“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.”

Celtic are on track to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch this week with a deal for FC Nordsjaelland winger Benjamin Nygren moving closer.

Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph claims that the Hoops are close to agreeing a fee with the Danish side for the Sweden international, in a move that is expected to cost around £2m.

The journalist states that there is a desire from all parties to get a deal over the line and that talks are progressing well, as Brendan Rodgers looks to add another forward to his attacking arsenal.

Nygren scored 15 goals in 30 matches in the Danish Superliga during the 2024/25 campaign, as a left-footed right winger, and could compete with Nicolas Kuhn for a place in the team next season at Parkhead.

The Swedish star may not be the only winger to arrive in Glasgow before the end of the summer transfer window, though, as they are also eyeing up a left-winger.

Celtic have interest in Norwegian forward

According to the Daily Record, Brendan Rodgers wants further attacking signings on top of the pending arrival of Nygren, with a couple of left-sided forwards on the club’s radar.

Transfer Focus

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

The report claims that Norway U21 international Sondre Orjasaeter is one of the wingers being eyed up by the Scottish giants, as they look to add more quality to their frontline options.

It states that the Sarpsborg star, who is valued at £7m by his club, is a long-term target for the Scottish Premiership champions, alongside Royal Antwerp’s Michel-Ange Balikwisha.

This should be good news for the Hoops faithful because Orjasaeter would be a signing that is just as exciting as Nygren if they can get a deal over the line before the end of the window.

Why Sondre Orjasaeter is as exciting as Benjamin Nygren

Nygren is an exciting addition because of his impressive goal tally of 15 goals in 30 league games, but the 23-year-old has only provided three assists in his last 50 outings in the Superliga.

Orjasaeter may not be a winger who is going to score 15 goals in a season, which is why Nygren is particularly exciting, as he has only scored six league goals since the start of the 2024 Eliteserien campaign.

However, the Norwegian starlet offers creativity as well as a goal threat from the left flank, and is two years younger than the Swedish forward at the age of 21.

Orjasaeter has created seven ‘big chances’ and delivered two assists in seven Eliteserien outings in the 2025 campaign to date, after he caught the eye in last year’s season.

As you can see in the table above, the 21-year-old starlet ranked very highly in the Norwegian top-flight as both a scorer and a creator of goals for his side, and was let down by wasteful finishing from his teammates.

Orjasaeter, who was dubbed a “highly valued player” by Sarpsborg sporting director Hampus Andersson, is a winger who provides a decent goal threat, but also brings the ability to consistently unlock opposition defences with his creativity.

This is why he is as exciting as Nygren, despite the disparity between their respective goal outputs, because they could both offer a lot of quality at the top end of the pitch for the Hoops, albeit in different ways.

Celtic can land bigger signing than Schlupp in move for "incredible" star

Celtic have progressed in their attempts to sign a left-back who would be even better than Jeffrey Schlupp.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 14, 2025

It is now down to the club to ensure that they get transfers over the line for both of these wingers in the coming days and weeks, to give Rodgers plenty to work with next season.

Everton are now keen on signing a “quality” World Cup winner on a free transfer, according to a recent Toffees transfer report.

Jarrad Branthwaite signs new Everton contract

This week, Everton announced that defender Jarrad Branthwaite has signed a new long-term contract, which runs until the summer of 2030. The 23-year-old has been with the Toffees since 2020, when he joined the club from Carlisle United.

Related Calvert-Lewin upgrade: Everton advancing in talks to sign £34m striker

Everton are edging closer to signing a La Liga forward

Posts ByRoss Kilvington Jul 1, 2025

After spells on loan at Blackburn Rovers and PSV Eindhoven, Branthwaite has now turned into one of Everton’s key defenders, and that has led to speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United most recently. However, Everton have acted quickly to secure his future, and Branthwaite is “over the moon” at extending his stay with the Premier League side.

Branthwaite told the club’s official website: “I’m over the moon. It’s been something we’ve been talking about since the end of the season, and to get it signed now is something I’m really excited about.

“The trust the club’s put in me and how many games I’ve played over the past two seasons has made it quite an easy decision for me to stay and to keep progressing as a player.

