NZ have lost all their last 15 completed ODIs against Australia, but captain Devine believes this stat doesn’t matter in a World Cup

Vishal Dikshit30-Sep-20253:02

Devine: ‘The wicket looks incredibly flat’

New Zealand captain Sophie Devine started her media assignments for the 2025 World Cup just like how she wants her side to play their opening game against Australia on Wednesday: with a hiss and a roar.She waltzed into the press conference room donning a White Ferns jumper in the freezing air-conditioned room. She had brought some warmth with her, it would seem. Except when she started to face some hard-hitting questions.”You haven’t beaten Australia in eight years,” she was coldly reminded straightaway of their record against the reigning champions. New Zealand have lost all their last 15 completed ODIs against Australia.Related

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“Thanks for that stat,” she retorted before quashing away such historical records. “I think it’s a great opportunity. Those stats are there and we’re aware of them, but at World Cups, it doesn’t matter. I think records and previous results go out the window for us. It’s a really exciting opportunity to take on the reigning one-day champions first up. We love any opportunity that we get to play against Australia. It’s sort of like our big sister. We’re really excited about that. And come game day, both teams start on zero. So, again, really excited for the opportunity.”Another journalist then asked something that stumped her again. “How does it feel to come out of retirement to lead your country again?” (She hadn’t, she is retire from ODIs after this World Cup).As if Devine knew that was coming, she shot back saying, “I haven’t retired. I haven’t retired,” she repeated to sear it into his memory. “Are you saying I need to retire? Is that what you’re saying? That’s okay. It’s okay.”Devine meant it all in jest though and normalcy soon resumed even when she was asked about the weaknesses in New Zealand’s middle order, which she didn’t quite agree with.Sophie Devine wants New Zealand to play ‘strong and aggressive’ at the World Cup•AFP/Getty Images

“…The middle order has been going considerably well,” she said. “Maddy Green, Izzy Gaze both scoring hundreds [in the warm-ups]. I know you’re probably talking about official one-day matches, but for us, we’ve built really nicely. We haven’t played a lot of cricket, especially one-day format, over the last six-nine months, but it’s certainly something that we’re aware of. We know that in this competition, especially on some of the wickets that we’re going to face over here in India, that run-scoring is going to be incredibly important. It’s up to everyone.”We can’t just rely on the top four, we need the middle order. There’s going to be crucial runs scored by the lower order as well at some stage during this tournament. I think if you look to the India-Australia series just before this, 400 nearly wasn’t enough. I think it’s really exciting. As batters, we certainly know that we want to take ownership and responsibility of being the ones that do the bulk of the work. We’re really excited to be able to play on wickets like this, which I think are really conducive for scoring runs.”New Zealand have the most unenviable task in this World Cup: starting their campaign against seven-time champions Australia. But even a win over them would not count for more than two points because each team plays seven league games and will need a consistent run of victories to make the semi-finals in the eight-team tournament.”I don’t think we can necessarily focus on one game,” she said about the clash on Wednesday. “I think for us, every match is going to be incredibly important. Absolutely, we want to start this tournament with a real hiss and a roar and make sure that we come out really strong and aggressive. And the fact that it’s Australia that we play first, I think for us, what we keep going back to is making sure that we play our style of cricket. It doesn’t matter who we’re playing against.2:02

McGrath on playing NZ: ‘We know each other’s game really well’

“Absolutely, everyone wants to win their first game, but there’s still a lot of cricket. It’s over a month of cricket to be played. For us, our focus is on making sure that we can execute to our skills for long periods of time. Absolutely. We want to beat these Aussies first up and get some points on the board, but it’s probably more important for us on how we play that game.”If New Zealand look at their trans-Tasman rivals as their “big sister,” their opponents also look at it as a not-so-intense rivalry.”We’ve got a really nice rivalry with New Zealand. We call it the friendly rivalry,” Australia vice-captain Tahlia McGrath said. “We’ve played each other a lot over the last 12 months and sort of know each other’s game really well through franchise cricket as well. And we just finished our prep meeting and think we match up really nicely. So we go ahead into this clash really, really confident and really excited.”McGrath agreed with Devine in saying that such records of a 15-0 streak in ODIs between the two teams became “irrelevant” in World Cups where the pressure is different and every game becomes “crucial.”But there’s no denying that the team that ends up winning by the end of Wednesday night will have its job of making it to the last four much easier.

