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And their captain is a man who specialises in adapting to situations as they arise

Daniel Vettori13-Jul-20192:36

Vettori: Williamson, Taylor can assess conditions better than anyone

There’s real excitement back in New Zealand about the final. Winning the semi-final last time at home meant a lot to everyone and it swept up everyone at the time. But a win away from home to make the final is particularly impressive.In most recent World Cups, Australia have been dominant and gone in as favourites. I think this tournament at the top end has been a lot more even, with England and India being favourites to start. Then Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan – West Indies to some extent. Upsets were expected from Afghanistan and Bangladesh. So I think it feels like a tougher road to have travelled this time, because of the quality of all the teams on show.ALSO READ: The serenity and resilience of being New ZealandI think New Zealand will be feeling pretty good on the eve of the game. You hear the stuff Gary Stead said about trying to treat it as another game, and I think because of the experience of 2015, they possibly can.They will be led by Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Martin Guptill, who are all pretty experienced, and the fact that they have played in a final before will help. They’ve been there, with all the trappings, the build-up, the emotion. Walking into Lord’s and seeing everything that’s going on may change that a little bit, but I think that they will be able to stay relatively calm also because they have come in on the back of some good performances.Back in 2015, no one in the group had that experience, but now the majority of the group have, and those players are the most experienced members of the side. I think they will provide leadership and guidance in how to understand and deal with it. So will some of the coaching staff – Craig McMillan was there and he will play a critical role in the lead-up as well.Five years ago it was a pretty relaxed build-up. We tried to keep it as low-key as possible, as similar to everything that had gone on previously. Brendon [McCullum] and Hess [Mike Hesson] were big proponents of that – looking at it as just another game. We had been in New Zealand through the tournament, so to get on a plane and go to Melbourne was pretty exciting. I remember Derek Jeter was at the ground, and I got a photo with him. That’s what I was most excited about!I can’t remember any nerves. And there was no change of tactics. It was: “We’ve played some good cricket, let’s keep going.”I truly believe that the players are ready to go, and they’re pretty comfortable with the situation, though looking on from the outside, there seems to be so much pressure. I don’t think they think about the semi-finals record. They’ll look at the game in front of them and say, “This is an incredible achievement to get here, but we still have to win it.” I think there will be some conversations around mindset, but I don’t think they’ll get specific about “We have to do this, this, this and this.”In the current team, Taylor, Southee and Guptill are the only ones who have ever lost a semi-final, I think. They’ve won two and lost one – that’s how they’ll see it. New Zealand are a very confident semi-final team. The next step is to take it into that final. If this team can go one step further, it will be amazing.In the semi-final in 2015, Brendon stepped out and smashed Dale Steyn, and that was one of the main reasons we made the final. We all wanted him to do against Mitchell Starc what he did against Steyn, but that didn’t happen, of course. And in any case, there are ten other players who’re all supposed to stand up and get the job done…ALSO READ: Grant Elliott: The 2015 semi-final made me realise that sport can change a nationAfter the game, it was business as usual. I took my son to school the next morning. I think my wife made me! She said, “You’re going away for a few days, make yourself useful before you go.” There were some excited parents at the school.New Zealand is such a small country, so I suppose you’re accessible in a lot of ways. You’re not secluded from everything that happens in daily life. I think the guys really love that as well. You can be – “anonymous” is not the right word, but you can be left to your own devices. I think that’s a New Zealand thing. The rugby players will probably be the only ones who get adulation, but even that is low-key. People are left alone to work and do their own thing, and people’s privacy is respected.When you look at Kane’s captaincy, I think the team has been shaped in his image – pretty low-key and humble. When you’re in a tough situation, he is about understanding and figuring out how they can work through it. I think that’s the main