“I know the Club. I feel loved by the players – we’ve got a good group here – and the fans. Over the past few years, I’ve seen the impact the fans have on us as a team and how much it means to them. And, obviously, with the new stadium we’ve got here, the new ownership and the new manager, it’s an exciting project, and it’s something I want to be part of.

“Moving to the new stadium together and having that first game at home is something we’re all looking forward to. We want to go again and push for a good season.”

Everton keen to sign World Cup winner on free transfer

Now that Branthwaite’s future has been resolved, the Toffees are turning their attention to who could be playing alongside him. According to The Daily Mail, relayed by Liverpool World, Everton are interested in signing left-back Nicolas Tagliafico on a free transfer.

The Argentine international, who won the World Cup in 2022, left French side Lyon at the start of this month when his contract expired. Given his situation, David Moyes is interested in adding him to his squad, as he would provide competition for Vitaliy Mykolenko, who is Everton’s only recognised left-back.

Tagliafico, who has been dubbed “quality” in the past, has never played in the Premier League before but has enormous European experience after playing for Lyon and Ajax in most recent seasons.

Nicolas Tagliafico’s Lyon stats

Apps

102

Goals

9

Assists

10

The report does claim that West Ham and Sevilla are also interested in signing the left-back, but the Toffees may have an edge in this race, as Tagliafico does have the same agency as current Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, which means there is a previous relationship between the agency and the club.

The South Africa captain says she will experiment with her spinners in the powerplay as well as at the death during the series in Chennai

Srinidhi Ramanujam04-Jul-2024It has not even been a year since Laura Wolvaardt took over the South Africa captaincy from Sune Luus but it’s been hard for her as a captain. Though her batting has flourished in this period, on paper, South Africa haven’t been able to find much success, especially in T20Is.Coming off two series defeats against Australia and Sri Lanka, Wolvaardt said on the eve of the series opener against India that South Africa will be playing their best XI and “most likely side to be playing in the World Cup” having tinkered with the team in the last few series. The three-match T20I series will also be South Africa’s final assignment before the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in October.”It’s one of our last dress rehearsals before the big occasion,” Wolvaardt said. “So we’ll be looking to play as strong an 11 as we can and to have plans that are similar, so we can have them to the World Cup whether they be bowling options or batting line-up. And just try and nail down different combinations. We’ve had a few T20 series in the last couple of tours where we’ve sort of tried one or two things and given some youngsters an opportunity. But for this one, we’ll be looking to play our best side and most likely side to be playing in the World Cup.”Related

