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Guti believes Endrick's development is stalling at Real Madrid and has urged the youngster to seek a loan move in January if he doesn't receive opportunities before the winter break.

Does Endrick deserve better?

Guti has advised Brazilian wonderkid Endrick to seek a loan move in the January transfer window if he fails to break into Alonso's first-team plans. The highly-rated forward has yet to make his official debut for the club despite featuring in several matchday squads, prompting Guti to suggest that a temporary move would be the "best option" for his development, as reported by DAZN via Madrid Universal.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWhat Guti said about Endrick's situation

Speaking during a broadcast, the former midfielder stressed the importance of regular playing time for a young player's growth and warned against waiting too long for an opportunity at the Santiago Bernabeu. Guti believes the upcoming winter window presents a perfect chance for Endrick to gain valuable experience elsewhere. "If he doesn’t get any opportunities between now and December, I think his best option is to leave so he can continue to grow," Guti stated. "For a young player, the best thing is to get playing time."

Endrick's struggle for minutes under Alonso

Despite assurances from manager Alonso that his chance will come, Endrick finds himself down the attacking pecking order. Alonso has so far preferred established options like Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz, as well as fellow youth product Gonzalo Garcia. Guti acknowledged the difficult path into the starting XI for the Brazilian. "What could be decisive? Well, you never know. There are always injuries and moments where the coach bets on you, but that doesn’t seem to be his priority right now," he added.

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Conflicting views on a potential loan

While Real Madrid are reportedly exploring a loan deal to accelerate Endrick's progress, the player and his representatives are said to be hesitant. The Brazilian's camp would prefer to remain in the Spanish capital, trusting that an opportunity to impress Alonso will eventually materialise. This sets up a crucial decision for the youngster in the coming months as he weighs the benefits of patience against the need for immediate first-team football.

With just over a week to go until the Premier League kicks off, the atmosphere around Chelsea couldn’t get much better.

Fans are still basking in the Club World Cup triumph, while the board continue to make moves in the transfer market.

There is still just under a month until the window slams shut and the likes of Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap, and Jorrel Hato are already through the door.

On top of that, the Blues appear to be closing in on Alejandro Garnacho, and if reports are to be believed, they’re also keen on another international who’d be an even better addition.

Chelsea target better signing than Garnacho

Chelsea have been linked with Garnacho for some time now, with reports of their interest in the Argentine first popping up as far back as the winter window, before he had his public falling out with Ruben Amorim.

Transfer Focus

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

However, the links have only grown stronger this summer, and yesterday afternoon, it was reported that they’ve finally entered into talks with Manchester United over a possible move, with the player now wanting a move to Stamford Bridge or nothing.

However, the West Londoners aren’t stopping there either, as they’re now supposedly keen on another international, although this player would be a far more critical signing to make this summer.

At least that’s according to a recent report from Spain, which claims Chelsea are one of several teams interested in Italian shot-stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The report has revealed that, alongside the Blues, Manchester City and United are vying for the Paris Saint-Germain star, who is refusing to sign a new contract over a dispute on salary structure, with just a year remaining on his current one.

In good news for the three Premier League clubs, other reports have claimed that due to this stand-off, the Parisians would be willing to sell him for €30m, which is about £26m, and a price Chelsea can’t afford to miss, especially as he’d be an even better signing than Garnacho.

Why Donnarumma would be a better signing that Garnacho

Now, it’s important to say that, even though he’s not the most popular player, Garnacho is undeniably talented and would be a great addition to this Chelsea team.

After all, he was able to score 11 goals and provide ten assists in 58 appearances last season despite being just 21 years old and playing in a historically terrible United side.

However, while he would be a good addition to the West Londoners’ squad, he feels somewhat like a luxury one, as with players like Gittens, Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, Joao Pedro, and more already in the squad, the team hasn’t exactly been crying out for another attacker.

In sharp contrast, fans have been asking, nay demanding, the club go out and sign a new goalkeeper for a long time now, as even if the board claims they have complete confidence in Robert Sanchez, we aren’t sure that’s an opinion shared by the supporters.

For example, while he did improve towards the end of last season, he has a tendency to make mistakes, and according to FBref, he made ten mistakes that led to an opponent’s shot in the league alone last season.

