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Manchester United travel to face Arsenal at the Emirates this evening, looking to maintain their unbeaten record since the appointment of Ruben Amorim.

The Red Devils come into the clash on the back of a 4-0 thumping over Everton at Old Trafford last weekend, after doubles from Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee.

As for Mikel Arteta’s men, they come into the clash in North London following a huge 5-2 win away at city rivals West Ham United, with the Gunners going four goals ahead after just 36 minutes.

The two clubs have put on some memorable displays against one another in recent years, with tonight no exception as they prepare to battle once more.

However, a huge task awaits Amorim, as he looks to stop an unwanted record for United in their recent clashes with the Gunners.

Manchester United’s recent record vs Arsenal at the Emirates

In recent visits, the Emirates has been an unhappy hunting ground for supporters, especially when it comes to the Premier League.

Last year, the Red Devils thought they had claimed all three points right at the death, as Alejandro Garnacho ran through and slotted home, but was adjudged to have been offside after a review by VAR.

The hosts then snatched two late goals in stoppage time with Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus on the scoresheet as Arteta’s side claimed all three points back in September last year.

However, the last five visits to their home ground have been a complete disappointment, losing four and drawing one – simply unable to get the better of the Gunners at the Emirates.

03/09/2023

3-1

Loss

22/01/2023

3-2

Loss

22/04/2022

3-1

Loss

30/01/2021

0-0

Draw

01/01/2020

2-0

Loss

United’s last league victory against Arsenal in North London came way back in December 2017, when goals from Antonio Valencia and a double from Jesse Lingard secured all three points.

If Amorim is to increase the good feeling around the club after his impressive start to life as boss, a victory over their rivals would certainly do the trick.

However, if he is to have the greatest chance of achieving a rare win at the home of Arsenal, he must continue to unleash one player who could be his own version of a star who has catapulted the hosts into a title battle once again.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The Man United star who’s their own Bukayo Saka

England international Bukayo Saka has established himself as one of the leading attackers in the Premier League in recent years, producing some impressive numbers that led to his sensational rise to stardom.

This season alone, the 23-year-old has registered five goals and ten assists in his 12 league outings, with only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah contributing with more goals.

However, Amorim could have his own version of the youngster in the form of the left-footed Amad Diallo, who has starred in his new wing-back role since the appointment of the 39-year-old.

The “unbelievable” Ivorian, as dubbed by Statman Dave, has already registered three assists in his two league starts under the new gaffer, taking to his new position like a duck to water – nailing it down as his own.

Many expected the defensive responsibility to take away the attacking side of the 22-year-old’s game, but he’s currently in the best form of his career at Old Trafford, hugely benefiting from the managerial switch.

Minutes played

90

Touches

71

Passes completed

42/49 (86%)

Assists

2

Duels won

12/17 (71%)

Tackles won

4/4 (100%)

Big chances created

2

Diallo has shown that he is capable of having an impact at both ends of the pitch, registering two assists on Sunday, whilst also winning all four tackles as a Saka-like presence, cutting inside from the right-hand side.

With Arteta’s men operating with an inverted full-back down the left-hand side, it could give licence for Amad to take advantage and inflict yet more pain on an English top-flight side.

It will be a battle of the right-wingers with the United supporters hoping that Diallo can outperform Saka and secure a second successive league win under Amorim’s leadership.

Amad 2.0: Amorim could unleash Man Utd teen who's outscoring Obi-Martin

Manchester United have yet another exciting star within their academy ranks.

ByEthan Lamb Dec 3, 2024

Mason Greenwood has formally applied to switch his international allegiance as he bids to play for Jamaica.

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Greenwood trying to switch allegiancePlays for Marseille in FranceHas given up on England Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Per the , Greenwood has made a formal application to be registered as a player for Jamaica. The striker has won just one cap for the Three Lions, as he was dumped by his country after being arrested on suspicion of rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and actual bodily harm in January of 2022. The charges were dropped in February 2023.

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Greenwood has scored 15 Ligue 1 goals in 24 games for Marseille this season. Even if Thomas Tuchel were to want to pick him for England, however, he would be unable to do so, as he has formally requested to switch allegiance. When he did play for England, in September 2020, he was forced to leave the camp after breaking Covid-19 regulations.

WHAT MARK BULLINGHAM SAID

Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “So my understanding, and I'd have to double check my understanding, is he's asked to switch. That's happened formally, so he wouldn't be able to because you can only switch once.

