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Leus Du Plooy haunted his former county Derbyshire as his second hundred of the season led Middlesex to a slender first-innings lead on day two at Lord’s.The Middlesex skipper, who spent five years with Derbyshire prior to joining the Seaxes produced a stoic four-and-a-half hour effort with only eight boundaries as the hosts reached 298 all out.Josh De Caires (46) and Joe Cracknell (43) provided the main support, the latter sharing a stand of 80 for the sixth wicket with Du Plooy.Ben Aitchison bowled beautifully for his 3 for 35, while Zak Chappell also claimed three victims, before openers Luis Reece and Caleb Jewell saw Derbyshire through to stumps at 17 without loss – a lead of two heading into day three.Aitchison’s probing opening burst provided a stern examination of the Middlesex openers and it was a test Sam Robson did not survive, this season’s beneficiary trapped lbw by one which beat the outside edge.De Caires and Luke Hollman somehow negotiated the rest of the seamer’s stump-to-stump spell, but in his endeavours to increase the tempo against some looser offerings from first change Chappell, the latter wafted lazily at a wide one to be caught at slip.De Caires picked up where he’d left off in his 175 against Durham for the second XI at Hartlepool last week, driving sweetly through mid-on and cracking a wide one from Chappell to the fence at point. However, four short of 50 and with lunch beckoning he was adjudged to have tickled one through to wicketkeeper Brooke Guest. His disappointment, whether at himself or the decision was palpable.It was left to Du Plooy to provide the innings of substance required. The South African-born left-hander got underway with a tickle for four to fine leg, but this was a studious rather than flamboyant knock, a later square drive another of the six fours in his first 50 reached in 80 balls.His second 50 was even more phlegmatic, nudges into the gaps marking his progress with only one further boundary until he reached the 90s. There was as scare on 91 as the 30-year-old crumpled to the floor after inside-edging a ball from Aitchison, the problem seemingly with his knee.He was able to continue after treatment, albeit hobbling, and a square drive and a punch through midwicket took him to a deserved hundred.Others batted around the skipper, Ryan Higgins threatening a big score before a flash at a wide one from Chappell cut his effort short on 31 and Ben Geddes didn’t stay long before becoming the seamer’s third victim, lbw to a ball which looked to be swinging past leg stump.Cracknell was the man to help in the one partnership of note, the wicketkeeper/batter riding his luck early on before unfurling some trademark aggressive shots, the pick a pull off Haydon which sailed into the Mound Stand. Haydon’s revenge was swift however, a ball stopping a little in the pitch before climbing to take the edge of the bat and flying to backward point.Du Plooy, now struggling physically, fell lbw to Luis Reece soon after the first innings lead was secured, after which the tail crumbled leaving the hosts two runs short of what could have been a precious second batting point.

Hosts left nine down overnight, still 33 runs from the victory they need to avoid relegation

