Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim was certainly backed by the board with new recruits to improve the squad during the summer transfer window.

The Premier League giants swooped to add Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko to their attacking ranks to completely transform their front three.

Mbeumo has produced one goal and one assist in seven appearances in the Premier League, per Sofascore, whilst Cunha is still looking for his first goal contribution for the club.

Meanwhile, Sesko has scored two goals in his last two appearances in the top-flight and has scored two goals in four starts in the division since his move from RB Leipzig in the summer.

The Slovenia international will be hoping to kick on from here and prove that he can be a consistent and lethal goalscorer for the Red Devils for many more years to come.

If he can do that, Sesko could be considered to be Amorim’s new Viktor Gyokeres, as the Arsenal striker was such an integral part of the manager’s success with Sporting.

Why Gyokeres was so important to Amorim at Sporting

Amorim won the Liga Portugal title in the 2023/24 campaign after signing the Swedish striker from Coventry City in the summer of 2023, after finishing fourth and second in the two previous seasons.

Gyokeres was so important to the Portuguese manager in that 2023/24 season because his immense performances at the top end of the pitch led Sporting to glory, winning the league title for the first time in three years.

The towering centre-forward was an absolute monster for Sporting. He scored and created goals at an exceptional rate as their number nine after his move from the second tier in England.

23/24 Liga Portugal	Viktor Gyokeres	Percentile rank vs STs
Shots on target	58	Top 1%
xG	22.71	Top 1%
xG on target	28.33	Top 1%
Goals	29	Top 1%
xA	6.08	Top 1%
Assists	10	Top 1%
Chances created	54	Top 1%
Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, Gyokeres was the best striker in the division. He ranked at the top of the pile in pretty much every key metric as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

These statistics show that the right-footed forward was incredibly consistent for Amorim, given his output, which is why he was such an important player for the manager.

The Manchester United coach has not had a consistent attacker in that vein at Old Trafford, though, as no player managed more than eight goals in the Premier League last season, per WhoScored.

Whilst Amorim will be hoping that Sesko can be his next Gyokeres, there is a central defender who is becoming the manager’s next version of the striker.

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Netherlands international Matthijs de Ligt may not be a lethal centre-forward who is going to score 30 or 40 goals in a season for the Red Devils, but his consistent performances at the back could make him the linchpin of Amorim’s team moving forward.

Why Matthijs de Ligt could be Ruben Amorim's new Viktor Gyokeres

The best teams in the world are built around top-quality players who deliver consistently impressive performances over the course of a season.

Mohamed Salah at Liverpool. Erling Haaland at Manchester City. Vitinha at PSG. Thibaut Courtois at Real Madrid. Gyokeres during his time at Sporting. The list could go on.

The best teams all have several players who deliver consistently every week, which is what Amorim had with Gyokeres in Portugal, and De Ligt may be starting to show that he can belong in that category of player.

The Netherlands international is a no-nonsense central defender who joined the club from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2024, but it has taken him a bit of time to adjust to the intensity of the Premier League.

Not every player hits the ground running at a new club. Some players need time to adapt to their environment, and it appears as though de Ligt has finally found his feet in England.

Matthijs de Ligt (Premier League)	24/25	25/26
Appearances	29	7
Sofascore rating	6.91	7.04
Tackles + interceptions per game	2.1	3.2
Clearances per game	3.1	5.1
Ground duels won per game	1.5	2.6
Aerial duels won per game	2.0	3.6
Ground duel success rate	61%	69%
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the former Ajax and Juventus star has stepped up at the start of this season after a fairly average first year in the Premier League with the Red Devils.

His improved ground duel success rate, in particular, suggests that he has adapted to the intensity and physicality of the division, as he is anticipating situations and reacting to danger quicker, which means that the centre-back is winning a higher percentage of his duels on the deck.

Former United star and England international centre-back Rio Ferdinand has noticed the improvement in De Ligt this season, praising the defender last month: “Matthijs de Ligt has been magnificent this season, solid in all departments.

“I think he’s put himself in place to be the first name on the sheet if we go by [Leny] Yoro being a sub at the weekend. De Ligt now looks like the number one choice defender in the team form the manager’s point of view.”

De Ligt has started all seven of his appearances in the Premier League this season, per Sofascore, which backs up Ferdinand’s claim that the Dutchman is the first-choice defender for Amorim at this moment in time.

