Gannon took 5 for 47 but Macdonald made 79 and Short 62 to give Victoria a crucial lead
AAP05-Dec-2025Victoria’s Sheffield Shield dominance is continuing, taking a stranglehold of their clash with Western Australia at the MCG.Holding a 61-run first-innings lead after making 255 in reply to WA’s 194, Victoria delivered another blow just before stumps on day two on Friday.Mitchell Perry trapped former Australia opener Cameron Bancroft on the final ball of the third over to leave WA reeling at 4 for 1. Instead of Australia’s white-ball star Mitch Marsh arriving at the crease, spinner Corey Rocchiccioli was sent in as a nightwatcher.Rocchiccioli survived five overs with captain Sam Whiteman to get WA to stumps at 5 for 1, still trailing Victoria by 56 runs. Whiteman made just two from 24 balls, but did his job by getting to the end of the day without falling to the charging Victorian attack.On a tricky wicket, opener Blake Macdonald thrived for Victoria with 79, while Matthew Short compiled 62.Victoria took their time building a lead, going at a run-rate of just 2.68 and batting for 96 overs. WA veteran Cameron Gannon bowled tirelessly, sending down 23 overs for figures of 5 for 47.Rocchiccioli ended Victoria’s innings with his second wicket, finishing with 2 for 61.Despite struggling in the One-Day Cup and suffering a heavy loss to WA on Tuesday, Victoria have been dominating the Shield this season. Another win here would take them into the Big Bash League break with five wins from six matches, putting them in the box seat to host this season’s final. WA are on the bottom of the Shield table, having secured just one win this campaign.
After England threaten in powerplay, Australia’s middle-order answer SOS with 180-run stand
S Sudarshanan22-Oct-2025
Ash Gardner reached a 69-ball hundred as she and Annabel Sutherland sealed a dominant win•Getty Images
Ashleigh Gardner played out three dot-balls after completing her century. One of those was a full toss. But there were cheers from the 8,531-strong crowd at the Holkar Stadium, and laughs and high-fives in the Australia dugout. Australia were four runs away from handing England their first defeat at the Women’s World Cup 2025. Annabel Sutherland was five away from what would have been a well-deserved century.Sutherland couldn’t get to her hundred in the next over despite a dropped catch. Gardner then finished off the chase by lofting Sophie Ecclestone over mid-off to maintain Australia’s clean slate in this competition.Sutherland and Gardner came together when Australia were 68 for 4 in their 245-run chase. They conjured an unbroken 180 for the fifth wicket and, in the process, gave plenty of lessons to England’s batters. Here’s an example.Sutherland had just laced Lauren Bell, England’s fastest bowler on the park, through extra cover for a four using her long stride. So wicketkeeper Amy Jones came up to the stumps. It did not bog Sutherland down as she was swiftly off strike and Gardner, with the keeper still up, picked up a second four of the over with a slash through backward point.Related
England's lucky break masks deeper batting issues
Healy and Australia ride the upswing after shoddy fielding show
Alyssa Healy to miss England match with 'minor calf strain'
New Zealand in must-win territory with rain in the Navi Mumbai air
Gardner 104*, Sutherland 98* star as Australia lay marker for knock-outs
A score of 68 for 4 is dire enough to opt for a cautious approach. More so with England pressing their spinners into service. But playing out a dot was the last option in Australia’s operating manual. In their entire innings, England faced 169 dot-balls – that is about 28 overs’ worth. Australia played out only 107 dots (fewer than 18 overs) and finished their chase with 57 balls to spare. The Sutherland-Gardner partnership lasted 148 balls: only 51 of those were without a run.The black-soil pitch in Indore had started to slow down a little and the ball held up just a touch, as evidenced by Ellyse Perry’s wicket. She was early into her flick and popped a catch back to left-arm spinner Linsey Smith. This was in contrast with how Australia’s left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux had dismissed Heather Knight lbw earlier in the afternoon, getting one to skid in with the arm from a similar length, beating her for pace on the inside edge.Sutherland realised quickly that hanging back in her crease, especially against spin, was fraught with danger. She had almost paid the price for it by punching the ball aerially back towards Ecclestone in the 14th over. Ecclestone’s weight was on the right foot and she couldn’t take that half-chance, and had her right hand on mouth in disbelief.Sutherland knew