Thomas Frank will be entering the biggest season of his managerial career in 2025/26, as he looks to take Tottenham Hotspur to the next level after his appointment this summer.

The Dane spent seven years in charge of Brentford across the capital, but he’s now been tasked with the challenge of leading the Lilywhites back to the top end of the Premier League.

Whilst he’s constantly thrived during his stint with the Bees, the expectations of the fanbase of Spurs will bring added pressure to him in his quest for success in North London.

The Europa League success back in May will only heighten the need for added trophies in the years ahead, with the fanbase wanting to reach the next level under Frank’s guidance.

Undoubtedly, he will want to make his own mark on the side, needing funds to make additions to land the players he craves, with numerous players already on their radar.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Attackers have been the main focus for Frank in recent weeks, with numerous forwards already touted with a move to join Spurs during the current window.

Antoine Semenyo, Rodrygo and Xavi Simons have all been touted with big-money moves to join the Lilywhites, as the hierarchy look to back the Dane in his quest for success.

However, none of the aforementioned stars have been close to a move, but the same can’t be said for West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus, who’s emerged as a key target.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed that positive talks have commenced over a deal to sign the 24-year-old winger this summer, with the player himself wanting a move to join the club.

However, any deal could prove to be an expensive one, with the Ghanaian currently having a £85m release clause within his contract at the London Stadium.

Why Kudus would be a better signing than Eze for Spurs

In their quest for added attacking reinforcements, Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has been strongly linked with a move to join Spurs this summer, but not for the first time in his career.

He’s been a player firmly on their radar over the past couple of years, but no deal has ever been agreed for his services, however, that could change this summer.

The 27-year-old currently has a £68m release clause in his contract, a deal which could be a bargain given his tally of 14 goals and 12 assists across all competitions last season.

However, it appears as though they will face stiff competition from North London rivals Arsenal, after they made contact with his representatives over a move to the Emirates.

The Spurs fanbase shouldn’t worry, with a move for Kudus being a better addition, having the tools to become a key player in Frank’s ambitions of taking the side to the next level.

When comparing the player’s respective stats from the 2024/25 campaign, the West Ham star has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, highlighting the talent he possesses.

Kudus, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by journalist Joel Bortey, has registered a higher shot on target rate, demonstrating his accuracy within the final third.

Games played

32

34

Goals & assists

8

16

Shot on target accuracy

28%

27%

Pass accuracy

84%

74%

Take-ons completed

3.2

2.3

Carries into final third

2.1

1.6

Carries into opposition box

1.5

0.7

Fouls won

2.2

1.7

He’s also completed more take-ons per 90, along with more carries into the opposition penalty areas, showcasing his desire to get the ball forward at any given opportunity.

The Ghanaian has also won more fouls per 90 and completed more of the passes he’s attempted, offering a real nuisance to the opposition’s backline – something which has been desperately missing in North London.

It’s unclear if Spurs will negotiate a deal for the winger this summer, but it’s evident that he could provide Frank with the tools to thrive in his first season in charge.

Eze will remain as a key target no doubt, but it’s clear that Kudus is a better option in attacking areas, with the hierarchy desperately needing to pursue a move for his signature.

More exciting than Semenyo: Spurs in talks to sign "generational" £85m star

The brilliant attacker could be just what Spurs need.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 1, 2025

تحدث ميكيل أرتيتا، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي آرسنال عن فوز فريقه على أتلتيك بلباو في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وواجه الجانرز نظيره أتلتيك بلباو في أولى جولات مرحلة الدوري من بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا مساء أمس، الثلاثاء، على ملعب “سان ماميس”، وانتهت بفوز آرسنال بثنائية نظيفة.

وأجرى أرتيتا تبديلًا في الدقيقة 71 بنزول جابرييل مارتنيلي بدلًا من إبريتشي إيزي، وفور مشاركته أحرز مارتينيلي هدف آرسنال الأول بالدقيقة 72 بعد تمريرة من لياندرو تروسارد.

