to be here. Maybe the biggest one of my career so far, but I’m ready for it.

“I work for it and that’s why I’m here, because it’s a big challenge for everyone. It’s a big challenge for me, for the club, and we’re getting ready for it together. I think the club and myself are ready for the Premier League.

“I can promise that I will give everything, that I will give everything in every training as well to be ready for the first game of the season and then just go from there.”

Bijol may be the second arrival of Leeds’ summer but he looks unlikely to be the last. The 49ers look set to back the Yorkshire club as they prepare for their return to the Premier League, with names such as Oscar Gloukh now threatening the steal the headlines. The talented attacker would instantly be one to watch in England’s top flight, there’s no doubting that.

The Red Bull Salzburg man isn’t the only one on Leeds’ radar, however. Reports are now even suggesting that they’ve turned their attention towards another defensive addition after already welcoming a central defender in the form of Bijol.

Leeds make formal approach to sign Natan

According to Estadio Deportivo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Leeds have now made a formal approach to sign Natan de Souza from Real Betis. The central defender has just made his loan move permanent in Spain but could already be on the move again amid interest from those at Elland Road and Lazio.

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Reports have claimed that Betis have already rejected a proposal worth as much as €27m (£23m) from an unnamed club to sell their defender and instead value Natan at a hefty €45m (£38m) this summer. Whether Leeds are willing to reach that figure will be the big question as their pursuit continues.

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Natan

Bijol

Minutes

2,175

2,963

Progressive Passes

52

98

Tackles Won

24

25

Ball Recoveries

75

101

Keeping up with Bijol in a number of areas, albeit whilst failing to outperform the new Leeds star, Natan could yet form an impressive partnership with the former Udinese man at Elland Road.

The 24-year-old won’t come cheap but if Leeds are to stay afloat at the first time of asking back in the Premier League then the 49ers must be prepared to spend big.

The SPFL fixtures are out, meaning Celtic supporters can start looking forward to the new season as Brendan Rodgers’ side go about defending their crown.

The Hoops will begin their Premiership title defence at Parkhead on Sunday 3 August, before a Scottish Cup Final rematch a week later for Rodgers’ Bhoys, seeking revenge following that penalty shootout defeat at Hampden.

With an Old Firm derby at Ibrox on 31 August, as well as a season-defining Champions League play-off, their opponents in that tie will be confirmed on 4 August, there’s plenty for Celtic supporters to look forward to on the park.

Off the pitch, they’re making a splash in the transfer window.

Celtic seeking midfield reinforcements

Before pre-season begins against Glasgow neighbours Queen’s Park at Lesser Hampden on Friday week, focus remains on transfers, with Rodgers looking to bolster every area of his squad.

So far, Kieran Tierney has re-joined Celtic, while Ross Doohan has arrived to be the new third-choice goalkeeper, replacing Scott Bain, with Callum Osmand and Benjamin Nygren expected to be through the door soon.

Now, according to a report by Africa Foot, Celtic are interested in signing Moussa Baradji, facing competition from Sunderland, who have been promoted back to the Premier League.

The 24-year-old defensive midfielder currently plays for Yverdon-Sport, who finished bottom of this season’s Swiss Super League, thereby relegated, hence why Baradji is expected to be on the move again this summer, just one year after arriving from Legnago Salus in Serie C.

Baradji is valued at €3m (around £2.5m), described as a versatile midfielder by Drissa Traoré of Africa Foot, who adds that Galatasaray are amongst a number of European heavyweights vying for his signature.

Now though, could he be on his way to Glasgow?

How Baradji could replicate Victor Wanyama's Celtic career

Similar to Baradji, Victor Wanyama was not a known quantity when he joined Celtic from Beerschot in 2011, costing a reported fee of £900k, having made only 54 senior appearances for De Mannekes.

Nevertheless, just two years later, he was sold to Southampton for £12.5m, a Scottish record fee at the time, having impressed during his 91 appearances in hoops, most notably starring during the famous 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League, heading home the night’s opening goal.

That night, according to Ewan Murray of the Guardian, up against Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta, Xavi and others, the Kenyan was the best player on the pitch, with then-manager Neil Lennon labelling him “world class”.

After three seasons by the South Coast, Wanyama would join Tottenham, a key figure in Mauricio Pochettino’s successful Spurs side.

