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Another hundred for Cheteshwar Pujara as Middlesex concede 240 in last 18 overs

ECB Reporters Network23-Aug-2022Sussex 400 for 4 (Alsop 189*, Pujara 132) beat Middlesex 243 (Cracknell 71, Crocombe 3-33, Rawlins 3-61) by 157 runsSussex secured a home semi-final in the Royal London One-Day Cup after their rampant batsmen made 400 for four against Middlesex at Hove, hitting 249 from their last 20 overs.They were led by an unbeaten 189 not out by Tom Alsop, his best List A score, while captain Cheteshwar Pujara continued his spectacular form with 132, the pair adding 240 for the third wicket in 27 overs as Sussex topped Group A with six wins in eight matches. With results going against them elsewhere, Middlesex were knocked out of the competition.The Sussex total was their highest score in one-day cricket, beating their 399 in a 40-over game in Horsham. They scored 397 for five against Somerset at Taunton on Friday.Long before they were finished, they had passed their previous one-day best against Middlesex, 333 for four at Hove last year. It was also the highest one-day score against Middlesex, beating Nottinghamshire’s 368 for two at Lord’s in the same competition in 2014.That left Middlesex needing to beat their previous best chase (292 for four against Surrey at Lord’s in 2014) by a big margin. Essentially, Middlesex were required to play Twenty20 cricket for 50 overs. And, with their deep batting, they kept coming at the Sussex bowlers even as the wickets tumbled. Joe Cracknell led the way with a 73-ball 71, with ten fours and there were plenty of bright cameos but the task was overwhelming and they were bowled out for 243 in 38.1 overs.When Sussex started their innings, they looked unlikely to scale the heights. Invited to bat in damp conditions, under floodlights and heavy clouds, they must have suspected the odds were against them, even though the depleted Middlesex attack was missing the injured Umesh Yadav, Toby Greatwood and Ethan Bamber.Alsop, back from a back spasm and replacing Dan Ibrahim, and Ali Orr, in subdued form after his double century at Taunton, looked sedate rather than commanding as they took 58 runs off the opening ten overs.Related

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Orr fell for 20 off 28 deliveries, caught behind as he played a diffident stroke against the impressive Thilan Walallawita, and it was 95 for two in the 18th over when Tom Clark chopped on a wide one from Max Harris.Alsop and Pujara then put on 240 for the third wicket in 27 overs. Pujara started methodically, as he always does, and reached his half-century from 49 deliveries; he then doubled his strike rate, scoring 82 more from another 41, finishing with 20 fours and two sixes in his third century in the competition.After 32 overs Sussex were 160 for two, scoring at exactly five an over. They added 240 runs in their final 18 overs. The spinners Walallawita and Luke Hollman – early on – put a brake on the Sussex scoring. But Middlesex’s success with their slower bowlers ended when Stoneman’s three overs went for 33 and both Alsop and Pujara got after Martin Andersson, who conceded 110 in his nine overs, and Harris, who went from 90 in ten.

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has opened up on why he left Andre Onana out of the squad for Sunday's Premier League game at Newcastle.

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Bayindir starts against MagpiesFirst time Onana has missed a PL gameCoach says under-fire goalkeeper needs to 'disconnect'Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Onana was absent from the squad for the Red Devils' trip to St James' Park after he was at fault for both of Lyon's goals in Thursday's 2-2 draw in the Europa League quarter-final first leg. It is the first league game Onana has missed since joining United in 2023. He was replaced by Altay Bayindir, who was handed his Premier League debut.

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"You have to see the context," Amorim told . "Sometimes you have to push the player to play again, sometimes you have to let him disconnect a little bit. Tomorrow he will be in training to prepare for [Lyon] so I felt that it was a good time for Andre to disconnect. I think he was ok because I explained. You don't need to like it but you understand because I explain everything. You have to manage everything. Sometimes people just look at the physical aspect but the mental aspect is really important. It's just one game and tomorrow is a new life."

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Amorim made five changes to his starting line-up from the 0-0 draw with Manchester City. As well as giving a first Premier League appearance to Bayindir, the coach gave 18-year-old Harry Amass his full debut.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

Former Man United captain Roy Keane said he expected Onana to return to the line-up for the second leg against Lyon on Thursday. "He is obviously under pressure, and of course, football is about making mistakes, but of course, if you're a goalkeeper and you make a mistake and it leads to a goal, then obviously, you're going to be criticised," Keane told . "It'll be interesting if he is left out today because I think it's also difficult for another goalkeeper to come in to get up to speed so quickly. Maybe he'll just leave him out for the weekend and almost recharge the batteries for the game coming up on Thursday, you know, we'll see. But that's the manager's job is to make big decisions."

