All posts by h716a5.icu

Eight-wicket victory settles rivalry between two in-form teams

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay04-Jun-2025Hampshire Hawks won the battle of the two in-form sides in women’s county cricket this summer as three wickets for impressive spinner Bex Tyson set up a commanding Vitality Blast win over Lancashire Thunder at Emirates Old Trafford.Left-armer Tyson returned an excellent season’s best three for 27 from four overs as Thunder scrambled to 122 for eight, including 37 not out off 20 balls for Ailsa Lister. The Hawks then sealed their second successive win at the start of the Blast, this one by eight wickets with one over remaining, as opener Ella McCaughan top-scored with eight fours in an unbeaten career best 68 off 57 balls.Hampshire currently lead the Metro Bank One-Day Cup standings from second-placed Lancashire, both sides having won six from eight in that competition. Thunder also won the Vitality County T20 Cup late last month. Thunder have now won one, lost two in the Blast.McCaughan scored a century in a 50-over win against Lancashire at Southport in April.As one left-arm spinner in Tyson impressed, Lancashire were missing England’s Sophie Ecclestone because of a quad injury.Having been inserted, Thunder were suffocated by some tight Hampshire bowling and excellent fielding, with five of eight wickets falling to spin.They reached only 20 for one after the six-over powerplay.Departing Australian overseas batter Katie Mack – she will be replaced by compatriot leg-spinning all-rounder Alana King from this weekend – was bowled for a five-ball duck as she tried to ramp the seam of Freya Davies.Seren Smale attempted to break free with a couple of boundaries, including one reverse swept off Tyson. But, later in the over, she played on for 20 trying to repeat the dose – 36 for two in the ninth.Opener Tilly Kesteven was run out for 28 and captain Ellie Threlkeld chipped the off-spin of her opposite number Georgia Adams to cover as the hosts stuttered to the 15-over mark at 77 for four.Off-spin struck again as Australian Charli Knott had Fi Morris, for 20, caught at short third attempting a reverse hoick, and Lancashire were in danger of not even reaching 100.They did that, but their total was always unlikely to trouble a Hampshire side who totalled 215 for three in their competition opener against Essex on Friday.Tyson had Tara Norris caught at long-on and bowled Darcey Carter in the 18th over – 99 for seven – before Lister hoisted a couple of late sixes over midwicket. Grace Johnson was then the second home player run out.Maia Bouchier set the tone for a routine chase by clipping the first ball behind square for four, though McCaughan was quickly into her stride as she twice drove the left-arm seam of Norris through the covers in the third over.Grace Potts had Bouchier caught off a top-edge for 12, leaving Hampshire 30 for one in the fourth over. But it already felt like a consolatory strike.Hampshire reached the 10-over mark at 69 for one, with McCaughan on 42.Knott holed out for 21 to Carter’s off-spin shortly before McCaughan, who also hit 68 against Essex last week, reached 50 again. This came off 40 balls.

For too long have Manchester United have tainted their once imperious reputation with poor recruitment, thus putting a stopper in the dreams of progress after the illustrious Sir Alex Ferguson era.

Sir Alex stepped down from his legendary post 12 years ago, and still United have flattered to deceive, still seeking another Premier League or Champions League title, still struggling for consistency on the pitch.

Cautiously and not without hiccups, INEOS and technical director Jason Wilcox are steering the club away from their past inconsistencies, with hefty fees hurled at stars without consideration of consequences, without deeper thought at whether it would be a prudent move.

Take the £70m signing of Real Madrid’s Casemiro in 2022, for example. The 33-year-old Brazilian has had his ups and downs at Old Trafford and does currently ride the crest of one of his larger waves, but there’s little question United haven’t received bang for their buck.

An elite and effective midfielder is the nucleus of a successful team. Roy Keane was a fine example way back when, simply brilliant and all-consuming under Ferguson’s wing.

Where Roy Keane ranks among Man Utd midfielders

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is a controversial figure down the red streets of Manchester, but he revealed to Rio Ferdinand this week that he considers Keane as one of the best midfielders of all time.

