Category Uncategorized

She hopes for a good start to the tournament, but SL’s first five games are against India, Australia, England, NZ and SA

Andrew Fidel Fernando26-Sep-2025

Chamari Attapaththu looks at and dreams about lifting the World Cup trophy•AFP/Getty Images

Chamari Athapaththu would do anything to get Sri Lanka to the semi-final of this Women’s ODI World Cup. No Sri Lanka team has managed this over 11 years, at an ICC event, and the women’s team has never got there. Athapaththu has long been the talisman of this side, but feels she has the young players in her side now, who can excel in their own right.”More than in the other tournaments, I’m pretty relaxed in this one,” Athapaththu said in Colombo. “The youngsters have been performing – Harshitha Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunaratne, and Kavisha Dilhari, are all batting well. So more than other times, I’m able to relax a bit.”Gunaratne, Dilhari, and Samarawickrama had all played important roles in Sri Lanka’s chart to an Asia Cup victory at home, though that was in the T20 format. Still, that was enough to inspire more trust from Athapaththu, who suggested she would be more fearless in the first 10 overs.Related

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“I’m going to be playing the game I play in the powerplay,” Athapaththu said. “Then, after that, the challenge is to figure out how I can change gears and do more damage. My one aim is to get Sri Lanka into the semi finals. Before I retire, what I want is to take Sri Lanka to a semi-final. If we can get there, we can figure out the next steps. But even getting there is big.”On paper, Sri Lanka have no easy games, especially at the start of their campaign. Their World Cup begins against India on September 30 in the tournament opener in Guwahati before matches in Colombo against Australia on October 4, England on October 11, New Zealand on October 14 and South Africa on October 18. They then play Bangladesh in Navi Mumbai on October 20 before flying back to Colombo for their final league-stage match against Pakistan on October 24.But the motivation is high, since Sri Lanka are returning to the ODI World Cup after eight years. They did not feature in the ODI World Cup in 2022, owing partially to Sri Lanka not having played a single international between March 2020 and January 2022.”We haven’t been able to play a World Cup since 2017. We lost the chance to play in the last World Cup, because with Covid we couldn’t play the qualifying rounds, and that’s where our rankings were. It’s after eight years we’re playing a World Cup.”We’ve sacrificed a lot and worked really hard to get here. We’ve played really well in the last cycle. We’re in a good mental space. I’m hoping we can get a good start to the tournament.”

Newcastle United are nothing if not persistent. And it is this perseverance that will see Eddie Howe’s side reclaim their finest, most fluent form in the Premier League.

In the Champions League and the Carabao Cup, the Magpies are flying high, well worth their money on each account. But, sitting 13th in the league standings and with three away defeats in a row, it’s clear that improvements are needed.

The forwards need to pull it together because, at the moment, it’s all feeling a bit Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron-esque.

Newcastle sold Almiron with the view toward reshaping the frontline and making it sharper, after all.

How Howe reshaped Newcastle's frontline

When Howe arrived at Newcastle, he found a frontline led by Dwight Gayle and Callum Wilson, flanks operated by St. Maximin and Almiron.

All have been moved on now, and Almiron marks an interesting case of the ruthlessness the manager has shown since taking the hot seat in 2021.

The Paraguayan was a tenacious and dynamic attacking option for Newcastle on the right wing, but he was frustratingly inconsistent, and this was hampering the club in their fight to sustain a place at the top of the English ladder.

Of course, it was Almiron’s remarkable purple patch in 2022/23 that helped the Toon in their bid to qualify for the Champions League. This they achieved, and Almiron played his part.

Reporter Jordan Cronin perhaps summed it up best, saying as the winger prepared to return to Atlanta United in January that “you can question his ability, but never his heart.”

24/25

9

0 (0)

23/24

33

3 (1)

22/23

34

11 (2)

21/22

30

1 (0)

20/21

34

4 (1)

19/20

36

4 (2)

18/19

10

0 (0)

It was clear that he needed to leave when he did, but United needed to get it right when landing a successor. But have they potentially landed themselves a repeat of the South American star?

Newcastle's new version of Almiron

Almiron endeared himself to the Newcastle fanbase from the off and played a crucial role in transitioning from the bleak Mike Ashley era to the brighter fortunes of today.

But Howe knew his team needed more quality on the attacking flanks, and so Anthony Elanga was signed from Nottingham Forest this summer for a £55m fee.

The 23-year-old is a fleet-footed and creative winger, but he’s blanked across 16 matches in all competitions for Newcastle this season, and that price tag is starting to look rather steep.

Analyst Raj Chohan thought as much from the outset, commenting that Elanga was a “massive overpay” on the Tyneside outfit’s part.

However, there’s no question that there is a player in there, dangerous on the counter and effective in his playmaking.

As per data-driven platform FBref, the Sweden international actually ranks among the top 8% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists per 90. Clearly, given that none of his assists have come since the summer, there is a player in there.

But, with Anthony Gordon also yet to score or assist in the Premier League this season, it’s not difficult to highlight the cracks in Newcastle’s attacking arsenal.

