Benjamin Sesko had yet another night to forget in a Manchester United shirt during what was his first start for the Red Devils. The 20-time English champions lost 3-0 to their Manchester rivals, City, and their new striker has been ridiculed for being 'completely anonymous' at the Etihad as Ruben Amorim's side endured their second Premier League loss of the season.
Manchester United and Sesko's horrid night at the Etihad
Amorim's United endured what was always expected to be a tough night at the Etihad as the Red Devils fell to a brace from Erling Haaland and a solitary strike from Phil Foden. Sesko had a fairly quiet afternoon as he completed just eight passes and only won three of his nine total duels before he was hooked off for Casemiro in the 80th minute.
@Shaun2051165 wrote on X: "Sesko has been completely anonymous…absolute waste of money."
@OneAimSports added: "The last time Sesko had a shot was at Leipzig."
@aliabbas00 continued: "Sesko will be among the flops of the season."
Manchester United fan @PDwiddy1 said: "I'm convinced that Sesko doesn't know how to play football. Might be worse signing than Antony. Goodnight forever. Amorim will not survive this, especially after next week's loss to Chelsea.
Chelsea fan @Case_CFC joked: "HAS SESKO TOUCHED THE BALL TODAY?"
@KanmiB added to the joke: "Can’t wait for Sesko to come on."
Sesko's difficult start at Manchester United
Despite making five appearances so far for Manchester United, Sesko is yet to register a goal for his new side. The Slovenian has been struggling to settle into Amorim's setup, with his teammates often criticised by fans for not playing direct football to utilise his abilities.
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Getty Images SportSesko's starting spot in danger against Chelsea?
Manchester United are up against world champions, Chelsea, up next, and Amorim will be scratching his head as to how to avoid yet another hammering, this time at Old Trafford. As such, Sesko's lack of adaptation to the system may mean that he will slip down to the bench next weekend.
Liverpool may well be lining up an explosive late move for Alexander Isak in the ongoing transfer market but for Arne Slot and Co, further strengthening the forward line should not be the priority.
After all, despite adding Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong to their ranks, the Reds’ defence looks worse than it did last season.
Jeremy Frimpong and Arne Slot
Trent Alexander Arnold and Jarell Quansah have both left, Joe Gomez is injured and Ibou Konate could follow Trent to Real Madrid.
As a result, Slot has had to tinker with his backline during pre-season. The likes of Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch and young Trey Nyoni have all played in the centre of defence in recent matches.
Ryan Gravenberch is substituted for Wataru Endo
With Liverpool dreaming of retaining their Premier League title this season, they need someone to partner Van Dijk.
Liverpool's search for a new centre-half
In the centre of defence, the Reds have had two main targets this summer.
They first looked at prising Dean Huijsen away from Bournemouth but they were left frustrated by Madrid yet again. The Spaniard only wanted Real and he headed back to his homeland.
Marc Guehi is another priority target for Liverpool and according to reports, they are set to step up their pursuit of the Crystal Palace captain after the Community Shield on Sunday.
Valued at £45m, they are due to hold talks with the Eagles about signing the centre-back before the September 1st deadline.
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Yet, he’s not the only defender on the club’s radar. Indeed, according to Football Espana, Barcelona star Ronald Araujo has emerged as an option.
They reveal that Chelsea, Liverpool and Spurs are also showing ‘serious interest’ in the 26-year-old. Manchester United are also said to hold ‘long-term interest’ in the Barca defender.
Barcelona'sRonaldAraujo
How Ronald Araujo compares to Marc Guehi
At just £45m, bringing Guehi to Anfield would be a brilliant piece of business. He’s 25, thus approaching his prime, he’s Premier League-proven and having captained Palace, he’s a natural leader.
Including the brilliant price on offer, there are very few cons to signing such a proven player in the remaining weeks of the window; he’d surely hit the ground running swiftly.
However, Araujo is a genuine elite defender and has shown as much for one of the greatest clubs in the land in recent years.
Described by legendary centre-back Carles Puyol as “one of the best defenders in the world”, Araujo could be a brilliant market opportunity for Liverpool.
Barcelona's Ronald Araujo against Inter Milan.
He’s capable of playing in the middle of defence but also competently at right-back. After missing the first half of the 2024/25 campaign with a hamstring injury, the defender went on to play 24 times at centre-back and played a starring role at the back as Barcelona reached the Champions League semi-finals.
Unlike Guehi, he’s playing at the very highest level and he’s more versatile too, having played seven times at right-back in the last two seasons.
