Uttar Pradesh breezed past Himachal Pradesh’s total of 100 in just 13.3 overs

PTI25-Nov-2024Mohammed Shami’s three-wicket burst carried Bengal to an eight-wicket win over Hyderabad in Group A of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on Monday.Shami, who is playing his first white-ball tournament after last year’s ODI World Cup, took 3 for 21 in 3.3 overs as Bengal bowled out Hyderabad for 137 in 18.3 overs.He received good support from Karan Lal and Shahbaz Ahmed who bagged two wickets apiece.India batter Tilak Varma made a 44-ball 57 but he could not guide his side to a bigger total.In reply, Bengal faced little trouble in scaling down the target in 17.5 overs.Openers Abhishek Porel (41) and Karan (46) made 84 runs in 9.5 overs and Bengal never let the momentum slip from there.Meanwhile, India middle-order batter Rinku Singh made an unbeaten 24-ball 45 as Uttar Pradesh breezed past Himachal Pradesh’s 100 in just 13.3 overs to register a seven-wicket win in Group C.Former India legspinner Piyush Chawla took 4 for 12, while pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who on Monday was bought by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for INR 10.75 crore in the IPL mega auction, chipped in with wicket.

Even before the summer transfer window opened, Manchester United entered the off-season with one clear goal: improve the forward line ahead of 2025/26.

Such a task needed to be undertaken after the Red Devils only managed to score 44 times in their 38 Premier League outings during the most recent campaign.

Ruben Amorim has showcased his desire to improve the current situation, making multiple moves to land Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha from Brentford and Wolverhampton Wanderers, respectively.

Whilst the pair notched 35 combined goals in the Premier League last season, other additions are still being pursued within the final third before the end of the summer window.

Given the climate of the current window, a new talisman would likely cost a pretty penny, but that hasn’t stopped the hierarchy from targeting numerous players over recent days.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions

Moise Kean has been a player firmly on United’s radar throughout the current window, even making contact with Fiorentina over a deal to land the Italian striker.

However, if they are to land a deal for the 25-year-old during the current window, they will have to pay over the odds, after his £44m release clause expired on the 15th of July.

He’s not the only player who’s currently in their sights at present, with Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins once again a player they’re interested in, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

The journalist claimed that the Red Devils have held talks over a move for the 29-year-old star, after he scored 16 league goals last campaign.

He also claims that Unai Emery’s side see the England international as not for sale during the ongoing transfer window, potentially making any deal for his signature somewhat harder.

Why United’s latest target would be a better signing than Sesko

Alongside a deal for Watkins, the United hierarchy have been targeting a move for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko in an attempt to complete their hunt for a new centre-forward.

The Slovenian has been a key target for numerous sides this summer, but the Red Devils could be about to have a free run at his services after Arsenal and Liverpool opted for other targets.

He could prove to be a viable option for Amorim’s men, after he bagged 21 goals across all competitions for the Bundesliga outfit throughout 2024/25.

At just 22, he has bags of time to develop into an elite-level talisman, but any move could prove to be a huge risk given his current £67m asking price.

As a result, it would make Watkins a cheaper option for the hierarchy, whilst also providing a more experienced Premier League option in the club’s hunt to return to their former glory.

The Englishman did register more league goals last time around, subsequently offering a bigger goal threat, with his underlying stats also just as impressive.

Watkins, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers in Europe” by boss Emery, also posted a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate, subsequently taking advantage of more chances that fall his way in front of goal.

Games played

38

33

Goals scored

16

13

Shot on target accuracy

44%

43%

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.3

Pass accuracy

72%

67%

Key passes made

0.8

0.7

Carries into opposition box

1.3

0.5

Progressive carries

1.9

1.7

He also completed more of the passes he attempted, whilst posting a higher key passes per 90 tally, able to provide fellow new additions Cunha and Mbeumo with chances in the final third.