that she would have to create pace on the ball. She used her feet very well, either to come down the track to intercept the ball early or to just shuffle across her crease to nudge the ball into the outfield. The intention was not always to take the aerial route but rely on ones and twos. When she did choose to go big, there were no half-measures. Such as the moment when she put Smith away over deep square leg for Australia’s only six of the innings.Tammy Beaumont produced a good innings but chewed up dot-balls between her boundaries•ICC/Getty ImagesGardner was more happy to use her feet against spin. She was unafraid to take the aerial route, too. With a maximum of only four fielders allowed outside the inner circle from the 11th over to the end, it is actually tough to restrict boundaries against a high-intent batter like Gardner. And she hit 16 off them on the way to a 69-ball century, her second at this World Cup. Only Karen Rolton (57 balls) and Belinda Clark (64 balls) have a century quicker than Gardner in ODI World Cups. Together, they ran 67 singles, six twos and a three.Now Sutherland and Gardner were able to do this despite Australia not having a strong platform. Which points towards a missed opportunity for England. Their openers had added a second successive half-century partnership. England were 55 for 0 in just eight overs, already their best powerplay performance of the tournament. They had a plethora of boundaries by then, with Tammy Beaumont leading the charge. But what she, and by extension England, did between those boundary hits is what hampered them.Beaumont sped to a 59-ball half-century. A perfectly acceptable pace in this era of ODI cricket. But 39 of those were dot balls. It was a pattern that extended throughout her stay. Beaumont scored 78, her first fifty-plus score since June, and fell when Sutherland pre-empted her attack by having her caught at long-on with a slower ball.It was a welcome return to runs for Beaumont, but by chewing up 66 dots of the 105 balls she faced (close to 63%), England were denied the momentum from the early overs on a flat track. It was imperative for a set batter to make up for those dot-balls, given that – prior to this game – England’s Nos. 5, 6 and 7 had an average of 9.25, the lowest among all teams this World Cup.There can be an argument that legspinner Alana King made runs hard to come by for England. She had the ball on a string and, on visual evidence, extracted the most turn from the black-soil surface. Nat Sciver-Brunt tried to take her on and paid the price. England’s reluctance to use the sweep against her was surprising, too. That meant England were in the mire before Alice Capsey, one of the under-fire batters, and Charlie Dean pushed England towards some respectability.”When you come up against Alana King in the middle overs, she had it on a piece of string,” Sciver-Brunt said. “She bowled really well and challenged us a lot. She obviously made it very difficult for us to accelerate through those middle overs. But it’s a balance, isn’t it? In 50-over cricket, going too early and then being all out for 160-180 versus trying to stay in the game for as long as possible.”Sutherland’s unbeaten 98 followed up her three-for as she took home the Player-of-the-Match honours. In the process, she laid down a template for England’s batters to ponder.
“Leave the football before the football leaves you” was the message that Jamie Carragher handed to Manchester United midfielder Casemiro in early 2024.
It was one of the aggressive forms of criticism we’ve seen on Sky Sports in recent years and it was arguably deserved.
The Brazilian was one of the best midfielders in the world at Real Madrid. He was a serial winner, a Champions League legend.
At Old Trafford, however, his career has started to wane. Who could forget Casemiro’s tired and laboured display against Crystal Palace at the back end of 2023/24?
He was dribbled past a remarkable eight times during that game. For no context, no player in the whole of that Premier League campaign was dribbled past on more occasions in one match.
Since then, however, Casemiro has enjoyed something of a revival under Ruben Amorim in 2025/26. Long gone are the days of Erik ten Hag fielding the veteran at centre-half. He looks like a proper midfielder again.
The Brazil international has been one of United’s most consistent players this term, scoring three goals and supplying an assist. Yet, that should not distract supporters from the fact that he is still a problem.
He’s now 33 years of age and cannot be trusted to play for 90 minutes. Because of that, the transfer chiefs at United are considering launching a big-money move for a new midfielder in 2026.
