Fast bowler to use competition’s month-long window to continue rehabilitation
ESPNcricinfo staff15-Jul-2024Mahika Gaur, England’s highly-rated left-arm seamer, has withdrawn from this year’s Women’s Hundred, to continue her recovery from a side strainGaur, 18, had been retained by Manchester Originals after impressing in her debut season last year, but will instead use the competition’s month-long window to continue her rehabilitation, under the supervision of the medical teams at both the ECB and her regional side, Thunder.Gaur was not available for England’s early-season white-ball series against Pakistan, as she was completing her A-levels, but was then ruled out of the T20I squad to face New Zealand this month after picking up her injury.Her absence from the Hundred could impact her hopes of breaking into England’s squad for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh, with that competition set to form a key part of the players’ preparation in the absence of any other bilateral cricket prior to their departure in October.Gaur, who represented UAE from the age of 12, made a strong impression in her first England appearances against Sri Lanka last summer, including with figures of 3 for 26 on her ODI debut at Chester-le-Street in September.
Before 2001, Australia had a 28-11 lead, but since then India have won 17 and lost only 15 Tests against Australia
S Rajesh25-Dec-2020The Australia-India Test matches have been among the most intense match-ups in the last few years, and on Boxing Day, the rivalry will achieve a significant milestone: it will be the 100th Test between the two teams, and the 50th in Australia.This will be the seventh rivalry to hit the century mark; Australia and England have obviously played each other the most often – in fact, they have played more than twice as many matches as any other pair of teams. Australia have also played 100-plus Tests against West Indies, while for India it is their second entry into this club: they have also played 100-plus Tests against England.ESPNcricinfo LtdAustralia have a significant overall advantage, 43 wins to 28 defeats. Among the three teams against whom they have played 100-plus Tests, their win-loss ratio against India (1.54) sits in the middle – it is better than their ratio of 1.33 against England, but not quite as good as their record of 1.81 against West Indies. Among these seven rivalries with 100-plus Tests, the most lopsided is the one between England and New Zealand – England have won 48 out of 105, and lost only 11.As you would expect, both Australia and India have been dominant at home, but Australia have been exceptionally strong on home turf against India, winning 30 Tests and losing just seven. India have won 21 and lost 13 at home.ESPNcricinfo LtdThe Australia-India Test journey started 73 years ago, on November 28, 1947, when Brisbane hosted the first game of a five-Test series. Australia trounced the visitors by an innings and 226 – India’s match tally of 156 over two innings fell 29 short of Don Bradman’s 185 – but India improved as the series went along, though they lost 4-0. Vijay Hazare and Vinoo Mankad struck a couple of hundreds each, while Dattu Phadkar struck one and averaged 52.33. India’s first win came in 1959 in Kanpur, in the tenth Test between the two teams. That was thanks largely to Jasu Patel’s incredible match haul of 14 for 124.ESPNcricinfo LtdAustralia were utterly dominant in the first 20 Tests, winning 13 and losing just two. Since then, Australia have only stretched that advantage of 11 to 15. In fact, since 2001, India have had the edge, with a 17-15 record. Both have been equally dominant at home over the last 20 years: Australia have an 11-4 record in 21 Tests in Australia, while India have won 13 and lost four in 21.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
2025 will be a much-needed year of mass-change at Everton.
Last Sunday, the Toffees waved goodbye to Goodison Park, their home since 1892, following a 2-0 victory over Southampton, with Iliman Ndiaye the scorer of both goals.
Meanwhile, this year, David Moyes has returned as manager, 12 years after departing for Manchester United, while the Friedkin Group have taken over as the new owners, bringing to an end the miserable Farhad Moshiri era.
So, before moving into their brand-new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, will the Toffees sign one of Britain’s most highly-rated wingers?
Everton targeting a historic move
According to a report by Paul Joyce, of The Times, Everton are eyeing up a move for Ben Doak this summer to bolster their options in the wide areas.
The journalist claims that the Toffees are ‘showing an interest’ in the Scotland international, as Moyes plots a controversial move for the flanker.
The 19-year-old spent last season on loan at Middlesbrough from… wait for it… Liverpool, which would certainly make this a historic move, as the table below outlines.
