Wayne Rooney has re-iterated that Manchester United's players "need to do better", while giving his backing to "fantastic manager" Erik ten Hag.
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The left-hand batter from Bihar heads a list of teenage debutants, some of whom have had successful careers while others faded away
Varun Shetty19-Apr-20251 Vaibhav Suryavanshi – 14 years, 23 days (vs Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025)On Saturday, the left-hand opener came into the Rajasthan Royals (RR) XI to replace the injured captain Sanju Samson. He first made national headlines at 13 with a 58-ball century against Australia Under-19. That knock made Suryavanshi the youngest player – at 13 years and 187 days – to score a century in youth cricket. Suryavanshi was picked up by RR for INR 1.1 crore after impressing at their high-performance center in Nagpur.For India Under-19, he cracked a 58-ball century in a four-day game against Australia Under-19, while his 176 runs at an average of 44 took India to the final of the Under-19 Asia Cup in 2024. He also has a triple-century to his name – an unbeaten 332 – in the Randhir Verma Tournament, an U-19 competition in Bihar.2 Prayas Ray Barman – 16 years, 157 days (vs Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2019)He was picked by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for INR 1.5 crore after topping Bengal’s wicket charts in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Just minutes before the toss against Sunrisers Hyderabad, head coach Gary Kirsten told him he was playing. At 16 years and 157 days, he became the youngest IPL debutant at the time. Bowling to Jonny Bairstow and David Warner on a flat pitch in the afternoon sun, he conceded 56 in four overs. It remains the only IPL game of his career, and since 2022 he has played only three domestic games.ESPNcricinfo Ltd3 Mujeeb Ur Rahman – 17 years, 11 days (vs Delhi Daredevils in IPL 2018)The Afghan mystery spinner made history when he debuted for Kings XI Punjab in 2018. He made an instant impact after being introduced in the powerplay, trapping Colin Munro lbw with his first ball . His unorthodox bowling had already earned him global attention before this game, and he repaid the faith, bowling a full four-over spell for figures of 2 for 28. This season, he was a late replacement addition to the Mumbai Indians squad.4 Riyan Parag – 17 years, 152 days (vs Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2019)The first IPL appearance for the allrounder from Assam was a thriller remembered for Mitchell Santner’s last-ball six and MS Dhoni’s infamous outburst against the umpires. In his debut season, Parag also became the youngest to hit an IPL fifty. Since then, he has become a regular for RR, retained continuously over the years, and is the squad’s current vice-captain.5 Pradeep Sangwan – 17 years, 179 days (vs Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2008)Pradeep Sangwan was considered a prize catch during the inaugural season, was an U-19 World Cup winner not long before, and held the tag of the youngest debutant for nearly a decade. He went for 40 and took no wickets on his debut against CSK and had only one real season of meaningful cricket (13 games in 2009). He last played in IPL 2022 representing Gujarat Titans and has not played any cricket since the start of 2024.6 Sarfaraz Khan – 17 years, 182 days (vs Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2015)
The batter from Mumbai debuted for RCB in 2015 and seemed to be someone they were willing to invest in, long-term. He was, a few years later, one of their retentions, but was let go in 2018. Fast forward to 2025 at the peak of his red-ball form – and ten years since his IPL debut – he found no takers in the auction for a second season in a row.
Tottenham Hotspur’s attack in 2025/26 has massively failed to deliver at present, as seen by the measly figures produced by those in such an area of the pitch.
Richarlison is currently the Lilywhites’ top scorer in the Premier League this campaign, but the Brazilian has only managed to score five times in his 14 appearances to date.
Micky van de Ven is the only other player within Thomas Frank’s squad to net more than two goals in England’s top-flight, further showcasing the lack of talent in the final third.
Fellow centre-back Cristian Romero also netted a double in the 2-2 draw against Newcastle United on Tuesday night, with the Argentine rescuing a point at St James’ Park.
However, the January window presents an opportunity for Frank and the hierarchy to add needed quality to the attacking department to aid their chance of success.
In an attempt to improve the options within the final third, Spurs have identified Porto striker Samu Aghehowa as a potential option ahead of the January window.
The 21-year-old has been in tremendous form during the 2025/26 season, as seen by his tally of 12 goals in his 20 appearances for the Portuguese giants.
However, such a deal would certainly be a hefty one for Frank’s men, with his current employers demanding a fee in the region of €80m (£70m) to part ways with their talisman.
