The first women’s Future Tours Programme (FTP), announced by the ICC on Tuesday, contains a total of 301 international matches between 2022 and 2025. The cycle has already begun – in May this year – and runs until the conclusion of the ODI World Cup in 2025.The calendar for women’s cricket in the three-year cycle comprises seven Tests, 159 T20Is and 135 ODIs, which include fixtures for the 2022-25 ICC Women’s Championship, the qualification pathway for the next ODI World Cup in India.Related
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Among the highlights of the FTP is the standalone Ashes, starting with England’s tour of Australia in 2024-25. England play the most Tests (five), followed by Australia (four), South Africa (three) and India (two).India are slated to play one Test match each against England and Australia at home. England last played a Test in India in 2005, while Australia’s Test in 2023-24 will be their first in the country since 1984.As part of the 2022-25 ICC Women’s Championship, teams will play three-match bilateral ODI series to try and qualify the 2025 World Cup. The addition of Bangladesh and Ireland makes the ICC Women’s Championship a 10-team tournament this time, compared to eight in the previous cycle. Each team will play eight ODI series (four home and four away) and the top five in the standings will earn direct qualification to the 2025 World Cup, along with hosts India. The bottom four teams in the ICC Women’s Championship will play four other teams in a qualifying tournament for the final two spots in the 2025 World Cup.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
“This is a huge moment for the women’s game,” ICC general manager of cricket, Wasim Khan, said. “This FTP not only lends certainty to future cricket tours but also sets the base for a structure that is sure to grow in the coming years.”Bangladesh, for example, will have 24 international matches in the new three-year cycle, compared to 11 in the previous cycle. Bangladesh, who had played Australia, England and New Zealand for the first time ever at the 2022 World Cup in New Zealand, will play each of these teams in a bilateral series comprising three matches apiece. Ireland will also have an increase in games because of their inclusion in the women’s FTP.All the bilateral T20I matches in the FTP will count towards team rankings, which will serve as the primary mechanism to determine the teams that qualify for ICC global events.There is a clear window in the women’s FTP in March 2023, which has been earmarked for the inaugural Women’s IPL.
Manchester United brought Anfield back down to earth on Sunday, well worth their point in the Premier League and almost stealing a crushing victory against high-flying Liverpool, save for Harry Maguire’s last-gasp miss.
Liverpool have a game in hand on second-placed Arsenal and boast a six-point advantage, but Ruben Amorim was the happier of the gaffers as he capered back down the M62 with a new sense of optimism.
Arne Slot’s side have been immense this season, recording a dynamic variation of victories across multiple competitions. For the most part, they’re playing like champions-elects. They have that swagger, that style. But they are not champions-elects—not yet.
So much of football is about how you respond. Liverpool have responded emphatically to any setbacks this term and must do so again over the coming weeks, with Tottenham awaiting in the Carabao Cup and top-flight away fixtures against Nottingham Forest and Brentford forthcoming.
Slot is regarded as a “tactical genius” by Liverpool fans, but he didn’t get it quite right against the Red Devils. Of course, he was let down and then some by that man, Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Trent's performance vs Man Utd
After Liverpool drew 2-2 against their biggest rivals, Slot insisted that Alexander-Arnold was not distracted by Real Madrid’s interest in his prized signature.
Out of contract at the end of the season and courted by the Spanish superpower, it’s difficult to shake the thought that his woeful display on Sunday was not in some way inflicted by the circumstances.
He wasn’t at his best, not by half. Loose marking and a failure to show the grit and guts that a title-chasing outfit – his boyhood outfit – requires, especially after rivals dropped points on Saturday, especially given that it was Manchester United up against them.
But then, surely this scales back to display the bigger picture. Alexander-Arnold is an exceptional footballer and has showcased his unique and devastating quality on so many occasions in Slot’s set-up. Is it really surprising that now, with the spotlight beading into his watery eyes, he should falter?
Real Madrid are there, lurking like a shadowed figure in a trench coat, waiting to emerge and take what they deem to be theirs.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is substituted
Regardless of how this will pan out, Alexander-Arnold is bound to have felt the Los Blancos presence lurking in some recess of his mind. He second-guessed himself, looked languid.
