Manchester United provided positive updates on injured stars Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo ahead of the end of the season.

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Amad stepping up injury recoveryMainoo joined Man Utd trainingPair may be back in action soonFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Mainoo last played for United in an FA Cup fixture against Leicester on February 7. Days later, he picked up an injury during a training session while Amad also damaged his ankle ligaments. Initially, it was speculated that Amad's season might be over, but on Wednesday the Red Devils provided positive updates on both youngsters.

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United shared a video of the club's training session at Carrington on Wednesday, after which the squad jetted off to France for the Europa League fixture against Lyon. Mainoo was spotted joining his colleagues for training.

The club also shared images of Amad undergoing rehab as he stepped up his recovery from the ankle injury.

DID YOU KNOW?

Mainoo's return further strengthens Ruben Amorim's side, who are looking to salvage some pride in the 2024-25 campaign by winning the Europa League title.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR UNITED?

After facing Lyon on Thursday in the first leg of their quarter-final fixture, United will be back in action in the Premier League on April 13 as they take on Newcastle in a difficult away fixture.

Also, best figures on debut, and keeping records in three-Test series

Steven Lynch05-Jul-2016Mitch Marsh scored 32 and conceded 32 runs in the tri-series final in the West Indies. Is this the highest identical number in an ODI? asked Rory Sackville from Australia
Rather surprisingly perhaps, Mitchell Marsh’s performance for Australia against West Indies in the recent tri-series final in Bridgetown – he scored 32 then took 3 for 32 – isn’t close to the top of this particular list for one-day internationals. There are 26 higher such doubles, nine of them 50 or higher. The highest of all was by Khurram Khan of the UAE, with 78 and 2 for 78 against Bangladesh in Lahore in June 2008. The highest for Australia was by Kepler Wessels, who scored 50 against West Indies in Perth in 1983-84 then, bowling what someone once described as “nude seamers”, took 2 for 50. The only other one higher than Marsh’s double was Brett Lee’s 38 not out and 4 for 38 against West Indies in Adelaide in 2004-05. In that match Lee and Jason Gillespie added 73 for the tenth wicket – then shared six wickets as Australia won by 73 runs.Was Jason Roy’s 162 the highest score by an opener in ODIs? asked Qudrat Ullah Rahimi from Pakistan
Jason Roy’s 162 against Sri Lanka at The Oval last week was the highest score by an England opener in one-day internationals, beating Andrew Strauss’ 158 in the tie against India in Bangalore during the 2011 World Cup. Strauss occupies the next two places on England’s list, too, with 154 against Bangladesh at Edgbaston in 2010, and 152 against them at Trent Bridge in 2005 (England have only four of the 66 scores of 150-plus in ODIs). Overall, though, Roy is well down the list: there have been 31 higher scores by openers in one-day internationals, including all six of the format’s double-centuries. The biggest of all is Rohit Sharma’s 264, for India against Sri Lanka in Kolkata in November 2014.No, that’s not a tray for drinks•BCCIIn one of the recent ODIs between England and Sri Lanka, the umpire was wearing some contraption on his hand. What was it? asked Surendra Daya from South Africa
The thing you’re referring to was worn by the Australian umpire Bruce Oxenford on his left arm during the second match of the recent one-day series between England and Sri Lanka, at Edgbaston. It’s a plastic shield, designed to protect the umpire in the event of the ball being smashed back straight at him – he can try to parry the ball away with the shield. Oxenford wore it during a match in this year’s IPL, and also in one of the warm-up games for the World Twenty20 – but this was the first time it had been used in a full international match.Liam Plunkett took his 50th ODI wicket in the series against Sri Lanka, ten years after his debut. Is this the longest for anyone to achieve this feat? asked Durgesh Kulkarni from India
Liam Plunkett reached 50 wickets when he dismissed Kusal Perera in the third match of the recent series against Sri Lanka, in Bristol. It took him 37 matches, spread over more than 10½ years since his debut in December 2005. That’s the slowest in terms of time for England apart from Graeme Swann, who took about a month longer. Swann, though, went wicketless on his debut, against South Africa in Bloemfontein in January 2000, then didn’t play another ODI for more than seven years, taking 1 for 47 in his second game, against Sri Lanka in Dambulla in October 2007. Overall 11 men took more time than Plunkett to reach 50 wickets in ODIs. Pakistan’s Saleem Malik, who needed 203 matches spread over almost 12 years, took the longest of all. Most of the players concerned were not frontline bowlers, although there is a rather surprising name just above Plunkett: Imran Khan, Pakistan’s World Cup-winning captain in 1992, took five days longer to make it to a half-century of wickets, finally doing so in March 1985 after making his debut in 1974. He got there in style, though, with 6 for 14 against India in Sharjah – and it should be borne in mind that far fewer ODIs were played back then.It took Imran Khan more than ten years to take 50 one-day wickets•Getty ImagesJonny Bairstow took 19 catches in the recent Test series against Sri Lanka. Was this a record for a three-Test series, or against Sri Lanka? asked Tushar Mukherjee from the United States
The only wicketkeeper to make more dismissals in a three-Test series than Jonny Bairstow’s 19 was, by coincidence, a Sri Lankan: Amal Silva made 22 (21 catches and a stumping) against India in 1985-86. The only other keeper to make 19 dismissals in a three-Test series is Australia’s Ian Healy, at home to Sri Lanka in 1995-96 (17 catches and two stumpings). Gil Langley (for Australia in the 1956 Ashes series) and Junior Murray (for West Indies in Australia in 1992-93) both made 19 dismissals in three Tests, but those were five-match series in which they did not play in two of the games. The previous England record for a three-Test series was 17 (one stumping) by Geraint Jones at home to Sri Lanka in 2006.Which bowlers have the best figures on debut in Tests, ODIs and Twenty20s? asked Subas Karki from Nepal
The best innings figures on debut in Tests remain 8 for 43, by the Australian medium-pacer Albert Trott against England in Adelaide in 1894-95. Trott also scored 110 runs in that match without being dismissed … but, remarkably, played only four more Tests – two of them for England! The best match figures by a debutant are 16 for 136, by legspinner Narendra Hirwani for India against West Indies in Madras (now Chennai) in 1987-88. He just shaded the Australian swing bowler Bob Massie’s equally remarkable first-up figures of 16 for 137, in the 1972 Ashes Test at Lord’s. The best bowling figures on one-day international debut are 6 for 16, by the South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada against Bangladesh in Mirpur in July 2015. The only other man to take a six-for on ODI debut is another fast bowler, Fidel Edwards, with 6 for 22 for West Indies v Zimbabwe in Harare in November 2003. And the best by someone in their first T20 international is 5 for 13, by the Bangladesh slow left-armer Elias Sunny against Ireland in Belfast in July 2012.Send in your questions using our feedback form.