In contrast, the “world-class” Italian, as dubbed by Carlo Ancelotti, didn’t make a single mistake that led to a shot.

Moreover, when it comes to playing out from the back, it’s not even a competition between the pair, as the Spaniard completed just 69.7% of his passes, while the PSG star completed 87.3%.

On top of being more trustworthy in and out of possession, the 26-year-old international also has more experience playing and thriving in the most intense games.

For example, he held his nerve in the 2021 Euros final to deny England in a penalty shoot-out at Wembley Stadium, and then against Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final last season he was utterly sensational over both legs.

Ultimately, Sanchez might not be as bad as some make out, but he’s not an elite goalkeeper either.

If Chelsea want to take that next step, they need a goalkeeper like Donnarumma, and therefore, they should be doing all they can to sign him.

Chelsea reach "total agreement" to sign £192k-a-week star with "deal concluded"

The Blues are closing in on their next summer signing.

3

By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 7, 2025

Zimbabwe blessed the rains down in Bulawayo, although they might not have needed it

Danyal Rasool24-Nov-2024Bulawayo has desperately craved rain for months, but when they arrived, the crowd that congregated at the Queens Sports Club had double reason to celebrate. Arriving just six deliveries after 20 overs had been bowled in the second innings, it guaranteed the game would have a result, and there could only be one winner.Zimbabwe completed a crushing 80-run win over Pakistan in the first ODI, having battled through difficult batting conditions in the first innings after losing the toss. They posted 205 before Blessing Muzarabani and the spinners scythed through Pakistan’s batting order, having effectively ended the game before the forecast rains descended upon Bulawayo.Muzarabani tends to do well against Pakistan, and with the skies darkening with every over, these conditions were tailor-made for him. It didn’t require much magic to get rid of the out-of-form Abdullah Shafique, who squeezed the fifth ball he faced through to the keeper. Saim Ayub was done by sideways movement soon after as Zimbabwe got the early wickets normally required to ensure a small target begins to look imposing.The story of the game, though was the amount of turn the surface was taking. When Zimbabwe lost the toss, the concern was their ability to survive in overcast conditions at the mercy of Pakistan’s vaunted pace attack, but it was the part-time spin of Salman Agha and Ayub that posed the greater threat. Zimbabwe had the perfect trio of disciplined, miserly finger spinners to choke Pakistan, and once they got going, Pakistan’s movement became increasingly laboured.Captain Craig Ervine never even got to bowl, but Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza were working Pakistan over, watching them crumble in the face of the pressure they imposed. Coming around the wicket to the right-handers, Williams drew Kamran Ghulam into nicking through to wicketkeeper Tadiwanashe Marumani while Raza’s double blow knocked Salman and debutant Haseebullah Khan out in quick succession. The former required a bit of fortune with doubt about whether he’d managed to get a foot behind the line, but there was no doubting Raza’s quality when he felled Hasebullah, drifting it in from around the wicket before getting it to grip and turn away to clatter off stump.By now, the groundstaff were getting twitchy, and Zimbabwe’s priority was to ensure they got 20 overs in to guarantee a result. Just before that mark, though, Williams struck Pakistan with another body blow when Irfan Khan played all around a delivery and watched his bails fly. Williams, too, had flirted dangerously with the front foot line, but the umpire ruled in his favour.It was in marked contrast to the positive authority Zimbabwe’s openers exuded in the first powerplay. Any fears of bowling dominance were quickly set aside when Marumani and Joylord Gumbie got the hosts off to a flyer in the morning, with Aamer Jamal’s wayward lines coming in for particular punishment.A mix-up between the two and a direct hit from Shafique saw Gumbie depart, and Zimbabwe’s hold over the innings began to loosen. Salman, who looked menacing right from the outset, deceived Dion Myers in the flight as he holed out to cow corner, and Haris Rauf’s extra pace got the better of Craig Ervine.Pakistan found themselves well on top as Zimbabwe lost wickets at regular intervals, with cameos from Williams and Brian Bennett unable to prevent the hosts sliding to 125 for 7. It would take an unlikely 62-run stand between Raza and Richard Ngarava to ensure Zimbabwe managed a competitive total.Ngarava, surprisingly, was the senior partner in that stand, demonstrating good technique and a relaxed swing as he took Pakistan on, combining solid defence with creamy drives and powerful slogs. There was an interesting battle with Rauf, who kept trying to undo him with the short ball, but a mixture of good fortune and command of the pull shot kept Ngarava, and Zimbabwe, ticking over. Raza provided security from the other end, and just as the score approached 200, looked like taking over as the main man in that partnership.But in what appeared a crucial moment in the game, he holed out to the deep midwicket fielder off a long hop from debutant Faisal Akram that he should have put away for six. Left-arm wristspinner Faisal followed it up by cleaning up Muzarabani two balls later before Mohammad Hasnain knocked Ngarava’s stumps back just two shy of a well-deserved half-century.Pakistan looked to have arrested the slide, but in a banana skin of an opening fixture, the portents of their slip-up were only just beginning to be laid. Zimbabwe might not have needed rain to beat Pakistan, but for Bulawayo, and indeed for Zimbabwean cricket, it was a blessing they will gladly accept.

