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Not that it wasn’t before the short-lived return of Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United, but the centre-forward berth has been an even bigger problem in the years since.

Indeed, the 2022/23 season saw Anthony Martial score just nine times in all competitions, including just six in the Premier League, while January arrival Wout Weghorst netted just twice following his surprise switch from Burnley.

The following campaign saw an injury-hit Martial score just twice himself in all competitions, while new man Rasmus Hojlund did fire 16 times, albeit with just ten of those coming in the league.

Hojlund then followed that up with ten goals across all fronts last term, with just four of those coming in the top-flight. £36.5m arrival Joshua Zirkzee, meanwhile, netted seven times, of which only three were in the league.

The fact of the matter is, United simply don’t have a proven goalscorer to rely upon, with the recent defeat to Everton highlighting why that man Zirkzee – who hasn’t scored a league goal for almost a year – just isn’t the solution.

The latest on Joshua Zirkzee's future

In the absence of Benjamin Sesko – who himself has scored only twice following his £74m switch from RB Leipzig – it was Zirkzee who got the nod against the Toffees, having featured for just 90 minutes in total all season prior to that.

Rusty or not on his first start of 2025/26, the Dutchman looked painfully out of his depth at times, so at odds with the rampant speed and physicality of Premier League football.

There were moments of quality, including two well-guided headers and an inviting cross across the box, but the 24-year-old was largely ineffective up against the wily James Tarkowski, notably losing the ball 12 times from just 35 touches.

Provided a rare opportunity to flourish, the former Bologna man showcased just why he has been a bystander to proceedings for much of the campaign so far, further throwing into doubt his long-term future at Old Trafford.

Indeed, the latest reports have suggested that the 6 foot 4 enigma might have already said yes to joining AS Roma on an initial loan deal in January, having previously been named Serie A’s Young Player of the Year back in 2023/24.

While United’s options in attack will be limited even further by Amad and Bryan Mbeumo’s upcoming AFCON commitments, it would not be a surprise for Zirkzee to depart upon their return in the New Year, with seven goals in 55 total games for the club making for grim reading for any centre-forward.

There is a talent in there, with his fleet of foot and silky touch sparking comparisons to a figure like Dimitar Berbatov, although in United’s current period of flux under Ruben Amorim, they desperately need an out-and-out goalscorer.

Thankfully, INEOS have already signed one.

Man Utd's "homegrown Osimhen" can replace Zirkzee

With Sesko and Matheus Cunha both sidelined, it was stark how little attacking depth United had in reserve, with Mason Mount the only real senior forward for Amorim to turn to on the bench.

Bryan Mbeumo

6

Casemiro

3

Bruno Fernandes

2

Benjamin Sesko

2

Harry Maguire

1

Matthijs de Ligt

1

Mason Mount

1

Amad

1

Matheus Cunha

1

While 18-year-old starlet Shea Lacey was featured in the matchday squad, there were eyebrows raised at the decision to overlook his academy colleague, Chido Obi, with Zirkzee ultimately playing the full 90 minutes.

Obi was parachuted into the first-team set-up as a drastic measure last season, amid United’s injury crisis, having made eight senior appearances in total 2024/25, albeit without scoring.

Frustratingly for the 17-year-old – who did score on the post-season tour against Hong Kong – he hasn’t been seen since in the senior set-up, with Amorim suggesting that he had been promoted “too soon” last term.

There’s no denying that Obi did look raw, not least on his solitary start against Brentford, but he also showed flashes of his undeniable talent, having come close to converting from the angle in the FA Cup clash with Fulham at Old Trafford.

Signed from Arsenal in the summer for 2024, the free-scoring forward has ripped it up at youth level in recent times, scoring 32 times in just 21 U18 games for the Gunners, as per Transfermarkt, while following that up with 12 goals in ten U18 games for United.

With five goals in 13 this term in the age group above, Obi is again showing just why he deserves a second chance under Amorim, with the teenager representing the orthodox centre-forward option that Zirkzee simply isn’t.

Described as a “homegrown Osimhen” by Arsenal content creator Will Balsam, the Danish youth international might be the perfect understudy to Sesko, rather than Zirkzee, with Amorim’s set-up demanding a more mobile, dynamic option to run the channels.

Of course, Amorim is wise to be careful with the development of such a talent, but at a time when a string of centre-forward signings haven’t worked out, why not dip into Carrington again?

