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Manchester United are reportedly staring at a major financial headache ahead of next summer, with the club set to miss out on around £10 million ($13M) due to the scheduling of the 2026 World Cup in North America. The global showpiece event, kicking off on June 11, 2026, just 18 days after the Premier League season concludes, has thrown United's pre-season blueprint into disarray.

2026 World Cup wrecks Man Utd's plans

According to the the Red Devils had hoped to embark on another money-spinning post-season tour, similar to their lucrative visits to Malaysia and Hong Kong this summer just gone. That trip, which came right after the conclusion of the campaign, earned the club a tidy £10m windfall. But those plans are now off the table as there simply won’t be enough time between May 24 and the start of the World Cup for the club to travel, train, and recover adequately. The decision is already being described internally as a logistical nightmare, and one that could potentially have knock-on effects on both finances and fan engagement.

AdvertisementGOALFriendlies in Saudi Arabia?

Summer tours are not just about fitness, but they’re an essential revenue stream. Financial margins are tighter than ever at Old Trafford, especially after missing out on European football, and United are desperate to recoup as much as they can.  The club’s commercial department has spent the last few weeks running simulations on whether the World Cup could completely saturate football interest in the U.S. market. The final, which is scheduled for July 19 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, falls right around the time United traditionally kick off their own pre-season tours. This has led United to consider whether they should pivot towards the Middle East, another region where the club has historically drawn massive crowds and sponsorship interest. 

Talks are reportedly underway to see if a mid-season friendly in Saudi Arabia can be organised, which could bring in a hefty payday. There is indeed a growing appetite to return to Asia next summer, particularly after three consecutive pre-season tours in the United States as part of their £60m ($78m)-a-year deal with Snapdragon. United’s failure to qualify for this season’s Champions League cost them approximately £100m ($130.5m) in potential revenue, including a £10m penalty paid to Adidas, triggered by the performance clause in their record kit deal. That financial strain has put added pressure on the commercial and operations teams to maximise income from every opportunity, including global fan tours.

Man Utd back in form after struggles

While meetings and discussions are underway in the boardroom, things on the pitch are finally showing signs of recovery. After a shaky start that saw United win just two of their first seven games, Amorim’s men have stabilised, going four league matches unbeaten following a dramatic 2–2 draw with Nottingham Forest. The Portuguese boss has slowly moulded United into a more cohesive, hard-working outfit by making little tweaks to his preferred 3-4-3 formation, and they are finally reaping the rewards. The team sits eighth in the table, but only two points behind second-placed Manchester City, proof that progress is being made.

"Ruben’s got a very clear idea. It’s a lot more flexible, the idea, than what people give it credit for," Jason Wilcox said in an interview on the club’s podcast. "We’ve got to start with the end in mind and understand that the game model, how Manchester United are, is really important.  

"We have to pull the jigsaw pieces together and put the jigsaw pieces together. We would love to have all the pieces in place where we can see a very clear picture, but whilst we’re building the picture, it’s even more difficult when you lose some football matches, because people start questioning things. But myself and Ruben, Omar, the ownership, we’re really clear on the direction of travel, and this is really important."

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Getty Images SportTottenham next: A chance for redemption for Amorim

Next up is a blockbuster away clash with Tottenham Hotspur, the same side that denied United silverware in last season’s Europa League final. For Amorim's men, it’s not just about revenge, but it’s about maintaining momentum in a campaign that has demanded resilience. They struggled in the early months but have finally resurrected themselves on the back of a sensational October. The Red Devils will be eager to get another three points and mount a meek title challenge before the international break sets in. 

The new Premier League season is only six games old, although Saturday’s defeat to Brentford felt like a seismic one for Manchester United and for manager Ruben Amorim, with that 3-1 loss the latest indication that the Portuguese is heading for an early exit from Old Trafford.

Let’s face it, we’ve seen this one before, with repeated United managers having all been sent packing before Christmas, be it Erik ten Hag in October 2024 or Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November 2021.

There was very much a Ten Hag feel regarding the weekend debacle, with the trip to west London evoking memories of the Dutchman’s final outing in charge, which came away to West Ham United just over a year ago.

