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Also lashes out at Jamaica franchise for “playing a game” with him

Nagraj Gollapudi28-Apr-2020Chris Gayle has singled out former West Indies team-mate Ramnaresh Sarwan for playing a “big part” in Jamaica Tallawahs releasing him from their Caribbean Premier League set-up recently. In an outburst, released in a personal video on YouTube on Monday, Gayle also blamed Tallawahs’ chief executive officer Jeff Miller and owner Krish Persaud for “playing a game” with him and never keeping him in the loop about the team’s plans.In a frenetic last-minute development, Gayle was signed by St Lucia Zouks for the 2020 edition of CPL, scheduled for August-September. Zouks will be the third franchise Gayle will represent in the CPL after two stints with Tallawahs (2013-16 and 2019) and a two-year stay with St Kitts and Nevis (2016-17).Last season, Gayle had signed a three-year contract with Tallawahs, who had bought him as their marquee player at the 2019 draft. Gayle said he had always wanted to end his career in the “uniform” of Jamaica, his home team, but that dream now appears to be over, and Gayle laid the blame primarily on Sarwan, who he called various things, including “snake”, “vindictive”, “despicable”.Alongside procuring Gayle, Tallawahs appointed Sarwan as the assistant coach last season. Gayle said Sarwan wanted to take over the head coach’s role from Donovan Miller, but the Jamaican was sure his former team-mate was not fit for the role.”Sarwan wanted to be the head coach of the Tallawahs’ team,” Gayle said in the video, split across four segments. “I tell Sarwan directly: ‘Sarwan, you’ve no experience in being a head coach, it’s not an easy job’. He decided to say, ‘okay, whatever you want, you are the captain, no problem, we’ll leave it at that’. Not knowing that what I did was eating him out, so they made Donovan Miller the head coach.”Tallawahs finished last in the six-team CPL last year with just two wins in ten matches. Gayle was their second-best batsman and the only one to record a century.Gayle said Tallawahs had a “good” team last season, but were “traumatised” by Sarwan, who he claimed was close to Persaud. “Sarwan wanted to be the manager, he wanted to be the coach. But Sarwan is like the owner for the team because Sarwan go back and tell the owner what transpired within the team.”Sarwan want to put curfew for players when game starts at 8 o’clock. Sarwan, when me and you play for West Indies, we used to party every night, so why you want to put curfew for players, why do you want to tie down players?”

Sarwan allowed these guys to come and make a mockery of me in front of the younger players while training is going on, so I decided to call the meeting and that’s when I flipped. It was a very heated meeting. The only thing left was just to get physical and it almost happenedChris Gayle on the 2019 season

Gayle claimed that it was due to Sarwan that he heard whispers from some of the Tallawahs’ overseas players about him not coming for the team training despite being the captain. Gayle said that it was not a secret that he did not always turn up for training, a routine he has followed worldwide in franchise cricket. To make sure his side of the story was heard, Gayle said he called a team meeting ahead of the team’s final match in CPL 2019.”So Sarwan allowed these guys to come and make a mockery of me in front of the younger players while training is going on, so I decided to call the meeting and that’s when I flipped,” Gayle said. “It was a very heated meeting. The only thing left was just to get physical and it almost happened. I had to put everyone in his place, but I didn’t put Sarwan in his place. I left him. I say let his conscience ride him.”Gayle recounted how Sarwan had always been trouble for him from as far back as their Under-19 days in 1996 when they were roommates. At the time, Sarwan’s complaints about Gayle watching TV late into the night forced head coach Gus Logie to evict the Jamaican from the camp in Barbados. Gayle said he had “forgiven” Sarwan but had not “forgotten” the incident, and felt that Sarwan hadn’t changed much.”Sarwan you are a snake. You are so vindictive. You are still immature. You are still stabbing people in the back. You are still carrying news. When you gonna change, Sarwan, seriously? When are you planning to change?””I am done with you”Cricket West Indies is bound pay attention to Gayle’s remarks considering Sarwan has been one of the past players it has recruited to mentor the senior men’s team. Gayle said that as far he was concerned, he was done with Sarwan. “I can tell you this even if West Indies senior team take you up on board as a mentor, whatever reason, whatever franchise, any international team you are associated with, (Jamaican slang for ‘I am done with you’),” Gayle said thumping his chest. “Hear? The team could’ve won a World Cup, me still mi a bun you out. I’ve to show you how deep this is. Wicked. Wicked. I might want entire Caribbean know that.”Gayle said he would let Sarwan know the same in person if their paths crossed in the CPL. “Don’t hide behind the walls. You get your team, it’s your team. Run the team, Sarwan. Just don’t deal with me, I say it straight up. When I see you in person, I will tell you that, as well. Very deceitful and very disrespectful. We no friends.””Chris, we are not seeing your name here”Gayle said he wouldn’t blame Persaud, but said the Tallawahs’ owner was “persuaded” to release him. According to Gayle, he had been in Guyana recently after being invited by a local politician who was a rival of the party Persaud supported. “Let me tell you why the Tallawahs didn’t really retain me now: this is all politics, alright. He [Persaud] has been persuaded to get rid of Chris Gayle, he’s not that type of person who will say ‘let’s get rid of Gayle’. You may say it’s nothing to do with politics, but it’s a big thing in Guyana. I am not into politics, you used politics against me to get me out of my own franchise. Kris Persaud, no love lost. You still have my respect, if I see you on street, still call you, franchise cricket is business at the end of the day.”However, Gayle did not have the same sympathy for Jeff Miller, who was in constant touch with the player before the retention window shut on March 31. Miller told the on April 19 that Gayle’s fate would be decided by the owners, but hinted at an overhaul. “When you have a team that came last in the competition, obviously there are going to be changes, it can’t be business as usual,” Miller was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

