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Wayne Rooney’s son Kai is nearing a return to action after suffering a “life can’t get any worse” injury blow. The talented youngster, who continues to catch the eye in the Red Devils’ academy system, has been nursing a foot problem since September. His recovery is almost complete, with Rooney junior back in boots and stepping out onto the training field.

Another Rooney to lead the line for Man Utd?

Kai celebrated turning 16 on November 2, but has spent several weeks stuck on the sidelines unable to do what he loves most. The highly-rated teenager is held in high regard at Old Trafford, with there every chance that he will follow in the illustrious footsteps of his famous father.

Wayne remains United’s all-time leading scorer, having registered 253 goals for the Red Devils, but could see his eldest son begin to chase down that record at some point in the not too distant future.

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Kai has been stepping up the age groups in United’s youth ranks, earning a call-up to their U19 side prior to being laid low with an untimely knock. He has already savoured success in tournaments around Europe, with trophy wins being added to his CV.

It was, however, revealed in September 2025 that a blow to his right foot had been suffered – leaving Rooney sporting a protective boot. He posted an image on social media alongside the caption: “Life can’t get worse.”

More pictures from behind the scenes have now been shared, with Kai revealing how close he is to earning a recall at United. He is back on the grass, with boots being laced up again as he works on rebuilding match fitness and sharpness.

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Man Utd urged to appoint Rooney as a coach

The Rooneys have been lapping up some sunshine of late, with Kai joining dad Wayne on a trip to Dubai. The ex-England captain was in the Middle East during the October half-term break as he continues to deliver coaching sessions in that region with Football Escapes. He was joined on this occasion at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel by former Nottingham Forest and Tottenham defender Michael Dawson.

Having enjoyed a relaxing break, Kai is now ready to resume his football career. It has been suggested that his ongoing development could be aided by a return to Old Trafford for his father – who has struggled as a manager across stints with Derby, D.C. United, Birmingham and Plymouth.

Former team-mate Danny Simpson recently told GOAL when asked if United should add Rooney to their coaching team – allowing him to work with Kai in the academy ranks: “Kai, I’ve seen him play a few times and he looks fantastic – looks just like his dad but obviously left-footed! Any time that you get a chance to bring these ex-players back in, I think you have to. Whether he would want to do that, I don’t know.”

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GettyDisney documentary: What next for the Rooneys?

Kai has not always wanted his father to be that close, with mother Coleen telling of how Wayne can be an unwelcome distraction: “I’ve got to make them aware that with social media, things can come back around again. My eldest is 15, he’s at a football academy [in Manchester] where they have social media workshops. They’re told if they put anything online now and you’re in the public eye, it can affect you later on.

“But I think our kids grew up with it. There’s certain things that it does affect – there were times when the kids have said, when Wayne was playing, ‘Can Dad stay at home?’ because we didn’t get around the theme park. Or, ‘He’s not watching me play football because he’s being asked for selfies.’

“He’s grateful for fans too, so it’s a hard situation. We’ve obviously made them aware of things as they’ve got older and started to understand things.”

Wayne is free to watch Kai in action at present, having opted against another return to management, with the 40-year-old enjoying punditry work with Match of the Day and TNT Sports. He is also set to star in an upcoming Disney+ documentary alongside Coleen and their four sons.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Fluminense Football Club, fundado em 1902, é um dos clubes de futebol mais tradicionais do Brasil, com uma história rica em conquistas e momentos memoráveis. Ao longo dos anos, o clube carioca acumulou uma impressionante coleção de títulos. Saiba quais são os mais importantes da história do Tricolor.

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Campeonato Brasileiro – 4 títulos
O Fluminense conquistou o Campeonato Brasileiro em quatro ocasiões, em 1971, 1984, 2010 e 2012. O último, em 2012, é até hoje o último título nacional do Tricolor.

+Veja a tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro

Copa do Brasil – 1 título
Em 2007, o Fluminense venceu a Copa do Brasil, derrotando o Figueirense na final.