“I know people asked Gareth about him and Gareth was up front in that he hadn't been in his thinking, because he hadn't been performing at that level, so I'm not aware of any communication we had with him.

“I don't think there was ever a request or anything like that. It just wasn’t one we got to, so it’s a personal decision by him.”

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Marseille play Lens in Ligue 1 this weekend. England's next fixtures take place in March, with World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia kicking off the Tuchel era.

A 99-run stand between Bismah Maroof and Aliya Riaz, who both scored half-centuries, gave the Pakistan innings a degree of respectability

Annesha Ghosh08-Mar-20220:45

Healy – ‘We have the perfect opportunity to show everyone what we can do’

Australia got the better of Pakistan by seven wickets in a one-sided game in the second 2022 ODI World Cup match for both sides in Mount Maunganui on Tuesday. After restricting Pakistan to a below-par 190 for 6, Australia, the frontrunners for the title, rode Alyssa Healy’s quick half-century to wrap up their second win in a row, with seven wickets and more than 15 overs to spare.Two years to the day since her 75 in the T20 World Cup final, Healy steered the chase with two 60-plus stands on her way to a 79-ball 72. The first was with her opening partner, Rachael Haynes, who followed up her ODI best of 130 in the previous game with a run-a-ball 34, and the next one was with No. 3 Meg Lanning. Dropped on 8 by Aliya Riaz at midwicket, Healy showed just how dangerous she can be if let off the hook.Unleashing an array of pulls, her favourite shot, and majestic inside-out lofted drives, and making deft use of her feet against Pakistan’s four-pronged spin attack, Healy added an element of inevitability to the result after being reprieved. With Haynes, whom offspinner Nida Dar dropped off her own bowling when on 26, Healy powered Australia to 50 inside nine overs and past the three-digit mark inside 18.The run rate didn’t really challenge Australia, and sloppy catching made matters worse for Pakistan, and their 16th straight defeat in an ODI World Cup loomed large as Lanning, too, found fluency after scoring just three off 20 balls. Lanning put her cut to good use to hit a series of fours but it also caused her undoing when she chopped Omaima Sohail on on 35. Sohail later took out Healy just when she looked set to waltz to a hundred.Bismah Maroof and Aliya Riaz put together 99 runs for the fifth wicket•AFP/Getty ImagesWhen Healy fell, Australia need just 38 in 23 overs. Ellyse Perry and Beth Mooney took only another 7.3 overs to overhaul the target, thanks to their unbeaten fourth-wicket stand, and keep Australia’s 13-0 record against Pakistan in ODIs intact.In the first half, Pakistan’s highest stand in ODI World Cups, between Bismah Maroof and Riaz, and Maroof’s unbeaten 78, were the highlights. But a painfully slow scoring rate – with 186 dots – meant Australia’s decision to bowl, and play three spinners, stood vindicated. It came to Maroof and Riaz to breathe life into Pakistan’s innings after they were 44 for 4 in under 13 overs.At the start, Pakistan crawled to 37 for 2 in the spin-less powerplay, though they found a few boundaries early on. Opener Nahida Khan, replacing the injured Javeria Khan, perished to the wide lone slip in the third over as Megan Schutt’s late movement had her reaching for a wide delivery. Perry, too, shaped a few away, including the first ball of her second over, which Sidra Ameen edged to Lanning at first slip. Schutt’s swing in the powerplay was recorded at an impressive 2.4 degrees and Perry’s at 1.9 degrees.Alana King provided the first glimpse of spin, and got an orthodox, tossed-up legbreak to crash into Sohail’s stumps. Jess Jonassen and Amanda-Jade Wellington came on soon after as Australia applied the choke, Wellington also taking out Dar.Alana King picked up a couple of key wickets, one at the top and one at the end•Getty ImagesAt that stage, little came by way of runs and wickets fell in quick succession for Pakistan, but Maroof tucked one away to the midwicket boundary for her first four and added a second to her tally with a glorious square-drive. She appeared reluctant to go aerial early on and brought up her 15th ODI half-century, off 96 balls.For a player returning to lead her team only six months after childbirth, the celebration of the milestone was fitting: bat on ground, arms folded in a cradle, out came the rock-the-baby gesture as Maroof turned towards the dressing room where her mother and daughter acknowledged her effort.In Riaz, Maroof found a partner to rebuild with. Both batters struck their maiden fifties in ODI World Cups, the first instance of two Pakistani women making half-centuries in a 50-over innings. Riaz got to hers with a powerful four to fine leg off Schutt on the 107th ball of her innings, and now has the joint-second-highest ODI fifties for a batter at No. 6 or lower. She fell shortly after reaching the milestone, though, the 189-ball fifth-wicket stand ended by Nicola Carey.Pakistan were going at just over three an over at the 45th over before Carey’s eighth, the 47th of the innings, went for a few. Maroof guided a chest-high no-ball for four over short third man to kick-off the 14-run over. Fatima Sana did her bit with a 15-ball 14 at No. 7. She perished in the penultimate over as Healy snaffled her bottom edge off an attempted sweep, off King’s bowling. Diana Baig’s 7 off four balls and Maroof’s cover-driven four off the final ball of the innings helped Pakistan to 190 for 6.

