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It might not have been the perfect start to life as the West Ham United boss on Monday night for Nuno Espírito Santo, but it wasn’t far off.

The Hammers went behind away to Everton, but fought back to claim a point and put in their best 45 minutes of football this season in the second half.

However, it’s going to be an altogether more challenging affair this afternoon, with Premier League title-chasing Arsenal hosting the East Londoners.

Nuno will be hoping former Iron Declan Rice has a game to forget, and he can help make that more likely by unleashing a talented prospect who could be his own version of the Englishman, and no, it’s not Soungoutou Magassa.

Comparing Rice for West Ham and Arsenal

While his move to a fellow London club stung supporters somewhat, it’s impossible to deny the fact that Rice was one of the best players to represent West Ham in the modern era.

Chalkboard

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

However, has he improved since moving to Arsenal, or are there just more eyes on him now that he plays for a ‘big six’ side?

One way to explore this is to examine his final season in claret and blue and compare it to last year.

Now, while doing this, it’s essential to recognise that in North London, the Englishman has been moved into the left eight role. Therefore, he has far more license to roam forward and influence the attacking side of the game, whereas at the London Stadium, he spent far more time playing in the six.

With that said, then, what does it look like when his underlying numbers from the 22/23 season are compared to those from last season?

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.13

0.32

Progressive Passes

6.59

6.11

Progressive Carries

2.45

2.87

Shots

0.96

1.53

Shots on Target

0.22

0.45

Passing Accuracy

86.5%

83.4%

Key Passes

1.02

1.88

Passes into the Final Third

6.40

4.36

Shot-Creating Actions

2.75

3.54

Goal-Creating Actions

0.16

0.32

Tackles Won

1.04

0.80

Blocks

1.24

0.86

Interceptions

1.73

0.80

Clearances

1.59

1.62

Successful Take-ons

1.02

0.45

Carries

40.0

32.8

Carries into the Penalty Area

0.16

0.51

Ball Recoveries

9.18

4.97

Aerial Duels Won

1.02

1.18

Well, as you’d expect, the Rice of last season was, generally speaking, far more of an attacking threat. He posted far better numbers in things like non-penalty expected goals plus assists, shots, goal and shot-creating actions, carries into the penalty area and key passes.

However, the player who helped the East Londoners win the Conference League was a monster when it came to the less glamorous side of the game.

He produced far more impressive numbers for metrics such as tackles won, blocks, interceptions, and ball recoveries. However, given his deeper starting position, he also performed better in metrics like carries, passes into the final third, progressive passes, and overall passing accuracy, all per 90.

In other words, West Ham fans are correct in saying Rice has always been this good; it’s just that he wasn’t used in the same way he is now at the London Stadium.

With that said, Nuno should look to start someone who could be his own younger version of Rice in this afternoon’s game to get the better of Arsenal.

The gem who could be West Ham's new Rice

Now, you could make the argument that Magassa could one day become West Ham’s new Rice, but in this instance, the player in question is Freddie Potts.

There are several reasons why the 22-year-old could emulate the former Hammers star, and the first is that he, too, has come up through the club’s renowned academy.

He joined the club at just six years old, and aside from a couple of loan moves to Wycombe Wanderers and Portsmouth, has grown up with the East Londoners.

Second, while he has the ability to play in central midfield and has even played at centre-back before, he is an out-and-out six and will undoubtedly play most of his football for the club there.

Finally, like the England international, the Barking-born ace is regarded as someone with immense potential.

For example, respected analyst Ben Mattinson has described the academy gem as someone who is “so smooth on the half-turn and composed under pressure.”

More than that, he also claims that his “ball-security, passing range and powerful carrying could see a real breakout season,” which, as a package, sounds an awful lot like Rice.

Ultimately, there is a long way to go in his career, but Potts has looked good in the academy and on loan, and with what people are saying about him, he could be West Ham’s new Rice.

Harry Redknapp predicts major David Sullivan decision that will transform West Ham

The former West Ham and Tottenham boss is convinced.

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The home advantage debate: “You just have to play smarter and score one run more from the opponent,” Samson says

Shashank Kishore04-Apr-20251:23

Does Jaiswal have a two-over problem?

Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson isn’t worried about Yashasvi Jaiswal’s current form – he has 1, 29 and 4 in IPL 2025 so far – and is confident the opener will soon return to his dominant best.”He has been working really hard,” Samson said ahead of RR’s match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Mullanpur. “I think he has been attending all the practice sessions. He does tick each and every box, which he has been ticking from last six years.”Jaiswal’s ten dismissals in the powerplay are the joint-fourth-highest in the IPL since 2024. Against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), he was caught superbly at point by Abhinav Manohar. Then against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), he was dismissed looking to hit Moeen Ali out of the ground, while against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), he chipped one to mid-off.Related

Samson to return as RR captain after being cleared to keep wicket

High-flying Punjab Kings hope to set home record straight

“You can see he is batting the most hours in the nets,” Samson said. “We’ve had to wait for many hours for him to get out from the nets. So, he is doing everything possible from his side to score those runs, to win those matches. As we all know, IPL is a very challenging format. As an opener, his game is also attacking. He wants to give us a positive start. He is looking for those boundaries. He is looking for those sixes. In that process, you tend to lose the wickets also.”I think I would like to see him perform and come up the ranks at the right moment when the team requires him the most. I think I am happy that he is yet to perform. But I know when he performs, he will be winning the games for us as a team. So, he is doing everything fine.”RR currently have one win in three games. Saturday’s outing will be Samson’s first as captain following a full recovery from a finger injury that limited his participation in the first two weeks of the season as an Impact Player.When asked about the experience of sitting out and seeing someone else – Riyan Parag – captain while only playing as a batter, Samson admitted he had to “hold myself back”.Sanju Samson wants Yashasvi Jaiswal to find his form when the team needs it the most•BCCI”Missing out in three games, I was just holding myself back and seeing the games from a different perspective,” he said. “So, it was a different experience for me to sit at the dugout and see my friends, my young brothers, playing out there, fighting out there.”To be honest, I am very happy and excited to be back and to be fully fit, to keep wickets, to play as a normal player. I think I have been really looking forward to it and it feels very exciting.”‘No complaints’ – Samson on home-advantage debateOver the past week, a number of players and coaches have touched upon the lack of home advantage this season.Ajinkya Rahane, the KKR captain, spoke of wanting more turn from the pitches at Eden Gardens, while CSK coach Stephen Fleming has been vocal about not getting any advantage for a few years now. On Thursday, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) coach Andy Flower said it wasn’t a “typical Chinnaswamy surface” after they lost to Gujarat Titans (GT).It’s with this background that Samson was asked about the importance of home advantage. RR have played two of their three “home” games in Guwahati, and are yet to play in Jaipur, their designated home venue.

“Definitely both teams get to play on the same wicket. Both teams get to play in the same conditions. I think it’s a game of cricket. Sometimes you score 280, sometimes you score 150. You just have to play smarter and score one run more from the opponent”Sanju Samson on the home-advantage debate

“Definitely the home games play a huge role in the conditions we all know, which can be favourable if the toss goes your way,” he said. “The morale and the energy of the stadium will definitely help the home team.”So, yeah, I think Punjab [Kings] is coming back to their home after a long time and they will be also having all their fans supporting them. We really enjoy that challenge and are looking forward to it.”When asked specifically about the comments made by Rahane and others, Samson chose to steer clear of the debate.”To be very honest, before the IPL, like one month of IPL, I have cut out all my social media,” he said. “I have switched off my phone. So I am not aware of things happening in the newspaper or in the media. To be very honest, I think I personally don’t have any comments on that.”Definitely both teams get to play on the same wicket. Both teams get to play in the same conditions. I think it’s a game of cricket. Sometimes you score 280, sometimes you score 150. You just have to play smarter and score one run more from the opponent. So, I think that’s how I would like to look at this. So, as of now, I don’t have any complaints.”

Aston Villa have been limited by the Premier League’s ill-famed Profit and Sustainability rules this summer, but Unai Emery remains in charge and the club have spent wisely to ensure they have the tools to tackle the season ahead.

