Tag Futebol

Manchester United is a club currently surrounded by question marks. Almost a year of poor performances in the Premier League under Ruben Amorim has led to speculation about his job security and Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS’s capability to turn the club around.

Amorim is yet to record back-to-back wins in the Premier League, and with fixtures like Liverpool and Tottenham coming up, it seems unlikely that he will win two in a row before the next international break.

While their managerial recruitment is in question, the new minority owners’ on-field recruitment has been a source of praise. In the senior team, players like Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have added a spark to United’s attack that hasn’t been seen in recent years, and youngsters like Sekou Kone and of course the more experienced Amad Diallo give fans hope for the future.

Despite the transfer window not being open for several months, United are looking to continue their impressive recent recruitment and have already agreed a deal to bring in their next young talent.

United agree deal for Orozco

Earlier in the week, it was revealed that Manchester United were putting in early plans to bring in “very technical” 17-year-old Colombian midfielder Cristian Orozco. On Thursday morning, Fabrizio Romano revealed that contracts have been “sealed and signed”, and he concluded his X post with his “here we go” confirmation.

“Manchester United have now sealed and signed deal to bring in 17 year old Colombian talent Cristian Orozco,” the journalist said. “$1m transfer fee from Fortaleza in deal valid from summer 2026. MUFC lawyers approved all the contracts, deal coordinated by lead scout Antonaccio. Here we go.”

The Colombian League runs on a different schedule to the Premier League, played from January to December. This means that Orozco will leave halfway through their 2026 campaign to join United ahead of the Premier League’s 2026/27 season.

The defensive midfielder has impressed in both his club and National Youth setups. His first Colombia under-17 appearance came in January, and he has represented the side on nine occasions since then. This move is still a gamble for United as the youngster still hasn’t made his senior debut for Fortaleza, but their willingness to take the risk with Orozco is down to their faith in a United figure whose recent recruitment has been impressive.

INEOS putting faith in South America scouts

In his post, Romano specifically highlighted United lead scout​​ Giuseppe Antonaccio as a crucial player in the deal. Antonaccio has been at the club since 2016 and focuses on scouting the South American market.

And his importance in recruiting young talent seems to be increasing. Along with the Orozco deal, he was also cited as being an important figure in bringing in United’s newest left back, Diego Leon. Leon has already made an impression at United and was kept with the first team despite initial plans to loan him out.

United have a history of being linked with talented youngsters from South America, but they have missed some major opportunities in recent years. The most notable of these was Moises Caicedo, who they reportedly could have signed for £5 million. Caicedo was eventually signed by Brighton and later moved to Chelsea for a then British transfer record of £115 million.

While it’s unlikely that Orozco, Leon or any other young talent they look to sign will surpass the £100 million mark, they could still provide some major benefits for the club. If they develop well, they could turn into important first-team players, and if we don’t hit the standards that United want, then their cheap price will make it easy for the club to sell them on for a profit at a time when they desperately need cash.

Arsenal summer signing Cristhian Mosquera has piled praise on two Hale End academy gems he’s noticed since his arriving in North London, claiming they boast maturity far beyond their years.

Hale End prospering with conveyor belt of Arsenal sensations

Arsenal’s academy has long been a cornerstone of the club’s identity, and in recent years, it has blossomed into one of the Premier League’s most established talent factories.

Since the rise of England winger Bukayo Saka, whose breakthrough into the first team has been nothing short of spectacular, the academy’s reputation for developing technically gifted, versatile and exciting young players has only grown stronger.

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Saka, who’s about to be rewarded with a brand-new contract which could make him the club’s only £300,000-per-week player, set a very high benchmark for Hale End graduates.

His success has inspired a new generation of starlets emerging from the club’s youth ranks, many of whom are now knocking on the door of the senior squad or making waves in loan spells elsewhere.

15-year-old Max Dowman is chief among them, having just become the second-youngest debutant in Premier League history behind fellow rising Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri.