The Englishman’s talents are further reflected in his tally of carries into the final third per 90, able to create his own chances rather than being reliant upon others around him.

Given the difference in the stats and price tag, Watkins would evidently be the better addition for United during the current transfer window, subsequently bolstering their chances of success next season.

If he can replicate the levels he’s produced at Villa Park, it would be a phenomenal addition and one that would inject the added dimension Amorim is hunting for in his forward line.

Mbeumo 2.0: Man Utd make direct phone call to sign "sensational" £22m star

Manchester United appear to be making a move for a star just like Bryan Mbeumo.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 24, 2025

Linked with Barcelona and Real Madrid after his U19 Euros heroics, AZ midfielder Kees Smit has set clear goals for his rapid rise.

• Smit admits ambition to reach the top after starring at U19 Euros
• AZ midfielder is linked with Real Madrid and Barcelona
• Plans to complete the season before considering a move

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Smit has declared his ambition to "reach the top as quickly as possible" after a breakout summer saw him linked with Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. The 18-year-old was speaking to ahead of his recent debut for the Netherlands U21 national team.

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• Imago
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Smit's stock has risen dramatically following a sensational U19 European Championship campaign this past summer, where he captained the Netherlands to victory. His performances earned him both the Player of the Tournament award and the top scorer prize, catapulting him onto the radar of Europe's elite. Addressing the subsequent transfer speculation, Smit admitted the links to Real Madrid and Barcelona "made me proud." Having since cemented a starting role at AZ, he is now regarded as one of the most promising young talents in the Eredivisie.

  During the Netherlands' victorious U19 European Championship campaign in Romania, Kees Smit achieved a rare double for a midfielder by being named the Player of the Tournament and also finishing as the competition's top scorer.

• WHAT SMIT SAID

  Speaking on the link of joining the La Liga giants, Smit said: "[The U19 Euros] helped with the attention. Not in Zakynthos [while on holiday], but I did see my name all over social media. I read I was on the radar of Real Madrid and Barcelona. That made me proud."

  Smit himself is clear about his plan: "I talk about it at home sometimes, not every week. But I know what I want – a good season with AZ. After that we’ll see. I want to take a step forward, but it doesn’t have to be next year. Still, I do want to reach the top as soon as possible."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR KEES SMIT?

  Having made his Netherlands U21 debut against Israel earlier this week, Smit's focus will return to his club duties with AZ. The midfielder is aiming to build on his strong start to the Eredivisie season and solidify his place in the team. 

Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer plans stretch beyond potential deals for Man City’s Savinho and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, as pointed out by reliable Lilywhites insider Paul O’Keefe.

Just two weeks remain of this summer window, and chairman Daniel Levy is running out of time to back new manager Thomas Frank with some much-needed additions.

The Premier League season is already underway, and Frank will now have an even greater idea of how his side need to strengthen in the next fortnight after their opener against Burnley on Saturday.

Right now, Spurs are hot on the heels of both Eze and Savinho.

Tottenham are in talks to sign the attacking duo in separate deals (Fabrizio Romano), as Levy attempts to compensate for the loss of Son Heung-min to LAFC and James Maddison to long-term injury.

While there is some way to go when it comes to signing Savinho, with Pep Guardiola playing down reports of an imminent move away for the injured winger, Eze is believed to be very keen on a move to N17.

The 27-year-old has informed Palace of his desire to join Frank at Tottenham, giving his green-light to the project, so it appears all there is left to do is find a full agreement with the Eagles.

That’ll be no easy feat, though, considering chairman Steve Parish is a notoriously difficult negotiator and won’t fancy losing the star playmaker after what has already been a very difficult summer at Selhurst Park.

The south Londoners are demanding around £68 million – the value of his now-expired release clause – and reports suggest Tottenham want to go far lower (Ben Jacobs).

Amidst their negotiations for Eze and Savinho, it is believed that Tottenham also want another centre-back.

This is backed up by Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge, who explained their pursuit of a defender in a Q&A earlier this week.