اقرأ أيضًا.. فيديو | أقدام البدلاء تقود آرسنال للفوز على أتلتيك بلباو في الظهور الأول بـ دوري أبطال أوروبا

وفي الدقيقة 87 أضاف تروسارد تقدم آرسنال بهدف ثاني بعد تمريرة من مارتينيلي، ليسدد تسديدة غيرت اتجاهها وتسكن الشباك.

وقال أرتيتا، في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية: “نظرت إلى مقاعد البدلاء، وبالتحديد إلى مارتينيللي، ورأيت في عينيه استعدادًا وحماسًا كبيرًا للمباراة، هذا هو الموقف الذي أحتاجه من اللاعبين جميعًا”.

وأكمل: “سيكون البدلاء أكثر أهمية هذا العام من اللاعبين الأساسيين، أنا معجب بذلك، سيساعدنا ذلك كثيرًا في المستقبل وسيحدد إلى مدى سيكون موسمنا جيد”.

وأضاف: “قلبي يرفض استبعاد اللاعبين، إنه أمر صعب للغاية لأنني أعرف مدى رغبتهم في اللعب خلال هذه البطولة وما يعنيه ذلك لهم”.

وأتم: “عليهم أن يستمروا على هذا المنوال، إنهم يدركون أنه إذا أردنا الحفاظ على مستوى معين، فعليهم أن يكونوا مسؤولين للغاية، ليس فقط أثناء المباريات بل في التدريبات أيضًا، وفي الأجواء التي يخلقونها، ومدى اهتمامهم ببعضهم البعض”.

Leicestershire trail by 111, four wickets down in second innings as Yuzvendra Chahal strikes again

ECB Reporters Network18-Sep-2024

James Sales hit an excellent career-best 135 as Northamptonshire piled on the runs on day two of this Vitality County Championship match against Leicestershire at Wantage Road.The Northamptonshire youngster made the most of his recent elevation up the order, stroking 16 boundaries in more than four hours at the crease, facing 197 deliveries in an innings of real maturity.While he was dropped on 86 and 121 off two rare false shots, his innings was notable for his fluency, placement and timing. It stood in contrast to his maiden first-class ton in April, scored against the kookaburra ball on a docile pitch which had offered little for the Middlesex attack.Sales and Rob Keogh (49) extended their overnight partnership to 117, before runs kept flowing during Sales’ stand of 131 off just 134 deliveries with a resourceful Saif Zaib. Stroking a run-a-ball 71, Zaib garnered most of his runs from the sweep and reverse sweep as he put the spinners to the sword, a wayward Rehan Ahmed taking the brunt of his offensive.Leicestershire seamer Ian Holland, who found some inswing with the second new ball to end Sales’ innings, helped wrap up the Northamptonshire tail to finish with figures of four for 53 as the hosts were bowled out for 383 to take a first innings lead of 180.When Leicestershire replied, Northamptonshire tied them down, runs coming at a pedestrian rate with legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal finding plenty of turn. The Indian international claimed two wickets as Leicestershire closed on 69 for four still trailing by 111.Earlier Sales, 21, quickly got into his work, driving Sam Wood through the covers for four and dispatching him down the ground as he reached his half-century off 82 balls. He smashed Rehan over long-on for four, but otherwise manoeuvred the ball into the gaps nicely, driving sweetly and playing a delicate late cut.Despite nursing a bad back, Keogh provided good support, twice pulling Rehan over long-on before he was trapped lbw, struck on the back leg as he went back to a full delivery from the England legspinner.Zaib got off the mark first ball, cutting Ahmed square for four and sweeping Liam Trevaskis effortlessly behind square. Proving an ideal partner for Sales, he ran sharp ones and twos to keep the scoreboard ticking over and the pressure on the fielders.Sales survived his first false shot when Louis Kimber put him down at short cover off Trevaskis, the fielder injuring his hand in the process.Undeterred, Sales reached his century shortly after lunch by slapping Rehan through the covers for his 13th boundary as he and Zaib plundered 86 off the first 10 overs after the interval.Zaib meanwhile was tucking into some increasingly loose bowling from Rehan, sweeping with ease as he brought up his half-century off 55 deliveries before pulling a half-tracker square for six. At the other end, Sales benefited from another drop in the covers off Trevaskis, responding by smashing the bowler down the ground for four.But both batters departed in quick succession to spark a mini Northamptonshire collapse, four wickets falling for 21 in 6.1 overs. First Zaib was trapped lbw as he played another sweep, to give Sol Budinger his maiden first class wicket. Then, when Leicestershire took the new ball, Holland swung one back in to bowl Sales as he attempted to drive.Justin Broad was next to go when he pushed at one from Holland and was well caught by a diving Rishi Patel at first slip. Next Ben Sanderson was denied the three runs he needed for 1,000 career first-class runs when Holland trapped him lbw without scoring.A counterattacking Lewis McManus extended Northamptonshire’s lead as he took on the new ball clubbing five boundaries in a knock of 27 before becoming the sixth lbw casualty of the innings, Holland claiming his fourth wicket. Wood then wrapped up the innings by demolishing Jack White’s stumps.White struck immediately with the fifth ball of Leicestershire’s reply. Budinger, top scorer in the first innings, fell without scoring when he played inside the line of one which hit the top of off-stump.Patel (35) and Holland (11) found scoring tough going, accumulating at just 1.5 an over. Holland was eventually stumped off Chahal as he advanced down the wicket.With Keogh unable to bowl due to his back injury, Northamptonshire turned to Zaib to bowl his slow left-armers and he soon accounted for Patel when he flicked a half volley on leg stump straight to Sales at short midwicket. Leicestershire quickly lost another when Rehan danced down the wicket to Chahal, missed and was stumped by McManus.