The 26-year-old star, who still has time left to improve even more, has improved throughout his time at Old Trafford, as evidenced by his aforementioned statistics, and he now looks like a consistent performer who can be relied upon by Amorim.

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1

By
Joe Nuttall

Oct 11, 2025

That is why De Ligt is on his way to becoming the manager’s new Gyokeres, because he could fall into that bracket of players who deliver consistent performances in successful teams, if he can keep up his current level of performance in the Premier League.

It has been nearly ten years since Manchester United last won a game of football at Anfield. You have to travel back in time to 2016 when a sole goal from the great Wayne Rooney won them the match.

A lot is different since then. As Ruben Amorim’s men defeated Arne Slot’s charges 2-1 on Sunday, it signified the first back-to-back league wins of the Portuguese’s rather dreary tenure in charge.

Perhaps the winds of change are among us. Is this the beginning of Amorim’s charge towards glory? Remarkably, United are now just two points shy of fourth place. They are only six points off the Premier League leaders.

For all of the negativity, for all of the criticism, this was a mammoth win. They deserve their plaudits this time around.

So, how did it happen?

How Man United ended their Anfield curse

This was as far from an Amorim performance as one can imagine. Yes, it’s a good time to play Liverpool, but arguably it’s always a good time to face Man United right now.

They changed the narrative around them on Sunday, however, and they did it in dramatic fashion.

The Red Devils came out of the gates firing when, with barely a minute on the clock, Bryan Mbeumo fired the visitors in front. It was poor defending from Virgil van Dijk who failed to track the winger and he then fired past the goalkeeper at the near post.

Mbeumo hasn’t been his rip-roaring best since trading London for Manchester, leaving Brentford behind in the summer, but he is a talisman United can build their team around. He was hailed as “one of the best in the world” during the game by BBC Sport’s Umir Irfan.

The big-money summer arrival wasn’t the only player Amorim had to thank. New goalkeeper Senne Lammens – an understated and quiet figure – looks an instant upgrade on Andre Onana. He claims crosses, looks assured and simply goes about his business without making a fuss. What a world of difference that makes.

However, the most telling story from a Man United persuasion was the way in which they responded to Cody Gakpo’s late equaliser.

When that goal went in, the game could have changed. Liverpool have made a habit of scoring late winners this term and they had the wind in their sails during that part of the clash.

United have usually wilted under pressure during the Amorim era and could have done here. This time it was different. Liverpool wilted instead and the visitors, in a big test of their mental resolve, stood up to the test.

Bruno Fernandes, always the main talisman of the club, hooked a ball into the box and there was man of the hour, Mr Harry Maguire, rolling back the clock and firing a bullet header into the net. Gary Neville cried tears of joy on commentary, Peter Drury roared and Jamie Carragher sat in silence. It was an iconic moment and one that could turn the tide of Amorim’s tenureship.

Yet, while Lammens, Mbeumo, Fernandes and Maguire came up with big moments, an ounce of praise should be fired in the direction of United’s new Carlos Tevez.

Manchester United's new Tevez has arrived

While the Argentine ultimately left United in controversial circumstances, heading to rivals Manchester City, his time at Old Trafford was something to savour.

A South American maverick, a player who’d run himself into the ground and, principally, a player who knew where the back of the net was, he was a workhorse for United.

A slender figure at 5 feet 7, his game was certainly bigger than that. He ultimately won two Premier League titles during the Sir Alex Ferguson era, played 99 games and scored 34 goals in the process. Tevez also registered 14 assists. He was a genuine all-rounder.

Well, in the present day, summer arrival Matheus Cunha looks like he’s cut from a similar cloth.

Another South American and a maverick sort of player, it’s easy to see where the comparisons stem from but, pivotally, he is actually yet to score in United colours.

His contributions have been first-class, however, and that was in evidence against Liverpool on Sunday. Like Tevez, he ran himself into the ground with a dogged performance on the road.

Scouted Football’s Jake Entwistle encapsulated things perfectly, writing on social media: The fitness of Cunha to scrap for that many duels throughout the game and drag a team up the pitch consistently is absurd. He should be absolutely gassed but he still looks able to do 90 yards with five hand-offs along the way.”

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

That certainly sounds Tevez-esque, doesn’t it? During the game, the lively Brazilian only had two shots but he was also able to win four of his nine ground duels, making an interception and two clearances along the way. He also completed both of his dribble attempts and was fouled twice. Talk about offering a lot to the team.