Chloe Tryon returns to South Africa's T20I squad for series in India

Chance for India to sweep multi-format series against South Africa

Kapp joins Melbourne Stars on three-year deal

Rana's 10-wicket haul wraps up India's victory over South Africa

With spin-bowling allrounder Chole Tryon also returning to the side from injury, Wolvaardt added that her team is “pretty close” to nailing down the XI that would be featuring in the upcoming World Cup. But she couldn’t confirm if Marizanne Kapp, who played a specialist batter due to minor back injury and workload management in the ODIs and the Test, was fit to bowl in the shortest format.”Obviously, in an ideal world, Marizanne would also be bowling, but other than that we should have everyone on board. I was happy having Chloe back as well. It should be as close, barring any injuries touchwood,” she said.Under Wolvaardt’s captaincy, South Africa had lost nine of their last 15 T20Is since the T20 World Cup final last year. In the multi-format series, they had lost both ODIs 3-0 and the Test by ten wickets. In South Africa’s quest for a maiden win of the series, she called for the team to get extra “10-20 runs” and be a bit more consistent with the ball. India, on the other hand, are coming off a 5-0 series whitewash against Bangladesh, clinched the ODIs 3-0 in Bengaluru and won the one-off Test by ten wickets in Chennai.”It’s just about for the batting unit to find that extra 10 or 20 runs. Throughout that Australia series, we were, sort of pushing 150-160s, but with the game nowadays and coming on a flat wicket, you know teams are scoring 180-200, especially in these conditions. In the WPL, there are also a lot of very high scores. With the ball, it’s about just being a bit more clinical and a bit more consistent. But yeah, the direction of the game is moving, and we need to keep being brave and playing positive cricket.”Wolvaardt’s South Africa lost the one-off Test to India by 10 wickets•BCCIAs a part of the final leg of their preparations for the global event in Bangladesh, South Africa couldn’t have asked for better conditions than Chennai, which has traditionally favoured spin. Wolvaardt conceded that it’s an opportunity for them to try spinners in the first six overs or at the death, something that’s uncommon with their bowling. That apart, only Luus, Kapp and Tryon have played in a T20I in Chennai before, in the 2016 T20 World Cup.”It’s a good time to maybe see if we could perhaps use a bit more spin in the powerplay or at the death,” she said. “Traditionally we use a lot of spin in the middle, but it could be a good time to to experiment with one or two things. India will probably play a lot of a lot of spinners, maybe only one or two pacers, so they’ll probably bowl spin throughout the innings, which is probably something we could try as well. But yeah, it depends on the day and how the conditions unfold and how spin-friendly is out there.”The wicket looks a bit different for the T20s than on the Test. I think the Test we had that red clay, and this one looks a bit white clear and lighter. But having never played a white-ball game here before, we’ll have to see how much it turns. Yeah, a bit of a frustrating hard toil on that first day of the Test. For us, none of our plans were working. But yeah, we’ve had one or two discussions, but T20 cricket is more about sort of trying to keep the very explosive Indian batters more quiet, so it’s more just been talking around their batters and maybe keep them a bit quiet.”

Leeds United fans will soon be welcoming back a whole horde of familiar faces to Elland Road when Premier League football gets officially underway.

The likes of Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter and Archie Gray will all likely line up for their new sides in West Yorkshire, with Daniel Farke no doubt one to catch up with his past Whites servants before any niceties then go out the window on the pitch, considering their impressive spells donning Leeds white in the first place.

The German could even be about to win his next version of Gray this summer if all goes to plan, with Leeds reportedly having to spend big to land this new, versatile target.

Leeds interested in £30m star

It had been a relatively quiet window as far as incomings were concerned at Elland Road until Sunday when, out of the blue, Leeds managed to seal the signing of Felix Nmecha.

The striker arrived from Wolfsburg on a free transfer following the conclusion of his contract with the German club. So, who’s next on the radar?

Well, according to Portuguese outlet A Bola (via Sport Witness) Leeds are now keen on adding standout Southampton gem Matheus Fernandes to their ranks.

Previously, Fernandes has been valued at around the £30m mark, but Sport Witness goes on to elaborate that a heftier asking price could now be in the offing if Leeds, Nottingham Forest or Crystal Palace want to win their desired man.

It remains to be seen whether the newly promoted side would entertain a fee that’s higher than the already outlined £30m, but the daring capture of Fernandes could prove to be worthwhile down the line, particularly if the 20-year-old blossoms into Farke’s next iteration of Gray on his potential move to West Yorkshire.

How Fernandes could be Leeds' next Gray

Much like Gray was thrust into the spotlight under Farke during the 2023/24 season at Elland Road, Fernandes has been in and around the daunting environments of senior football for some time now without ever appearing to be fazed.

Indeed, the Portugal U21 international was gifted his senior Sporting debut under the tenure of Ruben Amorim when he was only the tender age of 18, with just ten senior appearances coming his way in the Portuguese capital before Southampton came calling.

Gray only experienced one season himself in the senior ranks at Leeds before his adventure in the big time also occurred, but whilst the 19-year-old did impress in flashes for Tottenham Hotspur last season when infrequently utilised, Fernandes was a constant bright spark for the Saints, even as they unfortunately succumbed to relegation.

In total, the 5 foot 10 starlet collected three goals and six assists at St. Mary’s in all competitions, with his Premier League journey rightfully not grinding to a halt if one of the aforementioned three top-flight suitors soon picks him up.

CM

68

7

9

AM

33

3

7

DM

6

0

0

RW

4

1

1

LM

3

0

1

LW

2

0

0

CF

1

0

0

RM

1

0

0

For Leeds’ sake, if the similarities between the pair weren’t already obvious, his flexible nature to perform all across the pitch when glancing at the table above will make him even more of a desirable target in their attempts to land their next Gray.