da esoccer bet： Aston Villa opened their account in the Premier League for 2025 with a 2-1 victory over Leicester City, which would have been a welcome result come full-time after drawing their final clash of 2024 in the league.

da roleta： But, the game would have felt far nervier for the Villans fans watching on when you consider their side’s leakiness reared its ugly head once more, having conceded to a Foxes team who had just two shots on target all afternoon and are lingering near the foot of the division.

Therefore, Emery must surely be using this January transfer window as a way to bolster his options defensively, with this high profile loan signing now rumoured.

Aston Villa enquire about wantaway defender

As per a report by French outlet L’Equipe, Villa have now enquired about signing wantaway Paris St. Germain centre-back Milan Skriniar this month on loan, with the Slovakian defender wanting to leave PSG due to a lack of first-team chances.

Villa are joined by Tottenham Hotspur in their pursuit of the ex-Inter Milan brute according to the report, as Ange Postecoglou attempts to solve his side’s own defensive woes, with Skriniar reportedly keen on playing in the Premier League in the near future away from the French capital.

There will also likely be an option for Emery’s men to make the deal permanent, with a hope that the 6 foot 2 star could be another loan success for Villa away from a major titan like Philippe Coutinho proved to be, before falling down the pecking order in the West Midlands when he joined the club for good from Barcelona.

Why Skriniar could be Coutinho 2.0

Obviously, in the minds of Villa fans now, the deal to bring in the Brazilian attacking midfielder was a major flop, considering the expensive 32-year-old has since been discarded to Vasco De Gama on loan.

But, once upon a time, the ex-Liverpool man was a loved figure by all at Villa Park, with five goals and three assists picked up during his debut campaign after arriving from Barcelona on an initial temporary deal in January 2022.