Paul Collingwood gives his players “ten out of ten” for effort after hard-fought draw in Antigua

Alan Gardner13-Mar-2022England hope to have Ollie Robinson available for the second Test against West Indies and will not be calling up extra bowling cover, despite interim head coach Paul Collingwood admitting that Mark Wood was “unlikely” to play in Barbados after suffering an elbow impingement that limited his involvement to delivering 17 overs in the drawn Antigua Test.Wood was set to go for scans on the injury after feeling “acute pain” while attempting to bowl in the nets before play on day five at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, but England have not yet ruled him out of further involvement on the tour.The return of Robinson after a back spasm during the warm-up game would strengthen a seam attack that only managed to take seven wickets in Antigua – three of them by Ben Stokes, the allrounder who was reportedly set to have a managed workload but ended up bowling 41 overs in the match. The absence of Wood will, however, leave England without an out-and-out quick, although the uncapped Saqib Mahmood is capable of touching 90mph.Related

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“[Wood] has not bowled in the second innings here so you would say it is unlikely but you never know,” Collingwood told reporters in Antigua. “He recovered really well when he got some tape on there and some anti-inflams but we are going to have to see what the investigation say.”Ollie is looking pretty positive at the moment. His recovery has been excellent. The backroom staff have done a great job on Ollie and he bowled a couple of spells today and is getting the ball through really well so that is looking really positive. We have Saqqy Mahmood as well and [Matthew] Fisher here, so not [looking for back-up] as yet. We will have to wait and see how Woody is in Barbados.”Collingwood graded the efforts of his players as “ten out of ten on a pitch that was pretty docile and hard to get 20 wickets on”, after West Indies batted their way to safety on the final afternoon following an attacking declaration from Joe Root. England set the home side a target of 286 in 71 overs and gave themselves a shot at an unlikely win by reducing them to 67 for 4 shortly after tea. But Nkrumah Bonner, West Indies’ first-innings centurion, and Jason Holder batted out 35.4 overs in partnership to secure a draw and keep the series level with two to play.”The boys are in a good place,” Collingwood said. “They want to win Test matches. We knew it was not going to be easy to take 20 wickets on there. We had to give ourselves time. The way we batted this morning, there were a lot of selfless dismissals out there, done for the team. We were trying to score runs quickly.”We put ourselves in a good position. We lost a bit of time with overs to the rain which did not help. Bonner’s innings took a lot of time out of the game and I thought we were very proactive this morning to get ourselves in a position where we could give ourselves a chance. We were probably two wickets away from breaking the back of West Indies’ batting. We were very close. Some decisions could have gone either way but overall performance I thought it was a positive week.”And despite the struggles of England’s seamers, with Wood invalided out of contention and new attack leader Chris Woakes managing figures of 1 for 110, Antigua did provide the stage for an impressive showing from Jack Leach. It emerged that the left-arm spinner had given the team talk at one stage, as part of efforts to get the players to take more responsibility, and he ended up being England’s most-successful bowler, taking 5 for 136 in the match but crucially also keeping things tight during the first innings, when he bowled 43.3 overs with an economy of 1.81.”I was really impressed with the way he held the game on a wicket that didn’t turn off the straight,” Collingwood said. “I’m delighted that he’s been able to do a holding role for us, that’s good signs for the future. Giving them that extra responsibility as a voice and a leader in the dressing-room, he seems to be thriving off that. They’re great signs. His accuracy right through the Test was brilliant and he caused problems. That’s a great Test match for him.”With Root adding his 24th Test century – and a record 13th as England captain – Collingwood said there were encouraging signs around the team’s so-called red-ball reset, despite a nightmare first morning in Antigua where a scoreline of 48 for 4 bore all the hallmarks of recent failures. “I really believe he can turn this team around,” he said of Root, who was retained in the role as much because of a lack of alternatives following another chastening Ashes campaign. The next step will involve maintaining an upwards trajectory.”We’ve had a good week,” Collingwood said. “We’ve got to build on that. There have been so many good signs but we want to keep that as the benchmark. Our ground-fielding was superb, our energy, our fitness levels, that’s a good sign of where a team is. Two hard days in the field, the boys kept plugging away. Great signs but it’s 0-0 and we need to turn up in Barbados with the same attitude and character, and desire – all the things that win you Test matches. That performance level, we’ve given ourselves a good chance.”