He was then not quite so impactful at Club de Foot Montréal, spending a large period of his four-year stay in Quebec injured or not contributing much, before returning to Scottish football in March, linking up with Lennon again at Dunfermline Athletic.

So, could Baradji be the new Wanyama? Let’s assess his statistics from this season.

Moussa Baradji’s Swiss Super League statistics

Statistics

Baradji

Swiss league rank

Appearances

27

111th

Minutes

2,104

77th

Goals

4

51st

Shots

45

29th

Fouls

41

13th

Interceptions

24

71st

Tackles

72

12th

Average SofaScore rating

7.14

37th

Statistics courtesy of FBref.com and SofaScore

As the table outlines, Baradji is something of an all-rounder, as Wanyama was, ranking pretty highly when it comes to shots, fouls and tackles, made all the more impressive considering his team finished rock-bottom of the Swiss top-flight.

Wanyama was particularly strong in the tackle, notably ranking as the tenth-best midfielder in the 2014/15 Premier League season for tackles per game (2.9). Thus, there are certainly similarities here.

Patrick Juillar of Sport 365 further describes him as a “box-to-box midfielder” who has just enjoyed an “outstanding” campaign, so if Celtic can secure his services, he could offer a big return on investment.

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Posts ByHenry Jackson Jun 25, 2025

England finding their range after difficult start as SA seek to maintain winning run

Firdose Moonda20-Jun-2024

England have settled into the tournament after a shaky start•AFP/Getty Images

Big picture: Who will give way at the top of Group 2?What direction is the drama following these two teams going to go in next?On the face of it, things are going smoothly for South Africa. They are unbeaten at the tournament and have won matches when both setting targets and chasing but, and this is a big but, none of it has been easy. It’s not just they were pushed by former champions Sri Lanka (who actually did the least pushing) and fellow Super Eighters Bangladesh but also by three Associates: Netherlands, Nepal and USA. If England were watching, they will have seen the flaws in South Africa’s make-up, most notably in the batting. Two of the top three – Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram – have only just found form and the middle-order have not yet had the opportunity to play to their potential.England will have been more pre-occupied with their own sideshows. They survived a group-stage scare in which they were all but written off after their rain-out against Scotland and have played and lost to their biggest rivals, Australia. Their net-run-rate boosting victories over Oman and Namibia helped ensure their survival once Scotland’s challenge had faded, but their most recent win over West Indies could yet propel their campaign to a new level. It is entirely possible that three teams in a Super Eight pool of four could end up with two wins each, especially given USA’s underdog status in Group 2, and so net run-rate could provide decisive. England’s is currently at 1.34, which leaves them in a good position, and after their shaky start, they would like to think they’ve got on a roll.South Africa might argue that they are already on one, and all they have to do is stay consistent with the knockouts in sight. Their next challenge is to maintain their winning start against two former champions. England’s task is much less abstract. South Africa humbled them at the 2023 ODI World Cup, in the middle of a horror run they don’t want to repeat, and with only USA to come, they have a chance to stamp their authority on this event.Form guideSouth Africa: WWWWW (last five matches, most recent first)
England: WWWLW In the spotlight: Opening batters and the quickest of the quick Both Quinton de Kock and Phil Salt played their best innings of the T20 World Cup in their last games with de Kock’s 74 setting South Africa up for a big total and Salt’s 87* helping England chase 181 against West Indies. Before those knocks, the numbers were not quite what the pair may have liked. De Kock had scores of 20, 0, 18 and 10 and Salt 37, 12 and 11. Starts, for sure and crucial to the tone of the innings, but they were not there at the end. Having players with their aggression bat through could be key on surfaces that seem to have offer runs and so how they perform in the next two matches could be key to their respective team’s semi-final hopes.South Africa have not had the challenge of consistent and genuine pace until now which makes Jofra Archer an interesting opponent. He is England’s joint-leading bowler at the tournament so far and has their best economy rate of 6.58 and could prove a handful to a top-order that is still finding its feet at the event. They’ll hope to counter-punch through Anrich Nortje , who equalled Dale Steyn’s record for the most wickets by a South African at T20 World Cups in the last match, and has looked menacing throughout. Nortje is the tournament’s second-highest wicket-taker so far and has been played with respect. Will England’s batters, who enjoy pace on, show him the same? Team news: Changes afoot for both teams?South Africa are spoilt for choice in the bowling department and opted to bench Ottneil Baartman to accommodate an extra spinner in Antigua. That team composition could work well for them in St Lucia too but Tabraiz Shamsi was expensive against USA and they may consider left-arm spinner Bjorn Fortuin instead. However, given the variations he offers, Baartman could come back into contention too and it is a case of trying to fit three players into one spot.South Africa: 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Reeza Hendricks, 3 Aiden Markam, 4 Tristan Stubbs, 5 Heinrich Klaasen (wk), 6 David Miller, 7 Marco Jansen, 8 Keshav Maharaj, 9 Kagiso Rabada, 10 Tabraiz Shamsi/Ottneil Baartman, 11 Anrich NortjeEngland stormed to a convincing win with this XI at this venue over West Indies, but the short turnaround means Mark Wood may be due a break from the action after another wholehearted, if unrewarded, display. Chris Jordan is the obvious inclusion, with Sam Curran’s left-handed options seemingly established ahead of Will Jacks, who struggled to translate his aggressive intent into runs in his two outings against Australia and Oman.England: 1 Phil Salt, 2 Jos Buttler (capt, wk), 3 Moeen Ali, 4 Jonny Bairstow, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Liam Livingstone, 7 Sam Curran, 8 Jofra Archer, 9 Adil Rashid, 10 Mark Wood / Chris Jordan, 11 Reece Topley Pitch and conditions Runs, and a fair few of them, have been available throughout the matches that have been played here with a first-innings average of 187. However, it’s not all smooth sailing for batters. There’s good bounce and carry on offer and some grip, which brought England’s spinners into play against West Indies. The one unknown is whether playing the match in the morning will make any difference to the conditions as all three matches so far have been night games. Weather-wise, there’s rain due over the weekend but the forecast for Friday is clear and humid with peak temperatures at 31 degrees. Stats and trivia The head-to-head record between England and South Africa is all-square with each team having won 12 matches against the other. At T20 World Cups, South Africa hold the upper hand and have beaten England four times in their six meetings, including their most recent clash in Sharjah in 2021. Anrich Nortje is two wickets away from 50 in T20Is and Tabraiz Shamsi one away from 300 in all T20s. Jos Buttler needs 19 more runs to become the ninth batter to 1,000 in all T20s this year. Currently, there are five South Africans with that many for 2024: Reeza Hendricks, Matthew Breetzke, Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen and Ryan Rickelton. Quotes “Hopefully.”
Kagiso Rabada’s one-word answer when asked if South Africa are peaking at the right time “A lot of people say you learn when you lose, but I truly believe you learn when you win as well. It’s important to reflect on what we did well today. We had a good performance, now we’ll put that to bed and focus on the next performance.”
England’s Jos Buttler has had enough with the platitudes about the gains from losing.