And while roadblocks have been swerved over the past few months, with the recent £40m sale of Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle United an example of how the Midlands outfit have been hamstrung this term, one or two further additions may yet be made before the September 1st deadline.

That sale, poignant as it is, could lead to the signing of Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, with Emery personally driving the potential deal. He’s full of untapped potential, but the Spanish tactician might just be the perfect man to lift him toward that high ceiling.

But it’s not just the frontline Emery is mulling over, with a deal in the works for a new defensive player too.

Aston Villa eyeing new defender

Aston Villa welcomed 19-year-old centre-back Yasin Ozcan to their fold this summer after a pre-contract agreement, but the former Kasimpasa star has headed straight out on loan to Anderlecht.

However, a right-sided and versatile player remains of interest to the Villans, with Emery interested in signing an up-and-comer skilled across defence and in a number six berth.

Indeed, according to Foot Mercato, Villa have been buoyed in their summer-long bid to sign teenager Jaydee Canvot after the Toulouse star rejected a proposal from Saudi Arabia, and may be preparing a new offer for him in the final days of the window.

The £17m-rated youngster has already been the subject of one Aston Villa bid this summer, and it would appear Emery is persisting in his chase, and maybe that will pay off.

Why Villa want Jaydee Canvot

Canvot only broke into Toulouse’s senior set-up last season, starting 12 Ligue 1 matches in total, having featured for only five minutes across the opening 15 fixtures of the term.

Shifting between central defence and an anchoring midfield role, Canvot showed why there’s such excitement around him, assuredly completing 87% of his passes and also completing 70% of his dribbles, denoting control and purpose when carrying the ball forward.

His precision and adeptness in reading the game suggest he would be perfect for life in the Premier League, already framed at 6 foot 2 besides.

This versatile defensive style even suggests that Canvot could emulate his countryman Boubacar Kamara and play a similar role at Villa Park. Data-driven platform FBref has actually recorded Kamara to be one of Canvot’s most statistically similar players, ranking among the top 7% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for through balls and the top 18% for successful take-ons per 90.

His passing and natural predilection for forward play further underscore his potential in Emery’s system, and that also substantiates the claim that he could be the next version of Kamara, who has been described by the boss in the past as being “very important” to the side’s build-up and link-up play.

However, the 25-year-old has suffered his share of injury problems since joining Aston Villa from Marseille in 2022, and so while Canvot would replicate him in jumping to England over the Channel and settling in Aston, Birmingham, he would also ease the worries around another setback to Kamara, providing a similar presence and absorbing the fruits of his more experienced peer’s teachings.

25/26

1

0

24/25

42

14

23/24

30

20

22/23

26

8

The Athletic’s David Ornstein has noted that Canvot is “viewed as a [sic] top prospect,” and Villa would provide him with the perfect nurturing ground to grow into his skin and reach the level of first-team stars such as Kamara.

Ahead of Monday’s deadline, Aston Villa have now reportedly set their sights on a late move to sign a defensive reinforcement who even towers above midfield enforcer Amadou Onana.

Emery admits Aston Villa still have "work to do"

The latest team to be left frustrated by PSR rules, Aston Villa have endured a tough summer and have struggled to get out the blocks in the Premier League as a result. Having so far welcomed just Evann Guessand, Yasin Ozcan and Marco Bizot, to say that it’s been an underwhelming transfer window would be an understatement.

Unai Emery is well aware that there’s still work to be done, however – telling reporters last weekend: “The club are working hard to get our structure as strong as possible with the players in the squad, trying to get two players for each position. There is still work to do, maybe even some players leaving more and we will have to sign and complete the squad with some players.

The next Rashford: Aston Villa remain in race to sign “special” £60m talent

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ByKelan Sarson Aug 27, 2025

“The first reason now why we are missing something other in our structure and in our squad with our players because some players left one week or two weeks ago when we were expecting to a deal before.

“We are working and we have some solutions to try to fix it. But we have to be alert, keep going and the players we have now is enough to compete but thinking all season, thinking hopefully we will face more than 50 matches, we will have to get balanced players in the squad and add more players to it.”