Celtic head coach Brendan Rodgers will surely be delighted with the way his team have started the 2024/25 campaign, as they have been fantastic in all competitions.

They have a League Cup final to look forward to against their Glasgow rivals at Hampden Park later this month, and they have excelled in Europe, with only one defeat in the Champions League so far.

They have beaten Slovan and RB Leipzig, whilst picking up draws against Atalanta and Club Brugge, on the European stage, although they were beaten 7-1 by Borussia Dortmund in Germany.

Domestically, the Hoops have been almost perfect in the Scottish Premiership with a staggering return of 12 wins and one draw in 13 matches, with that one draw coming against second-placed Aberdeen.

Rodgers’ men are the top scorers in the division, with 40 strikes, and have conceded a league-low four goals, as summer signing Kasper Schmeichel has enjoyed a relatively untroubled start to life in Glasgow.

The goalkeeper has had the comfort of watching some tremendous football in front of him, notably from Nicolas Kuhn.

Nicolas Kuhn's form this season

The German wizard has enjoyed a sensational start to the season on the right wing for the Scottish giants, with his contributions as both a scorer and a creator of goals in all competitions.

Domestically and in Europe, Kuhn has made a huge impact at the top end of the pitch and is currently on a tally of 11 goals and 11 assists in 19 appearances across the Premiership, the Champions League, and the League Cup.

The left-footed magician’s creativity has not always been rewarded, however, as his four ‘big chances’ created in Europe have only resulted in one goal scored.

Appearances

11

Starts

9

Goals

5

Big chances created

6

Assists

6

As you can see in the table above, Kuhn has provided consistent quality in the Premiership and is a menace to opposition defenders, as he can go down the outside to create chances or inside to take shots and score goals.

Across the Premiership and the Champions League, the former Bayern Munich youngster has created ten ‘big chances’ and been rewarded with seven assists, which suggests that he could benefit from having another teammate in the squad with impressive finishing skills.

That player could well be lurking in Denmark…

Celtic interested in Danish marksman

According to Football Insider, Rodgers is lining up a Celtic swoop to sign Brondby sensation Mathias Kvistgaarden ahead of the second half of the season.

The report claims that the Scottish giants have ‘set their sights’ on bringing the 22-year-old marksman to Parkhead to bolster the manager’s options at the top end of the pitch.

After Hyeon-gyu Oh was sold to Genk in the summer transfer window, Celtic currently only have two senior centre-forward options at their disposal – in Kyogo Furuhashi and Adam Idah – and the arrival of a third would provide added competition in the number nine position.

Football Insider reports that the Premiership champions have been sending scouts to keep tabs on the Brondby striker in the Danish Superliga this season, as they have been monitoring his performances.

It states that the club are long-term admirers of the young attacker and that they are prepared to be patient in their pursuit of Kvistgaarden, by waiting until the next summer transfer window if they are unable to convince Brondby to part ways with their star forward midway through the campaign.

The outlet adds that Rodgers wants to bolster his squad to ensure that they remain competitive and adds that Motherwell star Lennon Miller is another player on the club’s radar, with both him and Kvistgaarden seemingly on the agenda ahead of the next window.

Transfer Focus

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

Celtic were also reported to be interested in the Brondby number nine in the summer and a price of €10m (£8.3m) was mentioned at the time, but it remains to be seen how much the Hoops are prepared to pay to land their target.

If they can secure a deal to land the Denmark U21 international when the January transfer window opens for business, Rodgers could sign a dream partner for Nicolas Kuhn.

Why Celtic should sign Mathias Kvistgaarden

One of the reasons why the Hoops should secure a deal to sign Kvistgaarden next month is that his current form suggests that he could thrive on the creativity that Kuhn provides from the right flank.

The 22-year-old ace came through the ranks at Brondby and emerged as a huge talent with a return of 31 goals and 11 assists in 45 appearances for their U19 team, before coming into the first-team set-up.

Kvistgaarden did not hit the ground running at senior level, with just six goals and one assist in his first 40 Superliga games, but has managed 24 goals and 15 assists in the 44 league outings since.