You may say it’s nothing to do with politics, but it’s a big thing in Guyana. I am not into politics, you used politics against me to get me out of my own franchise. Kris Persaud, no love lostGayle on the machinations behind his exit

Gayle said Miller was “lying” and he was totally aware that he was not going to be retained. “Jeff Miller and Kris Persaud knew they didn’t want me. They knew a month in advance that I wasn’t going to be part of Tallawahs team. What they did was actually play a game with Chris Gayle. I don’t know what they were trying to accomplish.”Gayle said Miller was in constant touch leading up to the retention date and even said the franchise was “struggling” financially. As a result, Gayle said he agreed to take a pay cut not once but twice, despite his contract saying he would need to be paid more every subsequent year. Gayle then heard from a third party that Tallawahs were going to release him. Miller laughed it off initially but then went cold.Gayle said he “texted” Tallawahs’ Andre Russell to check if he was aware that the franchise was going to release him [Gayle]. Russell, Gayle said, was “straight up” and said the only thing he knew was the “possibility” of Floyd Reifer taking over as the head coach. “When I texted him, Russell did call me back and share his point of view because loyalty goes a long way.”It was the CPL management that eventually confirmed the news to Gayle after Miller had submitted the final list of names Tallawahs had retained. “It has come to my knowledge that out of courtesy or respect, the CPL guys said, ‘Chris, we are not seeing your name here, what happened with you and the Tallawahs?’ I’m like, ‘What?'”Gayle said he did not contact Miller, but he was hurt.

Alvaro Morata admits he snuck into a few AC Milan matches ahead of joining them from Atletico Madrid this summer.

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Morata joined AC Milan this summerMoved from Spanish side Atletico MadridAdmits he snuck in to watch before signingWHAT HAPPENED?

The 31-year-old joined Italian giants AC Milan this summer and has now revealed he sat in the San Siro to watch a few Derby della Madonninas against rivals Inter in the past. To ensure he was not recognised by any fans sat around him, the Spaniard dressed up in a hat and dark glasses to hide his face.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT MORATA SAID

Speaking to Sky Sports Italy, he said: "I can’t wait to play the derby. Now I can say for the first time. I have already come to San Siro to watch a couple of derbies as a fan, wearing my hat and dark glasses. Nobody realised I was there. I wanted to breathe the atmosphere. Even from the outside, you realise how much this game means.

"I can’t wait to score and win a derby to make Milan fans proud. Inter are highly competitive. They have a great team, and we must play with our hearts. You can make a bad pass or miss a chance, but you must give your all on the pitch. The attitude can’t be wrong. I’ve learned from many coaches and teammates. I think I can still play for four or five years. With a high level of experience, I feel ready to give my all, which is good for me."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Morata has settled in well at Milan and fans will be delighted to hear the striker say he is expecting to play for at least four or five more years. He scored on his debut in the 2-2 draw against Torino but has since been sidelined with a muscle injury. Morata's dream to play in a derby against Inter may come true soon if he can get fit, with the two teams set to play on September 22.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MORATA AND MILAN?