Among the toughest and most combative players to ever play in the division, Keane was instrumental in raising the Ferguson era and cementing it as one of the greatest in European history.

Indeed one of the finest central midfielders to have played in the Premier League, there’s a compelling case to be made that Paul Scholes is the only United man across modern top-flight history to have left a greater legacy.

And even then, some might argue Keane is the cream of the crop.

One thing’s clear, the Glazer Family haven’t managed to sign a player to rival the Irishman in the years since they first purchased a stake in Old Trafford, and that needs to change if United are returning to the top.

There is a member of Amorim’s crop who was actually billed as the next version of Keane, but, as Sky Sports’ Gary Neville has intimated, this big-money addition hasn’t been good enough.

Man Utd thought they signed Keane 2.0

Keane may be known now for his gruff and candid punditry for Sky Sports, but he will forever be defined by his performances at Manchester United.

In Casemiro, United may have fancied they landed a midfielder who could have rivalled the one-time Republic of Ireland captain, in terms of ability, but that didn’t prove the case.

Though they felt they may have got second time lucky with Manuel Ugarte, who was considered by British publications to be the new version of the former skipper when leaving Paris Saint-Germain and joining Erik ten Hag’s project for about £50.5m.

A steely enforcer with exceptional tackling statistics across his professional career, Ugarte, 24, was once described as “a younger Kante” by reporter Zach Lowy, before completing a trip to England. However, questions were soon raised about his performances in the Premier League.

Ugarte may be among the most relentless recyclers of possession out there, but he leaves much to be desired on the ball. In fact, FBref record the Uruguayan to rank among the bottom 18% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for progressive passes and the bottom 25% for progressive carries per 90.

Given that his progressiveness on the ball is so shallow, you would expect him to be among the crispest passers out there, but an 85% pass success rate in the league this season perhaps underlines why Amorim has only started the South American twice, especially as he is averaging three fouls every two matches, as per Sofascore.

Bruno Fernandes

36

9.70

Casemiro

24

5.06

Scott McTominay

2

5.00

Mason Mount

17

4.78

Christian Eriksen

23

4.66

Kobbie Mainoo

25

3.55

Manuel Ugarte

29

3.08

Toby Collyer

6

2.50

That’s somewhat grim reading, and Casemiro’s impressive forward distribution accentuates Ugarte’s deficiency.

Many of Man United’s problems have stemmed from the midfield this season, and discordance within Amorim’s tactical set-up is the root of that wider issue.

However, Ugarte certainly hasn’t helped himself when called upon, with Neville slamming him as a “massive problem” after United were thrashed in the Manchester derby last month, continuing to say that the Uruguay international is a “massive problem”.

Toward the start of the current campaign, writer Mohammed Butt even labelled him as “absolutely useless”, and though this is rather scathing, there’s little question that changes will be sought in the future if things do not improve.

But Ugarte’s lack of quality on the ball is an inherent problem; it’s simply not within his wheelhouse of key strengths. With this in mind, how far can he take his Man United career? This is especially pertinent if Amorim strengthens his grip on the reins and makes headway at the helm.

The £120k-per-week talent shouldn’t be quite written off just yet, but the initial excitement that the club had landed their next version of a legend like Keane looks a long way away now.

Not Sesko: Carrington's "machine" is destined to be Man Utd's next No.9

Manchester United have their next number nine brewing at Old Trafford…

ByRobbie Walls Oct 16, 2025

Former USMNT star Eric Wynalda endorsed Cristian Roldan’s place in the USMNT picture, arguing the 30-year-old Seattle Sounders midfielder brings personality, resilience and a veteran attitude. Wynalda said Roldan’s temperament and work ethic indicated he is unlikely to fold under the pressure of the World Cup stage.

Getty Images SportSupport for MLS players on the national team

Roldan earned USMNT callups during the September and October windows after strong club performances for Seattle. That steady availability and the habit of producing at a high level have impressed Wynalda.