After a lightning-quick start out of the blocks as Wolverhampton Wanderers manager, Vitor Pereira has struggled to get his team firing on all cylinders again.

An unbeaten start to life as Wolves manager saw wins against Manchester United and Leicester City clinched, but the Old Gold are now without a victory from their last three Premier League clashes, as Pereira and Co continue to look at the relegation spaces anxiously.

To make matters worse, the future of their main star Matheus Cunha is seemingly now up in the air, as the Portuguese manager attempts everything in his might to stop the wheels from falling off.

Matheus Cunha's future at Wolves

As per fresh reports, Nottingham Forest are now eyeing up the standout Brazilian with the likes of Arsenal also waiting in the wings ready to pounce as Cunha debates penning a new deal at Molineux or uprooting to a flashier side.

Criticised for his poor body language by journalist Liam Keen during his team’s latest dismal defeat to Chelsea, it does feel as if it could be a losing battle for Wolves to keep their sensational South American situated in the West Midlands long-term.

Losing such an important part of the jigsaw would be an obvious blow for the relegation-threatened side to come to terms with.

Indeed, Cunha has tallied up a ridiculous 14 goal contributions in the league this season, but it doesn’t have to be completely earth-shattering.

Wolves target potential Cunha replacement

Instead, Pereira could look towards other exciting attackers available on the market to try and fill Cunha’s potential void, with one target a fascinating watch when at the top of his game.

As per a report by Portuguese outlet O Jogo – which has been relayed by Sport Witness – Wolves are considering making an offer to sign Sporting ace Geny Catamo this January as Pereira looks to boost his side’s wide options.

The exciting number 21 is also being looked at by Wolves’ near neighbours Aston Villa, on top of also garnering interest from the likes of Genoa and Udinese over in Italy. For the Old Gold boss’ sake, he’ll hope the full-throttle winger / wing-back – who can play on the left or the right – chooses Molineux as his next onward destination.

After all, Catamo – much like Cunha – has caught the eye this season in Portugal with his knack for coming up trumps in crucial moments, with an emphatic finish above gifting his side the win against arch-rivals Benfica back in December.

In total, the Mozambique international has four goals and four assists next to his name this season for his current employers, which isn’t overly mindblowing when weighed up next to Cunha’s jaw-dropping numbers.

Nevertheless, this would still be a vital addition, notably because not only could Catamo feature further forward, thus replacing Cunha, but his ability to feature as a wing-back could also make him a viable replacement for Rayan Ait-Nouri who also continues to be linked away.

1. Matheus Cunha

21

10

4

2. Jorgen Strand Larsen

22

7

2

3. Rayan Ait-Nouri

21

3

5

4. Goncalo Guedes

19

2

4

5. Mario Lemina

17

1

3

As can be seen by glancing at the table above, Wolves are slightly over-reliant on Cunha and in some part to Ait-Nouri to deliver the goods.

Thus, while losing the pair of them would initially sting, Wolves have been here before with Pedro Neto and Ruben Neves and managed to survive. Key additions such as Catamo on the flanks could potentially soften the blow on this occasion.

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ByJoe Nuttall Jan 22, 2025

Chelsea have drawn up a three-man striker shortlist for the summer transfer market, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein.

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Chelsea interested in signing new No.9Liam Delap, Benjamin Sesko, Hugo Ekitike targetedBlues still targeting Champions League qualificationFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Per Ornstein, Chelsea are interested in signing a new striker this summer as they seek "impact" in the market. Their top striker this season is Cole Palmer, with 14 goals, and no other player has hit double figures. As a result, the club are targeting a marquee No.9 in the window, within their recruitment process of targeting youth.

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Per Ornstein, the club are interested in Ipswich Town's Liam Delap, Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike, and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko. Delap has scored 12 league goals this season for a struggling Tractor Boys side; Ekitike has netted 14 league goals in the Bundesliga and Sesko has scored 11.