Abel Xavier
2002
Nick Barmby
2000
Dave Hickson
1959
Tony McNamara
1957
John Heydon
1949
Gary Ablett
1992
Peter Beardsley
1991
Alan Harper
1983
Kevin Sheedy
1982
David Johson
1982
Johnny Morrissey
1962
Jimmy Payne
1956
As the table shows, not since Gary Ablett 33 years ago have Everton bought a player from Liverpool, but could that be about to change?
How Ben Doak would improve Everton
Aside from the trio of relegated clubs, Everton are the lowest scorers in this season’s Premier League with just 41, so they certainly require more attacking firepower.
Back in March, Moyes stated that he required more “assists and goals” from wingers Jesper Lindstrøm and Jack Harrison, and the latter duly responded to this call to arms, opening the scoring against Wolves at Molineux the next day.
Nevertheless, this remains Harrison’s only goal of the season; his most recent before that came against Tottenham all the way back on 3 February 2024, underlining that this is a department in which the Blues could upgrade.
So, let’s asses how he compares to target Doak.
Appearances
37
24
Minutes
2,091
1,789
Goals
1
3
Assists
1
7
Shots on target %
25%
51.9%
Goals – xG
-2.5
-1.4
Big chances created
6
7
Progressive carries
71
134
Attempted take-ons
74
99
Take-on success %
31.1%
35.4%
Carries into penalty area
16
80
Shot-creating actions
56
82
Goal-creating actions
4
11
Touches per 90
42
47
Average Sofascore Rating
6.69
7.03
As the table outlines, even though he played around 300 fewer minutes, largely due to a season-ending thigh injury suffered in early-March, Doak’s statistics are universally more impressive than Harrison’s, with the caveat that he was playing in the EFL Championship which, according to Global Football Rankings, is the 11th strongest league in the world.
Doak was, without question, one of the best dribblers in the Championship this season, as highlighted in the table.
Minutes
1,778
270th
Progressive carries
134
8th
Attempted take-ons
99
26th
Carries into penalty area
80
2nd
As the table below emphasises, despite limited minutes, Doak’s dribbling prowess came to the fore his season, with only Burnley’s Jaidon Anthony, who played almost 1,900 more minutes, registering more carries into the opposition penalty area.
This has earned the Scotland international rave reviews, with journalist Henry Winter labelling him a “huge prospect”, former Liverpool Danny Murphy midfield described him as a “super quick, explosive winger,” while Ange Postecoglou, who gave him his senior debut at Celtic, called him a “fantastic kid”.
Meantime, Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout believes he is an ‘old fashioned winger’ who is ‘capable’ of playing on both flanks, and possess ‘elite technical abilities’.
Ben Doak in action for Middlesbrough
Thus, it is indisputable that Doak is a massive talent who would improve Everton.
Whether they’d be able to do a deal with Liverpool to secure his services is another question entirely!
Moyes already has Everton's Doucoure replacement in future "top PL player"
With Abdoulaye Doucouré set to leave Everton after Sunday’s visit to Newcastle, does David Moyes already have a ready-made replacement?
The Australia opener could be facing England for the last time as his career draws to a close
AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff07-Jun-20241:53
Warner relives Australia’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2021
David Warner has predicted England’s last two Ashes destroyers loom as far different prospects on the slower T20 World Cup wickets of the Caribbean.Australia will meet England for the first time in any format since last year’s tense Ashes series on Saturday [Sunday AEDT] in Barbados, in each side’s second game of the World Cup.Related
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Mark Wood and Jofra Archer are expected to play for an England side desperately needing a win after a washout against Scotland.Archer has not played Australia since the 2020 white-ball series in England, which took place during Covid, having made his mark against them in his debut Test series in 2019. Wood was also England’s most hostile bowler in the 2023 Ashes, coming in at Headingley and helping the hosts go from 2-0 down to a 2-2 draw.Both are among the quickest in the world at their best, but the slow pitches of the Caribbean are far removed from their home conditions. Throw in the fact it is a T20 rather than a Test match, and Warner believes this is a very different scenario.”You just have to use their pace,” Warner said. “Test cricket they set different fields, different balls. In Twenty20 cricket, you only have to get half an edge on it and it can go. So there’s a fair difference.”David Warner played an important innings against Oman•Getty ImagesWarner also does not expect consistently high bounce as seen elsewhere in the world.”I’ve played a lot of cricket over here,” Warner said. “You are expecting it to be low rather than bounce, unless it is real short. The variation in bounce is what surprises you. Because when they pitch the ball that eight-metre [from the stumps] length, your natural instinct is to pull it. But you have to go back to targeting straight, backing yourself, and if it does bounce, so be it.”Warner hit a steady 56 from 51 balls to guide Australia to a winnable score in their first match against Oman to begin his last international tournament. The runs came after a disappointing IPL, prompting questions from critics over whether he deserved a final hurrah ahead of rising star Jake Fraser-McGurk.”It [the criticism] doesn’t fuel me. It’s in one ear, out the other,” Warner said. “I don’t understand why it’s all about myself. There are 11 players in the team. I don’t get it.”People feel like they have to keep criticising the way I play. I don’t know what it is. I have no answer as to why people write that. I have had it my whole career. I don’t listen to it.”Sunday’s Group B clash has gone from near irrelevant to crucial for England, after their shared points with Scotland. A loss to Australia would spell disaster for the defending champions, after Scotland beat Namibia on Friday. If England are beaten, it would leave open the prospect of a net run-rate shootout between them and Scotland to be the second team to advance from the group.