United targetted Liverpool’s right-hand side and fair play to them. It was a game plan well executed, to be sure. Alexander-Arnold failed to win any of his five attempted ground duels and only created one key pass (his season average is 2.2 per game) despite losing the ball 27 times.
Many will call for Conor Bradley to start in the Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday after his “lively cameo,” but not all of Slot’s bench made the desired impact.
Darwin Nunez left plenty to be desired in spite of his fleeting appearance, and the noise is rising around his future too.
Liverpool open to mega-money Nunez sale
Liverpool know that their non-committal contract trio could all be plying their elite art elsewhere later this year, but they aren’t the only ones touted for a potential Merseyside exit.
As per Football Insider, Nunez has been made available for transfer by Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, with FSG willing to accept £60m for his sale.
Whether anyone would pay this hefty sum remains to be seen, but Newcastle are reported to have an interest and AC Milan have had a sniff in recent weeks.
Why Liverpool should sell Darwin Nunez
Nunez’s first two campaigns at Liverpool were overshadowed by wastefulness in front of goal. Albeit, the Uruguay international made headway last season, winning the Carabao Cup and posting 18 goals and 13 assists across all competitions.
Darwin Nunez for Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp’s style of football was more chaotic than that of his successor, so maybe Nunez’s own frenetic qualities aligned neatly, insofar as Nunez’s style could be described as neat.
Since Klopp signed Benfica’s Nunez in a deal rising to a club-record £85m fee, he has scored 37 goals and supplied 20 assists over 120 appearances.
Under Slot, he’s found his significance reduced and potency pared back, with just four goals and three assists to show for the campaign thus far. It’s quite clear, Federico Chiesa notwithstanding, that he is at the bottom of Liverpool’s talented forward pile.
Mohamed Salah
27 (25)
21
17
Cody Gakpo
28 (17)
12
4
Luis Diaz
25 (18)
12
3
Diogo Jota
16 (9)
6
2
Darwin Nunez
24 (13)
4
3
Federico Chiesa
4 (1)
0
1
The fluency of Liverpool’s attacking point under Slot’s wing has led to slick interchangeability between Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo in recent months, with Diaz operating as a fluid number nine and his Dutch partner wreaking havoc on the left flank, cutting inward to strike.
Upon doing so, Diaz drifts outward, keeping the skeletal structure intact and dragging defenders out, keeping them guessing.
With no disrespect, Nunez simply doesn’t show the required tactical understanding to play this role to the same level. Diogo Jota, when introduced from the bench, is arguably Liverpool’s deadliest finisher, ranking among the top 7% of forwards across the whole of Europe over the past year for non-penalty goals scored per 90, as per FBref.
Diogo Jota scores for Liverpool
Nunez is an energetic player, but is that really enough when his peers bring bouncing qualities of their own, and many more besides?
In Slot’s system, the 26-year-old is not so much wasteful as unable to strike with the same regularity. As per Sofascore, he’s averaging 1.4 shots per game in the Premier League this term, regressing from his totals across his first two campaigns on English shores, 3.0 and 2.9 respectively.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Brought onto the field for the final 30 minutes against Man United, Nunez had a grand total of three touches, not even attempting to make a pass and picking up a yellow after barging into Matthjis De Ligt – some might say that the offence was worthy of a different colour.
Alexander-Arnold was the costliest Redman at the weekend, of that there is no doubt, but Nunez nearly cost Liverpool once more on the day with his erratic nature an inability to showcase the kind of control and link-up play that Slot will demand of him.
He’s a lovely guy and capable of roof-raising moments, but is this really worth it, Liverpool fans? Does Nunez elevate this exciting project, should he remain on the books over the coming years?
Just imagine if Newcastle’s Alexander Isak plied his trade at the club. Liverpool have reportedly been linked in recent weeks. Why not break the bank?
Hey, if FSG recoup somewhere even on the far fringes of the £60m ballpark for Nunez’s signature, there’s no reason – or excuse – not to dive headfirst for a brand-new number nine to turn this exciting season into a long dynasty.
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In an era of Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho and Jurgen Klopp, among others, there is an argument to be made that the superstars are no longer on the pitch – they are in the dugout instead.
These are figures who relish the responsibility of leading an elite club to glory, while taking on the pressure and scrutiny that comes with such a status.