Campeonato Carioca – 33 títulos
O Fluminense foi o primeiro campeão e deu início a uma hegemonia que durou mais de um século. De 1906 a 2008, o Flu se manteve como o clube com mais títulos conquistados.

+Na véspera da convocação, Fernando Diniz mantém convicções no Fluminense e é chave na construção de vitória no Brasileirão

Copa Rio – 1 título
Em 1952, o Fluminense venceu a Copa Rio, torneio que foi tratado como um Mundial de Clubes na época.

Torneio Rio-São Paulo – 2 títulos
O clube conquistou o Torneio Rio-São Paulo em 1957 e 1960.

In a game that sums up exactly why Newcastle United pushed so hard to qualify for the Champions League last season, Eddie Howe’s side will play host to Barcelona under the lights at St James Park on Thursday night.

Newcastle vs Barcelona team news

Whilst the game represents quite the spectacle, it also represents the chance for Newcastle to secure back-to-back wins for the first time this season. The Magpies edged past Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out in the Premier League, courtesy of a debut goal from Nick Woltemade. Now, the towering striker will be looking to make it two from two against one of the biggest clubs that European football has to offer.

The German is likely to receive another start too, given that Yoane Wissa is still on the sidelines following his injury in the recent international break. As for the rest of the Newcastle squad, Jacob Ramsey is the only other injury concern that Howe has to deal with in another blow for one of the Magpies’ summer arrivals.

It’s set to be some challenge that lies ahead of Howe’s side, but one that he has welcomed with open arms even without Ramsey and Wissa on Thursday evening.

In search of three points to get their Champions League campaign underway, Newcastle have already been handed a boost by Barcelona’s own injury news. The Spanish giants have travelled without star man Lamine Yamal, who missed a 6-0 thrashing of Valencia last time out through a groin injury.

Manager Hansi Flick was left unhappy with Spain after the 18-year-old came back from international duty with the injury, telling reporters: “Lamine already went to the national team in pain. He took painkillers and played with the national team in pain.

“He had problems, and played 79 and 73 minutes. That’s not looking after the players. The Spanish national team has the best players in the world, but we should be looking after the professionals. Also the young players.”

Newcastle predicted line-up (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier; Schar; Burn; Livramento; Tonali; Guimaraes; Joelinton; Elanga; Woltemade; Gordon

Barcelona predicted line-up (4-2-3-1): Garcia; Kounde; Garcia; Cubarsi; Martin; Casado; Pedri; Raphinha; Fermin; Rashford; Lewandowski

Newcastle vs Barcelona H2H & recent results

Without a defeat all season and coming in off the back of a 6-0 defeat of Valencia, standing in the way of Flick’s Barcelona machine will not be an easy task for Newcastle. But the Spanish giants are not without their weaknesses.

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It could be bad news for the Magpies…

ByTom Cunningham Sep 17, 2025

They eventually saw their Champions League run come to an end amid defensive frailties last season and those frailties are still there for all to see. The Catalan club conceded twice against Levante in a 3-2 victory and were held to a 1-1 draw by Rayo Vallencano last month. So, as scintillating as they are going forward, Barcelona are vulnerable going the other way.

It’s Woltemade that could exploit that, too. At 6’6, the German will tower over all of Barcelona’s backline and that’s the route that Newcastle must take towards goal. Be it from set pieces or from open play, targeting the forward as well as tall centre-back Dan Burn is how the Magpies could snatch a shock victory here.

When it comes to form, Howe will be hoping that Newcastle have turned a corner after defeating Wolves. Before last weekend’s victory, Newcastle had gone three games without three points.

Judging any head-to-head record between both sides may not provide an accurate prediction, either. The last time that Newcastle played Barcelona came in 2003, when the Spaniards picked up a 2-0 victory in Tyneside. Meanwhile, the three games before that came in 2002 and 1997, which featured just one Newcastle victory.

