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A raft of retirements, and uncertainty over MSL among concerns for SA as their summer winds up abruptly

Firdose Moonda17-Mar-2020GainsA deeper player pool
South Africa’s selectors cast their net as wide as possible and provided opportunities to a wide range of players. By doing that, they’ve found that the resource base is not as rickety as initially thought. In Test cricket, Rassie van der Dussen established himself as a reliable middle-order presence while Anrich Nortje secured a spot as one of the frontline seamers, in ODIs Heinrich Klaasen, Kyle Verreynne and Jon-Jon Smuts showed their potential as candidates for the 2023 World Cup and, in T20Is, Temba Bavuma demonstrated an ability to switch gears. This summer showed that South Africa’s domestic system, however ragged it appears, is still producing players that can make the step-up to the international stage and can be trusted as a feeder system for the national side. Quinton de Kock’s captaincy step-up
Six years ago, when Graeme Smith stood down after leading the Test side for more than a decade, South Africa were unprepared. They rotated through Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers before landing on Faf du Plessis, but seemed equally unready for du Plessis’ departure. In white-ball formats, Quinton de Kock has taken to the treble role of captaining, opening the batting and keeping wicket with relative ease. De Kock’s on-field presence is commanding, with bat in hand or when issuing instructions, and his form as South Africa’s highest Test run-scorer in the season may suggest he is up for the red-ball role as well. The only sticking point is that it may require him to give up the gloves, something de Kock is adamant he does not want to do. A new pace pack
Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander were the last links to South Africa’s previous pack (after Morne Morkel retired in 2018 and the rest went Kolpak) but their injury struggles meant South Africa were at pains to find a new attack. In Nortje and Lungi Ngidi, they have the foundations. Both have recovered from injuries and came through the season with strong results. Nortje was the leading wicket-taker across all formats and particularly impressed with his pace which was often in the higher 140kph range, while Ngidi’s ODI form showed his varied skill set, which includes pace off the ball and the temperament to bowl at the death. Workload management is always an issue with fast bowlers and they will need to be handled carefully in future but, if done well, both could become stalwarts of the new era.Kagiso Rabada wears a pensive look in the outfield•Getty ImagesFormer player involvement
Mark Boucher’s appointment as national coach, along with a support staff including Jacques Kallis and Charl Langeveldtl, was hailed as a victory for the current crop of players because of the extensive experience they bring to the set-up but the South African system as a whole, too, have seen former players return to the fold. Four of the six franchise coaches are former internationals – Ashwell Prince (Cobras), Robin Peterson (Warriors), Imraan Khan (Dolphins) and Allan Donald (to start with the Knights in April) – while Paul Harris, Jacques Rudolph, and Hashim Amla have all been involved in consultancy roles of some description. At a time when South African cricket needs to call on as much expertise as it can, keeping former players close is a priority and, so far, CSA has got it right.Losses Kagiso Rabada’s form
Whether to impetuousness or injury, the leader of South Africa’s attack, Kagiso Rabada, had a disappointing 2019-20 season. He endured his leanest Test season since debuting, with just 21 wickets in six Tests at 32.05, the first time his bowling average has peeped over 30. Besides, he was suspended from the final Test against England after an accumulation of demerit points and ended his season with a groin injury. Is the burden of being the poster boy becoming too much for Rabada or is he simply finding other interests, like music and the NBA? Either way, he is too good a player for South Africa not to pay attention to and they need to work with him to get him back to his best. Calling it a dayHashim Amla and JP Duminy called time on their careers before this season while Steyn stepped away from Tests and Imran Tahir is now available only for T20 cricket, and South Africa had to deal with more retirements as the season wore on. Vernon Philander played his last Test series against England, leaving South Africa without a bowler with the subtle ability to move the ball off the seam, while several domestic veterans also decided to call it a day. Rory Kleinveldt, Farhaan Behardien and Andrew Birch played their last matches for the Cobras, Titans and Warriors respectively, which may not mean much for international cricket, but strips the domestic circuit of a layer of experience essential for knowledge transfer. While Behardien signed a Kolpak deal, Kleinveldt and Birch could be convinced to become involved with local teams. The transformation fight With a past as polarised as South Africa’s, it is inevitable that there is still much grappling over race issues but matters came to a head during the England series when the country’s only black African Test batsman Bavuma was left out of the New Year’s Test. Bavuma had averaged less than 20 in 2019, so his omission was justified but the message from the team camp which went along the lines of, “We don’t see colour,” was badly received. It didn’t help that the messenger, du Plessis, went through a period of poor form that attracted severe criticism. Bavuma was recalled but the bigger debate, about the slow pace of change, remains. Financial struggles The withdrawal of major sponsor Standard Bank and a second summer of running the Mzansi Super League (MSL) without a broadcast deal has left CSA financially flailing. Corporate backers may be lured back in once the fate of suspended CEO Thabang Moroe is known, but the future of the MSL remains uncertain. At the same time, CSA needs to find a way to fund the six franchises, all of whom are dependent on the mother body, and the 13 provincial unions as well as put money into the women’s game and development cricket.

