Lahore and Karachi are likely to host seven T20Is between Pakistan and England from September 15 to October 2, PCB chairman Ramiz Raja has confirmed. ESPNcricinfo understands the ECB’s three-member security team is expected to arrive in Pakistan later this month to assess arrangements.Though Pakistan have Multan and Rawalpindi as other venues to consider, Ramiz said that the schedule is “very tight and we can’t go elsewhere”. PCB is yet to announce the fixtures for the series, which will be the first instance of England touring Pakistan in 16 years. Following this series, Pakistan will depart for New Zealand on October 4 to participate in a T20I tri-series (also involving Bangladesh) in Christchurch from October 7 to 14. England, meanwhile, will return to Pakistan following the 2022 T20 World Cup for a three-Test series in November as a part of the World Test Championship.The pitches have been relaid in Karachi and Lahore and are expected to be ready ahead of the series. The tour was originally scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi last October but England had called off their visit following New Zealand’s doing the same at the last minute over security issues.England’s new white-ball captain Jos Buttler had said last week that he does not expect to have his best team available for the series due to fixture congestion. England’s red-ball players are unlikely to be available at the start of the limited-overs series in Pakistan, with England’s third Test against South Africa due to finish on September 12.The upcoming series carries significance as England have not toured Pakistan since 2005 and two of Pakistan’s home series in 2012 and 2016 were forced to be played in UAE. After England decided to withdraw their men’s and women’s teams’ tours to Pakistan last year, Ramiz hit out at cricket’s “western bloc”. The ECB cited bubble fatigue and “increasing concerns about travelling to the region” to pull out of the series.

Manchester United are hoping that the worst of their bad form is now firmly behind them. It has not been easy for Ruben Amorim so far, with the Portuguese boss now 12 games into his tenure at Old Trafford.

In that time, the Red Devils have won just four games, drawing twice and losing six. They have struggled defensively, conceding more goals than they have scored, specifically 23 conceded compared to 19 scored.

Yet, the foundations are beginning to be laid. Jamie Carragher pointed out after United’s 2-2 draw away to Liverpool that it was “almost a win for the manager in terms of his system”, and there are early signs of positive strides.

Adding some attacking firepower to this side could be what United need and they have been linked with someone who could do just that.

Man United targeting new attacker

The player in question here is Paris Saint-Germain and France attacker Randal Kolo Muani. It seems almost certain that the 26-year-old will depart the French capital this winter, but the destination currently remains to be soon.

However, according to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Germany, a move to the Red Devils is “becoming more concrete’ this January, with the English club “now determined to do everything possible to secure his transfer” soon. Indeed, Plettenberg revealed that “direct negotiations” have already taken place.

However, they are not the only club chasing the striker on loan with an option to buy. Premier League rivals Chelsea, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested, as are Italian giants Juventus and AC Milan.

Why Kolo Muani would be a good signing

It has been a really tough campaign so far in 2024/25 for Kolo Muani. The Frenchman has played just 14 games in all competitions, and a total of just scoring twice and registering one assist, all of which came in Ligue 1.

He started off the season in a really strong way, with a goal on the opening day of the season against Le Havre. Two games later, he got his second goal of the season, this time against Lille off the bench in a 3-1 win.

Despite what has been a tough season at PSG for Kolo Muani in 2024/25, he has shown he can be a deadly all-round attacker.

Transfer Focus

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

Firstly, his electric form for Eintracht Frankfurt earned him the £76.4m move to the French capital. He scored 26 goals and grabbed 17 assists in 50 games for the club.

For his country, the Frenchman has got a really strong record. In 27 caps so far, he has eight goals and four assists. That includes a goal on the biggest stages in both the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024.

Signing players from PSG, or at least whose last club was PSG, has worked out well for United in the past. This is going back further than Manuel Ugarte, for whom the jury is still out after only signing last summer.

Edinson Cavani was the last player to make United his next club after leaving the Ligue 1 outfit. He joined on a free transfer in 2020 after his contract expired and became a cult hero at Old Trafford despite playing his best football during lockdown when there were no fans.

The Uruguayan legend was a pure goalscorer, once described as a “genius” by another former United striker, Dion Dublin. He scored 19 times in 59 games for the English giants, grabbing six along the way.