So, what sets him apart?
Passes completed
79.3
43.3
Pass accuracy %
92%
84%
Key passes
0.48
0.47
Progressive passes
5.83
3.94
Progressive carries
0.71
0.65
Attempted take-ons
0.12
0.44
Tackles won
1.07
1.00
Interceptions
1.07
0.82
Aerial duels won
3.93
2.00
Over the last year, Araujo has showcased that he is an elite defender in a number of metrics. He ranks inside the best 2% of positionally similar players in Europe’s top five leagues for aerial duels won per 90 minutes.
In the air, he’s evidently streets ahead of Guehi. His pass success rate of 92% betters Guehi and ensures that the Barca stalwart ranks within the best 12% of centre-backs in Europe for that metric.
A beast in the air, Araujo also possesses the ability to play out from the back, making him the perfect fit for Slot’s backline.
Cut from a similar cloth as Virgil van Dijk in terms of his physicality, if Konate does end up leaving for the Bernabeu, then there are very few better replacements around the continent.
Slot's next Gravenberch: Liverpool lead the race for "incredible' £50m star
Liverpool are hoping to sign a PL star this summer, and it’s not Alexander Isak.
Ben Stokes acknowledged the feat of New Zealand’s achievement and heaped praise on Latham’s men ahead of the series
Vithushan Ehantharajah27-Nov-2024It may be a different XI in different conditions, but Tom Latham has challenged his side to bring the same intensity and cunning against England that secured a remarkable 3-0 win in India.A lush green Hagley Oval pitch for Thursday’s first Test will be on the other end of the spectrum to the Wankhede strip that saw all but four of the 40 wickets taken fall to spin. The Black Caps used it to round off their success in style. The task will be very different back in familiar surroundings this week.Barely four weeks on, 11-wicket hero Ajaz Patel and leg spinner Ish Sodhi have been parked for the returning Tim Southee and debutant seamer Nathan Smith, as expected. Even the “dropping” of player of the series Will Young is understandable with Kane Williamson fully recovered from the groin injury that forced him to miss the tour. Head coach Gary Stead broke the news to Young before Latham followed up.Related
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New Zealand and England to compete for Crowe-Thorpe Trophy
That historic series was Latham’s first as full-time captain, and the first of these three matches against England has the whiff of a hero’s welcome for the Christchurch native (though he has skippered at his home ground three times as a stand-in).But while Latham does not want the team to rest on their laurels after such a high, he accepts a balance needs to be struck between moving on and channelling the confidence that comes with any series win in India, let alone a clean sweep.”It was an amazing couple of weeks, what we were able to do over in India,” Latham said on Wednesday. “Coming here, as cliche as it might sound, that is in the past. It’s all about coming here and focussing on what challenge lies ahead.”New conditions, new team – for us, it’s about trying to take as much confidence as we can from that series. The way we played, the approach we tried to take into that series in conditions that were tough. Knowing that we can do it all around the world is the confidence we need to take into here. And obviously, nice coming home to familiar conditions.”That was the most pleasing thing – the way we went about things over there, in conditions that were tough. We speak about it all the time – adapting to conditions and trying to adapt as quick as we can. It’s important we come here and try and do the same as quick as possible.”Even Ben Stokes, not usually one to laud opponents with lavish praise ahead of a series had to acknowledge the feat of New Zealand’s achievement. No doubt his respect was amplified by the fact England had tried and failed to conquer India at the start of the year, succumbing to a chastening 4-1 defeat.
“A lot of teams around the world have gone there and wished they could have done the same thing but it’s a lot easier said than done. I’ve got huge admiration for what Tom and his team were able to do out in India.”Ben Stokes, England captain
“I think even though we’re coming up against them in a series you’ve got to hold your hands up and give a huge amount of credit to New Zealand for going to India and winning all three games in the way they did,” said the England captain.”I think it’s massive for world cricket. India have been such a force in their home conditions and New Zealand have gone over there and won 3-0, not only is it great for NZ cricket but it was a huge thing for cricket in general that a touring team has been able to go and get one over on India because I can’t remember a time a team was able to do that.””We don’t need any more motivation than to walk out representing our country but I think you’ve got to appreciate what New Zealand were able to do in India. A lot of teams around the world have gone there and wished they could have done the same thing but it’s a lot easier said than done. I’ve got huge admiration for what Tom and his team were able to do out in India.”Latham also backed Smith to make a strong impression on debut. The bowling allrounder won the race for the final seamer spot over Jacob Duffy. Smith has impressed domestically over the last couple of years and was rewarded with an NZC contract in September before making his international debut against Sri Lanka earlier this month.England will know a bit about him after he took 27 County Championship wickets for Worcestershire, while also scoring three half-centuries. It was a stint that attracted a few more admirers, including Division One champions Surrey.”He’s someone that can move the ball both ways in the air, and hit the wicket reasonably hard,” Latham said. “He balances our bowling attack quite nicely with the other three guys. And he can bat a little bit – he’s a bit of a bowling allrounder, which certainly helps the balance of our side.”He’s someone that has produced results over a period of time for Wellington – he’s been domestic player of the year for a couple of seasons in a row. It’s great to have someone like that that’s earned his spot and certainly deserves to be in this XI. We’re looking forward to getting in behind him tomorrow.”