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay26-Sep-2025Hampshire 248 and 148 for 9 (Orr 48, Chahar 7-45) need a further 33 runs to beat Surrey 147 and 281 (Albert 63, Abbott 5-72)Hampshire sat on the brink of Rothesay County Championship relegation after Surrey leg-spinner Rahul Chahar ploughed through them at Utilita Bowl.India international Chahar, in his first Championship appearance, made the most of a turning pitch to take 7 for 45 and see Hampshire collapse from 61 without loss to 148 for 9. The south coast county need to avoid defeat to stay in Division One next season, but in their chase of 181 they struggled to 148 for 9.Bad light stopped play at 4.35pm, to leave them on tenterhooks overnight, with 33 runs still needed – and statisticians CricViz offering a 14% chance of Hampshire managing it.Surrey began the day with four wickets in hand, but Hampshire bumbled their way through the morning – setting up a wretched day – taking 23 overs to finish the innings and giving up 55 runs in the process.It began fine, when Ali Orr pulled off a spectacular one-handed catch over his shoulder to see off Tom Lawes in the fifth over of the day. The wicket also handed Kyle Abbott his fourth five-wicket haul of the season, and took his tally to 56 scalps, beating last season’s tally of 55.Ralphie Albert reached 63 before hooking to long leg, but Matt Fisher scrapped and frustrated the hosts with Chahar and James Taylor.Fisher safely batted for almost an hour and a half for 22 not out, with Chahar hanging around for half an hour before swiping to the leg-side boundary rider. Taylor then blocked for 45 balls before James Fuller finally found an outside edge.Hampshire had been a bowler light, after Washington Sundar split the webbing in his hand fielding a ball off his own bowling the previous evening, and were facing a tough chase. The previous highest successful chase at Utilita Bowl this season had been the 148 they chased five down against Yorkshire in the opening fixture.A tricky over before lunch, which saw Fisher get so close to Orr’s outside edge that he thought it had been tickled through to Ben Foakes, was negotiated.Orr rode his luck when he was put down at short cover, but largely he and Fletcha Middleton appeared comfortable as they ticked off the runs. The first 50 runs flowed in 12 overs, with Orr especially fluent, and fears of the drop eased. But then they stuttered, the ball started to rag and the grey clouds of relegation gathered.From 61 without loss, Hampshire lost eight wickets for 59 runs – with Dan Lawrence and Chahar running amok on a pitch now turning. Middleton inexplicably missed a straight full toss, before Nick Gubbins was lbw to a Lawrence delivery that spun sharply and didn’t bounce.Chahar turned a ball from straight into the top of off stump to dislodge Toby Albert before Ben Brown was lbw to Lawrence and Orr missed a googly to depart for 48.Liam Dawson chased a wide ball from Chahar but drilled straight to short cover before Washington edged a half-volley to slip and Abbott’s under-edged to the keeper after tea as the malaise continued.Fuller had provided some resistance but now had to shepherd No. 11 Brad Wheal, often turning down runs as Wheal blocked 22 deliveries to keep Hampshire alive.The tension was extended overnight as gloomy conditions got too bad even for spin from both ends, meaning Hampshire need 33 runs in the morning or – depending on Durham’s fortunes up in Leeds – likely drop into Division Two.

Rapper Snoop Dogg has opened up about investing in Celtic, also talking up the idea of one manager he wants to see at Parkhead.

The Hoops’ search for their next boss is ongoing, as they look to find the perfect successor to Brendan Rodgers, following a disappointing end to his reign.

Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen has arguably emerged as the front-runner to take charge at Parkhead, with Celtic willing to give him big wages, enticing him to the club in the process.

Hayen is far from the only contender to come in, though, with England Under-21s boss Lee Carsley mentioned as an option, having been praised by Roy Keane in the past: “For England, it’s all positive. The big players performed, young players stepped up. Lee Carsley deserves huge praise. They really looked like they enjoyed it. They didn’t seem to be under that much pressure and played with freedom.”

Meanwhile, Ange Postecoglou is currently out of work and has been linked with a return to Celtic, and now a new claim has dropped regarding a potential reunion.

Snoop Dogg wants Postecoglou back at Celtic

In quotes provided by The Daily Record, Snoop Dogg discussed Postecoglou coming back to Celtic, as well as opening up about investing in the club.

Opinion may be split regarding Postecoglou coming back to Celtic, although it does look unlikely, not least because his reputation has been damaged compared to when he left Parkhead last time around.

The Australian may have won the Europa League with Tottenham, but he also finished 17th in the Premier League, which ultimately cost him his job, before lasting no time at all at Nottingham Forest.

For that reason, this could be a sensible time for Celtic to avoid Postecoglou, instead looking at Hayen or someone else, bringing new ideas to the club in the process.

Celtic chiefs line up Lee Carsley approach amid "huge praise" from Roy Keane

Would he be the ideal choice for the Hoops?

ByHenry Jackson Nov 1, 2025

Of course, some would love to see him back with the Hoops, given the success he achieved there, and the football he played, but there would be a risk in rehiring him after a tough few years.

Celtic chiefs readying drastic action in Nicky Hayen pursuit with huge wages on offer

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.”

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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.