thing that he has brought to this team: having a game plan to get them out of trouble. When they lost three games in a row, they had a game plan to get a victory against India, and that’s testament to Kane. He will remain calm, he will see the big picture rather than panicking in the moment.He has stayed pretty consistent over the years, and I think he has learned to deal with everything that comes with being a top batsman and leading the team. There will have been some new experiences for him; he was just about being a batsman, but now he is a leader, dealing with everything that comes with that.ALSO READ: Boult, Henry, Ferguson: Brutal, hellish, fastThe way Kane goes about things, it’s not about “I’m aggressive today” or “I’m defensive today.” He just sums up the situation: “This is what we’ve got to do to win the game.” And that permeates through the team.The ability to understand conditions is, more than anything else, what sets this New Zealand team apart. They just read situations well. They’re not confined to one style of play. They adapt, and figure things out on the fly. That’s a sign of a good team. I think England are the same: they’ve done similar things in terms of understanding what is going to work in certain situations and working to that.Looking at the players, Guptill hasn’t had a great World Cup, but I think they will be looking to the Guptill who has played 170 games, who is one of New Zealand’s greatest players, been one of the world’s best batsmen over the last four or five years. That’s the confidence they’ll want to build.Not only Guppy but everyone in the group. When you look at Boult and his improvement – it seems funny to talk about one of the best bowlers in the world as having improved, but I think the way he bowls in the middle now, the way he bowls at the death, those things suggest that there’s a general trend of players in the side getting better.”Earlier Kane was just about being a batsman. Now he’s about being a leader and dealing with everything that comes from that”•Getty ImagesIn World Cups, Taylor will perhaps be New Zealand’s most successful player: 2007, semi-final; 2011, semi-final; 2015, final; 2019 final. There’s no other New Zealand cricketer who has that kind of achievement in World Cups. And I have heard him talk about going to another one, so let’s not write him off yet! If this is his last one, hopefully he’ll come out a winner.Tim got injured at a really inopportune time and he missed games, and Matt Henry took his chance, bowled exceptionally well, and has come back even stronger at the back end of the tournament.Mitchell Santner – he’ll far exceed me. I’ve known Mitch since he was about 12 or 13. He used to come to the nets and bowl to us, and he was impressive from day one. He is just a really talented bowler, and over the years he has learned conditions, learned how to deal with coming up against some of the greatest batsmen, and also dealing with how aggressive everyone is now. I think he has managed his game as well as anyone to be successful in this era.He has also always been a good batsman. He was a genuine allrounder who opened the batting for Northern Districts back home, and I think his development over the last few years in the spotlight with New Zealand has been incredible.ALSO READ: Bring on the pressure: dot-ball devil Santner is up for itOccasionally when spinners are given conditions that favour them, they might look to do something different, and not bowl as consistently well as they have in the past, but I can’t remember Mitch bowling a bad ball in that semi-final. It was a wicket that assisted him slightly but he stuck to the plan of trying to take the stumps, mixing his pace up and not giving anything away.I think he, like any good spinner, trusts the bowling partnerships, so if someone is attacking at the other end, he can be defensive and vice versa, and I think he read that really well and just built and built and built. His six overs for five runs, or whatever it was, was almost the winning of the game in a lot of ways, because it just continued on the work from Boult and Henry.In the semi-final, New Zealand were all about understanding the conditions – what was going to work and what wasn’t. If you take any other attitude, it can catch you out. And I think that’s how they’ll go in the final. They’ll look at the Lord’s wicket, they’ll look at the overhead conditions, they’ll see how Chris Woakes and Jofra Archer are bowling first up, if they are; or see how Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy are batting.It will be about gaining information. Once again it comes down to the pragmatic question: How are we going to win the game? It will be about reading conditions. It seems almost boring, but I think that’s the right way to go about it, and probably the way they will go about it.