كشفت تقارير صحفية رد فعل إدارة ليفربول واللاعبين بعد تصريحات محمد صلاح الأخيرة عقب مباراة الريدز أمام ليدز يونايتد ضمن منافسات الدوري الإنجليزي.

وخرج صلاح مساء أمس بعد انتهاء المباراة وتحدث لوسائل الإعلام وفتح النار على الجميع وعلى رأسهم مدربه آرني سلوت، بسبب جلوسه على دكة البدلاء لثلاث مباريات متتالية.

كان ليفربول قد تعادل أمام ليدز يونايتد بثلاثة أهداف لمثلها بعدما كان الريدز متقدمًا بنتيجة 2/0 في المباراة وكل الأمور كانت تسير بشكل إيجابي.

ووفقًا لـ”caughtoffside”، فإن مقابلة صلاح أحدثت صدمة في ليفربول ولزملائه في الفريق، الذين كانوا يعتبرونه قائدًا كبيرًا ولم يصدقوا تصرفاته الأخيرة.

وأشارت إلى أن هذا قد يفسر اختيار آرني سلوت لأندي روبرتسون نائبًا للقائد بدلًا من صلاح لأن روبرتسون، رغم استبعاده من الفريق الأول، التزم الصمت مما زاد من حدة التوتر.

اقرأ أيضًا | حكم مباراة ليفربول وإنتر ميلان في دوري أبطال أوروبا

وذكرت أن فريق انتقالات ليفربول يشعر بالقلق من أن مارك جويهي وأنطوان سيمينيو، اللذين كانا مرشحين للانضمام إلى الريدز في يناير، قد يُؤجلان أو يُغيران رأيهما في الانتقال إلى النادي بسبب الأزمة التي يمر بها.

كما أفادت أن هناك اجتماعًا طارئًا يُعقد حاليًا لمعالجة تداعيات الخلاف بين سلوت وصلاح وهناك غموض حول مستقبل سلوت.

يرغب الجهاز الفني بقيادة الهولندي في استبعاد صلاح من قائمة مباراة إنتر ميلان في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وفي ضوء ذلك، أكدت الصحيفة أن هناك تقارير أفادت بأن مايكل إدواردز وريتشارد هيوز منفتحان على التفاوض بشأن خروج صلاح من الفريق مبكرًا.

واختتمت أن صلاح لا يزال يرى نفسه لاعبًا في ليفربول، حتى مع المدرب الجديد، يبقى أن نرى كيف سيحل ليفربول هذا الوضع خلال الأسابيع القليلة المقبلة، خاصة في ظل معاناته الحالية على أرض الملعب.

It's not a good time to be a Colorado Rockies fan.