As per O’Keefe, Frank and Spurs know exactly who they want to bolster their backline.

Tottenham identify Bayer Leverkusen star Piero Hincapie as top defender target

The insider reports that Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie is that man.

The Ecuador international played 32 Bundesliga matches as a mainstay under Xabi Alonso last season, but he could join the Spaniard out of Leverkusen’s exit door amid interest from Spurs and Chelsea.

Frank has green-lit a potential Tottenham move for Hincapie, with the club identifying him as their “ideal” left centre-back target.

Other reports indicate that Leverkusen value him at around £60 million, and some South American media sources suggest that Chelsea are ready to bid for Hincapie, so Tottenham will need to get moving here.

Late heroics from Daniel Sams and a dazzling BBL debut from Sam Konstas ensured David Warner started his Sydney Thunder captaincy reign with a remarkable victory over Adelaide Strikers in Canberra.Chasing 183 in good batting conditions at Manuka Oval, Thunder appeared on track when Konstas smashed 56 off 27 balls at the top of the order. The 19-year-old became the youngest player in BBL history to hit a half-century and also made the fastest 50 in Thunder history.But Thunder fell away after Konstas’ dismissal and needed an unlikely 33 runs off the last two overs before Sams bludgeoned legspinner Lloyd Pope in a 19th over yielding 31 runs.Sams finished the game on the fourth ball of the last over with a boundary off allrounder Jamie Overton as Thunder ended a five-game losing streak to Strikers in stunning fashion.It was a heartbreaking result for new Strikers coach Tim Paine, who has replaced Jason Gillespie in the role.Related

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Konstas stars, Sams turns the matchAll eyes were on Thunder’s opening pair fusing an Australian cricket great and the country’s next big batting hope.In a sign of things to come, Konstas started with a boundary before Warner followed by reverse sweeping the spin of Matt Short. But Warner didn’t last long after a leading edge off seamer Henry Thornton was caught at extra cover.Thunder fans in the terraces collectively groaned before their spirits were soon raised when Konstas underlined why he’s such an exciting prospect. He executed a variety of audacious shots, including several scoops and a bludgeon over cover. His biggest blow was a huge strike off Thornton over deep midwicket that sailed into the crowd.Konstas, who received his Thunder cap from Warner, entered the record books when he reached his half-century before falling lbw to Fabian Allen.Thunder failed to regain the momentum and appeared to be petering out to a defeat. Sams had struggled initially and survived a caught behind appeal from Thornton with the not out decision upheld on review.Sams then rediscovered his big-hitting prowess in the nick of time with an assault on Pope, which included three sixes and three boundaries. He finished with 42 off 18 balls to snatch an improbable win for Thunder.Allen’s injury proves costly for Strikers West Indies’ Allen was recruited by Strikers to add to their allround depth. After he missed out with the bat, Allen’s left-arm spin proved invaluable when he dismissed Konstas.Allen bowled accurately in his two overs, conceding just 10 runs. But his BBL debut was soured when he injured his right hamstring after diving near the ropes down the ground in an effort to stop a boundary from Sam Billings.He limped off the field to leave Strikers’ attack shorthanded and his absence proved crucial. Allen probably would have bowled at the death with Short having to resort to Pope in a decision that backfired.Chris Green struck in each of his first three overs•Getty Images