His form across all competitions this season has been particularly impressive. The Danish sensation has scored 13 goals and provided five assists in 20 outings for Brondby.

Kvistgaarden, who was hailed as “phenomenal” and “super consistent” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, could come in as an upgrade on Kyogo, based on their respective league form.

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9

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10

5

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6

14

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0

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3

As you can see in the table above, the Brondby star has scored twice as many goals whilst missing fewer than half as many ‘big chances’ as the Japan international at league level, along with providing a greater creative threat.

These statistics suggest that Kvistgaarden would be more likely to make the most of the chances that Kuhn creates from the wing, whilst also creating more opportunities for the German maestro to find the back of the net.

Celtic should also sign the £8.3m-rated gem because, at 22, he has plenty of years left to develop and improve and could be a fantastic asset for Rodgers and the club moving forward.

Better than Bernardo: Celtic ace who had 164 touches has silenced doubters

The Celtic defender put on a masterclass against Ross County on Saturday.

ByDan Emery Dec 1, 2024

Liverpool duo Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold appeared to have some sort of disagreement in training ahead of facing Paris Saint-Germain.

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Liverpool host PSG in Champions LeagueSalah & Alexander-Arnold clashReds team-mates diffuse situationFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Footage shows Salah shoving Alexander-Arnold in the chest and the pair exchanging words, before their team-mates intervened on Monday. But the fact that they carried on and there was no apparent bust-up may suggest this is just a healthy bit of sparring ahead of a crucial Champions League tie with PSG.

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Salah and Alexander-Arnold are likely to start in their Champions League last-16 second-leg tie on Tuesday, with Liverpool holding a 1-0 first-leg lead over Luis Enrique's side. The duo are both out of contract this summer so if they fail to progress, this could be the last time they play in the competition for the Reds.

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Salah has played more games against PSG without scoring than against any other Champions League opponent (three). But the French side have lost on their two previous visits to Anfield.

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After this PSG encounter, Liverpool face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.

Three half-centuries at the top of the order keep fancied visitors at bay

Paul Edwards07-Apr-2022As though aware of the import of the day, Hove looked at its loveliest this morning. And as though similarly attuned to occasion, the cricketers put aside the chilly conditions and offered us fine sport; well-contested stuff it was, too, and comforting for Sussex supporters who might have feared for their young side when facing the Division Two favourites. But instead of Steven Mullaney’s bowlers bullying the team their skipper had inserted, they were compelled to work for their wickets. Three Sussex batsmen made half-centuries and Delray Rawlins was one run shy of becoming the fourth when he bottom-edged a cut off Mullaney into his stumps an over before the close.By then, though, Tom Clark’s patient, career-best 82 not out had seen his side past 300 and only Liam Patterson-White – three wickets, a catch and a run-out, if you please – had made it probable that the visitors will not face another long session or two in the field. It was all far better than the locals had expected when they greeted each other with warm handshakes and good fellowship at the start of the day. It little mattered in those moments that music blared out during warm-ups or that today’s cricketers own gadgets their predecessors would not recognise. The first day of the season binds them with the invisible braid of hope and optimism. It bound us all this blissful morning.Related