Ethan Nwaneri

15 years, 181 days

Arsenal

Max Dowman

15 years, 235 days

Arsenal

Jeremy Monga

15 years, 271 days

Leicester City

Harvey Elliott

16 years, 30 days

Fulham

Matthew Briggs

16 years, 68 days

Fulham

Dowman, after coming on against Leeds United, marked his first Arsenal league appearance by winning a penalty for Viktor Gyokeres to fire home in a 5-0 thrashing of the newly-promoted side.

Meanwhile, left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly, despite his ongoing battle with Riccardo Calafiori for a starting place this season, established himself as an England international during his breakthrough campaign last term.

The teenager started every Champions League knockout game for Arsenal in 24/25, including both of their semi-final legs against PSG, with Lewis-Skelly making 39 senior appearances in all competitions as a firm regular in Mikel Arteta’s starting eleven.

Sporting director Andrea Berta awarded both Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri with new long-term contracts in the summer to stave off interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, and Mosquera has already been blown away by what he’s seen from the pair.

Cristhian Mosquera piles praise on Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri at Arsenal

Speaking to The Athletic, Berta’s recruit lavished praise on Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri, saying the youngsters already “play like they’re 30” and it’s “incredible” to behold.

As Lewis-Skelly fights for his left-back spot, Nwaneri is yet to start a single Premier League game so far this season — but that is testament to the abundance of attacking quality in Arsenal’s squad.

Martin Odegaard’s new injury could free up space for the latter to accumulate more minutes, if Eberechi Eze doesn’t completely steal the number 10 role, but it is important to remember that Nwaneri is still very much in his infancy.

Interestingly, Arsenal chiefs hold very high hopes for Mosquera too, and there is a belief behind-the-scenes that their new defender could soon become one of the best centre-backs in world football.

It may have ultimately proved to be fleeting and flawed, although there was a time where it looked as if Manchester United were fashioning a new fearsome forward line under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

2019/20 – albeit while latterly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic – was a particularly fruitful campaign for the Norwegian’s bright young attack, with the 4-0 thrashing of Chelsea on the opening day setting the tone for what was to come.

Reinstated as the number nine once again, amid Romelu Lukaku’s swift exit, Anthony Martial was in fine fettle leading the line, having got off the mark himself after bundling home against the Blues.

In all, the mercurial Frenchman reached career-best figures of 17 Premier League goals, a tally matched by teammate Marcus Rashford for his own joint-best top-flight record.

While Rashford – who bagged a brace on the opening weekend – would be hampered by injury in the latter stages of the campaign, it is noteworthy that nine of Martial’s league goals came in February onwards.

Wonder what could have happened to help spark that scoring spree….

Bruno Fernandes' connection with Martial & Rashford

Ah yes, the 2020 January transfer window marked the arrival of a certain Bruno Fernandes, with the Portuguese playmaker instantly hitting the ground running with a Man of the Match display on debut against Wolves.

As Luke Shaw stated later that year, Fernandes struck up a particularly “flowing” partnership with Martial straight off the bat, with the pair memorably combining for that inventive Manchester derby free-kick in March.

According to Transfermarkt, the pair enjoyed a joint goal participation of 14, with that the third highest of Fernandes’ career to date, behind ex-Sporting CP teammate Bas Dost (17), and the aforementioned Rashford (26).

To see the Englishman leading the way is perhaps no surprise, with his ability to run in behind and put a defence on the back foot, partnered with Fernandes’ creative brilliance, proving a simply deadly combination.

In 2020/21, for instance, five of Rashford’s goals were assisted by the one-time Udinese man, as per WhoScored. That figure rose to six in 2022/23, with only Erling Haaland and Manchester City’s chief provider, Kevin De Bruyne, enjoying a more fruitful marriage that season (8).

The way in which United’s two main men combined that season, in particular, was a joy to behold, with Fernandes speaking at the time about his ‘connection’ with the United academy graduate:

While both Rashford – now out on loan at Barcelona – and Martial have since departed, the opportunity remains for the 31-year-old to strike up a new bond under Ruben Amorim’s watch.

