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West Bromwich Albion are now pushing hard to sign a defender, who recently won his side’s Fans’ Player of the Year award, according to a report.

West Brom's manager pursuit rumbles on

West Brom are still searching for a permanent replacement for Tony Mowbray, who was dismissed from his post back in April, and a number of different managers have been linked with the vacant job.

Minnesota United boss Eric Ramsay and Stockport County’s Dave Challinor are among the potential options, alongside Tottenham Hotspur coach Ryan Mason, who was identified as the top target in the wake of Mowbray’s sacking.

Tottenham’s involvement in the Europa League meant the Baggies have been forced to wait before making an approach for Mason, but with the north Londoners ending their 17-year trophy drought against Manchester United on Wednesday night, the 33-year-old could now be available.

Any new manager is likely to have a big say in the recruitment this summer, but West Brom have already started to identify targets in the meantime, with a report from EFL Analysis revealing they are now pushing hard to sign Hearts defender James Penrice.

Director of Sport Ian Pearce is determined to win the race for Penrice, but there is set to be competition for his signature from some of the Baggies’ Championship rivals, which could pose a problem, with Watford and Southampton also keen.

Signing a new left-back is a priority for Albion this summer, with Callum Styles potentially moving back into midfield, despite displaying his versatility by slotting into the defence last season.

3 amazing attackers West Brom could sign to replace Diangana next season

West Bromwich Albion will now be on the hunt for a new attacker to replace Grady Diangana.

ByKelan Sarson May 21, 2025 "Tough as nails" Penrice could be excellent signing

The Scottish defender has never played outside his home country, but there are signs he could be ready to take his career to the next level by making the move to a promotion-chasing Championship side, having scooped up the Fans’ Player of the Year award last season.

Throughout the 2024-25 campaign, the 26-year-old remained a vital player for Hearts, making 46 appearances in all competitions, during which time he received plaudits for his no-nonsense nature from Guardian reporter Ewan Murray.

Murray is also correct to point out that the Livingston-born full-back is a threat on the front foot, given that he picked up two goals and seven assists last term, while also ranking in the top 3% for shot-creating actions per 90 over the past year, when compared to other full-backs.

Styles was a key player for the Baggies last season, but with the Hungarian predominantly featuring further forward throughout his career to date, it would make sense to bring in a new left-back, and Penrice could be an excellent signing for West Brom.

Looking to splash the cash once again this summer, Chelsea could reportedly kill two birds with one stone by including one of their young loanees in a swap deal to sign an instant upgrade.

Chelsea take one step into Conference League final

Whilst their Premier League form has sparked plenty of concern in recent months, Chelsea are continuing to thrive in the Europa Conference League in which they are expected to stroll to victory. Putting on another show in their semi-final first leg, Enzo Maresa’s side eased past Swedish outfit Djurgarden 4-1 thanks to goals from Jadon Sancho, Noni Madueke and a brace from Nicolas Jackson.

After watching on as his side took one step into the Europa Conference League final, manager Maresca told reporters: “It was the perfect night, an important semi-final and it is a good result. We need to be focused on the second leg.

“The first 70 minutes was good but then in the last 20 minutes we dropped a little bit, but we cannot drop, we cannot relax, because otherwise, it is complicated. We have done a good job but now we need to finish the job at home.”

Related Chelsea prioritising move for Barcelona star after news of £55m exit clause

The west Londoners are very keen.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini May 1, 2025

It’s in the final on 28 May that the Blues could square off against Real Betis in Poland. The La Liga side also won the first leg of their tie – defeating Fiorentina 2-1 – and will be looking to step into the final before causing a potential upset.

Occasions made for match-winners, those at Stamford Bridge have already reportedly set their sights on a summer swap deal to welcome another player who would be just that.

Chelsea considering Gittens swap deal

According to Christian Falk and Caught Offside, Chelsea are now considering a swap deal to sign Jamie Gittens, which would see Carney Chukwuemeka complete a permanent move to Borussia Dortmund. The 21-year-old has spent the season on loan at the German club and could now reportedly be used in the Blues’ attempt to sign Gittens.