Rashid Khan the only overseas cricketer to feature in the top five

ESPNcricinfo stats team28-Jan-2020The Melbourne Stars finished top of the league in BBL 2019-20, after dominating all the way thanks to the able leadership and performance of Glenn Maxwell along with some strong support from Marcus Stoinis.Glenn Maxwell has been by far the most valuable player in the competition till now.ESPNcricinfo LtdAccording to ESPNcricinfo’s Smart Stats, which takes into account not just the runs scored and wickets taken but also the match context and quality of those runs and wickets, Maxwell had a total impact score of 859, some distance in front of second-placed Rashid Khan, who had a score of 784.Although the Perth Scorchers did not make the finals, their fast bowler Jhye Richardson and captain Mitchell Marsh were good enough to find room among the five most valuable players. The leading run-getter of the competition at this stage, Stoinis, also made the top five with an impact score of 715.Maxwell’s impact was evident with both bat and ball. Although he has lost a bit of sting with the bat as the tournament has gone on, he had enough impact in the early stages to remain at pole position. His unbeaten 83 from 45 deliveries against the Melbourne Renegades after walking out at 54 for 3 chasing 169, was one of the best knocks of the competition. Maxwell the bowler has also made a significant impact. Although he has taken only seven wickets from 31 overs, his economy rate of 6.8 was the second best for anyone who bowled at least 150 deliveries.Khan was the lone overseas player in the top five, with 18 wickets at an economy rate of 7.24. Khan’s impact has been high mainly due to the situations he has bowled on, usually looking to break strong partnerships or control the run rate.Batting impact score is derived taking into account Smart Runs (Factors taken are the innings run rate, required run rate at every ball when he scored his runs, the quality of opposition bowlers, wickets in hand, quality of batsmen to follow, and match situation) and the replacement benefit or cost to the team, as the case may be, if the batsman’s performance is replaced with the match average.Bowling impact score is derived taking into account Smart Economy and Smart Wickets (Factors taken are the phase in which he bowled, the current/required rate, the quality of batsmen dismissed, and the match context when he took his wickets) and the replacement benefit or cost to the team, as the case may be, if the bowler’s performance is replaced with the match average. Impact Score is a sum of the batting and bowling impact scores in each match.ESPNcricinfo Ltd Smart WicketsWhile batsmen have been impactful at various times, some bowlers have stood out with match-winning performances, key wickets at crucial stages of the game. Daniel Sams from the Sydney Thunder has been the best bowler in the BBL taking 25 wickets at 7.81 runs per over; 22 of them were that of top-six batsmen and at crucial stages of the game. Although Tom Curran was the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament, Smart Stats found that Curran’s 22 wickets were valued slightly less at 19 wickets – 36% of his wickets were of lower-order batsmen (positions 7 to 11) and were sometimes taken with no impact on the result.In terms of Smart Wickets, Khan, Richardson and Wes Agar completed the top five. Richardson had a telling impact for the Scorchers, 13 of his 15 wickets were of top-seven batsmen and ten from the top five. Bowling the tougher overs in the Powerplay and the death, the impact Richardson had on the game was much higher than that of many others. Richardson’s 15 wickets are therefore worth 17 because Smart Wickets takes into account the following:

• The quality of batsman dismissed, so dismissing a top-order batsman fetches more points than dismissing a tail-ender
• The score at which a batsman was dismissed, so dismissing a batsman for a single-digit score is more rewarding than getting him out for 60
• The match situation at the time of the dismissal, so dismissing a batsman when the match is in the balance is worth more than getting him out when the result of the game is all but decided

Richardson has removed the best batsmen of the opposition more often than not and has been instrumental when the Scorchers have won. Agar has also played a key role for the Adelaide Strikers. He has bowled the harder overs and taken crucial wickets, like against the Hobart Hurricanes and the StarsGetty ImagesSmart Economy RateAt the end of the league stage, some bowlers not only took wickets but also controlled the run flow. Smart Economy Rate evaluates this aspect of the game. In terms of Smart Economy Rate, which is calculated by dividing Smart Runs Conceded by overs bowled, Richardson was the best with an economy of 5.84. Coming in a close second is team-mate Fawad Ahmed, whose Smart Economy Rate was 5.88. Peter Siddle, Adam Zampa and Khan completed the top five. Interestingly, three of the top five bowlers are wristspinners.Smart Stats is a part of Superstats, a new set of metrics by ESPNcricinfo to tell more enriching and insightful numbers-based stories. To know more about Superstats, click here

India’s oldest living first-class cricketer turned 100 years old on January 26, 2020

Nagraj Gollapudi26-Jan-2020Sachin Tendulkar and Steve Waugh dropped by. Soon after, another legend, Sunil Gavaskar paid a visit. Vasant Raiji does not recollect those greats visiting him at his ocean-view south Mumbai residence. But there is a reason cricketing greats want to visit Raiji. On Sunday, the oldest living Indian first-class player completed a century in life. Born on January 26, 1920, Raiji is 100 years old now.Primarily a batsman, Raiji represented Bombay (as it was known in his time) and Baroda in nine first-class matches before turning his attention to the family business of chartered accountancy. In a decade-long career that coincided with World War II, Raiji scored 277 runs at an average of 23 with one half-century.

Wishing you a very special birthday, Shri Vasant Raiji.