Minutes played

90

Touches

55

Unsuccessful touches

4

Accurate passes

24/29 (83%)

Dribbles

2/2

Fouled

2x

Shots

2

Key passes

0

Interceptions

1

Clearances

2

Duels won

5/10

A goal or assist did not come the 26-year-old’s way but journalist Chris Winterburn suggested that “once Cunha starts finding the net, he’s going to be as popular as Tevez.”

Football writer for Forbes and FourFourTwo, Sam Pilger, was equally as impressed with Cunha, noting that he looks like an “incredible signing.” Quite.

United invested heavily in the frontline over the summer and while things didn’t click immediately, they certainly look as though they are now. Mbeumo is in form, Benjamin Sesko has scored twice in his last three outings and Cunha looks just as spritely.

Positives for United? What a shock. Pigs will fly next.

تحدث الدولي الفرنسي كيليان مبابي، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد ومنتخب فرنسا عن مباراة بلاده أمام أوكرانيا ضمن تصفيات كأس العالم 2026.

وعقد مبابي مؤتمرًا صحفيًا بصفته قائدًا لمنتخب فرنسا قبل لقاء أوكرانيا المقرر إقامته غدًا الخميس، في تمام الساعة العاشرة إلا ربع مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة.

وجه مبابي رسالة إلى فرنسا في الذكرى العاشرة لهجوم باتاكلان، وقال: “قبل أن نبدأ، أود أن أتوجه بكلمة نيابة عن الفريق والجهاز الفني واللاعبين، لا أعلم إن كانت ستتاح لنا فرصة الحديث عن هذا الأمر غدًا لأن غدًا سيكون يومًا مميزًا، نريد أن نتذكر المتضررين ونعلم أنه لن يكون يومًا سعيدًا، لكننا نريد أن يفهم الشعب الفرنسي أهمية إحياء ذكرى هذا اليوم”.

هجوم مسرح باتكلان كان بتاريخ 13 نوفمبر 2015، إذ وقع إطلاق نار جماعي وتفجيرات أدت إلى مقتل 87 شخصًا أثناء حفلة موسيقية لفرقة إيجلز أوف ديث ميتال.

وعن ذكرياته في تلك الليلة، قال: “كنت في موناكو أتابع المباراة،، سمعت الخبر مثل غيري وكنتُ خائفًا أيضًا، لأنها كانت قريبة من منزلي، ووالداي لا يزالان يعيشان في بوندي، اتصلنا بأقاربنا ورأينا الكوارث التي كانت تحدث، شعرنا بالحزن وتمنينا لو تنتهي، اللعب بعد 10 سنوات لهو أمر مميز، ليس بالأمر الجيد لكننا سنحاول طوال اليوم تكريم المتضررين”.

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وأردف: “عليك دائمًا أن تتطور كشخص وكلاعب، أسعى دائمًا للتطور وأتمنى أن يكون كيليان في عام 2025 أسوأ من عام 2026”.

وتطرق للحديث عن ريان شرقي: “إنه موهبة مميزة، أعتقد أنه يمتلك موهبة وهو يستغلها على أكمل وجه، إنها موهبة فطرية مذهلة، لقد اندمج بشكل ممتاز مع المجموعة ومع مانشستر سيتي وهو أمر ليس بالسهل، آمل أن يستمر على هذا المنوال لأنه بدأ بشكل جيد معنا والآن لديه فرصة للعودة وآمل أن يكون بنفس جودة ما كان عليه في مانشستر سيتي”.

ووجه رسالة إلى أوباميكانو بشان تجديد عقده مع بايرن ميونخ: “إنه يُبلي بلاءً حسنًا، واثق جدًا في نفسه، إنه واحد من أفضل المدافعين في العالم”.

وأضاف: “بالنسبة لي هو من هؤلاء المدافعين المُهيمنين وقادر على مجاراة المهاجمين والفوز في المواجهات الثنائية، إنه ركيزة تكتيكية أساسية ويلعب في ناد عظيم وهو بايرن ميونخ، لا يوجد أفضل منه بكثير لكن هناك أندية أفضل منه (يبتسم)”.