The search for a Casemiro heir at Man United
While many problems linger in the air at Old Trafford, the biggest arguably lies at wing-back and in the centre of midfield.
United bolstered their attacking line significantly in the summer with the additions of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha but the midfield went untouched. That needs to change in January or next summer.
There are three players who appear to be at the forefront of their minds. Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson would appear to be the dream target but he is also being chased by rivals Manchester City and could cost a fortune.
Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is another long-term target and could finally make his big move in 2026. He gave Casemiro the runaround during United’s 2-1 win on Sunday. Samuel Luckhurst noted that the Brazilian looked “haunted” by his experience at Selhurst Park just a couple of years ago.
The other target is Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba but his form has taken a downturn in 2025/26 and he doesn’t look like a player worthy of a previous £100m price tag.
Wharton vs Man Utd on Sunday
Touches
48
Accurate passes
23/29 (79%)
Key passes
1
Accurate crosses
1/3
Shots
1
Tackles won
3/3
Interceptions
1
Clearances
2
Recoveries
7
Duels won
5/7
Stats via Sofascore.
Anderson and Wharton would be the ideal solution to United’s woes and according to the numbers, it’s the former who should be the priority target.
He’s a bigger threat in the final third but he doesn’t shirk his defensive duties. He’s won more duels and made more ball recoveries per 90 minutes this season than his England colleague. According to Thomas Tuchel, he’s “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League”.
Yet, what if United had already signed their answer to Wharton and Baleba?
Man United have found their own Wharton and Baleba
United have taken a vested interest in improving their youth ranks since INEOS completed their takeover of the club.
Towards the beginning of 2025 they signed young Malian midfielder Sekou Kone in a bargain deal and while he is yet to appear for the first-team just yet, he has endured an injury-hit first few months at Carrington and looks a real superstar in the making.
There is also left wing-back Diego Leon, the young defender who looks well set to replace either Patrick Dorgu or Diogo Dalot in that position before too long.
The latest talent who looks set to arrive is a 17-year-old midfielder by the name of Cristian Orozco.
It was reported last week that United were set to complete a move to sign the teenager, with Orozco flying to the UK over the weekend to formalise a $1m move from Colombian side Fortaleza.
So, who is the budding youngster? Well, he’s notably been compared to both Casemiro and Moises Caicedo. Already it’s clear to see why comparisons are also being made to Baleba, the man Brighton actually tasked with replacing Caicedo at the Amex.
Having captained Colombia at U17 level, he already boasts natural leadership skills but it’s his skillset in and out of possession that makes him so exciting.
Como scout Ben Mattinson has outlined that Orozco is capable of ‘controlling the game from deep in midfield’. His best attributes are his press resistance and footwork to turn past defenders, while he’s ‘so composed under pressure’ and is capable of ‘recycling possession’ superbly well.
On that evidence, it’s easy to see why comparisons to Wharton are being made. The Palace midfielder is one of the most press-resistant midfielders in the English top-flight and that was clear for all to see when he supplied the pass that led to Palace’s penalty on Sunday. He evaded his marker with ease and then picked out a punchy forward pass.
Orozco, however, isn’t just about making things look pretty. Further labelled as “a midfield destroyer with leadership maturity far beyond his age” by one analyst on social media, he also brings the best of Baleba who is more defensively minded than Wharton.
United’s new signing is unlikely to provide them with too much threat in the final third but like Wharton he’ll evade the press and manoeuvre the ball nicely. Like Baleba, he’s also capable of sitting in front of the defence and breaking up play.
The teenager certainly isn’t ready for first-team football just yet but INEOS could well save themselves a fortune in the transfer market here.
Not just Zirkzee: Man Utd star who was a "waste of time" is now undroppable
This Man Utd player starred in their 2-1 win away to Crystal Palace
يستعد فريق ليفربول، بقيادة المدرب آرني سلوت، لخوض مباراة مساء السبت في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، وذلك ضد نظيره ليدز يونايتد.
ويستضيف ملعب “إيلاند رود” مباراة ليفربول وليدز يونايتد، في إطار منافسات الجولة الخامسة عشر من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي، موسم 2025/26.