Solace will be taken from all parties in that patience is needed when signing up-and-coming talents. And Newcastle are nothing if not patient, of course, having enjoyed the highs and battled through the lows of Howe’s successful and progressive reign.

What needs to happen now is for Elanga to make headway and shake off any concerns relating to his efficiency in front of goal, or indeed supplying the scorer.

As per Sofascore, he hasn’t yet created a big chance in the top flight this term, averaging just 0.4 shots and 0.2 dribbles per game. On top of this, Elanga has lost 63% of his duels, and so it’s clear that he’s not yet even matching Almiron’s unalterable attitude and commitment on the flank.

Matches (starts)

36 (25)

38 (31)

Goals

5

6

Assists

9

11

Shots (on target)*

1.5 (0.6)

1.1 (0.6)

Pass completion

75%

78%

Key passes*

0.9

1.3

Big chances created

14

9

Dribbles*

0.8

0.7

Tackles + interceptions*

1.1

0.7

Duels (won)*

2.9 (44%)

3.0 (45%)

As you can see, these are two successful Premier League campaigns from the talent, who has yet to find his feet after joining Newcastle this summer for a big fee and with a £100k-per-week salary.

He’s fast, and at times, ferocious, yet Elanga runs the risk of crumbling away under Howe’s wing, and while he’s a committed and hard-working player, if he cannot find a measure of form in the final third, comparisons concerning Almiron will only rise in volume and intensity.

Scoring goals is not Elanga’s forte, not in bucketloads. But there’s no denying his performances have been below the expected quality so far this season, and his two terms at the City Ground underline a creative quality that, while proven in the English top flight, has not yet surfaced at St. James’ Park.

Newcastle know they have a talented winger in their mix, and with a bit more work, he might just provide the club with the creative support they desire over the coming years.

However, Elanga has yet to show he can maintain clinical levels in black and white, and until that duck is broken, fears that PIF have replaced Almiron with Almiron will persist.

Newcastle star was set to be sold, now he's one of their "standout" players

This Newcastle star is still performing for Eddie Howe’s side.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 7, 2025

Weatherald thinks he is ready for a Test call-up if it comes after posting 183 for Australia A while Peake, 18, impressed with his maturity making 92 against Sri Lanka A

Alex Malcolm24-Jul-2025Veteran Tasmania opener Jake Weatherald thinks he’s ready to go if a Test call-up comes his way for the Ashes later this year while excitement is building around eighteen-year-old Victoria batter Oliver Peake after another impressive showing in his maiden red-ball appearance for Australia A.The pair starred for Australia A alongside skipper Jason Sangha as the home side racked up 558 for 4 declared in a batting dominated draw in the second four-day match against Sri Lanka A in Darwin.Their performances will come with the obvious caveat that runs were very easy to make at Marrara Cricket Ground with Sangha posting a career-best unbeaten 202 while Weatherald also made 183 and Peake posted 92 in just his second first-class game as only ten wickets fell across four full days of cricket. Sri Lanka A batters Nuwanidu Fernando and Pavan Rathnayake also scored centuries while four other half-centuries were scored in the game.Related

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Weatherald believes he is ready to play Test cricket if called upon by the selectors for the Ashes series later this year after continuing his outstanding form across the last 12 months. Having been the leading runscorer in the Shield last year with 905 runs at an average of 50.33 with three massive centuries, he added 54 and 183 in his two innings for Australia A in this series.”If you keep making runs, of course you’re going to get noticed more – and I’ve done that,” Weatherald said on Tuesday in Darwin after his innings of 183. “Obviously there’s some great candidates there as well, and they’ve earned their right to be there.”So to be amongst them is a pretty proud moment.”But I’m batting well, and I think I’m ready to go if it comes to that moment.”Weatherald, 30, has long been one of the most talented ball-strikers in Australian domestic cricket but this is the first time he has averaged more than 41 over a 12-month stretch in his decade-long career. He said his cumulative experience is the reason for his consistent run.”Just age, getting used to what I’m doing, understanding my game, understanding what I need to do to make runs and bat [for] long periods of time,” Weatherald said.”And just being confident I can do it in any conditions, just believing that I’ve got the right method and sticking to it throughout my innings and not being taken away by the wicket or the situation.”Just being able to lock in and do my thing.”Sangha, 25, was impressed by Weatherald’s preparation and mindset after playing with him for the first time in this series.”He just looks so clear when he’s batting,” Sangha said after the match on Wednesday. “He’s obviously been a strong player and a very talented player for a long time.”He’s well renowned as a guy who really pounces on width and picks up length quite early, and it just looks like he’s made his strengths even stronger, and he’s able to rectify maybe some areas in his game that maybe would have cost him a few more dismissals.”He’s been great to share the change room with and talk about what he’s been doing the last 12 months, and how he’s been going about it. And I think for young guys like an Ollie Peake and even myself, who are always striving for that consistency, to see how diligent he is with his routines, how diligent he is with his preparation.”He just seems like he’s in a really clear space and knows his game so well, and it’s been a pleasure to watch him go about his business this week.”Oliver Peake made his mark in the 50-over and four-day games for Australia A•Getty ImagesMeanwhile, there is some excitement building around Peake given he was playing just his second first-class match after making 52 on debut for Victoria in March. He also made 55 not out off 38 balls on List A debut for Australia A in the first 50-over match of Sri Lanka A’s tour in Darwin.Sangha, who himself has experienced the challenge of transitioning from being an Under-19 prodigy to becoming a consistent first-class player, marveled at how well Peake handled himself.”He played really well,” Sangha said after the match. “He’s got so much maturity for a young player, and even just talking to him out in the middle about his plans and how he was approaching his innings, he’s such an exciting talent, and he’s got a really good head on his shoulders.”I think even just off the field, just the way he sort of carries himself, credit to him.”I look back when I was 18, and I was probably nowhere near as emotionally intelligent or mature as he is.”It’s a really, really cool thing to see, and he’s obviously got some really good support around him, and such a down to earth, humble kid.”Peake’s selection for Australia A alongside a group of batters who had earned their call-up through outstanding Shield performances last summer is proof of how highly he is rated by Australia’s selectors. Peake was also taken on the recent Test tour of Sri Lanka as a development player to train with the Test squad.He looms as a likely tourist on Australia A’s tour of India later this year as Australia looks to give some younger players experience in spinning conditions with an eye towards the 2027 Test tour.

