Celtic "expected" to sign "direct" star who has now "decided" to join Hoops

With less than 10 days remaining in the summer transfer window, Celtic are now finally “expected” to sign a long-term target following a latest meeting.

Rodgers "very pleased" with Livingston thrashing

After a 0-0 draw against Kairat in midweek to plant doubt in their Champions League qualification, Celtic were back to their clinical best against Livingston. Goals from Benjamin Nygren, who has enjoyed an excellent start to life in Scotland, and Johnny Kenny from the bench were enough to seal a comfortable 3-0 victory for the Bhoys, much to Brendan Rodgers’ delight.

The aim will now be to take that performance into their Champions League play-off tie against Kairat as they look to make up for last week’s frustrating draw at Celtic Park.

New signing Nygren is likely to play a large part in the result on Tuesday, just as he did against Livingston. The talented winger has got off to an electric start in a Celtic shirt, scoring three goals in five games for the Scottish Premiership champions.

His form proves just how well Celtic’s recruitment can go as the transfer window approaches the deadline, and they potentially look to repeat their genius to welcome further reinforcements.

To that end, whilst names such as Jamie Vardy have been mentioned in recent weeks, it looks as though Celtic’s next signing could finally see a long-term target arrive.

Celtic now "expected" to sign Balikwisha

According to Sacha Tavolieri, Celtic are now “expected” to sign Michel-Ange Balikwisha, who has “decided” to join after a last meeting with the talented winger finally resulted in a breakthrough. The 24-year-old has reportedly reached an agreement in principle over personal terms and the deal is now “expected” to be completed in the coming days.

Of course, Celtic fans have been here before with Balikwisha. Just one year ago, he looked destined to arrive in Scotland before the most untimely injury prevented his move from Royal Antwerp.

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With no injuries recorded this time around, however, it seems as though they’re finally set to get their man. Given the praise of U23 scout Antonio Mango, who described the winger as “direct” and “intelligent”, it’s clear that Balikwisha will at least prove to be worth the wait for Celtic.

Barcelona, you've been warned! Newcastle are 'really tough to beat at St James' Park' as club legend predicts Spanish giants to drop points in Champions League opener

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has delivered a fiery warning to Barcelona ahead of their Champions League opener, insisting the Spanish heavyweights won’t find life easy at St James’ Park. The Magpies icon, speaking ahead of Thursday night’s clash, believes his old club are more than capable of denting Barca’s campaign and snatching vital points on home soil.

St James' Park ready to erupt

The Magpies return to Europe’s top table after finishing fifth in last season’s Premier League, their qualification only confirmed in a nail-biting finale. Despite a final-day defeat to Everton, Aston Villa’s loss at Manchester United saved Newcastle’s European dream. Now, the black-and-white faithful are preparing to unleash a thunderous atmosphere as last season’s La Liga winners roll into Tyneside.

AdvertisementAFPBarca arrive as favourites – but are not untouchable

Hansi Flick’s men are among the bookies’ frontrunners to lift the trophy after storming La Liga last season and reaching the Champions League semi-finals. Yet Shearer believes reputation counts for little under the lights at St James’ Park.

"It's a tough one to predict. I guess Barcelona, because of their history and everything else, may be slight favourites but it'll be a really interesting and tough game," he told "It's a tough one to predict but I think Newcastle, at home, will make it as tough as possible, and I think they'll get something out of the game. I think it may be a draw."

New format could boost Newcastle's chances

Shearer believes the revamped Champions League format could play straight into Newcastle’s hands. The group stage has been scrapped, replaced with a league system that rewards consistency and resilience.

"This new format will suit Newcastle better because they'll be really tough to beat at St James' Park," he opined. "I think I'm like the vast majority in that the format worked last season. It was much better, more exciting and there was more to play for. If I'm right in saying, 11 points was enough to get in the top 24 so I'd be hopeful that Newcastle could do that. I guess getting 12 would most-likely guarantee you getting through but 11 gives you a good chance."

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Getty Images SportEurope braced for a black-and-white shock?

Barcelona are arriving as favourites, but as Shearer notes, they face an almighty task to kick off their European campaign. With Lamine Yamal out injured, their task is that much harder.

New Solomon: 49ers lining up last-gasp Leeds move for £10m "maverick"

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke will be hoping for more additions to the playing squad before the end of the summer transfer window next week.

Lukas Nmecha, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Noah Okafor have been added to the group to bolster his options in the final third, but the former Norwich City manager wants more.