Leeds United are set for a busy summer of transfer business as they look to make sure that their squad is ready to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

The Athletic reporter Beren Cross has reported that Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff is one of the names on the club’s shortlist of targets to improve their midfield options. He claimed that no bid has been made for the English maestro, but he is an ‘experienced’ player that they like.

Longstaff only started eight times in the Premier League during the 2024/25 campaign and Leeds could look to offer him a chance to play more regularly next term.

The Championship champions, however, are reportedly looking at another star from the top-flight who would be a way better signing than the homegrown Magpies ace.

Leeds eyeing move for Brentford midfielder

According to CaughtOffside, Leeds United are one of the teams monitoring Brentford central midfielder Yehor Yarmolyuk ahead of the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Whites, Tottenham Hotspur, Burnley, Everton, Wolves, Borussia Dortmund, and Napoli are all keeping tabs on the Ukraine international.

Transfer Focus

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It states that the Bees are set to demand a fee of around £25m for the 21-year-old talent, and that no clubs have made any formal offers for his services as of yet.

Caught Offside adds that Brentford would prefer to keep hold of him to utilise his quality in the Premier League next term, but Leeds must now convince them to part ways with the young gem by meeting the £25m asking price.

Why Leeds should sign Yehor Yarmolyuk

Daniel Farke should push for the club to swoop for the Bees midfielder over a move for Longstaff because of his age profile and the quality that he could provide on the pitch.

He is six years younger than the Newcastle star, at the age of 21, and would arrive at Elland Road as a long-term addition to the group, whilst also being able to make an instant impact.

Yarmolyuk, who was described as a “dynamic” player by Thomas Frank, only started 15 of his 31 outings in the top-flight, but showed plenty of promise in the minutes that he did play.

