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We are only in June, but Chelsea are wasting no time at all when it comes to the transfer window.

For example, even though the likes of Liam Delap, Mamadou Sarr and Dario Essugo are already through the doors at Stamford Bridge, the Conference League Champions are still looking to make more significant additions.

That said, with the Champions League and more expectations in the Premier League to come next season, it’s not hard to understand why the West Londoners want to make sure Enzo Maresca has everything he needs.

One of the names most heavily touted for a move to Chelsea is Jamie Gittens, but interestingly, another international has now been linked with the club, someone who’d arguably be an even better signing.

Chelsea target Premier League star

Since wrapping up their prior transfer dealings, the most significant saga Chelsea have been in has been about Gittens.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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Interestingly, the club were first linked with him back in October and then again during the winter window, but it would be fair to say that the links have seriously heated up in the last few weeks.

In fact, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealed yesterday afternoon that the deal was close to being completed, while stories from late last week claimed that a fee of around £55m would be enough for Borussia Dortmund to sell.

However, while the young Englishman is undoubtedly very talented and will be an incredibly exciting addition to the squad, it now looks like the club are moving after someone from the Premier League who’d be an even better signing.

At least that is according to a recent report from Caught Offside, which has revealed that Chelsea are very interested in Nottingham Forest’s Murillo.

The report goes a step further, revealing that the Blues have already made contact with the Tricky Trees to find out more information about the player.

Unfortunately, one potential sticking point for a deal for the Brazilian is that Forest reportedly value him at more than €80m, which comes out to around £68m.

While that is an enormous amount of money, this might be a deal worth fighting for as Murillo has proven himself in the Premier League and could end up being a better signing than Gittens for Chelsea.

Why Murillo would be a better signing than Gittens for Chelsea

Now, the first thing to say is that both players would be good additions to Chelsea’s squad.

After all, it’s never a bad thing to sign an exciting and dynamic young winger, who’d not only scored at the Bernabeu but also managed to rack up a tally of 17 goal involvements in 49 games for a top European side at just 20 years old.

However, in the context of what the Blues actually need this summer, there are two significant reasons why Murillo would be a better signing than Gittens, the first of which relates to the club’s abundance of wingers in the squad.

As things stand, Maresca will be able to choose from ten players who are capable of playing on the wing next season – not including Mykhaylo Mudryk – so signing the Dortmund star will make it 11, which for any team is unnecessary.

That also leads us to the second reason: due to the number of attacking options at the Bridge, the Forest ace is likely to have a greater impact if he were to join.

After all, only one centre-back made 40 appearances across all competitions this season, Levi Colwill, while Tosin Adarabioyo made 38.

Moreover, when we compare the relevant underlying metrics between the former Fulham ace and the Tricky Trees star, like tackles, block interceptions and more, it becomes obvious that the “monstrous” Brazilian, as dubbed by journalist Ryan Taylor, would be a noticeable upgrade.

Murillo vs Adarabioyo

Statistics per 90

Murillo

Adarabioyo

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.07

0.07

Progressive Passes

3.25

2.68

Progressive Carries

0.62

0.32

Passing Accuracy

78.5%

91.1%

Key Passes

0.37

0.06

Passes into the Penalty Area

0.37

0.06

Shot-Creating Actions

1.24

0.96

Tackles

1.50

1.08

Blocks

1.95

0.57

Interceptions

1.02

0.70

Clearances

7.03

5.10

Ball Recoveries

4.01

2.61

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 PL Season

Ultimately, Chelsea would be smart to sign both Gittens and Murillo this summer, but when it comes to who will likely have more of an impact next year and, therefore, be the better signing, we’d have to lean heavily towards the latter.

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Posts BySean Markus Clifford Jun 24, 2025

Leeds United chiefs 49ers Enterprises have now been told it will cost just £10 million to sign an “unbelievable” English midfielder this summer.

Lukas Nmecha kicks off Leeds' summer business

The transfer window has now officially reopened after closing for a week, and the Whites haven’t wasted any time in getting a signing over the line. On Sunday afternoon, Leeds announced that Lukas Nmecha has agreed to join the club and become their first new face of the summer transfer window.

Related The next Gray: Leeds now want to sign "complete" £30m star after Nmecha

Daniel Farke could be about to purchase his next Archie Gray if Leeds United successfully win this versatile youngster.