Unsurprisingly, that intense glare from fans and pundits alike can often weigh heavily, with every manager guilty of the odd outburst or two in the technical area. The desire and downright desperation to win can make even the best go a little crazy at times.
As such, we have taken a look back at some of the biggest manager meltdowns that have occurred on the touchline over the years…
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1
Louis van Gaal's theatrics
Man Utd v Arsenal, February 2016
Manchester United certainly weren’t dull under the leadership of Louis van Gaal, that’s for sure.
The Dutchman spent two years at Old Trafford, leading the club to the FA Cup in 2016, yet that was as good as it got for the manager. Premier League finishes of fourth and fifth were not enough to keep him in a job.
Though perhaps his funniest and well-remembered moment was his dive on the touchline during a game against Arsenal in 2016. Annoyed that Alexis Sanchez dived on the field, Van Gaal threw himself to the ground in front of fourth official Mike Dean to make his feelings rather clear.
“I was emotional. It happens not too much. Normally I am sitting on my bench and I have a lot of criticism because I am sitting on my bench. I have apologised to the referee and the linesman. I have to control my emotions,” said the manager afterwards.
2
Jürgen Klopp loses the plot
Napoli v Borussia Dortmund, September 2013
Referees and officials eventually got used to Jürgen Klopp’s antics at Liverpool, but one of his most intense moments was during his spell at Borussia Dortmund.
The German side were taking on Napoli in the Champions League when Klopp got so incensed after a decision that the fourth official had to physically back up in order to avoid making contact with the German.
Shortly after, the Premier League became witness to some of Klopp’s finest meltdowns, but this one for Dortmund was arguably the manager at his angriest.
3
Pep Guardiola fumes as City denied penalties
Liverpool v Man City, November 2019
Before he was showing off six Premier League titles, Guardiola had previously shown his frustration in front of an Anfield crowd after becoming frustrated by two penalty appeals waved away by referee Michael Oliver.
When a cross struck Trent Alexander-Arnold’s arm in the Liverpool penalty area, the Spaniard lost the plot as he brandished two fingers in the air, signifying how many penalties his side should have gotten.
It didn’t end there, however. Once the game was over and Man City failed to get a positive result, Guardiola marched up the pitch in a foul mood, before repeating “Thank you so much” as he shook Michael Oliver’s hand rather firmly.
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1
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4
Nigel Pearson grabs James McArthur
Leicester v Crystal Palace, February 2015
During Leicester City’s defeat to Crystal Palace under the leadership of Nigel Pearson, the manager reacted badly to a scuffle on the pitch.
James McArthur and Marc Albrighton had been involved in a fracas which saw the Palace star rolling at Pearson’s feet.
Instead of helping him up, Pearson grabbed the Scot by the throat, believing it to be his fault. He later dismissed the incident by calling it “very light-hearted”.
5
Arsène Wenger sent to the stands
Man Utd v Arsenal, August 2009
Arsene Wenger
Arsène Wenger ruled the roost at Arsenal for nearly two decades. While he may have led the Gunners to three league titles and seven FA Cups, some of his best moments have come on the touchline.
One of the most iconic moments in Premier League history came as Wenger was sent off at Old Trafford in 2009 after kicking out at a water bottle following a late disallowed goal.
However, he couldn’t find a seat in the stands and proceeded to stand on a platform in front of the United fans, who took great delight in his suffering by continuing to wind him up.
Mike Dean asked him to move, to which Wenger stretched out his hands as if to say “where will I go?”, thus creating one of the most memorable pictures of the Premier League era.
6
José Mourinho's touchline outburst
Chelsea v Swansea, August 2015
José Mourinho is no stranger to causing controversy, on or off the field. During his second spell in charge of the Blues, he led them to the Premier League title in 2015. Unfortunately, things began to unravel at the start of the 2015/16 campaign.
During their opening-day 2-2 draw against Swansea City, team doctor Eva Carneiro ran onto the pitch with a physio to treat an injured player. Mourinho lost his cool on the sidelines.
He reacted angrily as treatment to Eden Hazard meant the club would be down to nine men, calling the duo “impulsive and naive” after they tried helping the player.
7
Alan Pardew's headbutt
Hull v Newcastle, March 2014
Alan Pardew was involved in one of the most incredible clashes in the Premier League as he was sent off for headbutting Hull City’s David Meyler.