Manchester United’s ability to clinch the signatures of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo has massively improved the options at Ruben Amorim’s disposal ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
After taking the reins back in November, the Red Devils only managed to score 32 times in their 27 Premier League outings, highlighting the need for new additions within attacking areas.
The new attacking duo managed to score 35 top-flight goals combined last season, with such records leading to the pair’s big-money additions to Old Trafford.
Both deals set them back a combined £133.5m, including add-ons, which will undoubtedly place pressure on the pair to hit the ground running in their debut years in the North West.
However, if they are to succeed in their new colours, the hierarchy will have to make further additions to help provide the duo with the chances to find the back of the net.
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The midfield department has been subject to interest as of late, with numerous big-money options being considered by the recruitment team over recent days.
Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba are the two players who have been largely linked with a move to join United, but either would cost a pretty penny – given their £100m valuations.
However, another name has been thrown into the mix over recent days, with Barcelona star Fermin Lopez another option for the hierarchy, according to one Spanish outlet.
They claim the Red Devils have already made a €80m (£69m) offer to the LaLiga giants over a move for the 22-year-old, who made 46 appearances across all competitions last season.
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It also states that he has been impressed by the ambition of the club, potentially wanting a move to join Amorim’s side, given his lack of reassurance over a regular role under Hansi Flick in Spain.
Why United’s £69m target would be perfect for Mbeumo & Cunha
Bruno Fernandes has for so often been the main creative presence in the United side, as seen by his tally of 19 assists across all competitions in 2024/25 – the highest of any member of the first-team squad.
Bruno Fernandes
However, the deals for Cunha and Mbeumo would likely force the Portuguese international to drop into a deeper role and occupy one of the two central midfield positions.
Given the unfamiliar role he will have to operate, it’s key that the board provide the captain with a top-level player alongside him to help take the creative pressure off his shoulders.
Whilst Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro all remain at the club, further depth is being targeted, which could allow a move for Lopez before the September 1st transfer deadline.
The Spaniard may be a young talent, but he’s already racked up 88 senior appearances for Barcelona in the last two years – helping the club win Spain’s top-flight last campaign.
He registered nine assists across all competitions, with such figures aiding Cunha and Mbeumo, but his underlying stats further showcase the creativity he possesses.
Lopez, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, completed 5.7 progressive passes per 90, 4.7 of which were into the final third, handing the new additions the chance to thrive within attacking areas in their first season at the club.
Games played
28
Goals & assists
11
Pass accuracy
82%
Progressive passes
5.7
Passes into final third
4.7
Shots taken
3.1
Take-ons completed
1.8
Tackles won
1.4
Key passes made
2.1
Recoveries made
4.7
Further talent on the ball is reflected in his tally of 2.1 key passes made per 90, subsequently able to consistently get the ball into dangerous areas for the aforementioned duo.
However, as previously mentioned, he will need to be capable without the ball to offer that deep-lying presence, but it shouldn’t be an issue if he can replicate his figures of winning 1.4 tackles per 90 and 4.7 recoveries per 90 from last season.
Whilst £69m would be another huge sign of ambition from the hierarchy, it would be a deal that could prove to be worthwhile if the youngster can continue on his current trajectory.
If he can provide Cunha and Mbeumo with the ammunition in front of goal and regain possession for the side in the middle of the park, there’s no reason as to why he can’t become a fan-favourite in the club’s hunt for success in the near future.