Samu isn’t the only attacker currently being considered by the Lilywhites hierarchy ahead of the winter window, with Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo also another target.
According to Sky Sports, Frank’s men have started to intensify their efforts to land the 25-year-old winger, who has already registered nine combined goals and assists this campaign.
They also state that Liverpool are also in the race for his signature, but Fabio Paratici’s early efforts have seen the Lilywhites take the lead in the hunt for his services.
Heung-min Son is a player who massively exceeded expectations during his decade in North London, with the South Korean international one of the best to wear the Spurs shirt.
He joined as an unknown quantity to many supporters back in the summer of 2015, but after a decade at the club, it’s safe to say he cemented himself as one of their best-ever attackers.
The winger racked up a staggering total of 173 goals in his 454 appearances for the club, even racking up 101 assists – often being to the go-to man alongside Harry Kane.
However, Frank was unable to rely upon the 33-year-old after taking the reins, with the attacker departing in a £20m deal to join LAFC during the summer window.
Son, who was capable of impressing with both feet, has left a huge hole on the left-hand side of the Lilywhites’ attack, something which has been a huge issue for the Dane.
That could be about to change in the coming months, especially if the hierarchy are able to secure a move for Semenyo in the upcoming transfer window
The Ghanaian international, who has demonstrated his two-footed ability this campaign, has also produced numerous impressive figures – with his underlying figures showcasing his qualities in possession.
Semenyo, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by teammate Justin Kluivert, has managed 0.69 goals and assists per 90, a tally higher than any player in the Spurs squad.
Such a tally ranks him in the 97th percentile of all other attackers in the division, showcasing his incredible ability to produce the goods in front of goal.
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Antoine Semenyo – PL stats (2025/26) |
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Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
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Games played |
13 |
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Goals & assists |
9 |
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Goals & assists (per 90) |
0.69 |
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Shots on target |
1.1 |
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Take-ons completed |
1.8 |
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Carries into opposition box |
1.4 |
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Aerials won |
2.3 |
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Progressive passes |
3.8 |
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Stats via FBref |
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He’s also registered 1.1 shots on target and 2.3 aerials won per 90, with both figures also ranking him higher than 95% of other wingers in the Premier League.
Semenyo is an all-round talent who can either go alone or provide the goods for those around him, with £65m potentially being an excellent price for a player of his quality.
Other stats, such as 1.8 take-ons and 1.4 carries into the final third per 90, further highlight his talent in possession, which could hand Frank the talent he craves in attacking areas.
It’s unclear if the board will manage to get a deal over the line in the coming months, but if they want to reach the next level, a move for Semenyo is an absolute must.
His skillset is scarily close to that of Son, with the Ghanaian having the chance to emulate the South Korean and make his own history should he move to North London.
Saved by Romero: Frank must bin Spurs flop who had fewer touches than Vicario
Tottenham Hotspur were fortunate to walk away with a point against Newcastle United last night.
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Ethan Lamb
Dec 3, 2025
Real Madrid ace Endrick reportedly accepts he should have been sent off for fouling an Alaves player and has vowed to apologise to his team-mates.
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Chelsea have now submitted a £53m opening bid for an “incredible” Champions League star, with the same agent as Malo Gusto.
Although the Blues were unable to hold on to all three points, they should take a lot of confidence from the performance against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon, with Enzo Maresca’s side picking up a 1-1 draw despite having just 10 men for the majority of the game.
Maresca had to make do without Cole Palmer, who didn’t make it off the bench after recently recovering from a freak toe injury, while Jamie Gittens also remained unused, with Pedro Neto and Estevao getting the nod on the wings.
As such, the manager clearly has a lot of depth in attacking areas, with the Italian likely to be very impressed by Estevao’s performances in the Champions League this season, having netted three goals in his opening five games.
However, the west Londoners are still keen to get another attacker through the door, according to a report from Spain, which states Chelsea have now submitted a huge bid of €60m (£53m) for Newcastle United winger Harvey Barnes.
Manchester United have also tabled an offer of the same amount, so there could be fierce competition for his signature, with both Premier League clubs of the belief Barnes would be a perfect fit for their respective playing styles, meaning they are making aggressive pushes to get a deal done.
The Blues are looking to sign the Newcastle star in the January transfer window, and he welcomes the interest from two of England’s biggest clubs, despite remaining happy at St. James’ Park.
Lauded as “incredible” by Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, the 27-year-old has been particularly impressive in the Champions League this season, having netted four goals in his opening five games, while also picking up one assist.