Successful Ferguson debut; spin twins shineThere was a lot of excitement over pace recruit Lockie Ferguson, who made his BBL debut after rejecting a central contract with New Zealand Cricket. He bowled with trademark fire to finish with 3 for 24 from four overs, with all of his wicket-taking deliveries rattling the stumps. He was clearly the pick of the Thunder quicks.Chris Green and Tanveer Sangha also performed well and helped put Thunder in a strong position with a combined 5 for 54 from eight overs.Having given the leadership reins to Warner, Green can better focus on his offspin and he started the season superbly with the wickets of top-order batters Jake Weatherald, Chris Lynn and Harry Nielsen.Not a prodigious turner of the ball, Green cleverly slid the ball on and forced batters into errors, while legspinner Sangha dismissed Allen and Alex Ross as he mixed up his speeds to good effect.Weatherald justifies the faithWeatherald opened and he was preferred ahead of D’Arcy Short, who was at the top of Strikers’ order last season.Weatherald initially took a back seat to his captain Short, who smashed quick Nathan McAndrew through the covers for a first ball boundary. After struggling through the white-ball series against Pakistan, Short hoped to rediscover his form in a tournament where he won last season’s best player award.But Short’s desire to whack every delivery backfired when he was bowled in the second over by a sharp in-swinger from Ferguson in a rare BBL failure for him.Weatherald wasn’t rattled as he unfurled a counterattack with two sixes in three deliveries off McAndrew to ignite his innings. Entering the BBL after a strong start to the Sheffield Shield season, Weatherald’s confidence was evident with clean striking marked by a sweet sound that was music to his ears.His power and placement was impeccable as he raced to 40 but on his 19th delivery he holed out after miss-timing a slog sweep off Green as Strikers fell away.They slumped to 101 for 6 in the 13th over and appeared to be falling well short of a competitive total. But their innings flipped with the power surge, as Oveton and James Bazley whacked 33 runs across the 15th and 16th overs.Bazley entered with a career strike-rate in the BBL of 122 but he more than doubled that with a whirlwind 31 runs off 12 balls. Overton is relied upon to be Strikers’ finisher and he didn’t let the team down with four sixes.

علق فرينكي دي يونج لاعب خط وسط برشلونة على هزيمة فريقه ضد باريس سان جيرمان بهدفين لهدف، في الجولة الثانية بمرحلة الدوري لدوري أبطال أوروبا.

وكان جونزالو راموس قد نجح في تسجيل هدف قاتل ليقود باريس سان جيرمان للفوز على برشلونة، بعد أن كان الشوط الأول قد انتهى بالتعادل الإيجابي بهدف لمثله.

وقال دي يونج في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية: “أشعر بخيبة أمل كبيرة، إذا استقبلت شباكك هدفاً في الدقيقة الأخيرة وخرجت من المباراة بخسارة”.

اقرأ أيضاً.. فيديو | في الوقت القاتل.. راموس يسجل هدف باريس سان جيرمان الثاني أمام برشلونة

وأضاف: “أنت تشعر بخيبة أمل، لقد كانوا أفضل في الشوط الثاني وكنا أفضل في الشوط الأول، نحن أيضاً نعاني من قلة الفرص”.

واختتم: “نحن في قمة أوروبا وما زال الطريق طويلاً، يؤلمنا ذلك لكنها ليست مباراة حاسمة، لسنا سعداء، علينا أن نتحسن وسنفعل ذلك، إنها مباراة جيدة لنرى أين نحن الآن”.

With just days before the new Premier League season kicks off, Newcastle United are accelerating plans to fill the most glaring hole in their squad.

Eddie Howe’s side, back in the Champions League for another campaign, are looking beyond their ongoing pursuit of Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey to secure an experienced forward capable of leading the line from day one.

The urgency stems from a turbulent summer in attack.

Alexander Isak has made it clear he has no plans to reintegrate into the squad if he is not sold before the transfer window closes, while Callum Wilson has joined West Ham on a free transfer.

The result is a glaring lack of senior strikers ahead of a season-opener away to Aston Villa – a venue where Newcastle suffered a humbling 4-1 defeat last term.

Newcastle's latest transfer plans

Talks over Ramsey, valued at around £40m, reportedly continue in the background.

Whilst he would be a welcome addition, what Howe needs now is a proven scorer, one who can deliver in the Premier League and thrive in European competition.

Transfer Focus

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

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An agreement for Ramsey is edging closer, with a deal potentially wrapped up by the end of the week. However, another move could be completed for a new centre-forward soon, too.