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He's more important than Baleba: £43m star now keen to join Man Utd
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Hazlewood’s four-for helped Australia bowl India out for 150 but the visitors ended the day on top
Tristan Lavalette22-Nov-2024Befitting the rivalry between Australia and India, the latest tussle for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy started in eventful fashion with wild momentum swings and a DRS controversy as pace bowlers from both attacks thoroughly dominated in favourable conditions at Optus Stadium.By the end of a madcap first day’s play, India had remarkably finished on top after stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah tore through Australia’s top-order with spectacular seam bowling. He finished with 4 for 17 from 10 overs.He claimed debutant Nathan McSweeney for 10 in the third over before dismissing Usman Khawaja and Steven Smith with consecutive balls in the seventh over to turn a fast-moving first Test on its head.Related
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In just his second red-ball match opening the batting, McSweeney faced a baptism of fire and initially judged the length well before Bumrah adjusted to a fuller length and trapped him on the pads. Smith’s shift back to his favoured No.4 did not start well after he shuffled across his stumps and was plumb lbw by a wicked Bumrah delivery that decked back a mile.Australia nosedived further when Travis Head was bowled by a cracker of a delivery from debutant quick Harshit Rana, while Mitchell Marsh and Marnus Labuschagne fell to Mohammed Siraj.Mohammed Siraj struck twice, including trapping Marnus Labuschagne lbw•Getty ImagesHaving started the season slowly, Labuschagne had an excruciating time. He was dropped by Virat Kohli at second slip after edging Bumrah and didn’t score off his first 23 deliveries faced. He received mock applause from the terraces when he finally broke his drought, but Labuschagne could never get going and made a painstaking 2 off 52 balls.Bumrah wasn’t quite done as he returned in the shadows to dismiss Pat Cummins as Australia limped to stumps at 67 for 7.It was a remarkable turnaround after India were bowled out for 150 in just 49.4 overs. Nine of Indian batters were caught behind the wicket – keeper or in the well-stocked cordon – in a mode of dismissal that has been common in Perth over the years at Optus Stadium and at the nearby WACA ground.After India sensationally left out veteran spinners R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah elected to bat after winning the toss. With overcast skies above a green-tinged surface, it was undoubtedly an agonising decision but batting first appeared the logical move given the pitch is expected to deteriorate amid warmer weather later in the match.With unseasonal wet weather ahead of the match, there had been particular intrigue over how the pitch would behave. There was movement and bounce, but perhaps not the minefield the scoreboard indicates.India’s top order were all at sea against superb new ball bowling from Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, who claimed all four wickets in the first session. Starc, especially, was outstanding to set the tone for an Australian pace attack that strangled India.Having pushed through injury issues last summer, Starc entered the season fit and firing. He continued his strong form with fast and probing bowling, especially troubling the left-handers with an immaculate line and away swing.Marnus Labuschagne took a good relay catch to dismiss Harshit Rana•Associated PressSeemingly attempting to start the series in the same fashion as the Ashes series in 2021-22, Starc’s first delivery was an anti-climax and missed the leg stump of opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and flew to the boundary.He was on target after that and his accuracy overwhelmed Jaiswal, who on his eighth delivery, as he tried to score his first runs in Australia, drove on the up and edged to McSweeney in the gully.With his bat well in front of his body, it was an errant stroke that had echoes of an ungainly dismissal for Pakistan captain Shan Masood in last year’s Perth Test.With captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill unavailable, Devdutt Padikkal received an unexpected opportunity at No.3 after impressing in the India A matches recently. But he was totally shackled by the quicks and did not score off his first 22 deliveries faced. The pressure proved too much with Padikkal on the next ball edging Hazlewood behind with an angled bat trying to defend to covers.All eyes were on Kohli, who received healthy applause from the 31,302 crowd although Indian fans in the terraces were vastly outnumbered in a rare sight.India desperately needed their long-time talisman to shrug off a form slump on a ground he scored a brilliant century in the 2018-19 series. Kohli batted well outside the crease in a well-worn strategy he had successfully implemented previously in Australia.But Hazlewood, who has had great success against Kohli over the years, adjusted and bowled a back of length. Kohli on 5 could only fend a lifting Hazlewood delivery that landed straight to first slip.Opener KL Rahul, who just a week ago had been struck on the elbow in an intra-squad match simulation, bravely batted through the carnage. He struck India’s first boundary off the bat in the 12th over in ungainly fashion when he tried to evade a Cummins short ball only for it to hit his bat and fly over the slips.Rishabh Pant doing Rishabh Pant things, playing a remarkable falling scoop off Pat Cummins•Getty ImagesRahul made it to 26 before being given not out by on-field umpire Richard Kettleborough after Starc appealed for caught behind. After Australia reviewed, Snicko showed a spike as the ball passed the bat and the decision was overturned. Having indicated that the bat hit his pad, Rahul trudged off the ground shaking his head as India slumped to 47 for 4.After lunch, allrounder Marsh made a successful return to bowling with the wickets of Dhruv Jurel, who had been selected on the back of his performances for India A, and Washington Sundar.Marsh had only bowled four overs since tearing his hamstring at the IPL. But he ran in powerfully and finished with 2-12 from five overs in a boost for an attack without allrounder Cameron Green, who will miss the entire series due to a back injury.India’s hopes rested with a counterattacking Rishabh Pant and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy, who combined for 48 runs – the biggest partnership of the innings.Pant was typically adventurous, marked by an audacious scoop for six off a full delivery from Cummins, while Reddy mixed orthodox drives with paddle sweeps to thwart offspinner Nathan Lyon.But both were unable to kick on as India were dismissed by tea. In his first red-ball match since the New Zealand Tests in March, Cummins looked a little underdone and was unable to find a consistent length as he finished with 2 for 67 from 15.4 overs.He did dismiss Pant and Reddy and left the field mightily pleased with Australia’s performance. But Cummins’ mood soured quickly and just over two hours later he trudged off the field after being dismissed by his opposite number.