Chelsea are certainly serious about Gittens too, with contact already reportedly made with the talented winger from Cobham as they prepare to make their move for a player valued at a hefty €50m-€60m (£43m-51m). Whether that contact is enough to convince Gittens into a return to England for the first time since leaving Manchester City as an academy graduate remains to be seen, however.

Praised for his “amazing” form by football talent scout Jacek Kulig earlier this season, Gittens has since scored 12 goals and created another five in all competitions in the current campaign.

By contrast, despite being dubbed “talented” by Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl, Chukwuemeka has scored just once in all competitions whilst on loan in Germany.

As IPL 2025 resumes after a break, here are answers to all questions about schedule, player availability and a lot more

Ashish Pant16-May-20254:40

What happened to home advantage in IPL 2025?

What is the situation on the points table?No team is yet to seal a playoffs spot, but a few are almost there, while Chennai Super (CSK), Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are out of the race.Related

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IPL 2025 scenarios: GT and RCB one win away from playoffs, MI in control of their fate

Gujarat Titans (GT) lead the points table with 16 points and are just one win away from cementing a place in the final four. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), second with 16 points as well, are also one win away. Punjab Kings (PBKS) are on 15 points and need two wins out of three. Mumbai Indians (MI) are fourth with 14 points, while Delhi Capitals (DC) are fifth with 13. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are closer to elimination than the playoffs.Here’s everything you need to know about the IPL 2025 playoffs scenarios.Will the abandoned PBKS vs DC fixture be replayed?Yes, the fixture, which was abandoned after just 10.1 overs in Dharamsala on May 8, will be replayed from scratch on May 24. The runs scored and wickets taken will not be added to the players’ records. The venue has been changed to Jaipur, where PBKS will play all their three remaining league games.So what’s the new schedule?IPL 2025 will restart on Saturday, May 17, with RCB taking on KKR in Bengaluru. The 13 league games (including the PBKS vs DC rematch) that remain will be played from May 17 to 27, which includes two double-header days on May 18 and May 25. Qualifier 1 will take place on May 29, the Eliminator on May 30, Qualifier 2 on June 1 and the final on June 3. The venues for the four playoff games have not been announced yet.ESPNcricinfo LtdThe league matches will be played in six venues: Bengaluru, Jaipur, Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The match timings remain unchanged: evening games will begin at 7.30pm IST while the afternoon games will start at 3.30pm IST.There will be no matches in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata or any of PBKS’ home venues. Hyderabad and Kolkata were originally scheduled to host the playoffs.Here is the full list of IPL 2025 fixtures.Did all the players return home during the interruption? What about the overseas players – is everyone coming back?The status of overseas players – available or unavailable – has been rapidly changing ever since the IPL announced it was resuming. While a majority of the players are coming back, some high-profile names, like Mitchell Starc, are not, while some England and South Africa players are available only until the league stage ends due to international commitments. For a detailed list of players available and not, click here.GT: They are likely to have their full set of overseas players available, but Jos Buttler will miss the playoffs should GT make it, and so will Kagiso Rabada. Sherfane Rutherford will be available for the rest of the season despite being named in West Indies’ touring squad to Ireland.RCB: Romario Shepherd, Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Lungi Ngidi, Tim David and Phil Salt have rejoined the RCB squad ahead of the KKR clash. Out of them, Shepherd will be available for the rest of the season, Bethell will be available for only two matches, while Ngidi will be available for the three league games. Josh Hazlewood’s return, however, remains uncertain.6:13

Chopra: RCB were smart in picking players for right slots

PBKS: Xavier Bartlett, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mitchell Owen and Marco Jansen have confirmed their participation, while PBKS are still waiting on Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis and Aaron Hardie’s availability. Jansen is part of South Africa’s WTC final squad and will leave once the league games end.MI: MI will have Trent Boult back along with Will Jacks, Ryan Rickelton, Corbin Bosch, Mitchell Santner, Reece Topley, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Bevon Jacobs. Out of them, Bosch, Rickelton and Jacks will leave once MI are done with their final two league games owing to national commitments, while the rest will be available for the rest of the tournament. It must be noted that MI only play their first game upon resumption on May 21.DC: Australia opener Jake Fraser-McGurk and Mitchell Starc are not returning, while Faf du Plessis’ availability remains unclear. Tristan Stubbs will be back but will leave before the playoffs begin.3:01

Can MI still miss out of the playoffs?

