Under Mikel Arteta and Edu, Arsenal haven't tended to leave things too late in recent windows.

Last summer, they had David Raya, Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber signed, sealed and delivered before the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

However, this time around, things are being left rather late following the arrivals of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna and Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad.

Arsenal's deadline day activity

Aaron Ramsdale has departed for Southampton on deadline day which means that the Gunners are in need of bringing a new goalkeeper to the club.

It was thought that Joan Garcia, Espanyol's shot-stopper, would be the Englishman's replacement but after terms could not be agreed on a move, they have looked at Bournemouth's Neto instead.

The former Barcelona 'keeper looks set to be ousted as the Cherries' number one following the loan arrival of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea.

Beyond that, they are still looking at recruiting a forward player if you believe reports. The main name on everyone's lips at the Emirates Stadium has been that of Raheem Sterling.

The Chelsea star is set to leave Stamford Bridge after being alienated by new boss Enzo Maresca.

The Gunners are one of the clubs interested and according to GIVEMESPORT, they are in pole position to secure a late move providing terms can be agreed at the 11th hour.

It's stated that Sterling would prefer a move to Arsenal over other parties. Other reports even claim the winger has spoken to Mikel Arteta – someone he knows from his time with Manchester City – on the phone.

How Sterling compares to Nico Williams

Arsenal's dream signing this summer has been Athletic Club's Nico Williams.

The Spaniard came to the forefront of everyone's attention after a mesmerising Euro 2024 campaign that saw him help his nation to continental glory.

Since then, clubs such as Barcelona and Chelsea have also registered their interest. The player boasts a £48m release clause, an attractive price for many suitors. Sadly, reports have suggested that for now, he wants to stay at his boyhood club.

So, based on the data, Sterling would be a pretty strong alternative. According to FBRef, the Spain international is the sixth most similar player across Europe's top five leagues. Here's why.

Progressive carries

5.45

5.70

Progressive passes

3.55

2.63

Shots

2.32

2.23

Key passes

1.36

1.87

Passes into final 3rd

1.41

1.04

Shot-creating actions

3.86

4.82

Based on the data we've selected above, it's clear to see how alike they are in key areas for a wide player. They progress the ball with carrying in a pretty equal measure, take a similar number of shots and aren't too far apart for key passes either.

Both blessed with a dazzling ability to beat a player and give defenders a nightmare time, this could well be a smart short-term option for the Gunners.

Sterling – valued at £35m – also knows Arteta. This move should be a no-brainer if they can get the Englishman in on affordable wages. After all, he's also been labelled as "more of an Alexis Sanchez" type player by Brendan Rodgers. That ought to whet the appetite of Arsenal supporters who enjoyed the Chilean's fabulous displays in the famous red and white.

Arsenal plot deadline day move for "unbelievable" £34m star who's like Saka

The experienced international would give Arteta more options this season.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 29, 2024

Jordan Clark and Rikki Clarke stepped up in impressive fashion as Surrey’s undermanned bowling attack reduced Hampshire to 229 for 7 on day one of the LV= Insurance County Championship clash at the Ageas Bowl.The duo grabbed three wickets apiece after Kyle Jamieson was forced off the field after just six overs due to injury.Surrey were also without England batsman Ollie Pope who missed the match due to a thigh strain picked up in Friday’s Vitality Blast defeat by Kent.Rory Burns won the toss and elected to field under gloomy skies but despite the bowling friendly conditions Hampshire held firm, losing only Joe Weatherley in the first session to reach lunch on 62 for 1.But the Surrey seamers were rewarded for some tight and disciplined bowling after the restart as they ripped through the home side’s top order.Veteran former England all-rounder Clarke had bowled well without luck, seeing a regulation slip catch grassed by Jamie Overton when Tom Alsop was on 17, then having a no-ball called against him when Ian Holland was caught by Ryan Patel.But Alsop failed to take advantage of his good fortune when he edged Clark to Jamie Smith behind the stumps for 29.Alsop’s exit brought Nick Gubbins to the crease for the first time as a Hampshire player following his loan move from Middlesex.The left-hander, who will join on a permanent basis at the end of the season following the shock departure of Sam Northeast to Yorkshire on Friday, looked in fine touch with a gorgeous cut shot to the boundary early in his innings.Gubbins then brought up his new side’s hundred with a sumptuous drive down the ground, only to perish when on 17 after his attempt at a cut-shot off Overton was caught behind by Smith.James Vince produced a typically pleasing but brief innings when Clarke, who had been dispatched to the boundary three times by the home skipper, got his revenge when he trapped the elegant right-hander lbw for 16.Holland continued his fine form at the top of the order with his third 50 of the campaign, but became Clark’s third victim when he dragged onto his stumps for 58, reducing the home side to 155 for 5.A fifty-run stand from Colin de Grandhomme and Lewis McManus took Hampshire past the 200-mark before Clark struck again when McManus was caught down the leg-side by Smith for 24.Keith Barker was dismissed without scoring to hand 39-year-old Clarke his third wicket before play was called off for the day due to rain and bad light with Colin de Grandhomme unbeaten on 48 and Felix Organ on 3.