وأتم مبابي: “لن أقول شيئًا ولن أدخل في هذا النقاش احترامًا لناديه وله لأنني أعلم أنه إذا قلت شيئًا سيُصبح تحت ضغط أكبر ولكن عندما نتحدث عن لاعب بهذا المستوى فإن جميع الأندية ستكون متطلعة للتعاقد معه”.

Arne Slot saw much-changed Liverpool fell to a sixth loss in seven matches as Ismaila Sarr’s clinical brace helped Crystal Palace reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

Oliver Glasner’s Eagles got the better of the Reds for the third time this season as they followed their Community Shield shoot-out triumph and last month’s Premier League victory at Selhurst Park with an Anfield win.

Sarr’s first-half brace and a late Yeremy Pino strike secured FA Cup holders Palace a 3-0 fourth round victory as increasingly scrutinised Liverpool boss Slot’s bold decision to make 10 changes backfired in front of a full house.

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Slot’s men had started Wednesday’s tie brightly, only for familiar foe Sarr to score twice at the end of the opening period to make it seven goals in nine matches against Liverpool.

Palace continued to cruise through the second half. The tie was over by the time teenage Reds substitute Amara Nallo was sent off in the 79th minute, with Pino adding extra gloss late on.

Defenders & goalkeeper

Freddie Woodman – 5

Even Freddie Woodman will be surprised to have received the call from Liverpool in the summer, but here he is and there he was in the starting line-up against Crystal Palace. To his credit, the Englishman was fairly flawless and could do nothing to prevent Sarr’s first-half brace or Pino’s late effort.

Calvin Ramsay – 6

Calvin Ramsay (yes, Calvin Ramsay) was perhaps the most surprising name on the teamsheet in a much-changed Liverpool side. The Reds have had their right-back problems as of late, so why not turn to the forgotten man?

Finally back at Anfield following disappointing loan spells and injury troubles, the Scotsman was one of the brightest sparks for the home side, particularly in the first half. He also gets bonus points for a stunning crossfield pass that Liverpool fans became used to down the right-hand side for several years. Welcome back, Calvin.

Joe Gomez – 3

It was a difficult evening for Joe Gomez, whose loose touch handed Sarr his first before his poor positioning allowed the Palace man a second in the space of four first-half minutes.

It was a frustrating watch for those at Anfield, who saw Gomez get off to a solid, leading start before mistakes crept into his game. Given the recent struggles of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, the last thing Liverpool needed was a poor performance from their other senior centre-back.

Andy Robertson – 4

In an unfamiliar centre-back role, it became clear that Andy Robertson was not in his favoured position from early on. Whilst he deserves credit for slotting in under the circumstances, there’s no denying that he struggled alongside Gomez. In many ways, it was fitting that the Reds played a fullback at centre-back against Marc Guehi as their regret became exposed.

That said, Robertson will be wondering what he has to do to take back his left-back spot as Liverpool’s disastrous defensive form continues.

Milos Kerkez – 4

Speaking of Liverpool left-backs, it was another frustrating evening for Milos Kerkez. He has continued to look rushed in possession and rash when defending. Although he wasn’t tested as much as previous weeks, the Hungary international was wasteful at times and that far from helped the blunt nature of Liverpool’s frontline.

Midfielders

Wataru Endo – 4

When Wataru Endo entered the Anfield turf last season, it often signalled game over for any opposition side. The Japanese international simply closed up for the evening and secured three points time and time again. This season, however, he has struggled to make the same impact.

Suddenly, there’s no hiding his weakness in possession which was shielded by work rate and robustness in the last campaign. Once again, he was loose against Palace and far from helped his side’s attempts to take control.

Trey Nyoni – 4

It was a night of learning for Trey Nyoni. Such a highly-rated player at Liverpool, the young midfielder felt the tempo of Premier League opposition in full and often found his passes misplaced.

Those at Anfield witness his unique composure in the middle of the park in pre-season, but he found out the hard way that time isn’t always a given at senior level.

Alas, it must be said that the senior members of the squad could have done a fair bit more to help the 18-year-old on a night to forget.

Alexis Mac Allister – 3

Alexis Mac Allister was undoubtedly one of Liverpool’s most important players last season’s title win. Alongside Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch, he formed an excellent midfield. Like much of Slot’s side as of late, however, he’s lost his way in the current campaign.