The story of a drawn Ashes series in England, series sweeps against Pakistan, New Zealand and Sri Lanka, being Shamar Josephed in Brisbane, and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series win

Andrew McGlashan07-Jun-20251:05

Finch: The way Labuschagne has been playing is ‘concerning’

1st Test vs England, Edgbaston: won by two wicketsAustralia secured a thrilling victory through an unbroken ninth-wicket stand of 55 between Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon in what became one of the great Ashes Tests. From the moment Zak Crawley drove the first ball of the series for four, it was edge-of-the-seat viewing. Usman Khawaja’s 321-ball 141 was the counter to Bazball as the first innings ended just about even. After another frenetic innings from England, Australia were set 281 in echoes of the famous 2005 classic. Once the opening stand was broken, England made regular inroads and looked favourites until Ben Stokes couldn’t quite haul in a top edge from Lyon with 37 needed.2nd Test vs England, Lord’s: won by 43 runsA Test that Australia had dominated for large swathes was ignited on the final day with Alex Carey’s stumping of Jonny Bairstow. It lit a fuse under Stokes, who threatened to replicate his Headingley miracle of four years earlier while Stuart Broad played his part amid heated scenes. This time, though, Stokes fell short as Australia prevailed despite the series-ending injury suffered by Lyon on the third day. That had come at a moment where England had a chance to take charge, but they refused to back down from an aggressive approach against Australia’s short-pitched attack and it proved their downfall.Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins celebrate Australia’s thrilling win in the opening Test of their WTC cycle•Getty Images3rd Test vs England, Headingley: lost by three wicketsMark Wood’s belated introduction changed the entire feeling of the series. He bowled at the speed of light on the opening day to rattle Australia, but Mitchell Marsh’s run-a-ball 118 kept honours even. The visitors had the game for the taking before Stokes counter-attacked to draw England nearly level, and then, with the lead growing steadily, Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith handed their wickets to Moeen Ali. Under gloomy skies late on the third day, Australia could only stretch the target to 251. The chase was nip-and-tuck as England scored at one-day pace, led by Harry Brook, before Wood and Chris Woakes sealed the game.4th Test vs England, Old Trafford: Match drawnRain was always forecast to play its part and duly washed out the final day to save Australia from a likely defeat. England had played brilliantly to force the tempo as they racked up 592 at 5.49 an over with Crawley motoring to 189 off 182 balls and Bairstow producing a punchy century. Wood’s pace again had a huge impact but Labuschagne produced a fighting century on a truncated fourth day before Australia happily watched the rain fall as the Ashes were retained.5th Test vs England, The Oval: lost by 49 runsAs in 2019, Australia fell short of being able to win the Ashes. Befitting the series, the match was pulsating viewing from start to finish. The first innings again ended on more or less even terms amid another contrast in tempo, but Australia did well to stay competitive having been 185 for 7. When England were 332 for 4 the game looked theirs, but the last six wickets fell for 63 and then Khawaja and David Warner added 140 for the first wicket. However, a ball change altered the complexion – much to Australia’s frustration – as the new one hooped with Woakes and Wood taking advantage. Still, Australia reached 264 for 3 on the final day with Smith and Travis Head well set. Then Moeen, in his final Test, sparked a collapse of 4 for 11. Broad, who had announced his retirement two days earlier, secured the win with a wicket from the final ball of his career.Mitchell Marsh played the lead role in the Perth win over Pakistan•Getty Images and Cricket Australia1st Test vs Pakistan, Perth: won by 360 runsAustralia dominated throughout on a pitch that became increasingly precarious for batting. Warner’s opening-day 164, at the beginning of his last Test series, set the platform, which was added to by Marsh’s hometown 90. Initially, Australia toiled somewhat for inroads but a collective bowling effort earned a lead of 216. Khawaja’s 90 and more runs from Marsh ensured a target well out of reach for Pakistan as the quicks found considerable assistance from uneven bounce. Pakistan could only muster 89 with Lyon claiming his 500th Test wicket when he trapped Faheem Ashraf lbw.2nd Test vs Pakistan, Melbourne: won by 79 runsAustralia were pushed harder than was expected after events in Perth, and when they were 90 without loss on the opening day. Cummins and Lyon shared nine wickets to earn a lead of 54 but the game was blown wide open as Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mir Hamza reduced the home side to 16 for 4. However, Marsh was spilled on 20 and changed the game with a brilliant 96 while Smith dropped anchor. Set 317, Pakistan had hope at 219 for 5 but Cummins produced another match-seizing spell and the last five wickets fell for 18.David Warner says goodbye to the SCG fans after his last Test innings•Getty Images3rd Test vs Pakistan, Sydney: won by eight wicketsThe final match of Warner’s Test career was a neck-and-neck affair over the first two innings. Aamer Jamal’s feisty 82 lifted Pakistan to 313, then a late Australia collapse of 5 for 10 meant they ended up not quite matching it with Jamal again starring with 6 for 69. However, the home side surged late on the third day as Josh Hazlewood reduced Pakistan to 68 for 7, which effectively decided the contest. Chasing 130, Warner signed off with a half-century but fell with the winning line in sight – but it allowed him to leave the arena to his own ovation.1st Test vs West Indies, Adelaide: won by 10 wicketsThe match was over before lunch on the third day as an inexperienced West Indies were swept aside. Hazlewood and Cummins did the damage initially, but Shamar Joseph’s 36 from No. 11 was a sign of things to come. Australia didn’t have it all their own way with the bat as Shamar struck with his first delivery in Test cricket, having Smith caught in the slips, and it needed Head’s freewheeling 119 off 134 balls to build a useful lead. For a little while, a two-day finish was on the cards as Hazlewood starred again and it needed West Indies’ last-wicket pair to make Australia bat.Shamar Joseph sparked one of the great upsets in Test history•Getty Images2nd Test vs West Indies, Brisbane: lost by 7 runsOne of biggest upsets. West Indies had not beaten Australia in 21 years and when the home side were 113 for 2 chasing 216 that streak did not look