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Porel, Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep are showing that there is a promising future ahead for the state side

Varun Shetty in Kolkata01-Mar-2020At one point on Sunday, the broadcast displayed a graphic of Bengal’s top wicket-takers in the last 10 seasons. The most conspicuous piece of information was that for six seasons in a row before this one, it was the same man – Ashok Dinda, who was axed from the team for “indiscipline” and has played only one match in 2019-20.Consider that, and then the fact that in two-and-a-half months of Ranji cricket this season, across ten matches, not a single team has managed to score more than 250 in an innings against Bengal. Despite the absence of their foremost bowler – discounting Mohammed Shami who has played one Bengal match since January 2018 – Bengal have managed to be among the best bowling line-ups in the competition.Ishan Porel, who has worked rigorously to lose the “medium-fast” tag, and is the youngest of the bowlers at 21, is effectively the leader of the attack now. After his five-wicket haul on Sunday, he said there was never any pressure to fill Dinda’s shoes.”There is no such pressure on me because we have been bowling well [together],” Porel said. “If you see the Indian team’s attack, they generally back each other and applaud each other’s performances. The same thing we are doing here and we are getting success. The hard work we have put in over the last three or four months and before the season – those things are working in the match.”In the lead-up to the semi-final against Karnataka, coach-cum-mentor Arun Lal had repeatedly reinforced his belief that Bengal were favourites despite the presence of batsmen like KL Rahul, Manish Pandey, and Karun Nair in the opposition. That was rooted somewhat in the reality that Karnataka’s batsmen have made only one century between them all season, with only one of them averaging more than 40. But it was also a nod to Bengal’s bowling this season, particularly to their budding new combination of fast bowlers, who took all of 35.2 overs to bowl Karnataka out for 122 and grab a lead of 190 on day two.Alongside Porel, who has only played five matches in the season due to India A commitments, are 26-year-old Mukesh Kumar, and 23-year-old Akash Deep who has just made the step up from Under-23 cricket this season. Each of them has taken at least 20 wickets this season, and the dynamics of their partnership was in full display.Shahbaz Ahmed is being carried by his team-mates after taking Bengal into the knockouts•PTI The surface for this fixture, like a typical green wicket, is most rewarding when the bowling lengths are full. Porel was relentless in this regard with the new ball, and as someone who can swing the ball at a good pace, he caused immediate damage with the early wickets of R Samarth and Nair, getting them to push well in front of their bodies. The consistency was particularly impressive coming from a tall man whose natural length is just short of a good length. In contrast, Prasidh Krishna, a similar type of bowler, with similar height, hasn’t been as effective for Karnataka in the match.Bowling with him were Kumar, who held one end up by bowling 14 of the first 29 overs at a stretch, and Akash, who bowled in small, boisterous bursts to trouble batsmen with extra skid off the pitch. For bowlers of varying styles and strengths, their attacking plans stayed identical to the frontline batsmen, and they only switched to bodyline when the lower-order was exposed. Equally impressively, they got through two full hours’ work with only the lunch break to give them any rest.Porel has bowled, on average, approximately 24 overs per match this season; Mukesh is second with approximately 21 per match, and Akash averages just about 17 per match. All of them average more than left-arm spinner Shahbaz Ahmed (just over 16 per match), who is Bengal’s highest wicket-taker for the season with 30 wickets, and offspinner Arnab Nandi (just over 13 per match) who are the other bowlers who’ve bowled more than 100 overs.”Before the season, we’ve run a lot. In a week there has been four to five sessions of running, and two-three days of strength [training],” Porel said, describing the routine that is helping him stay fast while retaining control, adding that the prospect of missing a gym session has almost become unthinkable, to the point that he was headed for one at the end of day’s play.All three fast bowlers’ fitness levels is the main reason for their consistency. But they do not lack for tactical nous either. Porel and Mukesh had largely attacked the stumps while bowling to Rahul and No. 4 KV Siddharth, who briefly stabilised Karnataka’s innings. After getting through the tough examination, Siddharth was lulled into chasing a drive outside off by Akash in his first over, and edged to slip.At the same time, Mukesh changed ends after a wicketless first spell, to the side from where he would dismiss both Rahul and Pandey with persistent fourth-stump lines. When the left-handed Devdutt Padikkal came in, Porel got him first over of a new spell by creating an angle from over the wicket. And in his next, he created the same angle by going around the wicket to get right-handed Sharath Srinivas to edge to slip. During the end, Akash set K Gowtham up to ramp one to third man.From Porel’s assessment of it, all that was a fairly straightforward day. “When we get the new ball, we go for the kill,” he said about the roles each of them decides to play. “But when it’s not happening, we try to bowl in partnerships so that we do not leak too many runs. So the main criteria is to not give away easy runs and to maintain the pressure and the plans we make during the video sessions.”We were happy to see KL Rahul batting on 23 playing 73 balls [26 off 67], because if you’re not bowling well, KL Rahul would have been on 50. So we’re quite happy.”Not long after those bowling graphics were shown on TV, Porel was having caps and pens thrown at him at the fine leg boundary – for autographs he was more than happy to give. Every time he returned to that corner, he was drawing cheers of the sort only veteran Manoj Tiwary has elicited through the game. He is strongly poised to be the next big bowling name for Bengal; but in the larger scheme, a young pace attack, and an impressive spin-bowling allrounder will excite Bengal even more. Title-winning teams are built with bowling strength, and after quite a while, it seems like Bengal can depend on more than just one name.