If you look at his performances in comparison to Longstaff’s in the Premier League during the 2024/25 campaign, the Ukraine international appears to be the better option for Leeds on paper.

24/25 Premier League *per 90

Sean Longstaff

Yehor Yarmolyuk

Appearances

25

31

Pass accuracy

85%

87%

Passes into the final third*

2.93

4.41

Crosses into the penalty area*

0.00

0.25

Tackles + interceptions*

3.84

3.85

Clearances*

0.90

2.05

Dribblers challenged*

3.05

3.41

Blocks*

1.92

1.61

Stats via FBref

As you can see in the table above, Yarmolyuk could offer more to Farke’s team with his play both in and out of possession, particularly when it comes to progressing the ball into the attacking third whilst remaining efficient with his passes.

These statistics suggest that the Brentford ace is very similar, if not better, defensively to Longstaff, but is more effective at making things happen at the top end of the pitch.

Therefore, the £25m-rated midfielder would be a significantly better signing than the Newcastle man because he can deliver more quality immediately, having outperformed him in the Premier League, whilst also offering more to the side in the long term due to his age.

He could be a terrific investment for the future, at the age of 21, whilst also being a Premier League proven star who can hit the ground running for Farke next season, which is why the Whites must seal a deal for him this summer.

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Posts ByDan Emery Jun 9, 2025

It is no secret that Arsenal are actively in the market for a new attacking player or two for Mikel Arteta this summer, with the Gunners now urged to make a move for one highly-rated forward who’s reportedly on Andrea Berta’s list.

Arsenal targeting new winger with "numerous talks" held

Bukayo Saka’s lengthy injury absence midway through 2024/2025, combined with uncertainty surrounding the long-term future of Leandro Trossard, has seemingly pushed Arsenal into considering the signing of a winger.

Related Arsenal talks could advance in "next few days" as Berta eyes £59m signing

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Posts ByEmilio Galantini Jun 5, 2025

The Belgian is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract in north London, and there are even some suggestions that Arsenal would also entertain suitable bids for Gabriel Martinelli, who is valued at around £50 million, so Arteta’s wide options could look slightly different by the time we reach 2025/2026.

In terms of potential incomings, talks have been held over a deal for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, who is considered the “dream signing” by Arsenal in that position, but negotiations are proving complicated due to wage demands (Florian Plettenberg).

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

That being said, Rodrygo is by no means their only option, with Berta holding “numerous talks” over many targets, including Atalanta star Ademola Lookman.

The Nigerian is reportedly valued at around £42 million, which could prove to be a bargain considering his exploits in Serie A over the last two seasons.

Lookman’s devastating performance in the 2024 Europa League final ended Bayer Leverkusen’s historic unbeaten run, and he’s fresh off scoring 20 goals in all competitions for Atalanta over the season just gone.

Multiple reports have claimed that Arsenal have held talks over a move for Lookman, with club legend Ian Wright now urging Berta to seal a deal.

Ian Wright urges Arsenal to sign Ademola Lookman after alleged talks

Speaking on the Wrighty’s House podcast this week, the N5 icon expressed his admiration for Lookman’s journey to the top, branding him a “top” player.

Wright also urged Arsenal to sign Lookman before the start of next season, explaining exactly why he believes the African would do an excellent job under Arteta.

“I’m going to go with Ademola Lookman winning the African Player of the Year in respects of that man’s journey,” said Wright.

“I remember him from Charlton, it didn’t work out, £10 million to Everton, then moving all over the place, the journey from loan to this, then I think that’s one of the most devastating performances I’ve seen in any final with that hat-trick he scored.

“I hope we can buy him, Arsenal. I would love someone like him to come back to the Premier League and say, ‘listen, I have unfinished business here, so I am going to help Arsenal win the league’.

“But I just admire his journey, and now he’s recognised rightly as a top player, unbelievable.”

Manchester United have turned more corners than a Formula 1 driver over the last decade or so, with every seemingly positive step followed by a hefty tumble backwards in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.

Only last year, the Red Devils were riding high after seeing off rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final, a moment that looked like one which could kickstart the Erik ten Hag regime. Less than six months later, the under-fire Dutchman was belatedly shown the door.