Not Lammens: Man Utd flop is becoming their biggest liability since Onana

Manchester United have a player who has massively failed to deliver at Old Trafford since his transfer.

1 ByEthan Lamb Nov 27, 2025

Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz was substituted against Manchester City after another torrid performance from both the Germany international and his teammates.

Pep Guardiola celebrated his 1,000th game as a manager with a convincing win over an old rival as Manchester City overpowered Liverpool 3-0 on Sunday. Typically Erling Haaland was on the scoresheet, opening the scoring for a dominant City side at the Etihad Stadium with his 99th Premier League goal after missing an earlier penalty.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk had an equaliser controversially disallowed, but the champions were second best for much of a sodden afternoon and fell further behind to a deflected Nico Gonzalez strike before the break.

The outstanding Jeremy Doku, who tormented Liverpool right-back Conor Bradley, added a sublime third on his 100th appearance for the club. Victory lifted City back up to second in the table and within four points of leaders Arsenal, and condemned Liverpool to yet more soul-searching.

Arne Slot’s side had emerged from a recent slump with impressive back-to-back wins over Aston Villa and Real Madrid, but the defeat was their fifth in six league games and left them eight points adrift of the Gunners. During the game, City fans made a point of criticising one particular Liverpool player as he was withdrawn from the match.

Liverpool signing Wirtz was a "waste of money"

Though they would spend more on Alexander Isak just weeks later, Liverpool broke the British transfer record when they signed Florian Wirtz for £116 million in the summer. Much has since been said about the German, who has struggled to swiftly adapt to English football.

Across all competitions, not including the Community Shield, Wirtz has racked up no goals and two assists in 14 games, hardly the return expected by a player who commanded such a transfer fee. Due to his form, questions have been asked about Wirtz’s position in the first team.

Against Man City, Wirtz’s Premier League struggles continued. The German was replaced by Federico Chiesa in the 83rd minute and as per Adam Bate of Sky Sports, was serenaded by the home support.

Minutes Played

83′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Key Passes

0

Shots on Target

0

Total Shots (Shots Blocked)

2 (2)

Accurate Passes in Opposition Half

11/16 (69%)

(All stats are from SofaScore)

Given the money spent across the summer, there is little excuse for Liverpool’s form throughout the 2025/26 season. Wirtz, however, similar to fellow new arrival Isak, has yet to showcase anything that represents the fee that was paid for him. The German midfielder is still, of course, in the infancy of his Liverpool career, but it is apparent that he needs to quickly find a vein of form on Merseyside.

Liverpool want another Newcastle star after Isak

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario was mocked over social media after producing a howler as Tottenham found themselves 2-0 down inside just six minutes against Fulham on Saturday evening. The shot-stopper was punished by Spurs’ London rivals after going walkabout in the build up to the second goal of a chaotic opening to the Premier League encounter.

• Vicario makes a mess of it as Tottenham go behind early doors

  Already trailing 1-0 after defender Kenny Tete put Fulham in front after just four minutes, Vicario soon compounded Tottenham’s misery following a rush of blood to the head. Racing off his goal line to thwart Fulham striker Raul Jimenez, the Italy international found himself in all sorts of trouble after miscontrolling the ball on his weaker left foot.

  In a tight spot near the corner flag, Vicario – under pressure from the revenge-seeking Jimenez – then got his clearance all wrong as he gave possession straight to the onrushing Josh King, who laid the ball off to Harry Wilson as the Fulham midfielder brilliantly curled the ball into an empty net.

  And to make matters worse, Vicario did not appear to apologise to his Spurs team-mates but rather shouted in their direction as Fulham’s players wheeled away in celebration at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

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  WATCH: Goalkeeper gets his clearance all wrong against Fulham

• Italy international Vicario trolled for 'comical' and 'trash' mishap

  Writing on X, @mionomedev did not mince their words, posting: “Vicario funniest player in the world, dog**** touch, randomly decides to kick it to the opposition and then somehow is the one complaining when they score.”

  Describing the moment as “criminal”, @jaydmharris said: “Wilson makes it 2-0. Comical defending as Vicario storms out of his area, miskicks the ball by the touchline and Wilson whips the ball into an empty net.”

  Arsenal fan @gunnerpunner was enjoying watching his side’s bitter rivals struggle, writing: “Vicario is trash. Said it since he signed. But he made a few 1v1 saves. Spurs players get so much hype. But they’re all rubbish. Glad it eventually becomes clear.”