It was an emotional night all around for Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw.

Not only did he capture his second World Series title, but his MLB career officially came to an end as he’s set to retire from baseball after the season. What a way to go out.

As the Dodgers were celebrating their World Series title on the field at Rogers Centre, Kershaw’s family ran out to tackle him with hugs. Kershaw’s wife Ellen and their four children all shared hugs with the 37-year-old pitcher, and they celebrated by jumping up and down and clapping for him. The sweet moment is now going viral on social media, understandably.

The celebrations continued for the three-time Cy Young award winner after this moment as he got to lead his team of 18 seasons in their champagne celebration in the locker room.

“It’s an absolute honor to be in this clubhouse with you guys,” Kershaw said. “I love every single one of you. I can’t imagine a better way to go out than to pop bottles with this group of guys. We’re back-to-back champs!”

The entire postseason was emotional for Kershaw. He said goodbye to his Dodger Stadium after Game 5 of the World Series, which the Dodgers lost 6-1. He had a heartwarming moment with his family on the field then, too. It’s clear Kershaw’s family means a lot to him.

Kershaw only pitched in 2.1 innings during the Dodgers’ postseason run this year. He appeared briefly in one inning during the marathon Game 3 of the World Series that went to 18 innings. In his two playoff game appearances, he gave up six hits, four earned runs and two home runs.

Cristiano Ronaldo could play for Portugal beyond the 2026 World Cup, Wes Brown has said in an exclusive interview with GOAL. Ahead of the group stage draw for next summer’s finals, a former Manchester United team-mate of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has explained why he could have more Hollywood storylines and another major tournament left in him.

• Last World Cup but will Ronaldo grace another Euros?

  Ronaldo, at 40 years of age, has conceded that he will be gracing FIFA’s flagship event for a sixth and final time when that competition heads to the United States, Canada and Mexico. He has, however, committed to a contract at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr that will take him through to 2027.

  CR7 has set no definite date for his retirement, which suggests that he may have another deal left in him – potentially in the Middle East or back where it all began at Sporting CP. If he were to prolong his record-shattering career, then it could be that Euro 2028 is reached at international level.

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• Retirement call: Ronaldo not ready to hang up his boots

  Quizzed by GOAL on whether Ronaldo will grace another tournament, ex-United colleague Brown – speaking in association with – said: “If he can bring something to the squad, why not pick him? Does that mean he has to play every game? Look at the last competition, everyone was saying he shouldn’t play but he did ok. He knows the press are going to give him stick anyway as soon as he doesn’t score or give an assist. At the same time, he is still there for his younger team-mates and wants them to do well.

  “In his mind he won’t be finished yet and he can still contribute to the team. I don’t think he will retire from international football until he has retired completely. He’s still got the energy, that same belief, and can still do it. There are not many people that can say that at that level.”

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• GOAT stakes: Ronaldo will be desperate to match Messi

  Ronaldo recently pointed out how he does not need a World Cup win on his CV in order to cement his legacy and end a long-running battle with eternal rival Lionel Messi for GOAT recognition. Brown is, however, convinced that the Portuguese superstar will be desperate to complete his medal collection.