Even under the new Ruben Amorim reign, high points such as the statement performances at the Etihad and Anfield failed to inspire a consistent run of form, with the Portuguese’s debut campaign ending on a deserved sour note amid last week’s Europa League final defeat.

That limp showing will now have real ramifications heading into the upcoming summer window, with Amorim already admitting that he will likely work with a smaller squad due to the lack of European football, while incomings may also be at a premium.

Indeed, the suggestion remains that the Old Trafford side will need to sell before they can buy, with exits for the likes of Antony, Jadon Sancho and the exiled Marcus Rashford set to be prioritised by Amorim and INEOS.

The gutting of the squad could not only impact the ‘deadwood’, however, with a handful of key figures also facing uncertain futures. One deal, in particular, could evoke echoes of the past.

Man United's biggest transfer mistakes

Starting with more recent sales, there is more than a tinge of regret over the £25m sale of academy graduate, Scott McTominay, with Scotland star having scored 12 goals as the MVP of Napoli’s Serie A triumph this season, after being deemed surplus to requirements back in Manchester.

That decision to cash in will sting considering United’s current woes, although it’s worth remembering that McTominay had actually only started 18 Premier League games last term. Hardly an irreplaceable figure.

The same goes for the likes of Anthony Elanga and Dean Henderson too, even with the 2023 sales having enjoyed fine seasons at their new clubs. Indeed, Elanga has helped to steer Nottingham Forest to Conference League qualification, while Henderson starred in Crystal Palace’s FA Cup final masterclass.

Again, in hindsight, those deals may appear a mistake, although Elanga had scored just four goals in 55 games for United, while Henderson was never able to truly dislodge David De Gea during his stint in the first team.

Looking further back, it is hard to think of too many departing stars who have truly gone on to sparkle elsewhere. Danny Welbeck did end the campaign with ten league goals for Brighton, although he had endured an injury-ravaged time at Arsenal after leaving United, scoring just 32 goals in total for the Gunners.

In the view of Jose Mourinho, Welbeck – alongside Javier Hernandez and Angel Di Maria – were players the Red Devils should “never” have sold, albeit with Di Maria never managing to settle in Manchester, while Hernandez has hardly ripped things up since his 2014 exit, notably scoring just 17 times in a forgettable spell for West Ham United.

Prior to that, questions are likely to be asked of Ferguson for allowing Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez to depart in the summer of 2009. Ronaldo, however, was hellbent on joining Real Madrid, with United at least raking in a world record fee. As for Tevez, the Argentine had seemingly “downed tools” under ‘Fergie’, in the view of teammate Gary Neville.

The Scotsman himself has pointed to the sale of Jaap Stam in 2001 as arguably “his biggest mistake”, although it is the decision to let go of another centre-back – Gerard Pique – that perhaps ranks among his greatest errors. Is that move about to be repeated?

Why Man Utd sold Gerard Pique

It was almost 17 years ago that a young Pique was allowed to return to boyhood club, Barcelona, after four years in England, with the LaLiga outfit – and new boss Pep Guardiola – forking out just £5m for his services.

The promising defender had failed to usurp Ferguson’s starting pairing of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, prior to his exit, with former colleague Wayne Rooney stating that the Spaniard had lost the manager’s faith after being “bullied” in a game against Bolton Wanderers in 2007.

A peripheral figure in Manchester, the now legendary Pique went on to become a central part of Barca’s success over the next decade or so, having memorably started in the Champions League final in 2009, in which Guardiola’s men ran out 2-0 winners in Rome.

In all, the ball-playing hero would score 53 goals in 616 games at Camp Nou, winning a plethora of major honours that include three European titles and nine Spanish titles – alongside a World Cup and European Championship with La Roja.

A “phenomenon” whom his compatriot and colleague Carlos Puyol described as the “best central defender in the world” in 2019, Pique represents one that got away as far as United are concerned.

The same could be set to happen with Alejandro Garnacho…

Selling Garnacho would be Man Utd's biggest mistake in 17 years

There are no doubt parallels between Pique and young Garnacho, with the wing wizard having also been plucked from Spain as a teenager in the summer of 2020, after signing from Atletico Madrid for a fee of just £420k.

Like Pique too, the Argentine could be set for a swift exit at such a young age, with the 20-year-old in line to follow in the footsteps of the centre-back, who was 21 when he left Manchester 17 years ago.

The suggestion is that Garnacho – who was left out of United’s win over Aston Villa on the final day of the season – has been told by Amorim that he can leave this summer, having also started on the bench in the defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao.