With hindsight now very much on their side, the Villans might not have subsequently forked out £17m though, with Coutinho only managing one more goal contribution since.

Emery will just pray that Skriniar can come in and be similarly impactful in the short-term – away from worrying about issues regarding tieing him down to a permanent stay – with Villa in dire need of more resolute bodies defensively with Pau Torres now sidelined and their record at the back this season not being particularly rosy.

Premier League top ten – defensive records

Position/club

Goals conceded

1. Liverpool

19

2. Arsenal

18

3. Nottingham Forest

19

4. Chelsea

24

5. Newcastle United

22

6. Manchester City

27

7. AFC Bournemouth

23

8. Aston Villa

32

9. Fulham

27

10. Brighton and Hove Albion

29

Sourced by BBC Sport

By three goals more, Villa have conceded the most goals in the current top ten of the Premier League at a worrying 32, with the injury-stricken Torres only keeping two clean sheets from 18 top-flight outings.

Therefore, Skriniar could come to the rescue to help Emery’s men shut up shop more effectively, having actually kept a clean sheet on his last appearance for PSG in Ligue 1 before pushing for a move away.

At the peak of his powers in the Serie A too, Skriniar would make his all defensive hard work look easy, with the 2021/22 season for Inter seeing him average a cool and composed 92% pass accuracy per league contest, whilst also showing off his fierce approach aerially by winning 3.9 duels on average.

Italian football writer Jerry Mancini would even label the Slovak as “incredible” when he was regularly battling away at Inter, with the well-thought-of defender – who journalist Siavoush Fallahi also previously dubbed a “monster” – a presence that could be transformative for a ropey Villa defence.

Of course, this could all prove to be too good to be true much like Coutinho – with the defender’s steep £263k-per-week salary an easy target for concern – but Villa might well deem snapping up this fresh centre-back as a risk worth taking.

Related Aston Villa chasing a bigger talent than Malen who's a "future superstar"

The Villans are looking to bolster their attack

Posts ByJoe Nuttall Jan 8, 2025

Arsenal picked up their fourth win in as many games last night and, in doing so, kept the Premier League title race very much alive.

Mikel Arteta’s side were not at their sparkling best against Manchester United, but put in a determined display and deservedly came away with all three points.

However, just because the attacking players somewhat flattered to deceive at the Emirates, there were still a handful of standout performers for the North Londoners.

Moreover, one of said performers was rumoured to be up for sale next month, but now looks utterly indispensable.

Arsenal's standout stars vs Manchester United

Before we get to the player in question, let’s look at some of the other Arsenal players who stood out for the right reasons last night, starting with the man who broke the deadlock, Jurrien Timber.

The Dutch international put in another scintillating display at right-back, getting forward to support Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard but then also giving Alejandro Garnacho absolutely no joy in defence, so it wasn’t a surprise to see the Standard’s Simon Collings award the former Ajax star an 8/10 match rating at fulltime.

However, he wasn’t the only defender who put the ball in the back of the net, as to his left, William Saliba was once again monstrous at the back.

The Frenchman, who also received an 8/10 from Collings, blocked, intercepted and tackled everything that came his way while also playing some exquisite passes of his own to help the North Londoners launch their attacks.

Lastly, while he didn’t score a goal, Declan Rice was just as impressive as his defensive teammates. The former West Ham United captain was a constant threat from corners, an impassible wall in midfield and, as Collings wrote, ‘gave Arsenal the injection of energy they needed’ in the second 45 after a slightly underwhelming first half.

With all that said, all three of these players have, justifiably, received plenty of praise since last night, but there’s another defender who should be receiving just as many plaudits, a defender who has surely just made himself indispensable.

Arsenal's unsung hero vs Manchester United

So, to get straight to the point, the Arsenal player who was as good as the aforementioned players last night was Jakub Kiwior.

That said, his performance was potentially more important than anyone else’s, at least from a personal point of view, as according to reports from last month, the club were looking to sell the Polish international in January for a fee as low as €25m, which is just £25m.

However, with Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori out injured for last night’s must-win clash, Arteta had no choice but to start the former Spezia ace in his preferred position of left centre-back, and he more than repaid his manager.

The “extraordinary” 24-year-old, as dubbed by the iconic Robert Lewandowski, put in an intelligent display against the Red Devils, stepping off players when necessary and only going in for a challenge when it was clear he’d come out victorious.