Still recovering from a knee injury in the summer, the Argentine once again looked a shadow of his best self against Crystal Palace. His form, or lack of it, hands Slot the worrying dilemma of just how to fix his current problems in the middle of the park.

Forwards

Kieran Morrison – 5

Thrust into the side at 18 years old, Kieran Morrison started well before gradually beginning to struggle against senior opposition. It’s not the first-team debut that he would have been dreaming of, but it is a moment in his career that he should cherish at Anfield nonetheless.

Had he at least enjoyed better service, things may have been different.

Rio Ngumoha – 6

Liverpool’s biggest bright spark, Rio Ngumoha very nearly curled a sensational effort into the top right in the first-half and certainly handed the likes of Jaydee Canvot a tough start to the evening. At 17 years old, his ability to take players on remains extraordinary and may just earn him a fair few more chances in the coming months.

Whilst Liverpool’s attack is full of big-money signings, Ngumoha’s glimpses of quality have sparked questions about his own game time despite his tender age,

Federico Chiesa – 6

It looked for a moment as though Federico Chiesa would hand Liverpool the lead in the early stages, only for his effort to end high and wide. That was that for the Italian’s chances, in truth, who struggled despite once again putting in the hard yards.

Even in defeat, his work rate should have put Slot on notice. As the Reds’ attack continues to struggle to click, Chiesa may yet provide a solution alongside the rest of his senior teammates.

Substitutes: Wellity Lucky (5), Amara Nallo (sent off, 2), Kaide Gordon (6), Trent Kone-Doherty (4)

Being a goalkeeper may be the trickiest position on a football pitch, but in the Premier League, there’s nowhere to hide.

Whether you’re gunning for the title or hoping to stay up by the skin of your teeth, a top shot-stopper can make all the difference come the end of the season.

This year has once again highlighted the best and worst of those between the sticks, with Manchester City’s move for Gianluigi Donnarumma proving to be an eye-catching transfer.

Ranking factors

To help place every No 1 in the correct order from best to worst, we have considered the following criteria:

Current form – how well they have played over the last few months Club – whether their performances meet the required standards of their team Reliability – how trusted they can be to avoid errors Overperformance – whether they can make saves they would not be expected to

Rank

Player

Age

Club

Nation

Gianluigi Donnarumma

26

Man City

Italy

Alisson

33

Liverpool

Brazil

David Raya

30

Arsenal

Spain

Emiliano Martinez

33

Aston Villa

Argentina

Jordan Pickford

31

Everton

England

Matz Sels

33

Nottingham Forest

Belgium

Dean Henderson

28

Crystal Palace

England

Nick Pope

33

Newcastle

England

Robin Roefs

22

Sunderland

Netherlands

Bernd Leno

33

Fulham

Germany

Guglielmo Vicario

29

Tottenham

Italy

Djordje Petrovic

26

Bournemouth

Serbia

Senne Lammens

23

Man Utd

Belgium

Bart Verbruggen

23

Brighton

Netherlands

Caoimhin Kelleher

26

Brentford

Ireland

Robert Sanchez

27

Chelsea

Spain

Lucas Perri

27

Leeds

Brazil

Alphonse Areola

32

West Ham

France

Jose Sa

32

Wolves

Portugal

Martin Dubravka

36

Burnley

Slovakia

12 20-16 Martin Dubravka, Jose Sa, Alphonse Areola, Lucas Perri, Robert Sanchez

Robin Roefs cost Sunderland around £9m following their return to the Premier League, and after replacing Anthony Patterson as first choice at the Stadium of Light, made an excellent start in England.

Should he continue his form, the 22-year-old’s value will only increase, and he could have a big part to play in the Black Cats’ attempts to remain in the top flight.

8 Nick Pope Newcastle

Nick Pope’s season last time out was affected by injury, but he has still proved himself as a solid goalkeeper for Newcastle United.

Now a Wembley winner following Carabao Cup success, the former Burnley shot-stopper has formed part of an impressive Toon outfit that looks primed to secure Champions League football.

While perhaps past his best, Pope remains a goalkeeper who seems at home in the Premier League, though compared to his counterparts, middle of the pack feels about right.

7 Dean Henderson Crystal Palace

Dean Henderson is by no means the best goalkeeper in the Premier League, but he has finally found a home at Crystal Palace, where he is now flourishing following his exit from Manchester United.

Henderson has marshalled a relatively tight defence and helped the Eagles win the FA Cup and Community Shield.