  And finally, @KevJStewart added: “Yeah, we’re a complete shambles — and despite his occasional displays of shot-stopping, Vicario IS among the worst culprits and NOT good enough on the whole. Idiot. Time for some to admit it. Do think we ultimately need a bigger name in charge and a shedload of quality signings…”

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  Shot-stopper's unfortunate mishap gave Spurs mountain to climb

  Tottenham were hoping to bounce back following back-to-back losses against Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain in the Premier League and Champions League respectively, but they gave themselves too big of a mountain to climb as they ultimately slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Fulham. 

  While Thomas Frank's side pulled a goal back through Mohammed Kudus, they were unable to find an equaliser as they suffered a fourth home defeat in all competitions this season. Spurs have now conceded 11 goals in their last three games, with Vicario between the sticks for each match.

Wolves have reportedly struck a deal to appoint former defender Rob Edwards as their new manager after Middlesbrough rejected their initial approach. The Molineux-club parted ways with Vitor Pereira, whose nightmare reign ended with a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Fulham. Wolves have turned to a man who has been one of their own, and the appointment is a sort of homecoming for Edwards.

• Edwards suspended as talks begin

  Wolves' approach immediately sparked chaos in Teesside. Middlesbrough initially rejected Wolves’ overtures, furious that the Premier League side had come knocking for their head coach so soon after his appointment. Subsequently, Edwards was stood down from his managerial duties ahead of Boro’s Championship clash with Birmingham. He didn’t take training and was notably absent from his pre-match press conference, which was abruptly cancelled. Hours later, Middlesbrough issued a statement confirming they had reluctantly granted Wolves permission to speak to Edwards. 

  A club statement read: "Middlesbrough Football Club have, subject to the completion of an agreement with Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, given head coach Rob Edwards permission to speak to Wolves. We initially rejected an approach from Wolves on the basis that Rob signed a three-year contract with MFC less than six months ago.

  "Following discussions with Rob we were disappointed to learn that he wanted to speak with Wolves regarding their head coach vacancy. We have now agreed terms with Wolves, subject to the completion of the relevant paperwork. First team coaches Adi Viveash and Harry Watling, and Academy manager Craig Liddle, will take charge of team affairs for Saturday’s game against Birmingham City at the Riverside."

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  Boro accuse Wolves of misconduct

  Middlesbrough’s frustration, however, didn’t end there. According to , senior figures at the club believe Wolves breached Premier League conduct rules in their pursuit of Edwards.

  “Unfortunately, Wolves have behaved at a standard less than we expect and we believe their conduct is in breach of Premier League regulations”, a club source told the news outlet.

  Ex-Ireland defender Tony Cascarino was also furious with Edwards and said: "To jump ship and go to Wolverhampton Wanderers after what? We're through 10 games now in the Premier League. I think I'd want to see it through at Boro. I always felt like if I signed a contract, I wasn't going knocking on doors to try and get away. I never asked for a transfer in my career. And I think if you're a manager, how can you just jump ship? You know, just leave. When you're asking players to be loyal and stay at a football club and we're on a journey, and then suddenly this journey changes because you've been offered a job…"

• Edwards’ deep roots at Molineux

  Edwards is no stranger to Wolves. Between 2004 and 2008, he made 111 appearances for the club as a reliable defender before returning years later as a coach. He first joined the youth setup in 2014, working with the Under-18s, before rising through the ranks to assist the senior side and eventually manage the Under-23s. His reputation as a bright young coach was cemented during his spell at Forest Green Rovers, where he masterminded promotion to League One in 2021. A short-lived stint at Watford followed, but his true managerial breakthrough came at Luton Town. Against all odds, Edwards led the Hatters to Premier League promotion in 2023. 

  Even as speculation swirled this week, Edwards tried to play down the rumours linking him to his old club. 

  "You know my links to the club [Wolves]," Edwards said. "But my full focus is on this job here, which is a brilliant job, and trying to turn things around. Speculation is hard for me to comment about. We've done a decent job so far. It's all speculation anyway. I never get drawn on stuff that's all hypothetical and I don't want to get drawn on that.

  "I love being Middlesbrough manager and that's what I want to think about. All I can say is I've not given it a single thought because my focus is just on this. It's all the stuff that my daughter was telling me about."

