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Gary Neville has boldly predicted that Manchester United will finish outside of the Premier League’s top five at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

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• Red Devils still searching for consistency
• Questions being asked of Dutch coach
• Club legend sees little cause for optimism

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Red Devils did secure a top-four finish last season, returning them to the Champions League, while a six-year wait for major silverware was brought to a close in the Carabao Cup. Big money was spent over the summer in an effort to build on those foundations, with the likes of Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund snapped up.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  United have stumbled out of the blocks, though, picking up 12 points from eight games to sit 10th in the table as things stand. Neville does not expect things to get much better, with the Red Devils legend telling his podcast for : “I don’t think Manchester United will finish in the top five this season. I think they are way off it. And I’m surprised because seven or eight weeks ago, I had them third, But honestly from what I see at the moment, I don’t think the goalkeeper is settled in, I think he should have saved the one yesterday so that is a problem. If you’re goalkeeper is not settled in and there is a bit of instability around that, it does create a big problem. I’ve had that at United. So United, not for me.”

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Chelsea are another heavyweight outfit to have struggled for consistency, despite spending £1 billion ($1.2bn) across the last three transfer windows, but Neville believes the future is brighter at Stamford Bridge than it is at Old Trafford. He added: “Chelsea, I think are probably nearer to it if they can go on a run because they have got some really good young talented players. Their age is a lot better than United’s squad.”

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  WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  United did take maximum points from their last Premier League fixture, but needed a stoppage-time brace from Scott McTominay in order to edge out Brentford, and pressure is already building on Erik ten Hag during his second season at the helm – failure to qualify for the Champions League could lead to another change being made in the dugout.

The Netherlands defender has arrived at Arsenal and signed a long-term contract with the Gunners after moving from Ajax.

Arsenal's summer has got off to a busy start. After missing out on the Premier League title to Manchester City last season, it was quickly identified that the first-team squad needed more depth if the Gunners were ever going to return to the summit of English football.

The headlines have largely been dominated by the club's pursuit of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz in recent weeks. However, quietly in the background, Arsenal have been working hard to hammer out a deal to sign Jurrien Timber from Ajax.

That deal has now been agreed, with the Gunners sealing a transfer worth €46 million (£40m/$52m) to bring the Netherlands international to north London and add to Mikel Arteta's options.

The only question now he's officially through the door is how Timber will slot into the Arsenal backline. There are a number of different options, which GOAL takes a look at below…

GettyThe story so far

Timber is not a new face on the scene. Despite being just 22 years old, he has already made well over 100 appearances for Ajax and earned 15 caps for the Netherlands.

Continuing a fine tradition of world-class youth development in the Dutch capital, Timber flew through the age groups at the Johan Cruyff ArenA, before making his senior debut in 2020. He has scarcely been out of the starting XI since, helping Ajax to Eredivisie titles in 2021 and 2022.

While the 2022-23 season was a torrid one for the Amsterdammers, Timber's reputation remains sky high. No one in the Ajax squad made more appearances than him last campaign, and he was picked in various outlets' Eredivisie team of the season.

AdvertisementGettyA blow for Manchester United?

Timber had long been expected to turn up in the Premier League at some point. However, Manchester United had always seemed like his most likely destination. It was under Erik ten Hag at Ajax that Timber developed into a top-class defender, and the United boss made no secret of his desire to bring him to Old Trafford last summer. “I think that all top clubs in Europe have Timber in their sights," he said.

This kickstarted a frantic few months of rumours, but in the end the two clubs could not agree a deal. Louis van Gaal, a huge fan of Timber, might have played a role in the move failing to materialise, as he seemed to warn his golden boy off joining the Red Devils in June.

Regardless of whether Van Gaal influenced proceedings, Ten Hag's hopes of signing Timber have now been extinguished.

GettyThe details of the deal

That's because Arsenal have swooped in to secure Timber's services this summer. Personal terms were not an issue, due to the player's enthusiasm for the move and the Gunners' generous offer.

Reaching an agreement on a transfer fee has been significantly harder, though. Timber has two years left on his deal, so Ajax could feasibly have held onto him for another season before selling him on.