On that front, the Villans have been linked with moves for the likes of Christopher Nkunku and Adrien Rabiot, but could instead turn their focus towards welcoming a towering central defender before the deadline.

Aston Villa targeting late Kristensen move

According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Aston Villa are now eyeing a late move to sign Thomas Kristensen from Udinese. Even taller than Onana at a staggering 6’5, Kristensen would offer Emery quite the threat from set pieces whilst also handing the Spaniard the defensive cover that he’s been searching for this summer.

Minutes

1,754

1,120

Tackles Won

21

6

Ball Recoveries

63

38

Successful Aerial Duels

61

27

Compared to Tyrone Mings last season, it’s clear that Kristensen would be an instant upgrade for those at Villa Park. The 23-year-old naturally impressed in the air, but also proved that he’s capable elsewhere after winning 21 tackles.

Described as a “superb” defender by scout Jacek Kulig back in February, Kristensen still has levels to reach at a relatively young age and Emery could help pave the way towards reaching that potential.

That said, if those in the Midlands want to secure his signature, then they will have to turn their interest into a concrete move fairly quickly with the deadline approaching.

The Villans have until midnight on Tuesday to turn what has been a difficult transfer window into one good enough to help Emery secure European football once again.

Despite already reinforcing their midfield with arrivals such as Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff, reports are now claiming that Leeds United have submitted an opening offer to sign an ex-Barcelona star.

Farke "happy" to welcome Perri at Leeds

Several problem areas have already been addressed at Elland Road this summer as Leeds prepare for their Premier League return. But welcoming a new goalkeeper remained on the list until the 49ers completed yet another impressive move to sign Lucas Perri from Lyon. And Daniel Farke has instantly welcomed the shot-stopper’s arrival.

The Brazilian represents a replacement for Ilan Meslier, who was relieved of his duties at the end of last season following one mistake too many. Just where his future lies is now the big question, with Leeds seemingly moving on to bigger and better things.

When compared, it’s Perri who instantly stands out. The 27-year-old has Europa League experience to his name and already squared off against rivals Manchester United last season. Having lost out against the Red Devils last season, though, he will have his sights set on getting one over on those at Old Trafford.

With their goalkeeper problem now solved, however, the 49ers have now reportedly made their first move to sign yet another impressive midfield reinforcement.

Leeds submit opening offer to sign Kessie

According to Saudi Arabian newspaper Al Riyadhiah, relayed by there are claims the 49ers and Leeds have submitted an opening offer to sign Franck Kessie from Al-Ahli this summer. The 28-year-old midfielder captains the Saudi Pro League club and is entering his third season at the heart of their midfield, but could now be on his way out.

Having starred for both Barcelona and particularly AC Milan, Kessie’s arrival would be an incredibly impressive coup by all involved at Elland Road. But it’s unlikely to come without plenty of negotiating on the salary side of things.

Leeds in pole position to sign 18-goal star who's keen to join

The Whites could yet get their man.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jul 27, 2025

As things stand, Kessie earns a staggering £12m-a-year in Saudi Arabia and unless he takes a significant pay-cut, he will be out of Leeds’ price range given that their current highest-earner is Patrick Bamford at around £4m-a-year.

That said, if the midfielder is willing to lower his salary then Leeds should go all out to secure his signature this summer. His experience would prove to be invaluable and at 28, he is more than capable of returning to the top level with a flourish.

A player who was previously dubbed a “complete player” by former AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli, Kessie could now be one to watch.

Arsenal are beginning to turn a Liverpool target’s head as we enter the final few weeks of this summer transfer window, with Mikel Arteta’s side making an approach for the player amid their long-winded pursuit of Eberechi Eze.

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Sporting director Andrea Berta has already made quite the impression in his first summer operating as Edu’s replacement, spending north of £200 million on the signings of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera and star striker Viktor Gyokeres.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£208m

The Gunners are seemingly determined to end the club’s two-decade-long wait for another Premier League title, and despite their need to offload surplus squad members right now, Arsenal could still sign Eze before the window closes.

They view the England international as a more potent playmaker in terms of goals, and who could complement club captain Martin Odegaard in a central role (Sky Sports).