The £50k-per-week winger publicly outlined his disappointment at that decision following the 1-0 loss, albeit with Amorim pointing to the “big opportunity” that the player had missed in the semi-final second-leg victory over Athletic Club.

And so, even despite racking up 21 goals and assists this season, finishing behind only Bruno Fernandes in that regard, the rising star looks in line for an exit, having previously been the subject of a bid from Napoli in January.

Fernandes himself has been touted for a departure of his own, amid interest from Saudi side Al Hilal, although whether Amorim and INEOS would sanction a sale remains to be seen.

Equally, with the talismanic skipper set to turn 31 in September, it could be argued that his best days may well be behind him, after 5 years of magnificent service. For Garnacho, by contrast, his peak years are likely to be ahead of him.

Man Utd – 2024/25 squad stats

Player

Goals & Assists

Goals

Assists

Bruno Fernandes

39

19

20

Alejandro Garnacho

21

11

10

Amad Diallo

20

11

9

Rasmus Hojlund

14

10

5

Joshua Zirkzee

10

7

3

Marcus Rashford

10

7

3

Christian Eriksen

10

5

5

Casemiro

8

5

3

Diogo Dalot

8

3

5

Manuel Ugarte

8

2

6

Stats via Transfermarkt

Thankfully, unlike Pique, United could look to rake in a sizeable fee if they do indeed cash in on the Spain-born starlet, with a £60-£70m price tag having been mooted. That said, even amid the benefits of meeting PSR regulations, would this not be an almighty mistake?

This writer was at Old Trafford the day that Garnacho announced himself to the United faithful after scoring a brilliant brace in the FA Youth Cup final, with the scrawny teenager stealing the limelight after replicating the celebration of his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo.

The words ‘Viva Garnacho’ have rung out in Manchester since that day, not least when supporters have demanded his introduction off the bench to change a game, with the electric talent one of few who regularly gets the crowd off their seats. As journalist Samuel Luckhurst noted, he is a “game-changer”.

Also described as a “diamond” by talent scout Jacek Kulig in the past, Garnacho has enjoyed a catalogue of fine moments, be it his stoppage time winner at Fulham in November 2022; his clincher away at Elland Road just a few months later; or even his remarkable overhead kick against Everton at Goodison Park last season.

His crowning moment, of course, came following his opener at Wembley in last year’s showpiece, with it showcasing a sorry state of affairs that both he and Kobbie Mainoo now face uncertain futures at the club.

As The Telegraph’s James Ducker has noted, selling Garnacho, in particular, “would come with all sorts of warnings”, with INEOS needing to be certain that such players will be “replaced with upgrades”.

A player once described as looking “like a young Cristiano”, according to Paul Scholes, Garnacho actually boasts a greater scoring record for United than the great Ronaldo, before turning 21. Is this a player whom the Old Trafford hierarchy should really be selling?

Yes, there may be doubts over his suitability to Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, but that should not define his future. Equally, concerns over his attitude have rumbled on since Ten Hag’s early days, but that is perhaps to be expected over a player still learning his trade.

There is, of course, a need to rip up this squad and start again, although if drawing up a list of players who need to be sold, Garnacho should surely be nowhere near the front of the queue…

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Posts ByBen Goodwin May 26, 2025

After putting in what might be one of the club’s all-time great performances away to European champions Real Madrid on Wednesday night, Arsenal had the task of dispatching Ipswich Town yesterday afternoon.

Given the hype before their Champions League game and the sheer jubilation that followed it, it wouldn’t have been all that surprising to see the Gunners struggle to motivate themselves for a Premier League game that ultimately now means little in the grand scheme of their season.

However, Mikel Arteta has instilled a certain philosophy in his team, and they came out flying against the Tractor Boys, coming away from Suffolk as fully deserved 4-0 winners, with the likes of Mikel Merino and Leandro Trossard seriously impressing.

Yet, as good as the two starters were and as vital as they will be for the rest of the season, one of the second-half substitutes is now worth considerably more than both and could even be the Gunners’ new Cesc Fàbregas.

Merino & Trossard's game vs Ipswich

With Thomas Partey set to miss the first leg of Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain thanks to his brainless yellow card in the closing stages of last week’s win, Arteta left him out of yesterday’s starting lineup, moving Merino into midfield and starting Trossard up top, in preparation for the upcoming game.