  The ex-England international said when asked how badly CR7 will want a global crown: “He will want to win one! You know that. This is probably his last chance, I would have thought. He has got a really good team. I would like him to win one. If you ask any footballer, as a kid, what the main trophy – I don’t mean just playing for a team – was that you want to win, you would have to go World Cup. That’s the biggest of the biggest, regardless of what anyone tries to tell you. I know it’s not your bread and butter but you want to get to that level where you’re like ‘I’ve won the World Cup’.

  “Believe me Ronaldo doesn’t need to say that, so I get the point, but he really would want to win one. I think a lot of people wish he could win one as well. Is it going to happen? It’s going to be difficult. But that will be on the agenda, definitely.”

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  Final targets: Ronaldo chasing 1,000 goals & more trophies

  Ronaldo is also in the process of chasing down 1,000 career goals. Given how his career has played out to this point, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that he reaches that milestone at the 2026 World Cup – potentially even in the final.

  Asked if that scenario is written in the stars, Brown said: “It probably is! If you had told him that he is up to that number by the time that he is nearly retired, he would probably have said ‘not sure’. You think about how many years that would take, how many goals per season. It would be unbelievable. There is only one guy that can really do that now, and that’s him. Pele claimed it, but these will all be documented. One day you will be able to watch a three-hour film of him just scoring all his goals – because that’s how long it would take!

  “The icing on the cake would be that. It’s going to be hard but they will be one of the favourites. That would be an absolute dream come true, that you have pretty much notched up every single competition that you can imagine when playing at the highest level.”

  The World Cup draw will take place on December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. Ronaldo and Co are set to discover their group stage opponents, with a path that leads to ultimate glory at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, 2026 being mapped out.

“Tour by tour, we will decide who will be joining the teams,” SLC CEO Ashley de Silva said

Madushka Balasuriya30-Oct-2025

Sri Lanka’s next touring assignment is an ODI series in Pakistan in November•AFP via Getty Images

Sri Lanka Cricket has clarified that the appointments of Julian Wood and Rene Ferdinands as national batting and bowling coaches will not impact the continued roles of Thilina Kandamby and Piyal Wijetunge within SLC’s coaching structure, and that each coach will link up with the men’s national side on a “rotational basis”.”All these coaches, they are not being specified to say that they would be working with the national team,” SLC CEO Ashley de Silva said. “They work as the national coaches, but that does not mean they should work [solely] with the [men’s] national team.”Across the board, there are national teams, no? So on a rotational basis, tour by tour, we will decide who will be joining the teams. That’s how the high-performance centre operates now. That does not mean each person would only work with a particular team. Other than the head coach and a few other members, the rest of them would be rotated.”Related

SL appoint Wood and Ferdinands as batting and spin-bowling coaches

This sort of rotational set-up is unusual in world cricket, with the closest equivalent being that of South Africa, who have a batting and bowling lead – Imran Khan and Paul Adams – who occasionally get deployed to national sides across the board, though most of their work is done in the high-performance centre.Wood had been brought on board on a one-year contract following a week-long “power-hitting programme” earlier this year with various national squads. The players – both men and women – are understood to have been impressed with Wood’s input. Ferdinands, a biomechanics expert, also has a hefty pedigree, having previously worked with the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy and as a biomechanics consultant with New Zealand Cricket.Kandamby has been Sri Lanka’s batting coach since December 2023, while Wijetunge has been a fixture at SLC, having been a spin-bowling coach since February 2006. Their roles had come under scrutiny after Sri Lanka’s T20I series defeat to Bangladesh in July, but de Silva was clear in establishing their continued role within the national set-up.”They work in the organisation, [it is] not that their contracts have been terminated,” he said. “It doesn’t matter wherever they have been assigned; they should be prepared to work.””Even they [Wood and Ferdinands] have been designated the same way, so they would be working across the board. Depending on the tours, we, the ExCo [executive committee] will decide who should go on tour.”Sri Lanka’s next touring assignment is an ODI series in Pakistan in November, followed by a T20I tri-series there involving Zimbabwe. According to de Silva, no decision has been taken as yet on which coaching pair will accompany the side on the tour.