“MLS, for all that it is, isn’t the best way to prepare for a World Cup,” Wynalda said on Golz Tv. “Now that leads me to the real question. And it really is personified at the moment by Cristian Roldan. I’ve seen it a couple of times with players that play in the MLS, they get absolutely lambasted by our fanbase. And there’s a bunch of hate out there…

"First lets start with this: nobody pays anybody $1.4 million if they suck at whatever they do. Cristian Roldan is making that much money to play soccer as a professional for Seattle, which all things being equal, MLS with all its flaws is willing to pay that guy handsomely. Because he’s not a bad player, he just isn’t.”

AdvertisementPraise for Roldan’s attitude and personality

Wynalda framed the issue as one of temperament. He said Roldan’s personality and mentality make him less likely to be overwhelmed by the sudden jump in intensity.

“I was reading all the hate and I was like ‘Man this guy’s really catching it. Let’s see how he reacts to that.'" Wynalda said. "But this really was his opportunity. And very seldom have we seen somebody grab their opportunity the way he did… At the end of the day, he’s probably going to make the USMNT roster, and here’s why. He’s a good guy. He’s a really good human being and that may not matter to you as much as you think but it actually does.

"And it matters a lot to that locker room because Mauricio Pochettino knows that if he’s going to build this team, he’s going to have to build it around stars. But you've got to go through the process of thinning this herd. The process is not selecting the best players, it is eliminating the ones that can’t do it and a couple of guys have eliminated themselves from that process. And Cristian Roldan is not one of those people.”

Competition at midfield and forward lines

Roldan’s path into Pochettino’s plans is shaped by a crowded midfield and the coach’s preference for players who combine tactical discipline with physical reliability.

"He doubled down on himself," Wynalda said of Roldan. "That attitude that he brings is priceless. It’s worth a helluva lot more than $1.4 million, let me tell you that. Because the good news with Cristian Roldan is yes, he can handle it. Yes he can handle a World Cup stage, he can. That’s really important to know. There’s been guys in the past who we thought could and then didn’t. Ricardo Clark stands out, he got substituted in the first-half against England, it was that bad.

“That’s not going to happen with Cristian Roldan for all the reasons that I just stated. And he has the confidence in himself that he can do this. And I’ll tell you this, if in the event he does get out on the World Cup stage, 1) it’ll mean the world to him; and 2) his teammates will have his back. Because he has had theirs all this time, waiting for his chance to play.”

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Getty Images SportBroader implications for USMNT development

Roldan’s immediate task is to sustain strong performances for Seattle and to translate those club displays into continued value in national team camps. The Sounders qualified for the MLS playoffs and will face Minnesota United in the first round.

Arsenal have built an outrageously talented squad over the last five years or so, one capable of winning the Premier League and Champions League.

However, for all the incredible stars Mikel Arteta has signed over the seasons, from Declan Rice to David Raya, it would be fair to say his most important player remains Bukayo Saka.

The Hale Ender has transformed from an academy prospect into a world-class forward, and the fact that he produced his 100th league goal involvement on his 200th appearance at the weekend is a testament to that.

So, it’s incredibly exciting to see that the club are producing another academy talent who looks destined to become someone of Saka-level importance in the years to come.

Saka's academy career

Saka joined Arsenal in the Arsenal academy set-up at seven years old, after spending some time with Watford.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The youngster’s first game for the Gunners’ U18 side came in a 4-1 loss to Fulham’s U18s in August 2017, and while he failed to make much of an impact in that game, he did end that season with eight goals and four assists in 22 games.

The following season started with the “future legend,” as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, continuing to play for the U18s while also making appearances for the U23s.

However, while he was used in the FA Youth Cup at the turn of the year, and the final of the U18s Premier League, it was increasingly clear that the young dynamo was too good to stay in that age group, and so the U21s became where he spent most of his time.