LSG: The overseas LSG players, which include Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, David Miller and Matthew Breetzke, will link up with the squad by May 18. Out of the lot, Markram is the only player who will leave post the league phase in case LSG qualify for the playoffs, while Shamar Joseph is not coming back.KKR: Most of KKR’s overseas players are back in India, barring Moeen Ali and Rovman Powell. “Powell is undergoing a procedure, while Moeen and his family are down with a viral infection,” a KKR statement said.RR: Jofra Archer will miss RR’s last two games because of a thumb injury, while Maheesh Theekshana is also recovering from a niggle. Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kwena Maphaka and Lhuan-dre Pretorius have joined the team.4:43

Moody: SRH were stubborn to change

SRH: Despite already being eliminated, SRH will have the services of Pat Cummins and Travis Head for the remainder of the league. Heinrich Klaasen, Eshan Malinga and Kamindu Mendis will also be back.CSK: Jamie Overton has pulled out of IPL 2025, while it’s unclear if Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway will return. Among those available from their overseas contingent are Afghanistan left-arm wristspinner Noor Ahmad and Sri Lankan quick Matheesha Pathirana.Have there been any tweaks to the rules because of the rearranged season?Yes, the IPL will now allow franchises to sign temporary replacement players for the remainder of the season, but those players will not be eligible for retention ahead of the next auction.DC have brought in fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman in place of Fraser-McGurk using this rule, while Kusal Mendis will come in for Buttler for GT if they make the playoffs. Here are some other replacements for the rest of the season.Meanwhile, Mayank Yadav is out with a fresh back injury.Lastly, what’s the latest with the orange and purple cap lists?Only ten runs separate the top five batters in the race to the orange cap. Suryakumar Yadav leads the run-getters list with 510 runs, but GT openers B Sai Sudharsan (509) and Shubman Gill (508) are hot on his heels. Virat Kohli is marginally behind on 505 runs while Buttler is on 500.On the purple cap list, GT’s Prasidh Krishna and Noor are top of the pile with 20 wickets apiece, while Josh Hazlewood and Trent Boult with 18 each are next in line. Varun Chakravarthy has 17 wickets and is in fifth position.

Both players were carrying injuries that might have ruled them out in normal circumstances

Matt Roller23-Apr-2023Abdul Basith walked to the middle at Bengaluru’s imposing Chinnaswamy Stadium needing to hit 10 runs off his first two balls in IPL cricket to clinch a victory for Rajasthan Royals against Royal Challengers Bangalore.He looked around briefly to scope out his boundary options, then limbered up as Harshal Patel ran in to bowl. He shaped to power him over the leg side, lining up the stands at deep midwicket, but was foxed by Harshal’s slower ball. The ball dribbled away for a single, and the game was RCB’s.Related