Fast bowler desperate for another crack at international cricket after wash-out in Malahide

Matt Roller20-Sep-2025Nobody at Malahide was more disappointed than Sonny Baker when rain ruined the second of England’s three matches in Ireland on Friday. Two-and-a-half weeks on from a chastening ODI debut against South Africa, Baker was in line to win his first T20I cap and was “desperate” for a second crack at international cricket. Instead, he is crossing his fingers for sunshine on Sunday.At 22, Baker has emerged as a serious prospect this year, fast-tracked onto an England development contract after impressing for the Lions in Australia. He starred in the Hundred, with sharp new-ball spells to David Warner and Jonny Bairstow, and was widely considered a potential Ashes bolter had he made a positive first impression in an England shirt.Instead, what should have been the highlight of his young career quickly turned into a day to forget. With just 131 on the board after a dramatic batting collapse – Baker was last man out, bowled first-ball – he was asked to bowl the first over, running up the hill at Headingley. Aiden Markram duly hit three of the first five balls of his England career to the boundary.His second over went no better, with Markram crunching him for six on either side of the ground. Harry Brook kept him on, hoping a wicket would change things, but had to relent after his first four overs cost 56 runs. Baker’s second spell, after an end change, went slightly better, but 0 for 76 in seven overs were still the worst figures for an England ODI debutant.Baker receives his England cap from Jos Buttler•ECB via Getty Images”It was obviously not exactly how I’d planned my debut going,” Baker said on Saturday, with a healthy dose of perspective. “Not all good experiences are enjoyable experiences… At the time, I was thinking, ’15 an over for my first three or four overs is not what I had in mind!’ But in the long run, it’ll be a good thing… The next one will definitely be better than that – or hopefully!”Jof [Jofra Archer] came over from cover to mid-off and was like, ‘How’s your heart rate, bud?’ But from an emotional management point of view, I actually felt okay at the time, all things considered. There was so much going on that I didn’t really have time to register, ‘Oh no, this is really not going how I wanted it to.’ It was like, ‘Well, I’ve just got to get on with it and deal with it.'”Overall, I was obviously a little bit disappointed after the series, because it’s not how you want your first game to go. I had a bit of time to reflect, but bounced back fairly quickly after that because I knew I was obviously in for this [tour].”Baker has quickly developed a reputation as a meticulous note-taker, who takes analysis very seriously and plans for each game in great detail. He was not too disheartened reviewing his debut, recounting one delivery to Markram at 89mph – “a little bit over the top of leg stump” – which disappeared over square leg for six.”Brooky was chatting to me after, and said, ‘What did you write down in your notebook after that game?’ I just said, ‘Shit happens,'” he recounted. “It was not the best I’ve bowled, but there’s days where I’ve bowled a lot worse than that and got four [wickets] for not very many. It’s just one of those games: you can score quickly at that ground.”Related

Brook backs butchered Baker after chastising ODI debut

Abject England still searching for one-day identity

Summer arrives late for Ireland in slender window of opportunity

Dublin downpour leads to Ireland-England washout

His main takeaway was how little room for error there is at international level: “It’s just the execution. I knew what I was trying to bowl [to Markram], just cramping him for room at the top of leg stump. If you miss fractionally short or you miss fractionally full, it’s tough. Basically, your margins are just smaller… Batters are allowed to play good shots.”He hopes to be involved in next month’s white-ball tour to New Zealand and will then head to Australia in some capacity, most likely with the Lions. After only seven first-class appearances – all of them this year, including an unusual debut for the Lions – Baker is still an unknown commodity as a red-ball bowler: “That’s one of the exciting things about being young, isn’t it?”Brendon McCullum singled him out for his “infectious enthusiasm” after the series, and his debut does not appear to have affected him too negatively. He was back bowling for Hampshire on Blast Finals Day last weekend, where his personal highlight was an inswinging yorker to clean up Tom Kohler-Cadmore, and is now hoping to make his T20I debut in front of his parents and his girlfriend in Ireland.Baker was “very nervous” on the morning of his debut at Headingley, but hopes that he will be able to channel his emotions in Malahide – a more low-key setting, even with tickets sold out for Sunday’s match – and prove himself in an England shirt: “I’m desperate to get out there again… Hopefully, [Sunday] will be a good opportunity to get one under my belt.”

Germany survived an unsettling evening in Luxembourg as a Nick Woltemade brace proved decisive in a match that will raise far more questions than it answers for Julian Nagelsmann. A 2-0 win was ultimately enough to keep Germany on track in their qualifying campaign for the FIFA 2026 World Cup, but the performance itself was scattered, lethargic and lacking cohesion.