like ending. But up stepped Shamar with one of the great spells. Bowling with a broken toe sustained from a Mitchell Starc yorker the previous night, he ripped through the middle order starting with Cameron Green and Head in consecutive deliveries – the latter completing a king pair. Shamar bowled unchanged and, with new opener Smith unbeaten on 91 at the non-striker’s end, speared one into Hazlewood’s off stump to set off wild celebrations.1st Test vs New Zealand, Wellington: won by 172 runsGreen and Lyon produced the defining performances of a Test where, for the most part, bowlers held sway. Green’s unbeaten 174 was the standout innings of the match producing nearly half of Australia’s first-innings 383 after they had wobbled on 89 for 4. A significant proportion came in a record last-wicket stand of 116 with Hazlewood. New Zealand were on the ropes at 29 for 5 and conceded a huge lead. On a surface offering increasing turn, Australia lost 6 for 37 but there were more than enough runs for Lyon to play with as he completed a ten-wicket match haul.The Australian team poses with the series trophy after sweeping New Zealand•Getty Images2nd Test vs New Zealand, Christchurch: won by three wicketsDespite being rolled over for 162 on the opening day, with Hazlewood taking 5 for 31, New Zealand looked favourites to level the series when Australia were 80 for 5 chasing 279. However, Marsh’s golden run continued with a dominant 80 and Carey emerged from an indifferent run of form with a match-winning unbeaten 98. He added 61 with Cummins after debutant Ben Sears had struck twice in consecutive balls to lift New Zealand’s spirits. Having kept Australia’s lead to 94, New Zealand missed an opportunity to set a tougher chase when they slipped from 278 for 3 to 372 all out.1st Test vs India, Perth: lost by 295 runsIt’s rare to see Australia beaten like this at home. And it came after they had dismissed India for 150 on the opening day. Then Jasprit Bumrah produced his first outstanding display of a series he would dominate, including the wickets of Khawaja and Smith in consecutive balls, to earn the visitors an unexpected lead. With some of the early spice out of the wicket, India’s openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, then added 201 and there was no way back for Australia. Jaiswal made a magnificent 161 and Virat Kohli feasted on a tired attack for an unbeaten 100. Australia were 17 for 4 second time around with only Head’s 89 adding a modicum of respect, but not enough to prevent a 295-run loss.Travis Head’s 141-ball 140 earned him the Player-of-the-Match award in the pink-ball Test•Getty Images2nd Test vs India, Adelaide: won by 10 wicketsAustralia picked themselves up in the day-night format they have so regularly dominated. Starc removed Jaiswal with the first ball of the Test, although India reached 69 for 1 before things fell apart with Scott Boland, replacing the injured Hazlewood, again playing a key role. Starc continued his magnificent pink-ball record with 6 for 48. Head then played another of his match-winning innings, flaying 140 off 141 balls – his dismissal to Mohammed Siraj saw the first significant confrontation of the series. But India could barely make Australia bat again as Cummins took 5 for 57.3rd Test vs India, Brisbane: Match drawnRegular rain interruptions meant this Test never really got going, but Australia dominated for the most part. Head made another stunning hundred (152 off 160 balls) while Smith emerged from a relatively lean period with a hard-working century. Bumrah was again magnificent with 6 for 76 but it was something of a one-man show. This time Starc needed two balls to remove Jaiswal and India were rocking on 74 for 5, but Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja fought hard. Although time would probably have run out, the last-wicket pair of Bumrah and Akash Deep importantly saved the follow-on.Sam Konstas had an extraordinary Test debut, at the end of which he got a chance to celebrate a win with his captain•Getty Images4th Test vs India, Melbourne: won by 184 runsThe margin was big, but this was an epic Test that finished deep in the final session. The early exchanges had all been about Sam Konstas’ extraordinary debut as he took the game to Bumrah in thrilling fashion. Smith’s 140 then carried Australia to a hefty total. With Boland again enjoying himself at the MCG, India were a long way adrift until a gutsy maiden hundred from Nitish Kumar Reddy. Bumrah and Siraj then had Australia 91 for 6 and the game was wide open, but Labuschagne and the lower order pulled the target away. India never attempted the chase, but from 33 for 3 were well-placed to save the game before Rishabh Pant pulled a long hop to deep midwicket after tea on the last day. India’s went on to lose 7 for 34 in front of a record crowd.5th Test vs India, Sydney: won by six wicketsOn a unusually lively, and occasionally uneven, SCG surface, Australia prevailed to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and secure their place in the WTC final. The two first innings ended almost even as the pace bowlers dominated. Beau Webster’s composed 57 on debut helped the hosts recover from a dicey 39 for 4. Pant threatened to turn the game India’s way with 61 off 47 balls before falling to Cummins and Boland claimed 6 for 45 to finish with ten in the match. A target of 162 was not a given, however, and at 58 for 3 – with Smith falling on 9999 career runs – India had a chance. Things might have been different had Bumrah not succumbed to his workload with a back injury.Matt Kuhnemann picked up 16 wickets in the two Tests in Sri Lanka•AFP/Getty Images1st Test vs Sri Lanka, Galle: won by an innings and 242 runsThe spot in the final was secure, but Australia were still desperate for a series win in Sri Lanka. This was as complete a performance as could be witnessed. The tone was set by Head attacking the new ball, and then Khawaja went on to compile a career-best 232 alongside centuries for Smith and Josh Inglis, on debut, with a dazzling 94-ball effort. Sri Lanka crumbled for 165 with Matt Kuhnemann claiming 5 for 63. Following-on, Kuhnemann added four more to his match haul as he and Lyon shared 16 for the match.2nd Test vs Sri Lanka, Galle: won by nine wicketsAnother dominant performance, although at stages it was more of a contest than the first Test. Half-centuries from Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Mendis took Sri Lanka to 257, which looked potentially competitive when Australia were 91 for 3. However, Smith played brilliantly again while Carey compiled a masterful 156, which formed the cornerstone of a handsome lead. Angelo Mathews threatened to enable Sri Lanka to set a tricky target, but he was brilliantly caught by Webster. Lyon and Kuhnemann shared 14 wickets for the match.