That is likely why they rejected the Gunners' initial bid of £30 million ($38.1m) in June. However, a deal has now been struck, and Timber has now signed a long-term contract in north London.

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Getty ImagesWhat will Timber bring to Arsenal?

So, why exactly have Arsenal been convinced to spend all that money on Timber? His greatest attribute is his zen-like composure on the ball. Following in a long line of Dutch defenders before him, Timber is superb technically, with no Eredivisie player completing more short passes than him during the 2022-23 season.

For a possession-heavy side like Arsenal, this will be a priceless asset. It's worth noting that Timber's 74.7 completed passes per 90 minutes was comfortably higher than what any Arsenal player managed last campaign too, though this should be taken with a pinch of salt, considering how dominant Ajax are in the Netherlands.

In addition, his patience on the ball should suit him well to the Gunners' style of play. As Timber is so confident retaining possession he often waits until the opposition has committed as much as possible before firing his pass through the lines.

Arsenal lit up the Premier League with their lightning-quick transitions last term, and it's easy to see Timber playing a quarterback-like role from the heart of the defence.

Nathan Buck has joined Northants and so has become the fourth player to leave Lancashire since the end of the season as Ashley Giles, their director of cricket, rebuilds the county’s playing staff

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Sep-2016Nathan Buck has become the fourth player to leave Lancashire since the end of the season as Ashley Giles, their director of cricket, rebuilds the county’s playing staff.Buck, who was released from his contract a year early, has joined Northamptonshire, the defending NatWest Blast champions, on a three-year deal.Last month, Lancashire announced seamers George Edwards and Gavin Griffiths along with opening batsman Luis Reece were not having their contracts renewed.Buck’s two years at Lancashire have been largely unproductive. He joined them at the end of the 2014 season from Leicestershire, but suffered an injury-hit first season for the Club, featuring in just two games before spending last winter in Sydney playing grade cricket for Manly.He went on to play a further 17 games for Lancashire this season in all competitions, taking 12 wickets in this year’s NatWest T20 Blast including T20 career best figures of 4 for 26 at Edgbaston against the Birmingham Bears.Buck “It will be a new challenge for me and I’m looking forward to getting back to my best with some exciting cricket.”Northants are a strong, tight-knit side that have done exceptionally well this season. I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

Wolves could sign Liverpool youngster Fabio Carvalho on loan in the summer transfer window, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Is Carvalho having a good season?

Wanderers have had a tough season to date, sitting 14th in the Premier League, but there have been signs of improvements under Julen Lopetegui. Admittedly, Saturday's 2-1 defeat away to Leicester City was a bad result, but it looks as though they are doing enough to remain in the top flight beyond this season.

Once the campaign is over, it is crucial that Lopetegui is backed in the transfer market, as he looks to build his own squad moving forward.

One player who could potentially be available to sign on loan is Carvalho, who has struggled to make an impression in his first season at Liverpool. While he did score a last-gasp winner at home to Newcastle United early in the campaign, he has only started four league games in total.

Could Wolves sign Carvalho?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, transfer expert Jones claimed that the 20-year-old is an option for Wolves to sign on a temporary basis this summer:

"There is uncertainty about what happens with Fabio Carvalho. Firstly, it’s worth pointing out that he will not give up on making it with Liverpool. He’s very driven to ensure the move works out long-term. But this has been a tough season for all involved, and chances could be just as limited for him next season because Liverpool have to bounce back. That is going to mean top-level recruitment.

"I think a loan will be discussed for Carvalho. Fulham hoped it would become an option when he left them, but it never did. Marco Silva helped hugely with his breakthrough, and I’m sure he would welcome him back if the player is open to it. It is difficult to take a decision like that. From Carvalho’s perspective, it may feel like admitting defeat, and I did check out other moves that could be on the table.

"There has been nothing yet, but it sounds to me like Wolves could become an option. They are in an uncertain moment with players like Matheus Nunes and Ruben Neves, and an opportunity to sign someone like Carvalho, who is an adaptable attacking midfield player, would be a good fit."