Key wickets dent Gloucestershire’s hopes after pair of half-centuries

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay24-May-2025Gloucestershire 156 for 4 (Bancroft 60, Hammond 51) trail Northamptonshire 469 (Zaib 159, Sales 81, Harrison 63) by 313 runsNorthamptonshire leg-spinner Calvin Harrison followed up a career-best knock of 63 with two wickets to keep his side in control of their Rothesay County Championship clash against Gloucestershire at Wantage Road.Harrison, on loan from Nottinghamshire, shared a ninth-wicket partnership of 90 with Liam Guthrie as the home side posted a daunting total of 469, built around Saif Zaib’s career-high 159.Visiting captain Cameron Bancroft defied Northamptonshire with a gritty 60 – his first half-century in seven innings – while Miles Hammond hit a more pugnacious 51, but both fell shortly before stumps to leave Gloucestershire 156 for four, still 164 short of the follow-on target.Harrison finished the day with two for 40, with Luke Procter and Harry Conway picking up a wicket apiece.Resuming on 327 for six, Northamptonshire built steadily throughout the morning session, with Lewis McManus square cutting Matt Taylor to the boundary to take his stand with Zaib into three figures.Taylor had McManus caught behind for 43 in his next over, persuading the right-hander to nibble outside off stump, but Zaib soon progressed to 150 for the first time as the home side pocketed a third batting bonus point.They declined to attempt a swift dash for a fourth, particularly after Zaib’s marathon knock finally came to an end, slashing Archie Bailey to slip, but Harrison, who drove confidently on the off side – including an all-run four off Bailey – and Guthrie batted capably.Gloucestershire brought back Zaman Akhter, who had been wayward early on, for a second spell at the David Capel End and Guthrie immediately steered him to the long-on boundary, prompting them to switch to an all-spin attack leading up to lunch.That included the occasional off-breaks of Hammond, who continued after the interval but was soon targeted as Harrison, having passed his half-century, thumped him to the fence twice in quick succession.Fellow spinner Ollie Price made the breakthrough when Harrison reverse-swept him into the hands of backward point and, with Guthrie holing out for 33 in Graeme van Buuren’s next over, it was finally time for Gloucestershire’s openers to strap on their pads.There was an early scare for Bancroft, who dragged Guthrie onto his pad rather than the stumps, while Ben Charlesworth survived a hesitant inside edge off Conway in similar fashion.The pair appeared to have settled into their rhythm, but Procter’s consistent spell as first change brought rewards when he found the outside edge of Charlesworth’s bat and Ricardo Vasconcelos snapped up the chance at slip.However, Bancroft kept the scoreboard ticking along after tea, leg-glancing Conway to the rope and then flicking the seamer off his hips for four more while Ollie Price dropped anchor at the other end.Price had just begun to flex his muscles by sweeping Harrison for two boundaries and tried to turn the leg-spinner around the corner again – but Vasconcelos anticipated the shot and scurried around behind McManus to take the catch.New batter Hammond held firm and flourished against the spinners, scoring freely on both sides of the wicket to reach his fourth 50 of the campaign from 60 balls, sharing a stand of 80 with Bancroft.But Harrison returned to pin Hammond leg before and the skipper departed in the next over, caught down the leg side off Conway as Gloucestershire limped through to the close.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians tenta virar a página e juntar os cacos após a eliminação na semifinal da Copa do Brasil, mas pode ter um problema com Fagner para o final de semana.

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+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

O lateral-direito deixou o Morumbi mancando e pode ser baixa no Timão para o duelo contra o Cruzeiro, neste sábado (19), pela primeira rodada do returno no Brasileirão.

Contra o São Paulo, Vanderlei Luxemburgo optou por começar com Bruno Méndez na lateral-direita. Após o intervalo, Luxa sacou o uruguaio e colocou o camisa 23, que sofreu um pisão nos minutos finais da partida.

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O Corinthians ainda divulgou a situação clínica do jogadore, e a tendência é que Fagner seja reavaliado na reapresentação do elenco no CT Joaquim Grava, nesta quinta-feira (17).

+ Veja tabela e simule os jogos do Timão no Brasileirão

Caso Fagner não tenha condição de enfrentar a Raposa, a tendência é que Bruno Méndez siga improvisado na lateral-direita. Luxemburgo ainda tem Rafael Ramos e o jovem Léo Mana, que vinha sendo relacionado para os últimos compromissos do Timão, mas acabou descendo ao Sub-20 para reforçar a equipe de Danilo na semifinal contra o Palmeiras, pelo Brasileirão da categoria.

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Russell Martin retains belief that Rangers will come good in the long run after beginning their Europa League campaign with a 1-0 Ibrox defeat to Genk.

Gers midfielder Mohamed Diomande was shown a straight red card in the 41st minute for his challenge on Zakaria El Ouahdi. In added time in the first half, Gers keeper Jack Butland saved a penalty from former Celtic striker Oh Hyeon-gyu, but the South Korean eventually opened the scoring in the 55th minute and it proved to be the winner.

Martin, who had no complaints about the red card, has won four times in 14 games since he took over in the summer and the remaining fans in the crowd of 37,898 – the lowest in a European game at Ibrox since Rangers came back to the top flight – chanted against him at the final whistle.