Tottenham are reportedly now favourites to sign a “remarkable” defender this summer, with Thomas Frank’s side earmarking the addition of a centre-half as one of their key priorities before deadline day on September 1.

Levy told key condition to sign £47m Frank target as Tottenham open talks

Spurs have been informed of the requirements.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 22, 2025

After Spurs triggered the obligation to buy clause in Kevin Danso’s deal, Frank currently boasts around six centre-backs in his squad right now – even if that number does include youngsters like Ashley Phillips and Luka Vuskovic.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Despite this, The Telegraph and journalist Matt Law confirmed earlier this week that Tottenham are still looking into signing another central defender – with Crystal Palace stalwart Marc Guehi remaining on their agenda after Daniel Levy failed with an audacious £70 million bid for him in January.

While the focus right now appears to be finally concluding a deal for Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White, amid an ongoing legal dispute with Nuno Espirito Santo’s men over the transfer, it appears a new defender is also in Tottenham’s sights.

“Tottenham remain confident about their chances of signing the player. But, obviously, now this is a legal topic. They need to have discussions directly with Nottingham Forest to find the solution,” said Fabrizio Romano on the GMS Market Madness podcast a few days ago.

“Of course, it changes the timing of the deal. Tottenham’s perfect plan was probably to sign Kudus and Gibbs-White in 24 or 48 hours. It is now going to take a bit longer, but they remain intent on signing the player. That is still their plan, so let’s see how it continues on the legal side. But, for sure, Tottenham still want Morgan Gibbs-White.”

In terms of the defensive addition Levy could make, a lot of noise has surrounded Bournemouth star Illia Zabarnyi, despite PSG’s lengthy talks for the Ukranian which stretch back for weeks (Fabrizio Romano).

He was a mainstay in Andoni Iraola’s backline last season, helping the Cherries to their best-ever Premier League points tally, and Bournemouth will undoubtedly be reluctant to lose another star defender after Dean Huijsen.

While media sources suggest that Zabarnyi has already agreed personal terms with PSG, a new report from journalist Pete O’Rourke states that Spurs are definitely not out of the race just yet.

Tottenham emerge as "the frontrunners" to sign Illia Zabarnyi

According to O’Rourke, in a piece for Football Insider, Tottenham “have now emerged as the frontrunners” to sign Zabarnyi ahead of PSG – with Spurs said to be advancing a move for the 22-year-old.

The Lilywhites could now hijack PSG’s deal for Zabarnyi, it would seem, but Levy will have to fork out north of £60 million, as Bournemouth attempt to make a handsome profit off the £24 million they originally paid for him.