That 2-1 defeat was notable for a glaring Diogo Dalot miss, alongside a contentious late penalty for the hosts. This time around, Amorim saw the previously reliable Bruno Fernandes fail to convert his spot-kick attempt, while Nathan Collins controversially escaped a red card for his foul on Bryan Mbeumo. When your luck’s in…

While the word on the street is that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS hierarchy remain behind the ex-Sporting CP boss, a succession plan appears to already be being drawn up…

How United could look with a 4-3-3 after Amorim

When asked about changing his philosophy last month, Amorim responded that the Red Devils will instead have to “change the man” if there is to be a move away from his 3-4-3 system.

Steadfast in his stubborn desire to retain that approach, the 40-year-old is almost forcing Ratcliffe and co into making a decision, rather than attempting to save himself by shaking things up tactically.

Yes, Amorim can’t be solely responsible for the individual failings of the likes of Altay Bayindir, although his specialised system doesn’t appear to be getting the best out of anyone at the club right now.

Should a new appointment be made any time soon, there is a squad – hopefully – who can be revived in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system, with such a tweak likely to enhance the midfield unit once again, in particular.

Indeed, a new coach could deploy Kobbie Mainoo in a deep-lying role, having memorably starred on his Premier League debut in that berth against Everton in November 2023, with the Englishman partnered by Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount in more advanced midfield positions

In attack, the new-look trio of Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and the aforementioned Mbeumo would all be comfortable making the change, while Amorim’s potential successor would surely see the wisdom in ousting the hapless Bayindir for new man Senne Lammens – or even the veteran Tom Heaton.

With ample depth at right-back and centre-back, a new manager could finally settle on a first-choice pairing, rather than the constant chaos of Amorim’s selection, while the problems on the left flank could be solved by the returning Lisandro Martinez in a new-look left-back berth.

While such a transition might not guarantee an improvement, there is seemingly nothing to lose by moving away from a 3-4-3, be it for Amorim or for his potential replacement.

Man Utd targeting the next Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

The last time a Portuguese manager – Jose Mourinho – was in situ in the Old Trafford dugout, the serial-winning coach was relieved of his duties in December 2018, before being replaced by treble-winning hero, Solskjaer.

The Norwegian marksman departed Molde to join United on an initial interim basis, although after winning 14 of his first 17 games in charge, while reviving the mood in Manchester, the ‘Baby-faced assassin’ was rewarded with a permanent position in March 2019.

While the merits of that decision can be debated, it’s hard to ignore that Solskjaer steered United to notable third and second-place finishes in his two full seasons in charge, having perhaps been closer than any post-Sir Alex Ferguson manager to bring the club ‘back’ to the top table.

According to journalist Samuel Luckhurst, there is believed to be an appetite among Ratcliffe and co to make a similar short-term appointment again, should Amorim be replaced, with fan favourite Michael Carrick believed to be in the running.

While Luckhurst reports that the Premier League trio of Oliver Glasner, Andoni Iraola and Fabian Hurzeler are also in the frame, Carrick is among those who could take charge on a caretaker basis, having previously led United for three games following Solskjaer’s exit.

That brief stint saw the Red Devils pick up a point away at Stamford Bridge, either side of wins against Villarreal and Arsenal, with there perhaps a tinge of regret at not handing the Englishman the reins for a longer period, rather than turning to the much-maligned Ralf Rangnick.

In the years since, Carrick – who worked as part of the coaching set-up under both Mourinho and Solskjaer – has enjoyed a promising albeit far from perfect stint at Middlesbrough, overseeing a fourth-place finish in 2022/23, followed by eighth and tenth-place finishes in the subsequent two campaigns.

Dismissed in the summer, the 44-year-old has since had to witness Boro storm to the Championship summit, although his stock doesn’t appear to have taken too great of a hit, having been hailed as an “insanely talented coach” by his former player, Lukas Engel.

Also tipped by Solskjaer in the past to be a future Man United manager, Carrick would certainly be a popular appointment among the Old Trafford faithful, having enjoyed 12 glorious years on the pitch, winning five league titles and making 464 appearances in all competitions.

Like the Norwegian before him, Carrick could be the ideal short-term solution to try and revive United’s fortunes, having experienced a winning team himself during his days under Ferguson.

Some may bristle at a perceived ‘jobs for the boys’ policy, but after trying so many different things on the manager front, why not go back to something that worked – at least initially – with another Solskjaer-style appointment.