Posts ByKelan Sarson Jun 16, 2025

The Germany international has joined the Yorkshire side on an initial two-year deal and will arrive on the 1st of July, once his contract has expired at Wolfsburg. Nmecha is already known to English football, having developed in Manchester City’s academy as well as having spells at Preston and Middlesbrough.

Nmecha told Leeds’s media team: “It’s just a great challenge, and I’m really excited to get to know the team. I’ve spoken with the manager many times, and I’m excited to play that style of football that they played in the Championship, even in the Premier League. I saw that there was dominance last season in terms of possession and the goals. I’m an attacking player, so obviously that’s exciting for me.

“Of course, in the Premier League, there are some big boys in there where you can’t play like that all the time, but I think the idea of the manager is to play good football, possession football, and that’s what I’m used to and what I love doing.

“I wish we could get going now, but we still have a few weeks of pre-pre-season, getting the runs in and all that! But I just can’t wait to start training now.”

Leeds told it will cost £10m to sign Champions League midfielder

With Nmecha now officially through the door, the 49ers are turning their attentions to Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff, and according to Football Insider, suitors have been told a bid of just £10 million will be accepted this summer.

It was reported in May that Leeds were plotting a double swoop for Callum Wilson and Longstaff, who is earning £50,000 a week at Newcastle.

Entering the final year of his contract at St James’ Park, the update claims his future “definitely” lies away from Tyneside.

Daniel Farke is keen to add Premier League experience to his midfield this summer, but he won’t have a free run at Longstaff, as David Moyes’ Everton are also keen on the midfielder.

Sean Longstaff’s 24/25 Premier League stats

Apps

25

Starts

8

Key passes per game

0.2

Interceptions per game

0.3

Tackles per game

1.1

Clearances per game

0.3

Longstaff, who has been dubbed “unbelievable” by Alan Shearer in the past, has Champions League experience, helping his side qualify for Europe’s elite competition this season and making five appearances in their last European quest, scoring in a 4-1 rout of current champions PSG.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has reportedly added a marquee new transfer target to his list of potential signings this summer, with preparations beginning for what is expected to be an active window.

Arsenal scheduling talks as clock ticks towards summer window

2024/2025 is about to draw to a close, and following the end of their previously hopeful Champions League campaign, full attention is beginning to turn towards the off-season.

Arsenal move with "formal" offer to £50m player as Real Madrid stall

The Gunners have get in there first.

ByEmilio Galantini May 9, 2025

Arsenal lost out on this year’s Premier League title to Liverpool by a seismic distance, thanks largely to key-player injuries and an inability to put teams away, with Mikel Arteta’s side registering 13 draws in the top flight so far, which is more than any other side in the top nine.

The Gunners did knock Real Madrid out of the Champions League in statement fashion, dismantling Carlo Ancelotti’s side 5-1 on aggregate in the quarter-finals, but competition favourites PSG put an end to their European dream in the next round.

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Southampton (away)

May 25th

It is now back to the drawing board for Arteta and Berta in preparation for 25/26, with a transfer overhaul anticipated at the Emirates this summer.

Arsenal could spend up to £300 million on seven major signings across the squad (GiveMeSport). It is also believed they’re targeting a new second-choice goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, right-winger, left-winger and striker among their recruitment priorities (GiveMeSport).

Arteta’s left side of attack will be a key area to watch, as reports suggest Gabriel Martinelli could be sold by Arsenal in the event of a suitable offer arriving (The Athletic).

Leandro Trossard’s deal also expires in 2026, and with no sign of a renewal so far, Arsenal will be planning for life without the Belgium international if they decide not to extend his stay.

Berta adds Milan star Rafael Leao to Arsenal target list

According to Calciomercato and Italian transfer journalist Daniele Longo, Portugal international Rafael Leao is now emerging as a possible Arsenal solution.

The 25-year-old has been a star player for the Rossoneri over the last few seasons, chalking up 12 goals and 13 assists in all competitions this term, with his form turning heads at N5.

It is claimed that new director Berta has personally added Leao to Arsenal’s transfer target list ahead of the summer window, but he could be a pretty expensive option.

His contract contains a €175m (£148m) release clause, which will be active from July 5 to July 15 (Foot Mercato). However, it is unlikely Arsenal would be willing to pay this, and may well look to whittle this down to a far more acceptable and doable fee.