Indeed, the new Spurs number 14 routinely slotted into the full-back positions under Farke’s wing in the Championship to prove his worth to the Elland Road cause.

The “complete” Fernandes – as he has been labelled by football analyst Ben Mattinson – is willing to line up as an option down the flank too, away from feeling more comfortable slotting into a lineup as a number ten or into a more traditional central role.

The in-demand 20-year-old will also surely view Leeds as a worthwhile next destination, having seen what the club did for Gray, on top of the fact that the list of other promising young midfielders who have shone in West Yorkshire includes Kalvin Phillips.

Previously hailed as a “big talent” too by scout Jacek Kulig, it will be intriguing to see if Leeds are prepared to fork out a sum around the £30m mark to land such a hyped up star.

Their boldness could pay off if Fernandes goes on to be a similar success story to Gray’s, with the Saints’ number 18 just hopeful he can steer his potential new side to safety if he does join, over another relegation stain blotting his CV.

He's now worse than Bamford: 2 teams want to sign "special" Leeds ace

Leeds United will likely sanction an exit for this star who is worse than Patrick Bamford.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 15, 2025

Manchester United have been a club on the decline over the last couple of years, with last season one to forget for everyone involved with the football club.

The Red Devils finished in a measly 15th place in the Premier League, registering their lowest-ever points tally since the division’s formation back in 1992.

However, Ruben Amorim will undoubtedly be hoping to transform the squad during his first pre-season at the helm, looking to make his 3-4-2-1 system effective at Old Trafford.

After taking the reins back in November, he was unable to take the club to new heights, but there’s hope that with investment from the hierarchy he can return them to their former glory.

Countless players have been linked with a move to join the Red Devils this window, potentially offering an upgrade on the players currently at Amorim’s disposal.

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

Over the last couple of days, PSG star Fabian Ruiz has emerged as a potential target for the Red Devils, even making a £43m bid for the Spanish international.

He’s not the only midfielder on their shortlist during this summer transfer window, with Inter Milan star Davide Frattesi also subject to an enquiry over a potential deal to join Amorim’s side.

However, another name has been thrown into the mix in recent days, with Juventus star Douglas Luiz a player firmly in their sights, according to GIVEMESPORT.

The report claims that the Red Devils have been in talks with the Italian outfit over a move for the Brazilian, who only made 27 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25.

It also states that the 27-year-old is open to a move back to England this summer after failing to nail his place down in the Juve side after his £42m move from Aston Villa last summer.

Why United’s £42m star would be Cunha 2.0 for Amorim

Despite their lowly league finish last campaign, United have still demonstrated their pulling power in the transfer market, completing a £62.5m deal for Matheus Cunha.

The 26-year-old has been a leading star in the Premier League over the last couple of years, registering 15 goals and six assists for Wolverhampton Wanderers last time around.

It remains to be seen if he will feature in a number ten or number nine role in 2025/26, but his versatility could prove to be vital in Amorim’s free-flowing and interchanging system.

Undoubtedly, the price tag would bring added pressure on his shoulders at Old Trafford, but if he can replicate his success elsewhere, there’s no reason why he can’t become a fan-favourite in the near future.

He could be joined at the club by Luiz, following suit and becoming the next version of the attacker, given his experience in the division during his time as a professional.

Both players, who are from Brazil, have the capability to fire home from distance, as seen by their respective goal catalogues from recent seasons.

Former United captain Roy Keane has previously sung Luiz’s praises, labelling the midfielder as “quality”, something which is reflected in his underlying stats in 2024/25.

Games played

19

Progressive passes

5.9

Progressive carries

2.7

Tackles won

2.1

Tackle success rate

68%

Take-on success

79%

Aerials won

56%

The Brazilian has registered 5.9 progressive passes per 90, with 2.7 progressive carries per 90, showcasing his talents in driving forward and finding a teammate at any given opportunity.

He’s also won 2.1 tackles per 90 with the Old Lady, winning 68% of the dispossession attempts he’s entered, often liking to break up the play before handing chances to those around him.