ويحتل ليفربول المركز التاسع في جدول الدوري الإنجليزي برصيد 22 نقطة، في حين أن ليدز يونايتد لديه 14 نقطة في المركز السابع عشر.
ويسعى ليفربول إلى تحقيق الفوز في مباراة اليوم بعدما سقط في فخ التعادل الإيجابي مع سندرلاند، في الجولة الماضية من الدوري الإنجليزي، بهدف لمثله. موعد مباراة ليفربول وليدز يونايتد اليوم في الدوري الإنجليزي
تنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة 7:30 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 8:30 بتوقيت السعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة ليفربول وليدز يونايتد اليوم في الدوري الإنجليزي
تُذاع المباراة عبر قناة beIN SPORTS 1. معلق مباراة ليفربول وليدز يونايتد اليوم في الدوري الإنجليزي
سيعلق حسن العيدروس على أحداث مباراة اليوم.
ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا.
تحدث فابيان ديلف، لاعب مانشستر سيتي السابق عن بيب جوارديولا، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي السماوي واصفًا إياه أنه شخصية فريدة من نوعها.
ديلف على مدار مسيرته قدم 323 مباراة لأربعة فرق في جميع المسابقات، كما خاض لاعب خط الوسط 20 مباراة دولية مع إنجلترا كلاعب.
جاءت المباراة النهائية للاعب البالغ من العمر 32 عامًا كجزء من تعادل إيفرتون 0-0 مع واتفورد في نهاية موسم 2021/2022، حيث لعب 81 دقيقة، قبل أن يخسر الفريق في المباريات الثلاث الأخيرة للموسم.
وقال ديلف، في تصريحات عقب صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو”: “بيب شخصية فريدة من نوعها، أستطيع أن أقول لكم بصراحة إنه لو لم يكن لديه هذا الشغف والحافز، لما كان هنا”.
اقرأ أيضًا | تشكيل مانشستر سيتي أمام ليدز يونايتد في الدوري الإنجليزي.. موقف عمر مرموش
وأكمل: “بالنسبة له، إما كل شيء أو لا شيء، حقيقة أنه لا يزال هنا بعد تسع أو عشر سنوات وحقق كل هذا النجاح”.
وعن قيادة جوارديولا لمانشستر سيتي فترة أطول: “ربما ينظر إلى الفريق ويعتقد أنهم ما زالوا صغارًا بما يكفي لمواصلة التقدم والفوز بالمزيد من الألقاب”.
وأتم: “ربما يفكر في البقاء هنا لثلاث أو أربع سنوات أخرى، إنه متحمس بالتأكيد ويقدم كل ما لديه ويمكنك أن ترى ذلك في لغة جسده، لم يتغير شيء، بيب سيبقى بيب، سيفوز، وسيقود الفريق إلى الأمام”.
Gill was run out for his first score past 20 and under 100 since arriving in England
ESPNcricinfo staff31-Jul-2025Shubman Gill has been the man all through this tour and once again he was able to tick off a record – most runs by an India captain in a Test series – but his poor luck with the toss continued. And just as he was helping get his team past that disadvantage he was run out for his first score past 20 and under 100 since arriving in England, meaning he had gotten a start and, against the odds, gave it away. Ten balls later, the rain came and swept everyone back into the dressing room. It was as untimely as a wicket could ever be, leaving India at 85 for 3.B Sai Sudharsan was the batter at the other end, and although he took a step forward, there was no way he was going to make it across for a single. Of all the ways to get out on a pitch with 8mm of grass and consistent sideways movement – both swing and seam. India were negotiating all that well for the most part. Gus Atkinson, returning to the fold after just a second XIs game to judge his fitness, was the single biggest threat from England. He took down Yashasvi Jaiswal in the fourth over and had a part to play in the Gill run-out as well – quick to spot the opportunity in his follow-through and nailing a direct hit at the keeper’s end.England went into the Oval Test with a vastly changed bowling attack, Chris Woakes the unlikely survivor despite playing all five matches. Ben Stokes was out with injury. Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse were rested and the replacements didn’t seem quite up for it. Josh Tongue gave away 11 runs in wides in his first over and Jamie Overton’s first three overs cost more than five runs apiece. Atkinson was keeping them in it, his first spell a wonderful example of how to keep it simple and reap the rewards on offer. He pitched the ball up, kept a tight line around off stump and walked away with figures of 6-1-7-1.India, though, were recovering from that. Sai Sudharsan was leaving the ball well – a marked improvement from the last Test where he was out for a duck leaving the ball to second slip – and seemed better equipped to handle balls aimed at his body as well. He is 28 off 84, having played some gorgeous drives down the ground. There were only six overs bowled in the middle session due to rain interruptions but that was still enough to cause a significant dent to India, whose hopes now lie with one batter who made his debut on this tour and another on the comeback trail which might not have a lot of trail left. Karun Nair, brought back in place of Shardul Thakur, was unbeaten on 0 off 8 at tea.