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Chelsea are also interested in signing a new winger, and Ornstein has claimed Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams is at the top of that list, with Borussia Dortmund youngster Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho also targeted. Maresca is clearly keen to reshape his entire front line.

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(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

Chelsea face Fulham in a London derby at Craven Cottage on Sunday. They then face Everton next week before the first leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final against Djurgarden.

Arsenal have held internal talks over a late January deal to sign an intriguing striker option, amid their failed £60 million offer Aston Villa striker for Ollie Watkins.

Arsenal in pursuit of last-gasp new striker for Mikel Arteta

We’ve reached the last four days of this winter transfer window, and manager Mikel Arteta remains without a new prolific number nine, despite the club’s best attempts to try and land one before the deadline.

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Injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus have left Arsenal short of quality in the final third, with the latter expected to miss the rest of 2024/2025 after rupturing his ACL in their FA Cup defeat to Man United.

A host of top strikers are being linked with moves to N5, including Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko, Botafogo ace Igor Jesus, and Wolves forward Matheus Cunha – but all the aforementioned attackers look like tricky deals to pull off this late in the window.

Man City (home)

February 2nd

Leicester City (away)

February 15th

West Ham (home)

February 22nd

Nottingham Forest (away)

February 26th

Man United (away)

March 9th

Arsenal even made a last-ditch £60 million bid for Ollie Watkins, but Aston VIlla rejected the approach out of hand. The timing of their offer was cheeky, with it being right on the eve of Villa’s crucial Champions League clash at home to Celtic, so it was never likely to be accepted.

Jhon Duran’s mega-money move to Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr also means that Unai Emery is extremely unlikely at best to green-light an exit for Watkins at this late stage, even if there are reports that Arsenal are prepared to go in with a second bid for the England international (Graeme Bailey).

It is highly likely that Villa will snub any move from Arsenal for Watkins, so interim sporting director Jason Ayto and the recruitment team must identity alternatives.

One of them, according to reliable journalist Ben Jacobs, is Brighton starlet Evan Ferguson.

Arsenal hold internal talks over late January deal for Evan Ferguson

Jacobs, writing via X, claims that Arsenal have held internal discussions over signing Ferguson, but given they’ve used up all of their domestic loan spots, they would have to sign the Irishman on a permanent deal.

The 20-year-old, who’s fallen behind Danny Welbeck and Joao Pedro in the Brighton pecking order, also has a host of other Premier League sides chasing his signature – amid reports he’d cost around £60 million.

“West Ham optimistic on Evan Ferguson, who has become a top target heading into the final days of the window,” said Jacobs. “Leverkusen were set to push for Ferguson, with Brighton forward keen, but Victor Boniface’s move to Al-Nassr won’t happen now the Saudi club have decided to proceed with Jhon Duran. Everton and Bournemouth two other Premier League sides interested in Ferguson.

“Also discussed by Arsenal, but they would need to buy, not loan.”

Ferguson burst on to the scene during the 2022/2023 season, and he even scored his first ever Premier League goal against Arsenal in a 4-2 defeat midway through the campaign.

England wicketkeeper admits he is still learning to pace innings batting at No. 7

Vithushan Ehantharajah26-Aug-2022Ben Foakes admits fitting into this new England men’s Test side can be a struggle but hopes Test century number two is a sign he is going about it the right way.Foakes finished unbeaten on 113 on day two against South Africa at Old Trafford, as the hosts declared on 415 for 9 to establish a first-innings lead of 264. While it was by no means the kind of aggressive innings we have become used to under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, the Surrey wicketkeeper reaching three figures from 206 deliveries, it was a vital contribution when England needed it most.It was an especially helpful knock alongside Stokes, who scored 103, as the pair put on 173 for the sixth wicket. Having come in on 147 for 5, still trailing the Proteas by four, the absorption of pressure and the subsequent accumulation of runs, which sped up when Foakes was batting with the tail, was a nod to a lot of introspection and hard work paying dividends for the 29-year-old.His first century came in his first innings in this format, back in November 2018 in Sri Lanka. Since then, he has established himself as a reliable No. 5 for Surrey: seven of his now 13 first-class hundreds have come for the county – he began his career at Essex, for whom he has three – at an average of 43. While he struggled at first to truly get to grips with batting lower for England, and adopting an altogether different mindset, this was a sizeable step in the right direction.”It’s a different role, at Surrey I just bat five and just play,” Foakes said. “When you get on quite challenging wickets batting at seven, obviously there’s a good chance you lose wickets quickly and you have to play a different way. I think for me it’s learning how to do that as well as I can. Just because it’s not my natural game. Finding a way to be able to, quite early on in my innings, put pressure back on the bowler rather than just batting.Related