• Woltemade brilliance bails out lacklustre Germany

  Luxembourg pressed with intent to disrupt Germany’s rhythm, and created the better opportunities during a chaotic first half in which the visitors ran out of ideas in the attacking third. Nagelsmann’s players appeared stunned by Luxembourg’s speed and physicality, particularly in midfield, where the home side flew into challenges and repeatedly halted German build-up with tactical fouls high up the pitch. The first warning arrived after just 20 minutes. Augsburg’s Aiman Dardari drifted inside onto his stronger foot and unleashed a low effort that had Oliver Baumann completely beaten. The ball skidded inches past the far post, much to the relief of the German bench. 

  Germany, by contrast, looked passive and disjointed. Their passing was erratic, and their confidence alarmingly fragile when they had the ball at their feet. Baumann was called upon twice more in quick succession as Luxembourg’s front line surged forward with belief. Nagelsmann’s side, meanwhile, struggled to close down space and seemed half a step behind every loose ball. In fact, they were fortunate not to be trailing at the interval. 

  Yet, Germany drew first blood riding on Woltemade's individual brilliance. Aleksandar Pavlovic spotted space in behind and unleashed a superb pass, which was read early by Leroy Sane. He cushioned the ball with a gorgeous first touch before accelerating beyond his marker. Instead of shooting, he squared unselfishly into the path of Woltemade, who swept home first time from close range. It was a move of ruthless efficiency and a stark contrast to everything that preceded it. 

  Germany’s grip on the game improved only after the hour mark, as Luxembourg’s intensity gradually waned. Still, the contest remained precarious until Woltemade delivered the insurance goal in the 69th minute. The young forward, who scored the decisive goal against Northern Ireland in the previous qualifier, found himself in the right place again and made no mistake to double the lead that settled German nerves. 

  Scorelines are sometimes deceptive, and it was one of those occassions. A 2-0 victory might indicate a comfortable evening for the Germans, but it was hardly so. Luxembourg pushed them to their limits, and until Woltemade's second goal, they were firmly in the contest. However, Nagelsmann couldn't care less as Germany remain on course to seal a direct qualification berth for the 2026 World Cup. They are set to host Slovakia next at home on Monday evening, and a win in that fixture will help them seal the top spot in Group A. However, one must note that they were beaten by Slovakia in Bratislava and if they do not improve, the four-time world champions might have to settle for a playoff spot.

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  The MVP

  It was Woltemade's first brace at international level, and on a night when Germany lacked spark almost everywhere else, his composure stood out. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe will be impressed with his performance. Woltemade will now have his sights firmly set on scoring goals at next summer's tournament. 

• The big loser

  While Woltemade impressed, Florian Wirtz, one of Germany’s biggest stars, endured another difficult evening. The playmaker, who is already under scrutiny at Liverpool after a disappointing start to life in the Premier League, did little to silence his critics. Deployed wide on the left, he often drifted inside in search of space but made little impact. Even with David Raum overlapping regularly to support him in attack, Wirtz appeared out of rhythm. It was a match crying out for control and creativity, but the 22-year-old remained on the periphery. With Liverpool facing Nottingham Forest after the international break, Arne Slot may be forced into tough decisions regarding Wirtz’s role in the starting XI if he doesn't show improvements in the final group game against Slovakia.

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  Match rating (out of five): ⭐⭐⭐

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has dropped a nine-word injury update on a Hoops player with “absolutely everything”, adding to the concerns around Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Rodgers suffers Carter-Vickers blow in Celtic comeback

The Hoops secured an important victory in the Europa League on Thursday evening, winning 2-1 at home to Sturm Graz, bouncing back from last weekend’s 2-0 defeat at Dundee in the Scottish Premiership.

Speaking after the game, Rodgers seemed more positive than he has been for most of this season so far, hailing his Celtic side’s performance at Parkhead.

“I thought we were brilliant in the game. I mentioned beforehand that with pressure you can go two ways. You can either make progress or you can crumble, and the performance of the players showed that they progressed so much tonight. We really dominated a very good team in Sturm Graz. You can see the goals they’ve scored and the physicality they have.

“I’ve said before that there are always games in your season that can be the turning point and I think that tonight is an all-round performance against a good side. Now we have to recover because we have a big game on Sunday and we have to put that same energy and focused mentality in to that game.”