The odds also have Barcelona as the narrow favourites at 13/10, with Newcastle not far behind that price at 7/4 and a draw at 13/5, setting up a highly-anticipated affair.

Prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Barcelona

Liverpool won the Premier League last season and then underwent major surgery throughout the summer transfer window.

Perhaps you could frame the Reds as a team in transition. This could be asserted for the 2024/25 campaign, when Liverpool pranced their way through the term and, yes, won the league title in Arne Slot’s first year at the helm.

Maybe it could also be argued that this is a transitional year for Liverpool. After all, many ins and outs occurred down Anfield Road this summer.

Regardless of which side of the fence you stand on, none can argue that Slot’s Liverpool are not title contenders once again, having won all five of their opening Premier League fixtures to establish a five-point lead at the summit. It took them until November to achieve that last year.

It is early days, of course, but the Merseysiders are shaping into quite the force, having signed Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz and many more.

However, they are hardly impregnable, with Liverpool’s defensive issues made worse by the ACL injury sustained by Giovanni Leoni against Southampton on Tuesday evening in the Carabao Cup.

How Leoni's injury affects Liverpool

Leoni must be gutted. Impressive on his Liverpool debut after leaving Parma in the summer, the 18-year-old will now recover across his first campaign in England, unlikely to be match fit until the business end.

He had looked calm and assured and confident on the ball. Sadly, this is a significant setback for one so young. It’s about now that sporting director Richard Hughes might lament Crystal Palace’s failure to sign a Guehi replacement at the end of the transfer window, thus ending a move that looked all but complete and a summer in the making.

Such is football, but there’s no question the Premier League champions are now one Virgil van Dijk injury away from alarm bells to start ringing, with a four-front charge for silverware currently underway.

Guehi, too, may be frustrated at how things have panned out, with his chances of regular football at Liverpool almost certain had he indeed finalised that last-minute move.

Hughes and Slot may also be tacitly frustrated that they sold Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen for £35m, with the hierarchy unable to promise the homegrown talent regularity of minutes for the club.

But then there will also be much confidence in Liverpool’s capacity to pull through. The backline has been refashioned over the past few months.

However, Quansah’s isn’t the only signature that may have left with an air of ruefulness. In fact, far more regret could be attributed to the mood when Trent Alexander-Arnold left for Real Madrid in June.

Alexander-Arnold's value after leaving

Liverpool were hamstrung. Noise coming from the concerning contract situations of Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Alexander-Arnold dominated the 2024/25 campaign, Slot’s first at the helm.

It’s small wonder that many felt the Reds would fall apart following Jurgen Klopp’s departure, with the ‘big three’ all slated to follow him out the gates.

That wasn’t the case. The skipper and the attacking talisman both renewed their Liverpool vows, but Alexander-Arnold, 26, left for pastures new and is now a member of Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid team.

Premier League

257

18 (67)

Champions League

60

2 (13)

FA Cup

13

1 (3)

Carabao Cup

10

0 (6)

Europa League

5

0 (2)

Club World Cup

2

0 (1)

CL Qualifying

2

0 (1)

Community Shield

2

1 (0)

UEFA Super Cup

1

0 (0)

Hailed as a “generational” talent by content creator Asim Mahmood, Trent’s range of passing and his vision and inventions on the ball have

He might not be the answer to Liverpool’s central defensive issues right now, but it’s an underpinning of the upheaval that has beset Slot’s backline in recent months.

Having refused FSG’s offers, the England international was set to sign for Real Madrid on a free transfer before Florentino Perez decided to bring him over for the Club World Cup, paying the English outfit an £8m fee to release him from his contract several weeks early.

This is some distance below the figure Liverpool recouped from Quansah’s sale, and does at least highlight the club’s expertise at the negotiating table, spending heavily this summer but banking a pretty penny too.

Alas, what’s done is done, but Alexander-Arnold is one of the world’s best, even if he is struggling to click from the off with Los Blancos, in and out of the starting line-up before a cruel injury that has ruled him out of action for the foreseeable.