In all, the Ealing-born gem made 24 appearances for the U23s across 18/19, in which he scored six goals and provided nine assists, but something else happened that season: he made his first-team debut.

Former manager Unai Emery gave him a chance off the bench in a Europa League clash with Ukrainian side Vorskla Poltava in November, and then started him at home against Qarabağ FK a month later.

Appearances

28

25

Goals

16

6

Assists

6

9

With him now featuring for the senior side, he would make his final appearances in junior football the following season, playing a single game against Everton in late August for the U23s.

In all, Saka produced 37 goal involvements in 53 appearances for the junior sides before establishing himself as Arsenal’s most important player over the following years, and now it looks like Hale End has produced someone else capable of doing the same.

Arsenal's future Saka

While last season saw Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly make it into the first-team, the Hale Ender set to become as crucial as Saka is someone even younger: Max Dowman.

It feels like the 15-year-old is the most talked-about youth prospect Arsenal have had in a generation or more, and it’s not just coming from supporters.

For example, at the start of last season, respected talent scout Jacek Kulig went as far as to claim the teenager was the “most exciting prospect” he had seen “since Lamine Yamal”, and considering the Spaniard’s absurd ability, that is an astounding thing to say.

As if that wasn’t enough, you also had senior professionals waxing lyrical about the youngster, with Rice labelling him “the best 15-year-old in the country.”

Finally, away from players and scouts, Hale End expert Will Balsam probably had the boldest opinion of the lot, arguing that the Chelmsford-born gem is “one of the greatest footballing brains that’s ever come through Hale End.”

Appearances

23

Minutes

1945′

Goals

19

Assists

5

Goal Involvements per Match

1.04

Minutes per Goal Involvement

81.04′

As if that wasn’t enough, he also claimed that he’s “the biggest talent in England,” a statement supported by his statistics for the youth sides last season.

For example, in just 23 appearances, totalling 1945 minutes, he scored 19 times and provided five assists, which comes out to an average of 1.04 goal involvements per match, or one every 81.04 minutes.

Finally, what makes it really feel like he could become as big a star for the first team as Saka has is that in his few senior appearances, he has looked incredible, most notably against Leeds United at home and Newcastle United in pre-season.

Ultimately, there is still a long way to go for Dowman, but as things stand, he looks destined to become a world-beater for Arsenal.

Arsenal can fix Odegaard blow by starting their "best attacker" in new role

The exceptional Arsenal star can help solve Mikel Arteta’s Martin Odegaard problem by playing in a new position.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 9, 2025

A league official was hopeful MLC will be classified as a ‘major sporting event’ which would ease any concerns about the participation of the players

Matt Roller05-Jun-2025Major League Cricket (MLC) officials hope that Afghanistan players including Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad will be able to fulfil their contracts for the 2025 season after US president Donald Trump signed a travel ban which will come into effect next week.Trump’s proclamation will “fully restrict and limit the entry” into the United States of nationals of 12 countries: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. He said the ban is designed to “protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people”.There are seven Afghanistan players under contract for MLC 2025: Rashid, Azmatullah Omarzai and Naveen-ul-Haq (all MI New York); Gulbadin Naib, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Waqar Salamkheil (all Seattle Orcas) and Noor (Texas Super Kings).Related

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The ban, which is effective from 12.01am Eastern Time on Monday, June 9 includes an exemption for “any athlete or member of an athletic team… traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State”.The order also states: “This proclamation shall apply only to foreign nationals of the designation countries who: (i) are outside the United States on the applicable effective date of this proclamation; and (ii) do not have a valid visa on the applicable effective date of this proclamation.”ESPNcricinfo understands that some relevant players have already reached the United States after receiving visas, while others are yet to apply or travel. A league official told ESPNcricinfo they were hopeful that MLC will be classified as a ‘major sporting event’ by Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State, which would ease any concerns about the participation of Afghan players.An official at one affected franchise told ESPNcricinfo that they would explore all options, including the possibility of flying affected players into the United States before the ban kicks in. The official added that they will lean on MLC and other relevant authorities for guidance.An MLC spokesperson said: “We’re continuing to monitor the situation and are working with the relevant authorities to minimize travel disruptions for overseas players ahead of the start of Major League Cricket next week. We continue to attract some of the best players from around the world to come over to the US to showcase their talent, along with the best cricketers from the USA, and we are set to have the most exciting tournament to date this summer.”The order specifically mentions the Olympics, which will take place in Los Angeles in 2028, as an event for which athletes will be granted exemptions. Afghanistan should, therefore, be eligible to compete in the men’s T20 cricket event at the Games if they qualify.MLC’s 2025 season starts on June 12, with a rematch of last year’s final between Washington Freedom and San Francisco at the Oakland Coliseum.