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This was a moment that exposed the difference in utility that these two teams had extracted from the Impact Player rule, a rule which has fundamentally altered the nature of selection in T20 cricket. IPL games can – and often do – turn in a single ball; off the penultimate one of the game, RCB’s substitute got the better of Royals’ and clinched the points.Faf du Plessis is having a phenomenal IPL. Nearly halfway through the league stage, he is the Orange Cap holder, has scored five half-centuries in seven innings, and is striking at 165.30. Most top T20 batters are either destructive or dependable; this version of du Plessis falls into a rare category that are both.This stellar run of form has come at 38, an age where most cricketers are long retired and working in coaching or broadcasting. Remarkably, du Plessis has done it despite suffering a grade-one intercostal strain, which would have ruled him out of his team’s last two games in any other franchise league.But the Impact Player rule has enabled him to play despite his injury. Against Punjab Kings on Thursday, he made 84 off 56 as a specialist batter, before he was replaced at the innings break. Back in Bengaluru on Sunday afternoon, he set up a second consecutive win against Royals with 62 off 39 before again being replaced at the interval.Faf du Plessis has been carrying a grade-one intercostal strain•BCCIRCB have twice made late decisions over du Plessis’ participation as a fielder. He may be able to return to his role as captain – and boundary-rider – in their game against Kolkata Knight Riders on Wednesday, but for now he can console himself with the knowledge that he has made major contributions in games he would not otherwise have played.During their win over Kings, du Plessis admitted his inclusion “probably wouldn’t have been possible” but for the Impact rule. “I saw some of the boys were trying to do this new rule now where they bat and they don’t field, so I thought I’d try it out,” he joked to the host broadcaster.The injury has clearly caused him discomfort. Thirteen overs into Sunday’s game, at the second strategic time-out, du Plessis ran straight to the dugout after batting for over an hour in the afternoon sun; two balls later, he was run out, the first time in three IPL seasons he has been dismissed by that method.Harshal, his replacement on Sunday, provided further evidence of RCB maximising the new rule. He suffered an injury while fielding during their victory over Kings; like du Plessis, he might well have missed the game but for the Impact Player rule allowing him to feature in one innings only.He arrived at the Chinnaswamy with the little finger on his left hand heavily strapped, limiting his ability to grip the bat; he later suggested that he hopes it will heal “in a week or two”. As a result, he was used exclusively as a bowler, replacing du Plessis at the innings break and bowling his four overs in the run chase.After a slow start to the IPL, Harshal put in his best performance of the season, taking three vital wickets as Royals fell just short in their run chase: Yashasvi Jaiswal, mistiming a full toss to long-on; Sanju Samson, fencing an effort ball to short third; and R Ashwin, dragging a slower ball to deep midwicket after giving RCB a scare.The injured little finger in Harshal Patel’s left hand would have limited his ability to bat, if he had been required to do so•BCCI”The way we’ve been able to use Faf as a batter and myself as a bowler in this game has been really good for us,” Harshal said. “Both of us are carrying injuries which don’t allow us to execute one of our skills: for him, it’s fielding; for me, it’s batting. The Impact [Player] rule allows us to just go out and take care of our primary skills.”RCB were even able to find another loophole which they happily exploited. When Harshal briefly went off the field at the start of the fourth over, after fielding a ball at deep third, the fact that du Plessis was off the field enabled them to use an overseas player – Finn Allen – as a fielding substitute for two overs, since they otherwise only had three overseas players on the field.But while most teams have used the rule in a similar fashion to one another this season – effectively picking a 12-man team, and replacing a specialist batter with a specialist bowler – Royals have differed, as their captain Samson suggested at the toss. “We’re starting with the same XI [either way],” he said. “We might add, or we might not add.”Royals have generally selected the same balance regardless of whether they have batted or bowled first this year, featuring six batters and five frontline bowlers. They have often delayed a decision on their substitution until midway through the second innings; some calls have worked well – bringing on Adam Zampa at Chepauk, for example – but others have not.Sunday’s game appeared to expose the issues with their method. In limiting themselves to five bowling options, Royals did not have much flexibility with the ball, with no choice but to use Sandeep Sharma at the death despite his off-day. And in the absence of Riyan Parag, who did not travel to Bengaluru, they found themselves bringing in an IPL debutant at No. 8 – leaving Jason Holder unused with the bat for the fourth time in his six appearances this season.Royals’ results this season have been significantly better when batting first (played three, won three) than chasing (playing four, lost three), and perhaps their use of the Impact rule is a reason behind that. As the conclusion to Sunday’s game confirmed, the rule has suited some teams much better than others.