He'd revive Mainoo at Man Utd: INEOS eyeing "incredible" Amorim replacement

Manchester United are considering a move to land a manager who could get Kobbie Mainoo firing at Old Trafford.

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By
Ethan Lamb

Sep 30, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are now racing Arsenal for the signature of a £130m+ attacker, who’s been described as a “true icon in the making”.

Tottenham eyeing new attacking midfielder amid Simons' slow start

It is still very early days, but Xavi Simons hasn’t exactly set the world alight since his arrival from RB Leipzig, most recently failing to create any big chances and completing just one of the four dribbles he attempted in the 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

In fairness, the Dutchman is arguably being deployed out of position, having predominantly been given the nod at left-wing by Thomas Frank up to this point, and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes the 22-year-old will be a success in north London long-term.

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The former striker said: “Simons has only just started, but I like Simons. I really like him. I think he’s going to be a big, big, big success at Spurs. He can play on the left or as a No. 10, but he’s also not scared, and that’s why I like him.”

Lucas Bergvall started in the number 10 role against Wolves, but given that the Sweden international is only 19-years-old, it would make sense to bring in another attacking midfielder.

According to a report from Caught Offside, Tottenham have now joined the race for Real Madrid star Arda Guler, having sent scouts to watch the youngster in action, but there could be competition for his signature, with a number of other big clubs also keen.

Arsenal, Newcastle United, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund are also named as potential suitors for the attacking midfielder, but any of the interested parties may have to shell out a huge fee to get a deal done, with it previously being revealed he is valued at over £130m.

The report makes it clear that Madrid are reluctant to sanction a departure, given that Guler has emerged as a crucial player since the arrival of Xabi Alonso.

Guler living up to his potential at Real Madrid

After impressing at international level in the summer, scoring against the USA and Hungary, scout Jacek Kulig suggested the Turk could go on to be a future star.

Since then, the 20-year-old has gone from strength to strength, picking up three goals and three assists in his opening seven La Liga games, with the starlet establishing himself as a key player for Real Madrid.

Having also been lauded as a “special talent” by scout Ben Mattinson, Guler could be a fantastic signing for Tottenham, but it seems very unlikely that a deal will be possible, given his astronomical price tag.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras contou com o retorno do ídolo Dudu para vencer o Atlético-MG por 1 a 0 nessa quarta-feira (2), em jogo válido pelo confronto de ida das oitavas de final da Libertadores.

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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Na terça-feira (1), o atacante chegou em Belo Horizonte com uma proteção na perna direita e atuou por um pouco mais de 60 minutos antes de ser substituído por Jhon Jhon.

Apesar da tímida atuação diante do seu amigo Felipão, o retorno de Dudu foi importante para o jogador voltar a adquirir ritmo de jogo, principalmente pensando no segundo e decisivo duelo, no Allianz Parque, nesta quarta (9).

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Pensando exatamente nesta recuperação física, que Dudu pode ser titular diante do Fluminense, neste sábado (5), no Maracanã, pela penúltima rodada do primeiro turno do Brasileirão.

Enquanto Dudu busca retomar sua forma física ideal, Abel Ferreira vai ganhando o ‘reforço’ de alguns titulares que fizeram dois grandes jogos diante do América-MG e do Galo, como Murilo, Mayke, Zé Rafael e Raphael Veiga.

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+ ANÁLISE: Palmeiras ativa ‘modo competição’ e dá passo gigante para classificação na Libertadores

Nos últimos dois duelos diante do Fluminense fora de casa pelo Brasileirão, Dudu brilhou com um golaço em 2021 e uma assistência para a bike de Rony na temporada passada.

Abel Ferreira deve definir o time titular do Palmeiras nesta sexta-feira (4), em atividade na Academia de Futebol.

Se o Palmeiras pode poupar o time pensando no duelo de volta diante do Atlético-MG, o Fluminense também vive situação parecida, uma vez que o Tricolor carioca encara o Argentinos Jrs, também pelas oitavas da Libertadores.

Celtic made the surprise step of entering the free agent market in the 2025 summer transfer window for a striker after offloading Adam Idah to Swansea City on Deadline Day.

Following a frantic search for a replacement, Brendan Rodgers was able to seal a reunion with Nigeria forward Kelechi Iheanacho, who joined the club a day after the market period ended following his release from Sevilla.