The Rockies own MLB's worst record through the first month-plus of the 2025 campaign, and quite frankly, it's not even close. The team has won just six games through its first 37 contests and owns a stunningly bad run differential of -109.

Colorado dropped both games of a doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, capping off a series sweep at Coors Field. They were outscored 21–3 throughout the two games.

Kyle Freeland, who drew the start for the first game and surrendered five runs and 11 hits across just three innings, got emotional when addressing the media after the loss. When asked about what he'd say to fans amid the team's historically woeful start to the season, he issued a heartbroken response.

"Keep believing in us," Freeland said, seemingly fighting back tears, before leaving the podium.

Freeland is one of the longest tenured players on Colorado's roster, currently in his ninth season with the organization. Having been with the Rockies since his MLB debut in 2017, he was present for the team's consecutive postseason appearances in '17 and '18. He has also been present for the following seven seasons of mediocre sub-.500 baseball, and it would appear the losses are taking a toll on him.

For reference, the Rockies' 6–31 record equates to a winning percentage of .162. Only one team in MLB history has had a worse winning percentage through a full season: the 1899 Cleveland Spiders who finished the year 20–134. If Colorado can't turn things around quickly, they could find themselves approaching those historic lows come season's end.

Manchester United have been warned that a stunning return to Old Trafford for Scott McTominay is unlikely to happen. The Scotland international has been starring for Serie A champions Napoli, earning comparisons to Frank Lampard with his goal scoring exploits, but Wes Brown has told GOAL in an exclusive interview why another transfer agreement with the Red Devils is not in the pipeline.

Talisman: Serie A winner McTominay heading to the World Cup

Having parted with academy graduate McTominay in the summer of 2024, when sanctioning a £26 million ($34m) sale, United are being linked with a move to bring a familiar face back into their ranks.

Recruitment whispers have started after seeing the 28-year-old midfielder become a talismanic presence for club and country. He helped Napoli to a title triumph last season, being named MVP in the process, and has just steered Scotland to their first World Cup finals since 1998.

McTominay posted a career-best return of 13 goals in 2024-25, with full potential being unlocked in his game after being freed from the shackles that had been holding him back in Manchester. There is little suggestion that he wants to retrace professional steps, but interest in his services is expected to be stepped up in 2026.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMan Utd return? McTominay deal considered to be unlikely

Quizzed on whether United should be looking into a deal, former Red Devils defender Brown – speaking in association with – told GOAL: “It would be a lot of money for Man United to get him back. I’m so happy that Scott has gone away and done so well – he has done better than so well! He’s been excellent.

“Would it happen? Probably not. The respect from that getting talked about is unbelievable. What an achievement by Scott, for one. Sometimes when you leave really big clubs, it can be difficult to keep a level going – normally it is a dip. But he’s got better and better. He’s a great lad and he’s determined to do the best he can. I can’t see it happening, but I can understand why there are whispers.

“Could he come back? He’s got the legs. He now plays in the right position, which isn’t holding midfielder. I’ve been trying to tell people that many, many times. Because he’s big, everyone thinks he’s a holding midfielder. He’s got the legs, can go up and down, and every fan will tell you that he gets in the right position to score goals.”

Transformation: Holding midfielder to free-scoring one

Brown added on McTominay’s transformation: “He used to do it for United, but not often because he wasn’t told to make them runs and get into positions. If he gets into positions, I’m not going to say he is Frank Lampard yet, but he is up there with making the right runs to get a midfielder into a scoring position. It’s hard to defend that type of player, who understands that role and gets into those areas where he can score – and has the mentality to think he can score.

“Scott is slowly becoming that player, where he knows where to be, the runs to make when defenders are out of position or have got their mind on the striker. It’s a shame he couldn’t have shown that a lot more at United because they weren’t in a good moment, weren’t winning every week and sometimes you can’t express yourself as much. Plus, he was a youth team player. I think it’s hard for them to do it straight away when you have got superstars in the team – you hold back a little bit.