Why Fernandes may have found his new Fernandes & Martial

As time goes on, hopefully marquee summer signing Benjamin Sesko will begin to catch fire in his new surroundings, with six games having now come and gone without a goal for the £74m Slovenian.

Still just 22, the ex-RB Leipzig man has largely been restricted to cameos thus far, with chances so far at a premium.

There was a neat one-two with Fernandes in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Chelsea, although the United skipper uncharacteristically overhit his return pass, forcing Sesko wider than he would have liked with the goal in sight.

That connection will need to be struck – as it seemingly wasn’t with Sesko’s predecessor, Rasmus Hojlund – if United are to have a fruitful season, albeit with the early signs at least promising regarding Bryan Mbeumo.

Off the mark already with goals against both Grimsby and Burnley, the £65m signing from Brentford has undoubtedly been the shining light of 2025/26 so far for Amorim and co, putting in his “best game yet” against the Blues, as per journalist Samuel Luckhurst.

21/22

35

4

22/23

38

9

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Direct, dynamic and remarkably unfazed, the 26-year-old – described as an “output machine” by content creator Ronaldo Brown – appears to have the best of Martial and Rashford rolled into one, if the early evidence is anything to go by.

As his composed, calm finish against the Clarets indicated, Mbeumo is truly an elite finisher, having notably scored 20 league goals last term in west London. The manner in which he can almost stroke the ball home does evoke memories of Martial at his best, with it worth re-watching some of the Frenchman’s early days, in particular.

That unerring ability to almost caress the ball into the corner hasn’t been evident among many United forwards of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, yet Martial – when fit and firing – was a master. As Mbeumo’s strike against Grimsby showcased, he too possesses that silky quality in front of goal.

Like Rashford too, however, the pacy left footer has the speed and power to stretch a defence, having expertly latched onto Sesko’s flick on in the build-up to Robert Sanchez’s red card at the weekend.

The early connection with Fernandes also looks promising, with the playmaker notably picking out his new teammate with a delightful, searching pass in the early knockings of the Burnley win.

Mbeumo pulled away from his man in Rashford style to get on the end of that chance, before expertly killing the ball dead, a la Martial, to cut inside and test Martin Dubravka from range.

It is, of course, still early days, yet the Cameroon international looks set to be central to everything good about United, both this season and beyond.

Having briefly struck gold with both Rashford and Martial, Fernandes may well have found a new, exciting partner-in-crime to dovetail with at the Theatre of Dreams. He no longer has to do it all on his own.

Worth more than Bruno: Man Utd star could soon be a "Ballon d'Or candidate"

Manchester United boast a few rising talents with the potential to become superstars.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Sep 22, 2025

RCB’s spinners Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma gave away only 31 runs each in their respective four overs

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Apr-20251:28

Rayudu: ‘This is the exact template RCB would love Kohli to play’

Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Riyan Parag believes his batters did not attack the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) spinners enough, which eventually cost them another close chase, by 11 runs in Bengaluru. RR needed 18 from the last 12 balls when Josh Hazlewood conceded just one run and dismissed a set Dhruv Jurel and Jofra Archer on consecutive deliveries before Yash Dayal defended 16 runs in the last over.It’s the third chase in a row that RR have lost after having victory within their sights. In their last two games, against Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), they needed nine to win from the last over but fell short on both occasions.While all other RCB fast bowlers, apart from Hazlewood, leaked runs at at least 11 an over, their spinners put the brakes on RR in the middle overs, as Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma gave away 31 runs each in their respective four overs. Krunal also took the big wickets of Parag with his first ball and of Nitish Rana in his third over.Related

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RCB have the (Hazle)wood on their opponents now