Wes Brown says Cristiano Ronaldo is “still better than a lot of strikers out there”, with the Portuguese “Superman” expected to keep going until he “breaks down”. There is no sign of the ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star calling it quits any time soon, with the evergreen frontman still going strong with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr at 40 years of age.
Another new contract? Never write Ronaldo off
Ronaldo has committed to a new two-year contract in the Middle East that will take him beyond his 42nd birthday. If he remains in peak physical condition at that point, then there is every reason to believe that his record-shattering career will be extended somewhere.
AdvertisementGettyGoal & World Cup targets for CR7
Brown, who worked alongside CR7 at Old Trafford, sees no reason for Ronaldo to consider retirement any time soon. He continues to chase down 1,000 career goals and is expected to lead Portugal into the 2026 World Cup next summer as captain of his country.
The secrets of Ronaldo's longevity
Ronaldo has been able to avoid serious injuries down the years, which has aided his longevity, and remains as hungry as ever to savour tangible success at domestic and international level. He has also never shied away from the fact that he revels in opportunities to create history.
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Getty ImagesWhy Brown believes retirement can wait
With that in mind, Brown has told of the all-time great continuing for as long as he feels capable of making a decisive contribution on the field: “He is like Superman and he just doesn't stop. He doesn't break and he's achieving something that he's always wanted to do.
“He's got the right mindset for it and he'll keep on going until he breaks down basically. Yes, the goals are not as quick and as fast nowadays, but he still scores.
“He's still better than a lot of the strikers out there. Is he in his prime? No. But for him, luckily he's got that aura to keep going as well and he won't give up. He'll still believe he can score every game he goes into.”
It is fair to say that Manchester United have moved to address their quality issues at the top end of the pitch in the summer transfer window so far.
Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko have all been brought in to bolster Ruben Amorim’s options in the final third, with the hope that they will score the goals to push the Red Devils back into the Champions League.
Sesko scored 21 goals in all competitions for RB Leipzig in the 2024/25 campaign, per Sofascore, and will be hoping to carry that kind of goalscoring threat over to his time in England.
The Slovenia international made his second appearance in the Premier League on Sunday, but is still waiting for his first start in the red and black.
Benjamin Sesko
United also need to look at other areas of the pitch, though, and were reportedly interested in a deal to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Red Devils were reportedly keen to sign the defensive midfielder before Brighton made it clear that he would not be sold this summer, and they ended their pursuit.
What Baleba could have brought to Man Utd
Baleba will not be signing for United, if the latest reports are to be believed, this summer, but the interest is clearly there, and it will be interesting to see whether or not they go reignite it in January or next summer.
Brighton & Hove Albion's CarlosBalebain action with Manchester City's Mateo Kovacic
The left-footed star could have been an excellent addition to the squad for the current campaign, though, if they had managed to convince Brighton to part ways with him in the current window.
That is because the 21-year-old star is a proven Premier League performer who could have come in as an upgrade on Manuel Ugarte as the holding, or ‘defensive’, midfielder alongside Bruno Fernandes.
Baleba started 31 matches in the top-flight for Brighton in the 2024/25 campaign and made 3.7 tackles and interceptions per game, winning 55% of his duels, per Sofascore.