An “unbelievable” Premier League star is now emerging as a key summer target for David Moyes and Everton, according to a report.

Moyes eyeing major summer rebuild

Much to the fans’ dismay, the Toffees have regularly been drawn into relegation battles over the past few years, narrowly avoiding the drop under the helm of Frank Lampard, before being led to safety by Sean Dyche the following season.

Dyche was ultimately dimissed earlier in the current campaign, with Moyes being brought in to steady the ship ahead of the move to Bramley-Moore Dock this summer, which marks the start of an exciting new era for the Blues.

The hope will be the move to the new stadium will give Moyes a platform to turn the Merseyside club back into European contenders, but for that to transpire, the manager may need to reshape his squad in the summer window.

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He’s been a valiant servant at Goodison Park…

BySean Markus Clifford May 12, 2025

With Abdoulaye Doucoure, Idrissa Gueye and Orel Mangala currently set to depart, new options may be needed in central midfield, with Angel Gomes and Sean Longstaff of interest, while Tim Kleindienst could replace Dominic Calvert-Lewin at striker.

According to a report from GiveMeSport, Moyes is also looking to upgrade his defensive options this summer, with Manchester City centre-back John Stones now emerging as one of Everton’s key targets.

Stones, who left the Toffees to join Man City for £47.5m in 2016, was initially brought to Goodison Park by Moyes as a youngster, and the manager is now eyeing a summer reunion, with just 12 points remaining on the defender’s current deal.

Injuries have been a real problem for the former Barnsley man, and a move back to Merseyside could be an attractive proposition, should the Blues be willing to offer him the security of a long-term deal.

"Unbelievable" Stones could be marquee signing

There will be some justified concerns about the 30-year-old’s injury record, having been limited to just 11 appearances in the Premier League this season, but should he manage to stay fit, the City defender could be a marquee signing for Everton.

While game time has been limited, the Englishman has managed to impress when given the opportunity over the past year, particularly impressing in an attacking sense, ranking in the top 1% for goals and assists per 90, when compared to other centre-backs.

Statistic

Average per 90

Non penalty-goals

0.30 (99th percentile)

Assists

0.20 (99th percentile)

Progressive carries

2.07 (99th percentile)

Pass completion %

93.9% (98th percentile)

Not only that, but the ex-Everton man received very high praise from teammate Manuel Akanji after a top performance in the Champions League final against Inter Milan, with the Swiss defender lauding him as “unbelievable”.

The report makes it clear that Moyes is looking to build a squad capable of competing in the upper echelons of the table next season, and given his top-level experience, Stones could be an ideal addition.

Already thinking about summer reinforcements, Daniel Levy is now reportedly readying a mega £50m+ bid to sign a key attacking addition for Tottenham Hotspur in the coming months.

Tottenham's crucial transfer window

After lingering in the bottom half of the Premier League this season, Tottenham can ill-afford to get things wrong this summer. Whether Ange Postecoglou is still in charge or not, Levy must ensure that there is a squad capable of breaking back into the top six when the next campaign gets underway. Just who arrives with that in mind remains to be seen, however.

Plenty of names have already threatened to steal the headlines on that front though, including the likes of Eric Garcia and Jonathan Tah. Two defensive additions who would hand Postecoglou an instant boost and two signings who would be cost effective, Spurs should push on in pursuit of both this summer.