Tottenham Hotspur have long held a reputation for being a Premier League club that gets the maximum out of the up-and-coming talents at their disposal.

Indeed, Gareth Bale was transformed into a Real Madrid superstar thanks to the magic of the North Londoners, with the likes of Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, and Wilson Odobert all keen to follow in the Welshman’s footsteps in Thomas Frank’s first team picture right now, with the trio in question all 20 years of age and younger.

They have all been afforded for luxury of trying to win first team minutes while Luka Vuskovic attempts to make a name for himself out on loan with Hamburg, with the promising Croat another that could soon bear fruit off the impressive Spurs’ production line.

Why Luka Vuskovic is rated so highly

It’s been a long time in the making for Vuskovic to be the Premier League side’s property, having originally agreed a £12m deal with Hajduk Split for the teenage sensation back in 2023, with the defender then staying put in his native country to develop.

His ex-employers even loaned him out to Belgium for a season-long stint at Westerlo, but despite scoring seven times and picking up three assists on the books of the Pro League side, and already being capped by the senior Croatia national team, Frank and Co opted to send Vuskovic on another European adventure with the Bundesliga outfit this summer.

The Dane will be watching on from the Spurs’ dug-out, very pleased with Vuskovic’s start to life in the Bundesliga, with the Split-born teenager already the recipient of the league’s Rookie of the Month accolade for his assured showings across September.

His league numbers make for some wild reading, with the determined 18-year-old winning a crazy nine duels per Bundesliga game so far this season, having won a whopping 18 aerial duels against Union Berlin at the end of last month.

To apply context to just how remarkable that statistic is, no player has won more aerial duels in a single Bundesliga game across the last ten seasons. Furthermore, he is the first player to win 18 aerial duels in a single match in Europe’s big five leagues over the last five seasons.

It now appears that analyst Ben Mattinson wasn’t being that over-the-top when he claimed Vuskovic was a “freak talent” with a “high ceiling”, with his parent club already looking forward to bedding him into the first team picture when the time is right.

However, despite the brand-new Hamburg number 44 becoming the flavour of the month suddenly, other youngsters back at Spurs are equally as promising as Vuskovic.

Spurs gem is rivalling Vuskovic as their top youngster

While Vuskovic has had to wait for his moment in the senior spotlight, other youngsters of a similar ilk to the raw Croat have been bumped up to the Spurs’ senior fold without much hesitation in recent years.

Last season, in particular, saw Ange Postecoglou use the Europa League as a stage for some of Spurs’ homegrown prodigies to impress, with Dane Scarlett even scoring against Elfsborg in the European competition, despite only being 20.

That same match, Mikey Moore would got in on the goalscoring act, with this first-ever senior goal for the Lilywhites a long time in the making, despite the London-born starlet only being 17 at the time.

Amazingly, long before Vuskovic’s name would start to be uttered, Moore was scoring goals by the bucket load for the Spurs’ U18s, with 19 goals and 13 assists in total in the youth picture, seeing scout Jacek Kulig hail him as “one of the most talented players of his generation in Europe.”

Games played

45

Senior appearances

20

Youth appearances

25

Goals scored

22

Assists

18

A further 20 appearances in the Spurs’ first team fold have come the forward’s way which has resulted in a further two assists being collected. It really is unsurprising that analyst Ben Mattinson claimed he has “superstar potential.”

Still, much like Vuksovic’s fate, Moore was sent out on loan to Rangers this summer, with the new number 47 at Ibrox failing to settle amidst turbulent times at the Glasgow-based club.

Yet, he does at least have one assist next to his name to hang onto from ten appearances, and with a hat-trick just picked up for the England U19s, he will hopefully be able to kick on and get back to his best in the Russell-Martin-less reality awaiting him.

Therefore, while the former Split youngster is certainly raising eyebrows, Moore has shown with that hat-trick that he still has lots about him, too, with the 18-year-old no doubt still prepared to go to the very top, whether that’s with Vuskovic next to him or not in a future Spurs’ starting XI.