Can you think of a team to stop this all-star combination?
ESPNcricinfo staff24-Apr-2019Twenty-two members of our staff picked their alI-time World Cup XIs, from which we compiled a composite team. A total of 39 players featured in at least one of those 22 individual teams. Ten players featured in half or more of the sides. Of these, Wasim Akram was the only unanimous choice.The battle for the final spot was a close one: Kumar Sangakkara pipped the likes of Sanath Jayasuriya, Steve Waugh, Kapil Dev and AB de Villiers.Only two of the players in the final XI featured in a World Cup before 1992, both a reflection of how the ODI game has evolved and the average age of the selectors.ESPNcricinfo LtdAdam Gilchrist (wk)Matches 31 Runs 1085 Average 36.16 Strike Rate 98.01 Dismissals 52 The destructive keeper-batsman has three World Cup titles. His finest moment came in his final World Cup match, when his 149 (aided by a squash ball in his glove) clinched the third of those title wins.Sachin Tendulkar Matches 45 Runs 2278 Ave 56.95 SR 88.98 100s/50s 6/15 In the three World Cups where he opened throughout, Tendulkar topped the run-scoring charts twice, in 1996 and 2003; he was second in 2011, when India won the title in his record-equalling sixth World Cup.Ricky PontingMatches 46 Runs 1743 Ave 45.86 SR 79.95 100s/50s 5/6 Part of a record 34-match unbeaten World Cup streak during which Australia won a hat-trick of titles, two under his captaincy. Ponting’s best was a stunning 140 not out in the 2003 final. Also a gun fielder, with the most World Cup catches for an outfielder.Viv RichardsMatches 23 Runs 1013 Ave 63.31 SR 85.05 100s/50s 3/5 Two-time World Cup champion (and nearly a third). A trendsetter with the bat, who was voted the greatest ODI player by a jury in 2015. And don’t forget his electric fielding.Kumar SangakkaraMatches 37 Runs 1532 Ave 56.74 SR 86.55 100s/50s 5/7 Hundreds in four consecutive World Cup innings in 2015 – an ODI record. The leading run scorer among left-handers. Also the most dismissals for a keeper, though Gilchrist is first choice for that role in this XI.Imran Khan (c)Matches 28 Runs 666 Ave 35.05 Wickets 34 Ave 19.26 The man who delivered Pakistan’s 1992 triumph. Steady with the bat (he didn’t bowl in the 1983 edition) and deadly with the ball, Imran is also our pick to lead this side.Lance Klusener Matches 14 Runs 372 Ave 124.00 Wickets 22 Ave 22.13 The least experienced member of this side makes it on the back of his legendary showing in the 1999 edition. The stunning numbers reflect how awe-inducing his finishing was. Also a handy fast-bowling option.Wasim AkramMatches 38 Wickets 55 Ave 23.83 Economy Rate 4.04 4s/5s 2/1 The greatest left-arm bowler of his generation, and perhaps of all time. He swung the 1992 World Cup final his team’s way with bat and ball, and led them to the final in 1999.Shane Warne Matches 17 Wickets 32 Ave 19.50 ER 3.83 4s/5s 4/0 The wizard who cast memorable World Cup spells. He came up with Man-of-the-Match performances in the thrilling 1996 and 1999 semi-finals, and in Australia’s dominating win in the 1999 final.Muttiah MuralitharanMatches 40 Wickets 68 Ave 19.63 ER 3.88 4s/5s 4/0 His first World Cup was Sri Lanka’s remarkable 1996 victory, and he played a key role in their 2003, 2007 and 2011 campaigns, a constant menace to opposition batsmen.Glenn McGrathMatches 39 Wickets 71 Average 18.19 ER 3.96 4s/5s 0/2 The leading wicket-taker in World Cup history improved his performance with each edition, finishing with a record 26 wickets, the Player-of-the-Tournament award, and a hat-trick of titles in 2007.Do you have a better all-time World Cup XI in mind? Send in your team.