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While some were understandably worried about changing a winning formula, it would be fair to say it was a tweak that worked perfectly.

For example, the Belgian scored a goal in both halves and what made them all the more impressive was that he did so with little space to manoeuvre in the box, which might be how he has to operate next Tuesday.

We weren’t the only ones impressed with the former Brighton & Hove Albion man either, as the Standard’s Simon Collings awarded him an 8/10 match rating at full-time, writing that he ‘made his case’ to start against PSG and ‘offered more than just goals.’

Moreover, be it the confidence he’s gained from playing up top or the simple fact that he’s now had a sizable run of games in the side, the former Real Sociedad star was phenomenal and earned an 8/10 rating from Collings.

For example, his brilliant backheel allowed Gabriel Martinelli to score his 50th goal for the club, and while he didn’t get on the scoresheet himself, he was here, there and everywhere in the middle of the park, as exemplified by his statistics.

For example, in just 57 minutes of action, the “duel monster,” as dubbed by Arsenal content creator Adam Keys, amassed a combined expected goal plus assists figure of 0.48, provided one assist, took 33 touches, played one key pass, was accurate in 100% of his crosses, created one big chance, won ten duels and made six tackles.

Merino’s game in numbers

Minutes

57′

Expected Assists

0.04

Assists

1

Expected Goals

0.44

Key Passes

1

Big Chances Created

1

Crosses (Accurate)

1 (1)

Touches

33

Duels Won

10

Tackles

6

Dribbled Past

0

All Stats via Sofascore

In short, both Trossard and Merino put in stellar displays yesterday and should now be nailed-on starters for next Tuesday’s season-defining encounter.

Yet, both players are worth considerably less than one of yesterday’s substitutes, who could be the club’s next Fabregas.

The Arsenal gem worth millions more than Trossard & Merino

So, first things first, how much are Merino and Trossard worth today? Well, according to Football Transfers, the former is worth around €39.7m, which is about £34m, and the latter is valued at €31.8m, which is about £27m.

Now, while those are not insignificant valuations, they are, surprisingly so, much lower than Ethan Nwaneri’s, which is a whopping €54.6m, which comes out to about £47m, or £20m more than the Belgian and £13m more than the Spaniard.

It might seem like an absurd number for someone who’s just turned 18, but that might actually work in his favour, as the Hale Ender is already showing an ability to thrive in a title-chasing side at such a young age, scoring nine goals and providing two assists in just 33 appearances, totalling 1294 minutes.

In fact, it’s this ability to step up and perform like a seasoned professional at such a young age that makes him so similar to Fabregas.

The former captain became the youngest player to represent the team in a competitive fixture – a title now held by the Enfield-born gem – when he came off the bench against Rotherham United in a League Cup match in October 2003.

Then, over the next few years, he became a regular starter in the team, so much so that he started the club’s triumphant FA Cup final against Manchester United in 2005.

On top of breaking through in similar ways, there is a real possibility that the Gunners’ “unplayable” young star, as dubbed by Jack Wilshere, could eventually move into the position once held by the Spaniard in time, as while he’s thriving on the wing at the moment, his most played position across his junior career was attacking midfield.

Finally, like the former Barcelona star, the teenage phenomenon has already shown that nothing about top-flight football fazes him, which could be one of the characteristics that help him establish a starting role in the first team in the years to come.

Ultimately, while Merino and Trossard should and almost certainly will start against PSG, Nwaneri looks like he will be one of Arsenal’s best players for potentially the next decade or more.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 21, 2025

A Rangers manager target is now ready to make his return to the dugout, with those at Ibrox keen on a move, according to a fresh update.

Rangers manager rumours ramp up

The 49ers Enterprises look set to be the ones tasked with appointing a new permanent Gers manager this summer after agreeing a deal in principle to take over in Glasgow.

Barry Ferguson is in charge until the end of the season and has done his chances of landing the job on a full-time basis no harm, especially with impressive performances in Europe and against rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.

However, Ferguson isn’t the only name on Rangers’ manager shortlist. Former Newcastle and Everton boss Rafael Benitez was one of the early names mentioned, and recently, ex-Southampton manager Russell Martin and Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior have both been linked with a move to Scotland.

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Steven Gerrard has also been mooted with a possible return to Glasgow after leaving Rangers for Aston Villa back in 2021. Things didn’t work out for the 44-year-old in the Midlands and, after an 18-month spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq, Gerrard is currently without a job.