Bavuma will return to action after a calf injury and will be available for the second of two first-class matches to be played in Bengaluru.

Firdose Moonda16-Oct-2025South Africa Test captain Temba Bavuma is set to return to action from a calf injury on an A squad tour to India later this month. Bavuma is currently sitting out the Test series in Pakistan, and has also not been named in the ODI squad with a view to recovering in time to lead South Africa in India. He will be available for the second of two first-class matches to be played in Bengaluru.South Africa will play two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is in India between November 14 and December 19. It is their second successive away tour to the subcontinent after the ongoing one in Pakistan, and the second in the 2025-2027 WTC cycle. Bavuma was not able to lead them immediately in defence of their WTC title after he strained his calf during the white-ball series in England in September.The four-day squad will be captained by top-order batter Marques Ackerman, and includes Zubayr Hamza and Prenelan Subrayan, who are both with the Test squad in Pakistan. Subrayen played in the Lahore match, which South Africa lost by 93 runs. Seamer Codi Yusuf, who has played white-ball cricket for South Africa has also been named. The two four-day games will be played at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru from October 30 to November 9.South Africa A will also play three fifty-over matches against India A in Rajkot between November 13 to 19. Teenage left-arm seamer Kwena Maphaka will make his comeback from a hamstring injury, which has kept him out of the white-ball series in Pakistan, in those matches.

Jasprit Bumrah hadn’t conceded 20 or more runs in an over since 2020 before Josh Inglis tore into him in Ahmedabad on Sunday night

Sampath Bandarupalli02-Jun-20252:30

Why didn’t Hardik and Santner complete their quota of overs?