Arsenal have long been linked with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, with reports suggesting they’ve held initial talks on the player side dating all the way back to May.

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Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg backed up their discussions for the Brazilian too, amid sporting director Andrea Berta’s previous search for a winger, before they ultimately signed Noni Madueke from Chelsea.

However, Madueke’s arrival may not actually signal the end of Arsenal’s pursuit after all.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£208m

While Arsenal are currently targeting Eberechi Eze, reliable journalist Ben Jacobs recently stated that Mikel Arteta’s side still have their eyes on Rodrygo alongside other forward targets like Rafael Leao and Anthony Gordon (talkSPORT), but it would require one of Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard leaving.

They may also face stiff competition for the 24-year-old, who’s reportedly yet to commit to the Bernabeu for next season.

This week, north London rivals Tottenham have been repeatedly linked with an audacious swoop for Rodrygo, while Liverpool reportedly remain contenders as well.

It’s a situation definitely worth monitoring from now until deadline day on September 1, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that the winger will decide his future imminently after barely featuring for Xabi Alonso at the Club World Cup.

The former Santos star is a wanted man elsewhere, but according to a new report, he isn’t the only Real star who’s popular in the Premier League.

Arsenal make £65m proposal for Aurelien Tchouameni via intermediary

Now, according to Defensa Central, a £65 million proposal for £210,000-per-week Real midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni has arrived from England via an intermediary.

Whilst not explicitly confirming Berta is responsible, Defensa theorise that this is most likely to have come from Arsenal, with the Premier League side apparently informing Real that they’re prepared to pay big.

However, Los Blancos immediately slammed the door shut, rejecting this approach with a blunt “we’re not interested, thank you.”

Real’s sporting directors made it crystal clear that Tchouaméni is untouchable this summer, with Alonso viewing the France international as a cornerstone for the upcoming season.

Tchouameni started every game under the Spaniard during their Club World Cup campaign, and he’ll likely be indispensable at Valdebebas once again next season, with Madrid insiders insisting no amount of money can pry him away.

The player himself has also made no secret of his desire to stay in Madrid long-term, so Arsenal’s work appears well and truly cut out for them here.

Tchouameni cost around £85 million to sign from Monaco in 2022, including add-ons, so if Real were to somehow pull a U-turn, it would likely take a fee north of this amount for them to even consider negotiating.

أدلى الفرنسي كيليان مبابي مهاجم ريال مدريد، بتصريحات أعقبت فوز فريقه أمام ريال سوسيداد في بطولة الدوري الإسباني لموسم 2025-2026.

وقاد مبابي ريال مدريد للفوز بهدفين لهدف، حيث أحرز هدف التقدم لفريقه وساهم بتمريرة حاسمة في الهدف الثاني الذي سجله زميله التركي أردا جولر.

وقال مبابي في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية: “كنا نعلم أنها ستكون مباراة صعبة، اختبار لنا لنر أين نحن الآن، بدأنا بشكل جيد للغاية، لعبنا في نصف ملعب الخصم، سجلنا أهدافًا، وخلقنا فرصًا”.