Luiz has further impressed, as seen by his take-on success rate of 79%, and 56% of aerials won, having the all-round talent to thrive under Amorim’s guidance.

It’s unclear how much a deal for the Brazilian could cost this summer, but it’s becoming clear that he could be sent in the opposite direction in any deal for Jadon Sancho.

He’s proven that he’s capable of thriving in England’s top-flight, matching Cunha’s achievements and subsequently bringing the next version of his compatriot to Old Trafford.

Mbeumo will love him: Man Utd submit £43m bid to sign "phenomenal" star

Manchester United appear to be making key moves in the transfer window ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jul 2, 2025

England star Alice Capsey followed up her opening-day 51 with a well-made 59 as Oval Invincibles defeated Welsh Fire by six wickets at Cardiff.Capsey hit seven boundaries in her 48-ball knock before she was brilliantly caught at long-on by Hayley Matthews off Freya Davies with 27 runs still required.All-rounders Marizanne Kapp (26*) and Mady Villiers (11*) then took the reins to extinguish any Welsh Fire hopes, guiding Invincibles home with 12 balls to spare.The Invincibles’ chase got off to a far from ideal start as they lost Lauren Winfield-Hill on the second ball of the innings, caught at cover by Tammy Beaumont off Shabnim Ismail for a duck.Paige Schofield (11) and Capsey didn’t let this early loss faze them, playing fluently to move the score along to 37 for 1 after 20 balls, the latter crucially being dropped at long-on by Ismail off Jess Jonassen two runs later.Capsey overturned an lbw decision on 43 off the bowling of Jonassen and went on to bring up her fifty from 42 balls.Welsh Fire won the toss and elected to bat, losing Beaumont for four to the eighth ball of the innings, an outswinger from Kapp which drew an edge behind to Winfield-Hill.After 25 balls, Welsh Fire had laboured to 17 for 1 and they soon found themselves 20 for 2 when Amanda-Jade Wellington struck first ball to remove the dangerous Matthews for just 6, caught brilliantly by Kapp running in from the cover boundary.Sophia Dunkley made 35 from 26 balls before skying Wellington to Ryana MacDonald-Gay at long-on and Jonassen, who took over Dunkley’s role as aggressor, played enterprisingly for 32 not out from 22 balls as Welsh Fire closed their innings on a below-par 116 for 5.Meerkat Match Hero Capsey, said: “Pace on was really nice, so capitalising on that up the top in the powerplay. When it got a bit harder, they were bowling really well with change-ups and bowling a bit slower, me and Kappy built a partnership and knew the longer it went on, the easier it would get for the others coming in at the back end.”I’ve been feeling in really good nick but I think the most pleasing thing for me is my calmness. I think last year I was a bit frantic. So, it’s nice to be back in this space where I can contribute to team wins.”

Manchester United has been the home to countless attacking talents over recent years, with the fanbase undoubtedly wishing they currently had some of their former talents in the present day.

Wayne Rooney still holds the club record for the most goals scored for the Red Devils, registering a staggering 253 goals in his 559 appearances – subsequently overtaking Sir Bobby Charlton’s record.

The likes of Eric Cantona, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ruud van Nistelrooy have all made a name for themselves at Old Trafford, with all the players undoubtedly capturing the hearts of the fanbase.

Current boss Ruben Amorim must wish he could rely upon just one of the aforementioned talents to help him in his quest to be a success during his time in charge of the club.

However, that could be about to change this summer, with the hierarchy looking to back the 40-year-old in the transfer market during the off-season.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer

A striker has been high up on Amorim’s shopping list in recent weeks, unsurprisingly so, given the club’s terrible record of just 44 goals in their 38 Premier League matches last campaign.

The likes of Dušan Vlahović, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen have all been touted with a move to Old Trafford, but no deals have yet been agreed for any of their signatures.

However, it appears as though that could be about to change, with Aston Villa talisman Ollie Watkins emerging as a key target for Amorim, according to CaughtOffside.

Their report claims that the 29-year-old is seen as a Premier League-proven option for the Red Devils, even making an approach for his services over the last couple of days.

It also states that the hierarchy would be willing to match his current £60m asking price, allowing the England international to follow in the footsteps of one other star at the Theatre of Dreams.