The striker in question is Brentford’s Yoane Wissa.

According to reports from Africafoot, the Congolese forward is ready for a new challenge after the best season of his career, and he is set to choose Newcastle over Nottingham Forest and Saudi Pro League side Neom SC, with an agreement potentially set to be struck by the end of the week.

Personal terms are not thought to be an issue, with a transfer fee in the region of £30 million under discussion.

For Howe, Wissa’s appeal is obvious. In 2024/25, he scored 19 goals and provided five assists in 35 Premier League appearances – only Mohamed Salah scored more non-penalty goals.

His availability was another asset, missing just six games with an ankle injury, while racking up 3,072 league minutes.

The chemistry he forged with Bryan Mbeumo at Brentford – described by Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam as “absolutely sensational” – was built on movement, quick exchanges, and intelligent positioning.

It’s the sort of link-up play Newcastle will hope he can recreate with Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes, giving the Magpies multiple angles of attack in their 4-3-3 setup.

Why Wissa Is a bigger priority than Jacob Ramsey

It is not just the raw numbers that make Wissa attractive – his all-round game is a blend of efficiency and involvement.

According to FBref, last season he recorded a 76.5% pass completion rate (better than both Erling Haaland and Isak), more shot-creating actions per 90 than Dominic Solanke, and more touches per 90 (34.1) than Liam Delap or João Pedro.

He also carries the ball further in progressive distance than Delap or Solanke, making him as effective in build-up phases as he is in the penalty area.

Ramsey is a player Newcastle have admired for some time, and there is a case to be made for adding his energy and line-breaking ability to the midfield.

But the numbers tell their own story. In 136 Premier League appearances, the 24-year-old has scored just 14 goals, with only 1 goal and 5 assists last season.

Those are useful contributions, but they don’t solve Newcastle’s most pressing problem.

Without a striker, Howe’s team lacks a focal point to turn possession into goals.

Wissa provides exactly that, while also offering tactical flexibility to operate centrally or drift wide, enabling rotations with wingers and creating overloads in wide areas.

His progressive carrying distance and high touch count mean he can drop deep to link play, a valuable trait when facing compact defences in Europe or the Premier League.

Reliability in front of goal is another decisive factor. Wissa’s knack for finding space inside the box, combined with his ability to finish with either foot, makes him a constant threat.

His presence would immediately restore balance to Newcastle’s attack, freeing players like Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali to focus on creating rather than compensating for a missing striker.

Admittedly, Wissa is older than Newcastle’s preferred 24-and-under recruitment model, turning 29 in September, and he is likely to miss time during the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations.

But those drawbacks are outweighed by the need for an immediate, proven solution in a Champions League season.

Spending £30m on a forward who can start and deliver now is more justifiable than committing a similar outlay on a midfielder whose position is already somewhat covered by the aforementioned Guimarães, Tonali.

In short, Ramsey would enhance Newcastle’s options – Wissa could define their season.

Related He's the next Rondon: Newcastle make £40m "machine" their new no.1 target

Newcastle United eye £40m striker in Bid to replace Alexander Isak.

Posts ByWill Miller Aug 13, 2025

Scorchers needed to chase 162 in 18 overs to leapfrog Renegades and they did it relatively easy at the end