The former Leicester City man has also caught the eye in the Premier League as of late, bagging a brace to fire the Magpies to a 2-1 victory against Manchester City earlier this month.
However, there are doubts over whether the Englishman, who is represented by the same agent as Gusto, would be a necessary signing, given that Chelsea already have Pedro Neto and Gittens to choose from at left-wing.
Chelsea now ready to trigger £44m release clause for "unstoppable" striker
The Blues are looking to sign a new centre-forward, who has been in fantastic form so far this season.
By
Dominic Lund
Nov 30, 2025
Instead, it may be better to invest the money into other areas of the squad, with bringing in a new centre-forward perhaps more important, given that Liam Delap and Joao Pedro haven’t exactly been prolific so far this season, netting five goals between them in all competitions.
The two countries meet for the first time in the shortest format with a global event looming not far off
Firdose Moonda18-Jul-2021
After a first last week – when Ireland beat South Africa in an ODI for the first time – there’s another coming this week. The two teams will face off in the shortest format for the first time. Both are entering the final stages of preparation for the T20 World Cup later this year, with South Africa gearing up for a group that includes England, Australia and West Indies, and Ireland needing to go through a qualifier against Sri Lanka, Netherlands and Namibia.The hosts have the more difficult task, having last played T20I cricket over a year ago, in March, against Afghanistan. Since then, they have had series against Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, New Zealand and Pakistan cancelled but will play at least eight matches (three against South Africa and five against Zimbabwe) in the lead-up to the global event in October.South Africa have fewer matches, just six (three against Ireland and three against Sri Lanka, after a series against India has had to be postponed again because of the IPL) and plenty of questions remain over their strategy. Despite beating West Indies 3-2 earlier this month, they have yet to settle on combinations but aim to use the Ireland matches to solidify their plans. Coach Mark Boucher indicated there is a level of fatigue in the camp, made worse by news of unrest at home, but with just a week left on the road, they have promised to give it their all.
(last five completed matches, most recent first)
Ireland TLLLW
South Africa WLWWL
Ireland’s headliner Kevin O’Brien will be back to try and find form as he prepares for the T20 World Cup. O’Brien has played five international matches this year – all ODIs – and managed just 27 runs, with three scores in single-figures and a duck. He has also had a tough time in the Irish inter-provincial T20 tournament, with 47 runs in six matches and a top score of 16. His last international milestone came almost two years ago, a century in a T20I against Hong Kong. It is Ireland’s only hundred in the format and they will want him to summon the spirit of that knock tomorrow.Tabraiz Shamsi has been a strong influence on South Africa’s limited-overs cricket recently•Getty Images
The world’s top-ranked T20I bowler, Tabraiz Shamsi , has been vocal on social media on topics including the challenges of life in bio-bubbles but has also seen the lighter side of having limited contact with others and will want to combine his frankness and good humour to end the tour on a high note. Shamsi was outstanding in the West Indies, where he was South Africa’s joint-leading wicket-taker and maintained the lowest economy rate for any bowler on either side (4.00) and will challenge both the Irish defence and run-scoring ability.
O’Brien has retired from ODIs but remains available in the shortest format, and is expected to open the batting alongside Paul Stirling. A middle-order of Harry Tector and George Dockrell, who were successful in the ODIs, will precede the power-hitting Shane Getkate and ODI centurion Simi Singh. Ireland are likely to have four seamers at their disposal in Getkate. Barry McCarthy, Josh Little and Craig Young.Ireland: (possible) 1 Paul Stirling, 2 Kevin O’Brien, 3 Andy Balbirnie (capt), 4 Harry Tector, 5 George Dockrell, 6 Lorcan Tucker (wk), 7 Shane Getkate, 8 Simi Singh, 9 Barry McCarthy, 10 Josh Little, 11 Craig YoungSouth Africa seem to have settled on Temba Bavuma to partner Quinton de Kock at the top in T20Is with Aiden Markram likely to feature at No.3. David Miller was rested for the final ODI but could make a return in the middle order, which may also include both a seam-bowling (Wiaan Mulder) and spin-bowling (George Linde) allrounder. With bowling a big focus for South Africa, expect them to play their first-choice attack.South Africa (possible): 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Temba Bavuma (capt), 3 Aiden Markram, 4 Rassie van der Dussen, 5 Heinrich Klaasen/David Miller, 6 Wiaan Mulder, 7 George Linde, 8 Kagiso Rabada, 9 Anrich Nortje, 10 Lung Ngidi 11 Tabraiz Shamsi
The third ODI on Friday showed that big runs are possible in Malahide and we can expect more of the same in the opening T20I which may bolster the ground’s average first-innings score of 152. There have only been three scores over 200 in 13 T20Is played at this ground, all achieved by the teams batting first, and all successfully defended. The highest successful chase at this venue is 182. Monday’s weather is set to be fine and warm, with no rain.