While Thursday’s victory was a welcome shot in the arm for Celtic, they were brought back down to Earth with the news that Carter-Vickers has suffered an achilles problem and could be out for several months.

Rodgers confirmed the blow ahead of the trip to Hearts on Sunday, revealing an exact timeline is not yet certain but “its not great news”, and it might not be the only concern…

Iheanacho injury "looks like a hamstring"

Speaking to the media, Rodgers also provided a worrying nine-word injury update regarding Celtic striker Kelechi Iheanacho: “It doesn’t look great. It looks like a hamstring.”

The Hoops manager added: “We’ll see where it is, but it looks like hamstrings, which isn’t great. I’m not worried about (squad depth). I’m really only worried about how we played tonight, and that’s our focus. We’ll see what it is in the morning, and if they’re not available…we just have to accept it if we have injuries.”

Celtic face a huge Scottish Premiership clash with Hearts on Sunday lunchtime, with the latter topping the table by five points ahead of the reigning champions.

Not having both their starting number nine and top centre-half available for such a key match is a massive blow for the Hoops, with Rodgers lauding the Nigeria star during their time together at Leicester City.

“He’s a nightmare in training to be fair. He’s just a big strong lad who can put himself about, he’s fast, he’s got absolutely everything to be a top striker and he’s showing it now, which is great.”

Celtic star who Lennon dubbed "world-class" was even better than Nygren

This Nakamura-esque Celtic star was even better than Benjamin Nygren against Sturm Graz.

ByDan Emery Oct 24, 2025

With Iheanacho almost certainly out against Hearts, it is up to other Celtic attackers to step up to the plate, with the summer signing already scoring twice in three league starts this season.

Manchester United’s 15th-placed finish in the Premier League was their worst since the division’s formation back in 1992, with Ruben Amorim massively struggling in the role.

The 40-year-old was handed the benefit of the doubt after taking the reins early on in the season following the sacking of Erik ten Hag – with the board backing him in the summer window.

INEOS handed the manager £200m worth of funds to improve his first-team squad, subsequently making additions and reinforcements to his attacking department.

However, to date, the signings have been to no avail, with the Red Devils once again being sat in 15th place after losing three of their first six Premier League outings in 2025/26.

It’s been reported that the hierarchy aren’t currently looking to make a change of manager, but given the dismal form, it would be no surprise to see action being taken in the coming weeks.

Alternative options are already being drawn up by the board to replace Amorim, with numerous managers appearing on their shortlist over the last couple of days.

The latest on United’s hunt for an Amorim replacement

Over the last couple of days, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has emerged as one of United’s primary targets for the managerial role at Old Trafford.

The Spaniard has led the Cherries to new heights, finishing ninth in England’s top-flight last year, but he could be on the move given he has less than a year remaining on his contract.

However, he’s not the only Premier League manager in their sights, with Brighton & Hove Albion boss Fabian Hürzeler another under consideration, according to Football Insider.

They claim that the German is emerging as a top option for INEOS, with the hierarchy impressed by his work at the AMEX after his appointment in the summer of 2024.

The report also states that the 32-year-old could be tempted to jump ship should the Red Devils make a move for his signature, with his English top-flight experience another factor for the board.

Why United’s latest target could be Klopp 2.0

Whilst he’s no longer managing in the Premier League, former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp was a man that brought character to the division – but also endless pain to the United fan base.

The German only suffered five defeats in his 21 outings against the Red Devils, even claiming a historic 7-0 victory at Anfield back in the 2022/23 campaign.

Whilst he may have managed their bitter rivals, there’s no denying the former Reds boss is a serial winner – claiming a Premier League title at Anfield, a feat the Red Devils have failed to do in 12 long years.

The prospect of landing the 58-year-old is an unrealistic one, but they could be about to land their own version of the German with a move for Hurzeler.

The 32-year-old may be relatively inexperienced given his one-year spell in England’s top-flight, but he’s already massively impressed, winning 25 of his 53 outings in charge.

Hurzeler, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by Eddie Howe, has received huge praise from current Seagulls player James Milner, with the experienced man comparing him to former boss Klopp.

Such praise is a huge compliment to the German, subsequently highlighting the quality he possesses as a manager despite his tender age – whilst still having bags of time to improve further in the years ahead.