وأضاف: “لكن البطاقة الحمراء (لدين هويسن) غيّرت مجرى المباراة قليلًا؛ كنا نلعب بعشرة لاعبين، لكننا لم نكن خائفين، سجلنا الهدف الثاني، وكان الشوط الثاني أكثر صعوبة؛ احتسبوا علينا ركلة جزاء، لكننا عانينا كفريق، ونعود إلى مدريد بثلاث نقاط، كان ذلك رائعًا لنا”.

وبشأن الهدف الذي أحرزه، أفاد: “دائمًا بروح مساعدة الفريق، أبذل قصارى جهدي من أجل هذا القميص؛ لدينا لاعبين مميزين، يساعدني الفريق كثيرًا على إظهار إمكانياتي يوميًا”.

اقرأ أيضًا | تشابي ألونسو يكشف حديثه مع حكم مباراة ريال مدريد وسوسيداد بشأن طرد هويسن

وعما إذا كان هدفه أهم في لقاء اليوم أم التمريرة الحاسمة، أجاب مبابي: “اليوم، كانت التمريرة لحظة حاسمة في المباراة، اليوم هي الأهم”.

وإذا كان يشعر بأنه في أفضل حالاته، علّق: “أشعر أنني بحالة جيدة جدًا، لكن الموسم طويل جدًا، لقد كانت بداية جيدة، لا أستطيع قول غير ذلك، لكن الموسم يستمر 10 أشهر، و11 مع كأس العالم، ويجب أن ألعب بشكل جيد لفترة طويلة، هلا مدريد، أراكم يوم الثلاثاء يا جماهير ريال مدريد”.

ويخوض ريال مدريد مباراة أمام أوليمبك مارسيليا الفرنسي يوم الثلاثاء المقبل، في الجولة الأولى لمرحلة الدوري ببطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

After announcing the official arrival of Reinildo Mandava, Sunderland have now reportedly opened talks to sign another reinforcement in the form of a £22m striker.

Reinildo: Joining Sunderland is a "dream come true"

Becoming their fourth arrival of the summer, Reinildo arrives from Atletico Madrid in a free transfer which could quickly make him one of the bargains of the summer. Following Habib Diarra, Enzo Le Fee and Noah Sadiki through the door, the experienced left-back is part of an incredibly impressive summer transfer window so far at the Stadium of Light.

Excited to get going, the new arrival told Sunderland’s official website: “It is a dream come true because it has always been my ambition to play in the Premier League – and I can’t wait to play for an historic club like Sunderland.

“I’m excited to meet the team, to fight, and to give everything for the Club. I want to help, to give power to my team-mates, and transmit my experience in the dressing room. Above all else, I want to make people happy and I will give everything to make that happen.”

Having featured at the very top level, including the Club World Cup most recently, Reinildo should have little trouble finding his feet in the Premier League. Whether that spells trouble for Dennis Cirkin as he looks to keep hold of his starting place under Regis Le Bris.

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Ultimately, however, whether it’s the battle for a midfield spot now that Diarra has arrived or Cirkin and Reinildo’s battle at left-back, it’s the type of competition for places that Le Bris needs next season if Sunderland are to survive.

It’s also the type of competition that he could hand star striker Wilson Isidor amid rumours that the Black Cats have opened talks to sign another forward this summer.

Sunderland open talks to sign Luis Suarez

According to O Jogo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Sunderland have now opened talks to sign Luis Suarez from UD Almeria in a move that could hijack Sporting Club’s attempt to replace Victor Gyokeres this summer.

Whilst the Almeria star is not quite his Inter Miami namesake, he is a talented forward available for just €25m (£22m) and Sunderland certainly haven’t been afraid to spend that kind of money in recent weeks.

Just last season, the 27-year-old was the star of the show even as Almeria failed to secure promotion from La Liga 2 – scoring 31 goals and assisting another eight in all competitions.

Taking his total tally to 100 goals at club level, the forward is now ready to feature at a higher level – whether that’s in the Premier League or at one of Portugal’s best sides in Sporting. Either way, Suarez may have quite a decision to make and one he can’t get wrong at the peak of his powers.