This summer is a huge opportunity for Ruben Amorim to make the changes he wants to his Manchester United first-team squad, allowing for the best possible chance of success in his first full year at the helm.
During the January transfer window, the 40-year-old only had a couple of weeks to make changes to the side, allowing numerous players to depart the North West on loan.
Marcus Rashford, Tyrell Malacia and Anthony all departed the club for various temporary stints away, with it unknown whether any of the trio have a future at Old Trafford.
Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven were the first additions of the Amorim era, with the pair both already excelling in the first-team, showing signs of being worth their respective transfer fees.
Hopefully he can continue his excellent early start in the transfer market this summer, potentially returning for a deal to land a player who he’s previously managed.
Man Utd’s potential move to land Viktor Gyokeres this summer
The 2024/25 Premier League season is yet to reach its conclusion, but the transfer rumours are already starting to gather momentum ahead of the summer.
United have already been touted as a possible destination for striker Viktor Gyokeres, who previously featured under Amorim during his time as Sporting CP manager.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokeres
The Swedish international has been in phenomenal goalscoring form over the last couple of months, notching a total of 40 goals in 41 outings across all competitions this campaign.
Gyokeres has registered a total of 83 goals in 91 appearances for the Portuguese outfit and is rumoured to be available for around the £60m mark this summer.
However, the club may have made a mistake in allowing one player to depart the club, possessing similar characteristics to the former Coventry City ace – highlighting the wrong call in allowing him to depart.
The former United ace who’s been like Gyokeres in 2024/25
Former United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjær is responsible for numerous impressive pieces of business which has seen the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo move to the club.
Former Manchester United managerOleGunnarSolskjaer
The Norwegian led the club to a second-placed finish in 2020/21, coming within touching distance of claiming the first league title since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure – offering stability which has often been lacking in Manchester.
However, the 52-year-old also made the call to part ways with Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku in the summer of 2019, ending his two-year stint in the North West.
The Red Devils forked out a staggering £75m for his signature in the summer of 2017, looking to transform the club’s front line and edge them closer to a top-flight triumph.
He managed to find the net 27 times in his first year, before scoring 15 in the following year, leaving in a £73m deal to join Inter Milan and ending his short stint in Manchester.
Romelu Lukaku for Manchester United
However, the “unplayable” talisman, as dubbed by pundit Alan Shearer, has consistently scored goals everywhere he’s been since his departure six years ago, notching double figures in every single season.
He’s now plying his trade for Napoli in Serie A, with FBref ranking him as a similar player to Gyokeres based off their respective numbers from the current season – with the comparison understandable when delving into their figures.
Games played
27
25
Goals & assists
18
33
Shot-on-target accuracy
47%
45%
Times dispossessed
1.6
2.5
Aerials won
1.2
0.6
Aerial success rate
44%
31%
Take-on success
27%
27%
Lukaku may have registered fewer goals to date, but he’s managed to achieve a higher shot on target accuracy rate – showcasing that he’s been unlucky not to have more goals than he currently does.
He’s also won more aerials per 90, whilst losing possession fewer times per game, offering that all-round focal point which the side have been desperately missing.
There’s no denying that Gyokeres would be a phenomenal addition to the side, certainly handing them the goalscoring threat they’ve been after in recent years.
However, this whole scouting mission could’ve been saved had Solskjaer not parted ways with the Belgian six years ago, with his presence potentially helping the club fight at the top end once again.