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Frank manages at Tottenham some of England’s finest up-and-coming talent.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Oct 12, 2025

Over the past five years, Newcastle United’s fixtures with Brighton & Hove Albion have become a compelling Premier League rivalry defined by fine margins, contrasting styles, and tactical discipline.

The Magpies have often found Brighton’s fluid attacking shape difficult to contain.

Their 3–0 defeat in March 2021 under Steve Bruce was a low point in the club’s modern history – a result that underlined the growing gulf between a stagnant Newcastle and an ascendant Brighton.

Eddie Howe’s appointment marked a turning point, and by March 2022, Newcastle struck back with a 2–1 victory at St James’ Park, signalling their resurgence.

That resurgence peaked in May 2023, when Howe’s side thrashed Brighton 4–1 in one of their most complete performances of the season – a result that helped secure Champions League qualification.

But since then, Brighton have regained the upper hand.

Evan Ferguson’s stunning hat-trick in September 2023 sealed a 3–1 win at the Amex, while the Seagulls edged a dramatic 2–1 FA Cup victory after extra time at St James’ Park in 2025.

When the sides met in October 2024, Brighton’s 1–0 away win continued their dominance, meaning Newcastle have managed just one win in their last six meetings.

The rivalry has become symbolic of Newcastle’s fluctuating form – moments of brilliance offset by costly lapses – and no player embodies that sting of regret quite like Yankuba Minteh.

Why Yankuba Minteh was sold by Newcastle

Minteh’s story is one that still frustrates many Newcastle fans.

The Gambian winger, just 21 years old, joined the Magpies from Odense BK in 2023, instantly impressing with his blistering pace and low centre of gravity.

But due to the club’s rush to remain PSR compliant in the summer of 2024, he was sold to Brighton for a fee of around £30m – a decision that has since come back to haunt them.

Since making the move to the south coast, Minteh has thrived.

This season, he has already played seven times for Brighton, registering one goal and two assists, while his underlying performances show his growing maturity.

Yankuba Minteh – 2025/26

Matches

7

Minutes Played

591

Shots

11

Progressive Carries

37

Progressive Passes

7

Source: FBref

His dribbling, directness, and unpredictability have made him one of the Premier League’s most exciting young wingers.

The most symbolic moment came last season when he scored against his former club in Brighton’s home win over Newcastle.

His celebration – part praise, part provocation towards the travelling Toon Army – encapsulated both his passion and his defiance.

It was a reminder of what Newcastle had lost: a young winger capable of changing games.

Minteh’s 2024/25 campaign ended with six goals in 32 appearances, establishing him as a key piece in Fabian Hurzeler’s system.

Internationally, he continues to shine for Gambia, scoring seven goals in 19 caps since making his debut in 2022.

His evolution at Brighton highlights Newcastle’s biggest frustration – selling a player they had barely begun to utilise.

And now, as the two clubs prepare to meet again in the 3pm kick-off this Saturday, Minteh stands as both a warning and an inspiration for Eddie Howe: talent must be trusted early, or it risks flourishing elsewhere.

Newcastle's answer to Minteh

While Minteh is thriving in Brighton blue, Newcastle may already have their answer in Anthony Elanga.

The Swedish international has endured a mixed start to life on Tyneside since his move from Nottingham Forest, but recent performances suggest he’s turning a corner.

Elanga, 23, has been central to Howe’s efforts to reignite Newcastle’s attack.

Though the Magpies have been solid defensively – keeping six clean sheets already this season – their forward line has struggled to find rhythm.

Elanga’s energy, pace, and ability to stretch defences could be the key to unlocking that potential.

His performances have improved as the season progresses: sharper off the ball, more decisive in transition, and increasingly willing to take on defenders.

It’s that blend of directness and discipline that earned him the tag of “dangerous” by analyst Ben Mattinson – traits that made Elanga a standout at Forest and once an attacking outlet under Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.

Much like Minteh, Elanga thrives when given space to run at full-backs, but his tactical versatility has allowed Howe to use him both wide and centrally.

His developing chemistry with Nick Woltemade gives Newcastle new dimensions going forward.

Crucially, Elanga represents something Newcastle lost with Minteh – fearless attacking intent.

The Swede’s willingness to press high, carry the ball aggressively, and exploit space behind defenders fits perfectly into Howe’s transition-heavy system.

With Brighton’s full-backs pushing high, Elanga’s pace could prove decisive in this weekend’s clash.

If he can produce the kind of form that once made him one of Manchester United’s brightest young prospects, Newcastle may finally have their revenge.

He already dazzled last term with 17 goals and assists in the Premier League for Nottingham Forest, as per Sofascore, far eclipsing Minteh’s own record of ten goal involvements on the south coast.

For Howe, this fixture is more than another Premier League match – it’s a test of progress, identity, and belief in youth.

Minteh’s success elsewhere may still sting, but in Elanga, Newcastle have a player ready to define their future rather than haunt their past.