Fabian Hurzeler – stats at Brighton
Statistics	Tally
Games managed	53
Wins	25
Draws	15
Losses	13
Goals per game	2.02
Goals conceded per game	1.5
Points per game	1.7
Win percentage	47.1%
Stats via Transfermarkt

The underlying numbers further highlight how impressive the young boss has been on the South Coast, undoubtedly being an excellent option to replace Amorim should he be sacked.

His side have averaged over two goals scored per game during his tenure, whilst also conceding just 1.5 goals per game – with the German possessing an exciting brand of attacking football.

They’ve also achieved an average of 1.7 points per game, subsequently helping the Seagulls finish in the top half of England’s top-flight last season – with the Red Devils needing to take a risk in appointing the youngster.

It’s unclear how much it would cost to get him out of his current contract at the AMEX, but United desperately need a young and ambitious manager to inject a needed sense of optimism back into the squad.

If he can reach the levels achieved by Klopp during his own time in England, it would be a magnificent appointment, with the Red Devils needing to make a move quickly to prevent another embarrassing campaign.

Their own Pep: "Incredible" manager favourite to replace Amorim at Man Utd

Manchester United look set to turn to one other manager in their hunt to replace Ruben Amorim.

By
Ethan Lamb

Oct 1, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Nesta sexta-feira (8), a Seleção Brasileira inicia sua trajetória nas Eliminatórias para a Copa do Mundo de 2026. E o adversário será a Bolívia, em Belém (PA), pela primeira rodada da competição Sul-Americana. O Brasil tem se dado bem diante dos bolivianos e sustenta uma longa invencibilidade no confronto. Tanto é que a última derrota foi em 2009, jogando em La Paz-BOL.

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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Assim, são quase 15 anos sem sofrer um revés para o adversário desta sexta (8). Nesse período são seis jogos, cinco vitórias e um empate, além de 21 gols marcados e nenhum sofrido. Ou seja, a Seleção tem “passado o carro” sobre os bolivianos da última década para cá.

Essa derrota aconteceu no dia 11 de outubro de 2009, já na reta final das Eliminatórias para a Copa do Mundo da África do Sul. Jogando na altitude de La Paz, o Brasil viu os donos da casa abrirem 2 a 0 no placar com pouco mais de 30 minutos do primeiro tempo. O segundo gol foi marcado por Marcelo Moreno, que segue sendo destaque da Bolívia e deve estar em campo nesta sexta-feira (8).

+ Confira a programação da Seleção Brasileira durante a Data Fifa

A partida terminou 2 a 1 graças a um gol de honra marcado por Nilmar. Naquele dia, a Seleção treinada por Dunga entrou em campo com: Júlio César; Maicon, Miranda, Luisão e André Santos (Elano); Josué, Ramires, Daniel Alves e Diego Souza (Alex); Nilmar e Adriano (Diego Tardelli).

Depois dessa derrota, o Brasil aplicou cinco goleadas na Bolívia, que somente não foram consecutivas por conta de um empate em 0 a 0, em La Paz, no ano de 2017, nas Eliminatórias para a Copa do Mundo da Rússia.

O último jogo no Brasil entre a Seleção Brasileira e a Bolívia foi em outubro de 2020, com vitória por 5 a 0 dos donos da casa. Marquinhos, Firmino (duas vezes), Coutinho e Carrasco (contra) construíram o placar na Neo Química Arena.

+ Antony é cortado da Seleção Brasileira, e CBF anuncia substituto para os jogos pelas Eliminatórias

Quase três anos depois, os adversários voltam a se encontrar no Brasil, onde a Amarelinha nunca foi derrotada pelos bolivianos. A partida acontece nesta sexta-feira (8), às 21h30, (de Brasília), no Mangueirão.

Watching Marcus Rashford score an emphatic brace for Barcelona in the Champions League would have been a bitter pill to swallow for many Manchester United fans.

On the one hand, the England international is a cherished, homegrown part of the club, still a member of the club, in fact, and only out on loan with La Blaugrana. On the other hand, his permanent departure at the end of the campaign feels rather likely.

The 27-year-old’s relationship with Ruben Amorim quickly disintegrated last season, and then he was shipped out to Premier League rivals Aston Villa for a short-term stint.