Rodgers has signed the new Scott Sinclair in "phenomenal" Celtic talent

Celtic could look to the past for inspiration, following the signing of the next Scott Sinclair…

ByRobbie Walls Sep 5, 2025

With the move causing quite a stir among supporters, we’ve taken a look at all of Rodgers’ free agent signings at Celtic Park, ranking each from best to worst across his two spells in the dugout.

11 Kundai Benyu 2017-2020

Kicking off proceedings, Kundai Benyu joined Celtic in 2017 on a free transfer from Ipswich Town, making four first-team appearances ahead of brief loan spells at Oldham Athletic and Helsingborg.

Eventually, he left the Bhoys to sign for Wealdstone United in 2020 before stints in Iceland at Vestri and IBV. The Zimbabwe international now features for Harare-based outfit CAPS United.

10 Youssouf Mulumbu 2018-2019

Becoming a late addition to Rodgers’ midfield in 2018 after Celtic failed to sign John McGinn from Hibernian, Mulumbu never really got going and managed only 155 minutes of competitive football across three appearances.

Previously, he had enjoyed an excellent 2017/18 Scottish Premiership campaign at Kilmarnock and soon returned on loan to Rugby Park before a break clause in his Hoops contract saw him depart in the summer of 2019. Not a transfer that paid off for either party.

9 Ross Doohan 2015-2022, 2025-present

Ross Doohan rejoined Celtic from Aberdeen on a free transfer in the summer of 2025 and finds himself at the lower end of the scale due to not having made a competitive appearance for the club during either spell.

Nevertheless, the Scotland international is a valued presence within the walls of Lennoxtown and has helped ease pressure on the Hoops’ European squad registration powers, making him a smart capture by the Scottish Premiership holders.

8 Callum Osmand 2025-present

Technically, Callum Osmand signed for Celtic in a cross-border compensation deal, but he has been included by virtue of joining after the end of his Fulham contract in summer 2025. Why not make things a little more fun?

The Jersey-born striker represents Wales on the international stage and featured in the Bhoys’ pre-season friendlies against Cork City and Estrela de Amadora.

Ultimately, his place on the list could fluctuate depending on whether he earns minutes over the coming months. He is highly-rated after 55 goal contributions in 73 outings at various youth levels at the Cottagers, though a loan seems like a sensible step to aid his development.

7 Emilio Izaguirre 2018-2019

At the time, many Celtic fans were shocked when Emilio Izaguirre returned to Parkhead in 2018 after leaving the club one year prior to join Al-Fayha. Still, his status as a cult hero among supporters generated a level of excitement.

In the end, the Honduran left-back registered a solitary assist in 19 appearances during his second spell in Glasgow, playing a part in the Bhoys winning a domestic treble.

Frequent injuries and Kieran Tierney’s position as first-choice limited his scope for inclusion. Despite being offered a one-year extension, 33-year-old Izaguirre departed Celtic with 13 winners medals in total for Motagua, where he is now Sporting Director.

6 Kolo Toure 2016-2017

Truthfully, you could argue the toss about whether Izaguirre’s second spell or Kolo Toure’s stint in Glasgow should be higher on the list, but the Ivorian has shaded it due to a key factor that will be explained.

Premier League winner Toure linked up with Rodgers shortly after departing Liverpool and clocked up 17 appearances under the Irishman before calling time on his distinguished career due to injury trouble.

Intriguingly, he then went on to become a part of Celtic’s backroom team as a technical assistant, remaining at Lennoxtown and then leaving to take up a first-team coach role at Leicester City. Supporters loved his infamous chant!

5 Kelechi Iheanacho 2025-present

The man everyone is talking about. Many Celtic supporters may have expected Kelechi Iheanacho to be ranked somewhere else on this list. However, it would be unfair to draw any premature conclusions before he has had a sustained run in the team.

By now, the Bhoys’ failed pursuit of Kasper Dolberg is common knowledge. Their efforts to land the Denmark international proved to be unsuccessful, and he is now back at Ajax, somewhere he feels is a second home.

An almighty scramble ensued before Celtic signed Iheanacho in an out-of-window deal, leaving many fans irate at a transfer strategy that saw the likes of David Datro Fofana and Patrick Bamford contacted over moves to Parkhead with no breakthrough.