Of his 108 IPL wickets so far, 62 belong to openers and No. 3s. This is his game

Alagappan Muthu03-Nov-20201:41

Agarkar: Sandeep looks innocuous but gets the big wickets

Did you know that Sandeep Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah have virtually the same record in IPL cricket?No seriously. They do.One of them is a simple medium pacer who, it might seem, requires helpful conditions to be at his best. The other is an all-format bowling force. A once in a generation cricketer. And they have the same record.So how come one gets superstar billing and the other – while being a staple of the IPL – is largely looked over.Well the simple reason is Bumrah saves his team when the whole damn game is on the line. He comes on when Andre Russell is starting to get hot. He comes on when AB de Villiers is looking to go 360. He comes on when they go into a Super Over. These are all viciously pressure-riddled scenarios and Bumrah succeeds in them time and time again.That expressionless walk back to the top of his mark. The breath he takes before starting to run in. The awkward action. The awesome pace. The breathtaking clarity of mind. The machine-like execution. It’s like Hollywood built a fast bowler and dropped him in Ahmedabad for India to enjoy.ESPNcricinfoSandeep can’t live up to that billing. For one, he can’t bowl fast. And that limits your options so badly. Bouncers can become hit-me-for-six balls. Batsmen have extra time to move around the crease and mess up your lines and lengths. You’ll have to arm yourself with variations. It’s a of work.Luckily, Sandeep loves that. He slogs through thousands of overs in first-class cricket. Even though no one watches that. It might seem a silly gripe. But wouldn’t you want everyone to know when you do something well? Didn’t you run over to every single one of our family members to show that exam in which you got 100/100? Recognition is important. In a world dominated by social media, it can even be life-changing.Sandeep deserves it simply because he does this one thing as good as anybody else. Even Bumrah.He pwns top-order batsmen in the IPL.Here is a sample of his work. He has dismissed Virat Kohli seven times in 13 matches. He has knocked over Rohit Sharma four times in 14 matches. The latest was the result of a ball that moved in just a smidge and just late enough to mess with the timing of a chip that was meant to carry over mid-off. He has even taken down T20’s greatest batsman four times in 11 innings. Chris Gayle averages an anaemic 10.25 runs against this mean old merchant of the dibblies and dobblies.Through the course of Tuesday’s game – one that the Sunrisers had to win to make the playoffs – Sandeep overtook a World Cup winner in Zaheer Khan to become the most successful bowler in IPL powerplays. Of his 108 wickets in the tournament so far, 62 belong to openers and No. 3s. This is his game. This is his value. This is his genius. Sandeep is the powerplay Bumrah.His round-arm action pushes the ball in the opposite direction to which he wants it to swing it so that the movement is both subtle enough and late enough to beat the middle and take the edge. But he knows if things don’t go for him, he will likely get pasted. Quinton de Kock launched him for four, six and six in the fifth over in Sharjah but the next ball he faced nibbled just far enough away from his reach that he inside-edged it onto his stumps.Sandeep isn’t Hollywood. But he’s still very very good.

شارك محمد صلاح نجم ليفربول الإنجليزي بديلاً خلال اللقاء الذي انتهى شوطه الأول بين الريدز وبرايتون، ضمن منافسات الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وكان آرني سلوت قد بدأ بالنجم المصري محمد صلاح على دكة البدلاء، قبل أن يشارك بديلاً لجو جوميز الذي تعرض للإصابة وغادر الملعب في الدقيقة 26.

وذكرت “بي بي سي” البريطانية أن محمد صلاح تلقى هتافات مدوية من جماهير ليفربول مع دخول النجم المصري، بينما انتقل دومينيك سوبوسلاي لمركز الظهير الأيمن.