It has not been a great start to the season overall for Milan, who have picked up just two points from their opening three games. Morata's absence has left a hole at the top of the pitch and they are already facing the prospect of a must-win match against Venezia on September 14.

Leeds United do not yet know whether they will be competing in the Premier League or the Championship when the 2024/25 campaign begins in August.

The Whites are currently in the play-offs in the second tier and will need to come out on top against Norwich City in the semi-finals before winning at Wembley later this month to secure a place in the top-flight for next season.

Daniel Farke's side finished six points off the automatic promotion places and lost four of their last six matches in the league before the end of the regular campaign.

This means that the Yorkshire-based outfit head into this two-legged clash with David Wagner's Yellows off the back of a poor run of form in the division.

Despite the players and coaching staff currently needing to focus on matters on the training pitch ahead of their trip to Norfolk on Sunday, the Whites are reportedly already looking at players to potentially bolster their squad in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Leeds United's interest in defensive midfielder

A recent report from Belgian outlet Het Nieuwsblad, as relayed by Sport Witness, claimed that Leeds are one of a number of teams interested in a swoop for defensive midfielder Mandela Keita.

The 21-year-old star is currently on loan at Royal Antwerp from OH Leuven, having initially joined the club on a temporary basis in January of last year.

The report stated that there is a mandatory purchase clause if certain conditions are met in his loan deal, but did not reveal whether or not those conditions have been met by this point.

However, it did add that Mandela is interested in making a move away from Belgium to make the switch to England this summer, amid interest from a number of teams.

The outlet named Leeds, Blackburn Rovers, and Norwich as three of the sides eyeing up the talented ace, as they are all said to be tracking Keita's situation in the Pro League.

Leeds and the Canaries, of course, face off against each other in the play-offs and the winner will earn a place at Wembley, which will then give them a chance to seal promotion to the Premier League.

Earning a spot in the top-flight could give that team an advantage in the race to land Keita as they would be able to offer Premier League football, and possibly higher wages given the uptick in revenue from getting promoted.

If the Whites can win the race for his signature, whether they are in the top division or the Championship, Farke could brutally ditch Ilia Greuv as a starter for the club, with the Antwerp star coming in to replace him in the lineup.

Ilia Gruev's form for Leeds this season

The Bulgaria international arrived at Elland Road on a permanent deal from Werder Bremen last summer and has had mixed success throughout the season.

He did not immediately force his way into the starting XI under the German head coach as Ethan Ampadu and Glen Kamara were the preferred pairing, with the ex-Bundesliga ace making nine appearances as a substitute during the first half of the campaign.

However, when Ampadu was called upon to play at centre-back next to Joe Rodon, a space opened up in midfield at the start of 2024 and the midfield ace has been a regular fixture in the lineup when available.

Gruev ended the regular season with 20 league starts to his name and he showcased some good and bad qualities in the middle of the park.

Assists (0.05)

Bottom 31%

Shot-creating actions (1.37)

Bottom 12%

Pass accuracy (90%)

Top 3%

Progressive passes (4.36)

Top 47%

Progressive carries (0.56)

Bottom 15%

As you can see in the table above, his play in possession has had positives and negatives, with a high completion rate and above-average progressive passing, but well below average when it comes to creating shooting opportunities for his teammates and carrying the ball forward.

LeedsLive's Beren Cross awarded Gruev a player rating of 4/10 for his most recent display against Southampton in the league, citing that he looked rusty and off the pace, as the midfielder lost three of his four duels on the day.

Farke could now land an upgrade on the Bulgarian gem and ruthlessly ditch him from the starting XI next season by securing a deal to sign Keita ahead of Blackburn and Norwich.

Why Mandela Keita could replace Ilia Gruev

The 5 foot 11 star could be a fantastic signing to take the former Werder Bremen maestro's place in the lineup if he can translate his form from the Pro League over to English football next season.

Firstly, Keita ranks within the top 38% of Pro League midfielders for assists per 90 (0.12), the top 31% for progressive passes per 90 (5.58), and the top 42% for progressive carries per 90 (1.34), to go along with a pass success rate of 89.4%.

This suggests that the 21-year-old dynamo offers more than Gruev in possession as he completes his passes at a similar rate whilst progressing the ball more, through passes and carries, and assisting his teammates more frequently.

The Belgium international has the quality to progress play on a regular basis from a defensive midfield position, which can help to break down low blocks as he plays the ball between the lines to find his team's attackers in dangerous positions.