That said, it may be easier said than done to attract new talent if the Lilywhites fail to win the Europa League and qualify for the Champions League in the process. To that end, they’ve already taken one step into the final after a 3-1 first-leg victory over Bodo/Glimt, but may well find themselves squaring off against Manchester United in an all English final.

Postecoglou was quick to reiterate that he has full belief in his side as they look to get the job done against Bodo/Glimt next week, telling reporters in midweek: “It is not about feeling calm, like I said you just get belief (from the performance). I get that Bodo away is a difficult fixture, but so was Frankfurt away and we went there knowing we had to win to get through and I thought the lads handled it really well.

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“I think in Europe this year we’ve been really good at managing whatever situation we’re in. We’ve had some games where AZ we lost away from home, but had to come back and showed real calm and composure to win to get through here. I think all those experiences give me the belief we can go there and get the job done.”

Levy readying £50m+ bid to sign Semenyo for Tottenham

Away from the action on the pitch, meanwhile, those in North London have already seemingly set their sights on an attacking upgrade. According to reports in Spain, Levy is now readying a bid worth €60m (£52m) to sign Antoine Semenyo for Tottenham this summer following his fantastic season at Bournemouth, a fee which ‘would be enough to convince his current club’ to sell.

At 25 years old, unlike Heung-min Son, Semenyo is at the peak of his powers and could take the Spurs captain’s place with the report saying he is seen as a player perfect for Spurs and Postecoglou, given his physical strength, ability in the press and output of 11 goals and seven assists this season.

Praised for his “powerful ambipedal ball striking” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Semenyo has certainly earned a move this summer and Spurs could offer him exactly that.

Barcelona and their sporting director Deco have made £120,000-per-week Newcastle United star a top transfer target, according to a recent report.

Newcastle chasing attacking reinforcements this summer

The Magpies still have plenty to play for in what has been a tremendous campaign, as they ended their long wait to lift a trophy. Eddie Howe’s side are still firmly in the race to secure a place in next season’s Champions League, and the hope will be that securing that will help them when it comes to transfers this summer.

Mega-money Harvey Barnes upgrade: Newcastle want to sign £62m forward

Newcastle are hoping to strengthen in the transfer market this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 23, 2025

The transfer window doesn’t open until the beginning of June, but already, Newcastle are lining up potential arrivals. According to a recent report, Newcastle are interested in a move to sign Alexis Saelemaekers from Italian giants AC Milan. The midfielder has been sent out on loan to AS Roma this season, and on his return at the end of the campaign, he could be allowed to leave, with Milan looking to get around £17 million for his services. His arrival would strengthen a midfield that already has plenty of exciting options.

As well as looking at ways to improve their midfield, Newcastle are also looking at improving their forward line, especially as Alexander Isak continues to be linked with a move away from St James’ Park.

According to L’Equipe, Newcastle have made Emanuel Emegha a transfer target, as the forward has been mightily impressive for Strasbourg. The striker is said to be open to a move to England and could be seen as a potential replacement for Isak, should he depart.

Barcelona now choose £120k-p/w Newcastle star to replace De Jong

However, signing a player like Saelemaekers may become more of a priority for the Magpies, as according to a report from Spain, Barcelona now want to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle as a replacement for Frenkie De Jong.

The report states that Deco is now working on a replacement for De Jong, as while the Dutchman is under contract until the summer of 2026, talks over a new deal are not advancing.

Therefore, he could be moved on by the Spanish giants, and they have identified Tonali as the perfect replacement. It claims that Barça see the Newcastle midfielder as someone who can immediately fit into their system and would be perfect to cover De Jong.

Tonali, who earns £120,000 a week at St James’ Park, has been on Barça’s radar for a while, even before he joined the Magpies. His performances in England for Newcastle have now confirmed to the Spanish giants how good he really is.