Some of the things is making sure we are confident in our death bowling. We have clear plans, it’s a matter of executing that over a long period of time. And also by the end of the Sri Lankan tour, that we can trust the formula we have been working on over the last couple of months.
Adam Hose and Ed Pollock seal chase with 69 balls to spare as Blast records tumble
George Dobell30-Jun-2021Birmingham Bears inflicted a crushing defeat on Yorkshire to move back into the top four of the North Group of the Vitality Blast.After bowling out Yorkshire for the lowest score in their T20 history – 81 – Birmingham galloped to a 10-wicket victory with 69 deliveries to spare. It was the first time they had inflicted a 10-wicket defeat on a side in this format. You could be forgiven for wondering if we really needed a shorter format.This was a game littered with records; each as unwelcome for Yorkshire as they were delightful for Birmingham. While the hosts were not quite able to achieve the largest victory – in terms of balls remaining – in the history of the competition (twice sides have completed victory quicker, with the record – 82 balls – set by Nottinghamshire last week), having bowled Yorkshire out with 25 balls of their innings remaining, this is believed to be the shortest completed T20 match (in terms of overall deliveries bowled) in the competition’s history. In all, 94 balls were not required.There have only been nine lower scores in this competition’s history and Birmingham (or Warwickshire, as they were previously known) had never previously kept a side to less than 96. Yorkshire’s previous lowest total was 90 for 9 against Durham in 2009. This was the lowest score made in England in a T20 since 2016.There was no sign of the carnage to come when Adam Lyth took 15 from the first over of the match. The manner in which he took Tim Bresnan for a six (a gorgeous drive over extra cover) and two fours suggested a total of 180 might be on the cards.But once Lyth was out, to the ninth ball of the match, Yorkshire only hit only three more fours and a six in the rest of their innings. Only other man in the side managed to make double-figures and, after the fourth over, there were only two more fours.Related
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There may be a temptation, in such circumstances, to question the surface. But while this pitch had been used for three previous T20 games (one women’s match and two men’s) it was blameless. Yes, there was a fraction of turn for Birmingham’s spinners, but the bounce appeared to be true and the pace pretty consistent. These hybrid pitches really are a godsend to groundstaff.Birmingham bowled well, too. Carlos Brathwaite, who claimed three for seven, gained reward for thumping out an excellent line and length, while Danny Briggs delighted in the turn he was able to extract. Craig Miles’ three for 19, again achieved largely by hitting a length hard, were his career-best figures.Those bowlers were well supported in the field, too. Matt Lamb’s catch, running every bit of 30 metres from short fine leg towards the boundary to cling on to a top-edge offered by Gary Ballance, was outstanding, while Michael Burgess, who has just signed a two-year contract extension, justified his growing reputation with the gloves by pulling off two stumpings. The first of them, as Jonathan Tattersall attempted a reverse-sweep but dragged his back foot a little, was especially impressive.All that being said, this was an horrendous batting performance from Yorkshire. Unable to adjust to the pace of the wicket or work out what a par score might have been, they succumbed to a series of cross-batted slogs – four of them: Ballance, Mark Stoneman, Dom Bess and Matt Fisher all fell to mistimed pulls – when they might have been wiser to accept it was a pitch on which a total of 140 to 150 might have sufficed.They do have some mitigation. They have been decimated by injuries and international call-ups, with five men absent on England duty and two more batters absent through injury. In this game, they utilised their third keeper and third captain of the campaign.Adam Hose gets into his groove•Getty Images
“We didn’t adapt to the wicket quickly enough,” Lyth admitted with admirable candour afterwards. “The scoreboard won’t reflect it, but I thought it was a pretty good wicket with a bit of extra pace and bounce. But if you get bowled out for 81, you leave your bowlers with no chance. It’s not good enough.”The experience of Birmingham’s openers, Adam Hose and Ed Pollock, would appear to support that view. Hose, in particular, looked in super touch as he took three successive boundaries off Matthew Waite – a drive, a clip and a pull – and then drove Lockie Ferguson over extra cover for six. Two more sixes, one lofted over long-on off Bess and one hooked into the upper tier of the West Stand off Ferguson, clinched the game.Birmingham needed this result. They hadn’t won in four matches – albeit one of those was abandoned due to rain – including a home defeat at the hands of Derbyshire and had dropped out of the top four. This was their first home win and pushes them up to third with a much-improved net run-rate. The hit Yorkshire took to theirs sees them drop to second.