Earlier this month, the boss said: “There is no doubt we need reinforcements, especially in the offence. Dominic can’t be the only step. We are on a good path, prepared for the first games and I hope when the transfer window is over we have a squad who is capable of fighting because we have one clear target – to stay in this league.”

It is hard to blame Farke for having that stance when you consider that the West Yorkshire outfit have only scored two goals in their first three competitive games: a penalty and a Jayden Bogle goal against Championship side Sheffield Wednesday.

Another winger, on top of the signing of Okafor from AC Milan, is on the agenda and it will be interesting to see who they go for before next Monday’s deadline.

One player who has been linked with a move to Elland Road before the end of the window is Tottenham Hotspur forward Manor Solomon, who spent last season on loan in West Yorkshire.

Manor Solomon's impact at Leeds last season

The 26-year-old attacker spent the season on loan to help the Whites win the Championship and earn promotion back to the Premier League at the second time of asking.

Wilfried Gnonto and Dan James were already in the building as wide options for Farke to call upon on the left and the right flanks, but he was able to break into the team and establish himself as a key player for the German boss.

Solomon went on to start 30 of his 39 appearances in the Championship, per Sofascore, on the club’s way to hitting a staggering 100 points in the second tier last term.

xG

8.14

Top 8%

Goals

10

Top 6%

Shots on target

25

Top 12%

xA

10.30

Top 1%

Chances created

67

Top 5%

Assists

12

Top 3%

As you can see in the table above, the Israel international made a huge impact in the final third in those 39 appearances, scoring or creating 22 goals in 30 starts.

These statistics show that he performed consistently in front of goal to win vital points for the Whites with goals and assists that changed and won games in the Championship.

Leeds United'sManorSolomoncelebrates scoring their first goal

Whilst the club may yet look to bring him back before the deadline, the Whites are reportedly looking at another player who could be the new Solomon at Elland Road.

Leeds eyeing move for Nottingham Forest winger

Former Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers chief scout Mick Brown has revealed that the 49ers are eyeing a last-gasp move for Nottingham Forest forward Jota Silva.

Speaking to Football Insider, Brown said: “I hear Leeds are interested in signing Jota Silva. They need new wingers, and he is one of the names on their list of targets.

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“When he’s been involved for Forest, he looks busy and bright, always looking to make things happen and not afraid to get on the ball. He likes to get at people and he’s capable of producing in the final third as well.

“He’s a bit of a maverick, and those types of players are always welcome at Leeds. Forest have signed a number of wide players, and spent a significant amount of money on him, so I hear he is questioning where he fits in.”

Nottingham Forest's Jota Silva celebrates with Chris Wood.

It was reported by O’Jogo earlier this summer that Sporting were hoping to land him for a fee of around £10m including add-ons, and it remains to be seen if Leeds are prepared to pay that kind of money for his services.

Why Leeds should sign Jota Silva

Leeds should swoop to sign Jota Silva from the Tricky Trees because he could be a more affordable option on the flank, given that Solomon reportedly has a price tag of £20m over his head.

The Whites save £10m and land their next Solomon by signing the Portuguese star, as another winger who has become surplus to requirements at a Premier League side, just as was the case with the Israel international last summer.

Jota Silva only started five of his 31 appearances in the Premier League for Forest last season, per Sofascore, but showed glimpses of the kind of quality that he has the potential to provide on a regular basis at that level.

The 26-year-old ace scored three goals and created eight ‘big chances’ for his teammates in 891 minutes of action, which shows that he was an effective contributor in the final third despite limited minutes on the pitch.

Jota Silva’s form for Vitoria in Portugal in the 2023/24 campaign, before his move to England, shows that he can deliver consistent quality on the flank when starting regularly.

Appearances

33

xG

7.99

Goals

11

Big chances created

8

Key passes per game

1.0

Assists

5

Dribbles completed per game

1.3

As you can see in the table above, the Portugal international caught the eye with 19 goals and ‘big chances’ created in the top division in his country.

These statistics show that he can be an efficient finisher who also looks to create chances for his teammates on a regular basis at the top level, when playing week-in-week-out, which is why he could be an exciting signing for Leeds.

The versatile forward, who can play on the right or the left as a winger, could be the new Solomon at Elland Road by arriving from a Premier League team to light up the flanks in West Yorkshire with his quality in the final third.

Given the difference in price between the two players, Jota Silva may even be a better option than signing Solomon permanently because he has shown that he can deliver in the English top-flight as recently as last season.