Having sold Alejandro Garnacho to Chelsea too, the Red Devils perhaps have something of a shortage of widemen, even having completed impressive summer deals for Prem-proven duo Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

INEOS probably needed to ship out more stragglers than they did this summer, but they were faced with a huge task. And, in fairness, Mbeumo may well have the goalscoring ability to replace Rashford at the Theatre of Dreams.

Why Man United signed Bryan Mbeumo

Arsenal, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur. Just a few clubs who wanted to sign Brentford’s attacking talisman this summer. All failed, with Man United winning the race despite offering nothing on the European front.

One of the greatest clubs in England, if not the, United are still a dormant superpower and such signings are needed to bring them back to the fore.

Both Cunha and Mbeumo have entered the fray at a tumultuous period, but it is their quality which will help United steer through, having both been so potent in the Premier League last season.

Prem 24/25 – Matheus Cunha & Bryan Mbeumo

Stats (* per game)

Cunha

Mbeumo

Matches (starts)

33 (29)

38 (38)

Goals

15

20

Assists

6

7

Shots (on target)*

3.3 (1.3)

2.2 (1.1)

Big chances missed

2

9

Pass completion

79%

74%

Big chances created

13

17

Key passes*

1.8

1.8

Dribbles*

1.8

1.4

Ball recoveries*

3.8

4.1

Tackles + interceptions*

1.7

1.7

Duels won*

5.5

4.7

Data via Sofascore

However, Man United didn’t get it all right during the summer window, and they still need to get rid of several stars who have run past their sell-by dates.

The player of significance here has been at Old Trafford for quite some time, but just as Mbeumo’s £150k-per-week salary reflects the new, streamlined wage structure INEOS are trying to implement, so too does this undeservedly matching pay packet underline the failings of the past decade.

INEOS must sell high-earning Man United flop

One of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s principal priorities upon assuming co-ownership at Manchester United was to rewrite the financial books and stop the rot that had led to incremental losses across an extended period.

The 33-year-old Casemiro, taking home £350k per week, is probably the most obvious member of the first team who needs to move on sooner rather than later, but the man in question here is Luke Shaw, whose £150k-per-week wage sits level with Mbeumo’s.

Had Shaw enjoyed a more fortuitous career on the fitness front, this likely wouldn’t be a conversation. When United signed the left-back from Southampton for £27m in 2014, making him the most expensive teenager of all time, it was widely recognised that the post-Fergie era would still see the development of some of the country’s finest prospects.

But Shaw’s has been a rocky road, and it may well be coming to an end, having been deployed by Amorim as the left prong of a three-part central defence, starting all four of United’s Premier League matches so far.

According to Sofascore, he has only won 44% of his ground duels, which hardly speaks of the defensive security the outfit needs to rise once again.

Moreover, given that Shaw’s incessant fitness issues have permitted more than 20 starting berths in any given top-flight season just twice across the span of his career, it’s hardly surprising that noise of a potential departure to welcome a new, hungry talent on a more affordable wage is rising.

Indeed, reports from the summer suggested that INEOS were open to the stalwart’s departure, with clubs from the Saudi Pro League interested, but nothing came to fruition. Still, it suggests that he could be shipped on for a modest fee next year, especially if he maintains a degree of fitness.

Content creator Dev Bajwa put it in no uncertain terms: “Luke Shaw should not have been playing at this football club for the past two seasons.”

He might be right. Aged 30, the England international has spent the lion’s share of his professional career in Manchester, playing 202 games for the club in total and notably winning silverware such as the Europa League and the League Cup (injuries prevented him from earning a medal when Erik ten Hag’s United won the FA Cup in 2024).

Shaw might have big ambitions, but sadly, he isn’t at the level required for a club who might demand a place challenging for the Premier League title, but presently face a battle to secure a place in any level of European competition next term.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ coverage of the Manchester derby last weekend, pundit Gary Neville conceded that his countryman was “nowhere near it”, and the question now lingers as to whether he is fit for purpose in Amorim’s three-man backline.

Having entered the penultimate year of his deal at the club, it seems unlikely that technical director Jason Wilcox would renew terms for a struggling star who has been around for an age but hardly produces the consistency of performance to warrant a salary in line with a new superstar such as Mbeumo.

Shaw can hold his head high, especially due to all the fitness troubles he has been plagued by, but it’s time for the Three Lions star to move on.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb Sep 18, 2025