“But Scott is doing his thing now. It will be very interesting. Napoli, after a year or two – even though they all love him – will probably want to sell to get good value for him. You just have to see how it goes.”

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Getty Images SportWhere next? McTominay contract & transfer talk

McTominay is under contract in Naples until the summer of 2028, which is helping to keep his valuation high. Said asking price could rise even further if he catches the eye on a global stage with Scotland in 2026, with La Liga giants Barcelona already among those to have been credited with interest.

Ex-Celtic striker Charlie Mulgrew has told the Hoops exactly what they must offer Jurgen Klopp to become their Brendan Rodgers replacement in what would be a sensational move.

The Bhoys are still looking for their next manager as Martin O’Neill continues to be a success as interim boss. The 73-year-old made it two wins from two on Sunday after defeating Old Firm rivals Rangers 3-1 after extra-time in the Scottish League Cup semi-final.

It was just like old times for O’Neill, who watched on as goals from Callum McGregor and a first goal for Callum Osmand ensured that his side got one over on their biggest rivals once again.

Relieved to earn a place in the final, O’Neill told reporters at full-time: “It was an incredible game. We were terrific and got the goal in front and got one disallowed for offside.

“We were in command, but I was saying to [assistant] Shaun Maloney we needed a goal to kill the game off and six or seven minutes later, Rangers get the penalty. I was 73 on Monday… I’m 94 now!”

Victory against Rangers has done O’Neill’s chances of becoming the next Celtic manager no harm, that’s for sure. Although the Northern Irishman was quick to admit that he’s just keeping the seat warm when first arriving, two wins from two has sparked rumours that he could yet get the job until the end of the current campaign.

With Ange Postecoglou taking a break from football and reportedly pulling out of the race and other candidates such as Nicky Hayen still in a job, O’Neill may make perfect sense. He’s more experienced than most, especially at Celtic Park, and he is already turning things around.

But he’s not everyone’s first choice. Instead, Mulgrew has urged Dermot Desmond to “go big” and turn to a Champions League winner in Klopp.

Mulgrew urges Celtic to "go big" and hire Jurgen Klopp

Speaking on the latest edition of The Warm-Up Show, ex-Hoops player Mulgrew urged Celtic to hire Klopp and offer the former Liverpool manager a contract worth as much as £7m-a-year, which works out at £135k-a-week.

There’s no denying that it would be an incredible appointment. Klopp transformed Liverpool, awaking English giants and taking them back to Champions League glory, but it seems unlikely that he would make a return to the dugout for Celtic.

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That said, whilst unlikely, all hope isn’t lost. The Liverpool legend recently admitted on Steven Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO podcast that a return to management is still possible – saying: “I’m 58, that means I could make the decision in a few years, I don’t know. Do I have to make the decision today?

“Then I will not coach again. But thank God, I don’t have to do that. I can just see what the future brings.”