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Lamine Yamal will be 'motivated even more' after Ballon d'Or upset as Barcelona president reacts to 'incredible' Kopa Trophy success and Aitana Bonmati's third straight win

Lamine Yamal may have fallen short in the Ballon d’Or race against Ousmane Dembele, but Barcelona president Joan Laporta insists the setback will only fuel his hunger to claim the award in future. The teenager made history with back-to-back Kopa Trophies, while Aitana Bonmati continued her dominance by lifting a third consecutive Women’s Ballon d’Or.

Barcelona shine on awards night despite Yamal’s Ballon d’Or setback

The Blaugrana's influence was once again felt on football’s biggest individual stage. While Dembele claimed the men’s Ballon d’Or, 18-year-old Yamal finished runner-up after already securing his second Kopa Trophy. Barca Femini midfielder Bonmati made history as just the third player to win the Golden Ball – alongside Lionel Messi and Michel Platini.

AdvertisementAFPLaporta praises Yamal and Bonmati’s dominance

Speaking after the ceremony, Laporta hailed the club’s success and expressed pride in Yamal’s historic achievement.

“Nobody has two Kopa awards, I’m sure Lamine will now fight for the Ballon d’Or," he said. "There were a lot of nerves, because in the theatre there were a few people shouting ‘Ousmane, Ousmane’ and a few of us from Barca were shouting ‘Lamine, Lamine’. I’m sure this will motivate Lamine even more.”

The Barca president was equally glowing in his praise for Bonmati, who marked another milestone in her career.

"I'm very happy for Aitana, when she comes on stage she gives an acknowledgment that moves you. I'm delighted with Aitana, she gave an exceptional speech, she touched on everything, family, club, equality, we know that these are reasons that motivate Aitana to continue improving."

Why this matters for Barcelona’s present and future

For Laporta, the night was not just about trophies but also a reminder of the club’s resilience. He took the opportunity to thank supporters, pointing out their role in Barca’s resurgence.

“I tell the fans to keep believing in Barca. Their patience with some things is admirable, and they never give up. We owe them everything," he concluded.

Yamal’s Ballon d’Or runner-up finish, combined with Raphinha’s fifth and Pedri’s 11th place, reinforced the impression that Barcelona are nurturing a new generation capable of dominating the world stage.

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AFPWhat comes next for Barca and Yamal

Currently sidelined through injury, Yamal will be watching from the stands as Barcelona look to build on their 3-0 victory over Getafe. Flick’s side face Real Oviedo in midweek before taking on Real Sociedad at the weekend, with a Champions League showdown against PSG looming large.

NZ trio of Gaze, Jensen, James ruled out of Sri Lanka T20Is

Wicketkeeper-batter Polly Inglis, left-arm seamer Bree Illing and allrounder Flora Devonshire are the replacements

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Mar-2025Injuries have ruled out wicketkeeper-batter Isabella Gaze (hip flexor), seamer Hayley Jensen (hip flexor), and batter Bella James (quadricep) from New Zealand’s three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. Wicketkeeper-batter Polly Inglis, left-arm seamer Bree Illing and allrounder Flora Devonshire have replaced them.Inglis and Illing made their international debuts during last week’s ODI series while Devonshire is uncapped. Inglis took five catches in three games and scored 34 not out and 9 not out the two times she got a chance to bat. Illing took four wickets across three games, twice dismissing Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu. New Zealand won the series 2-0 after the first game was washed out.Gaze, who played the ODI series as a specialist batter, sprained her left hip flexor in the field during the third ODI. “Her rehabilitation timelines are being reviewed,” NZC said in a release. Jensen and James – both were ruled before the ODI series – are yet to recover full fitness.Related

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“We’re all feeling for Izzy, Hayley and Bella,” head coach Ben Sawyer said. “It’s disappointing for the team and the players, but I know those three have the determination and resilience to bounce back.”Bree and Polly had a really positive start to their ODI career. They both showed great intent and execution and I’m confident they’re ready to take on this next challenge. Flora’s shown a lot of all-round potential at the domestic level and is another exciting young player that has qualities consistent with what we’re looking for in the White Ferns.”The T20I series starts on March 14 in Christchurch. The second game will be played in Christchurch, on March 16, before the teams travel to Dunedin for the final T20I on March 18.

Rangers could seal bigger coup than Miovski with late move for £10m star

Glasgow Rangers have officially confirmed that centre-forward Hamza Igamane has moved on from Ibrox to complete a permanent transfer to Ligue 1 side Lille.

The Morocco international has left the club after 12 months in Scotland and put pen to paper on a long-term deal in France, days after Russell Martin revealed that the attacker claimed he was too injured to come off the bench against St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership.