Steve & I had a wonderful time listening to some amazing cricket stories about the past.
Thank you for passing on a treasure trove of memories about our beloved sport. pic.twitter.com/4zdoAcf8S3

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 26, 2020

Incidentally, Raiji’s first-class debut wasn’t with Bombay or Baroda, but for a Cricket Club of India (CCI) team that played against Central Provinces and Berar in Nagpur in 1939. History books list it as a festival match though, in which Raiji was out for a duck in the first innings and made 1 not out in the second.It was a match in which he got the opportunity to play against some India stalwarts, including CK Nayudu, Mushtaq Ali, Vijay Hazare and Lala Amarnath. Raiji’s Bombay debut came in 1941 against Western India under Vijay Merchant’s captaincy, a match that also featured Raiji’s brother Madan.After that Raiji made his debut for Bombay in 1941 against Western India under the captaincy of Merchant. That match also featured Madan.In 2011, talking at a function organised by CCI to celebrate Merchant’s birth centenary, Raiji recounted what Merchant had told him and Laxman Kenny, his opening partner.”You two play for separate clubs,” Raiji remembered Merchant saying. “You will not have much of an understanding with each other while running between the wickets. Be very cautious.”As it happened Raiji, Kenny and Merchant were run out.Despite becoming a chartered accountant, Raiji’s love for cricket never diminished. In the 1930s, Raiji was one of the founding members of the Jolly Cricket Club along with his longtime friend, the late Anandji Dossa, a well-known statistician in the last century. Former India allrounder Bapu Nadkarni, who died recently, played for Jolly, as did Eknath Solkar, Ashok Mankad and Yajurvindra Singh.Despite switching careers, Raiji poured his love for the game into words by authoring several books, with his subjects ranging from CK Nayudu, Victor Trumper, Duleepsinhji and his own hero LP Jai, the former Bombay batsman who played one match, India’s maiden Test at home, against Douglas Jardine’s England in 1933 at the Bombay Gymkhana.Raiji was one of the thousands that turned up to watch that historic match as a 13-year-old, but it was not easy. His father Naisadrai had to shell out INR 100, a king’s ransom in those days, so that his son could enjoy India’s first Test.Raiji never forgot the events of the match, including Lala Amarnath becoming India’s first Test centurion. Did that innings make Raiji take up cricket seriously? “Back then, there was no culture of deciding,” Raiji told recently in an interview. He said Naisadrai wanted him and Madan to join NM Raiji & Co, the family-run CA firm. “Cricket was a hobby.”Raiji’s memory might be failing him at times, but he does keep half an eye on cricket. He even has a view on the raging debate on four-day Test cricket. “A four-day Test series won’t work at all. There will be too many drawn matches,” he told .A centurion in life, Raiji continues to enjoy his hobby.

Burnley are already looking to sign a Championship star this summer ahead of promotion rivals Sheffield United, according to a new update.

Burnley on course for Championship promotion under Parker

The Clarets are in a hugely strong position to win promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, with Scott Parker’s side second in the Championship and five points clear of the Blades in third.

Parker’s side have been brilliant in defence which has laid the promotion platform, conceding just 13 times in 42 games.

Burnley set the pace last Friday with a 2-1 win over Norwich City after goals from Hannibal Mejbri and Jaidon Anthony. Leeds also won 2-1 at home to Preston North End, however, Chris Wilder’s side lost 2-1 against Plymouth Argyle.

As a result, should Burnley win at Watford on Friday, a victory at Turf Moor against Sheffield United on Monday would guarantee promotion.

Owner Alan Pace could back Parker in the transfer market if Burnley go up, and by the looks of things, a new target from the second tier has emerged.

Burnley looking to sign £10m Championship star ahead of Sheffield United

According to reporter Graeme Bailey for EFL Analysis, Burnley are one of five clubs interested in signing Stoke City attacker Million Manhoef.

As well as the Clarets, rivals Sheffield United are also interested in the winger along with Scottish giants Celtic and Belgian duo Genk and Club Brugge.

The Potters are looking for £10m to sell Manhoef this summer after spending just £3m on his services last January.

The 23-year-old, who mainly plays as a right-winger, is into double figures for goal contributions in 2024/25 and is under contract with Stoke until 2027.

Manhoef was also praised by former manager Steven Schumacher last year, who described the attacker as a player who can make things happen.

“We expected him to take time to settle in, but since he’s got here, he’s been really positive. He’s shown what he can do, his ability that he’s got, and getting a goal like he got on Saturday will only do his confidence the world of good.

“We needed that type of player who can run towards the goal, take people on, get shots away and create for the team, so I’m not overly surprised that he’s starting to do that now. Like all players though, he’ll thrive off confidence. He thrives off belief and a run of games. Getting up to the speed and the intensity of the Championship is going to be key for him.”

Should Burnley win the race for Manhoef, he may rival loanee Marcus Edwards for a spot on the right-hand side, providing the Clarets go up and exercise their option to make Edwards’ move permanent.