Statistically, the Nigeria international is in Glasgow following one goal in 15 appearances during a loan spell at Middlesbrough circa 2024/25. Three strikes in 11 outings across his time in Seville is hardly a convincing tally either, all things considered.

Providing a saving grace, Rodgers has previously worked with Iheanacho and helped him produce some of the best football of his career at Leicester City, including a 19-goal campaign in 2020/21, a level he can hopefully rediscover under his guidance.

4 Scott Bain 2018-2025

Initially arriving on loan from Dundee ahead of a free transfer move to Celtic in the summer of 2018, Scott Bain cemented himself as another likeable figure among supporters and kept an impressive 40 clean sheets across 78 appearances for the Hoops.

Capped three times by Scotland, the long-serving goalkeeper ended his spell in Glasgow with no fewer than 14 medals to his name. He moved to Falkirk during the transfer window and is enjoying life at the Scottish Premiership newcomers.

3 Kasper Schmeichel 2024-present

Kasper Schmeichel is another player who has significant experience working alongside Rodgers, and it is fair to say he has been a major success story at Celtic since arriving on a free transfer in the summer of 2024.

To date, the Denmark international has won the Scottish Premiership and Premier Sports Cup, and it doesn’t seem like he is done there despite being set to turn 39 in November.

Leading from the front, Schmeichel is a shining example of professionalism and his desire to keep showcasing his talents at Celtic is something to be admired.

2 Kieran Tierney 2015-2019, 2025-present

Some of you may be asking, why isn’t Kieran Tierney number one on this list? There is a reason for that, but the end decision has purely come down to the distinction of the fact he has only recently arrived on a free transfer.

Born in Douglas and a stalwart for Scotland under Steve Clarke, the 28-year-old is an icon at Celtic and shot to prominence in a first spell that saw him play a driving role in claiming eight trophies at the club, making 170 appearances in total and delivering eight goals alongside 37 assists.

From then on, Tierney secured a £25 million move from his boyhood club to Arsenal, claiming the FA Cup at the Gunners and earning recognition for his displays. Enjoying a different footballing climate, he also spent time on loan at Real Sociedad.

Now, he is firmly back at Celtic and has slotted in effortlessly under Rodgers after signing a five-year-deal in the summer of 2025.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Santos deseja o retorno do técnico Fábio Carille, que está no V-Varen Nagasaki, do Japão, e já fez contatos com o estafe do treinador. Roger Machado, sem clube desde setembro de 2022, quando deixou o Grêmio, também é avaliado.

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Decidida em demitir o técnico Odair Hellmann desde a manhã desta quinta-feira (22), a direção santista oficializou a saída no início da tarde, mas já avalia o mercado em busca de um substituto.

Carille é visto como o profissional que mais apresentou respostas positivas no período em que esteve à frente do Santos, em setembro de 2021 até fevereiro de 2022, e sua saída foi um erro de gestão. Na época, a medida foi tomada pelo então executivo de futebol Edu Dracena, que tinha divergências com o treinador.

+ Até 70% OFF em produtos do Peixe para os torcedores fanáticos!

Porém, a própria contratação de Dracena para o cargo diretivo hoje é analisada como um equívoco. O presidente Andres Rueda já deu declarações públicas demonstrando arrependimento da demissão de Carille.

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COMO CONVENCER O SUBSTITUTO

O entendimento da diretoria santista é que a oportunidade de voltar ao Brasil pode convencer Carille a aceitar um possível convite do Santos, que ainda não aconteceu. Por outro lado, seja qual for o profissional contratado, ele só teria contrato até o fim do ano, quando termina o mandato da gestão atual. Isso pode ser um impeditivo para Carille, que está empregado e tem contrato até janeiro de 2024 com o clube japonês.

Enquanto isso, o estafe de Roger Machado entrou em contato com a direção alvinegra de maneira informal. O nome do treinador foi oferecido ao clube alvinegro, que não mostrou resistência à opção. Pessoas próximas ao profissional, inclusive, disseram que não seria problema firmar um contrato até dezembro deste ano.

Manchester United have been told that Ruben Amorim would have been a perfect fit for one of their Premier League rivals. Since taking charge at Old Trafford, Amorim has managed United in 47 matches across all competitions, out of which they have won just 17 and have a 36 per cent win rate. The Red Devils were soundly beaten by Manchester City in their latest outing to pile more pressure on Amorim.