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There were hugs, too, and one barely noticed them until one remembered that a year ago such intimacies were thought dangerous. Indeed, this was the first summer since 2019 when spectators could turn up at Hove and watch the season begin. Twelve months ago Sussex supporters watched from the balconies of the houses in Palmeira Road and greeted journalists below in the daftest parody you will ever see.This morning there was merely gentle applause when Ali Orr scored Sussex’s first run and much greater enthusiasm when Tom Haines eased Brett Hutton to the square-leg boundary before flourishing a drive past point in the same over. After eight overs Sussex were 32 without loss and runs continued to come at a brisk clip. Haines continued to be particularly hard on Hutton, who bowled too full on the leg side and too wide on the off. The home side’s fifty came up in the 15th over and by then Haines was in the 40s. His fellow opener had scored more slowly but Orr’s innings was accustomed and patient, its tempo pleasing. In the second hour of the morning the balance changed as Haines was tied down by Patterson-White’s slow left-arm and Fletcher’s second spell. When the players came in for lunch – Sussex supporters probably thought it a feast – Haines was unbeaten on 55 and Orr had 41.The small familiar things about Hove gave pleasure, too. Like Catholics on a day of obligation, the blue-and-white-striped deckchairs were in their appointed place, though they had had few occupants on a morning when a ruthless wind gusted between villas and flats before bending flagpoles and disrupting run-ups. And at least conditions had improved since the previous afternoon when rain strafed the promenade, the sea frothed in grey ferment and two ladies’ hats disappeared into Regency Square, their owners pursuing them with athleticism they hadn’t managed since the summers when Alan Oakman’s tentacles clutched catches at short-leg.One or two of the multi-layered loyalists in the members’ enclosures may have seen Oakman burgle quarter-chances and they settled down again for an afternoon in which the plain priority for the home side in was to capitalise on their morning’s work. However, Patterson-White saw to it they could not do so. First he drifted a full-length ball on the flannel-fluttering breeze before turning it inside Haines’s attempted drive and bowling the Sussex skipper for 59. Next over he had the Hampshire loanee Tom Alsop leg before wicket for a three-ball 1, although a defence brief would have contested height. Nothing troubled Orr, though, and nothing disturbed the neutrals, either. Wickets fell elsewhere but we lost track of them. For long moments our world contained only Hove and its gentle pageant. Even the mere awareness of other matches faded.Nottinghamshire’s cricketers also had a narrow focus and they were to gain more rewards before tea. First Oli Carter smacked a long-hop from Hutton straight to Patterson-White at midwicket and then the spinner tempted Orr into a loose drive that only edged a catch to Mullaney at slip. It says much about the opener’s composure that the error was unexpected. Orr’s batting seems uncomplicated by faff and one hopes his 68 was a happy portent for the season. He has now passed fifty six times in 15 first-class innings and his name is already inked on future team-sheets, especially given the early-season injuries afflicting his colleagues.Indeed, head coach Ian Salisbury’s problems when selecting a team for this game were exacerbated by the unavailability of six members of his squad: for example, Fynn Hudson-Prentice has a stress fracture; Cheteshwar Pujara doesn’t have a visa; George Garton is recovering from long Covid; and Jack Carson from a knee operation. Nottinghamshire, by contrast, were able to select ten of the side that began last year’s opener against Durham and this game was seen in a few quarters as something of a mismatch. Only English cricket could split the counties into two divisions and then begin the season with the side that nearly won the title taking on the side that finished bottom of the pile. If you had offered Salisbury a tea score of 189 for 4 after being inserted, he would surely have snapped it up.If anything, the final session of the day only emphasised Sussex’s resilience. Fletcher, who rarely finds it easy to bowl down the hill here, was repeatedly driven through the covers by Clark, who reached a fine fifty when he stroked Evison through mid-off. A chaotic run-out saw Dan Ibrahim go for 15 but Rawlins made certain that one breakthrough brought nothing but more hard work for the bowlers. While his departure was a fillip for Mullaney, the Nottinghamshire skipper had plenty to ponder as the players departed the field and Hove was left in the singing-light of this first evening in a fresh world.

Hansi Flick's side came from 2-0 in the final 20 minutes to secure a crucial win over the Rojiblancos at the Metripolitano

Barcelona edged closer to winning La Liga on Sunday after coming from behind to beat title rivals Atletico Madrid 4-2 on the road.

Both teams featured in the Champions League during the week, but it was the hosts who looked sharper, despite going to extra-time and penalties against Real Madrid. Hansi Flick's side asserted their usual dominance in the game when it came to controlling the ball, but that is an approach that suits Diego Simeone's men, as Atleti were more than content to hit Barca on the counter.

That is exactly how they scored their opening goal, as a long ball from Jan Oblak was flicked on and into the space behind the Barca defence, with Antoine Griezmann on the chase. The Frenchman slid the ball across the box for Giuliano Simeone, who in turn played in Julian Alvarez to poke home on the stroke of half-time.

Things went from bad to worse for the Blaugrana when Alexander Sorloth scored a carbon copy goal in the 70th minute. This time it was Conor Gallagher who drove the ball across the face of goal for the Norwegian to slot into the net.

But there was a sensational comeback on its way. Two minutes after Atleti's second goal, Robert Lewandowski scored a superb strike, chesting a tricky cross before turning and striking a sweet volley. And it only took six more minutes before Barca were level, this time through substitute Ferran Torres, who flicked a fizzing Raphinha cross into the back of the net, drawing a roar from Flick on the touchline

There was time for a few more goals, and it was the visitors' youngest star who stole the headlines as, in injury time, Lamine Yamal stepped up, stepped in and fired a shot – courtesy of a deflection – past Oblak to earn his side all three points and a massive boost at the top of the table.