Related Newcastle are brewing the homegrown Elanga in 18-year-old "huge talent"

Newcastle’s attack has struggled this season, but rising star could be the future spark they need

Posts ByWill Miller Oct 17, 2025

Manchester United are lining up a shock move for Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton as they gear up for a midfield reshuffle. United had looked to bolster in the middle of the park over the summer but were rebuffed in their efforts to sign Brighton's Carlos Baleba. However, they have since turned their attention to Wharton, with Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro both on the Old Traffford chopping block.

Getty Images SportUnited targeted Premier League midfielder over the summer

United spent big over the summer, bringing in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens in a bid to improve upon their worst ever Premier League season. The Manchester powerhouse finished 15th as the club continues to go through a tumultuous period in what is a far cry from their dominance at home and abroad under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ruben Amorim was keen on adding a midfielder to the squad, but United were unable to strengthen in the middle of the park and the lack of investment in a key area has been telling. Indeed, they currently sit 10th in the Premier League after their 2-0 win over Sunderland prior to the international break as they kept their first clean sheet of the season.

Last season's Europa League runners' up had pushed to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton but a move for the Seagulls star failed to come to fruition and some reports had suggested that United would make another move for the youngster at the turn of the year.

AdvertisementWharton would fix problem position

However, United are believed to have turned their attention to Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton. The 21-year-old has established himself as one of the best ball progressors in the Premier League following his move to Selhurst Park from Blackburn in 2024.

And with his stock continuing to soar, Wharton has a number of high-profile admirers, with Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid all supposedly keeping tabs on the youngster. United, though, are looking to steal a march on their rivals as they look to bolster a problem position.

United have struggled to control games this season, with the midfield partnership of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro coming in for criticism from fans and pundits alike. Casemiro, whose contract is up at the end of the current campaign, and Kobbie Mainoo both face the Old Trafford chopping block, with the latter linked with a January exit as he looks to rescue his chances of making the England squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Getty Images SportUnited readying £60m bid for Wharton

According to reports, United believe that a bid of £60m will be enough to convince Palace to sell Wharton, though it's likely the Eagles will demand a much higher fee in order to come to the negotiating table. Wharton, who was part of England's Euro 2024 squad but has made just one Three Lions appearance to date owing to injuries, has been instrumental since swapping Lancashire for London last year.

Wharton was crucial as Palace won the FA Cup in May, the club's first major piece of silverware in their history, and followed that up with the Community Shield as they beat Liverpool on penalties back in the season curtain raiser. The ease with which he transitioned to Oliver Glasner's favoured 3-4-2-1 setup in the capital is also an appealing quality for Amorim, whose own three-man system is failing to reap the rewards.

Amorim is believed to be a huge fan of Wharton, who he believes has the technical qualities to succeed for United.

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Where next for Casemiro and Mainoo?

Mainoo was crucial for England at Euro 2024, but his career has nosedived since playing a starring role in the Three Lions' progression to the European Championship final last year. The 20-year-old has struggled to build on his success on the international stage and has registered just 113 minutes of league action across five sub appearances for United this season.

The young midfielder had hoped to leave Old Trafford over the summer as he sought regular action yet any exit was blocked as United failed to strengthen in the middle of the park. Mainoo, though, is set to depart United in the New Year as he looks to breathe life into his World Cup hopes.

Mainoo may become the latest United outcast to depart for Napoli when the transfer window opens. Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund have both enjoyed a career renaissance since swapping Manchester for Naples under Antonio Conte, with the former instrumental in Napoli's Scudetto triumph last season.

Casemiro is another set for an Old Trafford exit before long with his contract up at the end of the season. United have the option to extend his deal for a year, but may be willing to cut their losses on the Brazilian, who is now considered a divisive figure among supporters after a strong start to life at Old Trafford having been key in the club's EFL Cup success in his debut season at the club.

Barcelona legend Xavi would be “tempted” by the project at Manchester United if Ruben Amorim were to be removed from his post at Old Trafford and an official approach was made, claims Gaizka Mendieta. The Red Devils continue to see more change in their dugout mooted, with speculation rife regarding who could be handed the reins if the decision is taken to move in a different direction.

GettyContenders to replace Amorim: Change mooted at Old Trafford

There is no role to be filled at present, but Amorim is – in the eyes of many – clinging onto his job with Premier League heavyweights. He is yet to reach the 50-game mark in the most demanding of posts, but could see his tenure cut brutally short. Success with Sporting in his native Portugal has not been replicated in England. The axe could fall in Manchester if no reversal in fortune is delivered.

Former England boss Sir Gareth Southgate is said to be registering on the recruitment radar at Old Trafford, having been out of the coaching game since stepping down as Three Lions boss after Euro 2024. It has also been suggested that United could look to a club icon – such as Michael Carrick or Roy Keane – to steady the ship on an interim basis.

AdvertisementWhy Xavi would be interested in Man Utd job

Mendieta believes that Xavi would come into the picture given the work that he oversaw at Barcelona between 2021 and 2024, having previously impressed in Qatar with Al Sadd. Ex-Blaugrana midfielder Mendieta told : “I think if it's the right project, he will be tempted. Who doesn't want to coach in the Premier League? Who would not want to coach Manchester United, even if it's in a difficult time?