After bit part at Lord’s, off-spinner steals centre stage at Trent Bridge
Vithushan Ehantharajah21-Jul-2024Shoaib Bashir had taken six wickets in the County Championship at 76.83 this summer. On Sunday, when he beat Jason Holder on the outside edge to clip off stump – seam square, slower, looking for skid rather than turn – he had his sixth of this second West Indies Test match.A seventh, at 6:28pm, completed a series-clinching evening session and confirmed Bashir’s third five-wicket haul in first-class cricket. All of them have come in Tests, and no other English bowler has ever bagged as many before the age of 21.A player whose series started with a “Thanks For Coming” performance in the first Test – not bowling, no catches and a duck in his only innings – walked off with a stump in one hand and the match ball in the other. Not since Muthiah Muralidaran in 2006 has a spinner taken a five-wicket haul at Trent Bridge in a men’s Test.Related
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“This is Bash, if you haven’t met him already,” Brendon McCullum joked with Ben Stokes at Lord’s – the skipper understandably parking the off-spinner in seam-friendly conditions. On Sunday, evening, no one could look beyond him. “I think what he’s done today is show the world what he can do,” beamed Stokes.We are only seven months into Bashir’s story as an international cricketer, but of all the narratives this England Test team have thrown out like confetti over the last two years, his might be the sparkiest.This six-foot-four kid, selected for a tour of India, ultimately, off the back of a social media clip last summer, is now at home in the Test side despite his nomadic route into the professional game. A number one spinner for his country but not his county, Somerset, because Jack Leach, who he replaced for his country, is number one at his county. He averages 70.68 in the County Championship and 29.83 in the format most of those batters aspire to but will never see.Shoaib Bashir walks back with souvenirs after taking 5 for 41 in 11.2 overs•PA Photos/Getty ImagesAppreciating the contrasts and contradictions of Bashir’s career to date helps with the dissection of a left-field pick occupying centre stage. A feat of selection that only comes to pass with the confidence and craft of a 20-year-old not simply living his dream, but weaving it in front of us all.The selectors saw the promise that revealed itself to many more across three Tests in India. But these 11.1 overs on this Nottingham evening were a neat crash course in Bashir’s talents.Another generous offering from Kirk McKenzie got him on the board, under-edging a long hop that did not get up through to Jamie Smith. But after trapping first-innings centurion Kavem Hodge on the crease following some subtle tweaking of lengths, he came around the wicket to best Alick Athanaze with a picture-perfect off break to a left-hander, followed by the pearler to Holder. Shamar Joseph tied the bow on this five-for, bowled middle stump attempting the wildest of hacks.The 25 overs in the first innings – 17 of those on the bounce from the Radcliffe Road End – gave him a sighter of what West Indies had to offer. A couple of donations helped, as did watching his opposite number Kevin Sinclair toil with his own twirlers. But plans were formulated and, perhaps most impressive of all, even picked up on the hoof after the first drinks break of what was supposed to be a bumper 48-over final session.”That wicket offered hardly anything for a spinner throughout the whole Test match. And to be honest, I didn’t think it actually did today,” said Stokes, agreeing with West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite’s acknowledgement that it was still sound enough for batting that West Indies fancied their 385 target.”He was so aggressive and his intent was always to look to take wickets and was never just to hold an end up. The way in which he can change his pace, over spin, under spin, I think he showed his full bag of tricks today in particular.”Shoaib Bashir bowled Jason Holder with a beauty as England closed in•Getty ImagesThere has been a lot of work behind the scenes with England spin bowling coach Jeetan Patel, who spent a lot of the first innings down at fine leg coaching Bashir through his spell. Such is Bashir’s capacity to take on information, he was applying outside suggestions in real-time.During both congregations for Atkinson’s two wickets in three balls, Bashir and Joe Root broke off after the cursory high-fives to discuss a more attacking line. Root, from his view at first slip – where he took the catch off Athanaze – posited that while Bashir was clearly getting turn from wider, he’d do well to mix it up with a straighter line.By this point, the batters were expecting turn. And by hitting inside those spinning patches, varying his speeds as per, Bashir would also be able to challenge the outside edge, too. This was how he nabbed Holder. “I think that’s the great thing about inexperience and youth – they will take everything in from everybody around them,” said Stokes.Inexperience and youth also has the benefit of being free from scars. The English system might have not treated