6 Matz Sels Nottingham Forest

Matz Sels has been a delight for Nottingham Forest, epitomising his team’s role as the division’s surprise package by becoming one of the Reds’ most important players.

He also received the Golden Glove award alongside Arsenal’s David Raya after keeping 13 clean sheets in 24/25. Simply put, Forest wouldn’t rather have anyone else in goal than the Belgian.

Years

Club

2010-2014

Lierse

2014-2016

Gent

2016-2018

Newcastle

2017-2018

Anderlecht (loan)

2018-2024

Strasbourg

2024-present

Nottingham Forest

5 Jordan Pickford Everton

Jordan Pickford has been Everton and England’s number one for some time now, and he has continued to shine following David Moyes’ return to Merseyside.

His highlights last season included shutouts against Arsenal and Chelsea, while his status as the undisputed Three Lions No 1 has to count for something.

4 Emiliano Martinez Aston Villa

A Yashin Trophy winner, it’s difficult to criticise Emiliano Martinez too much, as for all of his wind-up antics and dodgy dancing, the Argentinian has continued to be a useful blockade in front of the Aston Villa goal.

Now highly experienced following his exploits on the international stage and in the Champions League, Martinez has matured – loosely speaking – into one of the top goalkeepers in the world.

3 David Raya Arsenal

David Raya has arguably been one of Arsenal’s most consistent players in recent seasons. The Spaniard totally vindicated Mikel Arteta’s decision to install him as the Gunners No 1 last season, and has continued to shine in goal at the Emirates Stadium, excelling at the top level.

He comfortably sits in the top three and has been rewarded with a new Arsenal contract in 2025.

The demand Sean Dyche made “clear” in talks to take over as Nottingham Forest manager has now been revealed, as the Englishman closes in on a City Ground move.

Dyche agrees to take over as Nottingham Forest boss

Evangelos Marinakis has moved swiftly to replace Ange Postecoglou, who lost his job after the 3-0 defeat against Chelsea on Sunday, with it recently emerging that Dyche is set to take over as manager after holding positive talks.

The former Everton manager has a big job on his hands, given that he will be tasked with bringing a ten-game winless run in all competitions to an end, but the 54-year-old is used to working under pressure, having spent nearly two years working under difficult conditions at Goodison Park.

The Toffees had to deal with point deductions and a relegation battle during the Kettering-born manager’s stint on Merseyside, but he ultimately achieved his main goal, which was keeping the club in the Premier League.

That said, Everton ended up deciding the ex-Burnley boss wasn’t the right long-term fit, replacing him with David Moyes earlier this year, at which point his side were the second-lowest scorers in the top flight.

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As such, there was uncertainty about whether Forest were targeting Dyche as part of a long-term project, or merely to guide them to safety, but Ben Jacobs has now revealed the Englishman requested it be the former before he agreed to join.

Dyche needs to make instant impact at the City Ground

It is a little early for Forest fans to be panicking, but there will certainly be a great deal of concern about the way in which they have started the season, having collected just five points from their opening eight Premier League games.

After securing a long-awaited return to Europe last term, the Tricky Trees spent heavily in the summer, so Marinakis would’ve been hoping to kick on, but it has been nothing short of a shambles so far, with Nuno’s departure proving to be a real blow.

The Forest owner’s decision to sack Ange after just 39 days has received criticism, with Jamie Redknapp and Steve Sidwell discussing the move on Sky Sports, but any manager who fails to win any of his first eight games is likely to find himself under pressure.

With Dyche well-known for a more pragmatic style of play, Nottingham Forest will be hoping to get back to basics and start grinding out more results, starting against FC Porto in the Europa League on Thursday.

Pakistan captain Salman Agha has said that his team will stick to their fearless approach, especially if the conditions in Bangladesh favour them as the two teams prepare to face each other in a three-match T20I series.Except the conditions in Dhaka aren’t always conducive to run-scoring. The average first-innings score in night T20Is in the last ten games is less than 125. Those include the 2021 series against New Zealand and Australia, where raging turners were employed to aid the Bangladesh spinners. It played out perfectly as Bangladesh won the series 4-1 (against Australia) and 3-2 (against New Zealand). The current Bangladesh T20I captain though would prefer a move away from such made-to-order surfaces.”I agree that the (2021 series) had an adverse effect on our batters,” Litton Das said. “Even I could have built up a career as a bowler in those pitches. It was a tough time for the batters although Bangladesh won both series. I don’t think there will be a repeat this time. I saw a good wicket. It will be an even game.”Related