اقرأ أيضاً.. فيديو | محمد صلاح يشارك بديلاً أمام برايتون عقب إصابة لاعب ليفربول.. هكذا استقبلته الجماهير

وعلق ستيفان وارنوك نجم ليفربول وأستون فيلا السابق على مشاركة صلاح: “على صلاح استعادة ثقته بنفسه ومستواه المعهود، حيث يرى مشجعو ليفربول من هذا الموقف أن المدرب وصلاح توصلا لحل خلافاتهما وأن الوقت قد حان للمضي قدماً”.

وذكر صحفي “بي بي سي” آدم باتل حول لقطة دخول صلاح: “حظى بتصفيق حار وتقدير كبير من جميع أنحاء أنفيلد، وبعد أقل من أسبوع على تصريحاته المثيرة للجدل، عاد للعب مع ليفربول”.

Tottenham have expressed a real interest in signing one star from Barcelona ahead of 2026, according to a new report.

Spurs shortlist attacking targets with big-names on the radar

Spurs are preparing significant investment in attackers for January and beyond, with media sources indicating a new forward or two will definitely arrive at the club next year.

Indeed, Thomas Frank’s side have identified multiple targets as they attempt to revive their campaign.

Tottenham have significant funds available for the right acquisition, with the club willing to test the waters for elite talent. The recruitment team, led by co-sporting directors Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange, are expected to prioritise signing a wide forward rather than a central striker, though no final decision has been confirmed as they approach the January window.

Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo remains the primary target, with the Lilywhites now intensifying their interest ahead of January.

The Ghana international has seriously impressed this season with his blistering pace and proficiency, which will definitely appeal to Frank as he seeks to add more creative spark.

Semenyo’s new deal also includes a tempting £65 million release clause which will be active early next month, but this has piqued rumoured interest from the likes of Liverpool and Man City as well.

Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye has emerged as another concrete target, viewed alongside Semenyo as possessing the energy and attacking versatility suited to elevating Tottenham’s forward line.

However, sources indicate Ndiaye is considered more likely as a summer acquisition rather than a January signing.

More ambitious names include Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and FC Porto’s Samu Aghehowa.

Tottenham tipped to strike Grealish-like deal for player who'd 'jump' at chance to join

Spurs could get him on loan in January.

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 5, 2025

Tottenham are believed to be exploring a potential January deal for Rodrygo, who himself would consider a move to north London as he instructs his representatives to find him a new club.

Aghehowa, who’s been in monstrous form since joining Porto from Atlético Madrid in 2024, also has huge admirers at Spurs, amid reports that they’re also prepared to make a winter move for the Spaniard.

Paratici and Lange appear to be drawing up a shortlist of credible attacking targets as the Lewis family look to kickstart a new era post-Daniel Levy, with Barcelona’s Marcus Rashford now also on their radar.

Tottenham 'determined' to sign Barcelona star Marcus Rashford

Rashford finds himself at a career crossroads following his impressive revival at the Camp Nou, with Tottenham now emerging as serious contenders to lure the forward back to the Premier League.

Despite his outstanding form in Spain, Barcelona remain indecisive about the £30 million purchase option in his loan deal from Man United, creating uncertainty that several English clubs are eager to exploit.

His Barça renaissance has persuaded the Calatans’ hierarchy to at least contemplate activating the permanent deal clause, but their precarious financial situation complicates matters.

While the £30 million fee appears affordable on paper, Rashford’s long-term future hangs in the balance, and Spurs could offer him a route to London.

That is according to Spanish media sources, who report that Tottenham have identified Rashford as the ‘ideal’ profile to rejuvenate their attack.

Spanish newspaper AS, as referenced, claim that Spurs are ‘determined’ to sign the 27-year-old and ready to offer him an ‘immediate leading role’ in the team — though any transfer would have to wait until the summer considering he’s still on loan in La Liga.

Rashford’s wages, reported to be around £325,000-per-week, present a pretty major roadblock for Frank’s side, but his proven Premier League experience and versatility would undoubtedly improve the team.

The United academy graduate, during spells of superstardom at Old Trafford, earmarked himself as an England regular before falling out of favour and impressing on loan at Aston Villa last season.