Moreover, he showed fans that he’s no slouch with the ball at his feet either, playing some brilliant passes in the second half, including an excellent one into the path of Leandro Trossard, who really should have done something with it.

Unsurprisingly, Collings was equally impressed with the Tychy-born titan and gave him an 8/10 rating on the night, writing that while he ‘flew under the radar’ somewhat, he ‘had a great game with and without the ball.’

This appraisal is more than backed up by the statistics from the night, as in 94 minutes, the 6 foot 2 star made four clearances, won 100% of his ground duels and two of three aerial duels, made two tackles, took 61 touches, played one key pass, wasn’t dribbled past even once and didn’t commit even a single foul.

Ultimately, while he isn’t a regular starter for Arsenal, Kiwior demonstrated last night why he is an indispensable player for the club, as he came in for an injured Gabriel in a must-win game and didn’t put a foot wrong.

Forget about Saliba: 8/10 Arsenal star was a "different beast" vs Man Utd

Arsenal cruised to a 2-0 win over old rivals Manchester United.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Dec 5, 2024

كشفت تقارير صحيفة، عن تواصل النادي الأهلي، مع لاعبه السابق، من أجل العودة من جديد لصفوف القلعة الحمراء لتدعيم الفريق في الموسم الجديد، إلا أن قرار اللاعب جاء بالرفض والاستمرار مع ناديه الحالي.

الأهلي يواصل في الفترة الحالية، تدعيم الفريق بشكل قوي من أجل دخول الموسم الجديد للمنافسة على كل الالقاب المشاركة بها، أبرزها دوري أبطال إفريقيا، للحفاظ على مكانه بكأس العالم للأندية المقبل 2029.

طالع | بتحديد الأندية.. مواعيد مباريات الأهلي الودية في تونس

ووفقًا لصحيفة “اليوم” السعودية، “أحمد حجازي قرر الاستمرار مع فريقه الحالي نيوم في الموسم المقبل، رغم وجود تواصل حدث معه من جانب مسئولي النادي الأهلي خلال الأيام الماضية”.

واضافت: “أحمد حجازي استقر على التواجد مع فريقه الحالي، خاصة وأن عقده لا زال مستمرًا مع نيوم خلال الفترة المقبلة”.

وتابع: “أحمد حجازي لديه الرغبة في استكمال مشواره مع نادي نيوم، ولا توجد لديه أي نية في الرحيل عن الفريق خلال الفترة الحالية بصورة نهائية”.

وكان أحمد حجازي لعب في صفوف الأهلي في الفترة من 2015 حتي 2017 ثم رحل في مسيرة احترافية مع وست بروميتش ألبيون الإنجليزي وبعدها انتقل إلى اتحاد جدة ثم يتواجد حاليًا مع نيوم السعودي منذ الموسم الماضي.

وشارك أحمد حجازي في تأهل فريقه نيوم، إلى الدوري الدوري السعودي للمحترفين “دوري روشن”، بداية من الموسم المقبل 2025-2026.

MatériaMais Notícias

da winzada777： O zagueiro Rodrigo Caio passará por nova intervenção cirúrgica no joelho esquerdo e não atuará mais pelo Flamengo nesta temporada. Marcio Tannure, médico do clube, confirmou que a artroscopia será realizada nos próximos dias para fazer um “reparo cirúrgico da lesão do menisco”, e o tempo de recuperação do jogador será de seis a oito semanas.

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da pinup bet： Ao lado do Dr. Tannure, em vídeo publicado pelo clube nesta quinta (veja acima), Rodrigo Caio falou sobre as dificuldades que viveu no ano, agradeceu o apoio e carinho recebido e garantiu que “irá superar tudo isso”.

-Saibam que a história do Rodrigo não acabou por aqui, pelo contrário. Eu sempre digo isso. Sou uma pessoa que acredita muito na minha força, no propósito de Deus. Tenho certeza que Deus tem grandes planos. Fiz questão de deixar essa mensagem para todas pessoas que torcem por mim. Vou superar tudo isso. Nos vemos na próxima temporada e farei de tudo para entregar o máximo para a Nação, que é quem nos deixa com a maior convicção que vale a pena todo esforço e dedicação. Farei de tudo para me recuperar, ficar saudável novamente e fazer o que eu amo – afirmou Rodrigo Caio.