Why United’s £60m target would be Amorim’s own Van Persie

Striker Robin van Persie is a player who managed to hugely impress during his time at United, leading the club to their last league triumph back in the 2012/13 campaign.

He joined the Red Devils in a £24m deal from fellow English side Arsenal, a deal that was seen as a controversial one at the time, especially from the Gunners’ point of view.

The Dutchman was entering the back end of his career upon his move, joining the club at the age of 29, but it didn’t prevent him from starring at Old Trafford.

He managed to score 58 times in his 105 appearances over a three-year period, leading the side to title glory, something which Amorim will be hoping to replicate in the near future.

If he is to achieve such a goal, he could certainly improve his chances with a move for Watkins, with the Villa star following in Van Persie’s footsteps in the North West.

He would join the club at the same age as the Dutchman, also making an immediate impact, rather than being signed as one for the future in the club’s quest for glory.

Watkins would also be handed the responsibility of providing the goods in the final third, just like Van Persie was over a decade ago, also having the tools to offer the clinical edge the Red Devils have lacked.

Games played

38

Goals & assists

24

Pass accuracy

75%

Shots on target per 90

1.4

Chances created

1.1

Aerials won

1.8

Shots taken

2.9

The Englishman, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by Statman Dave, registered 17 goals in all competitions last season, averaging 1.4 shots on target per 90 – highlighting the clinical edge he possesses.

He’s also showcased his all-round talent, completing 75% of the passes he’s attempted, creating 1.1 chances per 90, handing other forwards around him the chance to improve the situation should he move to Old Trafford.

Watkins’ tally of 1.8 aerials won showcases his ability to hold the ball up in forward areas, offering Amorim’s side that needed focal point that they have lacked in recent months.

£60m may appear to be a mammoth figure for a 29-year-old star, but he’s consistently demonstrated that he’s capable of thriving in England’s top-flight.

If he can make the immediate impact Van Persie did during his time in Manchester, it would be a phenomenal signing and one that can push Amorim’s side back in the right direction.

Better than Watkins: Wilcox in talks to sign "monster" £64m CF for Man Utd

Manchester United could be about to end their hunt for a new striker this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 3, 2025

Unbeaten 53 seals victory in rollercoaster clash with Essex after James Wharton, Shan Masood fifties

ECB Reporters Network06-Aug-2024

A nerveless List A career best of 53 not out from Dom Bess guided Yorkshire to a crucial win in a rollercoaster Metro Bank One-Day Cup clash with Essex as they chased 244 to win by three wickets at Scarborough and maintain their qualification hopes.Both sides encountered batting problems in an enthralling contest played on a competitive pitch.The Vikings fell from 102 for 2 to 184 for 7, losing Shan Masood for 58 and James Wharton for a career-best 71 off 89 balls. Seamer Shane Snater impressed with three wickets for Essex, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a fourth defeat in five matches in Group B.After losing three early wickets having been inserted, Robin Das and Luc Benkenstein made 67 off 92 balls and 68 off 94 respectively in Essex’s 243 for 9, which saw new-ball pair Ben Cliff and Ben Coad claim three wickets apiece for Yorkshire, who have now won three from five.Coad also contributed 26 not out in an eighth-wicket stand of 60 inside nine overs with Bess, who hit six fours in 55 balls.Essex opener Feroze Khushi played on to Cliff in the fourth over to start this contest before further wickets fell shortly afterwards as Essex fell to 27 for 3.Nick Browne miscued Coad to midwicket and captain Tom Westley slashed Cliff to point.Das and Benkenstein rebuilt with caution, though Das pulled Matthew Revis for six and ramped Cliff for four over the wicketkeeper’s head.Das reached his fifty off 67 balls, and by the time Benkenstein followed him to the same milestone, off 71, Essex were 150 for 3 in the 32nd over.But, in the following over, Das picked out deep cover off the seam of Revis, ending a fourth-wicket partnership of 125.The good work of Das and Benkenstein would be undone by the loss of four wickets for only five runs in 12 balls as left-arm spinner Dan Moriarty, Coad and Cliff all struck.Benkenstein’s departure came in a damaging spell which saw Essex crumble to 190 for 8 in the 42nd over.Moriarty had a reverse-sweeping Noah Thain brilliantly caught by a diving Wharton at deep backward point before Coad had Benkenstein caught at wide mid-on in that collapse.Ben Allison’s useful unbeaten 27 gave Essex something to work with, and he was one of four batters to post career-best scores alongside Benkenstein, Das and Simon Fernandes with 18.Essex’s hopes were raised when Yorkshire slipped to 18 for 2 inside seven overs of their reply. Snater claimed both wickets – Harry Duke smartly caught at second slip above his head by Thain and Fin Bean caught at mid-on.Masood and Wharton then shared 84 in similar fashion to the earlier Benkenstein-Das alliance – composed but not becalmed.Masood’s 46-ball fifty was his third in succession in this campaign, while Wharton pulled Aaron Beard’s seam for six to reverse the pressure.But the pendulum was about to swing again, as the Vikings lost four wickets for 21, including Masood, to slip to be 123 for 6 in the 31st over.Westley’s off-spin accounted for Masood lbw and Will Luxton caught at cover before Snater returned to bowl George Hill with an angled-in beauty and Richards removed Revis.Wharton pulled a couple of sixes in his 79-ball fifty to keep home hopes alive. But when he was brilliantly caught at mid-on by a leaping Browne off Thain’s medium pace, the Vikings were 184 for 7 in the 40th over and under the cosh.But, in keeping with the day’s flow, the game wasn’t over.Bess, having shared 61 with Wharton, played the guiding hand in partnership with Coad. He worked the ball expertly – to delight the majority of a 3,113 crowd – and reached his fifty with the winning hit off Allison.