204 – The target that Punjab Kings (PBKS) chased down on Sunday, is the highest by any team in the IPL playoffs (or knockouts). The previous highest was 200 by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Kings XI Punjab (now PBKS) in the 2014 final.1 – PBKS became the first team to successfully chase down a 200-plus target against Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL. The previous highest was 196 by the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in 2020.MI won all the previous 18 instances where they set a 200-plus target in the IPL, and the record was 19-0 in all T20s. Before Sunday’s defeat, they were the only team in the IPL not to lose while defending a 200-plus target.ESPNcricinfo Ltd87* – Shreyas Iyer’s score on Sunday is the second-highest by a captain in the IPL playoffs behind David Warner’s 93* against Gujarat Lions in 2016.8 – Number of successful 200-plus target chases for PBKS in the IPL. No other team in T20 history has successfully chased down 200-plus targets more than five times.Australia, India and South Africa in international cricket, and MI (all IPL), RCB (three in IPL, two in CLT20) and Quetta Gladiators (PSL) all have five successful chases of 200-plus targets.9-2 – MI’s win-loss record while defending a total in the IPL playoffs (or knockouts). Sunday’s defeat was their second in 11 matches while batting first, following the seven-wicket loss to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Eliminator in 2014.8 – 200-plus totals for PBKS in IPL 2025, the joint-highest for any team in a men’s T20 tournament, alongside Gujarat Titans (GT), who also had eight in this year’s IPL.3 – Number of teams that Iyer has led into the finals in the IPL – Delhi Capitals (2020), Kolkata Knight Riders (2024) and PBKS (2025). No other captain has led more than one team to the IPL finals.2:31

‘Such a big over’ – Aaron on Inglis taking 20 off Bumrah in the fifth

1271 – Sixes hit in IPL 2025 so far, the most in an edition, surpassing 1260 sixes in 2024. PBKS batters hit 159 of those 1271, only behind 178 by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and 165 by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in 2024.717 – Runs scored by Suryakumar Yadav in IPL 2025, the highest for any player while batting at No. 3 or lower in a men’s T20 tournament. He bettered the mark of AB de Villiers, who scored 687 runs in IPL 2016.242* – Runs scored by Iyer without being dismissed across the three IPL matches in Ahmedabad. He had unbeaten fifties in all three games, all coming at a strike rate of over 200.20 – Runs that Josh Inglis scored off Jasprit Bumrah in the fifth over on Sunday. Only two other batters have scored as many in an over off Bumrah in the IPL – 26 by Pat Cummins in 2020 and 20 by Dwayne Bravo in 2018.

Leeds United have their eyes on a tricky January transfer to sign a new forward who has been compared to Crysencio Summerville.

Leeds’ lack of goals in Premier League as 49ers eye forward

The Whites have struggled in front of goal so far following their return to the Premier League, with centre-back Joe Rodon the club’s joint top scorer in the top flight.

Joe Rodon

2

Lukas Nmecha

2

Noah Okafor

2

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

1

Anton Stach

1

Brenden Aaronson

1

Sean Longstaff

1

Daniel Farke’s side have only scored 10 goals in 11 games, with bottom of the table Wolves the only team to score fewer (7).

Only three attacking additions were made over the summer, two of which were free transfers in Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. It is looking like a decision the 49ers Enterprises could live to regret, but they do have their eyes on attacking reinforcements in the New Year.

Brazilian forward Jhon Jhon is one name that has emerged in recent weeks, and he already has Red Bull links at RB Bragantino in the Brazilian Serie A. Journalist Graeme Bailey said:

“He’s a fascinating player. Very interesting. A bit of an attacking midfielder, can play as a forward. His name has come up in conversations with Red Bull, and he’s within the Red Bull name. He’s a good age, good player. Ticks a lot of boxes.

“Leeds aren’t the only ones looking. He’s come up in conversations, and one I’d not heard before until recently.”

Leeds set to make imminent bid for Real Madrid ace after Farke convinces 49ers

The Whites are looking to bring in a new forward, having not scored enough goals so far this season.

ByDominic Lund Nov 21, 2025

Domestically, Coventry City’s Haji Wright is another attacker who has been linked with a move to Elland Road in recent months, and there has been a fresh claim regaring the Whites taking the USA international in the New Year.

Update on Leeds’ move for Haji Wright

According to TEAMtalk, Leeds have four attacking targets who they could move for in January, one of which is Wright.

It is stated that the Whites ‘have a genuine interest in signing Wright’ and ‘the club are considering a concrete move for a player they have tracked since the summer’.

A deal is viewed as tricky with Coventry top of the Championship, however, Wright’s contract is set to expire in 2027.

Despite the difference in size, Wright has been compared to former Leeds attacker Summerville due to his ability to play off the left.