Igamane produced some brilliant moments on the pitch in his first, and what turned out to be only, season at Ibrox, as he showcased his ability to be a real difference-maker for the side.

The 22-year-old star ended the season with 12 goals in the Premiership and four goals in the Europa League for the Light Blues, per Sofascore, including a stunning winner against Celtic.

This means that the Gers are going to need to find other sources of goals to replace what he provided at the top end of the pitch, and they appear to have made great progress with that.

Bojan Miovski has officially signed for the Scottish giants on a permanent deal from Girona, and will be hoping to replicate the performances he produced with Aberdeen.

What Bojan Miovski can offer to Rangers

The Macedonia international is a pure goalscorer. Supporters should not expect him to be incredibly physical with defenders or creative for his teammates, although there may be elements of both of those things.

What Rangers fans can expect from Miovski, though, is goals. His record speaks for itself: 32 goals in two seasons in the Premiership with the Dons in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns.

xG

15.60

17.08

xG on target

18.36

17.60

Goals

16

16

Shots on target

36

44

Chances created

27

23

Assists

2

2

As you can see in the table above, the left-footed marksman is an efficient finisher who wants to take shots and hit the target with plenty of efforts on goal.

However, you can also see that Miovski is not particularly creative, with just two assists in each season, which places an emphasis on the creativity mainly coming from the midfield and wide positions.

Therefore, overall, Rangers fans should expect plenty of shots and plenty of goals from the former Aberdeen and Girona man, but they should not expect him to be a complete centre-forward who will provide quality in all phases of play.

That does not mean that he will not be a terrific signing for Martin’s side, though, because goals win games at the end of the day, and Miovski is a player who has the quality to score buckets full of goals.

Whilst the 26-year-old star, who is in the prime of years of his career, appears to be a big coup for the Gers, the club could land an even bigger coup by signing one of their targets from earlier in the window.

Rangers were reportedly in talks with Crystal Palace to sign Jesurun-Rak-Sakyi earlier this summer, but they have not since signed another winger with a similar profile to his.

Transfer Focus

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Oliver Antman, a right-footed right-sided playmaker, came through the door, but Rak-Sakyi is a left-footed right-sided goalscoring threat, which means that there is still space for that kind of player to join the squad.

Now, with a few days left before the end of the summer transfer window, the Scottish giants should push to sign the English star, who was valued at £10m by the Eagles.

Why Rangers should sign Jesurun Rak-Sakyi

The Gers must swoop to sign the Palace youngster before the end of the summer transfer window on Monday because he would be a much-needed alternative to Antman on the right.

The Finland international, who signed from Go Ahead Eagles, has looked a little bit too one-dimensional as a right-footed player on the right wing against low blocks, with zero goals, one completed dribble, and zero ‘big chances’ created in two league games, per Sofascore.

Rak-Sakyi, as a left-footed player, could provide more incision for Rangers in league games when they are tasked with breaking down a low block, which is the majority of them, because he can comfortably drift infield to make things happen centrally or go down the line and test his full-back that way.

That is why a lot of managers tend to lean towards ‘inverted’ wingers, who cut inside onto their favoured foot, because it adds more dynamism and versatility to the way that you can attack.

The left-footed star could be a bigger coup for Rangers than Miovski because of his ability to impact games as both a scorer and a creator of goals, rather than just as a scorer.

Appearances

43

34

Starts

40

22

Goals

15

7

Minutes per goal

233

248

Big chances created

5

3

Key passes per game

1.3

0.9

Assists

8

2

As you can see in the table above, Rak-Sakyi has provided ten assists to go along with 22 goals in his two full senior seasons, starting 62 matches in that time.

These statistics show that he is a young talent who has the potential to deliver goals and assists on a fairly regular basis if given the opportunity to start week-in-week-out in a dominant Rangers team that is looking to win consistently.

This means that the Eagles winger, who was described as “devastating” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, could provide a more varied threat in front of goal than Miovski, scoring when he is not at his best creatively, or creating when he is not at his best as a scorer.

Whereas, if the opposition find a way to prevent Miovski from getting shots away, there is not much else that he offers to the team, unlike Rak-Sakyi.

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At the age of 22, Rak-Sakyi is also four years younger than Miovski and, therefore, has more potential to grow and develop with more experience under his belt, which is yet another reason why he would be a bigger coup than the Macedonia international.