MatériaMais Notícias

Com a presença de cerca de 50 integrantes da Fiel torcida, o Corinthians bateu o Santa Fe, da Colômbia, por 2 a 0, e conquistou o tricampeonato da Copa Libertadores Feminina no Estádio Parque Central, em Montevidéu, no Uruguai. Com gols de Adriana e Gabi Portilho, o Timão garantiu mais uma conquista para sedimentar a hegemonia de resultados e de desempenho no continente.

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Corinthians começa nervoso, se estabiliza e abre dois gols de vantagem

O primeiro tempo da partida começou de forma atípica para o Timão, um pouco mais nervoso do que o comum, quase foi surpreendido com uma chance logo no início em confusão dentro da área, mas a zaga conseguiu afastar o perigo e evitou ser vazado tão cedo dentro da decisão da Liberta.

Aos nove minutos, porém, as coisas voltaram para o seu lugar, quando Vic Albuquerque tocou para Gabi Portilho, que tocou para Adriana finalizar de cabeça para o gol e abrir o placar para o Alvinegro. O gol tranquilizou os ânimos corintianos, que continuaram encarando um adversário difícil para a final.

Uma outra confusão na defesa quase colocou em risco a vantagem alvinegra, quando a goleira Kemelli saiu do gol para estourar a bola, mas acabou furando, a zaga tentou rebater, mas a posse ficou com a atacante do Santa Fe que, com o gol aberto, acabou chutando para fora, livrando o Timão de levar o empate.

Mas o primeiro tempo ainda traria mais um alívio para o Corinthians. Aos 41 minutos, em jogada de Tamires pela esquerda, ela cruzou para a área e encontrou Gabi Portilho entrando pelo meio para bater e marcar o segundo para ampliar a vantagem e ir para o intervalo com o título encaminhado.

Gaviões na arquibancada, forte calor em Montevidéu e título do Timão

Durante o descanso das jogadoras, um ônibus com cerca de 40 torcedores da Gaviões da Fiel chegou ao estádio e foi para a arquibancada do Parque Central para torcer pelas “brabas”. Os cânticos constantes da “hinchada” alvinegra incentivaram o público local, formado basicamente por meninas de escolinhas de futebol, a gritarem também o nome do “Corinthians” na segunda etapa.

O ritmo do jogo caiu demais em relação ao primeiro tempo, muito por conta do forte calor que fazia na cidade de Montevidéu. A temperatura chegou a bater 30º C depois das 20h. Dessa forma, com o resultado na mão e sem sofrer com as adversárias colombianas, que não tinham poder de reação, o Corinthians apenas administrou a partida para gritar “é campeão” pela terceira vez.

Com o título, o Corinthians segue em busca de sua tríplice coroa neste ano, já que ganhou o Brasileirão e está na final do Paulistão, que acontece contra o São Paulo, mas ainda não tem data definida para ser jogada. Foi a terceira taça da Libertadores conquistada pelo Timão em 2017, 2019 e agora em 2021. Agora, o clube iguala o São José, que é o maior ganhador da competição.

Liverpool secured their first victory in the new Champions League campaign over AC Milan at the San Siro on Tuesday evening, thanks to goals from Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Arne Slot’s side dominated the game for large spells despite going a goal down early on after former Chelsea ace Christian Pulisic put the hosts ahead after just three minutes.

However, the Reds produced a magnificent display, putting right the wrongs of the weekend’s performance which saw the club fall to a shock 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League at Anfield.

Numerous players produced some much-improved performances, helping the club get off to the perfect start for the new European campaign in 2024/25.

Liverpool’s star performers against AC Milan

Cody Gakpo took full advantage of his recall to the starting lineup last night, producing some phenomenal figures despite failing to get on the scoresheet.

The Dutch international registered the assist for Szoboszlai’s second-half strike, whilst completing four dribbles – the most of any player in Slot’s side during the victory.