De acordo com Dr.Marcio Tannure, em julho deste ano, na partida contra o Corinthians, o zagueiro sofreu uma lesão no local que já havia lesionado anteriormente, e havia duas possibilidades: tratamento conservador ou cirúrgico. Em conjunto, optaram pela primeira opção, mas a recuperação não alcançou o nível necessário.

Desde 2020, Rodrigo Caio tem convivido com problemas físicos e lesões. Naquele ano, sofreu lesões na coxa esquerda e panturrilha direita, desgaste muscular e edeme ósseo no joelho direito, além de ter sido diagnosticado com Covid-19.

Em 2021, teve problema muscular na coxa esquerda, fibrose na coxa direita e, no fim da temporada, passou por uma cirurgia no joelho esquerdo – local o qual teve complicações, no início de 2022, por conta de uma infecção.

Assim, Rodrigo Caio só voltou aos jogos em maio de 2022, e disputou, ao todo, 12 jogos na temporada até se lesionar, outra vez, em julho.

Leia, na íntegra, as declarações de Dr. Marcio Tannure e Rodrigo Caio:

Rodrigo Caio:

“Fiz questão de estar presente para deixar uma mensagem. Foi um ano bem complicado para mim, mentalmente e fisicamente. Algumas lesões que fizeram com que, praticamente, eu perdesse a temporada. Não vim para lamentar, me sinto privilegiado por tudo que construí na minha carreira, por tudo que tenho na minha vida.

Saibam que a história do Rodrigo não acabou por aqui, pelo contrário. Eu sempre digo isso. Sou uma pessoa que acredita muito na minha força, no propósito de Deus. Tenho certeza que Deus tem grandes planos. Fiz questão de deixar essa mensagem para todas pessoas que torcem por mim. Vou superar tudo isso. Nos vemos na próxima temporada e farei de tudo para entregar o máximo para a Nação, que é quem nos deixa com a maior convicção que vale a pena todo esforço e dedicação. Farei de tudo para me recuperar, ficar saudável novamente e fazer o que eu amo.”

Dr. Marcio Tannure:
​
“Rodrigo Caio sofreu uma lesão no menisco medial do joelho esquerdo no dia 10 de julho, contra o Corinthians. Foi uma lesão exatamente no local onde havia tido uma lesão prévia, uma sutura.Em função disso, havia a possibilidade de tratamento conservador, sem cirurgia, para esperar que isso cicatrizasse.

Vai ser realizada nos próximos dias uma artroscopia para fazer esse reparo cirúrgico dessa lesão do menisco. Acreditamos que o tempo de recuperação seja em torno de seis a oito semanas, o que fica claro que não vai estar atuando mais esse ano com a gente.Resolvemos fazer esse reparo para prepará-lo e ele comece o próximo ano com uma boa pré-temporada e a gente consiga um bom resultado com ele.”

Chelsea have received a fresh stadium blow as Todd Boehly has been warned over his £500m plan for a new home at Earl's Court.

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• Chelsea looking to build a new home
• Blues have been in talks with various stakeholders
• Must submit a swift proposal to avoid further obstacles

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to Chelsea’s ambitious plan to relocate to Earl’s Court has hit a potential roadblock, with club co-owner Todd Boehly warned that delays in submitting a bid could cost them the opportunity. Since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital took over Chelsea in 2022, increasing the 40,343-seat capacity of Stamford Bridge has been a major priority. However, due to the complexity of redevelopment, the club has been exploring alternative locations. Talks have taken place with key figures involved in shaping the future of Earl’s Court, a prime site for a new stadium.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Chelsea’s proposal faces significant hurdles due to a competing project by the Earl’s Court Development Company (ECDC). The ECDC is advocating for a mixed-use development that does not include a football stadium. Their public consultation process has already been completed, and a final decision is expected this year from Hammersmith and Fulham Council and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council.

  If ECDC’s plan is approved before Chelsea make an offer, securing the site could become more difficult. Sources suggest that while an agreement could still be reached, the price of the land—currently estimated at £500 million—would increase significantly. Additionally, the political backing needed for Chelsea’s stadium plans could become harder to obtain, as local politicians are more inclined to support ECDC’s proposal for new housing over a football venue.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Despite the obstacles, Chelsea may still have a strategic advantage in negotiations. Some London planning experts believe that ECDC’s proposal might be financially unviable, opening the door for the Blues to present their alternative plan. Sources indicate that there is private political support for Chelsea’s stadium project, as a multi-use football arena could boost the local economy while still allowing for the inclusion of affordable housing.