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“When I bat at five hundreds are definitely something I think about, but at seven I think more about just trying to contribute because obviously you’re not going to get as many opportunities to get a hundred. If I can get 40 with the tail and dominate that partnership, that’s my job. Getting a big partnership here and getting a century definitely gives me some confidence going forward.”There was palpable relief at getting another significant score on the board 14 Tests and four years later, not just with the celebration of fist pumps to himself before receiving a warm embrace from his partner at the time, Ollie Robinson, and the appreciation of a packed out Emirates Old Trafford.Since his debut, Foakes was either thrust in and out on a whim or missed out through injury, as happened at the start of 2021 when he tore his hamstring. Then, during the Headingley Test against New Zealand earlier this summer, a bout of Covid-19 ruled him out of the second-half of the match and the next Test against India. Twin failures at Lord’s (6 and 0) heaped more misery on him, but he has come out the other side in impressive fashion. An average of 26.91 coming into this match has already improved to 31.82 thanks to the red ink.”I just felt awful in that game [Headingley],” he said. “Getting the opportunity of being number one and then pretty soon after getting something like that is very frustrating, I’ve had a bit of stuff going on since I first played but I’m used to little setbacks like that”To be honest, in my first 10 games I was kind of looking and thinking ‘jeez how hard is Test cricket’. The West Indies tour [in 2019], the wickets out there – and then I came in for those three in India [last year] and it was obviously crazy to bat on and I guess this is a different role as well.”I think it’s just that I’ve been a little bit out of touch,” he said of his performance at Lord’s last week. “I haven’t been lining it up as well as I’d like in the last couple of Championship games and then in the first one at Lord’s. So for me it was just working out how to do that better. That’s what I worked on between these two games. And I felt like I did line it up better and play better.”Because it’s not my natural game, it’s just trying to work out how to play best. And I think sometimes I haven’t got the balance right because I’m not an explosive batter. If I’m trying to get the score up I can start pushing at the ball and things like that and playing at balls I shouldn’t be. It’s been really clear, obviously practising in a different way for that role, but also being really clear when I am just going to bat or when I have to push the button… how I’m going to do it. Don’t just throw my bat outside off stump. I’m happy to get out if I’m doing this or this, but not just giving it away.”

Four of their batters scored fifties, but Saurashtra are just 92 ahead with two wickets in hand

PTI03-Oct-2022Saurashtra showed a lot of fight, adding 281 runs through their middle and lower order, but Rest of India remained firm favourites to win the Irani Cup.At stumps on the third day, Saurashtra reached to 368 for 8, riding on half-centuries from the quartet comprising Sheldon Jackson (71), Arpit Vasavada (55), Prerak Mankad (72) and captain Jaydev Unadkat (78 not out).The overall lead is 92 runs now and Saurashtra will like to stretch it to at least 175 in order to make it a contest.With 276 runs in arrears, Saurashtra were staring at an innings defeat after being reduced to 87 for 5 before lunch.However, Jackson and Vasavada, who have bailed Saurashtra out many a times in the past, added 117 runs for the sixth wicket to steady the ship.But, it was the 144-run eighth wicket stand between Unadkat and all-rounder Mankad that raised visions — however improbable it may look at the moment — of pulling off a heist.The duo not only had a century stand but also scored the runs at a quick clip — in only 29.3 overs — to keep the contest alive.If it was Jackson who took the attack back to the opposition by repeatedly stepping out to left-arm spinner Saurabh Kumar (3 for 80 in 25 overs) to disturb his length, the pair of Unadkat and Mankad used the extra pace of Kuldeep Sen (3 for 85 in 16 overs) and Umran Malik (0 for 59 in 16 overs) to their advantage.They hit six sixes from the bowling of Jackson, Vasavada and Unadkat.

Atletico Madrid have urged Real Madrid to "stop tarnishing Spanish football" and called for an end to referee harassment over Copa del Rey final saga.