Manchester United have, to put it simply, not been good enough in the Premier League this season, under the management of Erik ten Hag or Ruben Amorim.

The Red Devils are currently 14th in the table and level on points with Wolverhampton Wanderers, who beat them 1-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday, despite Vitor Pereira’s side having battled relegation for most of the campaign.

United are miles off the European places, 20 points behind Manchester City in fourth, and will not be competing in Europe unless they win the Europa League.

Amorim’s side saw off Lyon in extra-time in dramatic fashion to secure a place in the semi-finals against Athletic Bilbao, with plenty of work left to be done to salvage the club’s season.

Those behind the scenes will already be looking ahead to the summer transfer window and how they can make moves to improve the squad going into next season.

One of the players who has already been linked with a move to Old Trafford played against the Reds on Sunday, as Matheus Cunha caught the eye for Wolves.

Why Manchester United want to sign Matheus Cunha

It was reported earlier this month that Manchester United are already in talks to sign the Brazil international to bolster their squad in the summer window.

Cunha started as one of the two attacking midfielders behind Jorgen Strand Larsen on Sunday, and ended the match with three of four dribbles completed, one chance created, and a 91% pass completion rate.

Being secure on the ball and completing a few dribbles is not why Manchester United may want to sign the attacker, however, as they are more likely to be interested in his ability to score and create goals.

The former Atletico Madrid forward has scored 14 goals and provided four assists in 25 starts in the Premier League so far this term, which means that he could end the campaign with 20 or more goal contributions in the division.

As you can see in the table above, Cunha has outscored every player in the United squad by at least six goals and has been compared to Bruno Fernandes, in terms of ‘big chances’ created, as a creative force.

These statistics suggest that the Brazilian dynamo is a player who has the quality to be an excellent addition to the squad, which may be why the club are keen to sign him.

However, former United scout Mick Brown recently claimed that Arsenal, another team interested in Cunha, “will have questions about his attitude now” after he hit out at Wolves supporters on social media, along with his six matches missed through suspension.

Manchester United hopeful of deal for Premier League star

The Red Devils could avoid those concerns about the Wolves star by swooping for their own version of him this summer, which is what they could do with the latest reported target.

According to The Sun, Amorim wants to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace to bolster his attacking midfield options, and is hopeful of winning the race for his services.

The report claims that Manchester United have identified the England international as a key target for the summer transfer window, as they believe that he can bring the ‘class’ that they currently lack on the pitch.

Transfer Focus

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It adds, however, that they are not the only club interested in landing the former QPR star. Aston Villa would also be in the running to snap him up if they decide against signing Marcus Rashford on a permanent deal.

The Sun reveals that Palace are bracing themselves for offers of around £50m this summer, and United must stump up the cash to land the Eagles star to come in as their own version of Cunha.

Why Eze would be Man Utd's own Cunha

The 26-year-old maestro, who was dubbed “frightening” by Joel Ward, could be an excellent addition to the club’s midfield ranks without bringing any potential disciplinary problems along with him, as Eze has not been shown a single red card in 296 career club matches to date.

Purely from a footballing perspective, though, Cunha is one of the most similar players to Eze in the Men’s Big 5 Leagues, as per FBref, over the past 365 days of action.

As you can see in the chart above, both players rank very similarly in several statistics during that time, particularly when it comes to creating chances and progressing the ball into the penalty area via passes and carries.

This shows that they are both attacking midfielders who are constantly looking to probe and create for their respective teams, which could provide Amorim’s side with a boost at the top end of the pitch.

Eze has only scored three goals from 7.90 xG in the Premier League this season, but his form in the previous two campaigns – particularly 2023/24 – suggests that it should not be a huge concern for United.

As you can see in the table above, the Palace star is a proven Premier League performer who has delivered quality in front of goal as a scorer in two of the last three seasons, whilst delivering consistent quality as a creative force in all three of those campaigns.

Eze, who was called a “wizard” by England teammate Declan Rice, has the potential to provide goals and assists as an attacking midfielder in the top-flight if he can get back to his best in front of goal.

Big upgrade on Zirkzee: Man Utd agree personal terms to sign £30m "monster"

Manchester United have reportedly reached an agreement to sign a star who would send Joshua Zirkzee packing.

1

By
Dan Emery

Apr 21, 2025

This is why the Red Devils should push to get a deal over the line for the Eagles superstar this summer, because he could be their own version of Cunha, without the disciplinary question marks.