Interestingly, Sky Italia reporter Gianluca Di Marzio claimed last week that Spurs are prepared to do just that, so this could be one to keep an eye on in the coming days.

In terms of Zabarnyi’s obvious quality, there is little doubt he’d upgrade Frank’s current options, with pundit Jamie Redknapp suggesting the Euro 2024 star didn’t quite get the credit he deserved last season.

“He is probably the most underrated player,” said Redknapp.

“I also spoke with Ukrainian legend Andriy Shevchenko, and he mentioned that Illia has everything it takes to reach the next level. Everyone is talking about Dean Huijsen. Yes, he is a fantastic young player, but Zabarnyi plays very aggressively in defense as well. I was genuinely impressed by him. He shows remarkable calmness on the pitch.”

Manchester United finished 15th in the Premier League last season, with emphasis on the word ‘last’.

Ruben Amorim didn’t mince his words when talking about the need to turn things around and use the 2024/25, and all the baggage that came with it, as a springboard for the future, finally ending these endless years of frustration for one of the game’s biggest superpowers.

Fixing the frontline was always going to be among the chief priorities for the Old Trafford side, and INEOS started on a strong footing there, signing Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a £62.5m fee, the Brazil forward rejecting interest from a host of Premier League suitors to join the Red Devils.

Efforts for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo are ongoing, but the pointers suggest that the right-sided forward will join up with Amorim’s squad in the coming weeks, having expressed a burning desire to make the switch.

This is all well and good, but Man United still need to sign a central striker.

Why Man Utd need a new striker

By all accounts, Amorim wanted to commence pre-season with Marcus Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho all sold. That hasn’t happened, and they have all informed the hierarchy of their wish to depart.

More concerning, perhaps, is Rasmus Hojlund’s continued presence in the Man United senior squad.

The Danish striker, 22, was well out of sorts last term, and has been heavily linked with a summer exit, Inter Milan showing the most interest in his signature.

​​​​​

Hojlund is clearly a talented forward, but after such an abject run across the recent campaign, it might be a good idea for him to leave, not least because Sir Jim Ratcliffe openly admitted that the young talent was inherited from the past regime, and that he would “have to sort that out”.

Well, whether Hojlund goes or not, United’s movements in the market thus far suggest that a central frontman is on the agenda.

And they’ve been locked in talks for one of the best that Europe has to offer.

Man Utd open talks for new striker

According to talkSPORT, Manchester United have made a fresh enquiry for Eintracht Frankfurt centre-forward Hugo Ekitike, who is one of the hottest commodities in the market this summer.

Ekitike has been coveted by a host of Premier League sides this summer, with United joined in their interest by Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool.

However, with the Gunners closing in on Gyokeres, Jason Wilcox might feel he has a good shot at securing the talented Frenchman’s signature.

Transfer Focus

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

Frankfurt value their man at €100m (£85m), a figure they are unwilling to budge on and suitors are as yet unwilling to meet.

What Hugo Ekitike would bring to Man United

Ekitike is only 22 years old, but he’s already established himself as “one of the best strikers out there”, as said by analyst Ben Mattinson.

After leaving Paris Saint-Germain for Frankfurt in January 2024, initially on loan, he’s only gone from strength to strength, scoring 22 goals and supplying 12 assists across 48 matches in all competitions last season.

Ekitike’s natural finishing ability is neat and all, but his high-speed movements and all-round presence in the final third have led journalist Graeme Bailey to dub him “the next Mbappe”, with such a skill set surely perfect for the frontline Amorim is trying to build, namely with Mbeumo circling in on the Theatre of Dreams.

Runners – and confident ones at that – were in short supply at Old Trafford last season. Adding Mbeumo and Ekitike would do wonders, building back up a will to win and work which would pour over to the rest of the squad.

He’s certainly performing at a superior level to Hojlund, and could in that sense prove the perfect centre-forward for Mbeumo to combine with and rekindle the United attack.

Quite comprehensively, Hojlund was outstripped by his French counterpart, like bark from a sun-weathered tree.