• United's nightmare continues

  After finishing 15th in the Premier League last season and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham, United hoped that things would change in the 2025-26 campaign under Amorim, especially after spending heavily in the summer transfer window to rebuild the team. However, the Red Devils find themselves 14th in the league table after their first four games and they were also dumped out of the Carabao Cup in the second round by League Two side Grimsby. 

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• AFP
  

  Amorim refusing to change system

  Former Arsenal player Paul Merson has boldly claim that Amorim would have been a perfect fit at Chelsea instead of United. The 40-year-old's 3-4-3 system has come under intense scrutiny, especially after the derby loss at Manchester City, but he is refusing to change his set-up.

• Merson's view on Amorim's system

  In his column on , Merson wrote: "Ruben Amorim, the way he wants to play, is a worry. He won't change. He'll look at it and say 'I've got where I am today by playing the way I play,' using three at the back and high wing-backs. He would have been a perfect fit for Chelsea. They've got world-class wing-backs in Reece James and Malo Gusto, they've got the best holding midfield player in the league in Moises Caicedo. It would fit the players. 

  "You look at Man United and this system does not suit the squad they've got at all. The two wing-backs are nowhere near it, nowhere near good enough. And they are a big part of this formation working. No legs in midfield. Everything is up against him."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  United to host Chelsea next

  United will next face Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday. While the Blues will be busy with their Champions League commitments, as they face Bayern Munich on Wednesday, Amorim will get the entire week to prepare his team for the key domestic clash at Old Trafford.

Jos Buttler has said that Ben Stokes and Joe Root are not guaranteed to return to England’s white-ball set-up for the Champions Trophy, but hopes the pair retain ambitions in white-ball cricket.Neither Stokes nor Root have represented England in ODI cricket since their disastrous World Cup defence in 2023, with the Champions Trophy set to begin in exactly three months’ time.Stokes has previously said that the answer would “definitely be yes” if Brendon McCullum, who takes over the white-ball side in January, asked him to return, but added that: “I’m not going to be too disappointed if I don’t.”In August, England selector Luke Wright said that there was “no reason” why Root couldn’t come straight into a major tournament, although Root himself hasn’t spoken publicly about his own desire to return to the format.”I don’t know exactly,” Buttler said of whether Root and Stokes will be back in February. “Obviously Brendon McCullum is coming in full-time and he’ll be in touch with the guys.”England have a white-ball tour to India in January that includes three ODIs, which are the only 50-over matches they have before the Champions Trophy begins.Asked whether the pair are guaranteed to come back in if they are available, Buttler added: “It’s conversations for the next few weeks with the guys in charge. The guys here have played really well. Some of the young players have done themselves no harm at all. There are people who aren’t here who will have aspirations to be in the white-ball side as well. It’s really exciting.”Root is arguably England’s greatest ODI batter, with more than 6500 runs and 16 hundreds in 171 matches since 2013. However, he has struggled over the past three years in the few 50-over matches he has played. Since July 2021, he averages 22.94 in the format across 20 matches. His last ODI century came during the 2019 World Cup.Related

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Similarly, Stokes has played just 19 ODIs in the last five years. However, in that time, he has averaged 43.38. Across the 2023 World Cup, he scored 539 runs at an average of 59.88.”I can’t speak for them individually but I hope they have white-ball aspirations,” Buttler said of the pair. “They’re two great players.”Naturally the teams will become closer in terms of personnel now the overall messaging will be coming from one man who is in charge of England cricket now. The guys who play all three formats, they won’t feel it’s red or white as much anymore.”Maybe you’ll see the same faces and the same guy in charge, no matter what colour the ball is. It’s certainly going to give more consistency.”Buttler was speaking in the moments after a washout in St Lucia had secured England a 3-1 series win over West Indies, the T20I side’s first away series win in over two years.”To come and beat the West Indies here is a great effort. We’ve had some close series against them over the last few years which has been good. I’m really pleased for everyone in the dressing room who put in the performances we did to get the results we got.”In particular, Buttler singled out the performance of Saqib Mahmood, whose nine wickets across four matches led to him being named as Player of the Series, after two years in which the fast bowler had been plagued by injuries.”It’s a great piece of work,” Buttler said. “Having just gone through an injury recently – nothing as serious as Saqi – you realise how much hard work it is. It’s an eye-opener for how much resilience and hard work and all the rehab that the guys who have had these back injuries and long-term injuries must go through.”More than anything he showed great skill with the ball and he got the results he deserved.”Buttler himself returned this series after four months off with a calf injury, but was able to come through the series unscathed. On this trip, he opted not to keep wicket to gain experience of captaining from the field.”I don’t know exactly but I’ve enjoyed it,” Buttler said, when asked if he will give up the gloves for good. “It’s been good for me to take one less thing off my plate. Tres has been great at doing that as well, he’s really led the side and really helped me and pushed me towards those kinds of things. Change is good sometimes. I’ve enjoyed being closer to the bowlers.”