Weakened Australia look for Champions Trophy answers

Four players originally selected are absent meaning there is uncertainty for the ODI World Cup champions as they prepare to head to Pakistan

Andrew McGlashan11-Feb-2025Big Picture: Australia hit by injury, retirement; SL not at the partyAustralia’s four-day victory in Galle gave them an extra 24 hours before flicking into one-day mode as they enter a brief period of preparation for the Champions Trophy 2025. Originally there was just going to be a single ODI in Colombo but a second was squeezed in which will basically be the team’s warm-ups before heading to Pakistan.Injuries to Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh along with the surprise retirement of Marcus Stoinis means there is a bit of a patched-up feel to the Australia squad although a familiar core of the 2023 World Cup-winning team remains with the likes of Travis Head, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell and Adam Zampa around.Related

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Six players have been added to the originally selected group: Jake-Fraser McGurk, Cooper Connolly, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Spencer Johnson and Tanveer Sangha. It is likely they will all get at least one of the two matches in Sri Lanka as some of those who played both Tests are given a short break. Smith appears set to take the captaincy.It appears likely that Head and Matt Short will form the first-choice opening partnership although Fraser-McGurk could make a late entry. He and Short struggled in the home series against Pakistan in November. Another point of interest is whether Alex Carey finds himself a place in the middle order.Sri Lanka missed out on the Champions Trophy due to their poor ODI World Cup so these matches have little immediate context although they can have half an eye on the road to 2027. They have, however, played the most matches in the format since the previous World Cup (21), notching 13 wins in that time including five series victories. Ironically, they are probably as attuned to the one-day format as anyone.Form guideSri Lanka WLLWW
Australia LLWWLAustralia’s depth will be tested due to injury•Associated PressIn the spotlight: Dunith Wellalage and Matt ShortIt was during Australia’s previous visit to Sri Lanka in 2022 that Dunith Wellalage burst onto the international scene with nine wickets in five matches. He only played a bit-part role in the 2023 World Cup but either side of that tournament claimed five-wicket hauls against India in the Asia Cup and last year’s ODI series. He has also shown his prowess with the bat with a top score of 67 not out in a tied match against India. Clearly a key part of Sri Lanka’s future.Matt Short couldn’t quite take his opportunity at the top of the order against Pakistan but the absence of Mitchell Marsh means he’s likely to find a spot in the first choice XI. His 109 off 54 balls for Adelaide Strikers against Brisbane Heat in the BBL was a reminder of what he can bring against the white ball. His offspin is another handy string to his bow and he’s an excellent fielder.Mitchell Starc could be rested for the ODIs•Getty ImagesTeam news: Starc likely to restGiven the odd nature of this series and the short turnaround, it’s tricky to know what each side will do. It was announced on Wednesday that Mitchell Starc had withdrawn from the Champions Trophy and was also unavailable for these two ODIs.Australia squad: Travis Head, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Glenn Maxwell, Cooper Connolly, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, Tanveer SanghaSri Lanka squad: Charith Asalanka, Nishan Madushka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga, Mohamed Shiraz, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dunith WellalagePitch and conditionsThe R Premadasa Stadium has not staged a day ODI since 2014 so statistics are not that relevant although in recent times, matches at the venue have been on the lower-scoring side. The forecast is for warm and sunny days.Stats and trivia Glenn Maxwell needs 50 runs for 4000 in ODIs and Alex Carey needs 22 for 2000
Wanindu Hasaranga needs five wickets for 100 in ODIs
Overall, Sri Lanka have a 35-64 win/loss record against Australia

'I'm not concerned' – Ruben Amorim reacts to sack talk after Man Utd slip to another dismal defeat against Brentford

Ruben Amorim has once again dismissed suggestions that he is facing the sack at Old Trafford after Manchester United fell to yet another defeat in a woeful performance away at Brentford. The Portuguese coach has picked up this season where he left last campaign as the Red Devils continue to look bereft of ideas. With the club still yet to reach ten league wins under Amorim, time is running out.

Feeble United remain unable to string wins together

Not only have United won just nine of Amorim's 33 Premier League games in charge, the Red Devils have yet to win more than one game on the bounce. It has become commonplace in Amorim's tenure to follow up an impressive victory, like last week's against Chelsea, with an equally spectacular defeat, akin to Saturday's 3-1 loss to Brentford. The United fans and board could be forgiven for beginning to feel frustration at their side's inconsistency and may be growing tired of seeing the Portuguese coach's insistence at playing his 3-4-3 system – a formation that has produced little success at Old Trafford.