As you can see in the table below, Keita, who was lauded as an "exceptional" talent by U23 scout Antonio Mango, also has the potential to be an upgrade on the Leeds dud with his work out of possession.

Appearances

26

29

Tackles per game

2.5

1.6

Interceptions per game

1.7

0.9

Ball recoveries per game

6.9

3.1

Duel success rate

57%

56%

Error led to shot or goal

0

0

The Pro League star has won a higher percentage of his defensive duels whilst also making significantly more tackles, interceptions, and recoveries per game to cut out opposition attacks.

Overall, Keita appears to offer more to his side on and off the ball than Gruev does to the Whites, which is why Farke could ruthlessly drop the 4/10 dud to the bench next season by swooping for the Norwich and Blackburn target.

Former allrounder last played an international match in 2012, shortly before turning 28

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Jun-2020Irfan Pathan burst onto the international scene as a teenager full of promise, swing and runs, but played his last international match just before turning 28, in October 2012. Pathan, who retired from the game only in January this year, finished with 29 Tests, 120 ODIs and 24 T20Is. He often had to battle injuries and long spells out of the game, but Pathan held that if he been backed more in the second half of his career, he could have become “the best all-rounder India ever produced” in ODIs.”In terms of achievement, there could have been a lot more. I really believe that in one-day internationals, I could have been the best all-rounder that India ever produced, I could have been,” Pathan said in an interview with . “That didn’t happen because I didn’t play as much cricket as I could have because my last game for India was at the age of 27.”I see people playing till the age of 35 or 37 like England fast bowler [James] Anderson. Obviously the conditions in England are different. I think if you play till 35, things would have been better, but that’s gone, it’s done and dusted.”Whatever matches I played, I played as a match-winner, I played as a guy who made the difference to the team. Even if I took one wicket — the first wicket for the match — that made a big impact on the team. Whatever innings I played with the bat, I played to make a difference. That’s what will stay with me throughout my whole life.”In ODIs, Pathan held that his numbers were used against him even when his role in the team changed from being a strike bowler to being the all-rounder who came on first change.”The one thing I always get disappointed is that a lot of people only see the numbers and numbers don’t always give you the right picture. If you see the first 59 ODI matches that I played, I got to bowl with the new ball,” he said. “And when you are the new ball bowler, you got the opportunity to bowl with the new ball as well as the old ball. Your aim, your mindset, your body language and your responsibility is to take wickets.”When you are bowling first change, when you are a defensive bowler according to your captain and coach, you have to play the role of containing the runs. You have to make sure that you don’t give away too many runs. So if your role becomes different, then your numbers also become different as well.”Pathan largely took the new ball for India in ODIs till the end of the Champions Trophy 2006. In that time, he played 69 ODIs, and didn’t open the bowling on only two occasions. In that period, he took 113 wickets at an average of 24.78 and an economy rate of 4.96.Having played 69 ODIs in under three years, mostly under Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid’s captaincy, he went on to play only 51 more in his next six years, a period that coincided with MS Dhoni taking over the reins. He took the new ball only 19 times in that second half.”I actually feel that people from the team should have spoken about it,” Pathan said. “They should have said that, ‘Yes Irfan used to take wickets, but now we have given him a different role. We have given him the role of first change bowler and someone who can bat at No. 7 or No. 8, which is very much required in one-day cricket right now.’ Now, if an allrounder goes for around six runs per over and takes one wicket per match, you are happy with that, but you were not happy with Irfan Pathan who did the same thing. Why is that?”While Pathan agreed that a player needed to be flexible, he held that a change in role needed to be acknowledged, and supported, by the team management too.”I am not saying that I could only bowl with the new ball. No, I was ready to bowl with the old ball, I was ready to bowl with the new ball as well. But in a team game, when you have a different role, your numbers reflect differently. When Mahendra Singh Dhoni was the captain, he used to be very flexible in his batting order, so his numbers used to be different. Now when he is not flexible, obviously his numbers are getting affected. That is why either his average or strike rate will also get affected. It’s a team game. It’s not only about individuals.”The player has to be flexible, but if his role has been given differently, then it is the team’s responsibility to talk about it, but no one talks about it.”

Napoli director Giovanni Manna insisted that Victor Osimhen's "situation is very clear" at Naples following his failed Chelsea move.

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Osimhen exiled from Napoli squadHas been stripped of squad number as wellSaudi Arabia transfer seems unlikelyWHAT HAPPENED?