For Liverpool to have got anything from a player imminently out of contract is a testament to Hughes’ prowess behind the desk, but, as Transfermarkt record it, his market value has already shot back up to £66m, which stands taller than the £35m figure the Reds were willing to pay for Guehi.

Moreover, when Alexander-Arnold brings it all together in Spain – and he will – this value will only skyrocket further.

In spite of the signing of Frimpong, the continued development of Conor Bradley and Dominik Szoboszlai’s interesting rebrand into a right-back, when called upon, none of them is Trent.

He was truly one-of-a-kind, and the most painful part of all is that all of a red persuasion across Merseyside and beyond felt that he was on the pathway to immortality at Liverpool, sure to replace Van Dijk as club captain and then take his seat, one day, on a plinth beside Steven Gerrard.

“He’s been a superstar,” Alan Shearer said, acknowledging the Three Lions man at the end of his Premier League career.

Alexander-Arnold must always be treasured for his contribution toward a sustained period of success, but he sadly joins a different category now, and it’s one the fans will look back at regretfully for many years.

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Liverpool may have found their new version of Daniel Sturridge in this Reds star.

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Hansi Flick admitted Ousmane Dembele “deserved” the Ballon d’Or after the Paris Saint-Germain forward’s spectacular season, while insisting Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal has taken finishing second in his stride. Flick revealed Yamal is "motivated" to win the prize in the near future and ready to respond with performances as Barca prepare for their upcoming fixtures.

• Dembele gets his due

  PSG superstar forward Dembele lifted the 2025 Ballon d’Or after a stunning campaign that saw him score 35 goals as the French side secured a clean sweep of trophies. His contribution under Luis Enrique guided PSG to their first Champions League triumph, the biggest of the four titles they claimed over the course of the campaign, cementing the Frenchman’s reputation as one of the most decisive players in world football.

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• Yamal misses out after stellar season

  Yamal was largely seen as Dembele's main challenger to the Golden Ball but had to settle for the runner-up spot in what was described by France Football as a convincing win for the Frenchman. At 18, though, the Spain sensation is expected to continue to blossom and is expected to be among the favourites again in the future due to his performances for club and country.

  The outcome of the vote does not seem to have bothered the winger as he congratulated Dembele on the win and celebrated his own second consecutive Kopa Trophy success. According to Flick, he is fired up to deliver on the promise he has shown in the future.

• Flick shared insight into Yamal’s mindset after finishing runner-up, telling reporters on Wednesday: "I spoke to him yesterday. He's doing well, motivated for the coming years. And there's Dembele, who deserved it. He accepted it well and is motivated to prove his worth and, perhaps, have a chance for next season. He's very close to returning. And from what I've seen, he seems to be doing well."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Barcelona to face PSG next as Flick praises Dembele

  Barca face a crucial run of fixtures, with Yamal expected back on the pitch “very soon,” according to Flick. His form will be vital as Barca look to defend their domestic titles and push deeper into Europe. For Dembele, the Ballon d’Or cements his rise at PSG. The two european powerhouses are set to face each other in the Champions League match on October 1. The game was set to be held at Camp Nou, but it will now be played at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

With time ticking by on deadline day, Manchester United have reportedly reached a “total agreement” to sign one of their top targets just hours before the transfer window slams shut.

Man Utd's deadline day business

The Red Devils have already had a busy day on the outgoings front in hope of making room for some much-needed fresh faces. At the death, it looks as though both Jadon Sancho and Antony are set to get their moves to both Aston Villa and Real Betis, freeing up space on United’s hefty wage bill as a result.

Antony’s move will come as a particular relief after Betis responded to earlier reports that they had completed a move for the winger, saying: “There is no agreement for Antony and we have withdrawn the offer. We can’t afford the fee and the amounts that Manchester United must instead pay the player before the transfer.”

With two unwanted stars heading for the exit door, those at Old Trafford have also got to work on players that could arrive in the other direction. And the focus has been on finding a new goalkeeper.