Brentford raced into an early 2-0 lead, Igor Thiago scoring a brace within the opening 20 minutes, before United attempted to mount a comeback. Amorim will be pleased that Benjamin Sesko, his big summer signing, finally got off the mark after finishing a chaotic move with an emphatic finish from close range. When Bryan Mbeumo was hauled down in the box by Nathan Collins, the Red Devils looked set to tie up the game, but Bruno Fernandes has his effort saved by Caoimhin Kelleher in the Bees goal. Mathias Jensen then scored a third and put the game, and any hope of salvaging a point, beyond the hopes of United and the under-fire Amorim, who remains defiant.

AdvertisementAFPAmorim backs himself to turn United around

Speaking after the game, via the , Amorim said: "I am always comfortable with the job. I am not concerned, it is not my decision. I will do the best I can every minute I am here. I am never concerned about my job, I am not that kind of guy.

"I'm always doing my job. If I win, I'm in a different state of mind. That is normal, but I'm always confident because I know what to do. I've always taken a lot of responsibility on your own shoulders. We can play better and we need to play better. It's like ups and downs. When you win, you feel that everything, the momentum is here. When you lose, you go back to the same place and you fight again for one win that can help you to create the momentum.

"I cannot tell you more than I say every time I lose the game. Sometimes you see one team that performs really well and you see improvements. And then sometimes you have some games that you don't see that improvement. That gives you the confidence to say that Manchester United is going to get back. So it's always the same conversation. It depends on the next game. So let's try to win the next game and to improve certain things."

Disappointment shrouds United

Following another defeat, the United players are also beginning to feel the pressure of their poor performances. New signing Matheus Cunha is yet to find the back of the net in a Manchester United shirt and admitted that the atmosphere in the dressing room is not in a good place. "[The mood] is horrible. Honestly, horrible. I always say the same, we know how important it is to play for a club like this one and we go for every game to win," he said. "For it not to end like that, it is a horrible feeling. Everyone wanted to do more, everyone needs to do more. Of course, we need to go again, that's only the way."

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Getty Images/GOALMore difficulty lies on the horizon at Old Trafford

United’s next challenge comes in the form of Sunderland, who travel to Old Trafford with confidence after their strong start to life back in the Premier League. Amorim goes into the game knowing that anything other than victory could prove catastrophic. The international break follows next week’s fixture and may prove a good opportunity for the United board to consider alternative options for their dugout. Should Amorim remain in charge over the break, he will have to face a trip to Anfield to take on league leaders Liverpool – a fixture United have a poor recent record in.

Newcastle have hit gold on “monster" worth more than Wissa & Woltemade

Newcastle United are now firmly out the other side of a whirlwind summer transfer window.

The main obvious talking point towards the end of the hectic window that clouded over every Toon conversation was Alexander Isak’s future, with the superstar Swede eventually moving on to Premier League rivals Liverpool in a staggering £125m deal on deadline day, after a well-known refusal to line up for the Magpies again.

Eddie Howe’s men thankfully bounced back from this expected departure by adding two new strikers to their camp late on, with the hope that both Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade can immediately hit the ground running, having cost a pretty penny to bring them both in.

What Wissa & Woltemade can offer Newcastle

Replacing a striker of Isak’s unbelievable quality was always going to be a tricky task.

However, Howe and Co. will pray that throwing both Wissa and Woltemade into the mix will make their former star-man’s absence feel less obvious, with Wissa especially well-versed in what it takes to succeed in the demanding Premier League.

Indeed, the 29-year-old – who cost an excessive £55m to bring in – already has 45 Premier League strikes next to his name when lining up for Brentford, with the Congolese attacker no doubt chomping at the bit to score goals by the bucket load at his new employers, after missing Newcastle’s weekend clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers owing to injury.

New £69m recruit Woltemade might well have to lead from the front, therefore, if Wissa is stricken with injury, with more pressure on the former Stuttgart man’s shoulders, arguably, considering he has never stepped foot onto English soil in his career to date.

He certainly knows where the goal is, though, when assessing his red-hot Bundesliga numbers from last season, with 13 strikes coming his way from just 28 starts.

It will just be whether Woltemade can immediately leap into the Premier League in style, with his bumper price tag upping the pressure levels on his shoulders. He has, of course, lessened that strain immediately when heading home a debut effort against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out.

The worry will still be that Howe’s side might well have overpaid for both these attackers in their desperation to fill their Isak-shaped hole, with this consistent first-team star at St James’ Park coming in with a heftier valuation, despite all the fanfare surrounding Newcastle’s two new major purchases.