Roony Bardghji

Barcelona

Marcus Edwards

Burnley

Crysencio Summerville

West Ham

Sadio Mane

Al-Nassr

Borja Sainz

Porto

Primarily a centre-forward, though, the 27-year-old has scored eight Championship goals in 14 appearances so far this season.

Labelled as a “constant problem” for defenders to keep tabs on by his manager Frank Lampard, it has previously been suggested that an offer of £20m could be required to sign Wright.

How Leeds believe they'll convince Raheem Sterling to join with move in the works

Big-money transfers certainly haven’t been alien to Manchester United in recent seasons, with the hierarchy forking out a pretty penny on players in the transfer market.

The Red Devils’ transfer record currently sits at £89m, with such a fee being forked out for the signature of Paul Pogba back in the summer of 2016.

However, the club have previously come close to breaking such a record, especially after forking out a deal with £86m for Antony’s signature just a couple of years ago.

The hierarchy have seen first hand that spending big on such players doesn’t equal Premier League success, especially with the Brazilian leaving for just £19m last summer.

That hasn’t stopped the board from wanting to replicate such deals in the upcoming window, with numerous big-money deals touted ahead of the January market.

Man Utd’s hunt for new additions in January

Over the last couple of weeks, United have ramped up their efforts to land Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, with the Red Devils even entering talks to land the Englishman.

However, a deal would likely be another expensive one, with Sean Dyche’s currently demanding a fee in the region of £100m for his signature in the coming months.

Ruben Amorim’s men aren’t alone in the pursuit for Anderson’s services, as rivals Manchester City have stormed into the race to land the 23-year-old in the near future.

He’s not the only big-money player currently in the Red Devils’ sights, as the hierarchy have identified Real Madrid superstar Vinícius Júnior as a potential transfer target.

According to one Spanish outlet, Amorim’s men are currently preparing a club-record €150m (£131m) bid for the Brazilian, with the forward having just over 18 months left on his deal at the Bernabeu.

They also state that the player himself could be tempted by a move to the Premier League, especially given his recent fall-out with manager Xabi Alonso.

Why United’s £131m target would be Amorim’s next Garnacho

Not all of United’s stars have joined in massive transfers, as seen with winger Alejandro Garnacho, who joined for a minimal fee from Atlético Madrid as a teenager.

The Argentine managed to force himself into the first-team reckoning a couple of years ago, with the youngster registering nine combined goals and assists in his first season as a professional.

His next two seasons with the Red Devils would follow in a similar vein, as the 21-year-old scored 21 times and registered 15 assists – one of the best returns in the first-team squad.

However, it wouldn’t be enough to maintain his future at Old Trafford, as Amorim constantly made an example of him for his attitude issues which resulted in him being frozen out of the squad.

Garnacho would depart the club during the summer, joining Premier League rivals Chelsea in a deal worth a reported £40m – a decent fee given his failures in Manchester.

Despite the sale, Amorim could get his next version of the Argentine in January, especially if the hierarchy sanction a club-record move to land Vinicius.

As previously mentioned, he’s constantly had his own disciplinary issues, with it all coming to a head in the meeting with Barcelona, as the Brazilian reacted furiously to being substituted.

Such issues could lead to his exit from the Bernabeu, potentially leading to a switch to England and finally getting a taste of the greatest division in the world.

However, despite his struggles, he’s managed to impress on the pitch in recent times, with his numbers leading to Thierry Henry labelling him the “best in the world”.

Games played

13

Goals & assists

9

Progressive carries

8.9

Progressive passes

4.8

Pass accuracy

80%

Key passes

2.9

Passes into final third

1.9

Take-on success

38%

Carries into final third

2.9

Vinicius has already registered nine combined goals and assists in LaLiga this campaign, a tally that would make him the most effective player in Amorim’s current side.

Tallies such as 8.9 progressive carries and his 38% take-one success further highlight the talent he possesses with the ball, potentially having the creative nature to provide those around him with opportunities.

His passing stats also make for excellent reading, with the Brazilian making 2.9 key passes per 90, 1.9 of which going into the final third – arguably making him the perfect all-round attacker.

£131m would be a massive statement of intent from the board, but it’s a deal that would no doubt hand the first-team yet another world-class attacking option.

However, his attitude will certainly need to be watched, especially given the recent decline of Garnacho, with Amorim needing to keep the attackers’ feet firmly on the ground.

Haaland 2.0: Man Utd can sign "one of the best STs in Europe" for £44m

Manchester United could be about to sign a new talisman like Erling Haaland in January.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 29, 2025

A goalkeeper’s role in football has evolved from just being a brilliant shot-stopper. Nowadays, ‘keepers have to be just as good with their feet, with plenty of managers opting to play out from the back, meaning their No 1s are their first point to build an attack.