“He won trophies at Barca during a very peculiar period of history of the club and he changed that. Of course, he doesn't know Manchester United as he knows Barca, but he's been there, he knows that, he's capable of doing those things. So if the project seems right to him, I'm sure he will take it. He's been preparing himself already, waiting for the chance to come. I know he's had a few options to go and coach, but it wasn't the right project.

“I think for a coach like him, it's the project that matters, not only the history and the club. A lot of people were hesitant in his move to Barca because he had only been in Qatar. People thought he wasn't ready, then he won the league and the Super Cup in his first season. I think football has changed a lot. The coaches and players tend to adapt. It's at an incredibly high level and it's a lot faster because people are more prepared. There's more tools out there for coaches to gain an understanding, knowing what's happening at other clubs and with other players. He has his own platforms to understand and analyze situations. So wherever he goes, which could be Man United, he'll be prepared for the job he takes for sure.”

GettyBallon d'Or hopeful: Rashford given huge billing

If Xavi were to take the reins in Manchester, he may look to absorb Marcus Rashford back into his plans. The England international is currently taking in a loan spell at Barcelona, with that deal including an option to buy. He remains under contract with the Red Devils, though, and Mendieta believes that the 27-year-old forward remains a Ballon d’Or-contending talent.

The ex-Spain international, who spent time in England with Middlesbrough in his playing days, added: “When we are speaking about ability, Marcus Rashford does have what it takes to win the Ballon d’Or. On paper, Rashford is a great signing for Barca. Obviously we know the talent that he has, the potential that he has, the things that he is able to do. The question mark was, is he going to be able to do that and how often is he able to do that? I think so far he has impressed a lot of people.

“Barca has been a difficult place for some other great players that have joined the club. But I think so far he's doing great. He's adapted to the position, he's adapted to the club. I think he's certainly adapted to the city as well, which I think is very difficult. He has already scored and is getting assists. I think he has also become important with set pieces and overall, he’s doing great.

“Rashford could be better or could be as good as anyone. Now it’s about being in a different stage of his career with a different club and he’s started very well, but the season is young. There are many games, many things to be decided. The second part of the season is the most important when it comes to winning trophies, but we hope Barca will be there in the Champions League and in La Liga. He's been important in the team and if they do win trophies, I don't see a reason why he can’t be on that list. There's no question about what he can do, we know the ability and the skills that he has. It's up to him to deliver what everyone knows he can do.”

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England squad: Rashford hoping to make Tuchel's selection

Rashford has registered two goals and five assists for Barcelona this season. He will hope to have done enough to figure again for England when Thomas Tuchel names his squad for an upcoming friendly date with Wales and a World Cup qualifier against Latvia.

Liverpool have welcomed a range of new signings to Arne Slot’s title-winning squad, spanning Giorgi Mamardashvili between the sticks to Hugo Ekitike as Anfield’s new talismanic frontman (for now).

A bid for Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak remains in the pipeline, though the prospect of the all-powerful striker completing Liverpool’s attacking set remains reliant on the Magpies finding and signing adequate replacements. Don’t hold your breath.

A deal has been agreed for Parma teenager Giovanni Leoni, and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi remains a top target.

However, several Liverpool stars may yet be on the move before the September 1st deadline.

Who Liverpool could still sell

Liverpool have recently sold forwards Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, but Federico Chiesa may yet leave too, with a return to his Italian homeland on the cards after a frustrating year on Merseyside.

Harvey Elliott is also planning to leave, for the young playmaker has been reduced to a peripheral role in Slot’s system, and will likely find his match action further impeded after the £116m signing of Florian Wirtz.

Such players would be allowed to leave with little complaint, but that isn’t the case as far as Ibrahima Konate is concerned.

Instrumental in winning the Premier League last year, Liverpool’s Konate has entered the final year of his £70k-per-week contract, and while long efforts to renew terms have been made, sporting director Richard Hughes has yet to make a breakthrough.

And now, according to transfer insider Simon Phillips, Chelsea are willing to join Real Madrid in bidding for the centre-back this summer, prepared to offer a significant sum to bring him over to Stamford Bridge. A figure in the region of £43m has been mooted elsewhere.

Were the Les Bleus powerhouse to choose the latter option and sign for Chelsea, might Liverpool be looking at a dreadful repeat of that one-time loss of Fernando Torres to the London side?

Liverpool must not sell Ibrahima Konate

The thought of Konate linking up with Trent Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid is bad enough, but to consider him wearing blue under the Stamford Bridge lights is to swallow a bitter pill indeed.

More still, the 26-year-old would be directly strengthening a Premier League title rival at their time of need, Chelsea having lost Colwill for the lion’s share of the season.

Having spent four seasons with Liverpool, it’s no coincidence that the France international’s injury-riddled stay smoothed out last year, the first term he has lifted the Premier League with the Redmen.

Liverpool must fight tooth and nail to keep such a player in their mix, especially as Virgil van Dijk edges toward the twilight of his illustrious career.

Under new management, Liverpool enjoyed collective improvements on the fitness front last season, with Slot and his team’s renown for maintaining high availability levels paying dividends. Longer sessions with reduced intensity did the trick, along with calculated substitutions across the campaign.