Eze is Arsenal’s top target from now until the transfer deadline on September 1, and they’re expected to make a formal bid for the Palace star after holding extensive talks with his representatives.

The 27-year-old has also spoken directly to both Arteta and Berta about joining Arsenal, according to Ben Jacobs for talkSPORT, with some initial talks taking place with Palace as the north Londoners aim to get his signing done for around £55 million.

However, Eze may not be there only signing in the next few weeks, with Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet believed to be a target as well.

The promising Ligue 1 sensation only signed a new deal until 2029 in May, but some reports suggest Jacquet is increasingly tempted by the prospect of a move to Arsenal, with Fabrizio Romano also reporting that an approach has been made.

Jeremy Jacquet debating future with camp as Arsenal and Liverpool eye moves

According to journalist Graeme Bailey for TBR Football, Jacquet is holding talks with representatives over his future amid this contact from Arsenal, while it is also believed that Premier League champions Liverpool have registered an interest.

While Rennes insist that he’s not for sale, the 20-year-old is still speaking to his camp about what could be next for him, so Jacquet’s head may be turning amid this attention from England.

There is a feeling among the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool that he could still be attainable despite Rennes’ stance, with the idea of a ‘buy-to-loan’ type move, similar to how Arteta’s side got William Saliba from Saint-Etienne, not ruled out.

Even in that scenario, Rennes would keep Jacquet in France for at least another season, but Arteta would have to wait before fully integrating him into the squad.

His price tag is rumoured to be around £25 million, which could be a savvy investment for the future considering his already-glowing reputation across the channel.

Jacquet has been dubbed the “technical leader of his generation” by his former development coach at Rennes, Pierre-Emmanuel Bordeau, and football writer Phil Costa believes he’s “one of the best defensive prospects in France” in a similar mould to Ben White.

Whilst they must act with caution amid their PSR concerns, Aston Villa are now reportedly keen to sign a Serie A midfielder who kept Morgan Rogers quiet last season.

Aston Villa still face PSR concern

With June 30 and the PSR deadline approaching, Aston Villa are running out of time to sell players and face what could be the most important week of their summer. At this stage, the likeliest players to depart seem to be Emiliano Martinez and Leon Bailey. The former has been the subject of interest from Manchester United and although Villa won’t be desperate to sell a key man to a rival club, they may have no choice before next month.

Of course, the departure of Bailey would be far easier to stomach this summer. The Jamaican winger fell down the pecking order last season following the arrival of Donyell Malen and even after the loan spells of Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio came to an end, he remains a player who Villa could be wise to sell this month.

Whether the likely sale of Philippe Coutinho to Vasco da Gama solves Villa’s problems completely is also a big question. To that end, reports have claimed that it will help them on the PSR front but it will not solve their issues entirely. Even after the former Liverpool star’s exit, Villa may still require one more sale before a much-needed PSR reset.

The next Rogers: Aston Villa pushing hard to sign "explosive" £30m star

Aston Villa could be about to win their next Morgan Rogers if they’re successful in their advances for this rising star.

1

By
Kelan Sarson

Jun 24, 2025

It’s then that those in the Midlands will be able to shift their focus back towards incomings and potentially a Serie A midfielder who pocketed Rogers last season.

Aston Villa keen to sign Jens Cajuste

According to Area Napoli, as relayed by Sport Witness, Aston Villa are now keen to sign Jens Cajuste from Napoli this summer. Following a season on loan at Ipswich Town, the midfielder will now reportedly be allowed to leave the Italian club for as little as €10m (£8.5m) in the coming months.

Whilst his first season in the Premier League featured a relegation, Cajuste still stood out at times for Ipswich Town. In fact, one of his best games came against Unai Emery’s Aston Villa side in a 1-1 draw at Villa Park.

Keeping attacking midfielder Rogers quiet, Cajuste made three interceptions – more than any other central midfielder on the pitch – and completed five recoveries. Rogers, meanwhile, was limited to just one successful dribble and won a third of his duels in a frustrating afternoon.

One of several solid performances, Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna was often full of praise for Cajuste during his time at the club – telling reporters when asked about the midfielder in April: “He’s a really terrifically talented footballer, but in terms of his robustness he’s making really good progress and he’s improved as the season’s gone on.”