Despite his desire to leave the Italian club, the Nigerian striker's anticipated move to Chelsea fell through, leaving him in a state of limbo as the new season unfolds. In addition to the Blues' interest, Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli also emerged as a potential destination for Osimhen. They even reportedly agreed on terms with Napoli for the transfer, but the deal fell apart when the Italian side increased their demands, asking for a further €5 million (£4m/$5.5m) in addition to the €80m (£67m/$88m) transfer fee initially agreed.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

However, the Saudi Arabian transfer window remains open until September 2, which means that the Nigerian could still save himself from getting stuck at Naples until at least January. But Manna expressed doubt that Osimhen would join a Saudi club despite being thrown out of the squad and stripped of his jersey. Romelu Lukaku, who joined Napoli from Chelsea, has already been handed the No.9 shirt, previously worn by Osimhen, signalling a clear shift in the club's direction.

WHAT MANNA SAID

In an interview with Manna said: "The situation is very clear. Victor expressed his absolute desire to not stay at, or play for, Napoli. We tried to make him happy. Then there was demand and an offer, and we thought we had concluded negotiations, but then it didn't go through. He expressed his desire to no longer play for Napoli and so we made other choices. The transfer market is still open [in some countries], so there are many options, but I don’t think Victor will go to Saudi Arabia."

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DID YOU KNOW?

Napoli's manager, Antonio Conte, has also weighed in on the situation, making it clear that Osimhen is no longer part of the club's plans. Following Napoli’s dramatic victory over Parma in Serie A, Conte reiterated: "No player will be reintegrated. Those who are out of the project will remain out of the project. We made our choices and work in one direction all together."

Derby County will enter into the Championship knowing there's a harmonious blend of youth and experience in their ranks, which made Paul Warne's men such a tough team to beat in League One across the regular season.

Alongside homegrown talents such as Eiran Cashin and Louie Sibley, the Rams have a wealth of seasoned professionals who have been there and done that in the league above in the form of Sonny Bradley, James Collins and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing with the first name in that trio tasting promotion up to the Premier League with Luton Town.

Warne will hope none of the young stars at his disposal will move on in the summer to disrupt this harmony though, having been stung in the transfer market previously when selling on this former Academy star in 2005.

Tom Huddlestone's first spell at Derby

Returning older and wiser 12 years on from his original spell at Pride Park in 2017, having reached the heady heights of Premier League football, Huddlestone's best years were largely spent away from his boyhood club.

Formerly on the books of Derby's arch-rivals in Nottingham Forest during his youth days, it would be with the Rams where Huddlestone would first start to put the wheels in motion to go on and have an established career in the top flight.

Before his major move to Tottenham Hotspur transpired, Huddlestone impressed in Derbyshire playing in the Championship with three assists picked up from 93 games having initially arrived as a teenager.

These promising numbers playing for the Rams must have caught the attention of Spurs, who signed the now 37-year-old midfielder for a fee in the region of £2.5m.

Derby would be left filled with regret signing off on this deal when looking at how well their former youth player would take to the demands of the Premier League, becoming a key cog in many Spurs teams with 16 goals and 31 assists registered from 209 contests.

Casting an eye over at TotallyMoney's Transfer Index, Derby would have pocketed far more money for their young starlet if the same deal went through in today's inflated market. Perhaps it wasn't such a bad move after all?

Tom Huddlestone's transfer value in 2024

Using the Transfer Index, Derby would be laughing now by raking in a far higher £16.4m which would make Huddlestone the most expensive sale in Rams' history by some distance.

Warne and Co will hope, if they do have to part ways with the likes of Cashin this summer – who has had previous interest from Premier League suitors – that they get a hefty price for him like the £16.4m being bandied around next to Huddlestone's name.

1. Matej Vydra

£10.5m

2. Jeff Hendrick

£10.1m

3. Seth Johnson

£9.9m

4. Will Hughes

£7.8m

5. Tom Ince

£7.8m

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Derby will just be glad that they managed to persuade Huddlestone to return to Pride Park during the latter years of his extensive career, finally managing to break his Rams goalscoring duck in the process as well against Brentford after 125 games tallied up in a Derby shirt.

The likes of Max Bird, who has starred in the centre of the park after making the grade stepping up from youth football, could do far worse than to model their game on Huddlestone's who never ended up looking back when first exiting Pride Park in the mid-noughties.

Derby won't be consumed with dread about losing more of their homegrown gems just yet, however, still savouring the feeling of promotion whilst they can before the nitty and gritty of next campaign becomes more real.