His best season came in his first campaign for the club, 2020/21, where his 17 goals and five assists in 39 appearances helped United to the Europa League final and second place in the Premier League. It was certainly as good as Kolo Muani’s first season at Frankfurt.

Stat

Kolo Muani 2022/23

Cavani 2020/21

Games

46

39

Minutes

3634

2182

Goals

23

17

Assists

17

5

If Kolo Muani can get anywhere close to the numbers that the Red Devils’ former number seven put up, then he will surely earn himself cult hero status just like Cavani. He will certainly be hoping to make a potential move to United just as successful.

In fact, United might have a “future superstar” on their hands. That is what German legend Lothar Matthaus described him as during his time in Frankfurt.

If Kolo Muani can rediscover that form, he might well end up surpassing Cavani’s legacy at Old Trafford.

He's like Vinicius Jr: Man Utd chasing exciting £33m Rashford upgrade

Manchester United may have already found the perfect Marcus Rashford replacement.

ByEthan Lamb Jan 10, 2025

The NWSL’s custom crystallized soccer ball continues it's tour across the NWSL, amazing various celebrities along the way

Bespoke crystal-encrusted ball travels to major NWSL gamesCelebrities and players pose with the ball to raise awarenessAuction proceeds to benefit Athlete AllyGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED

The NWSL's unique, crystal-adorned soccer ball is touring the country, making appearances nationally televised matches. A number of celebrities and athletes, have been photographed with the ball, including Chris Paul, Issa Rae, Aaliyah Edwards, Sam Mewis, Trinity Rodman, Michele Kang and Anthony Hill.

The soccer ball, made with Swarovski crystals, will eventually be auctioned off with the proceeds going to Athlete Ally, an organization dedicated to fostering LGBTQ+ inclusion and equality in sports.

AdvertisementWHAT THE NWSL POSTEDGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The crystal ball tour reflects the NWSL's growing influence and its commitment to social causes. As women's soccer continues to gain popularity in the United States, initiatives like this help to bridge the gap between sports, entertainment, and social advocacy. The involvement of celebrities and athletes from different sports underscores the universal appeal of the NWSL.

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WHAT’S NEXT?

The ball will continue its journey to NWSL matches throughout the remainder of the 2025 season, with more celebrities and influential figures expected to participate. At the season's conclusion, the ball will be auctioned off.

The Queensland wicketkeeper-batter reflects on his late Australia A call-up and the runs which then flowed

Andrew McGlashan18-Jul-2022

Jimmy Peirson celebrates his century in the four-day game in Hambantota•Sri Lanka Cricket

Which Australian batter had the best tour of Sri Lanka?Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith both made excellent centuries. Cameron Green played a match-winning hand in the first Test. Glenn Maxwell had his moments in the white-ball matches.However, none of them made 208 runs in three innings without being dismissed.That honour went to Jimmy Peirson, the Queensland wicketkeeper-batter, who was a late addition to the Australia A squad and produced a magnificent performance in the second four-day game against Sri Lanka A in Hambantota, where he made unbeaten scores of 67 and 128 – the latter as the Australians successfully chased 367 for victory.Related