Talking recently, Gerrard said he wasn’t looking to return to the dugout just yet, saying: “I don’t want to be back in work, not at the moment. I’ve just come out, so I am happy waking up, being free, doing the family stuff and being free from the stress.

“I will go back in at some point but when it is round the clock for 18 months, I just want to be free and do normal things that you can’t do when you are coaching like a game of golf or go down the boozer. I want to do normal things that you can’t really do when you’re coaching, so I am all good. I’m good and stress free. I’m out of work in terms of the coaching and management, which is obviously 24/7.”

However, it now looks as if the attacking 4-3-3 boss is willing to return to the dugout ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Steven Gerrard ready for return to management with Rangers keen

Talking to EFL Analysis, reporter Graeme Bailey provided an update on Southampton’s search for a new manager. One of the Saints’ targets is Gerrard, and Bailey added that he is also on “Rangers’ list”, with the ex-Ibrox boss now “ready to return to the UK”.

“Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard are both on Southampton’s final shortlist to be their new manager. The two England legends have been on Southampton’s radar for the last few weeks and both are in their sights.

“Lampard only took over at Coventry earlier this season, but has impressed in his short time with the club and it is believed Southampton would be an option he would consider.

“Gerrard, who is on Rangers’ list to return to Ibrox, is out of work following his stint in Saudi Arabia and is ready to return to the UK – we understand.”

Gerrard’s record at Rangers

Games

192

Wins

124

Draws

41

Losses

27

Players used

65

Average goals scored per game

2.12

Average goals conceded per game

0.72

The former Liverpool midfielder guided Rangers to the Scottish Premiership title back in 2021, their first since 2011, so it is easy to see why the 49ers have their eye on Gerrard, and a move looks like one to watch following this update.

As the chance to complete a league double over Manchester City arrives, Manchester United have reportedly held talks with the representatives of one particular target worth as much as £68m this summer.

Man Utd looking to shock Guardiola once again

Scoring twice in the final two minutes to defeat Manchester City at the Etihad back in December, Manchester United will be hoping to find something to salvage from a disastrous campaign by completing a double over their rivals this weekend. Last time out, Amad Diallo was Ruben Amorim’s hero. This time, however, his side must look towards a fresh attacking spark amid the winger’s absence.

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Speaking ahead of the Manchester derby, Amorim spoke about his side’s ambitions for the rest of the season and their problems compared to City’s. The former Sporting CP boss told reporters: “We want to win this game, we want to improve in the league table and especially we want to win games.

“We are going to have full focus on this game. I don’t see one win as a special moment. Special moments are to win titles. Even if the third division, you can beat the best team in the division.

“I am more focused on our problems; I think we have bigger problems than Manchester City. They had problems in that run. They have improved. They have maybe the best coach in the world. They have top players. It will be a difficult match. I am so focused on improving my team, I am not focused on City’s improvements.”

Last 5 Manchester derbies

Season

Competition

Match

2024/25

Premier League

Man City 1-2 Man Utd

2024/25

Community Shield

Man City 1-1 Man Utd

2023/24

FA Cup

Man City 1-2 Man Utd

2023/24

Premier League

Man City 3-1 Man Utd

2023/24

Premier League

Man Utd 0-3 Man City

The Manchester United boss also admitted that the focus is to improve his side, saying: “The focus must be on how to improve our team in every aspect. Of course, the Premier League is so different.

“People say Sir Alex Ferguson took two or three times to win something… it is completely different nowadays. The pressure is different. No matter the context, we need to be there [at the top]. We will have to say a lot of adversity and big teams.”

That is, of course, likely to come in the form of summer reinforcements, which could yet include the arrival of a much-needed, big-money goalscorer when the transfer window opens.

Man Utd hold positive talks with Ekitike

According to Anfield Watch, Manchester United have now held positive talks with the representatives of Hugo Ekitike over a potential summer move from Eintracht Frankfurt. However, the deal won’t come cheap, with the German club set to remain firm on their €80m (£68m) asking price in the coming months.

With competition from Liverpool for the Frenchman’s signature, the Red Devils should go all out to sign what would be an instant solution to their attacking problems.

Dubbed “strong” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Ekitike has scored 19 goals in all competitions so far this season and looks like he’s only just getting started on Europe’s top stage.