Ponting, it is understood, will take the final call on the rest of the coaching staff

Nagraj Gollapudi18-Sep-20246:27

What is Ponting’s biggest challenge at Punjab Kings?

Ricky Ponting has been appointed head coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS) from IPL 2025, a little over two months after he and Delhi Capitals parted ways ending his seven-year tenure at the franchise.ESPNcricinfo has learned that Ponting has signed a four-year contract with Kings, a franchise with multiple owners. Ponting, it is understood, will take the final call on the rest of the coaching staff. There is no clarity yet on who remains on the books from the coaching unit from last year: Trevor Bayliss (head coach), Sanjay Bangar (head of cricket development), Charl Langeveldt (fast-bowling coach), Sunil Joshi (spin-bowling coach).”I am grateful to Punjab Kings for presenting me with the opportunity to be the new head coach,” Ponting said. “I am excited to take up the new challenge. I had great conversations with the owners and the management about the way forward and was truly elated to see the alignment of our visions for the team. We all want to repay the fans who have stayed with the franchise over the years and we promise that they will see a much different Punjab Kings going forward.”Ponting will be the third head coach in four seasons at Kings, who finished ninth in the 2024 season. They have not qualified for the IPL playoffs since 2014, when they finished runners-up. Ponting’s first challenge would be shortlisting players who could be potentially retained for the next season even as the franchises wait for the IPL to finalise the retention rules.Related

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Harshal Patel, who won the purple cap for the second time in IPL 2024, along with the uncapped Indian pair of Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma were among the key performers for Kings last season. Kings also have India left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, legspinner Rahul Chahar in their squad along with a healthy bunch of overseas players, including the England trio of Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Jonny Bairstow and South Africa quick Kagiso Rabada.With Shikhar Dhawan retiring recently, Kings will also be keen to identify a new captain.Ponting has been part of the IPL set-up since the inaugural season in 2008, first as a player at Kolkata Knight Riders followed by Mumbai Indians where he stepped down as captain midway through the 2013 season, paving way for Rohit Sharma to take over. Mumbai won the title the same year, with Ponting continuing in an advisory role in 2014 and then serving as head coach for two seasons in 2015 and 2016.In 2018, Ponting took charge as head coach of Capitals who made the playoffs for three successive seasons between 2019 and 2021, during which period they qualified for the first IPL final in 2020. After ending his association with Capitals in July, Ponting was head coach during Washington Freedom’s title-winning campaign in the 2024 season of Major League Cricket (MLC).

Chelsea have signed plenty of attacking players from fellow Premier League clubs over the years.

Some have performed well and lived up to expectations at Stamford Bridge, whereas others have struggled.

Fernando Torres cost the Blues £50m when he joined from Liverpool in January 2011. Considering he was one of the finest forwards in Europe, the expectation was enormous.

A return of just 45 goals in 172 matches didn’t exactly see him shine at Stamford Bridge. Raheem Sterling was another attacking player who failed to star at the club, despite a big transfer fee, ultimately shipped out on loan to Arsenal after being excluded by the manager.

In comparison, Cole Palmer has been a massive hit, registering 68 goal contributions across 94 matches for the Blues since joining from Manchester City.

Elsewhere, Nicolas Anelka, Joe Cole and Eidur Gudjohnsen have all made the move from other Premier League sides to Chelsea since the turn of the century and significantly impressed in their own way.

Now, Enzo Maresca is looking to wrap up a deal for Brighton and Hove Albion forward Joao Pedro.