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Add in a little unbeaten 13 not out during the first four-day match when he was subbed in after Travis Head was called into an injury-hit ODI squad and Peirson had the ultimate red-inker.Peirson knew he was a reserve for the A tour, and had been training in Brisbane alongside the rest of the squad before they departed, and some of the senior group who used the year-round facilities to get up to speed. He also had to renew his passport, which, as many people are finding out now that travel is reopening, can easily be overlooked.”It was a good job I got that done because it all happened pretty fast in the end,” Peirson told ESPNcricinfo. “My mindset going into the tour was, I’m not even meant to be here so, I didn’t even expect to play, thought I’d be running drinks. So to get one-and-a-half games I was just over the moon. Just so pleased to have an impact.”I wouldn’t say it exceeded my expectations, but I certainly didn’t go out thinking I’d score [those] runs and not be dismissed. But I knew in the conditions we had, there was no reason if I applied myself and did the basics for a long period I couldn’t score runs.”Ahead of the tour, Peirson had trained extensively alongside Nathan Lyon before he flew out for the Tests and had also leant on the experience of Queensland team-mates Usman Khawaja and Joe Burns. He worked on improving his sweeping, including adding a reverse, but in the end, more traditional skills worked well on the tour where the pitches for the A series were much flatter than those produced for the Tests.”Conversations I had with the guys who had been there were probably the most beneficial rather than the actual skill component itself,” he said. “In terms of how I’d play spin, I spoke to Gaz [Lyon] and Uzzie [Khawaja] about some technical tweaks and they spoke about how you defend the ball over there when it’s spinning.”Joe Burns said go there expecting the wickets to be flat for the A series because often that’s the way they do things. So don’t go across with preconceived ideas, and I was so glad we had that chat because I was like, okay, it’s going to be good batting conditions and if it spins I’ve done the work. If it’s flat, fill your boots.”It was Peirson’s first trip to Sri Lanka and his first time in the subcontinent since a Queensland Cricket sponsored trip in 2016. He had also previously been on an Under-19 tour in 2011-12 but admitted he was now a very different cricketer.”Felt my game is entirely different now to when I was over there as a youngster,” he said. “I was very immature and didn’t really think about the game a whole lot. Going across now is massively important to my game in terms of the learning side and loved every minute.”Of the second match, where Australia A ended up knocking off their hefty target with relative ease, Peirson said that conditions had remained good for batting for right-handers throughout, but the challenge was greater for the left-handers. That is borne out by the scorecard where he, Henry Hunt and Aaron Hardie did the bulk of the scoring while Marcus Harris and Matt Renshaw fell cheaply to offspinner Lakshitha Manasinghe, who was later added to Sri Lanka’s Test squad.”The whole time we were speaking about winning the game, how we’d do that, so to contribute was a lovely reward for confidence in my own game,” Peirson said. “It’s an A series, but to do it at that level, if a chance was to come at Test level, it’s another thing ticked off. I feel as though I have a game that can adapt and be successful in various conditions. It was such a great experience.”Alex Carey, the No. 1 wicketkeeper-batter in Australia, seemingly has the Test spot locked down for the foreseeable future•AFP

So what of the chance to play Test cricket? It’s a fight for a lone position. Alex Carey, despite a difficult second Test in Galle, came out of the Pakistan and Sri Lanka tours in credit and seemingly has the spot locked down for the foreseeable future. Josh Inglis has been the back-up gloveman across all formats over the last few months, but Peirson has put together two impressive seasons on both sides of the stumps for Queensland.He has an eye on more opportunities for Australia A with that programme set to expand after being largely dormant during the pandemic and the lure of next year’s Ashes tour to England is strong.”It’s the age-old thing, especially in places like Australia and England, you’ve always got all these keepers,” he said. “Think it’s a good problem to have, all scoring runs and keeping well, and all you can do is if you get opportunities take them. Prepare the best I can do.”Obviously there’s an away Ashes next summer. I’d love to get over and play some sort of cricket in England. I’ve played premier league cricket quite a few years ago now but would love to experience those conditions again and develop my game.”If I don’t play Test cricket that would be a frustration, but all I can do is when I’m done, sit in my armchair and know that I did everything I could. If that opportunity doesn’t come, that’s the way it is. The game has been very good to me.”It’s not to say I don’t want to do it, [it] drives me every day to play Test cricket. But if circumstances don’t see that happen, that’s the way it goes. You can’t control those things. I’m just loving my cricket, in a really nice place with my game, my family life, so just appreciating every opportunity I get.”

Tottenham have held talks over signing another Paris Saint-Germain player alongside Randal Kolo Muani, with Ange Postecoglou’s side potentially eyeing a double-raid on the Ligue 1 champions before deadline day on February 3.

Tottenham in negotiations with PSG over January deal for Kolo Muani

Various reports in the last few days have claimed that Spurs are actively attempting to seal a loan deal for Kolo Muani as their second January signing after young goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.

Levy hopes to finalise Tottenham signing by the end of the week after talks

The Lilywhites chairman and Spurs’ recruitment team are pushing for the club’s second winter signing.

ByEmilio Galantini Jan 10, 2025

GiveMeSport reported on Thursday night that chairman Daniel Levy, technical director Johan Lange and the Lilywhites recruitment team are optimistic over striking a full agreement with the French heavyweights in a matter of days, with Tottenham hopeful of finalising a temporary deal for Kolo Muani by Sunday.