Manchester City’s mass-squad overhaul looks set to continue.

Kyle Walker has already departed, while Kevin De Bruyne will follow him out the exit door, with a few more sky blue stalwarts potentially set to leave this summer too.

Meantime, the Citizens spent £180m in January, that’s more than the other 19 Premier League clubs combined, recruiting Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Nico González, Vitor Reis and Juma Bah.

However, they are far from done there, so does Pep Guardiola have his eyes on a future £100m sensation to upgrade on Jérémy Doku?

Jérémy Doku's up-and-down Manchester City career

When Doku arrived at Manchester City from Stade Rennais for a reported fee of £55.5m two summers ago, he did so with sky-high expectations.

Director of Football Txiki Begiristain described the Belgian winger as “a very exciting young player”, adding that he possesses “outstanding pace”, believing that he will “develop into a world-class attacking talent”.

Well, so far, the 22-year-old is yet to fulfil the potential promised, as the statistics below suggest.

As the table shows, while Doku’s statistics are far from horrific, they aren’t outstanding either, while the fact the Belgian has not started any of Man City’s last five matches underlines that Guardiola still does not fully trust him.

Also, without wanting to be unkind to any of these teams, Doku’s six goals this season have come against Watford, Salford, Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Ipswich, the most recent of which was scored on 19 January, which isn’t the most eclectic list.

Thus, the Citizens could certainly upgrade out-wide, so has Guardiola identified his dream target?

Manchester City's dream new winger

According to a report by French outlet L’Équipe this week, Manchester City have “made enquiries” in an attempt to sign Monaco winger Eliesse Ben Seghir, with Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen also reportedly interested.

Get French Football News adds that the 20-year-old is likely to push for a move this summer after a falling out with les Monégasques’ manager Adi Hütter, which has seen him start just two of the last eight Ligue 1 games, refusing to celebrate the recent Derby de la Côte d’Azur victory over Nice, having been an unused substitute.

Despite this, Ben Seghir’s potential is undeniable, with analyst Ben Mattinson​​​​​​​ labeling him an “impressive talent”, while Euan Booth Robertson of Transfermarkt praises his outstanding ‘dribbling ability’.

Meantime, Liam Scahill​​​​​​​ of Breaking the Lines believes the youngster is ‘destined for big things’, while Alex Barker of the Athletic labels him a “future £100m” gem.

So, let’s assess how the young Moroccan compares to Doku.

As outlined in the table, both wingers are high-quantity dribblers; the pair racked up 25 take-ons each in this season’s Champions League, despite the fact Monaco and Man City were both eliminated quite early in the first knockout round.

While Doku may be the superior dribbler, Ben Seghir’s statistics prove that he is more of a goal-threat, scoring more goals, finding the target with a higher percentage of his shots and registering more shot-creating actions, while his substantially higher touches per 90 figure proves he is more involved in build-up play.

Thus, this all underlines that the Moroccan would be a great signing for the sky blues, as he would be a clear Doku upgrade.

​​​​​​​

The new Bernardo: Man City in contact to sign "ridiculously talented" star

With Bernardo Silva potentially set to leave Manchester City this summer, could Pep Guardiola have his eye on a “ridiculously talented” replacement?

By
Ben Gray

Apr 30, 2025

Manchester United are believed to be planning an offer to sign an “unplayable” Premier League player in a potential £65m deal this summer, according to a fresh update.

Man Utd defeat highlights need for signings

The Red Devils were beaten 4-3 away to Brentford on Sunday afternoon, as their hugely disappointing league campaign continues, amid their continued search for Europa League glory later this week.

The loss leaves Ruben Amorim’s side still sitting in 15th place in the table, having lost 16 of their matches in the league in 2024/25, highlighting how important it is for new signings in the summer transfer window.

Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo has been linked with a move to United at the end of the season, following an impressive season for the Cherries that has seen him score nine times in the league, also bagging five assists in the competition.

Meanwhile, Lyon youngster Rayan Cherki has been mentioned as a target for the Red Devils, with the 21-year-old thought to be open about the idea of moving to Old Trafford if he is made the leading man in Amorim’s attack.

Man Utd planning offer for £65m Brentford star

According to a new update from Caught Offside, Manchester United are planning to make an offer for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, looking to snap him up in the summer window. The Bees could be looking for as much as £65m for the Cameroonian, with Tottenham, Arsenal and Newcastle United also interested in him.

Mbeumo has arguably been one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attacking players throughout this season, scoring 18 goals, which is only fewer than Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, Erling Haaland and Chris Wood.