The ICC board is keeping tabs on the encouraging progress that Australia and NZ have made against the Covid-19 pandemic

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Jun-2020The ICC has bought further time before making a decision on the fate of the men’s T20 World Cup, as it keeps tabs on the encouraging progress Australia and New Zealand are making against the Covid-19 pandemic.The tournament is scheduled to be played this October-November in Australia, but the chances of it going ahead have not looked especially promising in recent weeks. Less than a fortnight ago, Cricket Australia (CA)’s chief executive Kevin Roberts said the tournament was at “very high risk.”ALSO READ: T20 World Cup fate under ‘very high risk’- Cricket Australia chief executive But this week Richard Colbeck, the Australian Sports Minister, told that the country had flattened the pandemic curve and consequently was a “fitting host for an international sporting spectacle” and could even allow spectators based on the ground situation at the time.Earlier in May Colbeck had pointed out that it was the crowds – and not the 16 participating teams – that was the main hurdle for hosting the marquee event. New Zealand, where the women’s World Cup is scheduled to be held in February-March next year, has recently declared itself pandemic-free, leading the ICC to believe it can afford to wait a bit more while different alternatives are worked out in case the T20 World Cup is deferred to 2021.On Wednesday, the ICC board agreed to continue discussing a number of options, as part of the contingency planning, “whilst planning for delivery of the events in the scheduled window is ongoing.””The situation surrounding the global pandemic is evolving rapidly and we want to give ourselves the best possible opportunity to make the right decision for the whole sport,” the ICC’s chief executive Manu Sawhney said. “The health and well-being of everyone involved is our priority and other considerations fall out from that.”We will only get one chance to make this decision and it needs to be the right one and as such we will continue to consult with our members, broadcasters, partners, governments and players and to ensure that we make a well informed decision.”The meeting on Wednesday picked up from the last session, which was adjourned after the international scheduling agenda was overtaken by concerns within the board over confidentiality. An independent investigation into that issue continues but one upshot from today was the decision to extend the deadline to the BCCI to come up a solution to the tax issue around ICC events in India.The matter has been the source of some tension between the ICC and BCCI, as communication between the two revealed, and has raised the prospect of the hosting rights of ICC events being taken away from India. The ICC wants its events hosted in India to be exempt from an Indian government tax, which, the board has said, cost it a considerable sum in earnings in 2016, when the last T20 World Cup was held in the country.”The board discussed the ongoing issue of tax exemptions required for ICC events and agreed to extend the deadline given to the BCCI to provide a tax solution to December 2020.”

Manchester United reportedly want to sell Casemiro this summer and replace him with an “excellent” midfielder whom Bruno Fernandes admires greatly.

Man Utd manager & transfer news

The Red Devils could have one of their busiest summer transfer windows in recent memory ahead of them, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks to make his mark, hopefully bringing in Dan Ashworth as sporting director at the same time.

There is also no guarantee that Erik ten Hag will be in charge once next season gets underway, following a poor campaign that could even see United miss out on European football entirely. A heavy defeat in the FA Cup final against Manchester City next weekend could potentially mean curtains for the Dutchman, although that remains to be seen.

Next Man Utd manager: Who could replace Erik ten Hag?

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Thomas Tuchel has been linked with replacing him in recent times, with the German confirming that he will be leaving Bayern Munich, but it appears as though Ratcliffe is still mulling over his decision.

In terms of new signings, RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko continues to be linked with a summer move to Old Trafford, with his agent reportedly at United's stadium recently. Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva is also seen as a target, but Liverpool are hovering ominously and looking to hijack the move.

Michael Olise is being backed to become a Red Devils player in the summer window, too, following another impressive season for Crystal Palace – one that included him scoring twice in the recent 4-0 win at home to Ten Hag's men.

Man Utd want "excellent" Casemiro replacement

According to CaughtOffside, Manchester United want to sign Benfica ace Joao Neves this summer, as they look to offload Casemiro at the same time.

The report says that Casemiro will likely "land in Saudi Arabia with his price set at around €30m", but the Red Devils are "waiting for a concrete offer before bidding him farewell". Meanwhile, Neves "has now become a priority", along with Olise, for that matter.

This is exactly the kind of business that United should be looking to do ahead of next season – replacing an ageing player who is past his best with a young star who has an enormous amount of potential.

At just 19 years of age, Neves has already become a key man for Benfica, making 33 appearances for them in the Primeira Liga this season, of which 27 have been starts. He has racked up an 89.9% pass completion rate in that time, as well as averaging two tackles per game.