Postecoglou’s side are seriously advancing in their pursuit of the France international as they seek to beat Juventus and Man United to his signature, holding talks with both PSG and Kolo Muani’s representatives this week (GMS).

Arsenal (away)

January 15

Everton (away)

January 19

Leicester City (home)

January 26

Brentford (away)

February 2

Man United (home)

February 16

There are still issues to resolve, as PSG prefer that the potential deal includes an obligation-to-buy the 26-year-old outright at the end of the Premier League season, while Spurs would apparently prefer an option (GMS).

On the player’s side, talks over personal terms are believed to be moving forward in a positive way, and Kolo Muani has been assured that he’s guaranteed consistent game time in a well-defined role under Postecoglou (GMS).

The former Eintracht Frankfurt star bagged an incredible 23 goals and 17 assists in all competitions during his best club season to date in 2022/2023, highlighting exactly why Spurs are so keen to take advantage of his situation at the Parc des Princes.

That being said, Paris is beginning to become a serious hunting ground for Levy and Lange, as it is now believed that they’ve held negotiations with PSG over signing £264,000-per-week defender Milan Skriniar as well.

Tottenham hold talks over January deal for Milan Skriniar from PSG

The Slovakia international joined Luis Enrique’s side on a free transfer from Inter Milan in 2023, putting pen to paper on a five-year deal, but his time at the club could be coming to an abrupt end.

Journalist Duncan Castles, speaking on The Transfers Podcast (via TBR), claims that Tottenham have held talks over signing Skriniar in January, and PSG will let the centre-back leave, as he’s been deemed surplus by Enrique.

“They’re also been in talks with Paris Saint-Germain about taking Milan Skriniar, who’s another notable player available in this window,” Castles said.

“PSG will let him go. They’ve allowed him to talk to other clubs. Again, not a favourite of Enrique’s. They have interest in him from Serie A clubs, and they are basically going to wait and see who gives them the best offer by the end of the window.

“So that is an option for Tottenham to get someone into their defence, who’s actually a centre back in the centre of their defence.”

The 29-year-old has been linked with a move to N17 for years, and Skriniar was even Jose Mourinho’s top centre-back target for Spurs as far back as 2020 (The Guardian).

Shifting their focus towards the January transfer window, Leeds United are now reportedly plotting a move to sign a Premier League defender on loan in hopes of boosting their promotion chances.

Leeds transfer news

As the winter window approaches, the Whites could be an interesting side to watch on both the incomings and departures front, with the likes of Pascal Struijk attracting plenty of reported interest. The impressive defender has reportedly even entered the radar of Tottenham Hotspur, who are in desperate need of a defensive reinforcement.

Those at Elland Road should be keen to avoid yet another departure, however, after a summer exodus of talent saw Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter all swap Yorkshire for the Premier League.

With their sights firmly set on promotion at the second time of asking too, any departures at this stage would be slightly premature. Instead, Leeds should have their attention on players who could make a decisive impact on the race to secure an automatic place in the Premier League in the second-half of the campaign.

Speaking about potential January arrivals, Leeds boss Daniel Farke told reporters as relayed by the Yorkshire Evening Post: “Even when there is interest, we have calmed everything down. We are in such a crucial period, and we want all our players to focus on us right now. We want the whole squad to be focused on these next five games.”

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That said, according to The Telegraph’s John Percy, Leeds are now plotting a January move to sign Andrew Omobamidele on loan from Nottingham Forest in January in a deal that would boost Farke’s defensive options.

The 22-year-old has struggled for game time in the Premier League this season – failing to make a single appearance – and desperately needs a January move away from the City Ground.

"Composed" Omobamidele needs January move

Completing a move from Norwich City in the summer of 2023, things are yet to really take off for Omobamidele at Nottingham Forest after such an impressive breakthrough at Carrow Road. And as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side threaten to become a shock European side, he is likely to face more struggles for game time than ever before in the Midlands.

That’s where Leeds could come in, however. The Whites could add the young centre-back to their ranks and instantly welcome the key squad depth needed to earn promotion back to the top flight. When it comes to minutes, the fast-paced action of the Championship should certainly offer Omobamidele enough chances to impress if he completed a January switch.

The Forest defender will be desperate to get back to his best when he earned the praise of former Norwich teammate Grant Hanley, who told reporters via the Irish Examiner when Omobamidele was breaking through the ranks: “He’d better not get used to that because it’s not like that every week in the Championship, as we know!