  Chelsea have pinpointed the Lillie Bridge depot as a potential site for their stadium. The club has previously held discussions with Transport for London (TfL) and real estate developer Delancey, both of whom are key stakeholders in the Earl’s Court site. However, no formal agreements have been reached.

  One major issue holding up Chelsea’s progress is the lack of an official bid. Until the club makes a public declaration of interest, serious negotiations with political and planning figures cannot move forward. Reports suggest that part of the delay stems from internal tensions within Chelsea’s ownership. There have been claims that Boehly and Clearlake Capital have explored buying each other out, raising concerns about the club’s long-term direction. It is also unclear when the Chelsea board last discussed stadium plans, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the project.

• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  While relocating to Earl’s Court is viewed as the most practical long-term solution, Chelsea have not completely abandoned the idea of redeveloping Stamford Bridge. However, this presents significant logistical and financial challenges. One major obstacle is the stadium’s proximity to railway lines, making reconstruction difficult. A stand-by-stand renovation has been considered but is seen as impractical, while a full demolition would force Chelsea to play at a temporary venue—likely Wembley—for up to seven years. In 2023, Chelsea acquired a 1.2-acre site next to Stamford Bridge from the Stoll charity, securing additional space for a potential redevelopment. However, before making any final decision, the club must reach an agreement with Chelsea Pitch Owners (CPO), who own the freehold of Stamford Bridge.

Left-arm seamer Anjali Sarvani has earned her first call-up, while batting allrounder Devika Vaidya has been recalled

Shashank Kishore02-Dec-2022Allrounders Pooja Vastrakar and Sneh Rana will miss the five-match T20I series against Australia at home starting December 10. While the BCCI release announcing the squad said Vastrakar was unavailable due to an unspecified injury, it gave no reason for Rana’s absence.There was also a maiden national call-up for the Railways left-arm seamer Anjali Sarvani, who was the leading wicket-taker in the Inter-State Women’s T20s, with 17 wickets at an average of 5.70 and an economy rate of 3.34, and the joint-leading wicket-taker in the Inter-Zonal T20s, with 10 wickets at 10.80 and 4.50.ESPNcricinfo LtdAlso forcing her way back into national contention eight years after she played her only T20I was allrounder Devika Vaidya. The 25-year-old had earlier been part of the national squad for the T20 World Cup in 2018 but didn’t get a game. She most recently played for India during a home ODI series against England in April 2018.Vaidya is primarily a batter but gives the team some flexibility with her ability to chip in with legspin. In the Inter-State T20s, she scored 130 runs in five innings at an average of 32.50 and a strike rate of 109.24, apart from picking up six wickets.Related

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Wellington 'at peace' with omission from India tour

With India seemingly continuing to focus on grooming young fast bowlers, Shikha Pandey misses out despite a strong display in the Inter-State T20s, where she picked up 11 wickets at an average of 10.90 and an economy rate of 4.28. The pace attack will be spearheaded by Renuka Thakur, who will have Meghna Singh and Sarvani for company.With Rana absent, in all likelihood due to a niggle – she picked up seven wickets in six games during the Women’s Asia Cup, India’s most recent T20I assignment – the squad contains three spin-bowling regulars – allrounders Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav as well as left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad.Yastika Bhatia will in all likelihood be the back-up wicketkeeper to Richa Ghosh. Batters D Hemalatha and Kiran Navgire, who featured during the Asia Cup, have been left out.Monika Patel, Arundhati Reddy, SB Pokharkar and Simran Bahadur have been called up as net bowlers.The five-match series beginning December 10 will be played entirely in Mumbai. The DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai will host the first two games, before the series shifts to the Brabourne Stadium, a venue where Australia lifted the 50-overs World Cup in 2013.