But with coaches demanding so much more from their number ones, who takes the crown as the best goalkeeper in world football?

Ranking factors

To help rank the goalkeepers in order, we have considered the following criteria:

• Current form – how well a player has performed in the past few months
• Importance to their teams – how influential they are to their teams’ performances
• Role – how unique their skillset is
• Reputation – what others say about them

15

Mile Svilar

Roma and Serbia

Mile Svilar had a standout 2024/25 season, recording 16 clean sheets and the highest save percentage in Serie A which has seen him join the rankings for the first time.

The Serbia international, who joined Roma in 2022, is now 26 years of age and appears to be entering his prime for the Italian giants.

14

Jordan Pickford

Everton and England

Everton’s No.1 Jordan Pickford has been first choice for England for almost eight years now, and he has impressed in recent weeks for the Toffees ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Pickford starred in the 1-0 win at Old Trafford and has been a consistent performer who arguably goes under the radar when it goes to being labelled as one of the best in the world.

13

Joan Garcia

Barcelona and Spain

Joan Garcia was a goalkeeper in demand during the summer of 2025 following his eye-catching performances for Espanyol.

The Spaniard looked as if he was heading to Arsenal to link up with compatriots Mikel Arteta and David Raya, however, Barcelona came in and secured a deal.

It has proven to be a smart decision, with Garcia first choice when fit, and he’s under contract at the Nou Camp until 2031.

12

Mike Maignan

AC Milan and France

Mike Maignan’s impressive displays in Italy with AC Milan have resulted in recent rumours of a move to the Premier League, with the France No.1 linked with Chelsea and Man Utd.

Now captain of Milan, Maignan has made more than 150 appearances for the European giants and has won the Goalkeeper of the Year award in France and Italy during his career.

At the age of 30, Maignan appears to be approaching the prime of his career, and he has been hailed by Kylian Mbappe for his penalty-saving bailout following his Nations League heroics for France.

11

Manuel Neuer

Bayern Munich and Germany

Despite turning 39 years of age in March, Manuel Neuer is still one of the best goalkeepers on the planet. He’s won everything there is to win in the game and has made more than 550 appearances for Bayern Munich.

The German icon has suffered with some injury issues over the last 12 months, but when fit, continues to be first-choice at the Allianz Arena. He’s also still under contract until 2026, so it looks as if he’ll continue playing into his forties.

10

Yann Sommer

Inter Milan and Switzerland

Another highly experienced shot-stopper who appears to be getting better with age is Yann Sommer.

The 36-year-old moved to Inter Milan in 2023 to replace Andre Onana and has starred in Serie A, keeping clean sheets in more than half of his appearances for the club in all competitions.

Approaching 100 caps for Switzerland as well, Sommer is another example of ‘keepers hitting their prime in the latter stages of their career, and it wouldn’t be a shock if he too ends up continuing for a long while yet.

9

Gregor Kobel

Borussia Dortmund and Switzerland

Transfermarkt has €40m Gregor Kobel as the joint-most valuable keeper in the world today, with the Swiss shot-stopper waiting patiently to take over from Sommer as his nation’s No.1.

The 27-year-old has been an ever-present figure for Borussia Dortmund since 2021, with sporting director Sebastian Kehl calling him ‘a goalkeeper of world-class calibre who has attracted the interest of many top clubs in Europe’.

Under contract until 2028, it’ll be interesting to see if Dortmund can keep Kobel at the club in the years to come.

8

Diogo Costa

FC Porto and Portugal

Diogo Costa, a Portugal international, made a name for himself at Euro 2024, saving three penalties in a shootout over Slovenia and has continued to impress with FC Porto.

Mikel Arteta has also hailed Costa’s consistency in recent years, and right now, he is the joint-most valuable ‘keeper according to Transfermarkt.

7

Emiliano Martinez

Aston Villa and Argentina

A champion with Argentina, Emiliano Martinez has continued to star years on after helping his country to World Cup glory in Qatar.

With Aston Villa, Martinez played a key role in helping them into the Champions League and has been called a “more mature” and “better goalkeeper” by Unai Emery. Named as The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper in 2024, Martinez has dipped slightly in 2025.

6

Unai Simon

Athletic Club and Spain

Athletic Club had the best defence in La Liga for the 2024/25 season, with goalkeeper Unai Simon playing his part in a solid backing under Ernesto Valverde by recording the best save percentage in the league at more than 77%.