Kohli and Hazlewood break RCB's home duck as RR botch another chase

“I think we did really well with the ball,” Parag said after the game. “It was probably like a 210 to 220 wicket. We held them back really well. With our batting halfway through our innings, we were in the driver’s seat. We needed probably eight and a half runs per over in the last 10-11 overs. I think we’ve got ourselves to blame, we didn’t show enough intent against the spinners. We could have executed our batting a little bit better.”On a pitch where fast bowlers appeared easier to score off, RR’s most economical bowler was also a spinner: Wanindu Hasaranga. Hasaranga finished with 1 for 30 after tying the RCB line-up down with his pace variations.In the chase, RR had smashed 87 in the first seven overs off the quick bowlers before Krunal and Suyash came on. Once Krunal struck with his first ball, the RR batters managed only two fours off five overs in a row against spin. That shot up RR’s asking rate from 8.72 at the start of the tenth over to 11 after 14 overs, and 11.50 by the time Krunal and Suyash finished their quota.When asked how much of it was a mental challenge, Parag said: “The support staff has given us a lot of freedom. The onus is on the players and ourselves that we need to go ahead and show that freedom and show performances with intent and play freely. It’s a tournament where if you make one slight mistake, you’re gonna pay for it. And that’s what happened today.”With their fifth loss in a row, RR continue to be eighth on the points table. They have only two wins from nine games and are in must-win territory going forward, although winning all five may also not guarantee a spot in the playoffs.

This season is one filled with promise and excitement among the Tottenham Hotspur fanbase, understandably so, given the Europa League triumph against Manchester United in 2024/25.

After years of struggles on the pitch, the night in Bilbao will live long in the memory of all Lilywhites supporters – as they ended their near two-decade wait for a form of silverware.

The hierarchy have also backed Thomas Frank in his quest to build on such a triumph, with over £100m being spent on new additions to help the Dane in North London.

He’s already made a sensational start to life in the role, even beating Manchester City 2-0 at the Etihad – currently sitting fourth in the Premier League after the first three outings.

One of his recent additions to the squad has already made an excellent start to life at the club, potentially looking like a shrewd signing despite his expensive transfer fee.

Mohammed Kudus’ start to life at Spurs

In what was Frank’s first major addition as Spurs boss, he landed winger Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United in a deal totalling £55m including add-ons.

The Ghanaian achieved a total of eight combined goals and assists in England’s top-flight last campaign – undoubtedly being the shining light in the Hammers’ dismal season.

He’s already made an immediate impact to life in North London, registering two assists on his league debut for the Lilywhites in the 3-0 triumph over newly-promoted Burnley.

Alongside his assist tally, the 25-year-old has also created the most chances per 90 (2.4) within the current first-team squad, which has so far made him the most threatening option at Frank’s disposal.

Kudus has also completed the most dribbles per 90 (3.1) and won possession the most times out of any player in the squad per 90 (1.4) – offering an all-round presence within the final third.

If he can continue his impressive early start to life under Frank, there’s no doubt the attacker will be a key player in any future success endured during his tenure.

However, despite his big-money transfer, he’s still valued lower than one player who’s also endured somewhat of an incredible rise during his own spell at the club.

The Spurs player worth more than Kudus

Ange Postecoglou’s stint as Spurs manager brought about their recent Europa League success, with the Aussie mainly focusing on young talents in his quest with the Lilywhites.

The likes of Pape Sarr and Micky van de Ven both joined under his guidance, with both talents starting in the final and playing a key role in their victory in Bilbao.

The latter of the duo even made a miraculous goal-line clearance in the second half, maintaining the side’s clean sheet and ultimately helping them end their extended wait for a trophy.

Other players had to bide their time before making an impact in his side, often having to resort to limited minutes before getting their chance and grabbing it with both hands.

Midfielder Lucas Bergvall is a player who did just that, cementing his place within the first-team setup after his move from Swedish side Djurgarden just over 12 months ago – costing just £8.5m.

The 19-year-old was an outcast at the start of 2024/25, but rapidly made himself a key member of the squad and ended the campaign with a total of 45 appearances across all competitions.

Despite his tender age, the Swede scored the winning goal in the Carabao Cup semi-final victory over league winners Liverpool – highlighting his nouse to perform on big occasions.

He ended up making 12 appearances in the Europa League, but missed the final due to injury, which would’ve been a bitter blow given his success during his debut campaign in England.