Longo reports that the lowest offer Milan would entertain is around €100m (£85m), which still comes as a pretty significant outlay and would make Leao one of Arsenal’s most expensive ever signings.

A potential deal for the Sporting academy graduate is therefore set to be an ambitious one, and with Chelsea also in contention for Leao, Arsenal face a serious battle on their hands if they wish to tempt him to north London.

It’s set to be all change this year in terms of left-backs at Celtic for Brendan Rodgers.

Neither of the Hoops’ current players in that position are contracted to the club beyond 30 June, more on both shortly, while a local hero is poised to return to Parkhead.

However, did Celtic let go the best left-back of them all for just £39k, after he never made a competitive appearance for the club?

The latest on Greg Taylor's future at Celtic

Following Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Hearts, manager Rodgers admitted that left-back Greg Taylor is likely to leave the club upon the expiration of his contract in June, stating “it’s probably more likely now that Greg will move on than stay”.

Rodgers added “we know we’ll need to have someone else if Greg moves on… which is a big shame for me because I love him”.

Davorin Olivari of Croatian outlet Jutarnji List has previously reported that GNK Dinamo Zagreb have ‘sent an offer’ to Taylor, seeking to snap him up on a free transfer, with this his most-likely destination at the moment.

Meanwhile, Jeffrey Schlupp has usurped Taylor in the pecking order, starting the last four Premiership matches, as well as the away leg in Munich, albeit the Ghanian international’s future is up in the air too, given that he’s only on loan from Crystal Palace.

Regardless, Kieran Tierney is set to commence next season as Celtic’s first choice, having reportedly agreed to rejoin his boyhood club on a Bosman from Arsenal.

Of course, Tierney is undeniably a fans’ favourite in Glasgow, and his return will bring with it much fanfare once it is announced, but did Celtic sell an even more impressive left-back for just £39k?

Celtic's forgotten former left-back on fire in MLS

Back in January 2019, Celtic signed a 22-year-old defender by the name of Andrew Gutman from Indiana Hoosiers, after the American had been on trial at fierce rivals Rangers.

Gutman said he was “really honoured” to make the move, adding “I can’t wait to join Celtic and be part of such a storied institution.”

Well, unfortunately for Gutman, he did not play much of a part, never making a competitive appearance in hoops, loaned out to both Charlotte Independence of USL League One and then FC Cincinnati in Major League Soccer, before moving permanently to MLS outfit Atlanta United for only $50,000 (£39k) in General Allocation Money in March 2021.

Since then, Gutman has rather bounced around MLS, spending time at both New York Red Bulls and then Colorado Rapids, before joining the Chicago Fire ahead of the start of the 2024 season.

Back in his home state of Illinois, Gutman has really looked at home under Gregg Berhalter this season, scoring during victories over both FC Dallas and Toronto, earning rave reviews, including from Felipe Cárdenas of the Athletic, who labels him ‘incredible’.

So, let’s assess how his statistics compare to Taylor.

Appearances

22

19

Minutes

1,598

1,257

Goals

0

3

Assists

6

1

Chances created

29

10

Passing Accuracy %

88.1%

76%

Tackles

34

32

Interceptions

13

17

Clearances

37

52

Blocks

1

16

As the table outlines, during a similarly sized sample size, Gutman’s performances in MLS are similar to those of Taylor in the Premiership, with the American actually coming out on top when it comes to most defensive metrics.

Also worth noting that, according to Global Football Rankings, Major League Soccer is the ninth strongest division on the planet, with the Premiership down in 34th place.

So, perhaps letting Gutman leave for a small fee was a mistake, as he could’ve been an upgrade on Taylor had he been given an opportunity, especially considering Transfermakt believe his current market value to be around £586k, around 15 times more than he was sold for.

Cost £3m, now worth more than Jota: Celtic hit gold on inspirational star

Celtic have hit the jackpot with this star who is now worth even more than Jota.

ByDan Emery Mar 31, 2025

Shivam Dube had to adapt on tough USA pitches but India will need his power at some stage

Sidharth Monga18-Jun-20244:17

Do India have every box ticked going into the Super Eight?