When asked what gave him continuing confidence, he said: “Well, the way the players train, the way they stick together in the second half, the feeling inside the training ground, so I can’t control anything else apart from that. We will work, learn from tonight.

“Have a bit of perspective on tonight and how difficult it was after the red card. Because whether you like it or not, it changes a lot when you are down to 10 men for so long in a game in a European tie.“So, learn from it, especially the first half, where we hurt ourselves a little bit and got trapped too much.

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“And then get ready to prepare and perform and win on Sunday. I’m disappointed we lose. The red card changed the game a lot. I was looking forward to getting to half-time. We had a few key points across to help the performance.

“We started fine, we had a bit of control and then we had a 10-minute spell where Genk got on top because we just didn’t look after the ball anywhere near well enough, forced it a little bit, and then we defended too deep because we didn’t take care of each other with the ball.

“And then I thought we rode that out and it looked like we were getting a bit of control back. Then Dio gets sent off, so it’s frustrating for us, really frustrating. I asked them to be really aggressive and not just defend for 45 minutes to try and get a draw and get a point, so I thought we looked a threat.

“And they had a couple of moments but they didn’t cut us open. It wasn’t like we were defending relentlessly and we had a couple of moments ourselves. So I’m frustrated. The red card changes a lot but I’m proud of the effort in the second half.

Genk boss heaps praise on "special" Rangers fans

Genk boss Thorsten Fink was pleased to leave Ibrox with a 1-0 win and recalled playing at the Govan stadium for Bayern Munich in 1999, when the two sides drew 1-1 in a Champions League group game.

He said: “I was happy to see the crowd today and the fans in the stadium. I was here in 1999. I didn’t play, but I was on the bench. Rangers drew 1-1 with Bayern Munich.

“They played a very good game against us. I have been a coach for a long time, but it was my first time coming here as a coach so it is a nice victory for me.

“There is always a good atmosphere here. They supported their team from what I saw. When I was here with Bayern Munich there were more fans, 52,000 I think.“They are special, special fans. The atmosphere in 1999 I will never forget. Today the fans were good as well. I was happy to be here.”

Newcastle United have held talks with a “great” player’s agent ahead of a potential move this summer, according to a fresh transfer claim.

Howe feeling positive amid Isak saga

The Magpies made a respectable start to their Premier League season, drawing 0-0 away to Aston Villa on Saturday, in a result that Eddie Howe would surely have taken before the game. The Newcastle manager has now spoken positively about the feel within the group, even though the Alexander Isak situation is still far from sorted.

“We had to change the narrative around us really because everything was negative and sometimes that can consume you. We’ve consistently had players here that have fought really hard for the club in difficult circumstances before and we’ve always come through as a better team for it. This is a unique situation and a difficult situation for the players to handle but today I think they were brilliant in their response.”

For Newcastle, it’s now a case of enjoying a strong end to the summer transfer window, looking to not only keep hold of Isak, but also signing further players after the weekend addition of Jacob Ramsey from Villa, with the likes of Yoana Wissa and Nicolas Jackson potential options.

Newcastle hold talks with Italian star's agent

In a new development, Newcastle are said to have made contact with Davide Frattesi’s agent over a move to St James’ Park this summer. It is going to be “very difficult” to get a deal over the line, with Inter Milan wanting to keep hold of an important midfielder.

This comes after a weekend claim that the Magpies had seen a bid for the 25-year-old rejected, when in fact, this new update suggests an offer is yet to be made.

Frattesi joining Newcastle does admittedly feel unlikely at this point, but if the situation does change, he could be a fantastic addition, helping boost Howe’s squad depth ahead of his side’s return to the Champions League.

The Italy international has been an impressive performer for Inter, winning one Serie A title and helping them reach last season’s Champions League final, while the legendary Roberto Baggio has praised him in the past.

“I didn’t follow much on the transfer market, but two moves stuck in my mind. The first is Tonali ‘s move to Newcastle, which I didn’t expect. Milan lose a lot without him. The other is Frattesi’s move to Inter, because he’s a player I like and follow. This is a great coup.”

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If Newcastle can sign Frattesi, keep Isak and also bring in another striker to make up for the loss of Callum Wilson, a disappointing summer would suddenly feel very productive.