For Sunderland, it could be yet another statement of intent. For Sporting, meanwhile, it would be a frustrating blow if they were to lose Gyokeres and then fail to sign their top target.

Manchester United have endured the worst Premier League season in their history, finishing in 15th place and registering just 42 points – the lowest tally in such a division.

Ruben Amorim was appointed back in November, but has so far been unable to turnaround their fortunes, losing 17 of his 42 matches since taking the reins.

He’s only had one window to make his own mark on the first-team squad at Old Trafford, with Patrick Dorgu his only major investment to date – costing £30m from Italian side Lecce.

However, the 40-year-old will want to part ways with numerous players already on the books, enabling him to have the freedom and funds to make the changes he desires.

With the transfer window just around the corner, numerous players have already been linked with moves to join the Red Devils, potentially using any funds generated from multiple potential sales.

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

Over the last couple of weeks, Liam Delap has been United’s number one target for the centre-forward position as the hierarchy look to provide Amorim with the ammunition he needs.

However, it appears as though the manager is set to miss out on a deal for the 22-year-old, after it was confirmed that he prefers a move to fellow English side Chelsea this summer.

Delap isn’t the only English star touted with a move to Old Trafford this summer, with Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze on their radar, according to American outlet ESPN.

Their report claims that the hierarchy have been looking at a potential deal for the 26-year-old attacking midfielder, who’s registered a total of 16 combined goals and assists in the Premier League this season.

It also states that it’s unclear whether the board can afford him unless they sell players currently at the club, with the Palace star currently boasting a £68m release clause in his contract.

Why United’s £68m target could be the perfect Bruno replacement

Over the last couple of days, club captain Bruno Fernandes has been largely touted with a move away from United, with Saudi Arabian clubs circling for his signature this summer.

The 30-year-old has been the shining light in the squad this season, registering 37 combined goals and assists across all competitions – helping the side reach the Europa League final.

The Portuguese international stated he wanted to stay at Old Trafford despite the defeat, but given the rumoured £700k-per-week contract on the table from Saudi, it would be a huge offer to turn down for the midfielder.

There’s no denying that it would be a huge loss, with it unthinkable where the club would be right now if it wasn’t for his key contributions within the final third.

However, given his age, it may prove to be the final time they can command such a fee for his services, potentially cashing in on him and using the funds to pursue a move for Eze.

When comparing their respective figures from the recent campaign, the Eagles star has matched or bettered Fernandes in multiple key areas, highlighting his ability to step up to the plate if needed.

Eze, who’s been labelled “sensational” by content creator Ollie Thomas, may have registered slightly fewer combined goals and assists, but has registered more shots on target – showcasing his impressive ability in such an area when having the chance to advance.

Games played

34

36

Goals & assists

16

18

Shots on target per 90

1

0.7

Progressive carries

2.4

2.3

Pass accuracy

76%

76%

% of tackles won

47%

40%

Take-on success

49%

41%

Fouls won

1.8

1.1

He’s also completed the same percentage of passes he’s attempted, whilst also completing more take-ons, thriving in chance creation with the ball at his feet.

The England international has also won more of the tackles he’s entered, handing Amorim the option to utilise him in a deeper-lying role should he need to in 2025/26.

Offloading Bruno would be a huge blow and something which would anger a lot of supporters – especially considering his impressive record at Old Trafford since his arrival back in 2020.

However, Eze would be a superb addition, with his stats showcasing that he’s capable of surpassing the level produced by the 30-year-old with the Red Devils – allowing for a new lease of life after such a dismal season.

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2 ByRobbie Walls May 28, 2025

Manchester United’s season is not over, not just yet. Even at their lowest ebb, the Red Devils somehow managed to pull a rabbit out of the hat on Thursday evening to squeeze into the last four of the Europa League.

In need of a performance to keep the campaign alive, proceedings started in relatively routine fashion as the hosts led by two goals at the break, courtesy of Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot, before a Lyon fightback sparked understandable nerves inside Old Trafford.

The spirited visitors – who had been pegged back just before the end of normal time following Corentin Tolisso’s dismissal – looked to have then completed a remarkable turnaround in extra-time, with Rayan Cherki and Alexandre Lacazette sending United crashing toward humiliation.