Fernandes is someone who values his compatriot greatly as a player, with United's captain saying of him: "He is an excellent player and an excellent kid. He will have a bright future wherever he goes."

Man Utd hit the jackpot with free signing now worth the same as Bruno

The Man United ace is the club’s joint-third highest Premier League goalscorer.

ByTom Lever May 17, 2024

Neves could be the fulcrum of the Red Devils' midfield for many years alongside Kobbie Mainoo, with so much more to come from him. He has the ability to develop into a truly top-class player, so the idea of him in a United shirt is mouthwatering.

The Indian spinner wants technology to help spot and penalise batsmen straying outside his crease

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Jul-2020R Ashwin has revived the discussion around non-strikers backing up before the ball has been bowled, suggesting that technology be used to spot and penalise the errant batsmen, by either disallowing the runs scored off the ball in question, or giving the bowler a “free ball”.Ashwin went on to explain – on Twitter – how non-strikers, by backing up, could give their team an advantage as they could put a better batsman on strike. He said penalising the batsman could address the “grave disparity” between bat and ball in what he called an “increasingly tough” environment for the bowlers.

Just hope that technology will see if a batsmen is backing up before the bowler bowls a ball and disallow the runs of that ball every time the batter does so!!Thus, parity will be restored as far as the front line is concerned. #noball #dontbackup

— Ashwin (@ashwinravi99) July 28, 2020

“Just hope that technology will see if a batsmen is backing up before the bowler bowls a ball and disallow the runs of that ball every time the batter does so!!Thus, parity will be restored as far as the front line is concerned #noball #dontbackup,” Ashwin started off tweeting. “Many of you will not be able to see the grave disaparity here, so let me take some time out to clarify to the best of my abilities. If the non striker backs up 2 feet and manages to come back for a 2, he will put the same batsmen on strike for the next ball.”Putting the same batsmen on strike might cost me a 4 or a 6 from the next ball and eventually cost me 7 more runs instead of may be a 1 and a dot ball possibility at a different batsmen. The same will mean massively for a batter wanting to get off strike even in a test match.”It is time to restore the balance in what is an increasingly tough environement for the bowlers. #thefrontcrease #belongs to #bothparties @bhogleharsha we can use the same tech that we are proposing for a no ball check 120 balls in a T 20 game.”This came after the ICC announced that TV umpires would watch front-foot no-balls in ODIs during the World Cup Super League, which starts July 30 with the first England v Ireland game in Southampton.The debate has divided opinion afresh since last year, when in an IPL game, Ashwin, the Kings XI Punjab captain at the time, ran out Rajasthan Royals’ Jos Buttler at the non-striker’s end without delivering the ball. The dismissal sparked off the old debate, with the MCC first deeming the dismissal “legal” and a day later calling it against “the spirit of cricket” because Ashwin had “paused too long” before taking the bails off.ALSO READ: Simon Taufel: Ashwin’s Buttler run-out had nothing to do with spirit of cricketWhen Twitter users disagreed with Ashwin for asking for alternate penalties, Ashwin replied: “Make the run invalid of that ball or give the bowler a free ball the next one.”Instead of Disallowing the run, may be the bowler can get a free ball the very next one where the batsmen has backed up. Some fairness to start off may be.”While Ashwin did not clearly define what he meant by “free ball”, it could mean a bowling version of a free hit – no runs allowed, but the batsman can be dismissed.

A new coach is coming for the USMNT, and they'll need him quickly if Saturday's friendly against Canada was any indication

KANSAS CITY — The United States men’s national team will be seeking answers and clarity, particularly regarding their still-unfilled head coach position, following a disappointing 2-1 loss to Canada in an international friendly on Saturday. It's a match the team, and its fans, will want to quickly forget and move on from.

The U.S. men's national team is expected to announce a coach soon, with Mauricio Pochettino reportedly set to come on. It's a good thing for the USMNT, too, because it will mean the world can forget about an absolutely dreadful performance by the Americans.

The one-goal defeat is flattering and Canada made a statement in this result. This was dominant from Jesse Marsch's Canada, who didn't let up from start to finish.

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It was a game of giveaways and individual mistakes for the USMNT, who totally wilted under Canada's continual press. Johnny Cardoso's mistake led to a Jacob Shaffelburg goal 17 minutes in. Similar with Tim Ream, whose giveaway moments into the second half allowed Jonathan David to make it 2-0. There were moments in between, too. This could have gotten out of hand.