However, Bergvall, who’s been labelled “incredible” by Squawka Sport, has seen a sharp upturn in his market value over recent months, further highlighting his superb rise to stardom.

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Successful take-ons

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Progressive carries

Top 19%

The youngster has now been valued at a staggering £50.3m by FootballTransfers, which has seen a phenomenal six times increase on the fee forked out for his signature last summer.

His subsequent valuation is higher than that of Kudus, who’s only valued at £40.4m by the same site despite his £55m transfer to the Lilywhites back in July.

At just 19, Bergvall has a huge future ahead of him, subsequently having the perfect opportunity to continue his tremendous rise in England under Frank in the years ahead.

If he can strike up an excellent partnership with Kudus in North London, the pair could play a crucial role in any future success – potentially making the side serial winners and cementing themselves as one of Europe’s elite.

Not just Tel: Spurs dud now looks totally finished under Thomas Frank

One other Tottenham Hotspur star may be out of Thomas Frank’s plans alongside Mathys Tel.

2 ByEthan Lamb Sep 10, 2025

Liverpool’s search for further attacking reinforcements this summer has intensified, with the club exploring alternative options should their primary target – a certain Alexander Isak – fail to materialise.

Amid the Premier League giants’ recruitment strategy, one young talent from La Liga has emerged as a potential solution to bolster Arne Slot’s frontline.

The forward, who has showcased glimpses of brilliance on Europe’s biggest stages, has seen his role at his current club diminish, prompting speculation over his future.

With only 92 minutes of action across three Club World Cup matches under new Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, uncertainty has surrounded the Brazilian international this summer.

Limited playing time has sparked discussions across Europe, with several top-tier clubs reportedly monitoring his situation closely.

Liverpool, in particular, view him as a viable alternative if their pursuit of Isak falls through, keen to add both creativity and goal-scoring threat to the left-hand side of their attack.

Liverpool's transfer alternative

The player in question is none other than Rodrygo.

Since joining Real Madrid from Santos in 2019 for around £39m, the 24-year-old winger has established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking talents.

Last season alone, Rodrygo netted 14 goals and contributed 11 assists, highlighting his ability to impact games consistently.

His skill set, combining pace, agility, and clinical finishing, has made him a valuable asset, particularly in high-stakes fixtures such as the Champions League.

Transfer Focus

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

Despite interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, the Brazilian has expressed a preference to remain in Europe, keeping his options open among Europe’s elite.

According to CaughtOffside, Real Madrid would entertain offers for Rodrygo in the region of €90–100m, about £86m.

Liverpool are ‘closely tracking’ his situation but Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester City are also said to be alert to his availability, adding a competitive edge to any potential move.

Why Rodrygo could be Liverpool's new Coutinho

The potential acquisition of Rodrygo has drawn inevitable comparisons to another Brazilian talent who once made a significant impact in English football: Philippe Coutinho.

Like Coutinho, Rodrygo is naturally gifted, possessing a flair that allows him to create opportunities seemingly out of nothing.

Both players favour operating on the left flank, combining vision and technical skill to unlock defences, yet their playing styles exhibit both similarities and distinctions.

According to FBref, during his peak at Liverpool in the 2016/17 season, Coutinho contributed 21 goal involvements, averaging 0.85 goal contributions per 90 minutes.

Rodrygo, meanwhile, registered 25 goal involvements last season, with a slightly lower goal contribution per 90 of 0.57.

Rodrygo vs peak Coutinho (league only)
Player	G/A	Goals	Assists
Rodrygo in 23/24	15	10	5
Coutinho in 16/17	21	13	8
Source: FBref

While Coutinho attempted more shots per 90 minutes (4.28 compared to Rodrygo’s 3.25) and had a higher shots-on-target ratio (1.58 vs. 1.33), Rodrygo boasts a higher accuracy percentage (40.7% versus Coutinho’s 36.8%).

These numbers underline that while Coutinho may have been more prolific in creating shooting opportunities, Rodrygo’s efficiency and finishing ability make him a constant goal threat.