But then. In just over seven minutes of heaven, the season – for now – was saved, with the ever-reliable Bruno Fernandes converting from the penalty spot, prior to an expertly placed finish from substitute Kobbie Mainoo.

A nightmare night was totally flipped on its head at the Theatre of Dreams right at the death, as the oft-maligned Harry Maguire showcased his centre-forward instincts with a crucial backpost header. Cue delirium.

A far from vintage side produced a vintage result in the end, with Ruben Amorim now left with the unenviable task of trying to make sense of that glorious chaos.

Harry Maguire's performance vs Lyon

There’s only one place to start and that’s with that man Maguire, with the Englishman proving an unlikely hero once again this season, having notably scored the winner against Ipswich Town in the Premier League and against Leicester City in the FA Cup.

The 31-year-old had set the tone for proceedings early on with a crunching challenge on the lively Cherki on the halfway line, while also playing his part in Dalot’s first-half strike, after lofting the ball over the top of the Lyon defence to find the Portuguese full-back.

It was then the turn of Maguire himself to provide that cutting edge in the final third, with the Three Lions star thrust into a makeshift number nine berth as the home side chased the game, as Amorim later admitted that he is the “only one capable of scoring with his head”.

Such a switch paid off handsomely as Casemiro picked out the 6 foot 4 giant in stoppage time, with Maguire duly guiding the ball into the opposite corner to cap a magnificent night of entertainment in Manchester.

It would be fair to say that the £80m defender has endured a rocky road as a Manchester United player, not least after being stripped of the captaincy by Erik ten Hag, but Thursday showcased once again just why he is an asset to this squad and this starting XI. As Amorim himself previously stated, the experienced ace is “perfect” for this 3-4-3 set-up.

Chalkboard

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

The same looked to be the case for Patrick Dorgu amid his arrival from Lecce in January, albeit with Thursday marking another shaky showing from the Dane at wing-back.

The Man Utd star who may need to be dropped

The 20-year-old hasn’t endured a smooth ride since his move to the Premier League, having notably been sent off in the 3-2 win over Ipswich, albeit while having particularly impressed against Real Sociedad after winning a penalty in that 4-1, second-leg thrashing.

Those mixed fortunes – which also saw the £30m man underwhelm in the defeat to Nottingham Forest – were on full display against the Ligue 1 outfit, with Dorgu putting in a somewhat frustrating performance down the left flank.

As journalist Samuel Luckhurst noted, the attack-minded asset looks like he is “creating a chance in almost every game”, although that willingness to get forward can come at a cost, as he lost the ball on ten occasions from just 48 touches – or every 4.8 touches.

Prior to being replaced by teenage sensation, Harry Amass, in the early stages of extra-time, Dorgu had also failed to complete a single cross nor provide a single key pass, having also skewed two efforts off target.

Those woes – which saw the left-footer also fail to successfully complete a single dribble – were added to by his shortcomings defensively as the new man was outmuscled at the backpost in the build-up to Tolisso’s strike.

That shaky defensive display led to GOAL journalist Richard Martin handing him just a 4/10 match rating while describing the new addition as a ‘weak link’, with there perhaps an argument that the 18-year-old Amass should now be handed a run of games in that wide berth.

Yes, Dorgu deserves a consistent period in the side himself in order to get up to speed in his new surroundings, although his starting berth certainly shouldn’t be guaranteed.

It is, of course, time to revel in the euphoria of Thursday’s victory, although it’s worth remembering that United were minutes away from yet more embarrassment. This team is still in need of drastic improvement…

Forget Amass: Man Utd can soon unleash teen "steam train" to rival Dorgu

Man United are adding another talented left wing-back to their squad

By
Joe Nuttall

Apr 17, 2025

Two intrepid correspondents team up to run the rule over the teams that sailed and scraped through the group stage of the World Cup