The "monster" worth more than Wissa & Woltemade

Newcastle have spent big all summer long away from the additions of Wissa and Woltemade, with Anthony Elanga costing an inflated £55m to further bolster the Magpies’ new-look attack.

According to Football Transfers, however, Isak’s fellow compatriot is already worth a slightly lesser £51m, with both Wissa and Woltemade also falling victim to reduced values when using the same site.

Staggeringly, the ex-Bees forward’s value has already dropped all the way down to a meagre £22m when weighed up next to Elanga’s value, with that amount more in line with Newcastle’s original valuation of the 29-year-old, which stood at £30m, before Brentford drove a harder bargain.

Moreover, Newcastle could well have splashed more cash than they needed to with Woltemade as well, with the lethal ex-Stuttgart man worth just £32m, a far cry away from his high £69m valuation.

Amazingly, when judging all these new values, Newcastle fan favourite Joelinton even has a bigger transfer worth next to his name, which is arguably a testament to how vital the Brazilian has been to Howe’s cause over the past few seasons, even when many fresh faces have arrived through the door.

When first joining the Magpies ranks, many might have worried that the former Hoffenheim man was going to be known as an extortionate waste of cash, having struggled to initially settle after a whopping £40m was forked out to win his services.

Now, however, the South American “monster” – as he was once labelled by journalist Liam Kennedy – is a guaranteed starter when fit, with his value not wavering too far away from the millions originally spent on his services back in 2019.

Joelinton’s valuation now comes in at a slightly lesser £35m, which isn’t as dramatic a dip as Wissa and Woltemade have immediately experienced, with the 29-year-old keen to add even more goals and assists to his Toon back catalogue to help Howe and Co. surge up the early Premier League standings.

Games played

224

Goals scored

29

Assists

21

Trophies

1x

Original value

£40m

Value now

£35m

Having missed some games already this season through his own injury difficulties, the St. James’ Park faithful will be keen to see Joelinton back in the starting XI moving forward, knowing his added presence could see Newcastle kick on, as much as both Wissa and Woltemade can also be difference-makers.

Newcastle can get Woltemade hitting Isak levels by unleashing "unsung hero"

Newcastle United take on Wolves at St. James’ Park as they look to get their season up and running.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 13, 2025

Slow-starters MI eye first points as they face KKR at home

While KKR will be bolstered by Narine’s return, MI have a 9-2 record against them at the Wankhede

Vishal Dikshit30-Mar-20251:48

Rapid Fire Review – Serious concerns for Mumbai?

Big picture – MI seek first win on homecomingWhether you are in Mumbai city or the Mumbai Indians (MI) dressing room, it has started getting hot. While the temperatures in Mumbai have hit 35°C, MI must be feeling uneasy about their position on the points table: tenth.MI have traditionally been slow starters in the IPL, having not won their opening game since 2012, and scraping through to the playoffs at the last minute at times, including in 2023. While they could draw confidence from their 2023 campaign – they were without Jasprit Bumrah even then – they have plenty of other kinks to iron out this time as they prepare to face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Monday.In captain Hardik Pandya’s own words, MI’s top order hasn’t come to the party yet, with totals of 155 for 9 and 160 for 6 in two games so far. Against Gujarat Titans (GT) on Saturday, they committed numerous fielding errors and probably made a mistake with their batting order too. As they finally get home after two away games, they have had only one day’s break.Related

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KKR coach bats for home teams getting favourable conditions