The 25-year-old also managed to win seven duels, the most of anyone who featured at any point during the outing for both sides, highlighting his impact at both ends of the pitch for the Reds.

Minutes played

68

Assists

1

Passes completed

18/22 (82%)

Key passes

2

Dribbles completed

4/7 (57%)

Duels won

7

Shots on target

2

Centre-back Konate also produced an admirable display alongside Van Dijk, with the pair starring at the heart of the Reds’ defence once again.

The Frenchman registered a 93% pass accuracy, whilst winning all of the tackles that he entered and making eight recoveries, helping the Reds defence turn around the early deficit in Milan.

However, despite the duo’s respective displays, one first-team member produced yet another dismal showing, with Slot needing to take action upon the club’s return to Premier League football this weekend.

The player who Slot needs to drop immediately

Diogo Jota was lucky to retain his starting spot after his showing against Forest last weekend, which saw him be replaced on the hour mark by fellow forward Darwin Núñez.

However, he started the victory last night, but once again failed to impress, being replaced after 68 minutes – once again by Uruguayan forward Nunez.

The Portuguese international registered two shots during the victory, but also managed to squander both of his efforts, which were both deemed as big chances.

He also only managed 23 touches, which was even fewer than teammate Alisson (27) achieved in the sticks – further showcasing his lack of impact. That makes for even more grim reading when considering that Alisson only actually had one save to make, with much of the play having been dominated by the visitors.

Equally, Jota also lost possession eight times, whilst also only managing to win 13% of the duels he entered – often coming out on the wrong side of the battles with the opposition defenders.

Jota was subsequently handed a 6/10 match rating by the Liverpool Echo journalist Paul Gorst, an indication as to how poor the forward was during the European outing.

There’s no denying the 27-year-old is a talent who has excellent qualities in the final third, but he’s desperately struggled to make any form of positive impact on Slot’s side.

Given his lack of form, Slot needs to take him out of the firing line, immediately replacing him for the league meeting against Bournemouth at Anfield this Saturday.

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ByAngus Sinclair Sep 18, 2024

Cole Palmer has had an immense start to the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, picking up from where he left off during the previous season.

After failing to register any goal contributions in the 2-0 defeat to Manchester City on the opening day, he made a huge impact in the 6-2 rout over Wolves at Molineux last weekend.

The 22-year-old registered one goal and three assists in the victory, taking his tally to four goal contributions in his first two league outings.

The England international has showcased his talent in the final third, as he looks to further increase his assist tally of 11 from the 2023/24 campaign.

He could be aided in his attempts, with the Blues edging closer to completing a deal to sign one of their long-term attacking targets.

Chelsea's search for a striker

According to journalist Rudy Galetti, Chelsea are edging closer to agreeing personal terms over a move to sign Napoli forward Victor Osimhen before Friday’s transfer deadline, with the two parties coming to a "general understanding".

The Nigerian, who earns a reported £210k-per-week as per Capology, has been constantly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge over the last few months, but after PSG dropped out of the race to sign the 25-year-old, it’s given Enzo Maresca’s side a greater opportunity to complete a deal for the talisman.

He could be seen as a preferred option to Brentford forward Ivan Toney, who’s recently been linked with a move to West London, with the Blues set to discuss a deal with the Serie A outfit in the coming days.

Whilst it’s unknown how much Osimhen would cost the Blues, he does have a £110m release clause in his current deal with Antonio Conte’s side.

His prolific form in recent seasons could see him strike an excellent partnership with Palmer, leading the club back towards the Premier League’s top four in 2024/25.

Why Osimhen would be perfect for Palmer

Despite registering 14 league goals last term Nicolas Jackson could well be replaced if Maresca lands a new centre-forward before the closure of the window.

He may have finished last season as the club’s second-highest goalscorer, but he missed the third most big chances in the division during 2023/24 – highlighting the need for a new talisman at Stamford Bridge.

Osimhen would be the perfect upgrade on the Senegalese ace, with his talent in front of goal allowing Palmer to increase his assist tally this season.

The “monster” ace, as described by analyst Raj Chohan, registered 17 combined goals and assists in Serie A last term, potentially providing that added goalscoring threat the club are searching for.

Victor Osimhen's stats for Napoli in Serie A (2023/24)
Statistics	Tally
Games played	27
Goals + assists	17
Shots per 90	3.9
Shots on target per 90	1.6
Shot-on-target accuracy rate	42%
Goals per shot-on-target	0.33
Stats via FBref

His threat in the final third is evident, averaging 3.9 shots per 90 last season, managing to place 1.6 of those on target, at an accuracy rate of 42% – with his ability to trouble the keeper allowing Palmer’s creativity in attacking areas to reach the next level.