Ekitike’s dynamic movements and innate creative flair suggest he could be perfect for a pair of goal-focused wide forwards such as Cunha and Mbeumo.

Of course, Mbeumo isn’t only about goalscoring. The Cameroonian racked up seven assists in the Premier League last season, creating 17 big chances across the campaign and averaging 1.8 key passes per game, as per Sofascore.

He also finished the campaign ranked among the top 9% of Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers for crosses completed per 90 (FBref), so he would be well equipped to turn provider for the rangy striker when required.

The fact that the Red Devils have tweaked their strategy and appear to be intent on signing Prem-proven quality alongside the rising phenoms from overseas like Ekitike bespeaks the new era, incipient but inspired by the struggles of recent years, of ensuring that a corner will be turned.

United were at their nadir last season, and no mistake. However, Amorim is a tactician worth his salt, and he might just piece together a squad capable of competing at the top once more, with the likes of Mbeumo playing with the perfect frontman in Ekitike.

Let’s see how this one pans out over the coming weeks.

Cunha 2.0 for Amorim: Man Utd in talks to sign "unstoppable" £35m star

Manchester United are still planning to make some attacking signings this summer.

2

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 8, 2025

Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr have now submitted an offer for a Manchester United star who is not wanted under head coach Ruben Amorim, according to a recent report.

Amorim confident Bruno Fernandes will have help this season

The Red Devils started their tour of the USA in an excellent manner, as they put in a strong display to earn a 2-1 win over West Ham United in what was their first of three games in the Premier League summer series.

United had captain fantastic Bruno Fernandes to thank for the victory, as the Portugal international netted in the opening five minutes from the penalty spot after a foul on Ayden Heaven. Then, Fernandes doubled their lead through a wonderful curled effort from outside the box to claim their first win of preseason 2025.

Fernandes has been heavily relied upon by United to be their creative force, but Amorim is now confident the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo will help the attacking midfielder in the upcoming campaign.

“He will have more help this season.

Related Sesko 2.0: Man Utd make £50m CF who's "like original Ronaldo" a top target

Benjamin Sesko looks to be heading elsewhere, although Manchester United may have a perfect alternative lined up

Posts 1 ByRobbie Walls Jul 27, 2025

“It’s impossible to play all the positions. Last year, I felt sometimes I pushed him back to have more possession in the build-up, and then we missed Bruno near the box. Cunha and Bryan have different characteristics.”

Al-Nassr submit bid to sign £52m Man Utd forward

As Amorim looks to gel Cunha and Mbeumo into the United team, the Red Devils have now been presented an opportunity to sell a player who is no longer needed. According to Foot Mercato, Al-Nassr have made an offer to sign Antony from Manchester United.

The report states that it is unknown how much Al-Nassr have offered, but United are holding out for a fee of €60 million for the Brazil international, which is roughly £52 million. Antony is under contract at Old Trafford until 2027, but he spent the second half of last season on loan at La Liga side Real Betis.

The 25-year-old, who earns a weekly wage of £200,000 at United, scored nine goals and recorded five assists in 26 games for Real Betis, but that form has done nothing to earn him a chance under Amorim. In fact, it was well publicised at the start of the summer transfer window that United are looking to sell Antony alongside other players such as Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford, who has now joined Barcelona.

Antony’s 24/25 La Liga stats

Apps

17

Starts

15

Goals

5

xG

2.87

Shots per game

2.5

Chance conversion

12%

Assists

2

Big chances created

8

Key passes per game

2.2

Antony has been at United since the summer of 2022, when he joined for a hefty price tag from Ajax, as former manager Erik ten Hag wanted to link up with the winger once again. However, the Brazilian failed to make the same impact as he did in the Netherlands, as he scored just 12 goals over three seasons.