In the absence of Bumrah, who would have been primarily their death bowler, MI’s new-ball specialists – Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar – have largely been ineffective, with just one wicket between them in the powerplay. Lack of runs from the senior batters – especially Rohit Sharma – is hurting them too. The sooner MI fix those issues, the better it will be as two of their next three games are again away from home.KKR, meanwhile, don’t have that many issues to worry about. They adjusted very well on the slow track of Guwahati even without Sunil Narine, who was unwell for that game against Rajasthan Royals (RR) but is now 100% fit. Different batters chipped in against RR and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and be it spin department or pace, KKR’s bowling looks a lot more potent and well-rounded than MI’s. They have not even had to bowl Andre Russell yet, who was their joint-second-highest wicket-taker in the victorious campaign last season.Will Mitchell Santner miss out if MI include Reece Topley?•Mumbai IndiansTeam news and likely XIIsMI left out Will Jacks and recent-debutant Vignesh Puthur against GT to bring in Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Hardik. They might bring in the tall left-arm quick Reece Topley for the red-soil surface at home, which aids pace and bounce. Topley’s ability to bowl yorkers will give MI another option in the death overs on a ground with small boundaries. Including him could mean leaving out either Mujeeb or Mitchell Santner.Mumbai Indians (probable): 1 Rohit Sharma, 2 Ryan Rickelton (wk), 3 Tilak Varma, 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Hardik Pandya (capt), 6 Robin Minz, 7 Naman Dhir, 8 Deepak Chahar, 9 Mitchell Santner/Mujeeb Ur Rahman, 10 Trent Boult, 11 S Raju, 12 Reece TopleyNarine will slot right back in for KKR, which means leaving Moeen Ali out despite him bagging 2 for 23 against RR.Kolkata Knight Riders (probable): 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Sunil Narine, 3 Ajinkya Rahane (capt), 4 Angkrish Raghuvanshi, 5 Venkatesh Iyer, 6 Rinku Singh, 7 Andre Russell, 8 Ramandeep Singh, 9 Spencer Johnson, 10 Vaibhav Arora, 11 Varun Chakravarthy, 12 Harshit RanaBig questionShould Hardik bat ahead of Robin Minz? When Hardik returned to action in Ahmedabad, the captain sent the inexperienced Minz above himself when MI needed a stiff 100 off 51 balls on a tricky pitch. Hardik himself may want to shoulder more responsibility going forward to not leave as much work for Minz.In the spotlight – Rohit Sharma and Angkrish RaghuvanshiRohit Sharma bagged a duck against CSK, and lasted just four balls to score 8 against GT when an inducker from Mohammed Siraj castled him. While many batters may not have had an answer to that Siraj delivery, Rohit’s dismissal against CSK – a flick to midwicket – brought back memories of similar dismissals that plagued him in the Tests against New Zealand and Australia, and in the Ranji Trophy before he got back into runs in ODIs. Despite a century against England at home and a 76 in the Champions Trophy final, Rohit looks far from the batter that used to take down bowlers after having his eye in, in the IPL. Now, back to his home ground where he has played for nearly 20 years, MI will bank on Rohit to give them the start they missed in the first two matches.Angkrish Raghuvanshi scored quick runs in the middle order•AFP/Getty ImagesAlso returning home is Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who moved from Delhi to Mumbai at the age of 11. He has, however, played only one game at the senior level at the Wankhede – in last year’s IPL – when he scored 13 off six balls against MI. But he has had two good IPL seasons, and with his tall frame and sound technique, he will hope to get some runs in the city that has adopted him.Pitch and conditionsThis is the first game at the Wankhede this IPL, and the ground is expected to see humidity and a decent sea breeze coming in from Marine Drive. Even though the dew isn’t expected to play a big role, the teams might still play it safe and bowl first. With short boundaries awaiting the crowd that is likely to make the game a sellout, they should be ready for some catching practice.Key stats Boult and Chahar with the new ball against KKR’s top order could make for a delicious contest. Boult has dismissed Ajinkya Rahane three times in six IPL innings (strike rate 97), Narine four times in four T20s (strike rate 135), and Quinton de Kock six times in nine T20s (strike rate 114). Chahar has also removed de Kock four times (strike rate 117.50), Rahane four times in four IPL innings (strike rate 91.30), and Narine twice in four T20s but while leaking at 209.09. The Wankhede is also a home ground for KKR’s new captain Rahane, who averages 40 there in the IPL against MI, with three half-centuries from ten innings. Rahane scored his fastest IPL half-century, off 19 balls, at the Wankhede two years ago when he was with CSK. MI dominate KKR in the head-to-head rivalry at this ground, with a 9-2 record. However, KKR have won five of the last six matches against MI.Venkatesh Iyer’s lowest score against MI is 42. He averages 72.40 against them in six matches, with a century and three half-centuries, while striking at 165.29. Rohit has been dismissed by Narine ten times in all T20s. No bowler has dismissed a batter more times, which is level with Dwayne Bravo getting Kieron Pollard, who are in the KKR and MI dressing rooms, respectively. Suryakumar Yadav is only 20 away from 8000 runs in T20s.Next three fixturesAfter their first home game at Wankhede, Mumbai fly out to Lucknow to play Lucknow Super Giants, then come back to host RCB before going to Delhi to play Delhi Capitals.KKR will return home from the west coast for two home fixtures – against Sunrisers Hyderabad and LSG – before going down south to play CSK.Quotes”There should not be a concern [about the batting]… and it’s [at an] early stage. But at the same point of time, I think batters have to come to the party. And yeah, hopefully they come soon.”
“More than anything, I’m focused on how well our team played in the last game. Mumbai Indians haven’t been performing at that level, which gives us another advantage to put pressure on them.”

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