"We learned in Copa that mentality is the number one thing. I mean, you can control that," U.S. defender Chris Richards said to MAX in a broadcast interview. "I mean, if you're on the pitch, sometimes the ball might not go away. You never know. You can miss passes. But a non-negotiable is our mentality. I think we lacked a bit of that in the first half today."

Fortunately for the U.S., it didn't. In fact, they pulled one back. Luca de la Torre came off the bench to score a consolation, but that was all it was. Canada had the USMNT beaten. De la Torre's goal wasn't going to change that. U.S. interim head coach Mikey Varas held himself and his players accountable after the loss.

"I think we were too static," Varas said in his postgame press conference. "So, you know, the translation of the ideas weren't clear enough…You know, on the other side, the mentalities on the players, sorry, they know it. They know you know, we speak the truth to each other. I love those guys, but they know that mentality of fight and to run. It's a sacrifice."

He added, "At the end of the day, it's a combination between, yeah, me and then, I mean, all of us together."

The U.S. will now go back to the drawing board. Canada, meanwhile, will celebrate, Marsch maybe most of all. The American-born head coach got one over on his home country but, more importantly, he proved just how much of a difference he's making for this Canada team.

Maybe the USMNT will get their own difference-making coach in soon. Saturday showed that they need Pochettino as soon as possible. Until then the team will look to get back on track when they head to Cincinnati to host New Zealand.

"I don't think we were outplayed today. I think maybe we were out-battled in some aspects," Richards said. "So I think that's something that I think we have to look at and do better. We know that every game is a chance to get better."

GOAL rates the USMNT's players from Children's Mercy Park…

USA Today SportsGoalkeeper & Defense

Patrick Schulte (7/10):

Basically the only thing that stood between Canada and a really, really big win. Had a few good saves, so he escapes blame for this debacle.

Kristoffer Lund (5/10):

The USMNT's best chance, unfortunately, fell to the left-back, who smashed it into the 20th row. Hard not to wonder what this game would have looked like if he'd put that on target.

Tim Ream (3/10):

Awful, awful giveaway on the second goal. You don't ever expect those from a veteran like Ream, but it was that kind of day.

Chris Richards (5/10):

The better of the two center backs but that's not saying much, is it?. Was decent on the ball, but did still get outmuscled a few times in ways that directly led to Canada threats.

Joe Scally (5/10):

Weirdly enough, he passed the ball well but struggled mightily defensively. Shaffelburg gave him headaches all night.

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Johnny Cardoso (2/10):

About as poor as you can get. So many giveaways, one of which proved extremely costly in Canada's opener. This wasn't the audition he needed.

Yunus Musah (5/10):

Was decent on the ball, although he did dribble himself into danger a few times. Clearly had little chemistry with Cardoso, which is what allowed Canada to dominate the midfield.

Malik Tillman (6/10):

Actually created danger when he did get the ball, but those moments were too few and far between.

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Brenden Aaronson (5/10):

Just didn't really do much of anything. He wasn't bad, particularly compared to some of his teammates, but he didn't make many positive things happen, either.

Folarin Balogun (6/10):

Had a few moments where he threatened to break out, but only one or two where he actually did. Put both of his shots on target, but none to either side of the goalkeeper.

Christian Pulisic (5/10):

Canada suffocated him from the opening whistle. Marsch instructed his side to not let Pulisic beat them and, to Canada's credit, he never got particularly close.

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Aidan Morris (6/10):

He won't have known too much about it but, hey, an assist is an assist. It was a bit lucky, as it came form Morris' own mist-hit seconds prior, but you give the Middlesbrough star credit for making something happen.

Luca de la Torre (7/10):

The midfielder doesn't score many. In fact, he hadn't scored prior to Saturday. His first international goal lightened the mood a little bit just as USMNT fans were getting restless.

Haji Wright (6/10):

Nearly got loose for one late and found Pepi for a good chance, but the sequence was ultimately called back for offside.

Cade Cowell (N/A):

Came on to add some much-needed pace. Might have been a bit too late.

Ricardo Pepi (N/A):

Forced a good save out of Crepeau, but proceeded to pass to Wright despite the forward clearly being offside.

Mikey Varas (4/10):

Sometimes, not taking a risk is, in fact, a risk itself. That's what happened on Saturday. Varas largely relied on regulars and, despite that, the USMNT were outclassed early and often. Could this game have been a bit different with a fresh face like Caleb Wiley or Cowell? It makes you think…