“He’s been outstanding in the last couple of games – so composed as a young lad coming into the first team ready to take his opportunity. He deserves a lot of credit for that.”

The last few years have been rather dire for Tottenham Hotspur.

The North Londoners have seen the likes of Nuno Espírito Santo and Antonio Conte fail in the dugout, and now, despite being a breath of fresh air at the start of last season, it looks like Ange Postecoglou might just be going down the same road.

On top of this, they’ve had to watch bitter rivals Arsenal edge closer and closer to winning major silverware for the first time in a long time, and while it appears that their chances are slim this season, that’s in large part down to the unfortunate injury of star player Bukayo Saka.

The Hale End star has become the poster boy of the Gunners’ recent resurgence, and while the Lilywhites obviously can’t bring him over to N17, they could be set to sign another Premier League youngster who has won comparisons to the England international, at least based on recent reports.

Tottenham target Premier League prospect

According to a recent update from Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Tottenham are, alongside “half of Europe,” intently interested in Southampton’s Tyler Dibling.

Plettenberg goes a step further, revealing that the Lilywhites and several other clubs from the Premier League are “heavily involved in the race” to secure his signature.

However, the incredible amount of competition isn’t the only obstacle Spurs will have to deal with, as reports from earlier this month claimed that the Saints could hold out for up to £30m.

In all, it could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given his ability and sky-high potential, one well worth fighting for, especially as he’s already won comparisons to Saka.

How Dibling compares to Saka and why Spurs should sign him

So, before we look at some of the other reasons why Spurs should be looking to sign Dibling this year, let’s examine this comparison to Saka and where it has come from.

Well, it primarily stems from FBref, which compares players in similar positions in the Premier League this season, then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one, and, in this instance, has concluded that the Arsenal star is the sixth most similar midfielder to the Saints ace.

The best way to see where this comparison has come from is to look at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including, but not limited to, non-penalty expected goals, goals per shot and shot on target, successful take-ons, ball recoveries and more, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected Goals

0.15

0.24

Goals per Shot

0.09

0.09

Goals per Shot on Target

0.22

0.24

Successful Take-Ons

2.04

2.34

Tackles

1.53

1.56

Tackles Won

1.02

0.92

Ball Recoveries

3.65

3.97

However, away from the statistical similarities, there is also the fact that both players are responsible for much of their respective teams’ attacking output, and while they can play in a few positions, they truly excel off the right.

Away from the similarities to the Gunners’ star, one of the other primary reasons Daniel Levy and Co should look to sign the 20-year-old “game-breaker,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, is their current squad building.

It’s clear that the North Londoners are building for the future with signings like Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall, so adding an incredibly exciting young winger who’s already racked up an impressive tally of six goal involvements this term makes sense.

Ultimately, Dibling might not reach the same world-class level Saka has in North London, but there are undeniable similarities, and he looks set for a bright future at the top level, so Spurs should do what they can to ensure he has it in N17.

Blockbuster move: Spurs target £40m PL star who can fix their Solanke issue

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Greece international blunts Middlesex attack after Helm’s burst brings him nine match wickets