Celtic submit offer for Mark van Bommel

Northern Superchargers 96 for 2 (Sutherland 30*, Davidson-Richards 30) beat Manchester Originals 94 (Monaghan 26, Sutherland 3-15) by eight wicketsIn the battle to reach The Hundred Eliminator this Saturday – with Southern Brave having already secured their spot in The Hundred Final – it was the Northern Superchargers who came out on top at Headingley as Manchester Originals, targeting the huge score that would have significantly bumped up their run rate, ended up being bowled out for just 94, a score that the Superchargers knocked off with ease to win by eight wickets and ensure second place.With the runners-up in the table going through to the final in the event of an Eliminator wash-out, the Superchargers will be pleased with their afternoon’s work, their win guaranteeing them that second spot and ensuring London Spirit would join them in the Eliminator.Electing to field first, Hollie Armitage’s side saw Beth Mooney get off to a flyer but once she had gone for 20 off 13, the rest of the innings was something of a procession.Kate Cross put the disappointment of her non-selection for England’s World Cup squad behind her, showcasing the enduring qualities of line and length in conceding just six runs from her 15 deliveries.Annabel Sutherland also starred with 3 for 15, while Nicola Carey took 2 for 13, both off their full allocation. Only Alice Monaghan sparkled, her 26 in 17 balls containing the innings’ only two sixes.Faced with the nigh-on impossible task of restricting the Superchargers to 38 in order to finish in third place or 35 to claim second, the Originals tried hard but the task was simply too great.Those two targets came and went as Alice Davidson-Richards went on the charge, hitting 30 off 18 with six boundaries, before she hit the competition’s quickest bowler Lauren Filer to Deandra Dottin on the edge.Sutherland (30* off 17) carried on attacking, hitting Dottin down the ground exquisitely for four then six, Phoebe Litchfield (26* off 20) at the other end working the gaps and unfurling the occasional well-timed sweep and pull shot.The result was beyond doubt well before the end as the Australian pair eased to victory by eight wickets with 35 balls to spare.The Meerkat Match Hero Annabel Sutherland said: “It feels great. Hopefully we can carry that momentum into the next two games. We love it at Headingley and I guess it shows in the results we’ve got here.”Everyone’s really keen for Saturday, and hopefully we will put our best foot forward. We honestly just have a blast out there. We really enjoy each other’s company. It’s a great tournament, lots of fun.”

There’s no doubt that Manchester United’s dismal displays on the pitch over the last couple of seasons have fallen way below the expectations placed on the side by the supporters.

The Red Devils faithful have been treated to constant success, as seen by their tally of 13 Premier League titles – all of which came under Sir Alex Ferguson’s guidance.

Ruben Amorim is the latest manager to try and add himself to the list of managers to achieve such a feat, with the club now going 12 years without an English top-division title.

However, the club’s 15th-placed finish in 2024/25 highlights the work he and the first-team squad have to do before being able to achieve such a feat in the near future.

Whilst the prospect of battling for a title this campaign remains extremely slim, the 40-year-old will have certainly seen improvements in numerous players within his ranks.

Man Utd’s star performers in 2025/26 to date

In an attempt to get back to their former glory, United forked out a fee in the region of £71m for the signature of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford during the recent summer transfer window.

Given the nature of the fee, the supporters have no doubt had big expectations of the forward to thrive, but he’s already shown glimpses that he’s able to live up to the hype.

The 26-year-old has netted two goals and registered an assist in his first eight outings for the club, already cementing himself as one of Amorim’s most important attackers.

He’s not been alone in impressing in such an area, with Amad Diallo also making an impression and picking up where he left off from the closing stages of last campaign.

The Ivorian has failed to register a single goal or assist, but has ranked third in the squad for chances created – subsequently highlighting his ability to cause the opposition endless chaos.

However, despite the performances of the aforementioned duo, one other first team member has managed to impress and managed to turn his career at the club around.

The United star who’s been their Player of the Season so far

Given the lowly league finish last time around, it’s a surprise to no one that many United players struggled to make the desired impact at Old Trafford.

Numerous players were moved on during the summer transfer window, as Amorim looked to complete an overhaul of his first-team squad to help suit his 3-4-2-1 system.

Part of the reason behind the departures was to make room for the £200m spending spree, which allowed the likes of Mbeumo to complete their own moves to the North West.

However, some of the below-par performers did stay put at the Theatre of Dreams, with Matthijs de Ligt just one talent who the manager decided to keep hold of ahead of 2025/26.

The Dutch international was often dug out for his lack of impact last season, with former Red Devils fan favourite Paul Scholes also voicing his disappointment with the defender.

Speaking on The Overlap last season, the 50-year-old described his lack of form as a “big concern” amid his move to Manchester – but us safe to say the former Bayern Munich star has started to prove his doubters wrong.