• Hesson slams 'unacceptable' Mirpur pitch

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• Bangladesh name unchanged squad for T20Is against Pakistan

• Mahedi was Litton's 'first name in the line-up' for Colombo T20I

• Shadab, Rauf to miss Pakistan's T20I tour of Bangladesh

Pakistan had beaten Bangladesh 3-0 in a T20I series in May and June. After having piled up 200-plus totals while batting first in the first two games, Pakistan successfully chased 197 with nearly three overs to spare in the third game.Head coach Mike Hesson and captain Agha are trying to get the team to follow the modern trend of trying to get as many runs as possible in the first six overs.”We have changed the way we play, and that’s how we want to play,” Agha said. “But assessing the conditions is always going to be key. We will see what the conditions are and how we want to play. If the conditions allow us to play that way, we will play, and if the conditions don’t allow us to play that way, we will try to do what the conditions are allowing us. Our goal is to score above par, like 10-15 runs, and when we are batting above par and then when we are bowling, to make sure we will restrict the teams less than over par.Litton Das hits out at the nets•AFP/Getty Images

“T20 is changing every single year, every six months, to be honest. We have the players now who will play the way we want. We want to play aggressive cricket, and with that, anyone can play that kind of cricket and can come into the team. But yeah, the players we have right now, they are very good, and very exciting.”While Pakistan skipped training on the eve of the T20I series opener, Bangladesh held an optional session from late afternoon. Litton Das took a long hard look at the pitch for Sunday’s opening T20I and had a lengthy discussion with curator Gamini Silva. At his press conference, Litton said he expected sporting pitches.”Mirpur isn’t always bad for batters,” he said. “It was just troubling for batters in two particular series (against Australia and New Zealand in 2021). The ball spins here, there’s help for pacers. But there’s also runs being scored. I think it’s a sporting wicket.”Litton had earlier expressed his concerns about the conditions in Dhaka after the third T20I in Sri Lanka last week. “I don’t know how the Mirpur wicket is going to be behave, for the Pakistan series,” he had said. “I think it is raining in Dhaka every day, so wicket can be difficult for batting in such conditions. Batters may fail there, but we won’t be too disappointed. We will keep trying to give our 100%.”During the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) however, the Shere Bangla National Stadium produced good batting surfaces. Teams batting first in the last 10 night games managed a few scores in the region of 190-200. Litton said that it also has to do with the winter dew and poorer bowling attacks in the BPL.”I can see two factors in this regard,” Litton said. “There is always a chance of dew in one innings in the BPL. It makes batting easier. I also don’t think there are exactly five quality bowlers in a BPL bowling attack. We can target one or two bowlers. The international level is definitely different. We will face at least five good bowlers. I think even if this match is not high scoring, it will be an exciting match.”

Kaitano, Masvaure, Madhevere and Matigimu have been left out while Brendan Taylor is expected to return

Firdose Moonda21-Jul-2025Ben Curran has recovered from a fractured hand sustained in a warm-up match against South Africa in Arundel and has been named in Zimbabwe’s 16-player squad to take on New Zealand next month.At the moment, the squad does not include Brendan Taylor, whose three-and-a-half-year ban for breaching the ICC anti-corruption code ends on July 25. ESPNcricinfo understands he will be added to the squad once his ban expires on Saturday and is expected to be available for the first Test that starts July 30. The squad does feature four other changes from the one that lost 2-0 to South Africa.Sikandar Raza, who was playing in the MLC during the South Africa Tests, returns to the squad alongside Roy Kaia and Tanunurwa Makoni. Opening batters Takudzwanashe Kaitano and Prince Masvaure, middle-order batter Wessly Madhevere and seamer Kundai Matigimu, who debuted against South Africa, have been left out.Related

Matt Fisher earns first NZ call-up, Williamson remains unavailable for Zimbabwe Tests