London Spirit won a low-scoring contest against Welsh Fire by three wickets to secure their first win of The Hundred men’s competition at Lord’s.Liam Dawson and Nathan Ellis claimed three wickets apiece as Fire could manage just 94 for nine, with Dan Worrell’s first 10 balls of the game all dots to set the tone.Matt Henry claimed three quick wickets to give Fire hope, but Dan Lawrence kept a cool head in a nervy chase with an unbeaten 29 which enabled Shimron Hetmyer to freedom muscle an unbeaten 30 and steer the hosts home with 13 balls remaining.Tom Kohler-Cadmore was unable to score off Worrall’s opening 10 balls and departed soon after when Andre Russell held a good catch running backwards off Olly Stone.Worrall got his reward to remove Luke Wells, who hit the only two sixes of the innings, and Dawson bowled Joe Clarke as Jonny Bairstow could only watch on as he faced just two of the first 35 balls.The England man got away a couple of boundaries when he finally got the strike but was bowled swiping against the line to give Ellis his first wicket.From there Ellis and Dawson put on the squeeze, conceding just 26 from their 40 balls combined. World Cup winner Dawson showed all his skill on the two-paced surface, returning three for 10, as Fire limped to a score that was never likely to be enough.The Welsh side needed early wickets and Henry provided them prising out Michael Pepper, Ollie Pope and Adam Rossington to leave Spirit 25 for three.Haris Rauf, who would later be on a hat-trick, had Ravi Bopara caught behind before Lawrence and Hetmyer settled home nerves in a 46-run stand.After doing the heavy lifting Lawrence skied a catch off Rauf, who bowled Russell next ball, and Hetmyer rode his luck after being dropped while Bairstow missed a tough stumping.The West Indian remained and crunched a six to finish the game and get the Spirit’s campaign up and running.Meerkat Match Hero Dawson said: “Tonight was a very big game for us after losing the first two. To get over the line will give us a huge amount of confidence. I have started nicely – it was a nice pitch to bowl on to put the ball in the right area and let the pitch do the work. It got a little bit tight in the end.”Spirit captain Lawrence said: “Hopefully we can get a roll now and keep performing like that. The mistake I made was trying to get the game done as soon as possible. I was just trying to stay in and take calculated risks.”

South Africa survived an almighty scare to to maintain a 100% win-record at the T20 World Cup 2024, and in New York, where they chose to bat first in their final fixture at Eisenhower Park. On a used wicket, Aiden Markram decided to put a total on the board, and it almost looked like a mistake. South Africa were 23 for 4, but a record 79-run fifth-wicket stand between Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller took them to 113, which they scrapped hard to defend.Bangladesh’s start was not ideal. They were 50 for 4 after ten overs, but Towhid Hridoy and Mahmudullah put on 44 for the fifth wicket and got them back on track. They almost also got them over the line and will look back on one incident which could have forced a Super Over. In the 17th over, Mahmudullah missed a flick off Ottneil Baartman, which hit his front pad and deflected to the boundary for what looked like four leg byes. But he was given out off that ball, which made it dead at the point of impact, and reviewed the decision. Ball-tracking showed Mahmudullah was not out, but because he had been given out, the four runs did not count, as outlined by the ICC’s protocols on DRS (3.7.1) in the playing conditions for T20Is.In the end. Bangladesh fell short by four runs. That, and their inability to capitalise on Keshav Maharaj bowling the final over for the first time in T20Is and sending down three full tosses, cost them the game.Maharaj was tasked with the final over after Markram bowled the seamers out earlier. It seemed a miscalculation, but he got two wickets as Bangladesh sought to clear the boundary though neither Jaker Ali nor Mahmudullah could. Mahmudullah was out on the penultimate ball – off a full toss – to a well-timed running catch by Markram from long-on, which all but ended Bangladesh’s hopes.0:59

Morkel: South Africa held their nerve defending a low total

South Africa leave the USA with three wins from three matches, and will move to St. Vincent to play Nepal in their last group match. They are in pole position to qualify for the Super 8s. Bangladesh also head to the West Indies, and will play Netherlands and Nepal, with the Super 8s still in sight.