What makes the United target stand out, however, is that he has quality on the ball to go along with his combative play out of possession in the middle of the park.
Non-penalty goals
0.10
0.05
Shot-creating actions
2.23
1.56
Progressive passes
3.99
3.08
Progressive carries
1.45
0.81
Key passes
0.71
0.50
Passes into the final third
3.69
2.97
Passes into the penalty area
0.78
0.45
As you can see in the table above, Baleba offered more to his team in possession across a host of metrics in comparison to Ugarte in the Premier League last season, which is why he could have been an excellent addition to Amorim’s squad.
Whilst they will not be adding a defensive pillar to their midfield ranks, the Red Devils are reportedly interested in a star who could be an even better signing than Baleba.
£21m star wants to sign for Man Utd
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Manchester United target Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens wants to sign for the club before the end of the summer transfer window.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, as relayed by TEAMtalk, Romano said: “Manchester United remain focused on the opportunity to bring in a new goalkeeper before the end of the window. The player they want is Senne Lammens at Royal Antwerp.
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Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
“The player is keen on the move. Contacts took place again today, on Saturday, between United and Antwerp. The two clubs are talking. At the moment, [it is] not yet a done deal but [is] advancing as I told you as an exclusive story on Friday.
“The agreement with the player is OK. Club-to-club negotiations: they started at €17million plus €3m in add-ons to reach the package of €20m. Now, Antwerp are asking for something close to €25m for Lammens, so there is negotiation ongoing on the transfer fee, a negotiation on the numbers and the details of the deal. Conversations ongoing for Lammens to United.”
Senne Lammens for Royal Antwerp.
Romano further noted on X prior to United’s draw with Fulham that a fee was now close to being agreed.
Why Man Utd should sign Senne Lammens
Whilst Baleba would, as aforementioned, have been a solid addition to the squad as an upgrade on Ugarte, the Royal Antwerp star could be a transformational signing.
A goalkeeper is the last line of defence for a team and United, unfortunately, have not had an impressive operator in that position for many, many, years.
Andre Onana in action for Manchester United.
In the 2024/25 campaign, Andre Onana prevented 0.53 goals (xG) and made three errors that directly led to goals in 34 Premier League starts for the Red Devils, per Sofascore, which shows that he was not outstanding as a shot-stopper and made too many errors.
Lammens’ performances for Royal Antwerp in the Belgian Pro League suggest that he has the potential to come in as a monumental upgrade for United between the sticks, which could help to propel Amorim’s side to the next level.
Talent scout Jacek Kulig described his form as “simply phenomenal” and it is hard to disagree with that assessment when you compare his shot-stopping to the best shot-stoppers in the Premier League from last season.
Senne Lammens (Pro League)
+15.57
Jordan Pickford (Premier League)
+6.15
Matz Sels (Premier League)
+4.55
Mark Travers (Premier League)
+4.48
Ederson (Premier League)
+4.46
Dean Henderson (Premier League)
+3.14
As you can see in the table above, Lammens prevented a staggering 15.57 xG with his shot-stopping exploits for Royal Antwerp last term, almost ten more goals prevented than any goalkeeper in the Premier League managed.
These statistics suggest that the 23-year-old colossus, who has prevented 1.19 goals in four league games this season, has the potential to be the best shot-stopper in the top-flight, if he can translate his form over to English football.
Senne Lammens in action for Royal Antwerp.
Whilst there is no guarantee that he will be able to adapt and deliver the same level of performances, it appears to be a gamble that is well worth taking for United given his unbelievable form for Royal Antwerp.
In theory, his shot-stopping has the potential to prevent United from conceding around 15 goals in comparison to Onana over a Premier League season, which could be a huge difference in points by turning defeats to draws, draws to wins with huge saves.
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This is why Lammens would be an even better signing than Baleba, if they can get him playing at his best at Old Trafford, because he could be a transformational addition to the team, rather than just a decent upgrade in one area of the pitch.
Rafa Benitez lifted the lid on his relationship with Jose Mourinho and made his feelings known on the Special One joining Benfica. The pair first locked horns in England back in 2004, when Benitez arrived at Liverpool just two weeks after Mourinho swaggered into Chelsea. What followed was a feud laced with mind games, press-room barbs, and an incredible 15 clashes in just three seasons.
Mourinho is back!