Glenn Phillips ruled out of Zimbabwe tour with groin injury

Blessing Muzarabani leads the seam attack, but there was no room for Richard Ngarava. The left-arm quick had injured his back in the Test against England but returned in the ongoing T20 tri-series featuring Zimbabwe, South Africa and New Zealand.Brian Bennett, who was concussed in the first Test against South Africa and had returned in the T20Is, is also in the Test squad. Dion Myers, who was covering for Bennett, has been released.Both Tests will be held in Bulawayo, where conditions are difficult for quicks and run-scoring can typically be slow, though South Africa scored at 5.49 runs to the over in the most recent Test there.This is the first time Zimbabwe will play Tests against New Zealand since 2016, when New Zealand visited Bulawayo and won the series 2-0. It also marks the end of a busy period of Tests for Zimbabwe for the time being.Since December last year, they have played eight Tests, including five at home, all at Queens Sports Club. Zimbabwe have lost all their home games and only won one of their last 15 Tests. They will next play Tests towards the end of the year when they host Afghanistan.The matches are not part of the current World Test Championship cycle.Zimbabwe squad: Craig Ervine (Captain), Brian Bennett, Tanaka Chivanga, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Roy Kaia, Tanunurwa Makoni, Clive Madande, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams

He appeared to be in significant pain as he left the field on the back of a golf-style buggy

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Jul-2025

Rishabh Pant winces in pain after hurting his foot•Getty Images

India were left hoping for a miracle after Rishabh Pant had to retire hurt and go for scans after a nasty foot injury when on 37 during the first day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford.Pant’s foot was swollen and he looked in pain after he inside-edged an attempted reverse sweep off Chris Woakes onto his right (front) foot. He survived the lbw shout and the subsequent review, but the immediate swelling and his inability to put any weight on the foot were worrying signs for India.Pant, India’s wicketkeeper and vice-captain, needed the help of a golf-style buggy to get off the field following on-field medical attention. He was taken to the medical facility at the ground, where captain Shubman Gill went to see him, and then to a hospital for scans.Liam Dawson, the England spinner, said he wished the best for Pant but “can’t see him playing much more part in this game”. B Sai Sudharsan, who was the non-striker at the time, described the pain his partner was in.Before the injury, Rishabh Pant played some incredible shots, including a sweep against Jofra Archer for four•Getty Images

“Oh, he was in a lot of pain definitely,” Sai Sudharsan said. “But they’ve gone for scans. We will get to know [more] overnight.”Sai Sudharsan was asked how much of a loss it would be if the injury turned out to be serious (possibly a fracture). “Obviously, he was batting really well,” Sai Sudharsan said. “We will miss a batter if he doesn’t come back again. So it will definitely have consequences. But, at the same time, the batters we have batting right now and there are a few more allrounders inside, so we will try and give our best and bat long so that we negotiate that loss well.”Pant’s innings of 37 off 48 balls was largely restrained but featured several characteristically outrageous shots, including a slog sweep for four off Jofra Archer, followed by an unsuccessful reverse sweep off the next ball.This is the second injury he has sustained in as many Test matches, following a blow on his left index finger while keeping in England’s first innings at Lord’s. Dhruv Jurel substituted as India’s wicketkeeper for the rest of that Test match. Though Pant was in discomfort while batting, he was cleared to play in Manchester.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Governo do Estado do Rio de Janeiro publicou no Diário Oficial a prorrogação do Termo de Permissão de Uso (TPU) do Maracanã para Flamengo e Fluminense até o fim do ano. Inicialmente, o prazo seria encerrado em outubro.

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A dupla Fla-Flu administra o estádio desde abril de 2019, mas sofrerá concorrência para seguir na gestão para 2024. Em novembro, os interessados em gerir o Maracanã enviarão suas propostas em chamamento público convocado pela Casa Civil pelo TPU que será válido pelos 12 meses do próximo ano.

+ Camisa 10! Aposte R$100 e ganhe R$400 com Gabigol e o Flamengo contra o Grêmio

+ Artilheiro! Aposte R$100 e receba R$700 com Veiga e Palmeiras contra o São Paulo

+ Confira a classificação do Brasileirão

O Estado entende que a renovação por seis meses, como vinha sendo feita anteriormente, era prejudicial, pois não levava em conta o calendário anual de competições nacionais.

Recentemente, o Governo do Estado do Rio de Janeiro também publicou um edital para a concessão do estádio pelos próximos 20 anos consecutivos e ininterruptos. As propostas dos interessados serão entregues no dia 7 de dezembro. Além de Flamengo e Fluminense, o Vasco deve entrar na disputa pelo Maracanã