Andrew Fidel Fernando and Alan Gardner18-Jun-2024USAFirst-round report card: Smashed Canada to open the tournament, played like the more experienced international team against relative giants Pakistan in the Super Over of their next match. Didn’t completely fall apart against powerhouse India.Hard to think of how USA could have done any better, particularly after an extreme-weather event helped them avoid playing a potential banana-skin game against Ireland. (winks at fossil fuel companies)Highlight: After completing the biggest win in their cricket history, their captain came out and said they should have never let it get so close and go to a Super Over. Ice cold.Explaining team USA to new American cricket fans: Part of the inscription on the plaque of the Statue of Liberty reads: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” This team is more like: “Give me your cricketers who didn’t quite make it professionally in their home countries, and also tend to work regular jobs in the US.”Growing-the-game rating: A+
Saurabh Netravalkar, the left-arm-bowling, ukelele-playing, tech-company engineering dreamboat has arguably been the story of the World Cup so far. New York-born Aaron Jones has rocked it too. There was even some coverage in major US publications after their big win over Pakistan. Now give us more. ()AustraliaFirst-round report card: It’s not a proper World Cup until Australia have turned up to it. They provided glimpses of their woke, do-gooder alter egos when giving both Oman and Scotland a sniff, while mostly playing to classic Aussie mongrel type to record a crushing four wins from four.Highlight: Josh Hazlewood openly pondering whether Australia might try to give Scotland a leg up with their net run rate, thereby rigging an early exit for England – which caused several spirit-of-cricket fairies to die on the spot.Explaining team Australia to new American cricket fans: Like a Humvee parachuting out of a helicopter to land in the middle of a freeway and roar off into the distance, Springsteen blaring out of the speakers.Growing-the-game rating: C-
Australia has good cross-cultural links with the US. Think Nicole Kidman, Chris Hemsworth, or Mel Gibson. (Maybe not the latter, if you can avoid it.) So it wouldn’t hurt for brand recognition. Particularly when all their fading greats sign up to play MLC.South AfricaFirst-round report card: First rounds are generally not a problem for South Africa, and so it proved again. They crushed Sri Lanka, breezed past Netherlands, and won close matches against Bangladesh and Nepal.Highlight: Heinrich Klaasen picking up a deflection off the back of Nepal’s Gulsan Jha’s pads (wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock’s throw towards the non-striker’s end had hit the batter as he was attempting a match-tying bye off the last ball) and then running him out, to avoid going into a Super Over against Nepal.There are two ways to view this. Either this is simply a more experienced team being calm and clinical in a crucial match situation. Or by having that deflection come their way, South Africa have exhausted 100% of their luck for this World Cup. Eeek.Explaining team South Africa to new American cricket fans: Bang like Kanye’s music at the start of global tournaments. Trash like Kanye’s personality in the high-pressure games.It’s been that kind of World Cup for England (and now that we’ve said it, they’ll win the title of course)•Getty ImagesGrowing-the-game rating: C
They’ve played another African nation just once in T20Is in the last five years, and that was Zimbabwe at the last World Cup. This kind of behaviour is not completely out of character for a major cricketing nation, but it’s also not amazing.IndiaFirst-round report card: India’s first rounds are all about whether they beat Pakistan again. Despite looking like they were in trouble for parts of that match, they just let Pakistan run themselves into the ground eventually. They casually dominated their other two games. And the India cricket economy has been delivered safely into the lap of the Super Eight. Phew.Highlight: Tournament after tournament, Jasprit Bumrah bowls some spectacularly unplayable deliveries. His ball to get rid of Babar Azam was a new addition to the canon.Explaining team India to new American cricket fans: They are like the USA of cricket, in the sense that they see themselves as the centre of the world. Or maybe even the galaxy. In fact, what is the point of a universe in which India is not the supermassive black hole into which the entirety of existence collapses? IN-DI-A, IN-DI-A, IN-DI-A!Growing-the-game rating: A