Carvalho could be an intriguing signing by Wolves at the end of the season, with Lopetegui possibly seeing him as someone he can improve as a project. Granted, it hasn't worked out for him at Liverpool yet, but he remains a young player with a huge amount of potential.

Last season, he scored ten goals and registered eight assists for Fulham, helping them reach the Premier League in the process, and he could be deemed a good squad option who can play both out wide in and a central attacking midfield role.

Jurgen Klopp has hailed Carvalho as a "special" footballer, which highlights what a talent he is, and if the Reds are willing to let him leave for a year, Molineux could be a good fit for him, especially given their Portuguese element.

Arsenal are the 'favourites' to sign West Ham United star Declan Rice and he is 'excited' by the prospect of joining them, according to reports.

What's the latest on Rice to Arsenal?

The north Londoners are reliably believed to be well in contention to sign David Moyes' star man and it has been reported that he is almost certain to leave his current club this summer.

Rice's deal expires in 2024, and while West Ham possess the option to extend his contract by a further year, the player himself has made no secret of his desire to compete at the very highest level.

"Growing up as a kid I’ve seen all these top players win the trophies, win the Premier League, the Champions League," said Rice in an interview with the media last year.

“Me as a football fan and a player I want to win the best stuff, I want to win the Premier League, I want to lift that trophy, I want to win the Champions League, I want to win the FA Cups, League Cups, even with England, I want to win it all."

The England international has been both a star player for Moyes and for Gareth Southgate in a Three Lions jersey, most recently earning rave reviews for his some of his World Cup performances in Qatar. As well as Arsenal, both Chelsea and Man City have been tipped as possible suitors for the midfielder, but it appears Mikel Arteta's side are out in front of them.

According to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook, writing via his transfer column, the Gunners are 'favourites' to sign Rice as they remain in pole position – even despite the outside possibility of an ambitious swoop from Eddie Howe's Newcastle United.

It's reiterated that Rice is 'almost certain' to leave east London this summer with West Ham holding out for a £100 million transfer fee. Chelsea are also still in the hunt, yet Crook claims the 24-year-old firmly has his eyes on a move to Arsenal.

It is believed that Rice is 'excited by the prospect' of joining Arsenal and their interest is 'most advanced'.

Should Arsenal sign Rice?

The homegrown ace has yet again dazzled for West Ham under Moyes, perhaps proving he is ready for a blockbuster move across London to Arsenal. As per WhoScored, Rice stands out as their best-performing player by average match rating, all while making more interceptions per 90 than any of his teammates.

If Arsenal want to reinforce their midfield with real steel, look no further than the 'sensational' Rice, who will most likely be watching their Premier League title race with serious interest.

Durham opener Mark Stoneman was dropped on 19 and never gave the sniff of a chance again as he reached the close on 139 not out

David Hopps at Chester-le-Street25-Apr-2016
ScorecardMark Stoneman recorded his first century of the season•Getty Images