Arsenal and Mikel Arteta are riding high at the top of the Premier League table, and supporters have been told one player doesn’t get the praise he deserves.
Arsenal's set-piece kings on course to win the Premier League
Their explosive start has not just positioned them as Premier League title favourites, but also as the current kings of set pieces — a deadly weapon that’s wreaking havoc on opposition sides domestically and in Europe.
Arsenal have scored more goals from dead-ball situations than any other top-flight side so far (11), with star defender Gabriel at the heart of it with four contributions to those strikes as the Gunners make their best weapon known.
Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest
Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 1-1 Man City
Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal
Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos
Arsenal 2-0 West Ham
Fulham 0-1 Arsenal
Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid
Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace
Corners, free kicks and even throw-ins have become golden scoring opportunities, as Arsenal turn these situations into major results with surgical precision.
Their aerial strength, combined with clever routines, has made them a nightmare for defenders who can’t afford to lose focus for even a moment.
However, at the heart of Arsenal’s success is their impenetrable defence which has conceded the joint-fewest goals, not only in the Premier League, but across Europe’s top leagues (3), with Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma also conceding just three.
The arrival of no-nonsense new backroom coach Gabriel Heinze is viewed as a real contributor to Arsenal’s increasingly water-tight backline, which has somehow become even more solid, despite already leaking the fewest league goals of any Premier League side in each of the last two seasons.
David Raya is in line for this third-successive Golden Glove award, and only a complete disaster in terms of injuries to key defenders would disrupt Arteta’s side right now.
That being said, even when William Saliba was briefly forced out of the side through injury, Cristhian Mosquera performed exceptionally well next to Gabriel at the heart of Arsenal’s defence, and fellow summer signing Piero Hincapie is also on hand to step in.
Given their imperiousness at the back, Viktor Gyokeres has been somewhat overshadowed.
The Swede, who was brought in to take the mantle of Arsenal’s new prolific number nine, got off to a flying start but went seven games without a goal before his much-needed brace against Atlético Madrid last week.
Gyokeres has attracted some criticism for his fairly underwhelming return so far, but journalist Graeme Bailey insists that he’s actually a pretty underrated new member of the team.
Viktor Gyokeres adds extra element to Arsenal that people don't see
Speaking to TBR Football, Bailey says that Gyokeres brings an “extra element” to Arsenal that “people don’t really see”.
Interestingly, this thought is echoed by Arteta, who says that Gyokeres makes Arsenal a much more “unpredictable” side.
His in-game play is there for all to see, and the former Sporting CP star has already proved a handful for defenders since his blockbuster summer switch.
Now, Gyokeres just needs to add more goals, then the critics will soon be silenced.