Tristan Lavalette18-Jan-2025

Before he departs for his first Test tour, Cooper Connolly stepped up under pressure as Perth Scorchers’ unlikely bid for finals remained alive after a tense victory over Adelaide Strikers.The finals hopes of both teams were remarkably revived after Melbourne Renegades’ improbable victory earlier over Brisbane Heat. Scorchers needed to chase 162 in 18 overs to leapfrog Renegades and they did it relatively easy at the end with Connolly slamming consecutive sixes to finish the job in the 17th over.In front of 41, 878 at Optus Stadium, Connolly rose to the occasion once again and finished unbeaten with 39 from 21 balls to end Strikers – and Renegades – season.But Melbourne Stars can leapfrog Scorchers and claim fourth spot if they beat Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL season-finale at the MCG on Sunday.Connolly guides Scorchers over the lineFinn Allen has been boom or bust this BBL season. He was Scorchers’ x-factor and the fans hoped he could replicate Jake Fraser-McGurk’s earlier fireworks.After a couple of early boundaries, it was an anti-climax with Allen hitting to midwicket before Aaron Hardie and Sam Fanning combined to get Scorchers back on track.Hardie has been out of form with a top-score of 34 this season, but looked in a determined mood and started with a boundary. He stroked another down the ground and whacked a short delivery into the crowd.But the match turned in the eighth over when Fanning was run out after a horrible mix up before Hardie moments later was stumped after failing to connect a flighted delivery from legspinner Lloyd Pope.Connolly, however, was composed as he kept Scorchers on pace. The nerve-jangling chase had shades of the classic BBL 12 final and, fittingly, he stepped up under pressure again.He slammed consecutive sixes off D’Arcy Short to guide Scorchers to a memorable victory that has, for now, kept their season alive.Strikers lack penetrationStrikers needed to win by at least 15 runs to keep their finals hopes alive. But they were always up against it and will rue a couple of pivotal moments. Connolly, on 6, was adjudged lbw to Pope, but it was overturned after ball-tracking had it pitching outside the line.Turner was dropped on 9 by Brendan Doggett, who ran in from long off only to grass a regulation catch.Needing wickets, D’Arcy Short was given the ball when the power surge was taken in the 13th over. It was a gamble by captain Matt Short and it looked to backfire when Turner slammed a six down the ground but fell two balls later attempting to repeat the dose.But Strikers’ lack of firepower with the ball was evident as their season came to an end.Beardman steps up in his second BBL matchAfter a disastrous defeat to Thunder in Sydney, where they were routed for 97, Scorchers’ season looked done. They looked ashen-faced returning home amid rumblings that numerous veterans were on the outer and set to leave the club at season’s end.Mahli Beardman starred with three wickets•CA/Getty Images

Their final home game, with a bumper crowd tipped for weeks, appeared likely to be a dead-rubber. But, remarkably, four results went their way and Scorchers were still alive.After Scorchers elected to bowl, spearheads Lance Morris and Jason Behrendorff – who have gone off the boil in recent games – were pumped up but perhaps overeager.Normally so reliable in the powerplay, they sprayed the new ball and were rattled by the ultra-aggressiveness of Matt Short and Alex Carey.But Scorchers were able to take regular wickets as Connolly, in his last match before he departs for the Sri Lanka tour, dismissed Short for 40 with a fuller and quicker delivery.It was 19-year-old Mahli Beardman who stole the show in his second BBL game. He has been preferred over experienced quicks Andrew Tye and Matt Kelly, as Scorchers start transitioning their list, and he justified the faith with three wickets.Beardman made a name for himself at last year’s Under-19 World Cup with rapid bowling and he showcased his innate fire with speeds hitting 140 kph.He claimed his first BBL wicket after knocking over the leg stump of Alex Ross, whose attempted ramp went horribly wrong. Beardman then bowled a sizzling short delivery first ball to Harry Manenti before dismissing him shortly after. He added the wicket of D’Arcy Short to cap Scorchers’ comeback.In good signs for the Australian national team, Hardie – who is in the Champions Trophy squad – bowled for the first time this BBL. He finished with 0 for 14 off two overs.Hardie had not bowled since taking a three-wicket haul against Pakistan in a T20I in November as he ramps up his bowling loads. He had played as a specialist batter having recovered from a nagging quad injury.Liam Scott’s brisk fifty lifted Adelaide Strikers to 161•Getty Images