There was a lot of overnight rain and some morning drizzle before play was called off

Ekanth12-Sep-2024Unrelenting rain has had the final say in Greater Noida yet again as play was called off before the scheduled start time for the second consecutive day. It leaves the first ever Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand on the brink of a washout, without a single ball bowled.”There has been more than 1200 mm of rain over seven days,” the broadcaster said as the fourth day’s play was abandoned. “The scale of rainfall has made it absolutely impossible for cricket today. We are going to come back on day five just in case, but the reality is there will be absolutely no prospect of play. We can’t envisage anything else but an abandonment very early tomorrow morning.”There were covers laid out over the majority of the ground and they were drenched from overnight rain. Some of the water poured over into the outfield forming a few puddles. Players from both teams remained in their hotels, which like the grim visuals, was a feature on Wednesday too. As was play being called off at 9.15am with the toss yet to take place.There have been three previous instances of play being abandoned for four days (not the first four days) in the past decade: India vs South Africa in Bengaluru in 2015, Bangladesh vs South Africa in Dhaka in 2015 and West Indies vs India in Port of Spain in 2016.Seven Tests have been abandoned, without a ball being bowled, in the history of men’s cricket, the last of which was in 1998, in Dunedin, between India and New Zealand.This is Afghanistan’s 10th Test match since they were given Full Member status in 2017. For New Zealand, the one-off Test marks the start of their subcontinent expedition which includes two Tests in Sri Lanka followed by three in India. Unlike those five fixtures, this one is not part of the World Test Championship.

Manchester United are in the hunt for a new striker and could now be set to intensify their efforts to ensure a new attacker arrives at Old Trafford, according to reports.

Manchester United's striker chase won't lead to Alexander Isak

The Red Devils have already brought in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo this window, and their next priority is now bringing a striker into the fold as Ruben Amorim aims to offer competition to Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.

However, Ben Jacobs has confirmed Manchester United won’t sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United despite the Sweden international showing a willingness to leave the North East in search of a new challenge this summer.

He stated: “Manchester United never in the race for Alexander Isak and no plans to bid. Natural appreciation for the Newcastle striker but MUFC have different targets due to overall cost of the deal. Chelsea also not exploring a deal despite suggestions as their focus on Xavi Simons.”

With that thought now put to bed, the Red Devils have held fresh talks to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, though they aren’t willing to pay the Villans’ £60 million price-tag for the England international.

Fiorentina’s Moise Kean is another name on the radar at Old Trafford. Nevertheless, there is a similar sense that they may need to pay over the odds after his £44 million summer release clause expired.

Man Utd willing to offer £22m for "joy to watch" who just rejected new deal

Ruben Amorim’s side have showed the most interest in a midfielder, and they are now working on a deal.

1 ByDominic Lund Jul 25, 2025

Attacking reinforcements are paramount for Manchester United to fix their scoring issues in the Premier League. Cunha and Mbeumo will help with the creativity side of things, but they may now have found someone who could move the needle throught the middle.

Manchester United intensify talks to sign Metz striker Idrissa Gueye

According to journalist Sebastien Vidal, Manchester United have intensified their efforts to land Metz striker Idrissa Gueye as he fits their strategy of signing youth that can develop over the coming years at Old Trafford.

He stated on X: “Man United are intensifying talks to sign Metz striker Idrissa Gueye for £17m as part of their youth-focused strategy. Meanwhile, Aston Villa have shut the door on a potential Ollie Watkins exit despite initial contact.”

Idrissa Gueye in all competitions last season

Appearances

22

Goals

6

Assists

1

Likened to compatriot Sadio Mane, the 18-year-old has also been targeted by West Ham United and Southampton of late, illustrating that he is viewed as one for the future by key players in English football.

Tapping into potential has to be the mantra for Manchester United. One game a week will offer Amorim the chance to build a side that won’t be jaded by the prospect of a tight schedule, allowing fringe players and youngsters a healthy chance to stake a claim for minutes.

Gueye may well be in the infancy of his career, though he would likely relish filling the striker void at Old Trafford if a move were to materialise.