Apps

31

Starts

23

Goals

3

xG

3.53

Shots per game

0.9

Assists

2

xAG

1.35

Big chances created

2

Key passes

0.4

Tackles per game

1.5

Interceptions per game

0.9

Barça would place Tonali as essential to their midfield plans, but the fact he is under contract until 2028 and is expected to cost a lot of money are two stumbling blocks for Barcelona. However, they are confident that if De Jong doesn’t sign a new contract, it will give them an opportunity to sign Tonali, but this transfer hinges on what happens to the future of De Jong.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are on a four-match winning run in the Premier League, and they will hope to continue this when they face Manchester United this afternoon.

The Old Gold defeated the Old Trafford side 2-0 at the end of December to maintain their perfect start under Vitor Pereira, and hopes will be high that they can complete the double over the Red Devils.

Man United were taken to extra time by Lyon in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday evening and there will be a few tired legs among the squad.

This could give Wolves the advantage, while Pereira may make a few changes of his own ahead of the clash.

Jean-Ricner Bellegarde played against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, but it remains to be seen whether he will return to the starting XI after suffering a minor injury.

Why Pereira must axe Bellegarde for Man Utd trip

Bellegarde played 42 minutes last week against Spurs before being subbed off due to injury.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

While on the field, the attacking midfielder completed just six passes, failed with his only dribble attempt, lost possession six times and was dribbled past once.

He has been a solid signing for the Old Gold, that much is certain. Given the nature of the game, however, plus the fact that Matheus Cunha is ready to make his first start following his four-match suspension, it makes sense to bring the Brazilian back into the starting XI.

This would see Bellegarde drop to the bench. That is if he is fit enough to make the matchday squad in the first place.

How Pereira can replace Bellegarde vs Man Utd

Cunha has a decent record against Man United since joining Wolves, scoring once and grabbing two assists across four games.

His goal came in the famous 2-0 win last December, and it proved that Cunha was capable of scoring in the biggest games.

Metric

2023/24

2024/25

Goals

12

14

Assists

7

4

Key passes per game

0.9

1.7

Big chances created

7

12

Successful dribbles per game

2

1.9

The £90k-per-week forward has been in sublime form for Wolves this season. A total of 16 goals and four assists have been registered by the former Atletico Madrid star, and he has arguably single-handedly kept the club floating above the relegation zone.

When compared to his positional peers in the top flight, Cunha ranks in the top 3% for non-penalty goals (0.58) per 90, while also ranking in the top 17% for successful take-ons (2.16) per 90 for the Old Gold this term.

Hailed as “unbelievable” by current teammate Mario Lemina earlier this season, Cunha might well be heading into his final few weeks as a Wolves player.

Cunha has sparked plenty of controversy in recent weeks, notably when hitting out at Wolves’ fans on social media who have criticised his attitude and commitment to the club.

Should a big offer arrive in the summer, it is likely he will be sold, giving Pereira plenty of cash to spend. The club might not have a player of his quality for quite some time, and he could shine against the Red Devils this afternoon.

Pereira's "sensational" Wolves star is now slowly becoming the new O’Hara

Wolves “sensational” star in danger of becoming new Jamie O’Hara

ByConnor Holden Apr 18, 2025

Everton’s nine-match unbeaten streak in the Premier League crumbled as David Moyes’ side lost to Liverpool at Anfield.

Moyes, who has never won across from Stanley Park over 22 visits, took the defeat on the chin, and fair play to him. Everton have been transformed since he waltzed through the gates in January, skipping far away from the relegation zone and instead creating a foundation from which new goals can be set for the 2025/26 campaign and beyond.

There’s still plenty to play for over the coming weeks, though, with the 15th-place Toffees set to welcome Arsenal to Goodison Park at noon.

The Gunners beat Fulham in midweek but were left reeling after their latest fitness blow in a season of fitness blows, Gabriel Magalhaes ruled out for the season after injuring his hamstring.