It’s been a turbulent 12 years or so in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era at Manchester United, a period dominated by talk of ‘projects’, ‘philosophies’ and ‘transitions’.

In truth, the Red Devils have tried it all, from hiring and firing managers at will, to changing directors and CEOs, to even shaking things up at ownership level.

The result? A worst-ever Premier League finish last season, with things again hanging in the balance this time around.

So many problems, so many people to blame, although one consistent theme remains the inability to acquire a truly consistent, world-class figure to lead the line.

Not since Robin van Persie’s breathtaking debut season in 2012/13 has any United player reached 20 Premier League goals in a season, with the club veering from short-term, Edinson Cavani-shaped fixes, to long-term, expensive gambles like Rasmus Hojlund.

Season

Player

Goals

2024/25

Bruno Fernandes & Amad

8

2023/24

Bruno Fernandes & Rasmus Hojlund

10

2022/23

Marcus Rashford

17

2021/22

Cristiano Ronaldo

18

2020/21

Bruno Fernandes

18

2019/20

Marcus Rashford & Anthony Martial

17

2018/19

Paul Pogba

13

2017/18

Romelu Lukaku

16

2016/17

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

17

2015/16

Anthony Martial

11

2014/15

Wayne Rooney

12

2013/14

Wayne Rooney

17

2012/13

Robin van Persie

26

Ruben Amorim and INEOS are crying out for that next Van Persie, or Ruud van Nistelrooy or even Dimitar Berbatov to deliver the goods, with this season again another tale of frustration.

Every Premier League Golden Boot winner at Man Utd

As already stated, it was that man Van Persie – following his controversial switch from Arsenal – who last truly hit the ground running among United centre-forwards, scoring 26 league goals to fire Ferguson to his 13th and final title, while claiming the Premier League Golden Boot as a result.

The Dutchman had also received the honour the year prior during his last campaign at the Emirates, taking the award from the 2010/11 recipients of hero turned nemesis, Carlos Tevez of Manchester City and that man Berbatov.

A maverick talent in every sense, that campaign was the balletic Bulgarian at his very best in a United shirt, scoring 20 times as United romped to the title, memorably scoring that hat-trick to sink Liverpool at Old Trafford.

Far removed from the high-press, relentless talents of the likes of Tevez before him, Berbatov was all silk and intelligence, making up for his lack of pace and power by playing the game at his own speed.

While never truly prolific, the one-time Tottenham Hotspur man remains one of just five players to have won the Golden Boot while playing for United, with that list unsurprisingly completed by Van Nistelrooy (2002/03), Cristiano Ronaldo (2007/08) and Dwight Yorke (1998/99).

Whether anyone will reach such heights again at the Theatre of Dreams remains to be seen, and while patience continues with regard to Benjamin Sesko, time is swiftly running out for Joshua Zirkzee.

Why Man Utd’s new Berbatov is on borrowed time

To defend the modern or current crop, Fergie’s great sides all had a string of forwards who could carry the burden.

For every Yorke, there was an Andy Cole. For every Van Nistelrooy, a Louis Saha. Or for every Van Persie, a great like Wayne Rooney.

That depth, that competition, is no longer there, a fact perhaps best highlighted by the lack of action afforded to Zirkzee of late, with the Dutchman merely a bystander to proceedings this season.

With Sesko the leading number nine, Amorim has also deployed Matheus Cunha through the middle for trips to Anfield and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, thus reducing Zirkzee’s hopes of featuring even further.

While the 24-year-old doesn’t appear to have been too wounded by such a status – having creditably been seen celebrating with his teammates in recent weeks – the writing does appear to be on the wall with regard to his United career.

As journalist Samuel Luckhurst put it, he was “reduced to a fleeting waterboy” against Spurs.

Once hailed as “the modern-day Berbatov” by Billy Meredith, such is his fleet of foot and deft touch, such traits have also been his undoing, with his self-proclaimed ‘nine and a half’ role seeing him become unsuited to Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.