ECB Reporters Network22-Jul-2022

Aristides Karvelas celebrates his fifty•Getty Images

Debutant Sussex tailender Aristides Karvelas thwarted Middlesex’s hopes of victory with a defiant career-best half-century to secure a draw at Lord’s despite Tom Helm’s best efforts with the ball.Karvelas, a Johannesburg-born Greece international, batted for over two hours to blunt the Middlesex attack after Helm’s morning burst – which earned him record match figures of 9 for 146 – had raised the prospects of a final-session run chase.Helm picked up three wickets in 14 balls to reduce Sussex to 96 for 7, an overall lead of just 134, but a stubborn partnership of 45 between Karvelas and Archie Lenham steered the visitors towards safety.The 28-year-old was eventually dismissed after top-scoring with 57, but by then his efforts had saved the game and the captains agreed on a draw with Sussex on 181 for 9 in their second innings.Although Ali Orr perished cheaply for the second time in the match – run out by Toby Roland-Jones’ direct hit from mid-off – there were few indications during the opening hour that a clatter of wickets might accelerate the game.Tom Clark batted well for a chirpy 56, hitting successive fours off Roland-Jones and also depositing Helm over the short boundary for a maximum as Sussex progressed to 53 for 1.But Helm, following up a tight spell by Tim Murtagh at the Nursery End, then blitzed the visitors with a trio of rapid wickets – including the prize scalp of Cheteshwar Pujara, a rising delivery looping off the shoulder of the bat to second slip.When Clark played on to Umesh Yadav on the stroke of lunch, Sussex had slid to 69 for 5 and were looking vulnerable – even more so after Helm claimed his fourth wicket, with Delray Rawlins taken low at first slip.Sussex’s advantage still looked fragile when Murtagh bowled Dan Ibrahim through the gate, but Karvelas swiftly increased it by heaving a series of short-pitched deliveries from the Middlesex captain away to the short boundary.Murtagh rotated his seamers without success as Sussex’s eighth-wicket pair repaired the damage, using up 16.2 precious overs before Roland-Jones finally made the breakthrough, with Lenham (19) leaving the ball alone as it careered back to hit off stump.However, former Middlesex man Steven Finn joined Karvelas to snuff out any thoughts of a positive result, finishing 10 not out after his partner was finally dismissed, pushing forward at Sam Robson and offering a catch to gully.

Worcestershire 141 for 5 (Kashif 52) lead Derbyshire 130 (Dal 55, Pennington 4-36) by 11 runsDillon Pennington’s burst with the new ball and Kashif Ali’s half-century on his first-class debut earned Worcestershire the initiative on the opening day of the LV=Insurance County Championship match with Derbyshire at New Road.Pennington reduced Derbyshire to 14 for 5 with four wickets in the space of 18 balls after they had been put into bat and, despite a half-century from Anuj Dal, they were bowled out for 130 in 51.1 overs.He clearly enjoys bowling against Derbyshire after registering career-best figures of 5 for 32 and a match return of 9 for 76 in the corresponding game last season.Worcestershire also had initial problems when they launched their reply but Kashif seized his chance following a mountain of runs for the second XI and they closed on 141 for 5 when bad light and then rain halted play at 5.35pm.Related

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Kashif was the first product of the South Asian Cricket Academy to sign a professional contract with a first-class county earlier this season. Three hundreds and four fifties in his last seven knocks for the seconds was a testament to his potential and he reached a 72-ball half-century.But he became one of several players during the day who surrendered their wicket to careless shots although there was enough movement on a greenish pitch to keep the seamers interested.Worcestershire handed a debut to Pakistan pace bowler, Mohammad Hasnain. Club captain Brett D’Oliveira was ruled out with a back injury and vice-captain, Jake Libby, led the side while Derbyshire were unchanged from the team which drew with Nottinghamshire.Libby won an important toss on a green tinged wicket and his bowlers soon justified his decision to put Derbyshire into bat. Joe Leach struck with the last ball of the opening over as Harry Came was plumb lbw to a ball of full length.But it was Pennington who broke the back of the Derbyshire top order with a superb opening burst of 4-2-3-4. Brooke Guest was bowled offering no shot to a ball angled in and then Wayne Madsen, who began the day needing 32 runs to reach 1,000 for the season, did not reduce that tally as he edged as delivery which nipped away to Josh Baker at fourth slip.Luis Reece and Hilton Cartwright were both caught behind by Gareth Roderick, after pushing forward to Pennington. Derbyshire captain, Leus du Plooy, opted for an aggressive response and dominated the scoring during a sixth-wicket stand of 39 with Dal.But Ed Barnard, who is to join Warwickshire on a three-year deal from next season, made further inroads with wickets in successive overs.Du Plooy, on 38, played with an angled bat at a delivery and gave Baker another catch, this time at third slip, and Mattie McKiernan offered no shot but inside edged onto the stumps. Derbyshire were then 53 for 7 and in danger of being bowled out before lunch but resistance came from Dal and Ben AitchisonThey added 56 in 22 overs before Barnard came back into the attack and had Aitchison nibbling at a delivery which was safely pouched by Roderick. Dal mixed solid defence with some classy shots and two cuts for four off spinner Josh Baker enabled him to complete a 104-ball halfpcentury with eight boundaries.Hasnain had bowled two threatening spells without any luck but cleaned up the tail in classic fast bowler’s fashion as he yorked both Sam Conners and Dal.Worcestershire also ran into trouble against the new ball and found themselves 23 for 3 in the fifth over. Conners knocked out Libby’s off stump with a ball which nipped back and Ed Pollock, having struck Aitchison for six over midwicket, tried to upper cut his next ball and was caught behind.Taylor Cornall flicked at a leg-side delivery from Conners and also found the gloves of Guest. But the momentum of the game switched into Worcestershire’s favour as Jack Haynes and Kashif counter-attacked during a stand of 97 in 18.4 overs.Haynes reeled off a succession off delightful cover drives and flicks off his legs why Kashif produced a series of back foot punches which pierced the field. The pair took Worcestershire into the lead only to then both surrender their wickets to loose shots.