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Copa del Rey controversy goes onRMTV video over referee fans flamesAtleti hit out at Real with a strong statementFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea has been in the eye of a storm since Real Madrid TV broadcast a video highlighting what they considered past officiating mistakes involving him during games featuring Los Blancos. The in-house television channel pointed to a 64% win rate for Real Madrid under his refereeing, contrasting it with an 81% success rate for Barcelona when he officiates their fixtures.

AdvertisementAFPWHAT ATLETICO MADRID SAID

Atletico did not hesitate to take a firm stance, voicing their dissatisfaction with what they perceive as a dangerous culture of targeting match officials. They took to their official social media platforms to voice their concern, accusing their city rivals of damaging the reputation of Spanish football with continued referee-related complaints. The message was blunt: "This is unbearable. Stop tarnishing the image of Spanish football #StopAcosoArbitralYa (#StopRefereeHarassmentNow)."

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In a heartbreaking revelation, De Burgos Bengoetxea disclosed that his family have been directly impacted by the ongoing saga. The experienced referee admitted that his son has faced bullying at school, with classmates hurling insults and even being called "a thief."

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With Saturday’s final marking the third time he has officiated a Real Madrid versus Barcelona final – following Super Cup showdowns in 2017 and 2023 – the scrutiny surrounding De Burgos Bengoetxea has never been more intense.

In what would cause Mikel Arteta the ultimate blow this summer, Real Madrid are now reportedly planning to go all out in pursuit of one Arsenal star in a record-breaking deal.

Arsenal transfer news

Out of the Carabao Cup after suffering a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United across two legs and forced to watch on as Liverpool potentially turn a six-point gap into nine with their game in hand against Everton next week, Arsenal will be in no mood for Madrid to come knocking. But knocking they may well come to deal the Gunners their biggest blow yet this summer.

It was also a disappointing month or so for the Gunners on the transfer front, having failed to welcome a single reinforcement. It did look as though they would bite the bullet and pursue a striker late in the window when they shocked Aston Villa with a last-gasp bid for Ollie Watkins, but the Villans were offended rather than tempted by their bid.

Whether their mood changes when the summer arrives remains to be seen, but those in North London may well be tasked with keeping hold of their own star man first and foremost.

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According to RMC Sport, Real Madrid are now willing to go all out to sign William Saliba from Arsenal this summer in a deal that would cost the Spaniards a record fee for a defender – eclipsing Harry Maguire’s £80m move from Leicester City to Manchester United in 2019.

Should Madrid come calling, Arsenal may face a familiar fight to keep hold of the Frenchman. It’s a battle up against Spanish opposition that they’ve lost in the past, of course, when the likes of Thierry Henry and Cesc Fabregas both failed to resist the temptation of Barcelona.

"Superb" Saliba is more important than ever

To lose Saliba now, just when doubt is beginning to creep into Arteta’s project, would be an undeniable blow for Arsenal and one which could bring them crashing back down out of the Premier League title picture altogether.

At 23 years old, the Frenchman is the heir to Virgil van Dijk’s Premier League throne and has all the ability in the world to lead Arsenal to glory at last, but turning Real Madrid down would certainly take some strength – especially if the Gunners fail to strengthen around him.

Arteta has been well aware of Saliba’s prowess since his Premier League debut, telling reporters in 2022 after he made his first start against Brentford: “Saliba was superb. For his age, he is built really well. You need the right balance. Physicality in this league is something where you can’t come up short. If you do, you will be exposed.”

Since then, the only way has been up for the Frenchman who could yet be offered the chance to follow in Henry and Fabregas’ footsteps by swapping Arsenal for one of La Liga’s big-hitters. When the summer arrives, Saliba could have the ultimate choice to make.

Manchester United are back in action in the Premier League this afternoon as they prepare to travel to London to take on Tottenham Hotspur.

The Red Devils are looking to push up the table to compete for a European place in the second half of the season and three points today will be another step in the right direction.

Ruben Amorim’s side took to the field in the FA Cup last time out, however, and secured a 2-1 win over fellow Premier League outfit Leicester City at Old Trafford, thanks to a last-minute goal from Harry Maguire.

It will be a different kind of game against Ange Postecoglou’s struggling Spurs team this afternoon, though, as they face another big club desperate to turn their fortunes around.

Tottenham were beaten 2-1 by Aston Villa in the FA Cup last weekend and they had been hammered 4-0 by Liverpool in the second leg of their League Cup semi-final in the previous midweek.