If you include the warm-up game, Shivam Dube spent 60 legal deliveries in the USA to hit his first six on the tour. This is a batter who has been hitting a six every eight balls or so in the IPL over the last year. In his T20 career overall, which includes times when he was not the six-hitter he is now, he has still hit a six every 16 balls. The six-hitting ability has brought him to the World Cup, and he has had to wait so long to put one in the stands. He jokes he has only ever waited for this long in first-class cricket.Dube is also somebody who loves to hit sixes at practice. He does train other parts of his game, but he absolutely loves range-hitting. Sometimes his training sessions with CSK are just about hitting sixes as soon as he feels ready. It was not possible in New York where India – and other teams – practised in a small facility that can house only the nets. In Florida it just kept raining.You’d expect Dube to be the happiest person to get out of New York, and the USA, and onto more reliable pitches and better training facilities. He isn’t. When asked how easy or difficult, and how important, it is to delete the memories of New York before going to better batting tracks, Dube said he wasn’t going to do any such thing. “I won’t delete this from my memory because this is my first World Cup. Why should I?”Related

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Relish such conditions is not what six-hitters do. They are in here because of their six-hitting. They know the six-hitting can’t happen on surfaces where the bounce, pace and direction of the ball after the pitching are all unpredictable. So survive them, yes, co-exist with them, but enjoy them?”What I have done in the past is never doubt myself,” Dube said. “What I see is these conditions don’t demand what I have done at CSK. These conditions demand a different game. So I was batting in a different way.”That Dube enjoyed the challenge, trying to find a way to win matches for India, tells you he wants to be more than just a six-hitter. Watching him in the nets, the wind-up always suggests he is going to hit a six. And then he acts according to the ball. It’s as though his batting is all about doing something else only when the option of hitting the six is eliminated. And so far he has found himself in conditions where you have to hit your best possible shot for it to clear the field. You can’t afford even a slight mishit. It is to Dube’s credit that he has done his job without hitting these sixes.Shivam Dube has had to bide his time at this World Cup•ICC/Getty ImagesDube’s arrival in the West Indies hasn’t necessarily been the opening of the floodgates either. The pitches in the nets at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados have had both seam and swing – then the further garnish of a passing shower, which spiced them up further. Dube didn’t opt for range-hitting either, instead spending more time bowling than batting.Some day or the other during this World Cup all this denial will make way for a pitch that calls for 200. It could well be on the main pitch at Kensington Oval, which has already hosted one score of 200. It could be in St Lucia, the highest-scoring ground this tournament. Or the final. It could be against the spinners of Afghanistan or against the varied quicks of Bangladesh.It is on these high-scoring grounds that India really need Dube. While what he did during the chase against USA must have reassured the team of his quality, India have batters who can anchor a middling chase. With the rest of his team-mates, Dube has had two training sessions at Kensington Oval to probably undo the muscle memory, if any, of the USA.Now that switch will have to flick quickly because there is hardly any time in T20s. The skill, though, is not just batting that way but identifying when to do so. Suryakumar Yadav says the captain and the management trust the batters in the middle to know which pace to aim for. Dube will have the feedback from two of the most experienced batters in international cricket to fall back on, but, especially when batting first, India will rely a lot on his instinct to inform what they are aiming for.Whatever the conditions might be in the Super Eight, it is unlikely Dube will have to wait 60 balls for his next six. India might yet need a few from him.

When does it start? What’s the format? We’ve got all your questions covered

Hemant Brar20-Aug-2022 • Updated on 26-Aug-2022The Asia Cup – what’s that?
Outside the ICC events, the Asia Cup is basically the biggest international tournament in terms of the number of participants, though you may not immediately think of it that way. It contains exactly what it says on the tin, i.e it is played between the top teams in Asia. The first edition was played 38 years ago in Sharjah and featured India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. After three round-robin games, India emerged as champions under the captaincy of Sunil Gavaskar. The Asia Cup hasn’t been the most consistently scheduled tournament, but since 2008, it has been played every alternate year until the Covid-19 pandemic broke the sequence in 2020.Which makes it how many now?
Fourteen Asia Cups: the last one was in 2018 in the UAE (a theme developing here), when a Rohit Sharma-led India beat Bangladesh in the final to lift the trophy.Related