Rodrygo’s international experience is equally notable.

In 33 appearances for Brazil, he has scored seven goals, reflecting a promising trajectory on the international stage that complements his club credentials.

Beyond the numbers, stylistic parallels are also evident. Coutinho was celebrated for his exceptional vision, playmaking ability, and long-range shooting.

He had the knack for threading precise through balls and executing dangerous free-kicks and corners.

Rodrygo, while slightly more direct in his approach, shares a similar creative spark, excelling in one-on-one situations and demonstrating tactical versatility across the front line.

His agility and pace make him a consistent menace on the left wing, reminiscent of the Brazilian dynamism Liverpool once benefited from in Coutinho.

Strategically, Liverpool could benefit from Rodrygo’s presence in a comparable way.

Coutinho’s ability to unlock defences and operate between the lines gave Liverpool a creative edge that often proved decisive in tight matches.

Rodrygo, while younger and perhaps still refining his decision-making, brings a blend of speed, finishing, and technical flair that could similarly enhance Slot’s forward line, which already boasts the likes of Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike.

Moreover, his track record in high-pressure games, including goals in the latter stages of the Champions League, demonstrates composure and readiness to deliver.

While Coutinho’s career path led him to Barcelona for a record fee and a different set of challenges, Rodrygo’s potential move to Liverpool would represent a chance to channel his talents in the Premier League.

If Liverpool’s recruitment team can secure him, the parallels with Coutinho’s impact at Anfield could be significant, adding a new dimension to Liverpool’s attacking options for the upcoming season.

Better than Guehi: Liverpool now chasing "one of the best CBs in the world"

Liverpool could land a better signing than Marc Guehi.

2

By
Matt Dawson

Aug 10, 2025

Manchester United have signed Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, with the towering Slovenian striker set to be the main centre-forward under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.

Sesko snubs Newcastle move for Man Utd

After already signing Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season, the Red Devils have also pipped Newcastle United to a big-money deal for the Bundesliga star in a transfer worth a total of €85m.

Sesko always wanted a move to Old Trafford over St James’ Park, and we could see Cunha and Mbeumo line up behind the 22-year-old as two attacking No 10’s in a 3-4-2-1 system under Amorim.

AI predicts how many goals and assists Cunha and Mbeumo will get for Man Utd in 2025/26

The pair have been backed to star at Old Trafford.

By
Charlie Smith

Jul 22, 2025

The striker has already penned a five-year deal in Manchester and will arrive in similar circumstances to Rasmus Hojlund. A young and exciting forward costing mega money, pressure will be on Sesko to perform after netting 27 times and registering six assists for Leipzig in 2024/25.

Grok, the AI tool on X, has already predicted how many goals Cunha and Mbeumo will score, and it has also forecasted how Sesko will get on in his first season in England.

AI predicts how many goals Sesko will score for Man Utd

When asked how many goals Sesko will score for the Red Devils in 2025/26, Grok gave a precise prediction.

Assuming Sesko plays 32 matches (accounting for rotation or minor injuries), he could score 13 Premier League goals if he adapts quickly and maintains his Bundesliga record in the Premier League.

In cup competitions, FA Cup and League Cup as United have no European football on offer, he could score 5 more goals, providing Amorim’s side go deep into both and play 10 games.

Sesko’s predicted 2025/26 season for Man Utd
	Premier League	FA Cup/League Cup
Games	32	10
Goals	13	5

Grok adds that ‘Sesko’s physical attributes and comparisons to Erling Haaland suggest he could outperform expectations if United’s system maximises his strengths, potentially pushing him towards 20 goals in an optimistic scenario’.

An 18-goal season in all competitions, Amorim, Man Utd and the supporters would be satisfied with that figure, considering Hojlund has scored just 15 goals in domestic competitions in the last two seasons.