At a time when the Portuguese coach is looking for his next Viktor Gyokeres, a powerful, pacy forward to run the channels – alla Sesko – the former Bologna man is anything but, instead better served linking play and dropping deep to kickstart attacks.

In a different side and in a different era, Zirkzee may well have thrived as a complementary talent to Rooney, Tevez and co, although in the age of one man up top, he does appear to be the face that doesn’t fit.

Indeed, it isn’t as if the Netherlands international has really made his presence felt when he has featured, scoring just seven times in 54 games for the club, only three of which have come in the Premier League.

Yet to score in 2025/26, albeit while totalling just 90 minutes, the £105k-per-week marksman appears destined to depart in 2026, be it in January or next summer.

From fighting his way back after being jeered off against Newcastle United in December, Zirkzee does appear to be up for the challenge, although such are the demands that Amorim places on his strikers, this might not be one he can win.

Unless something drastic does occur, INEOS’ £36m man will sadly be the latest victim of the post-Ferguson striking curse. Where will that next Golden Boot winner come from?

Forget Sesko: Man Utd's "terrible" dud is now becoming INEOS' worst signing

Manchester United made a huge mistake in spending big money on one first-team member.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 13, 2025

After Shohei Ohtani suffered a torn labrum in his left shoulder while sliding on a stolen base attempt in the World Series, both he and the Los Angeles Dodgers weren't taking any chances. All winter and in the spring, Ohtani worked on a new slide technique, in which he keeps his left arm and hand off the dirt in an effort to avoid injury.

And, unsurprisingly, Ohtani has at times struggled to adapt to the new technique, which goes against years of his baseball instinct. On a couple of his first slides in the 2025 regular season, Ohtani, likely as a force of habit, dropped his left hand in the dirt while sliding.

But during Monday's 6-1 win over the Atlanta Braves, Ohtani, for the first time this season, used his new slide technique while swiping his second stolen base of the year in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Here's the new slide.

For comparison, here are his first 25 stolen bases of the '24 season.

In a freak injury, Ohtani suffered a partial dislocation and torn labrum in his left shoulder after his left arm awkwardly trailed in the dirt on a stolen base attempt in Game 2 of the World Series back in October. In theory, this new technique limits the likelihood of such an injury, however unlikely, from happening.

That's not the only way the Dodgers plan to ensure their $700 million superstar stays healthy. As Ohtani continues to inch his way towards a return to the mound, Los Angeles will urge him to be more selective with his stolen base attempts this year, as manager Dave Roberts told this spring.

"I don’t think he’s going to get the same number of at-bats, plate appearances, given that he’s going to be pitching," Roberts said. "I don’t think he’s going to steal as many bases, just appreciating the fact that he does need to pitch and save his legs. But as far as the kind of performance per plate appearance, I still think he can be just as productive. And I’m sure Shohei is expecting the same thing."

So, the new slide and slightly dialed-back approach on the basepaths are likely here to stay in '25. But don't expect Ohtani to play any less harder. The three-time MVP already boasts two home runs, a pair of stolen bases and a .333 batting average in 23 plate appearances this season.

New York Yankees great Paul O'Neill was in the Bronx on Tuesday night to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 4 of the World Series.

With former Yankees pitcher A.J. Burnett serving as his catcher, O'Neill tried to make sure he didn't short hop the pitch from the mound. It seems he put a little too much muscle on his throw, as it went sailing way over the head of Burnett and into the backstop.

The crowd couldn't mask its surprise over O'Neill's errant throw, and clearly the 61-year-old wasn't pleased with his performance, either.

Before leaving the mound, O'Neill could be seen gesturing to Burnett to throw the ball back to him, and proceeded to throw another ceremonial first pitch. This one had more velocity behind it and a lot less arc, and it bounced just before reaching Burnett's mitt.

While fans won't be forgetting the first pitch that sailed past Burnett, O'Neill wasn't going to let himself go out like that, promptly demanding the do-over in order to provide a better pitch.