Meyler pushed the Newcastle United manager over when trying to get the ball after it went out of play, before Pardew squared up to him and headbutted the Tigers midfielder in the process.
“I apologise to everyone, I shouldn’t have got involved. I didn’t mean no damage to the guy but I moved my head forward and I shouldn’t have done that,” Pardew said following the incident, but it couldn’t take away from how irresponsible he was at that moment in time.
Mikel Arteta’s side have had to deal with setback after setback thus far, from suspensions to campaign-defining injuries, and on top of it all, their form has been inconsistent.
However, there have been signs of improvement in their last two games against Crystal Palace, as Gabriel Jesus looks close to the sensational player he was when he first joined the club.
Premier League
Crystal Palace (A)
5-1 (W)
League Cup
Crystal Palace (H)
3-2 (W)
Premier League
Everton (H)
0-0 (D)
Champions League
AS Monaco (H)
3-0 (W)
Premier League
Fulham (A)
1-1 (D)
That said, he could soon have even more competition for a place in the team, as reports have linked the club with an incredible Premier League goalscorer who’s won comparisons to Dennis Bergkamp.
Arsenal transfer news
According to a recent report from the Telegraph, Arsenal are very keen on signing Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha.
Matheus Cunha
The report claims that the Gunners’ interest in the Brazilian dynamo existed prior to Bukayo Saka’s injury over the weekend and that getting the player out of Molineux next month will be incredibly difficult.
The story does not mention a potential transfer fee, but a report earlier this month claimed that the Old Gold could be willing to sell should an offer in the region of €70m be made, which converts to about £58m.
Cunha
Whatever the final price, this could be an incredibly costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Cunha’s immense ability, it’s one worth pursuing, especially as he could be an upgrade on Jesus and has won comparisons to Bergkamp.
Cunha's comparison to Jesus and Bergkamp
Okay, so before we look at how Cunha stacks up to Jesus, let’s first examine this comparison to the iconic Bergkamp and where it comes from.
Well, this instance stems from former professional turned pundit Ashley Williams.
The former Welsh international praised the Brazilian star for his spectacular performance and goal against Fulham, describing his style of play as “Dennis Bergkamp-esque.”
Matheus Cunha
That said, while his display at Craven Cottage was definitely in the mould of the Non-Flying Dutchman, there is at least one other similarity between the pair: their positional flexibility.
The former Invincible could play in midfield or out wide but spent most of his time up front, either as the recognised centre-forward or a second striker.
Likewise, the former Hertha Berlin ace has played in the middle of the park and on the wings, but is at his most effective up top and down the middle.
With that said, how does Wolves’ marksman stack up to the Gunners’ current Brazilian number nine?
Well, from a pure output perspective, the most important metric of all for a striker, it’s an easy win for the 25-year-old.
For example, in 55 appearances since the start of last season, the “world-class” forward, as dubbed by writer George Lakin, has scored 24 goals and provided 12 assists, equating to an average of a goal involvement every 1.52 games, which for a relegation-threatened side is incredible.
Appearances
36
36
Goals
14
8
Assists
8
8
Goal Involvements per Match
0.61
0.44
Appearances
19
22
Goals
10
6
Assists
4
2
Goal Involvements per Match
0.73
0.36
In contrast, the former Manchester City star has scored 14 goals and provided ten assists in 58 appearances across the same period, equating to an average of a goal involvement every 2.41 games.
Ultimately, while Jesus is still a brilliant player and seemingly in excellent form at the moment, he’s not been reliable enough over the last two seasons, whereas Cunha has been consistently sublime.
Therefore, while it’ll cost the club a pretty penny, Arsenal should do all they can to sign the Wolves star next year before someone else beats them to it.
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Chelsea are now prepared to sell a “leader” in January so they can sign an £83 million player, with Enzo Maresca’s side already making contact over a potential move.
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The west Londoners have been tipped as potential Premier League title contenders after a fine start to the campaign, even if Maresca continues to rebuff notions that they could end the club’s near nine-year-long wait for a domestic crown.
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Chelsea haven’t won a title since Antonio Conte led them to the honour in 2016, but they’re making a serious go of it this season – lying just seven points behind league leaders Liverpool and losing just twice.