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  A titanic task ahead for Edwards

  Wolves’ situation is dire. Rooted to the bottom of the Premier League, nine points adrift of safety, they look like a club in freefall. Interim head coach James Collins will oversee Saturday’s daunting trip to Chelsea, which is their final fixture before the international break and likely the last game before Edwards takes over. For the new manager, the mission is immense. He inherits a broken squad short on belief and ravaged by inconsistency. But if his past triumphs at Forest Green and Luton taught anything, it’s that he thrives in adversity.

Neymar is all set to visit the 'miracle doctor' in Brazil in a bid to overcome injury and make it to Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad in North America next summer. Neymar has struggled for fitness throughout the calendar year; however, he saw a late resurgence into the season as he scored and helped Santos avoid relegation, finishing 12th in the Brazilian top division league.

• Neymar's late resurgence at Santos

  In his final four games for Santos at the business end of the Brazilian Serie A season, Neymar scored five goals and provided one assist as his boyhood club won their last three matches of the campaign and successfully saved relegation. The late resurgence included a hat-trick for the Brazil icon, which came in Santos' 3-0 win over Juventude.   

  However, Neymar is still recovering from his chronic injury issues and is now planning to work on his condition to get fully fit and earn a recall in the Brazil squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup next summer.

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  Neymar to consult 'miracle doctor'

  Neymar will soon undergo a partial arthroscopic meniscectomy on his left knee. further reports that the 33-year-old will soon consult a famous Brazilian physiotherapist, Eduardo Santos, who is known as 'Dr. Miracle' for his ability to treat patients in record time, often using unconventional methods.  

  Graduated from PUC (Pontifical Catholic University) in Belo Horizonte, Santos holds a master's and doctorate in sports medicine, and for years, he headed the medical department of Chinese Super League side Shanghai SIPG. He has also worked at Vitesse in the Netherlands and Zenit in Russia.

  Some of his high-profile patients include Hulk, Oscar, Philippe Coutinho and, more recently, Manchester United's Matheus Cunha and Vanderson. Santos is currently in England,  working closely on the recovery of Fulham star Rodrigo Muniz. In 2015, after former Brazilian defender David Luiz was ruled out for eight to 10 weeks, Santos miraculously made him play his next match within 10 days. 

• Ancelotti's warning to Neymar

  Despite Neymar working hard to regain his full fitness ahead of the World Cup, Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti recently issued a warning to all Selecao stars. The Italian coach said: "There are many players who are very good, I need to choose players that are 100%. It's not just Neymar, it could be [Real Madrid forward] Vinicius. If Vinicius is at 90%, I'll call up another player who is at 100%, because it's a team that has a very high level of competence, especially up front. Up front, we have really many good players." 

  He added: "If we talk about Neymar, we have to talk about other players. We have to think about Brazil, which can be with Neymar or without Neymar, with other players or without other players. The definitive list we will make after the FIFA date in March. I understand very well that they are very interested in Neymar, I want to clarify that we are in December, the World Cup is in June, I will choose the team that will go to the World Cup in May. If Neymar deserves to be, if he is well, better than someone else, he will play in the World Cup and period. I don't owe anyone a debt."

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  Neymar cast doubts on Santos future

  After Santos' final game of the season, Neymar told reporters that he is not certain whether to continue at the club after his current deal expires in a few weeks. The Brazil star said: "I came for this, to try to help the best way I can. These have been tough weeks for me. I thank those who were with me to lift me up. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't have played these matches because of these injuries, this knee problem. I need to rest and then we will have this knee surgery. I do not know, really. I don’t know. I need some days now, I need to rest, disconnect then decide my future. For sure my priority always goes to Santos."  

Bayern Munich are now in contact with the representatives of a Manchester United star, who has been told to leave the club by Old Trafford legend Paul Scholes.

Man Utd targeting midfield addition in 2026

The January transfer window is now less than a month away and Man United could once again be active on the hunt for reinforcements. In the summer, it was their frontline that took the focus as they welcomed Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha. Now, however, INEOS are looking to add to Ruben Amorim’s midfield.

It’s not a major surprise that the Red Devils are after a midfielder. Casemiro is an ageing option, Manuel Ugarte has proved to be an unreliable option and Mason Mount’s injury history speaks for itself. As such, a move for Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton would make perfect sense.

According to The Mirror, the England international sits at the very top of United’s wishlist even though he wants the guarantee of Champions League football next season.