The Nigerian also averaged a 0.33 goal per shot-on-target rate, scoring one of every three efforts he managed to put on target, further highlighting his deadly finishing ability in front of goal.

The saga over his potential move to Stamford Bridge may have dragged on a lot longer than anyone would’ve anticipated, but Galetti’s latest update could finally see the club get their main man.

His talents will hand Maresca’s side that added edge they’ve been crying out for in recent months, potentially making it a successful first campaign at the helm for the Italian.

As for Palmer, it could allow him to further improve his impressive output in the final third, achieving new heights for his assist tally, with Osimhen having the ability to fire home on more occasions than the current options at the top end of the pitch for Chelsea.

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1

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Angus Sinclair

Aug 26, 2024

Southampton fans will hope that, after a rocky start to the season, the newly promoted side's form does pick up after the international break is over.

Only netting one goal so far, with three defeats from three also making for grim reading, Russell Martin now has the lengthy break to try and get more out of his group on the training pitch to try to positively impact their worrying early Premier League form.

He could well even end up experimenting with what he at his disposal to try and get points on the board, but it looks very unlikely that Kamaldeen Sulemana will get a chance to impress in the first-team picture.

Sulemana's time at Southampton

Once costing the Saints a club record £22m, it's fair to say Sulemana has never quite lived up to this bumper price tag when playing on the South Coast.

From 44 appearances to date donning a Saints strip, the ex-Rennes winger has only managed to grab two goals and four assists, with zero strikes coming his way during Southampton's promotion-winning campaign.

Only averaging 39 minutes per clash that same season, it hasn't been a great shock to see Sulemana's standing in the St. Mary's pecking order take a battering moving up a league, with no games being handed to him so far in the Premier League.

A move to Ajax was meant to be the confidence-boosting switch Sulemana needed on deadline day, but that loan adventure was initially put on hold, owing to the fact it was unclear whether or not all of the paperwork involving the move took place before or after the Dutch window slammed shut.

There had even been the potential for him to move permanently to the Eredivisie giants for £17m as part of the temporary deal, although journalist Fabrizio Romano has since confirmed that the deal is now off.

Martin and Co likely wouldn't have been too gutted to see the back of their £22m flop if he had departed, owing to his hefty salary in the Saints camp which sees him earn double the salary that key first-teamer Kyle Walker-Peters finds himself on.

Sulemana's wage at Southampton

As per Capology, Sulemana's wage for the season ahead comes in at an extortionate £40k-per-week, a wild amount for a player who is yet to taste any action for Martin's men in either the league or even the EFL Cup.

On the contrary, Walker-Peters remains a key cog in the Saints machine, with the South Coast outfit relieved that the former Tottenham Hotspur man didn't move to new pastures this window just gone.

Regardless of goals like the one above from the attack-minded defender helping Southampton achieve promotion last season, and Walker-Peters averaging 87 minutes per clash in the Premier League so far, the popular 27-year-old only earns a lesser £20k-per-week pay packet.

Walker-Peters won't be the only aggrieved member of the Saints camp when it comes to Sulemana earning more, with the likes of Will Smallbone and other fixed first-teamers also earning less.

Player

Wage

First-team appearances last season

Kamaldeen Sulemana

£40k-per-week

25

Will Smallbone

£25k-per-week

46

Gavin Bazunu

£20k-per-week

41

Kyle Walker-Peters

£20k-per-week

46

Taylor Harwood-Bellis

£7.5k-per-week

43

Looking at the table above, it's not a shock to see that Southampton do want to balance the books and get rid of their £40k-per-week man, with first-team stalwart at the back from last season in Taylor Harwood-Bellis even earning significantly less at £7.5k-per-week.

Wage Burners

Football FanCast's Wage Burners series explores the salaries of the modern-day game.

Southampton have been prone to many blunders in the transfer market over the years, with Sulemana another one now added to the list.

While Martin and Co will likely now be forced to wait until January to offload the costly forgotten man, the hope will be that a last-gasp deal can be struck with a handful of markets still open across the globe.