Meanwhile, his importance isn’t lost on Brentford manager Thomas Frank, who heaped praise on him earlier in the season: “Bryan Mbeumo today was unplayable. The way he holds the ball up and links play, like today to Kevin Schade [for the fourth goal] was very impressive.”

Admittedly, Mbeumo takes up the same right-sided attacking role that Amad Diallo likes to play in, so there is a risk of blocking his path, but strong competition is needed all over the pitch.

The 25-year-old is in the perfect place to come in and be a star man from the off at Old Trafford, having already shown that he can take the Premier League by storm, bagging 68 goal contributions (40 goals and 28 assists) in 133 appearances since joining the Bees.

With the likes of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund all arguably feeling like flawed attacking options currently, it is essential that a couple of genuinely top-level players arrive in that area this summer.

As bad as Shaw: Amorim must axe Man Utd dud after 4/10 Brentford display

Ruben Amorim must ring the changes for Manchester United’s next game.

By
Matt Dawson

May 5, 2025

In Mbeumo, United could have a fantastic option who could be a key man for the next five or six years, producing relentless end product and making Amorim’s men a far greater force.

A positive update has emerged regarding Leeds United completing the signing of an “extraordinary” new defender in the summer transfer window.

Leeds plotting to strengthen spine after promotion

The Whites are expected to sign an upgrade on Illan Meslier between the sticks this summer, with Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic mentioned as a possible option – Wolves stopper Sam Johnstone is seen as an alternative target.

Another goalkeeper who has been linked with a switch to Leeds is Liverpool ace Caoimhin Kelleher, with an enquiry reportedly made about his availability. With Giorgi Mamardashvili joining the Reds from Valencia, now looks like the right time for him to depart.

Indeed, 49ers Enterprises want to strengthen the team’s spine this summer, with reports suggesting Leeds will happily spend around £30m each on a new goalkeeper, centre-back, centre-midfielder and striker.

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By
Charlie Smith

May 8, 2025

Kalvin Phillips was once a hero at Elland Hero, arguably standing out as the best player at the club, and a return to the Whites has been rumoured recently. The 29-year-old has had a tough time of things in recent years and may feel that going back to his former club could be best for him ahead of next season.

Manor Solomon is of course a top target for Leeds, as Daniel Farke looks to sign him on a permanent basis after an impressive season on loan at the club from Tottenham. He scored 10 goals and registered 12 assists in the Championship in 2024/25.

Leeds boosted in pursuit of "extraordinary" Balerdi

According to The Sunday Mirror [via MOT Leeds News], Leeds’ pursuit of Marseille centre-back Leonardo Balerdi has received a boost ahead of the summer window.

The report backs that the Whites are set for a “major” summer of spending and the 26-year-old defender has now refused to rule out an exit at the end of the season: “I’m happy in Marseille and I’d like to bring something back here, so I have to focus to the last match. After that, I don’t know. I’d like the team to be in the Champions League, then I’ll ask myself about the future.”

Balerdi would be a fantastic signing for Leeds in the summer, boosting their defensive options significantly ahead of what promises to be a tough season back in the Premier League.

The Marseille captain has been a rock-solid presence at the heart of his team’s defence this season, making 26 appearances in Ligue 1 and averaging 2.7 clearances per game. He has also completed 94% of his passes, showing that he is strong in possession.

Manager Roberto De Zerbi has heaped praise on him: “Balerdi? I hope that the big European teams don’t realise that he exists. I say every night before going to sleep that I am happy that he is going under the radar of the big teams. He is an extraordinary player.”

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By
Kelan Sarson

May 11, 2025

Balerdi is also a six-cap Argentina international, which is no mean feat considering they are World Cup winners with the likes of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez in their team, and Leeds should do all they can to sign him.

With Ibrahima Konate attracting interest from Real Madrid and Virgil van Dijk certainly no spring chicken anymore, it was hardly a surprise to see Liverpool throw their hat in the ring for Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen.

The young centre-back has shown himself to be one of the most exciting defenders in Europe and as such, attracted the interest of many a suitor on the continent.

Possessing a £50m release clause that could be paid in three instalments, this move felt like a no-brainer for the top clubs in Europe, yet Liverpool have now sadly missed out on his signature.

Indeed, it was announced on Saturday that Madrid had agreed a deal to bring the 20-year-old to the Bernabeu this summer.

So, who could the Reds target instead?