Scott has breakout as Strikers go extra hardWith Renegades having lifted their net run rate, Strikers decided to go all out attack in good batting conditions. Alex Carey, promoted to open, went for broke and decided to hit hard. It was an effective strategy as he started his flurry by whacking Behrendorff down the ground for six before enjoying the extra pace of Morris.He raced to 22 off 6 before being late on a rampant Morris delivery and hitting straight to third man. Short continued to put the foot on the gas as Strikers pummelled 56 in the powerplay, with Morris conceding 37 of the runs.But the risky approach proved the downfall for numerous batters as Strikers were pegged back in the middle overs. It was left to 24-year-old Liam Scott to lift Strikers in the second half of the innings and he rose to the occasion with a maiden BBL half-century.He continued Morris’ hapless night with a couple of mighty blows into the crowd before his 43-ball 67 ended in the 17th over.

Manchester United are now preparing a £130m double swoop for a “world-class” goalkeeper and a “generational” midfielder, according to a report.

Man Utd ramping up pursuit of new goalkeeper and midfielder

Ruben Amorim made it clear he was happy with his side’s performance in their opening Premier League match, despite suffering a 1-0 defeat at home against Arsenal, with the manager saying: “I am proud of the players. I said so many times that the players need to adapt. Intensity, the way they are sprinting. They fought for every duel. They were so brave playing one against one. They were really brave, and I am happy with that.”

However, the difference between the two sides was Riccardo Calafiori’s first-half goal, which came from a Declan Rice corner that Altay Bayindir dealt with poorly, according to both Roy Keane and Micah Richards.

With Andre Onana also suffering widespread criticism since his arrival at Old Trafford, it is little wonder that Amorim is now looking to bring in a new goalkeeper, alongside a midfielder, with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba known to be well-liked.

However, the Red Devils have halted their pursuit of Baleba, and they have now moved on to an alternative target, according to a report from Spain, which suggests chiefs are prepared to spend big on a midfielder and goalkeeper.

The report states Man United are now willing to shell out a combined €150m (£130m) to get deals for Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton over the line.

The addition of Wharton would ideally provide Bruno Fernandes with more attacking freedom, while signing a new goalkeeper is deemed a top priority for Amorim, following Bayindir’s costly error against the Gunners on Sunday.

Wharton and Donnarumma could be statement signings for Man Utd

Despite being unable to pick up a positive result in the opener against Arsenal, there were some positive signs for Man United, with new signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha looking particularly lively.

However, United’s goalkeeper ultimately cost them once again, underlining how vital it is to bring in a replacement before the deadline, and Donnarumma could be a real upgrade, having been lauded as “world-class” by Carlo Ancelotti in the past.

The 26-year-old is proven at the top level, having featured 15 times for PSG en-route to their Champions League final triumph last season, and he should undoubtedly be United’s priority target.

Man Utd chiefs convinced they'll win race for "elite" number one stopper

The Red Devils are feeling more than optimistic…

1 BySean Markus Clifford Aug 18, 2025

While Wharton is yet to play in Europe’s elite competition, the Englishman is Premier League proven, much like previous arrivals Mbeumo and Cunha, and he clearly has a lot of potential, having been lauded as a “generational talent” by members of the media.

Having packed his career with highlights, he exits as a white-ball great for New Zealand

Deivarayan Muthu08-Jan-2025Martin Guptill has officially confirmed his retirement from international cricket, having last played for New Zealand in October 2022. Guptill, 38, will continue to feature in T20 leagues around the world.Guptill is currently in action for Auckland in the Super Smash, New Zealand’s domestic T20 competition, and has also signed up for the PSL draft, where Islamabad United have the option to retain him.Guptill leaves the international stage as a white-ball great for New Zealand, having racked up 7346 runs in 198 ODIs – only Ross Taylor (8607) and Stephen Fleming (8007) have scored more in the format for the Black Caps. In T20I cricket, he is still New Zealand’s highest run-getter, with 3531 in 122 games at an average of 31.81 and strike rate of 135.70.Related