De Ligt has started all seven of the club’s 2025/26 league games to date, featuring for every minute and helping Amorim’s men keep a clean sheet in the recent win against Sunderland.

Games played

7

Minutes played

630

Pass accuracy

88%

Duels won

6.2

Aerials won

3.6

Interceptions made

1.2

Dribble success

50%

Tackles won

2.2

His underlying stats are just as impressive, subsequently winning 6.2 duels per 90 – a tally that ranks him within the top 16% of all players in the Premier League.

He’s also won 3.6 aerial battles and made 1.2 interceptions per 90, with such numbers undoubtedly handing the side the defensive presence they lacked last season.

In possession, the 26-year-old has been just as impressive, completing 88% of the passes he’s attempted – arguably being the perfect all-round defender for the Red Devils.

Given his lack of form last campaign, and prior to joining United, it truly is a credit to the player for his remarkable turnaround, with De Ligt arguably one of the first names on the teamsheet at present.

His performances have certainly made him the club’s Player of the Season to date, with real hope that he can maintain such levels for the remainder of 2025/26.

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Newcastle United are in a six-club battle to sign an “exceptional” Champions League-winning player, sending scouts to watch him in action.

Newcastle handed Livramento injury concern in Arsenal heartbreak

The Magpies lost 2-1 at home to Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, as their disappointing start to the season continues.

The nature of the defeat was bad enough, with the Gunners winning it in the dying seconds, but a serious-looking injury to Tino Livramento compounded Newcastle’s misery, with Eddie Howe clearly concerned about it after the game.

“He’s such a big player for us in so many different ways – his versatility, his attitude, his quality. If we’re going to miss that for any length of time, it is going to be a huge blow.”

Losing Livramento for a lengthy period of time would be a massive blow for Newcastle, considering what a key man he has become at both right and left-back, and it could even affect his chances of representing England at the 2026 World Cup.

Away from the injury news, it looks as though the Magpies are still trying to show ambition in the transfer market, with a Champions League winner mentioned as an option for them in 2026.

Newcastle send scouts to watch "exceptional" star

According to a new report from Caught Offside, Newcastle United are “closely monitoring” Real Madrid forward Arda Guler, sending scouts to watch him in La Liga action.

The Magpies are far from alone in expressing an interest in the Turk, however, with Arsenal, Tottenham, AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig making it a six-club tussle for his signature. The Gunners have been the most strongly linked, pursuing the Turkey prodigy – who was also wanted by Barcelona before he chose Madrid – since earlier this summer.

Guler is arguably one of the most gifted and exciting young attacking players in Europe, so Newcastle supporters should love the idea of him moving to St James’ Park.

The 20-year-old has tasted Champions League glory with Madrid, impressing with his left-footed guile as a squad player, with Spain coach Luis de la Fuente a big admirer of him.

“Arda Guler is an exceptional player. We’re watching him here in La Liga with Real Madrid. His position has changed, he’s shown that he’s very versatile. He can play in deeper positions, close to the box, and also on the wing. He’s a great player.”

Guler isn’t always a key starter for Madrid, given the world-class attacking depth at their disposal, but he already has three goals and assists apiece in the league this season, suggesting that he is an important player for Xabi Alonso.

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2

By
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Sep 29, 2025

If he decides that he needs a new challenge, though, wanting to be the star man at a club, Newcastle should be at the front of the queue for his signature.

Manchester United supporters are clinging on to all and any green shoots of recovery right now.

On Saturday, Rúben Amorim’s team claimed a much-needed victory going into the international break, beating Sunderland 2-0 at Old Trafford, thanks to goals from Mason Mount and then Benjamin Šeško.

​Next up, the Red Devils take on champions and fierce rivals Liverpool at Anfield, before tough-looking fixtures against Brighton, Nottingham Forest and then Tottenham.

​​​​​Ahead of this challenging period, has Amorim unearthed a deadly attacking duo reminiscent of Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole from Manchester United’s glory days?