Despite missing the first half of the season through injury, Simon has been a regular in 2025 and has now made more than 200 appearances for his current employers.

The Yankees' season ended in the 2025 ALDS against the Blue Jays last week, and the team didn't waste much time making some cuts to the coaching staff in the aftermath of their postseason exit.

On Tuesday, SNY's Andy Martino reported that longtime bullpen coach Mike Harkey and first base/infield coach Travis Chapman are not expected to return to the organization next season. Martino suggested other changes could also be on the horizon for New York in the offseason.

Harkey, 58, is in his second stint as the Yankees' bullpen coach, a role he's been in since 2016. He was previously the bullpen coach for the team from 2008 to '2013, too. As for Chapman, he'd been in his role since '22.

Additionally, Yankees hitting coach James Rowson permission to interview for the Twins' managerial vacancy. Minnesota parted ways with former skipper Rocco Baldelli after the 2025 season, and Rowson is seemingly on their radar.

The Yankees' bullpen struggled in 2025, and the team was not very sound defensively. The group had a 4.37 ERA in the regular season and a 6.15 ERA in the playoffs. Despite Brian Cashman being aggressive at the trade deadline, bringing in David Bednar, Camilo Doval and Jake Bird, late-innings pitching was still a weakness for the team throughout the season.

Trey Yesavage made history during the Blue Jays’ win in Game 5 of the World Series against the Dodgers. The rookie, who only made his first MLB start in September and started the year at Single-A, dominated on the road in Los Angeles, striking out 12 batters across a seven-inning outing.

No one was more fired up for the 22-year-old than veteran starting pitcher Max Scherzer. After a big double play got Toronto out of the seventh inning, Scherzer could be seen on the bench going ballistic. The 41-year-old was smacking the railing inside the dugout and proceeded to throw his sunflower seeds in excitement.

Have a look:

Scherzer could then be seen speaking to Yesavage in the dugout, clearly still amped by his impressive performance.

When you have a three-time Cy Young winner and two-time World Series champion acting like that in the dugout, you know you’re putting on a show. And that’s exactly what Yesavage did on the mound Wednesday night.

The rookie had all three of his signature pitches working to perfection. His combination of his fastball, slider and splitter, mixed with his unique release point, was a puzzle the Dodgers’ lineup was simply unable to solve.

Scherzer was loving every minute of it from his viewing point in the dugout, and he couldn’t contain his excitement after the inning-ending double play.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras divulgou sua escalação para enfrentar o San Lorenzo, às 19h, no Allianz Parque. Como novidades e para êxtase da torcida, Luis Guilherme, Endrick e Estêvão vão começar como titulares. Confira a reação dos palmeirenses!

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Estatísticas de Palmeiras e San Lorenzo

Palmeiras e San Lorenzo se enfrentaram apenas cinco vezes na história, até o momento, e foram duas vitórias para cada lado e um empate. Na última vez em que as equipes estiveram frente a frente, na Libertadores deste ano, empate por 1 a 1, na Argentina.

Com o primeiro lugar do Grupo F assegurado, já que tem 13 pontos, resta ao Palmeiras buscar a melhor campanha no geral, fato que o Verdão conseguiu em cinco das últimas seis edições da Libertadores. O Verdão foi o primeiro em 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022 e 2023.

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O técnico Abel Ferreira avalia mudanças pensando nos desfalques que terá durante a Copa América. Gustavo Gómez, Piquerez, Richard Ríos e Endrick disputarão a competição.

Já o time argentino, com sete pontos, precisa apenas de um empate para se garantir em segundo lugar na chave, que ainda tem Independiente del Valle e Liverpool-URU, ambos com quatro pontos e que se enfrentam nessa rodada.

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Os números do Palmeiras na Libertadores, até aqui, são os seguintes: tem 1392 passes certos, 163 errados, 31 finalizações certas, 37 erradas, 42 desarmes certos e 9 errados, 17 escanteios, e uma média de 50,35% de posse de bola.

O San Lorenzo tem 1257 passes certos, 183 errados, 23 finalizações certas, 39 erradas, 66 desarmes certos e 6 errados, 9 escanteios, e uma média de 44,83% de posse de bola.

⚽ PROVÁVEIS ESCALAÇÕES

Palmeiras: Weverton; Mayke, Gustavo Gómez (Naves), Murilo e Piquerez (Vanderlan); Aníbal Moreno, Zé Rafael e Raphael Veiga; Estêvão, Lázaro e Endrick (Flaco López).

San Lorenzo: Gómez; Giay, Luján, Campi e Braida; Ferreira e Remedi; Leguizamón, Barrios e Cuello; Herazo (Bareiro).

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