Top-three troubles

For all the talk about the power of their batting line-up, South Africa’s top three have underperformed thus far, albeit on tough batting surfaces. Collectively, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks and Markram have scored 61 runs in nine trips to the crease at an average of 6.77. Of teams that have played at least two matches at the tournament, only Uganda and PNG average lower.The biggest concern will be Hendricks, whose scores of 4, 3 and 0 are the lowest of the trio, and whose methods of dismissal appear to show a technical deficiency. Twice in two games, Hendricks has been stuck in his crease and then played down the wrong line. He’ll be looking over his shoulder knowing fellow opener Ryan Rickelton is waiting on the bench, and could get an opportunity in the next match.Things got even worse when Tristan Stubbs was dismissed for a duck in the fifth over. South Africa have only lost their first four wickets by end of the fifth over on five occasions in men’s T20Is, and two of them came in this competition. Happily for them, they had Klaasen and Miller on hand to shore up the mid-section of the innings.

Three overs: 13 runs

After Tanzim Hasan (3 for 18) set the tone with wickets upfront, Taskin Ahmed took charge of the latter stages, helped by Rishad Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman. Between them, the trio gave away just 13 runs in the last three overs of South Africa’s innings, and removed both danger batters Klaasen and Miller in a clutch display of death bowling. Klaasen was dismissed halfway through the 18th over, when he slogged across the line but was early on his shot, and the low bounce took the ball onto leg stump. Taskin only conceded three singles off the rest of that over to finish with 2 for 19 from his four overs.It may have been a gamble to use legspinner Rishad for the penultimate over, especially when his previous three cost 28 runs, but he knocked Miller out with a topspinner second ball, and Maharaj could not get him away. Rishad’s final over cost just four. Then came the Fizz, who took the ball away from Maharaj for four consecutive dots before a fifth went wide and was called as such. The batters scored three runs off the last two balls and were frustrated by their inability to score any boundaries in the last three overs.1:24

Morkel: Miller and Klaasen showed maturity against spinners

Happy Birthday David Miller

On his 35th birthday, Miller was given a gift when he edged the first ball Mahmudullah bowled. But Litton Das, who was standing up to the stumps, was unable to react quickly enough to take the catch. Miller was on 13 at the time and went on to more than double his score and finish on 29. But that wasn’t the end of the presents for him. He was stationed at extra cover when Maharaj was brought on to bowl the first over after the powerplay, and Litton, not content with what he had already given Miller, slapped the ball straight to him. Miller made no mistake, and Bangladesh were 29 for 2 in the seventh over.

Three overs: 15 runs

Bangladesh had to get 20 runs off the last 18 balls, and after putting on the squeeze in that period would have expected it to be difficult but perhaps not difficult. Kagiso Rabada bowled the 18th over, despite not being his best at the tournament so far. He only half-appealed when Hridoy missed an attempted clip to the leg side but was rewarded with a wicket first up. Rabada went on to concede only one more run in an over of hard lengths.Then Baartman stepped up for the 19th, and stuck to a slightly fuller length which neither Mahmudullah nor Jaker could get away. He conceded seven runs. The test was when Maharaj, who has never done this job before, was left with the final six balls. He started with a wide. His second legal ball was a low full toss that Mahmudullah hit hard down the ground, but the slow outfield stopped it from getting to the rope. Jaker tried to send the next one over the rope but couldn’t clear long-on, and then Rishad managed a leg bye.But the last two balls were both full tosses that should have been dispatched over the rope. However, Mahmdullah’s effort found Markram, while Taskin could only hit the final ball to cover to give South Africa a nervy anti-choke win.

Bruno Fernandes is staying. Matheus Cunha is joining. Bryan Mbeumo could be next. The future of Manchester United could perhaps be a brighter one…

Of course, Red Devils supporters have been down this road before, with ‘winning the window’ rarely translating into on-field success – just look back to 2021 and the statement signings of Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The difference this time, however, is that Ruben Amorim and co appear to be ready to raid the Premier League for ready-made solutions, hence their pursuit of Cunha and Mbeumo, with the club having far too often looked abroad for reinforcements over the last decade or so.