Bigger wonderkid than Mainoo: Man Utd begin work on signing £38m sensation
Manchester United have wasted no time in targeting reinforcements for the summer.
Saturday’s clash a chance to “do what I expect of myself and what the team expects of me”
Matt Roller02-Nov-2023Joe Root says he is hurt by the fact that England are propping up the group-stage table of the World Cup after five defeats in six games. But he still believes that they are capable of beating Australia on Saturday in Ahmedabad, and said on Thursday: “Man for man I’d have this team every day over the Australians.”Somehow, England are still mathematically in contention for the semi-finals but their group-stage elimination could be confirmed once and for all if they suffer a sixth defeat against their Ashes rivals this weekend. Root said England would have to view the game as “our World Cup final” as they look to restore some pride – and to qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy.”I look at this team and it’s more than capable of achieving way more than it has done throughout this tournament,” Root said. “The quality of players we have, we should be sat right at the top of this [table]. We all know that, and we’re all very frustrated that isn’t the case.”This group of players have three opportunities to […] play at the level we expect of ourselves: I fully believe we are more than capable of doing that on Saturday. Man for man, I’d have this team every day over the Australians. We might not have played as well as we can do but we know when we play our best stuff, the best teams struggle to compete with us.”We have to remember that and take that into the next couple of days: both in physical practice and mentally, [we have to] make sure we’re in that frame of mind to take on Australia, which is what it’s about for us now. We’ve just got to look at Saturday as our World Cup final and play in the manner that’s expected of us and we expect of ourselves.”Related
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Australia have enjoyed England’s plight from afar, though Marnus Labuschagne said on Wednesday that they see them as a “dangerous” team. Root was asked specifically about how he felt when he saw Pat Cummins, Australia’s captain, stifling his laughter during a press conference when questioned about England’s struggles.”Let’s face it: if it was the other way around, would we be doing the same? Probably,” Root said. “It hurts – it always hurts to be in this position to be sat at the bottom of the table. It’s not what we expect of ourselves. If it motivates us a little bit more, then great.”Root’s own form has collapsed in the last three weeks: he started the World Cup with scores of 77 and 82 against New Zealand and Bangladesh, but has recorded scores of 11, 3, 2 and 0 in his last four matches. While he is unlikely to lose his place on Saturday, his returns have been well below the level he would expect of himself.”I feel really good in my game,” he insisted. “It’s been really frustrating: I’ve had a silly run-out [against Sri Lanka], a caught leg slip [against South Africa] which is pretty unusual in this format, and – I’ll be careful how I say this – a dubious lbw decision in the last game [against India].”That’s sometimes how it goes. It’s been really disappointing to not be more consistent: that’s what I expect of myself. I looked at the situation against India on that wicket and thought it was laid out perfectly for me to go and win us that game, start turning our bad run of games around.”Saturday is another opportunity to go and score runs, do what I expect of myself and what the team expects of me.”
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have been told that a $475m (£352m) valuation of Wrexham is “bonkers” and reflects the “Disneyification” of the club.
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Hollywood stars bought club for £2mRecord-breaking run of three promotionsNow one step away from the Premier LeagueFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Hollywood stars Reynolds and McElhenney acquired the Red Dragons for just £2m when completing a stunning takeover in 2021. They have overseen a historic run of three successive promotions, which have lifted the Welsh club into the Championship.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
More money will be required in order to reach the Premier League Promised Land, with the door being left open for more investors to enjoy a remarkable sporting adventure – one that is being played out in front of the ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary cameras.
DID YOU KNOW?
It has been suggested that Wrexham have now reached the £350m mark when it comes to market value, given the success that they have been enjoying on and off the pitch, but a sports finance expert is not convinced that Reynolds and McElhenney are at that point just yet.
Getty Images EntertainmentWHAT SPORTS FINANCE EXPERT SAID
Dr Rob Wilson has told : “It’s bonkers, it's just a massive valuation and reflects the Disneyification of Wrexham. So, it reflects their kind of a blend, let's say, of their asset base, their projected earnings, their projected media exposure based on what they've been able to get the kind of Disney Plus series, the global following, the kind of promotion boost that they will have achieved, really helps just amplify it.