Spurs arranged that semi-final meeting with Arne Slot’s side, though, by beating Manchester United in the quarter-finals of the competition back in December.

Manchester United's last meeting with Tottenham Hotspur

The quarter-final clash was the last time the two teams met each other in any competition, as they played in North London on the 19th of December last year.

Chalkboard

It was the hosts who took the lead when Pedro Porro’s long-range effort was parried straight back out to Dominic Solanke, who made no mistake on the rebound.

Dejan Kulusevski made it 2-0 within a minute after the start of the second-half, converting from close-range, before Solanke beat Lisandro Martinez with ease and slotted in his second and Tottenham’s third in the 54th minute.

Joshua Zirkzee pulled one back when Bruno Fernandes’ ball across the box found the striker almost on the line to tap into an empty net to make it 3-1.

There was then a glimmer of hope for the Red Devils when Amad Diallo closed down Fraser Forster and found the back of the net by tackling the ball into the goal.

Their hopes of a comeback were dashed, however, when Heung-min Son scored directly from a corner in the 88th minute to make it 4-2 to the hosts, before Jonny Evans made it 4-3 in the 94th minute.

Amorim and his United side will now be looking for revenge against Spurs for that disappointing defeat, which cost them the chance to play against Liverpool in the semi-finals, and the Red Devils head coach could look to make some changes from the team that beat Leicester last time out.

Why Kobbie Mainoo has to be replaced

Kobbie Mainoo is set to miss the match through injury and this means that he will need to be replaced in the starting XI, after he played on the left wing against the Foxes.

The England international has made the majority (51/60) of his appearances for the first-team as either a defensive or central midfielder since he emerged from the academy.

His last two outings for the Red Devils, however, have been as a left-sided attacking midfielder against Leicester and as a centre-forward against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

Mainoo had managed five goals and one assist in 51 matches as a central or defensive midfielder for United in all competitions, and Amorim has seemingly seen something in his game to suggest that he could thrive in an attacking role moving forward.

However, his performance on the left flank against Leicester and as a centre-forward against Palace suggest that the Portuguese manager should have dropped him from the team even if he were not injured.

Position

CF

LAM

Goals + assists

0

0

Shots on target

0

0

Dribbles completed

0/4

0/1

Key passes

1

0

Duels won

3/13

2/6

As you can see in the table above, Mainoo offered very little at the top end of the pitch in his two starts in those attacking positions, with zero shots on target and one key pass in the two games combined.

Amorim’s experiment has not gone to plan but he will now have to plan without the English dynamo for this clash with Spurs, as he is unavailable for selection.

This has opened up a space in the left-sided attacking midfield position for the former Sporting manager to bring Alejandro Garnacho, who could be a brilliant replacement, into the starting XI this afternoon.

Why Alejandro Garnacho should start

The Argentina international was initially on the bench for the 2-1 win over Leicester last time out in the FA Cup and was brought on at half-time to replace Patrick Dorgu.

Garnacho can be a frustrating player to watch at times, because his end product is not always up to scratch, but he always makes things happen and causes constant problems for opposition defenders, even if it does not always pay off.

His cameo against the Foxes is a prime example of that. The 20-year-old starlet registered four shots on goal and two shots on target, whilst also creating one chance, in just 45 minutes of football, yet did not record a goal or an assist.

Garnacho’s constant running and the threat of his pace in behind the Leicester defence did, though, force the opposition back and allow United to gain more control in their half in the match, eventually leading to the comeback.

The Argentine youngster, who was described as a “generational” talent by Statman Dave earlier this season, is always connected to the game and rarely goes missing from the action.

Non-penalty xG

0.36

Top 13%

Non-penalty goals

0.18

Bottom 30%

Shots

3.79

Top 4%

Non-penalty xG + xAG

0.54

Top 12%

Shot-creating actions

3.82

Top 49%

Progressive carries

5.79

Top 8%

As you can see in the table above, Garnacho gets himself into great positions on a regular basis, hence why he ranks so highly among his peers for xG, shot-creating actions, and progressive carries.

However, he needs to improve the final action, as shown by his placement in the bottom 30% for non-penalty goals. At 20, the winger still has plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and improve that side of his game.

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In the immediate future, today, Amorim must hope that he can take a step in the right direction by delivering a goal contribution, or multiple, in a win over Spurs this afternoon, coming in to replace Mainoo in the starting line-up.