The trend of teams batting first winning continued into the ninth game of the Champions Cup as Panthers beat Stallions by 20 runs.Batting first after winning the toss, Panthers rode on Saim Ayub’s 156 off 130 balls, studded with 13 fours and seven sixes, to post a daunting 344 for 7. Ayub found good support from Azan Awais, with whom he added 138 for the first wicket.After Awais’ dismissal, Usman Khan joined Ayub and the two smashed 116 in just 79 balls. Usman fell for 75 off 47 balls but Ayub carried on and took the side past 300 in the 44th over. After that, however, Panthers lost quick wickets and could score only 30 in the last five.Stallions did not have a great start to their chase. Within the first seven overs, they had lost Mohammad Haris, Shan Masood and Babar Azam.Hussain Talat and Tayyab Tahir kept Stallions in the contest with a 157-run stand for the fourth wicket but the asking rate was continuously rising. When Mubasir Khan broke the stand in the 35th over, dismissing Talat for 63, the required rate was touching ten.Tahir brought up his hundred in the 39th over but fell soon after. Stallions needed 73 in the last four overs with just two wickets in hand when Zaman Khan threatened to pull off a miracle. He smashed 42 off 16 balls but Stallions eventually fell short by 20 runs.

Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes has been a player who has thrived at Old Trafford over recent years, undoubtedly being the shining light in the first team squad.

The Portuguese international managed to register 37 combined goals and assists in the 2024/25 campaign, by far and away the highest tally in Ruben Amorim’s side.

Since his arrival back in January of 2020, the 30-year-old has notched 98 goals and 83 assists, averaging a contribution every 1.15 games he’s featured in – a simply staggering feat for a midfielder.

However, there’s only so much the former Sporting CP talent can do alone, desperately needing added reinforcements if the side are to rise up the Premier League table next campaign.

Work is already underway behind the scenes, as evidenced by the addition of Matheus Cunha, but further signings are expected between now and the end of the transfer window.

The latest on United’s hunt for new signings this summer

Over the last couple of days, midfielder Douglas Luiz has reemerged as a potential addition, with a move away from Juventus expected after starting three league games last season.

He’s not the only Juventus star on their radar, with striker Dušan Vlahović also a player in their sights, with the Serbian available at a cut-price of just £15m this summer.

However, work has also been done elsewhere, resulting in progress being made on a deal to secure Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra, according to one Spanish outlet.

They claim that the Red Devils are set to make a bid for the Spanish U21 this week, after he made 36 LaLiga appearances throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

It also states that the 22-year-old could be available for as little as £20m this summer, but numerous sides such as AC Milan are also in the race for his signature.

Why United’s £20m target could be perfect for Bruno & Mbeumo

After Cunha’s subsequent transfer to join United, fellow Premier League attacker Bryan Mbeumo has been a player hugely linked with a move to Old Trafford.

The 25-year-old has been the subject of two separate offers from Amorim’s side this window, but no agreement has yet been reached for the Cameroonian’s signature.

Mbeumo has already stated his desire to join the Red Devils, but no deal can progress if a fee isn’t agreed with Keith Andrews’ side, who are demanding a package totalling £65m.

However, his tally of 20 league goals last season showcases the threat he possesses within the final third, undoubtedly handing Amorim the talent he needs within attacking areas.

Should he complete any move, a deal for Guerra would also aid the forward, whilst also being perfect for Bruno and bolstering the ranks at the Theatre of Dreams.

The Spaniard’s arrival would allow the club captain to operate in his more natural number 10 role, having more of an impact in such a position as seen by his tallies from 2024/25.

He also has the tools to provide Mbeumo with the tools to thrive, as seen by his tally of 4.8 progressive passes and 4.2 passes into the final third per 90.

Games played

36

Goals & assists

6

Progressive passes

4.8

Passes into final third

4.2

Take-ons attempted

2.7

Carries into final third

1.5

Tackles won

1.7

Guerra, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by journalist Zach Lowy, also attempted 2.7 take-ons per 90, along with 1.5 carries into the final third – showcasing his ability to get the ball into the opposition’s defensive third.

Out of possession, the youngster had also won 1.7 tackles per 90, winning 46% of the tackles he entered, having the ball-winning capability that the heart of the side has been lacking in recent months.

The £20m fee touted for the LaLiga star would be an excellent piece of business, having the potential to build on his early success in the professional game, given his tender age.

Should he carry his skillset over to England, he would be a phenomenal signing, having the ability to allow Bruno and fellow pending addition Mbeumo to thrive in the process.

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