They came at the hands of Arne Slot’s side and current champions Man City, with Maresca yet to taste a single loss in the league since their defeat at Anfield in October.
Chelsea’s next Premier League fixtures
Date
Tottenham (home)
December 8
Brentford (home)
December 15
Everton (away)
December 22
Fulham (home)
December 26
Ipswich Town (away)
December 30
Chelsea thrashed Southampton 5-1 at St. Mary’s to extend their unbeaten domestic run to six games, and it is practically impossible to get at least a little bit excited given just how well they’re playing right now.
Since arriving at Stamford Bridge from Leicester City in the summer, Maresca has implemented an exciting, attack-minded style of play which has pleased both critics and supporters – but Chelsea’s boss is still refusing to get drawn into debates regarding this year’s title race.
“We’re not in the title race. We are not, in my opinion,” said Maresca on Chelsea’s prospects of winning the league.
“What I said to the owners and the sporting directors the first time I met them, because of the age, and because of how good the squad is, for me Chelsea in the next five to 10 years will be one of the teams, or the team, that is going to dominate English football.
“This is what I said this to the club the first time I met them. No matter who will be the manager, for the next five or 10 years, because of the age, the squad, you can dominate English football, and I still think exactly the same.”
Nevertheless, Chelsea will be going into their game against inconsistent Tottenham on a real high, with defender Axel Disasi even managing to get on the scoresheet against Southampton after returning to the starting eleven.
Chelsea prepared to sell Axel Disasi in January so they can sign Tomas Araujo
The Frenchman had missed out on a place in their previous five Premier League matchday squads, but was handed the opportunity to start against Southampton by Maresca.
Disasi ultimately repaid his manager’s faith with a solid display, but there have been reports in the build up to January that Chelsea may look to offload Disasi and free up space for another centre-back.
Chelsea are scouring the market for another central defensive star, and they’ve been linked with Benfica star Tomas Araujo.
TEAMtalk have an update on their interest in the Portuguese, as Maresca looks to reshape the squad into future dominators of English football.
It is believed that Chelsea are prepared to sell Disasi in January and have made contact over Araujo, with their defender’s sale seen as crucial to potentially striking a deal for the latter defender.
Despite being called a “leader” in defence at points, Disasi is also seen as “limited” by some behind-the-scenes at Chelsea, prompting their interest in Araujo, who is believed to have an £83 million release clause in his contract.
The 22-year-old, who can also play at right-back, is emerging as one of the Primeira Liga’s most promising defenders – which has apparently turned heads in west London.
SA batter Lizelle Lee is ICC women’s ODI cricketer of the year
ESPNcricinfo staff24-Jan-2022
Smriti Mandhana made a hundred in India’s maiden women’s day-night Test•Getty Images
Smriti Mandhana has won the Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy for being the ICC’s Women’s Cricketer of the Year 2021. She becomes only the second player, after Australia allrounder Ellyse Perry, to win the highest individual distinction in the women’s overall category of the annual ICC awards more than once.Mandhana was also nominated for the Women’s T20I Player of the Year award, but that was won by England opener Tammy Beaumont. Mandhana was, however, named in the ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year.Mandhana, who was named ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year and ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2018, pipped fellow opening batters Beaumont, Lizelle Lee of South Africa, and Gaby Lewis of Ireland to the honour. Jhulan Goswami, who won the same award in 2007, is the only other Indian woman to ever win an ICC annual award.Related
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Commenting on receiving the honour Mandhana told ICC: “I am truly honoured for receiving the prestigious Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year 2021. I am grateful to my team-mates, my coaches, my family, friends and fans who believed in my potential and supported me in this journey.”A recognition of such high class from the global governing body of cricket in an exceptional and difficult year will motivate me to continue to better my game and contribute to Team India’s success going forward. I look forward to 2022 with a clear focus on winning the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 in New Zealand as we continue to prepare as a team and unit.”In 2021, since India’s return to the field on March 7 following a 364-day absence from the international scene – primarily because of the Covid-19 pandemic but also the BCCI’s inability to schedule games for them even as the Indian men’s team got its share of fixtures – Mandhana scored 855 runs in 22 international matches across three series, at an average of 38.86, hitting one century and five half-centuries along the way. The crowning