Konate indeed benefitted, enjoying more Premier League football than ever before across the span of a league season.

Ibrahima Konate – PL Career
#	Apps (starts)	Games Missed
24/25	31 (30)	6
23/24	22 (17)	4
22/23	18 (17)	17
21/22	11 (11)	1
Data via Transfermarkt

Were the Reds to lose their “monster” of a defender, as he has been called by analyst Josh Williams, while reaching the peak of his powers, it could be reminiscent of that deal that allowed Torres to head to Chelsea for a record-breaking £50m fee.

The Spanish legend had torn English football to shreds after leaving his homeland and joining Rafa Benitez’s Liverpool side in 2006, scoring 81 goals and supplying 19 assists across just 142 matches in all competitions.

He never found the same degree of invincibility with Chelsea, although he did win a host of honours with club and country, including the World Cup and the Champions League, but El Nino, to be sure, harks back to his time on Merseyside as the finest football he has produced on an individual level.

Torres’ decision to leave Liverpool for Chelsea stung, but the candid truth is the Blues were higher up the food chain at that point in time. The bigger beast.

Stamford Bridge can no longer claim that narrative, and for Konate to depart and rehouse himself in west London would be a gut-punch of a move for those of a Liverpool persuasion.

With Hughes at the head of the table, let’s hope that that unthinkable eventuality does not become a reality.

Their new Trent: FSG’s key target flying to sign for Liverpool on Thursday

Liverpool are looking to seal a few exciting signings to close the transfer window.

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 14, 2025

An 11-member independent panel including existing Hall of Famers, former players and journalists voted for the inductees

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Jan-2025Inzamam-ul-Haq, Misbah-ul-Haq, Mushtaq Mohammad and Saeed Anwar have been inducted into the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Hall of Fame. They join ten others in the Hall of Fame, which was launched by the PCB in 2021.”On behalf of the Pakistan Cricket Board, I extend heartfelt congratulations to these four cricketing legends on their well-deserved inductions into the PCB Hall of Fame,” PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said in a statement. “This honour represents a tribute to their outstanding contributions to Pakistan cricket and to the global game”Mushtaq Mohammad is regarded as one of Pakistan’s finest captains, known for his astute leadership and inspiring style. Inzamam-ul-Haq’s immense talent and match-winning ability have left an indelible mark on the sport. Misbah-ul-Haq took charge of the Pakistan team during challenging times, guiding it to the pinnacle of Test rankings and achieving a historic series win in the Caribbean. Saeed Anwar, with his natural grace and classical technique, redefined the role of an opener and thrived against some of the world’s best bowlers under all conditions.Inzamam, who helped Pakistan win the 1992 ODI World Cup, played 120 Tests, 378 ODIs and a lone T20I. He scored 8830 Test runs and 11,739 runs in ODIs. His 329 against New Zealand in 2002 is the second-highest Test score by a Pakistan batter, eight short of the record held by Hanif Mohammad.”I owe immense gratitude to my fellow cricketers, dedicated support staff and my family, without whom this journey would not have been possible,” Inzamam said. “Representing Pakistan during an era with such high-caliber players was a privilege and their influence played a vital role in my growth and development as a batter.”Inzamam’s induction into the Hall of Fame means the internal conflict of interest inquiry initiated by the PCB administration of Zaka Ashraf against him in 2023 when he was chief selector is over with no consequences against him.Anwar amassed 4052 runs in 55 Tests and 8824 runs in 247 ODIs. His 194 against India in 1997 was the highest ODI score at the time.”It’s humbling to join the ranks of my childhood heroes and team-mates with whom I shared and celebrated some of the most defining moments of Pakistan cricket,” Anwar said. “As an opening batter, I was privileged to play in an era graced by some of the most talented and accomplished cricketers who represented Pakistan. I cherished every moment of laying the foundation for our team, taking on the world’s best bowlers, and partnering with match-winners to bring joy to our fans.”Misbah is among Pakistan’s most successful Test captains. He took over the captaincy after the spot-fixing scandal in 2010 and led Pakistan to the No. 1 ranking in 2016.”Representing Pakistan was an absolute privilege, captaining the team was a profound honour and this recognition by the Pakistan Cricket Board serves as the perfect crowning achievement of my journey,” Misbah said.Mushtaq made his Test debut at the age of 15 in 1959 and remained the youngest debutant in Test cricket until 1996. He scored his first Test hundred at the age of 17 and went on to play 57 Tests and ten ODIs. He memorably led Pakistan to their first Test win in Australia.”To be honored and recognised 45 years after playing my last match for Pakistan is truly humbling,” Mushtaq said. “Joining a small group of some of the finest cricketers, including my legendary brother Hanif, is even more gratifying.”The inductees were voted in by an 11-member independent panel that included existing Hall of Famers Wasim Akram Zaheer Abbas, former Pakistan players Azhar Ali, Bismah Maroof and Nain Abidi, and six cricket journalists and analysts.