Shane Burger also joins new coaching set-up at the Utilita Bowl
ESPNcricinfo staff05-Dec-2025Russell Domingo, the former South Africa and Bangladesh coach, has been named Hampshire men’s head coach on a two-year contract. He will be joined in the club’s new coaching set-up by another South African, Shane Burger, who previously coached Scotland before moving on to Somerset.Domingo was in charge of South Africa between 2012 and 2017, followed by a three-year stint with Bangladesh. He has been head coach of Johannesburg-based Lions since 2023, and has also worked in the PSL. ESPNcricinfo understands Domingo will continue in his Lions role, splitting his time between the UK and South Africa.He succeeds his countryman Adrian Birrell at Hampshire, with Birrell stepping down at the end of the 2025 summer after seven seasons on the south coast.Burger joins as assistant coach (bowling), while former Hampshire captain Jimmy Adams will continue in his role as assistant coach (batting).Related
Hampshire target white-ball double as coach Birrell prepares to step down
Timeline: Domingo's stint as head coach of Bangladesh
Domingo replaces Gough as Lahore Qalandars coach
Men's county ins and outs 2025-26
“I’m thrilled to be joining Hampshire Cricket,” Domingo said. “This is a club with incredible history, outstanding facilities at Utilita Bowl, and a clear vision for success both on and off the field.”I’ve been genuinely impressed by the ambition here and the strong cultural values that underpin everything Hampshire does. The combination of developing young talent whilst competing for trophies is exactly the challenge I’m looking for, and I can’t wait to get started.”I’m looking forward to working alongside Jimmy and Shane and getting to know the players as we prepare for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.”Burger said: “I’m really excited to be joining Hampshire Cricket. The quality of young bowlers coming through here is exceptional, Sonny Baker, Eddie Jack and Scott Currie have already earned England recognition, and I’m looking forward to helping them continue that development.”I love the ambition and vision of the club and the future seems bright. I’m excited to be part of that journey alongside Russell and Jimmy and I can’t wait to get started.”Hampshire endured a turbulent finish to last season, losing in both the final of the Vitality T20 Blast and the Metro Bank One-Day Cup. They appeared destined for relegation to Division Two of the County Championship, after suffering a points deduction for a substandard pitch, before being reprieved on the final day by Durham’s collapse against Yorkshire.Hampshire’s director of cricket, Giles White, added: “We’re delighted to announce our coaching team for next summer. Russell Domingo will serve as head coach, with Jimmy Adams and Shane Burger joining him as assistant coaches. Together, they form a strong and experienced unit that will continue to champion the cultural framework that has underpinned Hampshire cricket over the years.”We exist to win and to develop, and I’m confident this team will continue to drive that ethos as we move into an exciting future. It’s a fantastic place to be at this moment in time, and the season ahead promises great opportunities.”
Bruno Fernandes has been warned off a move to Barcelona that would see him link up with Lamine Yamal and Pedri. The Manchester United captain continues to see a transfer in 2026 speculated on, with leading teams in Europe and Saudi Arabia said to be monitoring his situation. Pedro Mendes has told his fellow Portuguese why a switch to Camp Nou would be the wrong choice.
Fernandes contract: When Man Utd deal expires
Fernandes remains a talismanic presence at Old Trafford, with three more goal contributions being delivered during a 4-1 victory at Wolves. He is, however, 31 years of age and will see his current contract expire in 2027 – with United holding the option for a further 12-month extension.
It has been suggested that the right offer could lure him away from Manchester after next summer’s World Cup – when he will be chasing down global glory alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. Fernandes has not entirely ruled out a fresh start being sought.
Saudi Pro League sides are considered to be leading the chase, given the riches on offer in the Middle East, but a new challenge in European football may yet be found. Barcelona, who once prised Ilkay Gundogan away from Manchester City after seeing him pass the age of 30, are said to be one of Fernandes’ many suitors.
Advertisement
Getty
Barcelona transfer: Fernandes warned off move to Camp Nou
Mendes – speaking with Boyle Sports, who offer the latest Football Betting – has said when asked if Fernandes should leave United and where his next landing spot could be: “I don't know, it's up to him, but I think Bruno at the moment is the key figure for Manchester United, right? So what else can you want? As a player at a team like United, if you are the main guy, why would you change just for a new challenge or a new chapter in your career? Fair enough, that's understandable.
“But, he won't have at Barcelona what he has at United at the moment. In Barcelona he can be a top player, for sure, 100%. But in Barcelona they have Pedri, they have players like Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. Bruno won't be the top name at Barcelona. And at United, I think Bruno is that guy. He might be up for a new challenge, but what more can you ask for if you are the main guy at United.