Baroda felt Hardik’s absence while Naman Dhir continued to impress in the fifth round of SMAT 2024

Shashank Kishore02-Dec-2024Saurashtra stay alive after blockbuster showSaurashtra smashed 266 for 6, the second-highest total in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy history, en route to a 78-run win over Group B table-toppers Baroda. Their fourth win in five games vaulted Saurashtra to second place on the points table, with the top three, Baroda, Saurashtra and Gujarat, all separated only by net run rate.A Baroda attack sans the rested Hardik Pandya, the leading six-hitter in the tournament at this stage, came under fire from Harvik Desai, the wicketkeeper, who set the tone early on, with a 39-ball 76. There were handy contributions from opener Tarang Goel (15-ball 40) and Jay Gohil, who smashed an 18-ball 53 at No. 6.Baroda’s chase was dented early as they were reduced to 29 for 3 inside the powerplay. They managed to limit the damage to their net run rate by finishing with 188 for 8, thereby remaining table-toppers.Related

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Karnataka knock Tamil Nadu outKarnataka quick Vasuki Koushik made use of the early morning moisture in Indore to rip past Tamil Nadu in a sensational new-ball burst that fetched him three wickets in his first two overs. Tamil Nadu, who were reduced to 7 for 4 by then, were bowled out for 90, with Karnataka, fuelled by Manish Pandey’s 42, chasing down the runs in just 11.3 overs.Given how close the table is stacked, with all of Gujarat, Saurashtra and Baroda ahead of them, this was a virtual knockout. The result meant Tamil Nadu will be eliminated from the group stages of a tournament they have dominated in the recent past (they won back-to-back in 2020-21 and 2021-22).Dhir, Ramandeep keep Punjab alivePunjab continue to live on the edge. After clinching a Super Over win two nights ago against Mizoram, they beat Hyderabad by seven runs to keep their slim knockouts hopes alive. Their win on Sunday was fuelled by Naman Dhir, highly rated by Mumbai Indians, and Ramandeep Singh, who was retained by Kolkata Knight Riders before the recent auction.Having scored 196 for 6, thanks in part to Anmolpreet Singh’s 60 and Ramandeep’s unbeaten 11-ball 39, Punjab managed to bundle out Hyderabad for 189, with Dhir picking up his first five-for in T20s. Tilak Varma, the Hyderabad captain, managed just a run-a-ball 9.File photo: Ramandeep Singh’s cameo helped Punjab put up a winning score against Hyderabad•Associated PressThis was a clear case of the scorecard not revealing how one-sided the game threatened to be when Hyderabad were 141 for 8 in 17 overs. Then Chama Milind, the left-arm seamer, unleashed a barrage of sixes in his 22-ball 55 to take the game closer before Arshdeep Singh dealt the final blow to seal victory.Bharat, Bhui lead Andhra’s chargeUnbeaten for four games running, Andhra are in with a good shout of making the knockouts. But their task gets tougher from here on as they still have games remaining against Kerala and Mumbai, both of whom are also in knockouts contention, and right behind them in Group E.On Sunday, KS Bharat and Ricky Bhui combined to help Andhra ransack 222 for 8 against Services for a 23-run win. Opening the batting, Bharat scored a 39-ball 63, while Bhui’s 84 came off just 35 balls and contained five sixes. Services made a good fist of the target with captain Mohit Ahlawat smashing 74 off 37. But an impressive 3 for 26 from Cheepurapalli Stephen eventually restricted them to 199.

Manchester United have now made contact over a deal for a “decisive” forward, who is attracting widespread interest after a fantastic 2024/25 campaign, according to a report.

Man Utd eyeing new forward amid Garnacho uncertainty

Marcus Rashford officially completed to Barcelona on Wednesday, and the England international is unlikely to be the only Man United forward on the move this summer, amid major doubts over Alejandro Garnacho’s future at Old Trafford.

Earlier this month, it was widely reported that Garnacho had informed the United hierarchy that he wants to leave in the current window, and there is plenty of interest in the Aston Villa international, who is eager to remain in the Premier League.

Romano: Man Utd in contact to sign £100m star, could join in Garnacho swap

The Red Devils are in discussions over a deal for an “expert striker”.