23/24

Premier League

1-0 loss

22/23

Premier League

1-0 win

21/22

Premier League

2-1 win

20/21

Premier League

2-1 win

19/20

Premier League

0-0 draw

Bukayo Saka has returned, scoring off the bench against the Cottagers. Everton will need to be on their A-game. However, Moyes will be buoyed by his thinning-out infirmary pile.

Everton team news

James Tarkowski will reprise his usual role at centre-half after escaping punishment for a lunging challenge on Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister.

On the injury front, Orel Mangala is still, of course, out for the season, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dwight McNeil are nearing returns from respective setbacks; Saturday’s fixture might come too soon.

Armando Broja, talking of strikers, has been fit again for several fixtures and has featured off the bench in both of Everton’s recent Premier League games, but he’s unlikely to displace Beto, even if the powerful centre-forward’s Midas touch in front of goal has deserted him.

It’s unlikely Moyes will field more than one or two changes, but there is one potential tweak sure to be on the manager’s mind.

Iliman Ndiaye made his anticipated return in the second half at Anfield, fit again after being withdrawn injured in February, during the 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Goodison Park.

For him to return to the starting line-up, Moyes must axe another star.

Why Iliman Ndiaye could be the difference-maker

Ndiaye’s second-half introduction was met by a chorus of cheers from the travelling Toffees under the Liverpool lights. The game might have been lost, but he’s a devastating talent, signed from Marseille for about £15m last summer.

Eight goals across 29 appearances in all competitions for Everton speak of a blooming goal threat, not least because he bagged in each of Moyes’ opening three victories before falling to injury against the Reds.

Of course, the Senegalese is hardly just a ball-striking threat. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 19% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League this term for pass completion, the top 7% for successful take-ons and the top 14% for tackles + interceptions per 90.

Capable across both attacking flanks, Ndiaye should replace Jack Harrison on the right, allowing Charly Alcaraz to continue his journey on the left; when you compare Ndiaye and Harrison’s respective data pools across the campaign, it becomes clear as to why.

Matches (starts)

26 (18)

25 (22)

Goals

1

6

Assists

0

0

Touches*

29.8

39.2

Shots (on target)*

1.0 (0.2)

1.0 (0.4)

Big chances missed

4

2

Pass completion

75%

84%

Key passes*

1.1

0.6

Dribbles*

0.8

2.3

Ball recoveries*

2.2

5.9

Tackles + interceptions*

1.2

2.5

Duels won*

2.7

5.9

Harrison’s a man of industry and energy, but he’s struggled to offer much of substance in the way of goals, assists, key contributions.

Ndiaye brings so much more to the table, with his unique brand of football sure to revive Beto at the front of the ship too. The hulking Bissau-Guinean scored five Premier League goals across four matches through February, skill set unlocked with Moyes in the driving seat.

However, the goals have dried up, with Beto now without a successful strike across four top-flight fixtures. But how exactly could Ndiaye fix his woes?

Well, while Beto’s litany of missed big chances – five since last scoring, to be exact – are a by-product of his own returned profligacy, he’s not exactly being supplied with the greatest supplementary force.

Harrison was particularly out of sorts against Liverpool on Wednesday evening, failing with both of his attempted dribbles while also losing every single one of his seven contested duels.

A loanee, he’s being outstripped by Ndiaye – who has been praised for his “dynamite” quality by Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp – and, frankly, most positional peers in the Premier League this season, and his 25-year-old teammate’s return could bear dividends for an Everton side seeking a return to winning ways.

Let’s not forget, the Blues have now gone five games without a win in the league, albeit only losing one of those matchups. Still, it’s clear that Moyes needs more firepower from varying angles to overcome tough opponents.

Arsenal have conceded the fewest number of goals in the Premier League this season, with David Raya also boasting the second-best save percentage in the division this term at 76.5% (FBref).

It’s going to be difficult, even if Everton have a stentorian Goodison crowd behind them. The players will need the 12th man, but they will also need Ndiaye in their starting mix, for he adds so much flavour and could elevate Beto up top.

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