If a deal can be sealed in the coming days, the manager will be hoping he will turn into a Palmer 2.0 rather than a Torres.

Chelsea closing in on signing Joao Pedro

The Italian has made no secret that he is looking to bolster Chelsea’s attacking options this summer.

Jamie Gittens is someone whom the Blues have been tracking for quite some time, and they even had a bid rejected a few weeks ago.

Their £55m bid a few days ago was accepted, however, and the English winger is set to undergo a medical in London.

Could Pedro follow suit in the coming days? According to The Athletic, Chelsea have reached an agreement with Brighton regarding a move for the Brazilian, and it is in excess of £50m.

His medical looks set to take place over the next few days, and the Blues are closing in on adding another top-class forward ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Pedro has scored 22 goals and grabbed ten assists across 88 Premier League games in his career. This is perhaps a decent record rather than spectacular, but Pedro offers more than just a clinical threat in front of goal.

Goals

10

Assists

6

Big chances created

11

Key passes per game

1.1

Successful dribbles per game

1.1

Shots per game

1.7

When compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, Pedro ranks in the top 10% for shot-creating actions (3.33) and successful take-ons (1.34) per 90.

Additionally, the Brazilian forward also ranks in the top 3% for progressive carries (3.05) per 90 while also ranking in the top 4% for progressive passes (3.6) per 90 over the previous 365 days.

These statistics indicate that Pedro could be an exciting signing indeed, especially with his wonderful attacking traits.

Combine this with the fact that he can operate either as a centre-forward or as a shadow striker will give Maresca plenty of flexibility in where he deploys the Brighton star.

With a move close to completion, Pedro could link up extremely well with another Chelsea target – Mohammed Kudus.

Chelsea exploring move for Premier League star

While Gittens looks like he is closing in on a move to the Stamford Bridge side, he isn’t the only winger Maresca is eyeing up.

Blues insider Simon Phillips provided an update on the Blues’ pursuit of Kudus on X, saying that “Chelsea still trying for Kudus as well” amid the recent speculation.

Indeed, the club had made a proposal worth around £50m to West Ham United regarding the Ghanaian winger, yet this was rejected rather swiftly by the Irons as the player has an £85m release clause.

Maresca appears keen on landing the player, however, and he could well go back in and make an official bid to test West Ham’s resolve.

If he can land both Pedro and Kudus this summer, the pair could work well together. That’s for sure.

Why Chelsea must sign Mohammed Kudus

Pedro will be signed to challenge Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson for a centre-forward role, with Maresca keen on making use of his strengths in the opposition penalty area.

As such, Kudus would be deployed on the flanks, where he can deliver crosses and provide a host of chances for the Brazilian.

During his two seasons with West Ham, Kudus has scored 19 goals and recorded 13 assists across 80 matches. This works out as a goal contribution every 2.5 games, which is a more than respectable figure.

In the Premier League last term, the former Ajax starlet succeeded with an impressive 2.9 dribbles per game, while also creating four big chances and averaging one key pass per match.

His ability to beat his opposite man was certainly on display throughout the 2024/25 campaign. Indeed, he ranked in the top 3% for successful take-ons (3.2) per 90 when compared to his positional peers in Europe’s big five leagues.

Furthermore, Kudus also ranks in the top 17% for crosses into the penalty area (0.52) per 90 and in the top 20% for ball recoveries per 90.

Journalist Gary Al-Smith hailed the African winger as a “generational talent” back in 2023, just a few months after he made the move to West Ham and while his second season might not have been as impressive as his maiden one at the London Stadium, Kudus would still be an excellent signing for Chelsea.

Not only would he add some competition to the wide areas, but his abilities would work in tandem with Pedro, allowing the duo to flourish in the Premier League and Champions League next season.

That ability to beat a man won’t only open up more goalscoring opportunities for Chelsea’s forward line, but it would also drag more players towards him, thus opening up more space in the final third for the likes of Pedro and Co.

Much will depend on the fee West Ham demand, especially if the Blues are paying over £100 to sign both Gittens and Pedro in the coming weeks.

If several players, such as Christopher Nkunku and João Félix, can be moved on, this will give Maresca the money to spend on bringing Kudus to Stamford Bridge.

If he manages to get all his transfer targets in the door before the start of next season, Chelsea could be a team to watch, that’s for sure.

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