Bad news for Mainoo: INEOS make £70m "passing machine" Man Utd’s no.1 target

Man United’s need for a new centre-midfielder is as pressing as ever.

ByAngus Sinclair 4 days ago

For those at Old Trafford, it could be a case of one in one out if they sign Wharton but allow Kobbie Mainoo to leave in 2026. The Carrington graduate has been left aside by Amorim this season, despite the fact that the manager blocked his attempts to leave in the summer and told him to fight for his place.

The midfielder could now follow the path of Scott McTominay and others by thriving away from Old Trafford, especially if it is Bayern Munich who secure his signature.

Bayern Munich make contact with Mainoo

According to TeamTalk, Bayern Munich have now made contact with Mainoo over a 2026 move away from Man United. The German giants have joined the likes of Napoli in the race to sign the 20-year-old, who is increasingly desperate to leave his boyhood club when the chance arrives.

Mainoo isn’t the only one frustrated by his current situation, either. Man United legend took the Instagram after the midfielder was an unused substitute against West Ham United to say: “Bulls**t. The kid is being ruined, not being played in a team that can’t control a game of football. Hate seeing home grown players leave but it’s probably best for him now. Enough is enough.”

At his best, meanwhile, the academy graduate has earned high praise from teammate Bruno Fernandes, who described him as “great” after he first burst onto the scene while journalist Alex Turk has even described him as a “future £100m+ footballer.”

Praise from his captain isn’t enough for Amorim, however, who has not given Mainoo a fair chance since blocking his late loan move away from the club in the summer.

He's "like Reijnders": Old Trafford chiefs pushing Man Utd to sign "elite" star

Three inexperienced seamers tried their best to hold the line but England’s predicament felt like a failure of management

Vithushan Ehantharajah02-Aug-2025Who else but Ben Stokes?No seriously, who else? Any ideas? Anyone? Hello, is this thing on?That’s what it felt like on Saturday. England scrabbling around, looking for something, anything to save them. It was not just day three that was getting away from them, but this fifth Test and a series win.Their regular saviour, their usual captain, their standout bowler, was on the balcony, taking as well-earned a rest as you can have when your right shoulder is hanging by a thread. Meanwhile, Ollie Pope was out there on his home ground stuck in a bad dream.Related

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Butter-fingered England spill six chances at The Oval

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Akash Deep joins nightwatch lore with Oval knock to remember

There he was, sifting through bowling combinations without Chris Woakes, and fields with a cordon seemingly without the ability to catch. At times, it was like watching a man trying to eat soup with his hands, occasionally heading back up to the home dressing room to wash them and ask if anyone had found a spoon, or even a fork, only to be met with big sunnies, white trainers and blank stares.The best you could say of England’s bowlers is that they kept at it in a meaningful way. Not just toiling, but doing so with a degree of hate in their hearts. No one likes being dog-walked in Test cricket as they were for 70 overs. There was plenty of bark and bite to show as much. Reward, too. Or at least souvenirs from the grind. Cool stories for the scars.Josh Tongue bagged his second five-wicket haul in Tests – expensively (5 for 125 from 30 overs) but got them nonetheless. He finishes the series as England’s leading wicket-taker with 19 despite only playing three matches.Gus Atkinson’s 3 for 127 saw him reach into what, for now, are relatively shallow reserves after two months out with a hamstring injury. He came up with 27 overs more work and a few pearlers to add to the first innings five-for. He restated just how good he is by dismissing India skipper Shubman Gill with the first ball after lunch.Jamie Overton doubled his Test tally with two dismissals – as many County Championship wickets as he has for Surrey this season – while bowling at an average speed of 85mph on day two and three. The sprinkling of 89.5mph bolts offered vindication if it were needed (it was) that his inclusion had some merit.