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All results remain possible despite rain and bad light hampering second day at Edgbaston

ECB Reporters Network28-May-2021

Ben Slater made an authoritative half-century•Getty Images

A fascinating LV=Insurance County Championship game is evolving at Edgbaston where Group 1 leaders Nottinghamshire closed the second day on 173 for 3 in reply to the home side’s 341.Despite the loss of most of the second session to bad light and drizzle, all results remain possible in a compelling contest between two sides in the thick of the quest for the top two spots.Nottinghamshire seamer Dane Paterson finished with 5 for 90 but shared his side’s frustration at a merry stand of 52 between Bears last-wicket pair Liam Norwell, who was 30 not out from 37 balls, including three sixes, and Olly Hannon-Dalby with 26. They built on the diligence of Matt Lamb’s 67 to assure Warwickshire of a third batting point.Norwell then troubled Nottinghamshire with the ball, taking all the three wickets to fall, including Ben Slater for an authoritative 77.After Warwickshire resumed on 250 for 6, Paterson quickly added to the three wickets he picked up the previous evening when Danny Briggs nicked behind and was superbly caught by wicketkeeper Tom Moores.Lamb reached an excellent half-century from 125 balls with his sixth four, driven through the covers, but lost another partner when Craig Miles lifted Luke Fletcher to point.Related

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With acceleration needed, Norwell got off the mark with a straight six off Fletcher but Paterson completed his five-for when Lamb edged into the cordon.That third batting point appeared to be eluding Warwickshire when they needed five runs from the last two balls of the 110th over, from Paterson. But Hannon-Dalby nonchalantly flicked the first to the fine leg boundary and elegantly drove the next to the cover fence.The spectators loved that and thoroughly enjoyed the 40 minutes of frolicksome batting that followed as the tail-enders frustrated the bowlers until Hannon-Dalby edged Liam Patterson-White to slip.Nottinghamshire’s reply reached six without loss at lunch and, after much interference by bad light and rain, 28 without loss at tea. Haseeb Hameed and Slater then added 72 before, second ball after another brief delay, the former left a Norwell offering that knocked out off-stump.Norwell quickly added the scalp of Ben Duckett, lbw, and returned late in the day to end a stand of 78 in 19 overs between Slater and Joe Clarke when the former edged to wicketkeeper Michael Burgess.

Chelsea has been the home to numerous elite-level talents over the years, with many capturing the hearts of the fanbase.

Didier Drogba was a striker who produced consistent moments of magic in the final third for the Blues, starring in the Champions League final back in 2012 – scoring the crucial equaliser before sliding home the winning penalty in the shootout.

John Terry is another player who’s cemented himself in the club’s history forever, making 546 appearances for his boyhood club over a 17-year period from 2000 to 2017.

He often featured alongside midfielder Frank Lampard, with the former England international still to this day the club’s record scorer after notching a total of 211 goals during his 13-year stint at Stamford Bridge.

However, in recent years, the club haven’t had as much success as they would’ve liked, with one player standing out as a fan-favourite after his own contribution to the football club.

Eden Hazard’s time at Chelsea

After joining the Blues in a £32m deal back in 2012, Eden Hazard arrived at Chelsea, unknown to many and loved by everyone, after his spell in West London.

The Belgian quickly caught the eye with his quick dribbling and his eye for goal, immediately becoming a fan-favourite at the Bridge.

No goal can quite sum up his talents other than his solo effort against Arsenal back in 2017, where the winger picked up the ball up in the middle of the park, before shrugging off numerous players before slotting home.

Arguably his best performance came in his final game for the club, scoring two against the Gunners in the Europa League final victory, before departing in a seismic £150m deal to join Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Whilst no fan wanted the star to depart the club, it was a move that made sense given his achievements for the Blues, allowing Hazard to go and feature at the very top level of European football.

Since his departure in 2019, the club have failed to sign an adequate replacement for the winger, but new boss Enzo Maresca could unearth his own version of the Belgian in the months ahead.

Eden Hazard’s Chelsea career in numbers

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2012/13

62

13

21

2013/14

49

17

8

2014/15

52

19

12

2015/16

43

6

7

2016/17

43

17

7

2017/18

52

17

13

2018/19

52

21

17

Stats via Transfermarkt.

Chelsea's next Eden Hazard

Mykhalio Mudryk has endured a tricky start to life at Chelsea, only scoring seven times in his 62 appearances following his £89m move to the club from Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023.

He’s only started one league game under Maresca so far this season, struggling to cement his place in the side following the form of Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke – alongside new addition Pedro Neto.

As a result, Maresca could unleash youngster Kendry Paez upon his move to the Bridge, with the 17-year-old able to make his first appearance for the club on his 18th birthday in May – with the club forking out £17m for the talent last summer.