Bashir well to start – falling through the cracks at Surrey, the climb back up through the national county and club scene – but he never lost his fearlessness or sense that belonged.It’s worth noting, Holder’s dismissal was the last ball in an over in which the West Indies allrounder had pumped Bashir down the ground for six (for the second time) and then four in consecutive deliveries. The over before, Joshua Da Silva had done the same in a bid to get Bashir off his lengths. He remained unperturbed.He wore the onslaughts in India well, from the visa office to start, then opposition batters as the series was taken from England by force. Two months ago, when on loan at Worcestershire Bashir was blitzed by Dan Lawrence, his England squad mate, who plundered 38 from an over, handing Bashir the ignominy of equalling the most expensive over in English first-class cricket. Bashir’s temporary teammates were impressed and a little shocked at how easily that thrashing was brushed off.”The great thing about Bash is if you see him get hit over his head, he starts smiling and he’s alright,” explained Stokes. “He’s got no issue whatsoever about getting hit for a four or a six. I love the way in which that doesn’t affect him.”All he wants to do is affect the game in any way, shape or form. I’m obviously a very aggressive, forward-thinking captain. I like to see batters taking risks against spinners.”Upon selecting Bashir for this Test series, Stokes revealed he spent “a good 20, 25 minutes” talking through what had been a “strange” couple of months for his new No.1 spinner. This week, both Stokes and Patel hyped up their man, telling him he would have a chance to show off his skills.It’s as much an example of sharp, considerate leadership as it is of Bashir existing in this peculiar sweet spot of neither being settled nor willing to settle. A player grateful for what he has but wanting the world. A competition winner’s enthusiasm fuelling a remarkable evolution that is sweeping the competition away.
Luis Enrique has broken his silence on Kylian Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid, admitting it is “a pity” that the Frenchman is no longer at PSG.
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Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee has now decided which team he would like to join in January as he looks to leave Old Trafford ahead of the World Cup.
After joining from Bologna in 2024 in a deal worth £36.5m, it is safe to say that things haven’t gone to plan for Zirkzee in Manchester.
Under both Erik ten Hag and now Ruben Amorim, the forward has failed to find the back of the net on a regular basis, scoring just seven times in 54 appearances for the Red Devils.
So far in 2025/26, Zirkzee has played 90 minutes of football in all competitions but could be in line for more appearances following the news of Benjamin Sesko’s knee injury that could see him sidelined for a month.
Talking about Sesko and Zirkzee, Fabrizio Romano has claimed that there could be an “opportunity” for the latter, who Amorim thinks can still be “very important”.
Zirkzee has also started to become a forward in demand ahead of the January window, and there have also been suggestions that the Red Devils are happy to sell the “imposter” for £35m with up to nine different clubs circling.
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The 9 clubs interested in Joshua Zirkzee |
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Aston Villa |
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Brighton |
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Everton |
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Sunderland |
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West Ham |
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Inter Milan |
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Juventus |
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Roma |
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Sevilla |
Now, the 24-year-old appears to have selected his preferred destination in 2026.
According to reports in Italy relayed by Sport Witness, Zirkzee has made it clear that he would like to leave Man Utd and join Serie A side Roma in the New Year.
It is suggested that Gian Piero Gasperini’s side are offering him a clear starting spot in the side, something which appeals to the forward as he looks to increase his chances of making the Netherlands squad ahead of the World Cup.
Roma are looking to agree a deal with Man Utd as soon as possible and have already made initial contact over a transfer.
Should a move go through, Zirkzee, who scored 11 Serie A goals in 2023/24 before his move to Manchester, would be rivalling the likes of Paulo Dybala, Artem Dovbyk and Brighton loanee Evan Ferguson for a starting spot.
Meet the ex-Man Utd star with over double Messi and Ronaldo's combined net worth
A former Premier League player has amassed an extraordinary net worth since retiring from football.
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All three centre-forward options are currently injured, though, potentially explaining the reason why Roma want to land a new striker as soon as possible in the New Year.