Atletico Madrid and UEFA will reportedly launch an investigation into the heated clashes that overshadowed Liverpool's 3-2 Champions League win at Anfield. Atletico boss Diego Simeone was shown a red card following a heated exchange with a Reds fan on Wednesday night after Virgil van Dijk's late winner. Now, a probe will look into an Atletico employee appearing to spit into the crowd.

UEFA to investigate Anfield spit-gate

Following Van Dijk's stoppage-time winner in their Champions League opener, Simeone was dismissed following a melee close to Atletico's bench. Footage appears to show one of his team spitting into the crowd, and now the Spanish side and UEFA will review this, with the latter potentially taking disciplinary action.

AdvertisementZiggo SportSimeone explains furious outburst

The Argentine said after the match: "It's never very good when we react as managers, is it? But if there are comments against racism or insults, we can get angry and fight back as well, managers. When they scored the third goal, he [the supporter] turned around and insulted me. When I turned around, I am a person and I'm human.

"I'm not going to get into the exact nature of the insults. I don't want to get involved with that. I have got to stay in my place. I know what went on behind the manager's bench. I can't solve society's problems in one press conference. I've got to live with it because it exists all over the place."

Atletico boss regrets actions against Liverpool

Simeone also said that he regretted clashing with Liverpool supporters after seeing his side coming from 2-0 down and then equalise, only to come away with nothing at the death.

The 55-year-old said: "Firstly, I regret the part I played. It's clear we are in a position where we do not have the right to react and it is not good when we react."

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AFPWhat next for Atletico and Liverpool?

It remains to be seen if Atletico, Simeone, or Liverpool fans will be punished for what transpired at Anfield this week. Next up, the Reds host bitter rivals Everton in the Premier League on Saturday in the latest edition of the Merseyside derby.

Manchester United officially confirmed the signing of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig on a permanent deal to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch on Saturday.

The Slovenia international was unveiled to the crowd before the friendly against Fiorentina, and had the chance to soak up the atmosphere from the stands before he gets the chance to play for himself.

Since Sesko’s arrival, journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed that Rasmus Hojlund has been told that he will need to leave the club to play regular football in the 2025/26 campaign.

AC Milan are said to be interested in signing the Danish centre-forward and are willing to sign him on loan with an option to buy for £40m, with talks seemingly ongoing.

Former Premier League striker keen on Man Utd move

The Red Devils may need to dip into the market to sign a replacement for Hojlund, should he complete a move to Milan, as it would leave them light on back-up for Sesko if not.

Transfer Focus

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

According to The Sun, free agent centre-forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin is hoping to seal a transfer to Manchester United this summer to join Ruben Amorim’s squad.

The report claims that the former England international has parted ways with his representatives to negotiate with clubs himself, and is targeting a move to Old Trafford.

It adds that United would have to sell one of Zirzkee or Hojlund in order to make room for Calvert-Lewin, which means that Milan’s interest in Hojlund could open the door to a deal for the striker, who left Everton at the end of last season.

Why Man Utd should sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin

The Red Devils should consider signing the ex-Toffees star on a free transfer because he could be a dream replacement for Hojlund as a back-up striker.

Whilst the Danish forward may leave in search of regular football, Calvert-Lewin is an experienced forward who has not played for one of the biggest clubs in the country yet, and this latest report shows that he is keen to join, despite knowing he would likely be behind Sesko.

The 28-year-old marksman, who was once hailed as a “monster” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, scored 71 goals in 273 appearances in all competitions for Everton.

As you can see in the table above, Calvert-Lewin is an incredibly experienced Premier League forward who has scored plenty of goals at the level, albeit not as consistently as he may have liked.

United cannot expect, without European football, to sign a top-quality centre-forward who can score 20 or more goals to come in and sit on the bench behind Sesko week-in-week-out, potentially only getting run-outs as a substitute.

That is why signing a striker like Calvert-Lewin to replace Hojlund as a back-up could be the perfect stop-gap for the 2025/26 campaign, before they can address it next year.

The plan could be to sign the English forward on a one-year deal, as a free agent, to provide an experienced and proven back-up centre-forward presence, and hope that the team qualifies for the Champions League, or another European competition.

Then they could go back into the market next summer knowing that they would have more football to offer a back-up option, which could attract a higher calibre of striker to compete with Sesko, knowing that they will still get game time.

Therefore, signing Calvert-Lewin may not be an exciting prospect, given his three-goal haul last season and the fact that he is a free agent, but he could be a shrewd short-term addition for Amorim.

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