Celebrations might be taking place around the country to mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, but if the ghost of the Bard had put in an unexpected appearance at Chester-le-Street there would be little chance of him writing how “proud-pied April, dress’d in all his trim hath put a spirit of youth in every thing.” More likely something about the cold turning county cricketers, and all those of us who religiously watch it, into fools and madmen.It was hardened professionalism, not youthful disposition, that got Middlesex’s fielders through a day of intense cold during which the temperature read 5C at start of play, a stiff Arctic breeze whistled down the ground and hands in pockets was a basic necessity. This was not the sort of day to feel the joy of being alive, not until back in the warmth of a local hostelry at any rate.In such conditions, Mark Stoneman’s dependability must have worn even more heavily on Middlesex’s attack. The Durham opener was dropped at long leg by James Harris on 19, pulling Tim Murtagh down wind, and never gave the sniff of a chance again as he reached the close on 139 not out. Middlesex’s pace attack started loosely and although they upped their standards later, Durham maintained their grip.When the arrival of snow drove the players from the field with two overs left, Middlesex’s fielders stood politely by the outfield gate to applaud Stoneman off. He seemed to take an awfully long time to reach them. Not only had he batted for most of the day, he was now walking as slowly as an Arctic explorer across a glacier. They must have felt like leaving him to it.Stoneman, who batted in a long-sleeve sweater for the first time, symbolises the toughness of Durham cricket. To be fair, quite a few do. He has survived for a decade on challenging pitches and, presented by more encouraging batting conditions this season, he is not about to treat the opportunity lightly. Middlesex’s top seven all flared brightly, but none made a century, and as they set their eyes to the wind it was with the suspicion that their 389 was far from impregnable. Stoneman, with great selectivity of stroke, insisted that was so.Keaton Jennings, against Somerset in the opening round, had become only the third Durham batsman to score two centuries in a match and he looked in good order, driving in spritely fashion before Steven Finn defeated him on the pull – a bottom edge down the leg side. Finn also removed Jack Burnham, lbw to one that came back, and Ben Stokes – a carefully constructed leg trap which worked at the second attempt as Stokes flicked off his pads. One that Sri Lanka and Pakistan might log away for the summer.Finn’s greatest achievement, though, was to field throughout the morning session in a short-sleeved sweater. They would even have been impressed with that in Newcastle’s Bigg Market, where imperviousness to cold comes naturally. “Even pre-season was a lot warmer than this,” he said. “The only time I’ve experienced anything this bad was Delhi in early January.”Burnham, prolific in the recent Under-19 World Cup, impressed greatly for his 61. A skip down the ground against the offspin of Paul Stirling and successive boundaries – a pull and drive – off Toby Roland-Jones to reach his half-century suggested a player of verve capable of holding down his place in Durham’s middle order. Durham’s seam stocks, lower than we have come to expect (although they have given the young South African Brydon Carse a development contract) suggests they may struggle, but that struggle need not end in failure.The sheer willpower of county spectators never fails to amaze on such days. The romantic link between cricket and languid summer days suggests to the non-believer that enjoyment must be in short supply, but beneath the winter overcoats and array of headgear there was a sense of rapt attention. There again, they might have been iced to the seats.This season’s flatter pitches are logically better for the standard of English cricket, but in such conditions whether they are better for the game, rather than The Game, is debatable. Sport also needs to fit well with its environment and at least the unpredictability of a green seamer provides the sort of constant action to warm the cockles of the heart on taxing days like this. It also provides a better chance of a result in matches ravaged by rain. It is a quandary that will never be solved.

TalkSport pundit Carlton Palmer has claimed that he would quit Manchester United if he was Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw was starting ahead of him at centre-back.

What's the latest on Harry Maguire and Manchester United?

It's not been a particularly easy season for the 30-year-old defender, who has fallen down the pecking order behind Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez under Erik ten Hag.

Indeed, Maguire has started just five Premier League games all season. What's more, 27-year-old teammate Shaw has been trusted more as a centre-back of late. Indeed, the full-back has started four of the last 11 league games in that position for the Red Devils.

Maguire was at least trusted to come back in and start for England against Italy, but that ended badly for him as fans took to Twitter to slam his display – while Shaw also got a red card in what was a poor evening for the Man Utd duo.

Regardless of that, while speaking on TalkSport, Palmer claimed that the 30-year-old should threaten to quit if Ten Hag won't play him at centre-back.

The pundit said: "I mean, it would upset me, to be honest with you. Do you know, I'm not playing well, Maguire, but if he's [Shaw] being picked ahead of me at centre-back, I would have gone and knocked on the door and I'd have been away, full stop.

"I'm not bothered about my contract. If you're picking Luke Shaw at centre-back ahead of me, right, I'm gone."

Is Shaw a better centre-back option for Man Utd than Maguire?

To be fair to Ten Hag, Shaw hasn't lost any of those games he's started at centre-back in the league – which includes a derby win over Manchester City.

Maguire, on the other hand, started the first two games of the season in that position and lost on both occasions, so it's easy to see why his manager lost faith early on.

According to reports, the 30-year-old currently earns about £190,000 per week. On top of that, his deal runs until the summer of 2025. With that in mind, it would be a bold move for him to tear up his contract and leave as Palmer suggested.