Liverpool could sign amazing Huijsen alternative

There appear to be several defenders on Liverpool’s radar at the moment, with Arne Slot not just keen on strengthening in the centre of defence but also at full-back.

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Jeremie Frimpong looks poised to sign as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s replacement, while there are a few contenders to replace Andy Robertson at left-back with the likes of Milos Kerkez and Rayan Ait-Nouri two names touted.

As far as their options at centre-back are concerned, they could get over their Huijsen setback by launching a move for Ajax sensation Jorrel Hato.

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, via GIVEMESPORT, who claims that Hato is “one of the players appreciated at Liverpool” but “let’s see also what Arsenal decide to do,” with the Gunners interested.

Liverpool may have to pay a similar price to Huijsen with Ajax reportedly valuing the 19-year-old at around £42m.

How Hato compares to Huijsen

In the words of scout Jacek Kulig, the teenager is “one of the most talented CBs of his generation in Europe.” Fine praise indeed, but what makes him so special?

Well, as data analyst Ben Mattinson notes, the Dutchman is an “exceptional athlete” who can “carry through the lines”, much in the same way Huijsen can.

They’re pretty similar profiles, but Hato comes with one additional plus point, he can play at left-back, as well as in the middle.

A left-footed player, it’s no surprise to see he’s in such high demand. Not only could he replace Robertson, but he’s a mighty fine long-term replacement for Van Dijk too.

While Huijsen trumps the young Netherlands international for progressive passing and carries, there are some key wins for Hato here.

He’s notably crisper in possession, making more take-ons and completing a higher percentage of his passes. Hato is also a natural shuttler, completing more ball recoveries per 90 minutes.

Let us not forget that this is a player who has captained Ajax too, even at his young age. It’s remarkable really that the Dutch side have placed so much faith in him.

If Liverpool are hunting for their future Van Dijk replacement, considering Hato boasts natural leadership skills, he ticks all the boxes here for Slot and Co.

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By
Angus Sinclair

May 18, 2025

After a defeat in the Europa League final and a Premier League campaign filled with disaster, the last thing Manchester United needed was more football.

Ruben Amorim is crying out for a holiday, yearning for some time off, as too are his players.

Sadly, that isn’t the case. They’ve embarked on a post-season tour to Asia, which rather typically, has started in embarrassing fashion.

Facing off against ASEAN All Stars in front of over 70,000 people, a Red Devils team mixed with academy players and experienced senior pros were beaten 1-0.

While the game ultimately doesn’t matter, it did rubber stamp why United are in dire need of improving the squad this summer.

Man United’s summer transfer plans

The season has only just finished but INEOS are already closing in on their first big addition of the summer.

On Tuesday, it was revealed by multiple sources that Matheus Cunha was set to undergo a medical after United agreed to pay his £62.5m release clause at Wolves.

He’s not the only forward player who could arrive from another Premier League club, with reports suggesting that they’ve held talks to sign Brentford talisman Bryan Mbeumo.

The winger was one of the standout players in England’s top-flight this campaign, scoring 20 times, enough to rank him as the fourth top scorer in the league behind Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland.

It’s evident United are doing their utmost to improve the attack and could bolster further through Liam Delap.

One report a few days ago revealed that personal terms had been agreed with the player, although talkSPORT shared the breaking news on Wednesday that he’s now likely to join Chelsea.

With all that said, who would be the number one option for former Manchester United icon Gordon Strachan?

Gordon Strachan's number one option for Man United

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast this week on behalf of Esports Insider, Strachan gave his view on the club’s transfer business this summer.

Asked who would be a better signing, Delap or another target in Victor Osimhen, the former Scotland international said:

“Delap. Absolutely. He’s young, he’s enthusiastic and I don’t think he’ll bring any baggage.” Why is added baggage a problem? Well, Strachan felt like the last thing United needed was another disruptive figure.

“Some recent signings from Man United have had a bit of baggage, in fact the whole club has a bit of baggage at the moment, but Delap would be a safe signing.”

Outlining the Ipswich forward’s best qualities, the player turned pundit commented: “I don’t think defenders like playing against him. If you went round all the defenders in the Premier League and asked who you don’t like playing against, he’d be one of them. This guy seems to really just annoy people, annoy people into making mistakes. He’s a great finisher and there’s a humility about him.”

Compared to Rasmus Hojlund who cost £72m, Delap would be a relative bargain, possessing a reported release clause of £30m.

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By
Robbie Walls

May 28, 2025