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India again? They seem to have won it…
The most times, yes. India have won the Asia Cup seven times, while Sri Lanka have won it five times. Pakistan, perhaps surprisingly, have only won it twice.Trying to recall memorable Asia Cup moments but none are coming to mind. Can you jog my memory?
Sure, there’s been more than you think. Surinder Khanna’s quickfire knocks in 1984; Ajantha Mendis bamboozling India in the 2008 final; Harbhajan Singh’s penultimate-ball six off Mohammad Amir to seal the win in 2010; Virat Kohli smashing his career-best 183 against Pakistan to help India chase down 330, and Pakistan beating Bangladesh by two runs to clinch the title – both in 2012; Shahid Afridi hitting R Ashwin for back-to-back sixes in the final over to win the game in 2014; Amir’s new-ball spell against Kohli and Co in 2016; the India-Afghanistan tie in 2018… This could go on but you get the point.Great. So, when is this year’s edition starting?
The tournament starts on August 27 with Sri Lanka taking on Afghanistan in Dubai, and the final is on September 11, also in Dubai. It’s being played in the T20 format because it’s good prep for the T20 World Cup later this year.The 2022 Asia Cup starts and ends in Dubai•Arjun Singh/BCCIUmm, you’re missing something?
Yes, sorry, it actually started with a qualifier tournament, which ran from August 20 to 24 in Oman. UAE, Hong Kong, Singapore and Kuwait competed in a round-robin format, with Hong Kong qualifying with three wins in three games.Hong Kong, really?
Really. They are at 23 in the ICC’s T20I rankings and are led by allrounder Nizakat Khan at the Asia Cup. In the qualifying round, Yasim Murtaza was their top-scorer with 130 runs in three innings, while offspinner Ehsan Khan took nine wickets. You might not remember this, but Hong Kong gave India a bit of a scare in the 2018 Asia Cup.And now back to the main event?
Simple: six teams, divided into two groups:Group A: India, Pakistan, Hong Kong
Group B: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan
Each team plays the other two in their group once and the top two qualify for the next round, the Super 4. There, each team plays every other team once, and the top two teams make it to the final.Has the Asia Cup done a T20 version before?
Yes, the 2016 edition in Bangladesh was also played in the T20 format and it was done keeping in mind that year’s T20 World Cup, which was scheduled to begin two days after the Asia Cup final. The tournament changes format depending on which year it is played: next year’s edition in Pakistan, for example, will be an ODI Asia Cup as preparation for the 2023 World Cup in India.That’s handy. And did I hear it’s being played in the UAE?
You did and it is. Again. It’s actually the spiritual home of sorts given the Asia Cup began there (as a way to have India and Pakistan play regularly at a neutral venue). All games are being held in Sharjah and Dubai.My weather app tells me it’s not the best time of year to play anything in the UAE.
It’s not, but needs must. The tournament was supposed to be held in Sri Lanka this year, but the economic and political crisis in that country meant it had to move: bilateral cricket has been held in Sri Lanka, but the logistics of a multi-team tournament would’ve been difficult to manage.India and Pakistan were ruled out as options for various reasons, so it had to be the UAE.India and Pakistan will face each other for the first time since the T20 World Cup last year•AFP/Getty ImagesAnd the heat?
It will be very hot. And very, very humid. International cricket has only been scheduled once in the UAE in August, when Australia played Pakistan in a white-ball series in 2012. It was physically draining but they just about managed, with later than usual starts. The Asia Cup games will start at 6pm UAE time. Other than that the UAE is more than adept, having held the 2018 Asia Cup, the IPL, the PSL regularly (and in June last year), as well as the T20 World Cup last year.How many times will I see India play Pakistan?
Most likely twice, three times if we’re lucky. They face each other first on August 28 in Dubai, their first meeting since the 2021 T20 World Cup, when Pakistan beat India by ten wickets at the same venue.If both finish as the top two teams in their group, they will meet again in the Super 4 round. And then there could be an India-Pakistan final as well. India and Pakistan have never faced each other in the final of the Asia Cup.And what’s the head-to-head record between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup?
The two teams have faced each other 14 times, with India winning on eight occasions and Pakistan on five. One game ended in a no-result.