“But that valuation is nuts. But then football as a product is nuts sometimes. If people want to be involved in that story then it's a great way of raising an additional bit of capital. It's a great way of accelerating your team progression. My eyebrows went up a couple of times and I keep seeing people commenting on the same posts that I see on social media and I'm like this is still nuts.
“But they are running a very smart business operation behind the scenes. Which is naturally amplified because of the ownership. I don't know what the ceiling is but a club valuation four times that of Sheffield United is really optimistic.”
There is no escaping from it: this season has been a complete disaster for Tottenham Hotspur.
Ange Postecoglou’s side are 14th in the Premier League, out of the FA Cup, and while they have a chance of winning the Europa League, it feels incredibly slim.
Moreover, while the Australian has had to deal with a mountain of injuries this year, he had what was almost a full-strength team on Sunday and still lost away to Fulham.
So, following their 19th loss in all competitions over the weekend, it wasn’t a massive surprise to see a whole host of managers linked with the Lilywhites’ job, including Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola.
The Spaniard has done a marvellous job on the south coast, but what would his dream Spurs lineup look like if he was appointed in the summer and allowed to bring in some new signings?
Games (All Comps)
33
46
Wins
15
21
Draws
8
6
Losses
10
19
Points per Game
1.61
1.50
1 GK – Guglielmo Vicario
Perhaps a couple of months ago, just after Antonín Kinský’s impressive debut against Liverpool, this spot would have at least been up for debate.
However, as time went on, the young Czech shot-stopper made the sort of mistakes you’d expect a young goalkeeper to make, and since he returned from injury, Guglielmo Vicario has reminded everyone just how good he can be.
The Italian is a brilliant shot-stopper, and while he can sometimes make the odd mistake, he’s undoubtedly going to remain Spurs’ number one next season, regardless of who is in the dugout.
2 RB – Djed Spence
The first outfield player in the lineup is one of the few who can come out of this season with his head held high: Djed Spence.
Since he was given a proper chance to prove his worth in December, the “swashbuckling” right-back, as dubbed by Ian Wright, has been one of the Lilywhites’ best players.
Like Pedro Porro, the Englishman can be lethal in attack, but unlike the Spaniard, he can also be trusted to do the defensive side of the role and do it to a high standard as well.
3 CB – Marc Guéhi
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehiin action
Fans might not want to hear this, but based on recent reports, it looks like there is a real chance that Cristian Romero could be on his way to Real Madrid in the summer.
However, while the Argentine would certainly be a loss, Iraola could potentially replace him with the incredible Marc Guéhi, who was the subject of a £70m bid from Spurs in the winter window.
The Englishman might not quite have the pedigree of the World Cup winner, but despite being just 24 years old, the 6 foot titan has already amassed 206 first-team appearances across his career, with 145 of those coming for Palace, 59 with Swansea City and two with Chelsea.
Moreover, he was an integral part of the England side that reached the final of the European Championships in the summer, so he is clearly someone who thrives in high-pressure situations, which could be just what the Lilywhites need.
4 CB – Micky van de Ven
Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven
Alongside Guéhi will be the sensational Micky van de Ven, who, when fit, is undoubtedly one of Tottenham’s most important players.
The Dutch international, who respected talent scout Jacek Kulig described as “complete & dominant”, is the perfect defender for a team that want to play aggressive and expressive football, as his record-setting speed means he can get back to stop counter-attacks when other centre-backs simply can’t.
Now, there are still serious question marks over his ability to remain fit, but you’ve got to live in hope, right?
5 LB – Destiny Udogie
Destiny Udogie for Tottenham
Rounding out the defence is another player who has battled with injuries, Destiny Udogie.
It would be fair to say that the Italian international has not had the best of campaigns this season, but it should not be forgotten just how good he was in his first year at the club.
Appearances
58
Starts
55
Minutes
4691′
Goals
2
Assists
4
Points per Game
1.77
In 23/24, the Verona-born “monster,” as dubbed by journalist Travis Levison, made 30 appearances, in which he scored two goals, provided three assists and became the first Tottenham player ever to be nominated for the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season award.
Therefore, it would make sense for Iraola to give him another season to see how he fares in a new system, as the talent there is undeniable.
6 DM – Angel Gomes
Moving into the midfield, the second new face in the lineup is that of LOSC Lille star Angel Gomes.