The main question has been regarding just who will be arriving to replace Andre Onana. There has been little doubts that the Red Devils would be welcoming a new No.1 after one mistake too many from the former Inter Milan man.

It looked as though it would be Emiliano Martinez who arrives at one stage, as Manchester United shifted their focus towards the Argentine. Alas, after a late twist, United have now reportedly reached a total agreement to welcome an alternative option.

Man Utd reach "total agreement" to sign Lammens

As reported by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Manchester United have now reached a “total agreement” to sign Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp to end a summer-long saga. Agreeing a deal worth €21m (£18m), Ruben Amorim is set to get his upgrade on Onana after United chased Lammens over Aston Villa’s Martinez.

Starts

30

37

Save Percentage

81.4%

69%

Clean Sheets

7

8

Saves

127

96

Only time will tell whether they’ve made the right decision, but the stats certainly make for positive reading. Lammens outperformed Martinez in save percentage, saves and only kept one less clean sheet than the Argentine.

Described as a player with “excellent” variance in his passing by analyst Ben Mattinson, Amorim should finally have a goalkeeper at his disposal capable of building from his backline. And that could make all the difference.

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The sensational international would be an unreal signing for Ruben Amorim and Manchester United.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 1, 2025

The 23-year-old’s pending arrival is a major step in the right direction for Manchester United’s goalkeeper department and Amorim’s squad, following investment this summer, must simply now kick on after the international break.

Vidarbha complete stunning come-from-behind win

Vidarbha overturned a 100-run deficit to clinch a stunning 221-run win over Rajasthan in Jaipur to assure themselves of a knockouts berth from Group B. Their fifth outright win in six games was set up by Akshay Wadkar, the captain, who struck a combative second-innings century after they’d been effectively reduced to 44 for 5.Wadkar was assisted by Yash Rathod, who made 98, and fast bowler Nachiket Bhute who made 87 from No. 10. The eighth-wicket stand between Wadkar and Bhute was worth 172. Rajasthan never got going in their target of 329; they were bowled out for 107.Left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey picked up 5 for 51 – his fifth five-for this season. Dubey now sits on top of the wicket charts for the season – he has 42 wickets in 12 innings at an average of 14.55. Jammu & Kashmir’s Auqib Nabi comes next with 38 wickets.Related

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Sai Kishore and Ajith Ram take TN to doorstep of knockouts

His participation in the first half of the Ranji season was hampered due to a thumb injury, but R Sai Kishore, the captain, made an impact in his just third game, his match haul of eight wickets helping Tamil Nadu beat Chandigarh in Salem. Sai Kishore profited from having an equally aggressive bowler wheel away from the other end – fellow left-arm spinner S Ajith Ram too picked up four wickets in the second innings, and a match haul of nine wickets.Before the spin twins left their mark on the final day, Tamil Nadu were set up by Vijay Shankar’s 150 that helped them set Chandigarh a target of 403. The win took TN to the top of Group D; a draw in their next game against Jharkhand should see them through to the knockouts. Chandigarh and Saurashtra are the other two teams in the running for a knockouts berth from the group.File photo: Akshay Wadkar scored a second-innings ton to send Vidarbha on their way to victory against Rajasthan•PTI

Kerala show incredible fight to salvage draw

A miniscule lead of just seven runs proved massive in the end as Kerala defied conditions and MP’s bowling attack to secure a draw that gave them three crucial points. This put them in a three-way race with Karnataka and Haryana for the knockouts from Group C. Kerala are currently second with 21 points, while Karnataka are on 19. Haryana top the pool with 26 points.Kerala were set a 363 target to win, but more importantly, needed to bat out at least 100 overs to secure a draw. Those hopes appeared crushed when they stumbled to 47 for 5 by lunch on the final day. But a stunning lower-order rearguard helped them script a miracle. This effort was led by Mohammad Azharuddeen and Aditya Sarwate, who made 68 and 80 respectively.Kerala’s ninth-wicket pair of B Aparajith and MD Nideesh batted out over an hour and 13.4 overs under fading light to secure a draw from the jaws of defeat. MP threw everything they had at Kerala, with Kuldeep Sen picking up 3 for 64, while left-arm spinner Kumar Kartikeya wheeled away for 37 overs for his three wickets.