piece in her run tally was a Player-of-the-Match-winning maiden hundred in the longest format – 127 against Australia at Gold Coast – in what was India’s maiden women’s day-night Test.In 2018, Mandhana had finished atop the run chart in women’s ODIs with 669 runs at an average of 66.90 and was the third-highest scorer in T20Is with 622 runs at a strike rate of 130.67.The ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year award, instituted in 2006, was named after Rachael Heyhoe-Flint, the former England Women’s Test cricketer and administrator, in 2017 upon the reintroduction of the category. Perry won the honour in 2017 and 2019 and took home the ICC Women’s Player of the Decade award in 2020.Lizelle Lee named ICC Women’s ODI cricketer of the yearLizelle Lee is the top-ranked batter in women’s ODIs•UPCA
South Africa batter Lizelle Lee has been named the ICC women’s ODI cricketer of the year, following a stellar 2021 in which she ended as the leading run-scorer in the format.Lee, the top-ranked batter in the world, scored 632 runs in 11 matches at an average of 90.28, including one century and five half-centuries. She played a pivotal role in the ODI series against India last March, making 288 runs, as South Africa sealed a 4-1 win. During the third match of that series, in Lucknow, she made her highest individual score, blasting an unbeaten 132 to help the team to a narrow win. She was eventually named the Player of the Series.Lee carried her fine form into the tour of West Indies, where she was once again the leading run-scorer, finishing the ODI leg with 248 runs in four matches at an average of 124.”This award means a lot to me, I didn’t expect it,” Lee said. “It’s an honour to just be nominated, so this feels amazing. There are so many people to give credit to – my parents and my wife have been my biggest source of support, but also my team-mates.”There are a few innings that stand out, but I’d rank the ones against India and my 90-something against West Indies in tough conditions as one of the best.”
It’s safe to say that Chelsea possesses one of the very best attacking departments in the Premier League, all thanks to the investment from owner Todd Boehly.
It’s handed current boss Enzo Maresca with all the tools to try and make his first season at Stamford Bridge one to remember after his appointment from Leicester City.
Cole Palmer is undoubtedly the biggest asset in his attacking unit, with the England international already registering 12 combined goals and assists in his first 11 league outings – looking to be worth every penny of his £40m transfer fee.
Cole Palmer for Chelsea
The other options consist of fellow big-money additions Mykhailo Mudryk, João Félix, Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson and Pedro Neto – with the latter registering his first Premier League strike in the recent meeting with London rivals Arsenal.
However, one other forward-thinking player could be edging closer to the exit door after a lack of minutes during the new campaign.
Christopher Nkunku could be on the way out of Chelsea
French forward Christopher Nkunku arrived at Chelsea last summer after the club activated his £52m release clause in his RB Leipzig contract – joining the club with high expectations after his 23-goal season in the Bundesliga.
However, injuries massively halted his progress during his maiden campaign in England, suffering a serious knee injury that ruled him out for the vast majority of 2023/24.
The 26-year-old has since recovered to be a part of Maresca’s side this season but has mainly been utilised as an impact player in the league – having to settle for starts in various cup competitions.
He’s only played 155 minutes of Premier League football but has managed ten goals in all competitions, with six of his efforts coming in the Europa Conference League.
However, according to French outlet L’Equipe, the attacker is growing more frustrated with his lack of minutes, prompting an enquiry over a potential move to join Manchester United in January.
It’s unclear whether the club would sanction any deal, or if it would be on a temporary or permanent basis, but they may allow him to move to Old Trafford should they secure a deal for an in-demand talent.
Chelsea could make a move for £83m talent
It’s no secret that Chelsea have been pursuing a move for a new number nine over the last couple of transfer windows, in an attempt to add depth and further improve Maresca’s attacking options.
Various names have been touted, but one has never seemed to quite go away – that being in the form of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.
The Sweden international has bagged 66 goals in his 68 appearances under new United boss Ruben Amorim, attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal as well as the Blues.
However, the latest update surrounding the striker’s future could play into the hands of Chelsea, with Sporting’s president confirming that if any side pays his £83m release clause and he wants to leave then he will leave the Liga Portugal outfit.
His goalscoring record in Portugal has led to comparisons to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, with the pair undoubtedly two of the very best finishers in world football at present.