This week: The ODI exploits of Michael Bevan, Lance Klusener and MS Dhoni

Himanshu Agrawal22-Jun-2020What We’re WatchingThe ice-cool pioneer
The idea of a finisher probably first took root during the 1995-96 Benson & Hedges World Series, during which Bevan scored 389 runs at an average of 194.50, bolstered by eight not-outs in ten innings. The highlight came on New Year’s Day at the SCG, against West Indies. Australia needed 173 in 43 overs, and were struggling at 74 for 7 when Bevan orchestrated the kind of escape that would soon become his trademark, scoring an unbeaten 78 and hitting the winning boundary off the last ball, with the No. 11, Glenn McGrath, at the other end.Bevan’s greatest innings, arguably, came in an unofficial ODI in April 2000. Chasing 321 against an Asia XI in Dhaka, the Rest of the World XI slipped to 196 for 7 in the 37th over Game over? Not while Bevan was still at the crease. With Andy Caddick providing support, Bevan somehow kept the RoW in the hunt, and brought the target down to 20 off the last over. What happened next? Well, watch the highlights of Bevan’s unbeaten 132-ball 185 here.Bevan made six ODI hundreds, and his last one, against New Zealand in January 2002, was perhaps his best. All the familiar ingredients were there. Chasing 246 at the MCG, Australia slipped to 82 for 6, and then 143 for 7, and Bevan yet again had only the tail for company. But as always, he knew exactly which bowlers, and which areas of the field, to target. Watch his unbeaten 95-ball 102, and marvel at those meaty leg-side swats, and that lightning running between the wickets.In the 2003 World Cup, England were on the verge of handing a seemingly invincible Australia side a rare defeat, reducing them to 135 for 8 in a chase of 205 in Port Elizabeth. But Bevan was still there, and so was Andy Bichel. invincible? Scratch that.The red-hot marauder
They both batted left-handed, and were both at their best in the late middle order, but their methods were chalk and cheese. Or fire and ice. Lance Klusener bludgeoned bowlers where Bevan manipulated them, but he was no less effective when you put a lost cause in front of him. Need 27 off 14 balls with just three wickets in hand, as South Africa did in Napier in March 1999? And then four off the last ball? No problem.A few months later, Klusener produced one of the greatest individual displays at a World Cup. In a tournament characterised by low totals and seaming pitches, he scored 281 runs at an average of 140.50 (six not-outs in eight innings) and a strike rate of – wait for it – . Oh, and he took more wickets – 17 – than any other South African bowler.
Against Sri Lanka in Northampton, he smashed 52 not out off 45 balls, including smacking 22 off Chaminda Vaas’ final over. In the Super Sixes against Pakistan, South Africa chased 221 with an over to spare despite middle-overs wobbles, thanks largely to Klusener’s 46 not out off 41 balls. Some of his leg-side hitting, as you can see here, was awe-inspiring, particularly a baseball-style six off Shoaib Akhtar. And you’ll remember the heartbreaking finish in the semi-final at Edgbaston, but don’t forget Klusener’s hitting in the lead-up. Just sensational.In 2000-01, New Zealand toured South Africa and ended up on the wrong side of a 5-0 ODI whitewash. It might not have been so one-sided, though, had Klusener not been around to pull off a pair of ruthlessly explosive finishes in Durban and Cape Town.“Finishes off in style!”
Has there been a better finisher than MS Dhoni at his peak? Could anyone better the audacity of his display in Lahore in 2006, when he arrived with India needing 99 off 92 balls, and proceeded to clatter an unbeaten 72 off just 46 balls? The second boundary in the video, off Abdul Razzaq, is particularly impressive: a controlled, one-handed lofted hit off a low full toss, placed calmly beyond the bowler’s reach. Later in the same series, in Karachi, India sent Dhoni in at No. 4 when they were miles behind the required rate and needed 146 to win off 118 balls. Tough ask? Yuvraj Singh and Dhoni only needed 99 balls to finish the job.Dhoni’s most iconic finish, of course, came in the final of the 2011 World Cup, in Mumbai. You know how it ends, you know what Ravi Shastri says next, but you’ll definitely want to watch it again.By this time, Dhoni was a far more calculating sort of finisher, a master of managing required rates while taking the fewest possible risks, and backing himself to produce the big hits at the climactic moments. A sample of this came in Adelaide in 2012, when he hit just one boundary in an unbeaten 44 off 58 balls – a monstrous, match-winning 112m six off Clint McKay, in the final over.A year later, he sat out the league stage of a tri-series in the West Indies, returned for the final in Port-of-Spain, and finished the game in breathtaking fashion. With India needing 15 off the last five balls of a low-scoring thriller, Dhoni sent Shaminda Eranga crashing for 6, 4, 6.What We’re Watching

The Milwaukee Brewers beat the Chicago Cubs for the second straight time Tuesday night to increase their lead in the NL Central standings to two games.