“In seaming conditions, England committed the cardinal sin of being cut more than they were driven. Such a pitch looked prime for Sam Cook, even Matthew Potts. Both of whom have the hardwired game for these surfaces. And yet neither was even considered worthy of the squad”

It was tough not to feel sorry for them. The dichotomy between batting and bowling was felt keenly on a day like this: the former set 374, the latter dragged for 396. It felt like that most when Washington Sundar conducted the in the stands with his sixes in the final partnership. And across the six drops – two from Harry Brook, two from Zak Crawley, one from Ben Duckett and one from sub-fielder Liam Dawson – which cost 152 all in.”Going through from yesterday knowing we were going to bowl a few overs out there, it was obviously going to be a tough ask for us bowlers, but I thought we stuck at it really well,” Tongue said at stumps.Truthfully, though, the task of marshalling a series decider was always going to be tough on the three replacements. Particularly given the series had acquired so much feeling and narrative over the last two Tests, at Lord’s and Old Trafford, which featured none of them. You think jumping out of moving car is hard, try jumping a moving one.Atkinson and Overton were coming in cold. Tongue returning a month after being parked for Jofra Archer after two Tests. Each would have dealt with their own pressures, and here they were exacerbated as they were thrown in together.Even with Woakes available, there would have been struggle. The 36-year-old had bowled just 68 of his 161 overs across the first four Tests in the second innings. Slack would have had to been picked up.But his experience might have jolted them out of bad habits. The lack of game-time showed with their collective inconsistency, which was leapt upon by Yashasvi Jaiswal to the tune of 118.In seaming conditions, they committed the cardinal sin of being cut more than they were driven: Jaiswal sliced and diced 72 of his first 100 runs behind square on the off side. Such a pitch looked prime for Sam Cook. Even Matthew Potts. Both of whom have the hardwired game for these surfaces. And yet neither were even considered worthy of the squad.England’s careful planning fell apart ahead of the fifth Test•PA Photos/Getty ImagesBut more broadly, the gamest pitch of the series, certainly the one with the pace and bounce England have craved throughout the summer, has been used by the second string. And that, ultimately, feels like a failure of management.The plan at the very start of this five-match series was for enough changes of personnel to keep the prime quicks refreshed throughout. And even with injury to Mark Wood, Olly Stone and, initially, Atkinson, there was enough to shuffle through.Certainly, for instance, enough to not get to a stage where Brydon Carse, a superior hit-the-deck bowler to Tongue, was running on fumes in Manchester after four appearances on the bounce. Though Archer’s return was well-managed, it was hard not to wonder how much joy he would have got on this surface.Perhaps England could have kept a couple in the chamber? It is only this week that Manchester hosted its first positive result across six first-class matches this summer. Of the venues to protect your quicks, particularly having already established a 2-1 lead, maybe that was it? Understandably, the prospect of clutching an outright series win with a game to spare was too enticing.The pitches should get some of the ire. England have bowled on 19 of the 23 days of play so far, sending down at least 50 overs on 12 of them. But the batters haven’t helped. On day two, for instance, having made light work of India’s last four first innings wickets in the morning, the bowlers were back at it just 51.2 overs later.Rotating bowlers is never an exact science, though science does come into it. The ECB tracks overs bowled and bodies to manage their quicks, keeping tabs on things like “red zones” – when workloads reach a point that the likelihood of injury increases.The current era take on that information and are particularly meticulous when it comes to the real five-star pace merchants, like Archer and Wood. By and large, they have moved away from leaning heavily on those metrics in favour of a more personable approach.It gives players more agency over their fitness, which they prefer. What they can play through, what they know they should not.Though you wonder, in a series as big as this, ahead of an Ashes, if a player would wilfully pull themselves out of the firing line? Especially in a team moulded in the image of a captain who needed head coach Brendon McCullum and medical advice to sit out this one. Stepping aside would also risk losing that spot altogether. Ollie Pope almost found out when he handed the No. 3 position to Jacob Bethell for last year’s tour of New Zealand.There are different strands of the multiverse where Woakes does not damage his left shoulder. Or Brook holds onto Jaiswal for 20. Or even Dawson on 40. Or Crawley and Deep on 21 to nip a nightwatcher innings of 66 before it really ate away at the team’s souls.But the one strand of note, the one that got away well before this match begun, was a more considered plan with this attack. It is something they must get right come the Ashes this winter. Lessons should be learned from the last two months.Then again, they will also hope for some blind luck. Just look at India: they possess the one generational quick in the series, and have not won any of the three matches he has played. And they could not be happier with how things have panned out.

Martin O’Neill may reportedly have taken charge of his last game as Celtic’s interim manager, according to a significant new update that has emerged.

O’Neill is such a popular figure at Parkhead, with the 73-year-old bringing positivity back to the club after a frustrating end to Brendan Rodgers’ time in charge.

The Northern Irishman has addressed his future at Celtic in recent days, still pinching himself at making a return, but admitting he doesn’t know what the next step is.