The Englishman’s contract with the French side expires this summer, meaning he’ll be available for free, and Spurs have made no secret of their admiration for him.
It’s easy to understand why the North Londoners would want to sign the “special” 24-year-old, as dubbed by former manager Jocelyn Gourvennec, as not only can he help mop up opposition attacks at the base of midfield, but he can start his own thanks to his brilliant passing range and impressive ball control.
For example, FBref has placed him in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for expected assisted goals and penalty kicks won, the top 3% for goal-creating actions from take-ons, the top 5% for passes into the penalty area and the top 8% for key passes, all per 90.
7 CM – James Maddison
Slotting in just ahead of Gomes will be fellow Englishman James Maddison.
The former Leicester City star can be an incredibly frustrating player at times, someone who can fade out of games, but when he’s on song, the midfielder is undoubtedly one of the most creative and dangerous in the Premier League.
For example, in just 38 appearances this season, the Coventry-born star has scored 11 goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.11 games.
8 CM – Dejan Kulusevski
Rounding out the midfield will be arguably Tottenham’s best player, Dejan Kulusevski.
Initially signed as a winger, the “world-class” Swede, as dubbed by Kulig, has been in scintillating form this season, much of which he has spent in the middle of the park.
Appearances
42
Minutes
3054′
Goals
10
Assists
10
Goal Involvements per Match
0.47
Minutes per Goal Involvement
152.7′
In all, the former Juventus star has scored ten goals and provided ten assists in 42 appearances for the Lilywhites this year, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 2.1 games.
9 RW – Antoine Semenyo
Starting at right-wing, it could be one of Iraola’s star men this season: Antoine Semenyo.
The “unplayable” Bournemouth winger, as dubbed by journalist Ed Aarons, has been in incredible form this season, racking up a tally of nine goals and five assists in just 32 appearances for the Cherries.
That means the 25-year-old, whom analyst Ben Mattinson described as possessing “powerful ambipedal ball striking,” is averaging a goal involvement every 2.28 games for a team outside the traditional ‘big six.’
10 ST – Dominic Solanke
Starting up top will be the club’s current record signing: Dominic Solanke.
While the former Bournemouth man has had to endure some time out due to injury this season, he’s looked great when he’s been on the pitch.
For example, in 33 appearances, the Basingstoke-born monster has scored 11 goals and provided eight assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.73 games and demonstrates that he’s more than just a goal threat.
The Red Devils are selling their most exciting prospect in a decade on the whim of the coach – but what if the Portuguese proves to be the wrong man?
The last time Manchester United achieved their worst Premier League points total, supporters looked to the club's youth academy for hope. They found it in Alejandro Garnacho, who fired the young Red Devils to FA Youth Cup glory with seven goals, including two in the final against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford. Two years later, Garnacho did it again, but this time in the senior FA Cup, scoring alongside his old academy team-mate Kobbie Mainoo to sink Manchester City at Wembley.
Garnacho and Mainoo had been the only positive stories of another wretched campaign in 2023-24, when United registered their worst league finish in 34 years, though Garnacho took more of the limelight thanks to his show-stopping moments, which included braces against West Ham Chelsea and Aston Villa as well as his sensational bicycle kick at Everton, which won the Premier League's Goal of the Season award.
But after another dismal season for United where they earned their lowest points total in Premier League history and posted their worst league finish since being relegated in 1974, Garnacho is no longer a source of hope. He has instead become the scapegoat for the team's problems and is being hounded out by Ruben Amorim.
Getty No going back
Amorim has his reasons for casting Garnacho aside, with the player's petulant remarks after not starting the Europa League final being the most serious in a line of missteps.
The coach did not approve of Garnacho'ss attitude to training less than one month after taking the United job, and dropped him for the derby at Manchester City in December along with Marcus Rashford. Amorim quickly reintegrated Garnacho – unlike Rashford – and praised him for showing an improved attitude and adapting to his style of play, only for the Portuguese to be embarrassed by the player storming down the tunnel after being substituted against Ipswich Town. It was an act which hit Garnacho in the pocket as he invited the team out to dinner to say sorry.