'Thank You Gup' day in Auckland on January 4 to celebrate Guptill's career

Guptill also played 47 Tests from 2009 to 2016, though he didn’t have as much success in the longest format, scoring 2586 runs at 29.38.”As a young kid it was always my dream to play for New Zealand and I feel incredibly lucky and proud to have played 367 games for my country,” Guptill said in an NZC statement. “I will forever cherish the memories made wearing the silver fern alongside a great group of guys.”I want to say a huge thanks to all my team-mates and coaching staff over the years, in particular Mark O’Donnell who has coached me since the Under-19 level and been a source of ongoing support and wisdom over my career.”To my wife Laura and our beautiful children Harley and Teddy – thank you. Thank you Laura for the sacrifices you have made for me and our family. You’ve been my biggest supporter, my rock and my counsel through all of the ups and downs that come with the game. I am eternally grateful.”Finally, I’d like to thank all the cricket fans, here in NZ and around the world for all their support throughout the years.”ESPNcricinfo LtdGuptill had made an immediate impact on his ODI debut in January 2009, when he clattered 122 not out off 135 balls against West Indies in Auckland. Six years later in the 2015 ODI World Cup quarter-finals at home, Guptill smashed an unbeaten 237 off 163 balls against the same opposition. Only India’s Rohit Sharma has a higher individual score in ODI cricket.Guptill’s explosive hitting at the top during the 2015 ODI World Cup – he scored a chart-topping 547 runs – played a vital role in New Zealand making the final, which they lost to Australia at the MCG.Four years later, Guptill was in the hot seat when New Zealand lost the 2019 ODI World Cup final to England at Lord’s without actually losing it. After having been trapped lbw for 19 off 18 balls in regular time, he returned to bat in the Super Over along with Jimmy Neesham but was run-out off the last ball as England won the title on boundary count.It got to Guptill and his New Zealand team-mates. “Neesham batted very well, and for Guppy to be that man in the situation – I’d have backed him every day of the week,” Taylor told the while recounting that nerve-wracking finish. “But, you know, Archer bowled very well and Roy did a good throw to Buttler. But at the same time, disappointed as a team, and disappointed for my team-mates and Guptill. But hopefully he’s still proud of what he did in getting us there and doesn’t put too much pressure on himself for that.”Though Guptill wasn’t at his best with the bat in the 2019 ODI World Cup, he certainly was at his best in the field in the rain-hit semi-final against India. He launched a rocket direct hit after running in from deep square leg to catch MS Dhoni just short. That run-out helped New Zealand make their second successive ODI World Cup final. Earlier in the tournament, in a league fixture against Australia, he had taken a blinder at leg gully to send back Steven Smith.Guptill was then part of the New Zealand team that had progressed to the T20 World Cup final in Dubai in 2021. Guptill was also part of the T20 World Cup squad in Australia in 2022 but did not get to play as Finn Allen was preferred over him.In November 2022, Guptill gave up his New Zealand central contract to become a freelancer. Since then, he has played in Australia’s Big Bash League, the Pakistan Super League, the Caribbean Premier League, the UAE’s ILT20 and the Nepal Premier League.When ‘Thank You Gup’ day was celebrated in Auckland in January last year, with the Eden Park Outer Oval turning into the ‘Martin Guptill Oval’ for a Super Smash testimonial game, it felt like Guptill’s retirement party.But he returned for the 2024-25 Super Smash, starting the season with scores of 31 off 23 balls and 60 off 35 balls for Auckland. Tom Latham, who witnessed Guptill’s most recent fifty from behind the stumps for Canterbury and has also opened the batting with him for New Zealand, paid tribute to the departing hero.”On his day, Gup was world-class and his crisp ball-striking and timing could take down the best bowling attacks in the world,” Latham said. “His numbers speak for themselves, but it was the matches he helped us win that I’ll remember, along with the way he set the standard in the field. I wish him all the best for what the future holds and hope to see him around a cricket ground soon.”Guptill’s glittering Black Caps career will be acknowledged during the team’s third ODI against Sri Lanka at Eden Park on January 11.