Baroda stumble as Mukesh Choudhary picks up maiden five-for

Baroda’s position at the top of Group A received a jolt as their defeat to Maharashtra left them in slightly troubled waters. This result coincided with Jammu & Kashmir’s upset of Mumbai that took them to the top of the table. Baroda now play J&K in what is effectively a must-win for them to keep their knockouts hopes alive, considering Mumbai, who are in third position, have a relatively easier draw as they play Meghalaya.Baroda’s defeat will rankle as they couldn’t bat out a little more than two sessions to secure a draw. Maharashtra batted big to extend their second innings well into the final day, when they declared on 464 for 7 to set Baroda a target of 617. Baroda lasted just 36 overs and were bowled out for 177 with left-arm seamer Mukesh Choudhary picking up 5 for 76.

England find reverse-swing to make key inroads after Leach’s early breakthroughs

Andrew Miller15-Oct-2024There has been precious little for Pakistan cricket to cheer in recent months, but on the opening day of the second Test in Multan, Kamran Ghulam provided a moment of unbridled joy as he brought up a gutsy century in his maiden Test innings, to carry the fight for his embattled team.Though he fell late in the day for 118, bowled by Shoaib Bashir as he looked to stay proactive with the close of play looming, Ghulam’s debut efforts helped to lift Pakistan to 259 for 5 – scarcely riches by the standards that England were dishing up on this very same surface last week, but the beginnings of a score nonetheless.Despite Pakistan’s experience in the first Test, when their first-innings 556 ended up on the wrong side of an innings defeat, Ghulam’s resolute efforts – allied to a career-best 77 from Saim Ayub and an atypically entrenched 37 not out from Mohammad Rizwan – kept Pakistan on course for the sort of 300-plus score that could yet be competitive if their spin-heavy attack can take advantage of a pitch that had been heavily watered and dried with industrial fans in the four-day turnaround between Tests.The danger for Pakistan, however, may yet come from the weapons that they won’t be able to deploy. Despite two early wickets for Jack Leach, who has now claimed nine in three innings on this surface to reassert his status as England’s senior spinner, their most pronounced threat came through a mid-afternoon spell of reverse-swing, excellently harnessed by a three-pronged seam attack. Uniquely, all three hail from Durham, among them Ben Stokes, who was back to lead the team for the first time since his hamstring tear in August. In opting to ditch both Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah for this contest, much will be resting on their lone quick, Aamer Jamal, if Pakistan hope to utilise similar skills.All such considerations can wait for now, thanks to the efforts of Ghulam, who – at the age of 29 – was the second oldest Pakistani to record a debut century. He achieved the feat with a gleeful swing through the leg-side off Joe Root, after an anxious wait in the 90s that had encompassed the evening drinks break. A few more moments of delay could not perturb him, however, after more than a decade of service in Pakistan’s Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, in which time he might have assumed that his haul of more than 4500 runs at 49 would forever be overlooked.His innings had begun at 19 for 2 in the tenth over, after Leach – thrown the ball early after Stokes’ quick assessment of the surface – had become the first England spinner to strike twice so early in a Test match since Johnny Briggs in 1889. His impact threatened another meltdown to match Pakistan’s fourth-evening collapse in the first Test, but Ghulam proved his mettle from the outset, showcasing his familiarity with the arid conditions and his faith in the methods that had finally got him noticed.His first boundary was a composed launch for six back over Leach’s head, and in easing through to his first half-century from 104 balls, he recorded a milestone that had eluded his more illustrious compatriot, Babar Azam, in the 18 out-of-form innings that had resulted in his omission.Brydon Carse produced a key breakthrough with the old ball•Getty ImagesGhulam had faced just two deliveries of fast bowling in his first 120, however, when Stokes brought himself into the attack midway through the afternoon, and the challenge instantly went up a notch. In his first over, Stokes found a fat edge that flew at a catchable height through the vacant slip cordon, and when a second edge fell short soon afterwards, Root found himself donning a helmet four yards from the bat in a bid to make any further chance count.The breakthrough, however, arrived at the other end. Ayub’s reputation had suffered in this series, largely as a consequence of his hopelessly misfiring opening partnership with Abdullah Shafique, which at least reached double-figures for the first time in nine innings. It didn’t get much further, however, as Leach bowled Shafique for 7 to reduce Pakistan to 15 for 1, before Shan Masood clipped on the up to Zak Crawley at midwicket for 3.In isolation, however, Ayub has been a qualified success at the top of Pakistan’s order, and this was his third half-century in four first innings, following his twin fifties against Bangladesh last month. But, with tea approaching, and England beginning to make the ball talk, Matthew Potts threatened his outside edge with a diet of hooping outswingers from over the wicket, before Stokes pouched a firm push through the line at a very straight silly mid-off (168 for 3).After tea, Brydon Carse, energetic as ever, roughed up Saud Shakeel with an excellent short ball, then found his edge for 4 with an even better 140kph/87mph delivery that fizzed through to Jamie Smith behind the stumps. And England’s position could have been stronger still had Ben Duckett clung on to a loose slap from Ghulam, on 79, as he chose to take the attack to the returning Leach and almost paid the price at mid-on.The value of Stokes’ economy with his seamers throughout a morning session was brought to bear in the evening, with Carse helping to keep Rizwan under the cosh for 19 deliveries without scoring before Potts took over and so nearly landed an innings-altering blow. His first delivery to Rizwan, on 6 at the time, zipped past the outside edge and into Smith’s gloves, but England declined to use a review – even though replays showed that the ball had grazed the splice of his bat.England’s endeavours were worthy of another breakthrough before the close, and though he had once again been the weaker link in the attack, Bashir obliged with a critical strike late in the day. Armed with the second new ball, he skidded a good-length delivery past Ghulam’s tired charge, and clipped the top of leg to prise a critical opening that could yet make the difference in Pakistan’s quest for a serviceable first innings.