Now, though, there is no going back after Amorim informed Garnacho in front of his team-mates at training last Saturday that he would have to leave the club this summer. The player can have no real complaints. In the now infamous interview with Spanish media in the mixed zone at San Mames – in which the player had protested about not starting the final and criticised his side for "beating no one in the league" – he had suggested he was already considering his future. "I'm going to enjoy the summer and see what happens after," he said.
While neither Garnacho's representatives nor United have commented on Amorim's reported ultimatum, the winger's girlfriend sought to take control of the narrative by announcing on Instagram that the season-ending game against Aston Villa – which the winger was not included in the squad for – was her last. Garnacho's body language during the post-season tour of Asia, meanwhile, has also painted the picture of a player who does not have much of a future at United.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesOffers will flood in
Amorim reportedly told Garnacho "you better pray a club wants to sign you", but the truth is the player should have no issues finding any suitors. Napoli were keen on him in January, although their £40 million ($53m) bid was rejected by United. Chelsea were also interested, while in the aftermath of Saturday's showdown talks with Amorim it has been reported that Napoli have renewed their interest in Garnacho while AC Milan have also entered the race.
Garnacho's numbers in a badly-performing United team should also help his cause. He has contributed to 48 goals in 144 appearances for United, many of which were not starts. He is also a prolific chance-creator and has been playing in a team that is severely lacking in a proper presence inside the box. Data shows that Garnacho provides the third-most balls across the goal in Europe's top five leagues among players aged under 21, only trailing Lamine Yamal and Desire Doue.
Garnacho has also got an excellent fitness record. The only major absence in his three years with the first team at Old Trafford came after he suffered an unfortunate ankle injury against Southampton in March 2023, which led him to miss just under two months of action. Otherwise he is capable of playing twice a week and giving his all while doing so.
Described as "a showman" by United's head of academy Nick Cox – the man who signed him from Atletico Madrid in 2020 – Garnacho has a knack for generating excitement every time he picks the ball up. And let's not forget he does not turn 21 until July, meaning offers are sure to flood in when the transfer window opens. All Amorim has done is drive the price down as interested clubs will know that the coach has now staked his reputation on getting rid of of one of his most decisive attackers.
Getty ImagesLife is good beyond United
United have got rid of plenty of players in the last couple of years who they felt were not performing well enough, only to see them excel elsewhere. A whole host of flagging careers have been completely revitalised since leaving Old Trafford.
Rashford has played his way back into the England squad thanks to his performances on loan at Aston Villa, while fellow wide forward Antony has become an icon at Real Betis and earned a recall to the Brazil squad.
Scott McTominay has achieved legendary status at Napoli; David de Gea has rediscovered his love for the game after coming close to retirement following his acrimonious departure from the club; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, always seen as a one-v-one defending specialist, has turned into one of West Ham's best attackers; Anthony Elanga has helped propel Nottingham Forest back into Europe.
These players, who were regarded as anywhere between underwhelming and total flop status, have discovered that life beyond United can be far more enjoyable than within the walls of Old Trafford and Carrington. So as one of the best players United have had in the last couple of years, Garnacho has nothing to fear about taking his career in a new direction.
United, though, have a lot to lose.
Getty Images SportMassive talent & ambition
Garnacho has often resembled a young Cristiano Ronaldo in his first few years at United. Ronaldo, like Garnacho, came into the senior team as an 18-year-old and generated huge excitement with his debut display against Bolton Wanderers. But in those early years, he was also frustrating and often unproductive. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner scored only 18 times in his first three campaigns in the Premier League despite playing for a United team challenging for the title. In a team that finished eighth last year and 15th this season, Garnacho has a total of 16 league goals.
He became the first teenager to score in an FA Cup final for 20 years. The last to do so? Ronaldo. Garnacho's bicycle kick at Everton also drew comparisons with Ronaldo's goal for Real Madrid against Juventus in 2018, in addition to Wayne Rooney's famous strike against Manchester City in 2011. Both players pulled off their goals at the height of their careers, while Garnacho was in the infancy of his.
The forward's comments after the Europa League final game did smack of self-importance, but they also showed Garnacho's confidence. This is a player who has never lacked ambition, belief or drive. When Cox was trying to assess Garnacho's character when attempting to sign him in 2020, he recalled to GOAL: "He knew that he wanted to be the best footballer he could possibly be and would have gone to any length to do that. He had a hunger to play in the Premier League and he had a real appetite to play for Manchester United."