In numbers: Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole at Man United

Back in 1998/98, Manchester United famously won the treble, beating Newcastle in the FA Cup Final, pipping Arsenal to the Premier League title by a solitary point on the final day, before that historic comeback against Bayern Munich to snatch the Champions League.

Fair to say, Yorke and Cole were key figures in this success, scoring 29 and 24 goals respectively across all competitions.

As the table below documents, this makes them one of the most dangerous attacking duos in Premier League history.

Selected Premier League duos

Players

Club & year

Goals

Andy Cole &

Dwight Yorke

Manchester United

1998/99

53

Chris Sutton &

Alan Shearer

Blackburn Rovers

1994/95

52

Didier Drogba &

Frank Lampard

Chelsea

2009/10

63

Thierry Henry &

Robert Pirès

Arsenal

2003/04

58

Harry Kane &

Son Heung-min

Tottenham Hotspur

2017/18

59

Wayne Rooney &

Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United

2007/08

60

Julián Álvarez &

Erling Håland

Manchester City

2022/23

69

Sadio Mané &

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

2018/19

53

Stats via the Premier League

Yorke, who is currently the manager of Trinidad and Tobago, bet you didn’t know that, arrived at Old Trafford from Aston Villa, later representing Blackburn, Birmingham and Sunderland.

Cole meantime, was poached from Newcastle, where he’d been a massive star, turning out for 12 English clubs in total.

Now, does the current iteration of Manchester United have a duo who could replicate the famous Yorke and Cole duo?

Manchester United's modern-day Yorke and Cole

As Amorim searches for a winning formula, while they may not be a traditional strike partnership, Amad Diallo alongside Bryan Mbeumo could be the pair of attackers to fire Manchester United up the table.

Amad was arguably the Red Devils’ most dangerous attacker last season, registering 11 goals and ten assists, most memorably scoring a stoppage-time winner in the Manchester derby at the Etihad.

After arriving as a teenager from Atalanta for up to £37m, the Ivorian endured an underwhelming loan spell at Rangers, before showcasing his talents at Sunderland, scoring 14 goals for the Black Cats, firing them into the EFL Championship play-offs.

Now, Amad is earning plaudits for his performances back at Man United, with Darren Bent, speaking on talkSPORT, labelled him a “wonderkid”, adding that he is the club’s “best [player] by some distance” after he scored a hat-trick against Southampton in January.

Mbeumo, meanwhile, joined for a reported fee of £71m this summer, having scored 20 Premier League goals for Brentford last season.

The Cameroonian international opened his Man United league account against Burnley in August, while he has had more shots (17) of any player at the club so far this season.

An electric winger, Carl Anka of the Athletic has asserted that he is certainly ‘one of the better forwards in the Premier League’.

So now, how does Amorim get both into the same starting lineup?

Well, Man United signed an entirely new front three in the summer, with Matheus Cunha yet to get off the mark, but Šeško has scored against both Brentford and Sunderland, thereby opening his account for the club.

In a solution to get them all in, Amad was deployed at wing-back for Sunderland’s visit, a decision that proved successful.

At the weekend, as outlined by Adam Bate of Sky Sports, Amad and Mbeumo as a duo were very ‘impressive’, with the Ivorian attempting six dribbles, his highest figure in any home league game under Amorim, with the manager himself stating that “he can help Bryan to play more inside and worry more with the runs behind the defenders”.

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Well, Black Cats boss Régis Le Bris certainly agreed, noting afterwards that Man United “are really strong on the side”, adding that this forced him into making a lesser-spotted tactical substitution in the first half.

Meantime, journalist Muhammad Butt labelled them a “superb double-act”, praising their “wonderful chemistry and creativity”, with Carl Anka of the Athletic concluding that this match was 2the best pair have played with each other” to date.

Thus, Amad’s form both last season and at the weekend necessitates getting him into the side somehow.