Despite his tender age, he’s already demonstrated that he’s a bigger talent than big-money signing Mudryk, whilst also being the perfect player to fill the boots of Hazard.

When comparing their respective stats from the last 12 months, youngster Paez has contributed with more goals and assists in fewer matches – whilst also averaging more progressive passes per 90 – demonstrating his talent in the final, potentially following in Hazard’s footsteps.

How Kendry Paez & Mudryk compare in 2023/24

Statistics (per 90)

Paez

Mudryk

Games played

18

31

Goals + assists

9

7

Shot-creating actions

4.5

3.4

Progressive passes

6.1

2.6

Progressive carries

3.34

5.15

Pass accuracy

82%

68%

Carries into penalty area

2

1.3

Passes into final third

4.1

1.4

Stats via FBref

The Ecuadorian averaged more carries into the final third per 90, showcasing his dribbling ability, similar to that of the Belgian fan-favourite who loved to attack the opposition 1v1. He may register fewer progressive carries than a certain Mudryk but he still evidently excels in that area.

Although it’s still very early days in his professional career, Paez has shown that he has all the abilities to thrive in his career, hopefully being able to transfer his skills to Stamford Bridge upon his move in the coming months.

As for Mudryk, Paez’s move could spell the end of his time at the club, with the Ukrainian needing to demonstrate his talents between now and May to avoid losing his place to the 17-year-old.

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Posts ByFreddie Taylor Oct 13, 2023

South Africa fast bowler becomes latest international player to withdraw

George Dobell and Matt Roller15-Jun-2021The Hundred is set to lose more big-name players as the competition battles to compete with international schedules and bubble fatigue. Days after it emerged that David Warner, Marcus Stoinis and Sophie Devine had pulled out, ESPNcricinfo understands that Kagiso Rabada is also withdrawing.Rabada, the South Africa fast bowler who had signed for Manchester Originals, is currently involved in a Test series in the Caribbean. The team is then scheduled to play six limited-overs matches (three T20Is and three ODIs) in Ireland in a tour that finishes on July 25, the same day as Manchester Originals’ first home fixture.Related

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While he would then potentially have a few weeks before his next assignment, it is understood Rabada is opting for a break instead of appearing in the Hundred, for which he had been drafted in the £100,000 (US$140,000) bracket.Lockie Ferguson, the New Zealand fast bowler, is to join Manchester Originals as Rabada’s replacement.An ECB spokesperson said: “We are thrilled to welcome a player of the quality of Lockie Ferguson to The Hundred. It’s sad news that Kagiso will not take part this year but the schedule and challenges around international travel due to Covid remain an issue for some overseas players.”The tournament has had some encouraging news, though. While the new government timetable for the lifting of Covid-related restrictions is a blow to the county game – it means that the T20 Blast programme will not offer its usual financial windfall – it might work to the advantage of the Hundred. The tournament starts on July 21, just two days after the anticipated release of restrictions on July 19.

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire says new boss Ruben Amorim is the "total opposite" of former manager Erik ten Hag.

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Amorim replaces Ten Hag at Man UtdMaguire compares two managersBacks Amorim for success at Old TraffordFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Amorim has taken over from Ten Hag at United but has endured a tough start to life at Old Trafford. The Portuguese coach has already admitted he could be sacked after seeing his team lose their last three matches in a row in all competitions to sit down in 14th place in the Premier League table and with a tough run of fixtures to come.

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Maguire has lifted the lid on life under Amorim and says the new coach is completely different to Ten Hag. Amorim has already brought a fresh approach on the pitch, with his 3-4-2-1 formation, and has also taken a tough stance on Marcus Rashford – leaving the forward out of his last four matchday squads. Maguire says that Amorim knows exactly what he wants but has warned supporters the transition period will be "tough."

WHAT MAGUIRE SAID

He told Sky Sports: "The thing is with the managers and the styles, it is not like they have come in and they have similar styles. They are the total opposite in terms of what they want and what they demand. So the transition period is going to be tough. We all have great belief in the manager and all his coaching staff. I am sure things are going to turn around. He knows exactly what he needs to do to get this club back. He has come in and done everything he needs to do. He is really demanding. He is a winner, so I am sure he will be because he hates losing games. It is frustrating. We want to win football matches and make our fans happy because so far this season it has not been good enough."

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GOALWHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD

United are in dire need of a result but take on an in-form Newcastle next and will be without captain Bruno Fernandes due to suspension. The Red Devils then head to Anfield in the Premier League to face leaders Liverpool, before an FA Cup third-round clash at Arsenal.