Mourinho, now 62, is back where his managerial journey truly began. After his short and unsuccessful stint at Fenerbahce, cut short by a painful Champions League qualifying defeat to none other than Benfica, the ‘Special One’ has returned to Portugal with a point to prove. He has signed up to steer Benfica until at least 2027, but the Portuguese giant will demand results and trophies.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportBenitez still feels the edge
When asked about Mourinho’s homecoming, Benitez could not hide his "part excitement" as revealed to Pressed on whether the animosity has softened over the years, Benitez made it clear the rivalry may have mellowed, but it never truly faded.
“We’ve met a few times with Uefa meetings and it is OK, but nothing like that. We’ve never spoken about those games," he said.
From ghost goals to penalty shootouts, Liverpool versus Chelsea in the mid-2000s defined European nights. And central to it all were Benitez and Mourinho, locked in an unrelenting battle of wits.
Mourinho still chasing glory
Mourinho’s competitive fire shows no sign of dimming. At 62, he remains desperate to win, desperate to prove himself, desperate to silence doubters who claim the modern game has passed him by. Benfica offers both a platform and a risk: he has history with the club, but expectations will be sky-high.
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Getty ImagesUCL date set with Chelsea
Mourinho's first assignment comes this Saturday against AVS, a relatively modest curtain-raiser. But it is the looming trip to Stamford Bridge on September 30 that is already drawing all the headlines. A Champions League clash against his old flame Chelsea, in front of a fanbase that still sings his name, could define the early days of his Benfica reign.
For India, a large part of the focus will once again be on Mohammed Shami’s fitness – will he finally be good to go?
Deivarayan Muthu24-Jan-20251:17
Manjrekar: Archer’s form a positive for England
Big Picture: England vs spinEngland would have felt a sense of deja vu when they were skittled for 132 in the T20I series opener in Kolkata on Wednesday. In June 2024, in the T20 World Cup semi-final in Providence, they watched Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel return combined figures of 11-0-58-6. At Eden Gardens, they were trampled by Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi and Axar Patel, who had combined figures of 5 for 67 in 12 overs. If the Chepauk pitch veers towards its usual spin-friendly nature – it went the other way at IPL 2024, with fast bowlers taking 74 wickets in 18 innings to the spinners’ 25 – England could be in for another trial by spin. India also have other spin options in Washington Sundar (offspinner) and Abhishek Sharma (left-arm orthodox) at their disposal. There is a small question mark over Abhishek’s fitness though; he seemed to twist his ankle during training on match eve, and was seen limping off the ground.*Under Brendon McCullum in Test cricket, England have countered heavy defeats with their ultra-aggressive style of play. England’s white-ball era under McCullum and Jos Buttler might have got off to a rickety start in Kolkata, but the message from the team management remains the same: “Be more aggressive and come back harder.”Related
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That might be easier said than done against India, who have a new-ball banker in Arshdeep Singh and a middle-overs squeezer in Varun. The likes of Jacob Bethell and Harry Brook will have to adapt quickly and back Buttler up if England are to test the depth of India’s attack. On Wednesday, India didn’t even need their sixth bowler.They didn’t need Nitish Kumar Reddy with the bat either as the top five polished off the chase of 133 inside 13 overs. England, though, will be buoyed by the sharp bursts from Jofra Archer and Mark Wood. After having spent five months on the sidelines, Wood cranked it up to speeds north of 150kph. Besides generating similar high pace and steep bounce, Archer also dipped into his slower cutters for figures of 4-0-21-2. Gus Atkinson, who had a horror outing leaking 38 runs in two overs after struggling to 2 off 13 balls, will make way for Brydon Carse.Form guideIndia WWWLW England LLWWWBrydon Carse is set to come in for England•PTI In the spotlight: Varun Chakravarthy and Jamie OvertonVarun Chakravarthy and Chepauk share an incredible love story. Even before playing in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), Varun had started his cricketing career as an IPL net bowler for Chennai Super Kings at the venue in 2018. Six years later, Varun won both the IPL and TNPL here, and he is now set to play his first international game at the ground, in front of his friends and family. He had rated his 3 for 23 at Eden Gardens a humble 7/10. Beware of the perfect ten, England.At 6 feet 5 inches, Jamie Overton is a presence to reckon with for any opposition. He didn’t have much to do with bat or ball in the first T20I, but his recent form in the Big Bash League (BBL) is encouraging: he finished