1 ByDominic Lund Jul 23, 2025

That is according to transfer expert Graeme Bailey, who said: “Alejandro Garnacho wants to stay in England, and there are only so many options. Chelsea, we know, like him, whilst Tottenham have maintained contact.

“But Aston Villa have emerged as an option, I am told the player has done his homework on the possibility of working with Unai Emery, and he has heard good things.”

Despite already adding Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to his ranks this summer, Ruben Amorim may want to bring in a new winger if Garnacho does depart this summer, and a new target has now entered the frame.

That is according to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness), which reveals that Man United have now made contact over a deal for Bologna’s Riccardo Orsolini, who is attracting widespread interest after an impressive 2024-25 campaign.

The Italian club are thought to be holding out for a fee of €50m (£43m), meaning a deal would be on the expensive side, and his current employers are hoping Orsolini commits to a new contract, with a new deal currently being worked on.

As such, it remains to be seen whether the Red Devils are able to tempt Bologna into a sale.

"Decisive" Orsolini impressing in the Serie A

The 2024-25 campaign will live long in Bologna fans’ memory, given that they lifted the Italian Cup, and the Italian forward was one of the driving forces behind their success, picking up 22 goal contributions in all competitions.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Serie A

30

15

5

Italian Cup

4

2

0

Bologna manager Vincenzo Italiano was also full of praise for the Italy international last season, saying: “He has this ability to be solid, decisive, incisive, and there are not many with those characteristics. Having him is a big deal for us.”

As such, Orsolini could be an exciting addition to Amorim’s squad, although it would be a gamble to shell out £43m on the forward, given that he is unproven in the Premier League and Champions League.

As Graham Potter looks to shape his West Ham United side ahead of his first full season in charge, the Hammers have reportedly made contact to sign an impressive Serie A midfielder who once pocketed Declan Rice.

West Ham keen on attacking additions

It’s a big few months ahead for Potter and his side following a tough start to life at the London Stadium for the former Chelsea manager. After arriving to replace the struggling Julen Lopetegui, many expected Potter to make his mark from the off and ensure that any Stamford Bridge failure became an afterthought. That new manager bounce never truly came, however, and the pressure is now on.

Games

20

Wins

6

Draws

5

Defeats

9

Following just six wins in his first 20 games and a frustrating 14th-place finish in the Premier League, Potter and West Ham must ensure that they get off to a quick start next season.

What should help that is their potential work in the summer transfer window. Already, they’ve reportedly set their sights on attacking additions such as Adama Bojang and AS Roma’s Tammy Abraham.

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The latter would be a particularly wise addition given his past Premier League experience and the Hammers could yet land a relatively routine deal following his struggles on loan at AC Milan last season.

Abraham, like West Ham, endured a season to forget last time out and could certainly do with a return to the Premier League if he is to rediscover his best form in the next campaign.

It’s not just their frontline that West Ham must improve, however. Amid previous reports that David Moyes’ Everton side are interested in signing Tomas Soucek this summer, those at the London Stadium could be forced to find a replacement. And what better way to replace the towering midfielder than by signing a player who “shut down” former star Rice?

West Ham make contact to sign Musah

According to TeamTalk, West Ham have now made initial contact to sign Yunus Musah from AC Milan this summer. The American international initially looked on his way to Serie A champions Napoli in a deal worth €25m (£21m) before Milan changed their stance and demanded that price as well as add-ons. Now, the Hammers have a chance to sneak in ahead of Napoli.

Whether West Ham are willing to do what Napoli are not will be the big question, but their interest in Musah should come as no surprise. At 22 years old, the midfielder already has some impressive experience under his belt at the top level, including at the 2022 World Cup.

It was in Qatar that the Milan man caught the eye for the USA, especially against England as he helped his side earn a 0-0 draw against the Three Lions. Earning the praise of Jacek Kulig as a result, the scout claimed that both Musah and Tyler Adams “shut down” an England midfield which included Rice and Jude Bellingham.