Pakistan turned in their best all-round ODI performance across all three series over the past six weeks, dismantling South Africa by 81 runs and sealing a third straight ODI series win.Shaheen Afridi sizzled with the ball after half-centuries from Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam and Kamran Ghulam helped Pakistan amass 329 in the second ODI in Cape Town. South Africa never quite got partnerships going despite a heroic 74-ball 97 from Heinrich Klaasen. Afridi, however, got his mojo back, menacing at the top and lethal with the reverse swinging ball at the death, finishing with four wickets as South Africa were bowled out for 248.South Africa began the chase in much the same way as they started off in the first innings in Paarl – with conviction and purpose. From the moment the returning Temba Bavuma flicked Afridi off his pads for four off the first ball, South Africa were up and running, routinely piercing the thickset infield to find the boundaries they needed to keep the asking rate in check. When Naseem Shah drew a leading edge from the South Africa captain to draw first blood, Tony de Zorzi and Rassie van der Dussen carried on at the same brisk tempo, and South Africa had much the better of the opening powerplay.However, the hosts were beset by the clumps of wickets Pakistan have found a knack of taking to stymie opposition momentum. De Zorzi, van der Dussen and Aiden Markram all fell within 39 runs of each other, immediately placing all the pressure on Klaasen to pull off another Houdini act. Alongside David Miller, he appeared to have set South Africa back on course with a partnership that combined security with aggression, the run-a-ball 72 they added bringing the hosts right back into the contest.But Afridi picked his moment to deliver perhaps his most impressive spell since picking up the injury two years ago that has somewhat stalled his career. With the lights taking full effect and the contest balanced on a tightrope, he found it in himself to bowl closer to the 140kph mark, angling his wrist position to take advantage of the reverse swing that suddenly appeared to be on offer. He fizzed one past Miller, cutting him in half – or so we all thought; Afridi was sure it had kissed the inside edge, and when they went upstairs, the technology bore him out.But it was the dismissal of Marco Jansen that had the greatest technical purity to it. Coming around the wicket, it angled into middle stump before appearing to deviate away, with Jansen’s bat nowhere near it as it crashed into the base of middle and off. He was finding late swing at such pace even the umpire struggled to pick it up, and it required another review to establish Andile Phehlukwayo had been struck on the toe before the ball hit his bat, and that he was indeed plumb in front.Shaheen Afridi produced a three-wicket spell•AFP/Getty Images

All this while, Klaasen had been fighting a lone, and, as became increasingly obvious, losing battle. He was particularly ruthless taking down last game’s hero, Salman Agha, stepping onto the back foot for his trademark hook over cow corner, and using his range efficiently to carve the ball into the off side. If anything, he was guilty of not shielding the strike better as he approached his own hundred, and, in the end, ran out of partners when he whacked Naseem to deep midwicket in a doomed attempt at reaching a hundred he richly deserved.Babar scored his first half-century in 22 innings, combining with his old friend Rizwan in a 115-run third wicket partnership as Pakistan set South Africa an imposing 330 to chase. That number never looked as steep when those two were batting, though, and only ballooned thanks to a blistering late flurry from Ghulam, who bludgeoned 63 off 32 balls. They were helped by South Africa falling away sharply with their lines as well as in the fielding.Bavuma had opted to field first on a picture-perfect day at Newlands, and South Africa made a similarly dreamy start when Marco Jansen knocked over Abdullah Shafique for a second successive duck. But South Africa only truly perked up when Saim Ayub was removed at the tailend of the powerplay, slashing at a wide one off debutant Kwena Maphaka, and finding van der Dussen well placed at deep third.Pakistan’s level of urgency tailed away immediately, with Babar and Rizwan opting for the more classical pacing that comes so naturally to them. Both were trying to work their way back into the runs, and with South Africa happy to strangle the scoring than go after the wickets, it appeared for a while that the game entered a passage of play where each side was getting what they wanted.There were still moments of belligerence, such as when Rizwan smeared Markram over cow corner for six, and Babar milked the spinners for the occasional boundary. But the asking rate steadily hovered between 4.75 and 5.1, and it was evident Pakistan were backloading the innings.Babar had gone past 50 and seemed to be edging towards that elusive hundred, but then he slapped Phehlukwayo straight to Markram at short midwicket, who just about held on after it thudded into his chest. Maphaka got rid of Rizwan with a splendid diving return catch, and South Africa suddenly had the momentum.But Ghulam put paid to any such notions. Alongside Salman, who punished some errant bowling, Ghulam demonstrated his value as a lower-order power hitter, making splendid use of his bottom hand as he smashed five sixes in a whirlwind of a knock. The half-century came up in just 25 deliveries, with both pace and spin taken to task. Irfan Niazi, Shaheen and Haris Rauf were good value for the odd six from the other end, but until he holed out to Maphaka in the final over, and the late charge which saw Pakistan score 128 in the final 12 overs was largely down to Ghulam.That it was possible, though, was because Pakistan had done something which has eluded South Africa all series. They had paced their way through an ODI innings while keeping wickets in hand. Klaasen may well have been just as adept at playing the Ghulam role at the death, but, as he went down on his knees after Pakistan sealed victory, he simply had no one to play it with.