The duo have constantly topped their respective division’s goalscoring charts over the past couple of years, with former Dutch international Rafael van der Vaart claiming that Gyokeres is actually “a better version of Haaland”.
It may seem a crazy statement to make, but when comparing the duo’s respective stats from the Champions League this season, Gyokeres does appear to have the edge on the Norweigan in numerous key attacking areas.
Games played
4
4
Goals & assists
6
3
Goals scored per 90
1.3
0.9
Progressive carries
3.5
1.4
Progressive passes
1.5
0.6
Shot-creating actions
3.3
1.1
Take-ons completed
1
0.3
Whilst it would be yet another huge investment from Boehly to secure his services, it would allow his club to have that focal point that they have been craving.
The Swede is one of the most in-form strikers on the planet, with either a January or summer move for the 26-year-old massively boosting the Blues’ title-challenging credentials over the next couple of years.
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Chelsea are looking to sign another young talent and he’s just like Moises Caicedo.
A atacante Glaucia, destaque e artilheira do time feminino na última temporada, renovou contrato com o São Paulo por mais dois anos, até o final de 2023.
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Na penúltima partida do ano, válida pela terceira rodada do Brasil Ladies Cup, contra o Internacional, Glaucia sofreu uma lesão no joelho direito e terá de passar por uma intervenção cirúrgica para reparar o ligamento cruzado anterior.
A artilheira do Tricolor marcou ao todo 12 gols, contra São José (2), Minas Brasília (1), Internacional (1), Pinda (1) e Nacional (2), Santos (2), Realidade Jovem (1) e Red Bull (1), e foi a maior goleadora do São Paulo no estadual, fechando com sete gols.
O São Paulo vem renovando o contrato de suas jogadoras e já havia anunciado nesta terça-feira (25), a extensão do vínculo com a lateral-esquerda Clara.
Sergio Ramos joined Mexican club Monterrey, setting up a future showdown with his ex-Real Madrid teammate James Rodriguez, who plays for Leon.
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Ramos set to return to actionWithout a club since Sevilla contract expiredWill wear the No. 93 shirt at MonterreyFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Spanish icon's move to Liga MX marks a new chapter in his illustrious career after leaving Sevilla last summer. Ramos has chosen to wear the No. 93 shirt at Monterrey, a tribute to his legendary stoppage-time header in the 2014 UEFA Champions League final. That crucial goal in the 93rd minute forced extra time against Atletico Madrid, paving the way for Real Madrid’s historic 10th European title.
Real Madrid paid homage to their former captain with a heartfelt message on social media, stating:
"A tribute to all Real Madrid fans, a memory of a moment that changed our history. Always grateful, @SergioRamos. Good luck and success."
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Ramos spent 16 years at Real Madrid, having initially joined from Sevilla as a young prospect. During his time at the Bernabeu, he captained the side and led them to four Champions League triumphs and five La Liga titles. His impact was equally significant at the international level, playing a key role in Spain’s 2010 World Cup victory and their back-to-back European Championship wins in 2008 and 2012.
WHAT MONTERREY PRESIDENT SAID
Monterrey had been targeting the Spanish veteran since his departure from Sevilla and club president Jose Antonio Noriega revealed that multiple efforts were made to bring him to Mexico.
"We have been trying to sign him since last summer, but we did not come to terms and we tried again in this new window," he said.
"The team needs him, he has quality, enormous experience, enormous personality and he is an undisputed leader."
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@RayadosWHAT NEXT?
Ramos' arrival strengthens Monterrey’s squad as they prepare for a historic campaign. The Mexican giants are one of three Liga MX teams set to compete in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the United States next summer alongside James Rodriguez's Leon and Pachuca. With his vast experience in high-stakes competitions, Ramos is expected to play a crucial role in Monterrey’s pursuit of silverware on both domestic and international stages.
It’s a new season and a new European format, yet it was the same old Manchester United on Wednesday night, with the Red Devils slipping to a 1-1 draw at home to FC Twente on their first Europa League outing of the campaign.
Having finished bottom of the group in a calamitous Champions League run in 2023/24, Erik ten Hag and co would have been looking to get going in a far more positive fashion this time around – although former Rangers man Sam Lammers, aided by first-half goalscorer Christian Eriksen, put paid to that following his clinical second-half strike.