“Bruno Fernandes needs the Premier League trophy to be among the greatest ever. Bruno Fernandes has been unbelievable for the past three or four seasons. But you just need the Premier League trophy, that will put him among the greatest ever in the league.”
Man Utd arrivals: Palhinha billed as a good fit
With questions being asked of Fernandes’ future, and Casemiro seemingly ready to leave Old Trafford in 2026, Mendes – who represented Portsmouth and Tottenham in his playing days – added on who United could look to draft into their midfield engine room: “Joao Palhinha is the typical Premier League number six, that defensive midfielder who just sweeps up everything in front of the defenders. If you have a team that has a lot of possession, he's a little bit out of his game, from my point of view.
“The players around him will shine more than him because, as you said, he just wins the ball, passes it away, tackles the ball, passes it. He's fantastic at doing that role. He was fantastic at Fulham.
“In Bayern Munich, when you have 70% or 60% of ball possession most of the games, and you don't need to do that kind of job, because normally teams play counter-attack or don't have that type of possession against you, his strength is a little bit forgotten.
“He has more of the ball and he needs to be more involved in the game, and to be fair, it's not his main strength. So probably that's why he struggled at Bayern and at Spurs at the moment. I like what I saw in some games this year from him, but it's different from Fulham.
“Palhinha at Man Utd? Well, why not? But to be fair, I think Manuel Ugarte is more or less the same type of player as Palhinha. Palhinha is an option if they want to replace him. But why not? We are not sure what is going to happen to Casemiro, so I think it could work.”
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty Images Sport
Trading places: Could Palhinha arrive as Fernandes leaves?
Palhinha is currently taking in a season-long loan at Tottenham from Bundesliga champions Bayern. A permanent move somewhere may be made next summer, with it possible that he could cross paths with Fernandes as a Portugal international colleague bids farewell to English football.
A candidatura do Brasil para sediar a Copa do Mundo Feminina de 2027 definiu 10 estádios para realizar o torneio. Embora a Fifa ainda possa alterar essa programação, o país conta com arenas modernas por conta do Mundial Masculino realizado em 2014.
continua após a publicidade
➡ A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta e tá na mão!
De acordo com a apuração do “ge”, o Maracanã receberia os confrontos de abertura e a grande decisão do torneio. Dos estádios da Copa de 2014, a Arena da Baixada, em Curitiba, e a Arena das Dunas, em Natal, seriam os únicos locais sem receber jogos.
MARACANÃ
O mítico estádio que recebeu as decisões das Copas de 1950 e 2014 deve receber sete partidas do Mundial Feminino, sendo quatro da fase de grupos, um das oitavas de final, um das quartas de final, além do último jogo.
continua após a publicidade
NEO QUÍMICA ARENA
O estádio do Corinthians deve receber sete confrontos, sendo cinco da fase de grupos, um das oitavas de final e um da semifinal.
MANÉ GARRINCHA
O estádio de Brasília será um dos que receberá a maior quantidade de jogos do torneio. A arena será palco de cinco partidas da fase de grupos, um das oitavas de final, um das quartas de final e a outra semifinal.
MINEIRÃO
Assim como o Mané Garrincha, o estádio de Belo Horizonte também receberá oito duelos, sendo cinco pela fase de grupos, um pelas oitavas de final, um pelas quartas de final, além da disputa de terceiro lugar.
continua após a publicidade
ARENA PERNAMBUCO
O estádio no Recife receberá cinco partidas da fase de grupos, uma das oitavas de final e uma das quartas de final.
FONTE NOVA
A arena de Salvador receberá cinco jogos da fase de grupos e um das oitavas de final.
BEIRA-RIO
Assim como a Fonte Nova, o Beira-Rio receberá cinco partidas da fase de grupos e uma das oitavas de final.
CASTELÃO
O estádio localizado em Fortaleza receberá cinco confrontos da fase de grupos e um duelo das oitavas de final.
ARENA DA AMAZÔNIA
O estádio da região norte receberá quatro jogos da fase de grupos.
ARENA PANTANAL
Assim como a Arena Amazônia, o estádio de Cuiabá receberá quatro partidas da fase de grupos.