All the money cricket makes from India’s World Cup appearances will trickle down to the rest of the cricket world, right?… it’ll definitely trickle down, right?Guys?West IndiesFirst-round report card: The co-hosts avoided triggering 1000 comment pieces lamenting the continued decline of West Indies cricket by squeaking past PNG in their opening match, took things up a notch when obliterating Uganda, and then played rope-a-dope to end New Zealand’s run of reaching the business end of ICC tournaments. Eerily smooth sailing, given they also avoided being ambushed by Afghanistan.Highlight: The last-wicket partnership of 37 from 13 deliveries against New Zealand, during which Sherfane Rutherford faced every ball but one and scored all the runs. New Zealand’s nice-guys-finish-in-the-final-four act never recovered.Explaining team West Indies to new American fans: The smashiest of all the teams, West Indian cricket is one of the region’s prime means of taking a colonial pastime by the blazer and shaking it loose.Growing-the-game rating: B+
Becoming the first team to lift the ICC’s T20 title on home soil would be a powerful boost, and surely help prevent all those cricket-loving Caribbean kids leaving to take up basketball in the US ().EnglandFirst-round report card: A bewildering mix of front-foot posturing, meek capitulation, anxiety-ridden self-analysis and clinical get-the-job-done smarts. Not for the first time, England had rings runs around them by peoples they had formerly oppressed. Scotland arguably had the better of a rain-ruined encounter, before England were left on their knees by Australia. They then stayed in that position in order to ask for a favour in the group’s final game, having done the needful against Oman and Namibia.Traitorous Sri Lankan turncoat Chandika Hathurusingha was unbecomingly happy about Bangladesh’s victory over the team of his country of origin•ICC/Getty ImagesHighlight: Not seeing their all-conquering generation of white-ball titans suffer another long, slow, embarrassing shambles of a World Cup defence (like they did in 2023). At least not yet, anyway.Explaining team England to new American cricket fans: Imagine your snooty rich friend forcing their way onto your property to try to teach you all about their favourite parlour game and then you decide to get really, really good at it and whup the snooty rich friend’s ass instead.Growing-the-game rating: D+
English attempts to expand cricket’s horizons were feeble even when they had a monopoly, and they certainly couldn’t get Americans interested. Might briefly salve the nation’s wounds when England’s football team crashes out of the Euros, though.AfghanistanFirst-round report: Crushed Uganda, blew past Papua New Guinea, and vitally, didn’t even give New Zealand a chance in that crucial match. It’s increasingly feeling like Afghanistan in a World Cup is the real upset.Highlight: Rashid Khan and Fazalhaq Farooqi twinning with figures of 4 for 17 in the match against New Zealand. Many of those wicket balls were dream deliveries.Explaining team Afghanistan to new American cricket fans: Remember the war in Afghanistan? Well, that indirectly spurred a cricket revolution, when many Afghans fleeing the violence picked up the game in neighbouring Pakistan. Remember when the USA withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021, and the Taliban almost immediately took over? Yeah… so…. this is why they don’t have a women’s team.Growing-the-game rating: D
Well, they would have to grow the game beyond a single gender in their own country first. Let’s keep the bar low on this one.BangladeshFirst-round report card: Made it out of a tough group by overcoming chief playground rivals Sri Lanka in a low-scoring scrap behind the bike sheds. Should have beaten South Africa, too, but tripped up against Keshav Maharaj’s crafty full tosses with the finishing line in sight. They also showed familiar signs of fallibility against Netherlands and Nepal.But none of that matters because they beat Sri Lanka. Hey did you hear, Sri Lanka didn’t even make the Super Eights hahahahahaHighlight: Explaining team Bangladesh to new American cricket fans: Lovable, if slightly baffling, regular character, who always seems to end up being dispatched in a horrifyingly gory manner. Kenny from , basically.Growing-the-game rating: A-
Bangladeshis could hardly be more into their cricket, and every step forward is to be welcomed. Going all the way here would probably draw comparisons to Sri Lanka’s World Cup win in 1996, without being anywhere near as good, obviously.**This column is co-written by a Sri Lankan

From Mithali Raj to Yuvraj Singh, everyone took part in the celebrations after India’s CWG 2022 semi-final win over England

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Aug-2022

What a nail-biting finish! That was a special final over from @SnehRana15. The fiery knock from @mandhana_smriti set the tone and @Deepti_Sharma06 chipped in with crucial all-round contribution. Top stuff #TeamIndia, all the best for the final. Let's go for the . #CWG2022 pic.twitter.com/HqUZIg47JV

— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) August 6, 2022