unbeaten in seven of his nine innings, striking at 156.55, to go with 11 wickets for Adelaide Strikers. This is his chance to introduce himself to Chepauk before turning out for CSK at IPL 2025.Team news: Will Shami return to action?Mohammed Shami, who is working his way back from ankle and knee issues, had missed the opening T20I. If he is fit and available for selection, India might have to rejig their attack. He was among the first batch of India players to train on Friday evening and, though he had protection on both his knees, he bowled in the nets, with bowling coach Morne Morkel keeping a close eye on him.If Abhishek has to sit out, Dhruv Jurel could take his place.India (probable): 1 Abhishek Sharma, 2 Sanju Samson (wk), 3 Suryakumar Yadav (capt), 4 Tilak Varma, 5 Hardik Pandya, 6 Rinku Singh, 7 Nitish Kumar Reddy, 8 Axar Patel, 9 Ravi Bishnoi/Mohammed Shami, 10 Arshdeep Singh, 11 Varun ChakravarthyMohammed Shami had strapping on both knees at the India nets in Chennai•AFP/Getty ImagesBethell reportedly missed training on Friday with illness and if he doesn’t recover in time, wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith could make his T20I debut for England. Smith had a stint with the gloves too on a humid afternoon. Carse, meanwhile, is set to replace Atkinson.England (probable): 1 Phil Salt (wk), 2 Ben Duckett, 3 Jos Buttler (capt), 4 Harry Brook, 5 Liam Livingstone, 6 Jacob Bethell/Jamie Smith, 7 Jamie Overton, 8 Brydon Carse, 9 Jofra Archer, 10 Adil Rashid, 11 Mark WoodPitch and conditions: Dew could be a factorThe second T20I is set to be played on a fresh, black-soil pitch, and dew could favour chasing in Chennai. Another humid evening awaits both sides on Saturday.Stats and trivia: Arshdeep on the brink of another milestone Arshdeep is three strikes away from 100 T20I wickets. If he gets there on Saturday, he will be the fastest fast bowler to the mark and third-fastest overall after Rashid Khan and Sandeep Lamichhane. Since the start of IPL 2024, Abhishek Sharma has a strike rate of 191.71 in powerplays in T20 cricket. Only Travis Head, his Sunrisers Hyderabad opening partner, has a better powerplay strike rate (195.71) in this period.England have played 12 T20Is against India in India, winning five and losing seven – three of those seven losses have come in a row.Quotes”He’s obviously very experienced in India. He’s done exceptionally well in the IPL and whenever he’s played for England here. So it’s really nice to watch him go out there and go about his business.” “The plan will be the same [against the England batters] and will see how they’re going to approach me and it’s all instinctive. Initially you have certain plan for certain batters, but if they’re trying to do something different, it will be more instinctive. *
“There might be a short tour in July, which we have mostly confirmed. We will inform you when we finalise it”
Mohammad Isam08-Mar-2025Pakistan are likely to tour Bangladesh for a series of white-ball matches in mid-2025, according to BCB president Faruque Ahmed.Bangladesh are already scheduled to tour Pakistan in May for three ODIs and three T20Is as per the ICC’s Future Tours Programme (FTP). Following recent talks between BCB chief Faruque and his PCB counterpart Mohsin Naqvi on the sidelines of the Champions Trophy, a reciprocal white-ball tour has been agreed for a window in July and August, Faruque said.”The PCB told us that they would tour Bangladesh outside of the FTP,” Faruque said on Saturday. “There might be a short tour in July, which we have mostly confirmed. We will inform you when we finalise it.”I have also spoken about Bangladesh being part of a [Pakistan] tri-series in the future, wherever it is, if it is held at a suitable time for us.”Following on from Bangladesh’s Champions Trophy group-stage exit, Faruque said the BCB will begin to look at Bangladesh’s build-up for the next 50-over World Cup, to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in 2027. “The board will give its policy [for 2027]. I think someone like Najmul Abedin Faheem [head of the BCB’s men’s cricket operations committee] is an experienced individual to take care of the operations committee. We will discuss how to take cricket forward.”Bangladesh also have some decisions to take on their T20I side, after Najmul Hossain Shanto stepped down as captain in January. Faruque said that a new captain will be chosen from among those who have captained the side recently; many speculate this will be Litton Das.”We will try to appoint a captain from among those who have captained the team recently. We will get to a decision soon, and you will know about it,” he said.The BCB are also planning a farewell for Mushfiqur, who announced his retirement from ODIs last week. “We will plan on how to give Mushfiqur Rahim a proper farewell. He is probably one of the legends of our team,” Faruque said. “He is one of the architects of Bangladesh cricket over the last 19 years.”I can remember how he started in 2005, and then played a vital role in the 2007 World Cup. The path that he has shown is ideal for the younger generation.”