Even so, it's not hard to see why Maguire might be unhappy with his current role in the team even if he's not gone public with any issues.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez could leave the club if the right offer arrives this summer, transfer expert Dean Jones has claimed.

The Lowdown: Rare low point for Martinez

The 30-year-old has barely put a foot wrong in his career in recent times, proving to be one of Argentina’s star men at the 2022 World Cup and being the penalty shootout hero against both the Netherlands and France.

For Villa, Martinez has also been a model of consistency – Matty Cash has hailed him as ‘unbelievable’ – but his last-gasp own goal against former club Arsenal on Saturday was an undoubted low point for him, followed up by the decision to leave his goal gaping for another Gunners goal.

The Argentine has been linked with a move away from Villa Park recently and it is a rumour that is refusing to go away, with Unai Emery ripping into his last-minute antics on Saturday.

The Latest: Goalkeeper could leave Villa

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones claimed that Martinez could well depart Villa in the summer is another club offers a sufficient amount of money for his services:

“To be honest, I think if the offer is big enough, it’s probably plausible. There’s been talk of him leaving before.”

The Verdict: Feels highly likely

It does feel increasingly likely that Martinez will leave Villa once the summer transfer window arrives, with the £120,000-a-week star potentially eyeing up a new challenge and Emery clearly not a fan.

[freshpress-quiz id=“418895″]

He is arguably now seen as one of Europe’s leading ‘keepers, especially after his performances in Qatar, and a Champions League-playing club will hopefully come in with a bid NSWE will bite their hand off for.

The player himself has admitted he wants to play in Europe’s elite competition, which further adds fuel to the fire, and the fact that Martinez’s current Villa deal doesn’t expire until 2027 does put the Villans in a very strong position to demand a sizeable fee.

With that money, Emery could then further strengthen his squad, bringing in a strong replacement between the sticks but also adding in other key areas, such as signing a new striker.

So far this fluctuating Test match has closely resembled the Centenary Test at Melbourne in March 1977

Steven Lynch23-Jul-2005

Will England find a player to repeat Randall’s innings of 1977? © Getty Images
So far this fluctuating Test match has closely resembled the Centenary Test at Melbourne in March 1977 – which, perhaps not coincidentally, was probably the most-hyped England-Australia encounter until this one.In that showpiece game at the MCG, staged to mark the 100th anniversary of the inaugural Test match, England were cock-a-hoop at bowling the Aussies out for 138 on the first day – until they were rolled over for 95 themselves, with Dennis Lillee taking 6 for 26.Just as in this match, the Australian batsmen then regrouped, scoring 419 to set a massive target of 463. England didn’t make it … quite. A memorable innings of 174 from Derek Randall, his first Test century, took them a tantalising 46 runs short of victory before Lillee (5 for 139) finally ended the fun to exactly replicate the result of the original game in 1877. So who’s going to do a Randall for England this time?

يلتقي فريق الأهلي في مباراة قوية مع الاتحاد السكندري، بـ نهائي بطولة دوري السلة الممتاز للمرتبط عن الموسم الجاري.

ومن المقرر أن تقام مباريات الأهلي والاتحاد السكندري، على صالة استاد القاهرة الدولي بحضور 2000 مشجع (1000 لكل فريق).

وكان الأهلي قد تمكن من تخطي عقبة الزمالك بالفوز بنتيجة 55-51، في دور نصف النهائي ويصل إلى نهائي المسابقة المحلية.

طالع | الأهلي يفوز على الزمالك ويتأهل لـ نهائي دوري المرتبط في كرة السلة

استطاع الاتحاد السكندري الفوز على سبورتنج بنتيجة 80-68، في دور نصف النهائي، ويخطل بطاقة التأهل إلى نهائي دوري المرتبط لكرة السلة. مواعيد مباريات الأهلي والاتحاد السكندري في نهائي دوري المرتبط لكرة السلة

مباراة الذهاب يوم الإثنين 23 ديسمبر 5:30 المرتبط – 8:30 الفريق الأول

مباراة العودة يوم الأربعاء 25 ديسمبر  5:30 المرتبط – 8:30 الفريق الأول