First baseman Andrew Vaughn broke open the game in the sixth inning when he crushed a grand slam to left-center that gave Milwaukee a commanding 9-2 lead.

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell was seen having a priceless reaction to the blast as he immediately jumped on the phone in the dugout to get a new pitcher going in the bullpen.

He barely waited for Vaughn to get out of the batter's box before dialing up some help for his team:

Too funny.

The Cubs will look to avoid being swept by the Brewers when they square off in the series finale Wednesday afternoon.

Cameron Green has been “hitting intensity” in training as he ramps up his bowling loads, but it remains unclear whether he will have an overs-restriction in his expected return to bowling in the next Sheffield Shield round.Green played as a specialist batter in Western Australia’s drawn Shield match against South Australia at the WACA. Batting in his preferred No. 4 spot, Green gave WA some hope of chasing down the 303-run target before he unluckily fell for 41 after a dubious caught behind decision.Immediately after the match ended due to bad light, Green had a 30-minute bowl in the middle of the WACA until rain fell on the ground.Related

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Green has bowled just four overs since returning from back surgery. He is likely to play as an allrounder in WA’s next Shield match against Queensland at the WACA starting on November 11 although he might be placed under bowling restrictions.”We’ll just make sure he can bowl first and then we’ll work that bit out,” WA coach Adam Voges said. “My hope is that he’ll be able to play as an allrounder the next game. He’s still building nicely. From what we’ve seen in the nets, he’s hitting intensity.”Green did get some quality batting time at the crease after making a duck in the first innings in his return from side soreness that ruled him out of the India ODI series. He faced 108 balls, his longest stint in the middle since the third Test against the West Indies in July.Green was in command and appeared unaffected after copping a stinging blow in the left forearm by quick Henry Thornton. He was eventually adjudged caught behind off a length delivery from Liam Scott that he tried to fend away from his body.Green threw his head back in disappointment at the decision following a half-hearted appeal from South Australia.Cameron Green inspects his arm after a blow from Henry Thornton•Getty Images

After the match appeared destined for a draw, there was a late twist when Aaron Hardie and Joel Curtis fell in quick succession to Scott. But Cooper Connolly held firm with an unbeaten half-century to ensure WA avoided a third consecutive defeat to start the season. It capped a strong allround performance for Connolly, who also claimed two wickets in South Australia’s second innings.With the pitch flattening out as the match wore on, South Australia captain Nathan McSweeney opted for caution and declared 30 minutes before lunch. Their hopes of an unlikely victory rested on spearhead Brendan Doggett, who produced a spectacular delivery to dismiss captain Sam Whiteman before being thwarted by Green and Cameron Bancroft, who top-scored with 58.Doggett finished with seven wickets for the match in his return from a hamstring injury, with his only previous game this season being in the One-Day Cup on September 20.With relentless accuracy and menacing movement, Doggett showed why he is likely to be a fast-bowling reserve for the Ashes having been on the fringes for the past 12 months.”I think he would be around the mark for the squad, it’s nice to see him come out and bowl like he did,” South Australia coach Ryan Harris said.After taking six wickets in WA’s first innings to claw South Australia back into the match, Doggett again loomed as South Australia’s talismanic figure. He stepped up in his first over to knock over Whiteman, who shouldered arms only to watch in horror as the ball swung back wickedly to hit the top of the off stump.All eyes were on Green, who entered at 37 for 2 early in the second session after Hilton Cartwright on 12 drove straight to mid-on. Green was rock solid and locked in as gleaned by his routine of stepping to the side and looking up at three of the WACA’s massive light towers after every delivery.Green had most of the strike and took his time, scoring just 8 off his first 32 balls. Bancroft appeared to be cruising towards a brisk half-century until Thornton bent his back and produced a hostile spell. But Thornton was left despondent when he had two big shouts against Bancroft turned down.Thornton then whacked Green’s forehand, with medical attention needed. But Green shrugged off any concern with several delightful strokes to give WA renewed enthusiasm heading into tea.Bancroft reached his half-century on resumption, but fell shortly after when he cut straight to Conor McInerney who juggled the catch at gully. Quick Nathan McAndrew resorted to a short-ball tactic against a patient Green, who did not bite but WA’s task proved beyond them as the match inevitably headed towards a draw.The result leaves the teams, who have won the last four Shield titles, still winless after three rounds.