The hosts had taken a deserved lead at Old Trafford following a thumping finish from a resurgent Eriksen on what was his fourth successive start, although there appeared to be a lack of impetus to want to go and kill the game off – a fact that was duly punished.
Having been held to a goalless draw away to Crystal Palace last weekend, United – who have missed the most ‘big chances’ in the Premier League this season – appear to be lacking that cutting edge in front of goal, with the 7-0 thrashing of League One side Barnsley perhaps representing something of an anomaly.
The 3-0 victory over a winless Southampton is the only other game this season in which Ten Hag’s men have scored more than once, with a solution needing to be found to get the attacking unit firing again, even if it comes at the expense of Bruno Fernandes.
Bruno Fernandes' performance vs Twente
The star man of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, Fernandes has so often been the shining light in recent times, having chalked up 149 goals and assists in just 241 games for the club to date.
Even with four assists to his name across all fronts this season, however, the 30-year-old hasn’t quite looked like his usual self, particularly over the past week or so, having even lost possession on 34 occasions during a grim outing at Selhurst Park.
In what was a largely controlled performance in south London, the former Sporting CP star was far more chaotic, seemingly working at odds with those around him.
The same was true again on Wednesday evening, as he provided just a solitary key pass from his 76 touches, while also completing just two of his five dribble attempts and losing the ball 19 times.
That latter metric can be somewhat misleading, as it merely illustrates his desire to create and make things happen for his side, although at present, nothing is seemingly working in his favour.
While Ten Hag would have to be a brave man to oust his captain in the coming weeks, it’s certainly worth considering a new approach which could allow the frontline to finally click into gear.
Man Utd's attacking solution
One of the key issues facing United is the lack of a reliable goalscorer to lead the line, with new man Joshua Zirkzee – who has missed four ‘big chances’ in the league – operating far more comfortably in his side self-styled, ‘9.5’ role.
As MEN journalist Samuel Luckhurst stated following the midweek stalemate, the Dutchman offers ‘productive link-up play outside of the box without looking like scoring inside the box’, handing Ten Hag something of a dilemma over who to select.
With Rasmus Hojlund now available once again, the easy solution would be a straight swap of the Dane for Zirkzee, yet with the latter man having shown glimpses of his innate link-up play of late, it could be time for Ten Hag to try something new instead.
The solution staring the 54-year-old in the face could be to drop Zirkzee into more of a number ten role, with the 23-year-old operating in such a berth anyway, while the returning Hojlund can then slot in as the leading, orthodox number nine.
With the former Atalanta man having only just made his return from injury at Palace after limping off against Arsenal in pre-season, the United boss hasn’t been able to trial this duo as yet, although Fernandes’ limp form could provide the perfect opportunity.
With Zirkzee – who ranks in the top 16% among European forwards for progressive passes – acting as the link between midfield and attack, the Red Devils would then have a proper focal point in Hojlund to lead the line, with the 21-year-old more likely to stretch a backline as he is “lightning quick”, as per Owen Hargreaves.
Debut seasons of selected Man Utd strikers – all competitions
Player (season)
Games
Goals
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (1996/97)
46
19
Ruud van Nistelrooy (2001/02)
49
36
Louis Saha (2004/05)*
22
2
Wayne Rooney (2004/05)
43
17
Dimitar Berbatov (2008/09)
43
14
Javier Hernandez (2010/11)
45
20
Robin van Persie (2012/13)
48
30
Anthony Martial (2015/16)
49
17
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (2016/17)
46
28
Romelu Lukaku (2017/18)
51
27
Edinson Cavani (2020/21)
39
17
Rasmus Hojlund (2023/24)
43
16
Stats via Transfermarkt
*(Signed in Jan 2004 – Scored 7 in 14 games in 2003/04)
Operating with two, towering forwards in a frontline may be a relic of the past, but at a time when United – who only scored 57 league goals last season – are looking blunt in attack, a Hojlund-Zirkzee partnership may be the ideal way to sharpen things up.
That may represent bad news for Fernandes, but having relied so much on the Portuguese playmaker for so long, the Old Trafford side may now need to find a new way to win.
Lost the ball 19x: Ten Hag must drop 4/10 star who cost Man Utd vs Twente
He was worse than Christian Eriksen on Wednesday night…