He has been called up on the back of his impressive performances in the T20I series, where he made 290 runs in five matches

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Apr-2023Mark Chapman has been added to the New Zealand ODI squad for their upcoming five-match series against Pakistan that begins in Rawalpindi on Thursday.Chapman has been called up on the back of his impressive performances in the T20I series, where he finished as the highest run-scorer with 290 runs in five games. His runs tally is the most by any player in a five-match T20I series. The series ended 2-2, with Chapman scoring an unbeaten 57-ball 104 in the fifth T20I to stun the hosts after New Zealand were 26 for 3 in a chase of 194.Chapman has played seven ODIs so far, of which two have been for Hong Kong. He played his first ODI for New Zealand in 2018 and last played in the format in July 2022, when he scored a match-winning 101* against Scotland.”The way Mark’s played against one of the best T20 bowling attacks in the world has been nothing short of outstanding,” New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said. “His match-winning knock in the fifth and deciding match was particularly special and we’re happy to have someone in such strong form added to our ODI squad.”Tom Blundell and Henry Nicholls will join the squad in Rawalpindi for the ODIs, while Dane Cleaver, who was part of the T20Is, will return home.The ODIs begin in Rawalpindi on April 26, with the last three matches set to take place in Karachi. The final game takes place on May 7.New Zealand ODI squad (updated): Tom Latham (capt),Tom Blundell, Chad Bowes, Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, Will Young

Ruben Amorim will have seen first-hand how big of a challenge he has in front of him to turn around this Manchester United side, even admitting that he has a bigger job than he first imagined.

The Red Devils have lost four of their last six matches, with the latest coming on home soil against Bournemouth on Sunday, falling to a 3-0 defeat against the Cherries for a second consecutive season.

As a result, United sit in 13th place in the Premier League on Christmas Day, nine points off a Champions League spot, with Amorim having a huge job to transform the side going into the new year.

January presents the first opportunity for the 39-year-old to make his own additions to the first-team squad, providing him with the added ammunition needed to take the club back to their glory days.

Numerous players have already been touted with a move to Old Trafford in recent days, including one who could improve an area of the side massively should he make the move in the upcoming transfer window.

Man United’s interest in a Championship star

Over the last couple of days, it was reported that United were interested in a move for Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier ahead of January, looking to add more quality to the goalkeeping department.

Andre Onana has been the club’s number one since his arrival from Inter Milan last summer, whilst Altay Bayindir joined United during the same window, arriving as a backup from Fenerbahçe.

The latter deputised for the Carabao Cup defeat against Tottenham Hotspur, but had an evening to forget, conceding direct from a corner, with a move away from Old Trafford yet to be ruled out.

As for a move for Meslier, the report claims that they’re interested in a move for the Frenchman, not for the first time after previously wanting a deal for the shot-stopper after Leeds’ relegation back in 2023.

No fee has been mentioned for his services, but the 24-year-old would provide serious quality that would push Onana for the number one spot, potentially seeing the Cameroonian lose his starting role under Amorim.

Why Meslier could take Onana’s number one spot

Onana was brought in for £47.2m under the guidance of former boss Erik ten Hag, looking to provide that quality on the ball that David de Gea was unable to do during his period under the Dutchman.

However, the former Ajax keeper has been a solid addition but has been prone to a mistake, as seen during the recent defeat against Nottingham Forest, somehow being unable to keep Morgan Gibbs-White’s effort out despite being straight at him.

Given the recent struggles defensively, it’s no surprise to see alternatives being lined up for Onana, who was previously dubbed as Ten Hag’s “most poignant signing” by one analyst.

Meslier, who cost the Whites £5m back in 2020, has been superb for Daniel Farke’s side in the Championship to date, producing numerous stats that are better than the current United goalkeeper, handing Amorim a huge dilemma should he complete a deal for the Frenchman.

Games played

22

17

Goals conceded

15

22

Clean sheets

12

6

Clean sheet percentage

55%

35%

Pass accuracy

80%

78%

Percentage of launch passes

21%

26%

Save percentage

71%

69%

The “world-class” Meslier, as dubbed by one journalist, has conceded fewer goals to date, also achieving more clean sheets with a higher clean sheet percentage.

He’s also completed more of his attempted passes, playing fewer long balls than Onana, potentially being a perfect fit for Amorim’s possession-based system, which requires a lot of playing out from the back.

Whilst no price tag has been mentioned for the services of the Leeds ‘keeper, it’s clear that he would provide healthy competition for the Cameroonian – giving the boss a potential selection headache.

If the club are to progress after years of below-par performances on the pitch, it’s pivotal they recruit in the right way, with Meslier a player that would undoubtedly improve the options already at Amorim’s disposal.

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