Even though he’s only been in the role for a number of months, the next couple of weeks are massive for Ruben Amorim in his tenure as Manchester United manager.

The 39-year-old took over in mid-November, aiming to improve the situation after the dismissal of Erik ten Hag, but the Red Devils still find themselves in a tricky situation in the Premier League.

His side still sit in 13th place, already 14 points off a place in the division’s top four, with this month crucial if they are to turn around the recent slump of form over the past couple of weeks.

The opening of the transfer window presents Amorim with the first opportunity for the new manager to make his own mark on the playing squad to push the side in the right direction.

One name has constantly been mentioned as an option to fill the void in a problem position, with real progress being made in recent days over a move for the talent.

Man Utd submit bid for January target

According to Italian outlet Solo Lecce, United are still targeting a move for left-back Patrick Dorgu despite having their first offer rejected for the youngster.

The Danish international wants a move to Old Trafford as per the report, with his agents pushing for a new approach from the Red Devils in order to get a deal over the line.

Fabrizio Romano, now, reports that the Red Devils have submitted a new offer of £25m to sign the versatile defender, who has given the green light for the club to pursue a move.

The Italian journalist claims that a deal is now ‘on’ but it remains to be seen whether or not that fee will be enough to tempt the Serie A side to cash in on him.

Whilst it would be another big fee forked out on a new addition, it’s one that is desperately needed given the current situation on the left, with Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui often featuring in unnatural positions.

It could also allow them to land another version of a current star who’s starring in the first team in 2024/25, undoubtedly the shining light of what has been a disappointing season for the club.

Why Dorgu could be United’s next Amad Diallo

With a move for Dorgu certainly on the cards, it could allow for a problem position to be solved, whilst also pocketing themselves a huge talent who has the potential to improve further in the years ahead.

It could also see them land another version of Amad Diallo, who has certainly taken full advantage of the opportunity handed his away by Amorim in recent months.

The Ivorian was mainly an impact player under former boss Ten Hag, but has started the vast majority of games since the 39-year-old’s arrival, producing the goods on a consistent basis in the final third.

Amad has registered five goals and five assists since Amorim’s first outing against Ipswich Town, including a hat-trick against Southampton, earning himself a new long-term contract as a result.

He’s certainly shown glimpses of being a leading talent for the Red Devils for many years to come, with any transfers needing to build around him to allow the club to return to their former glory.

A deal for Dorgu could replicate such a move, with left-back following in suit of Diallo in moving to the Theatre of Dreams from an Italian side in the January transfer, with the Ivorian moving to United from Atalanta back in the winter window of 2021.

The Lecce star, who’s previously been dubbed a “monster” by one analyst, has starred in Serie A this campaign, registering three goals and one assist from his defensive role.

Patrick Dorgu stats for Lecce in Serie A (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

20

Goals & assists

4

Pass accuracy

78%

Duels won

7

Tackles won

1.2

Aerial duels won

1.6

Fouls won

2.7

Stats via FotMob

He’s also won a staggering seven duels per 90, along with 1.2 tackles, having the defensive qualities along with the attacking ones to star in a wing-back role within the 3-4-2-1 system.

Whilst time is ticking in the transfer window, it’s clear that United need to act quickly to complete a deal for the Danish star to avoid missing out on his services.

However, that being said, the £25m fee touted for his signature could be a phenomenal price for a young star who has the star quality to make him a regular start whilst also having the potential to improve and develop into a world-beater.

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Posts 1 ByMatt Dawson Jan 24, 2025