Manchester United are looking to add to their squad while not overstepping the mark financially, and they have now reportedly made an enquiry for a Brazil international, according to reports.

Man Utd eye shock Dominic Calvert-Lewin deal

The Red Devils and INEOS are looking to add to the pack after Matheus Cunha’s arrival from Wolverhampton Wanderers and find themselves pushing to land Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. Diego Leon has also finalised his move to the club.

Reports suggest a deal could be finalised by Monday that would see the Cameroon international head to Old Trafford. At the same time, Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins and Nigeria hitman Victor Osimhen have also been touted as potential offensive recruits.

However, Manchester United could sign free agent Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a squad rotation option. However, journalist Ben Jacobs believes he may need to lower his wage demands before a deal for the ex-Everton striker can become viable.

He stated: “Calvert-Lewin’s wage demands are very high, and therefore it is unlikely that Man United will move in that direction unless the demands decrease or they have a hole in the squad later in the window. As a free agent, the player will be rigid on his demands.”

Premier League experience will become paramount for the Red Devils in their rebuilding phase. Ruben Amorim is likely to have one game a week to manage most weeks, offering the possibility of focusing solely on the club’s league position without external commitments.

INEOS make £320m: AI predicts players Manchester United will sell this summer

It could be a busy summer ahead of Ruben Amorim’s first full season in charge.

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By
Charlie Smith

Jun 21, 2025

Cup football will also present a chance at silverware. Nevertheless, there is plenty of work to be done in the market before Manchester United are back challenging for honours, though their latest pursuit wouldn’t be a bad step in the right direction.