As the MEN’s George Smith noted, amid Cunha’s arrival, United had not signed a proven top-flight attacker since prising Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal in 2018, with Romelu Lukaku having joined from Everton a few months earlier.

Those deals aren’t exactly shining examples, although in the case of Lukaku, his return of 42 goals in 96 games has certainly aged well, not least considering Rasmus Hojlund has scored just 26 times in 95 outings in all competitions.

Hopefully, both Cunha and Mbeumo – should the latter sign – can replicate and exceed the Belgian’s return at Old Trafford, with United wise to be continuing this approach of looking closer to home for new additions.

Man Utd keen on signing another Premier League star

The bombshell news that Mbeumo is keen to join Amorim’s side came following the news that United had lost the race for Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, with the Englishman opting to reunite with former Manchester City youth coach, Enzo Maresca, at Chelsea.

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Amid that potential setback, The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell has reported that the club are considering centre-forward alternatives, namely Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen and Antoine Semenyo, with Amorim also keen on acquiring an ‘athletic No.8’, while a new wing-back could also be ‘on the agenda’.

The search for new options on the flanks may have seen United turn toward another top-flight talent, in the form of Brighton and Hove Albion’s Pervis Estupinan, with reports in Spain indicating that the Ecuadorian has emerged as a ‘priority’ target.

The belief is that while the 27-year-old is attracting interest from a long list of suitors, it is the Red Devils who are showing the ‘strongest interest’ at present, having ‘set their sights’ on the full-back.

This comes amid prior reports which suggested that INEOS had actually held talks over a move for the £15m defender, with any potential deal ensuring Amorim could land an immediate upgrade on January arrival, Patrick Dorgu.

How Estupinan compares to Dorgu

It is undoubtedly still early days in Dorgu’s United journey, having signed from Lecce on a £30m deal in January, although it hasn’t exactly been plain sailing, not least when considering the 20-year-old’s red card against Ipswich Town in February.

There have been notable bright moments – including winning a penalty in the 4-1 thrashing of Real Sociedad at Old Trafford – yet the promising Dane is yet to truly convince, with club legend Gary Neville including him among those who are “not good enough” among the current crop.

The addition of Estupinan to bolster that left flank could then represent the perfect upgrade, with the experienced star recognised as “one of the best left-backs in the Premier League” by manager Fabian Hurzeler.

While the 2024/25 campaign ended in the attack-minded full-back providing just one goal and one assist in the league, he had previously registered 15 goal involvements in the two seasons prior to that, across all competitions.

For comparison, the young Dorgu has so far registered no goals and just a solitary assist during his brief time in Manchester, after previously racking up only five goals and two assists in 57 games in Italy.

While the winter signing’s age must be factored in, it is also worth noting that Dorgu did actually play as a winger on occasion in Serie A, with it yet to be seen if he can provide that much-needed end product.

Games (starts)

12 (10)

30 (26)

Goals

0

1

Assists

0

1

Big chances created

1

5

Key passes*

1.0

0.9

Pass accuracy*

86%

88%

Tackles & interceptions*

2.9

3.4

Balls recovered*

3.1

4.9

Successful dribbles*

0.3

0.6

Errors leading to goal

2

0

As indicated above, while the current United man is certainly not too far behind across a string of metrics, it is Estupinan who comes out on top in numerous key areas, including tackles and interceptions, ball recoveries, successful dribbles and pass accuracy, emphasising his quality at both ends of the pitch.

It’s not to say that Dorgu should simply be cast off so soon into his time in English football, yet at just 20, the jury is out on whether he can be a consistent, regular performer at Premier League level.

As journalist Samuel Luckhurst suggested after the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, the left-footer arguably looked ‘out of his depth’.

With that in mind, a rival or competitor to the Denmark international is certainly needed this summer – by signing the Seagulls star, Amorim may even be getting himself an immediate upgrade.

He's outscored Mbeumo: Man Utd weighing up bid for £40m Delap upgrade

Manchester United are preparing a move for a star who could thrive at Old Trafford.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 4, 2025