The 2024/25 campaign was truly one to forget for everyone involved with Manchester United, as the club registered their worst-ever Premier League finish.

Ruben Amorim’s side ended the year in a measly 15th position, sitting just three spots above the relegation zone, with various issues rearing their head throughout the season.

The Red Devils had a real goalscoring issue during their top-flight campaign, as seen by their measly tally of just 44 goals in their 38 outings – an average of just 1.15 per game.

However, at the other end, things were just as disappointing, as they shipped 54 goals in just 38 matches, ultimately leading to a total of 18 league defeats in 2024/25.

Many of the failures that season were directed that way of one man, with Amorim desperately needing to make the right call on his future during the recent summer window.

The stats behind Andre Onana’s failures for United in 2024/25

After David de Gea’s departure from United back in the summer of 2023, former boss Erik ten Hag decided to delve into the transfer market to bolster his ranks – landing the signature of Andre Onana.

As a result, the Dutchman decided to fork out a reported £47.2m for the Cameroonian’s signature – a deal which could go down as one of the worst in the club’s history.

Upon Amorim’s arrival last November, he decided to stick with the former Inter Milan shot-stopper between the sticks, but he was unable to match the confidence shown in him by the boss.

The 29-year-old featured 50 times across all competitions last campaign, but made nine direct errors that led to goals, many of which came in key moments.

From parried shots against Lyon to misjudging Morgan Gibbs-White’s effort against Nottingham Forest – it truly was a regular occurrence for Onana to drop numerous clangers.

His only appearance for the Red Devils this season came in the Carabao Cup defeat to League Two Grimsby Town – a game that would signal the end of his first-team place at Old Trafford.

Amorim decided to ship Onana out on loan to Turkish Super League side Trabzonspor, with the hierarchy backing him with a new goalkeeper on Deadline Day.

Man Utd have another Onana-esque liability

As a result of Onana’s departure, Senne Lammens was the man chosen to fill the void in the goalkeeping department for United, with the Belgian joining from Royal Antwerp.

At just 23, such a move may have been a daunting task to many, but the youngster has wasted no time in cementing the number one shirt as his own at Old Trafford.

He’s made six appearances for the Red Devils to date, keeping one clean sheet, but his goal prevented xG of 0.2, showcases his immediate impact between the sticks.

Lammens is also yet to register an error leading to a goal after his big-money transfer, with his arrival already solving one of the glaring issues in the squad from last season.

However, not all the new additions have slotted in as seamlessly as the goalkeeper, with full-back Patrick Dorgu unable to be as successful at Old Trafford.

The Dane arrived from Italian side Lecce back in January for a reported £30m, with such a move seeming to end the hierarchy’s hunt for a long-term left wing-back.

However, nearly a year on from his transfer, it’s evident that the 21-year-old simply isn’t at the level required and is now becoming a huge liability for Amorim’s men.

Dorgu has only started seven out of a possible 12 league games to date this campaign, with his latest showing highlighting why he’s been an inconsistent figure in 2025/26.

He featured for 58 minutes in the defeat against Everton on home soil, before being replaced by Diogo Dalot after struggling to make the desired effect at both ends.

Minutes played

58

Touches

40

Passes completed

75%

Tackles made

1

Aerials lost

100%

Crosses completed

0

Possession lost

11x

Dribbled past

1

The youngster was labelled “unreliable” by one analyst, after only winning one tackle, and losing all four of the aerial duels he entered – offering a lacklustre option out of possession.

Even with the ball, Dorgu struggled to impress, only completing 75% of his attempted passes, losing possession a staggering 11 times whilst failing to complete a single cross.

As a result, he’s massively becoming a liability under Amorim, arguably the biggest one since Onana’s lack of form for the club back in the 2024/25 season.

A solution for all parties is desperately needed before the January transfer window, with the club potentially needing to reinvest in the market to solve the problem at left wing-back.

Alongside Zirkzee: Man Utd's "waste of time" must not start again for Amorim

Ruben Amorim has a bold decision to make over the future of one Manchester United flop.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 25, 2025