“I have to go back down to London again, I’m going to go into a darkened room and come out on Thursday and think ‘has this really happened?’ So I should imagine at some stage or another during the course of the next week, whether it be tomorrow, whether it be Saturday or Sunday of next week, that somebody will let me know what’s happening.

“No, I genuinely don’t know. But if they make an announcement in, let’s say, in the next week or something about a new manager, I will take this fortnight and I was nearly going to say rather morbidly, to my grave, but hang about. Well you never know, but it’s been fantastic.”

O’Neill will ultimately know that he isn’t the long-term answer for Celtic, with his appointment only a short-term fix, and now a new update has emerged regarding his future.

O'Neill may be replaced at Celtic during international break

According to a fresh claim from Football Insider, O’Neill’s spell in charge of Celtic could reach its conclusion during the current international break.

A new “development” took place last weekend, with Columbus Crew boss Wilfried Nancy now one of the leading contenders to come in at Parkhead alongside Bodo/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen. It is stated that top target Nancy is now “available” and ready to join the Hoops straight away after his current club were knocked out of the MLS playoffs.

As mentioned, O’Neill won’t be expecting to get the Celtic job permanently, despite some good results in charge, but if he has managed his last game for the club, he will depart as popular as ever.

Shock Celtic manager frontrunner receives backing from Parkhead higher-up

The Bhoys may well now have found their preferred choice to succeed Martin O’Neill.

BySean Markus Clifford Nov 11, 2025

Ultimately, the Hoops have to make the right appointment to take the club in the right direction, and if they feel they have found the correct choice during the international break, an immediate change is needed.

Wilfried Nancy’s managerial record

Columbus Crew – MLS Cup winners (2023), Leagues Cup winners (2024)

Matches – 132 Wins – 71 Draws – 32 Losses – 33

CF Montreal – Canadian Championship winners (2021)

Matches – 79 Wins – 38 Draws – 16 Losses – 25

Nancy looks to be an interesting option currently, having won 109 out of 209 matches in management in North America, but the one main risk is that he hasn’t proven himself in Europe, unlike Knutsen with Bodo/Glimt.

Approach imminent: Manager with 209 wins to 70 losses excited by Celtic

Davey Johnson, former Major League Baseball player and manager, died on Friday. He was 82.

Johnson played 13 seasons in the majors, spending the majority of his career with the Orioles, where he was a stalwart at second base. He was a part of two World Series championship teams in Baltimore, in 1966 and ‘70, and was named an All Star four times.

After leaving the Orioles, Johnson spent a few seasons with the Braves, hitting alongside Hank Aaron, before stints with the Phillies and Cubs, as well as a brief stay with the Yomiuri Giants of NPB.

Just six years after his playing career, Johnson got his first shot as a manager, taking over the top job for the Mets in 1984. He found notable success in Queens, including a World Series championship in 1986. He also became the first NL manager in history to lead his team to at least 90 wins in his first five seasons at the helm.

After his time with the Mets came to a close, Johnson briefly led the Reds, Orioles and Dodgers before leaving the game in 2000. He would return in 2011 to lead the Nationals.

The Orioles celebrated the life of Johnson with a statement.

أدرك فريق ريال مدريد، التعادل في المباراة أمام إلتشي، مساء الأحد، ضمن مباريات بطولة الدوري الإسباني “الليجا” لموسم 2025-2026.

ويحل ريال مدريد ضيفًا على إلتشي، في إطار مباريات الجولة الثالثة عشر للدوري الإسباني للموسم الجاري.

وسجل دين هويسن لاعب ريال مدريد، هدف تعادل فريقه في شباك إلتشي بالدقيقة 88 من عمر المباراة.

الهدف جاء بعد تنفيذ ركلة ركنية لريال مدريد وصلت إلى منطقة الجزاء، لتصل في النهاية إلى هويسن ويسدد في شباك إلتشي.

وكان أصحاب الأرض إلتشي قد تقدموا بهدف في شباك ريال مدريد، عن طريق أليكس فيباس وذلك في الدقيقة 53 من اللقاء. هدف هويسن في مباراة ريال مدريد وإلتشي

هويسن يدرك التعادل للفريق الملكي ⚽️🔥#الدوري_الإسباني | #ريال_مدريد | #إلتشي pic.twitter.com/3ZX90cSQck — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) November 23, 2025