For tougher fixtures, he should potentially be used at Cunha’s expense in attack, while in games where the onus is on Manchester United to create and break down the opposition, he has to be chosen over Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui at right-wing-back, given that they offer so little going forward.

In summary, it is still early days, but this duo could be Man United’s best partnership since the glory days of the late-90s.

Related Their own Yamal: Man Utd teen is "one of the world's most exciting talents"

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Posts ByMatt Dawson Oct 7, 2025

Liverpool striker Alexander Isak has admitted he hasn't spoken to former boss Eddie Howe following his Newcastle exit. Isak left the Magpies for the Premier League champions as a long-running summer saga drew to a close on deadline day. The Swede, though, doesn't want to dwell on the past as he looks to move on from the controversy surrounding his big money move to Anfield.

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  Isak has struggled in opening weeks at Liverpool

  Isak went on strike as he sought to secure a summer switch to Liverpool, claiming that promises had been broken by former side Newcastle. The Swede was instrumental for the Magpies last season, scoring 23 league goals as Eddie Howe's side earned a Champions League finish.

  However, a lack of pre-season means that Isak has struggled in the opening weeks of his Liverpool career. Indeed, the 26-year-old has scored just one goal – an easy finish in a 2-1 EFL Cup win over Championship side Southampton – and hasn't lasted the full 90 in all four Liverpool starts.

  Even so, Isak was called up to the Sweden squad for the October international break, starting their must-win game against Switzerland on Friday night. The Blue and Yellow have failed to win their opening two World Cup qualifying matches, but the striker is hoping to gain a head of steam ahead of the return to domestic duties next week.

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• 'It doesn't benefit anyone'

  And speaking ahead of Sweden's World Cup qualifier against Switzerland, Isak believes it is best for all parties to put the saga behind them. "It's nothing I want to dwell on now. It doesn't benefit anyone, neither me nor Newcastle so let it be," Isak is quoted by ESPN.

  Isak was also asked whether he had spoken to former boss Howe at all following his Newcastle exit, to which he simply replied: "No." The Magpies ultimately signed Nick Woltemade and Yoana Wissa from VfB Stuttgart and Brentford, respectively, to ease the frontman's departure for Liverpool.

  Newcastle have been struggling in the final third in the wake of Isak's exit having scored just six league goals in the opening seven games of the season. Woltemade has made a fine start to life at St. James' Park having scored three times, but Wissa is yet to feature for his new side due to injury.

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  'I'm working hard to push myself'

  Isak meanwhile has insisted he is working hard to build up his fitness following his Liverpool switch. The former Borussia Dortmund hitman is essentially playing catch up having missed the entirety of pre-season as he looked secure his move to the Reds.

  "I'm working hard to push myself and play my game," Isak added. "Things have been a bit tougher for us. I believe that as the team improves and things start to flow better, it will also go better for me.

  "I've been really happy so far. A city where the team has a very good relationship with the fans which is important. It's been nice so far."

  And ahead of the game against Switzerland, Isak stated: "I'm ready for 90 minutes if needed. It's been a month now. I've had a lot more playing time and things have calmed down. I feel in a much better position now than last time."

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• Liverpool seeking a return to winning ways

  Liverpool are hoping to get their season back on track when Premier League football resumes next weekend. The Reds lost three consecutive matches for the first time since 2023 prior to the international break as the defending champions fell to Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and Chelsea, albeit by a single goal in each game.

  Even so, Liverpool's loss at Chelsea combined with Arsenal's 2-0 win over West Ham last weekend means the Reds currently sit second in the Premier League table. Many now have the Gunners down as title favourites as the north London side look to finally mount a successful title push.

  Arne Slot's side get their Premier League defence back underway against fierce rivals Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday, 19th October. Liverpool have failed to win their last two home league meetings with United since thrashing the Manchester giants 7-0 in 2023 having been held to respective 0-0 and 2-2 draws in front of their own fans.