Barca even grabbed a fourth with the last kick of the game, Torres netting his second from the bench to send his manager running down the touchline in celebration.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from the Metropolitano…

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence

Wojciech Szczesny (6/10):

Didn't do much wrong and made a few important recoveries and claims to prevent his side from losing complete control of the game.

Jules Kounde (5/10):

Struggled at times and was caught out for Atleti's opener. The Frenchman also picked up a booking for his troubles.

Pau Cubarsi (6/10):

Not always comfortable on the right-hand side alongside Kounde.

Inigo Martinez (7/10):

Has been a calm and composed figure since signing his new contract and commanded the backline well despite conceding two goals, while he also picked up an assist for Lewandowski's strike.

Alejandro Balde (7/10):

Got forward with plenty of energy and pace, providing cross after cross for the visitors to attack.

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Pedri (8/10):

Acted as the architect for the visitors, often driving from deep and spraying plenty of cross-field balls to set his side on the attack. Provided the assist for the all-important third goal.

Marc Casado (5/10):

Hardly laid a glove on the opposition and was unsurprisingly hooked early in the second half.

Dani Olmo (6/10):

Really struggled to impose himself on the game, but did still come up with a few nice balls into dangerous areas.

AFPAttack

Raphinha (6/10):

Was below his usual standards for most of the game, but delivered an inch-perfect cross for Barca's second goal.

Robert Lewandowski (8/10):

Had several half-chances throughout the match and turned one of them into a goal with a superb touch and finish.

Lamine Yamal (8/10):

Certainly one of Barca's most impressive players in the attacking third, and stepped up when his side needed him the most right at the death.

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Eric Garcia (7/10):

Did a solid job in midfield when he came on with 20 minutes to go.

Ferran Torres (9/10):

Came on and scored a brace in what can only be described as a stellar cameo.

Gerard Martin (N/A):

Replaced some tired legs at the back.

Ronald Araujo (N/A):

Was brought on to shore up the defence late on.

Gavi (N/A):

Entered the action for the closing moments.

Hansi Flick (8/10):

Made key changes at the right time, with one of them in Ferran getting on the scoresheet twice.

Manchester United are among the teams interested in signing a £20 million midfielder next month, according to a new report. The January transfer window opens in just a couple of weeks time, and the Red Devils will hope the sudden departure of Dan Ashworth will not affect their plans.

"Strong" Man Utd target keen on Premier League move; contact already made

He’s having an excellent season.

ByTom Cunningham Dec 9, 2024 Man Utd transfer news

January could be a pivotal month for United, as INEOS may look to do some transfer business in the hope that it helps Ruben Amorim turn the club’s fortunes around. Ahead of what is normally a quiet transfer window for the Premier League side, they have already been linked with a few potential arrivals.

A new report has stated that United are looking to submit an offer to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace in 2025. The centre-back’s contract at Selhurst Park expires in 2026, and United could look to use this to their advantage, as they plan to make a £33 million offer, which is below his £50 million price tag.

Another player the Red Devils are interested in signing from the Premier League is Heung-min Son. The Tottenham Hotspur attacker is someone United know very well and are reportedly interested in making a move for him in 2025, as his future continues to look uncertain with the London side.

But these are not the only players who are on United’s radar, as they also have a midfielder under consideration, and he could be a long-term replacement for an individual already at Old Trafford.

Man Utd plotting move to sign £20m starlet

According to Caught Offside, Manchester United are interested in a deal to sign Martin Baturina from Dinamo Zagreb. The 21-year-old is highly rated in the game, especially in his homeland of Croatia, with the report labelling him an “elite prospect”.

Baturina has become an important figure for his club and country in recent times, and his performances are now catching the attention of European heavyweights. This report states that Paris Saint-Germain are working on a deal for Baturina and have been for a while. They are keen to get a deal done for around 25 million euros, which is roughly £20 million, as soon as possible. However, United are also keen on the Croatian international, along with many other Premier League teams.

Apps

141

Goals

18

Assists

34

Teams such as Manchester City, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, and Barcelona are also interested, but while United are longer term admirers, Zagreb are adamant that he isn’t for sale.

Baturina’s arrival at Old Trafford could spell the end for Mason Mount, as the Englishman has struggled since joining the Red Devils and could be one that is let go by Amorim if his performances don’t improve.

Celtic lost a bit of ground at the top of the Scottish Premiership table after they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Dundee United on Sunday.

They are still, however, nine points clear of Rangers and have enough of a buffer to afford a couple more slip-ups before they can begin to worry about their rivals catching up with them.