حقق منتخب النرويج فوزًا عريضًا على خصمه منتخب مولدوفا، مساء يوم الثلاثاء، في إطار تصفيات قارة أوروبا المؤهلة إلى بطولة كأس العالم المرتقبة، نسخة 2026.

وواجه منتخب النرويج نظيره مولدوفا في الجولة السادسة من تصفيات القارة العجوز المؤهلة إلى المونديال، حيث حقق أصحاب الأرض فوزًا كبيرًا بنتيجة 11-1، بفضل النجم إيرلينج هالاند.

البداية كانت في الدقيقة السادسة من عمر الشوط الأول، حيث سجل اللاعب فيليكس ميهر هدف النرويج الأول، بعد أسيست من هالاند، الذي سجل الثاني بنفسه في الدقيقة 11.

وفي الدقيقة 36، سجل هالاند الهدف الثاني له والثالث لمنتخب النرويج، قبل أن يترك بصمته على الهاتريك بهدف في الدقيقة 43، بينما سجل مارتن أوديجارد الهدف الخامس قبل نهاية الشوط الأول.

ولم يفقد هالاند شهيته في الشوط الثاني، حيث تمكن من تسجيل الهدف الرابع له، سوبر هاتريك، والسادس لمنتخب النرويج في الدقيقة 52.

وواصل منتخب النرويج غزيرته التهديفية حيث سجل ثيلو أسجارد هاتريك في الدقيقة 67، 76 و79، بينما جاء هدف مولدوفا الوحيد في الدقيقة 74 عن طريق ليو أوستيجارد بالخطأ في مرمى منتخب بلاده.

واستمرت إهانة النرويج للضيوف حيث سجل هالاند الهدف الخامس له، والعاشر لفريقه، في الدقيقة 83، وأحرز ثيو أسجارد هدفه الشخصي الرابع، سوبر هاتريك، والحادي عشر للمنتخب في الدقيقة 91 بعد أسيست من نجم مانشستر سيتي.

زلزال هالاند يضرب مولدوفا! 🤯⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️
🤖 شاهد خماسية تاريخية في شباك مولدوفا#تصفيات_كأس_العالم pic.twitter.com/sBS7rRUIEr — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) September 9, 2025

بتلك النتيجة، ارتفع رصيد منتخب النرويج إلى 15 نقطة في صدارة المجموعة التاسعة، بينما ظل رصيد مولدوفا خاليًا من النقاط في المركز الخامس والأخير.