Man Utd make Douglas Luiz enquiry

According to reports relayed by FootballTransfers, Manchester United and therefore INEOS have submitted an enquiry regarding Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz’s availability following a frustrating campaign that has seen the Brazil international be placed on the transfer list.

Everton and Fulham are also in pursuit of the ex-Aston Villa man, who made 27 appearances across all competitions for the Old Lady last season.

He has previously been lauded as a “very underrated” engine room presence by Paul Merson, with the former Arsenal man claiming Luiz was every bit as good as the likes of Declan Rice and Rodri while he plied his trade in the West Midlands.

Douglas Luiz in 2024/25 – key statistics in Serie A (Fotmob)
Tackles won	8
Duels won	36
Pass accuracy	90.4%
Recoveries	31
Long ball accuracy	75%

Earning £138,000 per week in Turin, there is also talk that Luiz could be used as a part of a swap deal that would see Juventus land Jadon Sancho, albeit aforementioned striker Vlahovic is also mentioned, making the saga a possibility and nothing more.

Injury problems hampered the 27-year-old last term, and a return to the English top-flight could now be on the cards, though there would be other considerations to take into account for Manchester United.

Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are two existing deeper-lying midfield options, while Kobbie Mainoo can also operate in the six, so Amorim would potentially need to think about cutting someone loose to ensure his side had the space to acquire Luiz.

With Jaka Bijol signed and delivered, the 49ers have now reportedly turned their attention towards a fresh Leeds United move to sign a Bundesliga left-back.

Jaka Bijol "ready for the Premier League"

Welcoming their second signing of the summer for around £19m, Leeds officially unveiled Bijol earlier this week. The defender arrived from Udinese, signing a contract until 2023, and will be hoping to make an instant impact on Daniel Farke’s side as they return to the Premier League in August.

After putting pen to paper, Bijol told the club’s official website: “This is a big day for me, for my family and I’m happy to be here. Maybe the biggest one of my career so far, but I’m ready for it.

“I work for it and that’s why I’m here, because it’s a big challenge for everyone. It’s a big challenge for me, for the club, and we’re getting ready for it together. I think the club and myself are ready for the Premier League.

“I can promise that I will give everything, that I will give everything in every training as well to be ready for the first game of the season and then just go from there.”

Nmecha upgrade: Leeds make contact to sign a star who "bullied" Van Dijk

Leeds are reportedly eyeing up a star who would come in as an immediate upgrade on Lukas Nmecha.

1 ByDan Emery Jun 25, 2025

Even after Bijol and Lukas Nmecha, the 49ers have still reportedly got plenty of business planned. Names such as Nikola Krstovic have found themselves in the headlines as of late and reports have even gone as far as to suggest that Leeds have now got an agreement in place to sign the Serie A forward.

Meanwhile, those at Elland Road have now reportedly turned their focus towards a Bundesliga left-back who could replace the departing Junior Firpo this summer.

Leeds now targeting Lukas Ullrich

According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, the 49ers and Leeds are now targeting a summer swoop to sign Lukas Ullrich from Borussia Monchengladbach. The left-back has been part of Germany’s side at the U21 Euros this summer and has seemingly impressed enough to find himself on the Whites’ radar.

Whilst those at Elland Road face reported competition for Ullrich’s signature from Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton, the fact that the German is represented by the same agency as Bijol may hand Leeds an advantage in personal negotiations.

Ullrich is certainly a talent worth the battle too following a breakout season in the Bundesliga which earned the praise of Gladbach boss Geraldo Seoane, who told reporters: “You can see that he’s got pace going forward and that he has a very good mentality. He’s confident, he’s active and he makes runs in behind. He brings a lot to the table playing as an attacking left-back”

Minutes

1,903

2,616

Assists

2

10

Tackles Won per 90

0.76

1.17

Ball Recoveries per 90

3.46

3.92

Whilst the numbers show that Ullrich still has a way to go before he reaches Firpo’s level, Leeds would be investing in a 21-year-old whose potential is undeniable.