Brendan Rodgers was without a number of his key players for the 0-0 draw at Tannadice Park, including first-choice centre-back pairing Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty.

The USA internationals were absent from the matchday squad but the Hoops did not struggle defensively without them, as Dundee United only had two shots in the match.

One star whose absence was felt, however, was German winger Nicolas Kuhn, who was not available for selection after he picked up a knee injury in training.

The 24-year-old wizard has produced five goals and six assists in 11 starts in the Premiership this season, which suggests that he could have been the man to break Dundee United down if he had been available.

Instead, Kuhn had to watch on from afar and Rodgers handed an opportunity to Hyun-jun Yang in the right-wing position at Tannadice Park on Sunday.

Hyun-jun Yang's performance against Dundee United

The South Korean forward had only started one of his previous six appearances in the Premiership this season, prior to the draw with Dundee United.

His only other start, interestingly, came against Dundee in October. In that match, Yang provided two key passes and created one ‘big chance’ but was not rewarded with an assist for his efforts, in what was an impressive first start of the campaign.

The 22-year-old gem’s strong showing in his first start suggested that it was a good call from Rodgers to select him to replace Kuhn on the right flank for the clash on Sunday, but that did not turn out to be the case.

Yang played the opening 61 minutes in the match before being substituted for Luis Palma, after he had failed to have much of an impact in the drab draw.

Minutes

61

Shots

0

Key passes

0

Dribbles completed

0/1

Duels won

2/5

As you can see in the table above, the rarely-seen Celtic starter did not offer much at the top end of the pitch in around an hour of action, with zero shots, zero chances created, and zero dribbles completed on the right side of the attack.

The 22-year-old is, of course, a young player who has not had many opportunities to shine and find his rhythm in the league this season, which may be why he struggled so much. It is, perhaps, unreasonable to suggest that a young prospect who rarely plays should perform to a high standard when they do get dropped in.

However, as well as dropping Yang from the starting XI, Rodgers must also drop Luke McCowan, who has often been reliable when called upon this term.

Luke McCowan's form for Celtic this season

The Scottish central midfielder was signed from Dundee in the summer transfer window as an experienced Premiership player who could come in and be an excellent squad option for the Northern Irish head coach.

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For the most part, that is exactly what McCowan has been for the Hoops. Prior to Sunday’s draw with Dundee United, the midfield star had produced three goals and three assists in 11 league appearances, including four starts.

This shows that he has stepped up to provide quality at the top end of the pitch when called upon, more often than not, in the Scottish top-flight this term.

As you can see in the highlights above, his most impressive performance in a Hoops shirt to date came in the 5-0 thumping of Ross County, with a goal and three assists as a starter.

The Scottish maestro was ineligible to face Rangers in the League Cup final earlier this month, having played for Dundee in an earlier round, and Rodgers decided to bring him straight back into the starting XI for the clash with Dundee United on Sunday.

Unfortunately, McCowan did not step up to provide the quality that he has proven he has at Premiership level, and must be dropped alongside Yang.

Why Luke McCowan should be dropped

The 27-year-old dynamo was selected ahead of fellow summer signings Arne Engels and Paulo Bernardo in the middle of the park, starting alongside Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate.

McCowan was in the team to be a difference-maker at the top end of the pitch for the Hoops and, as you can infer from the 0-0 scoreline, he failed to be that.

The Scottish midfielder was withdrawn from the action after 62 minutes, as Rodgers opted to bring Adam Idah on to play with two strikers in an attempt to go on and win the match, albeit that tactic also failed to result in a goal.

McCowan was unable to stand up to the physicality of the Dundee United defenders. He lost a whopping 80% (8/10) of his duels throughout the match, which shows that the opposition players found it far too easy to get the better of him in physical contests.

Minutes

62

Shots

2

Key passes

1

Possession lost

23x

Duels won

2/10

As you can see in the table above, the Celtic lightweight’s use of the ball also left a lot to be desired, as the midfielder lost possession a staggering 23 times in just 62 minutes.

McCowan has lost the ball 10.5 times per game on average in the Premiership this season, which shows that he was nowhere near his best in possession on Sunday.

The wasteful flop also failed to make the most of the opportunities that he did have to make something happen at the top end of the pitch, with zero shots on target from two shots, and zero ‘big chances’ created from one key pass.

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1 ByDan Emery Dec 20, 2024

Therefore, Rodgers must instantly bin the central midfielder from the starting line-up after he was unable to grasp his chance to impress from the start.