Jansen was also included in PBKS’ XI, while Vijaykumar Vyshak was picked for his third appearance in the season

ESPNcricinfo staff26-May-20252:16

Moody: PBKS should follow same batting template vs MI

Shreyas Iyer won the toss as Punjab Kings put Mumbai Indians in at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. The winner of this match will be assured of a spot in the top two.PBKS made two changes with Kyle Jamieson, a short-term replacement for Lockie Ferguson, and Vijaykumar Vyshak, who has played just once since featuring in their tournament opener, getting opportunities.As reported by ESPNcricinfo, Yuzvendra Chahal wasn’t considered as he nurses a finger injury. Marco Jansen, meanwhile, has been named in the XII. He was earlier expected to leave prior to this match to prepare for the WTC final against Australia starting June 11 at Lord’s.PBKS lost less than 48 hours ago to Delhi Capitals, where they failed to defend 206 at this very ground. MI come in well rested, having last played and won against DC at home. They made one change with left-arm seamer Ashwani Kumar lined up to come in as an Impact Player, as things stand.”The last seven-eight games have been a must-win for us,” Hardik said. “We’ve needed a lot of results to go our way for us to be in this position [have a shot at the top two]. We were not in this position a week ago, today we are. There’s a lot of excitement.”Meanwhile, Shreyas was clear this wasn’t just another day. “You can’t take it as another day. We have to upgrade the game and mindset and I thrive under pressure.”Punjab Kings bowling first XI: 1 Priyansh Arya, 2 Shreyas Iyer (capt), 3 Josh Inglis (wk), 4 Nehal Wadhera, 5 Shashank Singh, 6 Marcus Stoinis, 7 Harpreet Brar, 8 Marco Jansen, 9 Kyle Jamieson, 10 Arshdeep Singh, 11 Vijaykumar VyshakPBKS Impact Subs: Prabhsimaran Singh, Suryansh Shedge, Musheer Khan, Xavier Bartlett, Praveen DubeyMumbai Indians batting first XI: 1 Rohit Sharma, 2 Ryan Rickelton (wk), 3 Will Jacks, 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Tilak Varma, 6 Hardik Pandya (capt), 7 Naman Dhir, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Deepak Chahar, 10 Jasprit Bumrah, 11 Trent BoultMI Impact subs: Ashwani Kumar, Corbin Bosch, Karn Sharma, Raj Bawa, Satyanarayana Raju

David Beckham has shared images of the heartwarming moment in which his mother met Inter Miami and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi for the first time. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has been in the United States since 2023, with a stunning move being made to South Florida, but he has only just rubbed shoulders with members of Beckham’s immediate family.

American dream: Messi has been in the States since 2023

Messi is in America alongside his wife Antonela and their three sons. They settled quickly in Miami after taking the decision to bid farewell to Europe. Messi enjoyed a record-shattering spell with Barcelona, before then spending two years in France with Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain.

A large Spanish-speaking community in the Sunshine State has made adjustment easier for the Messi clan, with the World Cup winner enjoying freedom in his personal life that was often denied him at Camp Nou and Parc des Princes.

AdvertisementMessi settled in America around friends and family

Manchester United and England legend Beckham helped to make Messi’s switch to the USA possible, as he is a co-owner of Inter Miami. He has also been able to bring in Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul – as Messi finds himself surrounded by close friends.

Alba and Busquets have announced that they will be retiring at the end of the 2025 MLS campaign, with Inter Miami readying themselves for the start of another play-off quest, but the expectation is that Messi will be sticking around.

He has enjoyed mingling with the Beckhams in Florida – including former Spice Girls popstar Victoria – and was among those to attend a lavish 50th birthday celebration for ex-Three Lions captain David.

Messi has now met up with Beckham’s mother, after seeing Sandra attend a Herons training session. The Argentine GOAT was happy to pose for pictures as Becks posted on social media – with everybody full of smiles: “When your Mum meets Leo for the first time.”

How Beckham talked Messi into MLS move

Beckham has previously said of talking Messi into making a move to MLS: “All he was interested in is a place where his family could come enjoy and have a great life. That was really important for Leo. I mean, from day one, from the moment he put his foot down in Miami, it's been a dream, honestly.

To be able to say that we've signed the world's greatest ever player to ever play the game. Everybody's got their opinion on who they think is the best player of all time – whether it be Diego Maradona, Pele, all of these great players.

“But to say that we have in the MLS, in Miami, the greatest player to play the game, it's just like a dream, you know? It's a dream every time that I'm there. If I go for the whole of the summer, which I went for four weeks this summer, I go into training every single day because, personally, I can't believe we've got Leo. Secondly, I just want to watch what he does. And that's a special thing for us.”

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GettyTrophy target: Messi chasing down more silverware

Messi helped Inter Miami to their first piece of major silverware within weeks of his arrival, as the 2023 Leagues Cup crown was captured. In 2024, the Herons savoured Supporters’ Shield glory when posting the highest regular season points tally that MLS has ever seen.

They have graced the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup since then, but have been unable to secure more domestic or continental honours. Collective sights at Chase Stadium are locked on landing the MLS Cup.

Messi will have a leading role to play in that quest, having claimed the Golden Boot for 2025 with a 29-goal haul. He also registered 19 assists, with records continuing to tumble around the South American superstar.

A contract extension has been lined up for the evergreen 38-year-old – which may take him beyond his 40th birthday, as he emulates the achievements of eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo who is still going strong at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. Beckham, who is now a Sir after being knighted in King Charles’ Birthday Honours List, will be helping to thrash out those fresh terms.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians completa 113 anos de história nesta sexta-feira (1º). Símbolos de identificação, as camisas alvinegras orgulham os milhões de fanáticos do Timão espalhados por todo canto do Brasil. Alguns uniformes marcaram época e tornaram-se icônicos no imaginário do torcedor.

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Para relembrar, o Lance! separou cinco modelos que deixaram sua marca na lembrança de milhões de fãs. Confira abaixo:

+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

1. O fim do jejum

O ano de 1977 ficou marcado como o ano do fim do jejum de títulos que durava 23 anos. O Corinthians conquistou o tão almejado título do Campeonato Paulista, no Morumbi, que foi palco da vitória histórica sobre a Ponte Preta.

Apesar da estética semelhante com a de outras camisas, a relação de nostalgia e mística marcou o coração dos corintianos.

+ Confira a versão retrô da camisa do Timão que fez história!

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2. A Democracia Corinthiana

O uniforme da Democracia Corinthiana representou um movimento político e social único no futebol brasileiro. Com suas camisas brancas e a icônica faixa preta diagonal com os dizeres “Democracia” em letras vermelhas, o uniforme simbolizava o engajamento dos jogadores corintianos na luta pela democracia no Brasil durante o regime militar.

Esse uniforme tornou-se um poderoso símbolo de resistência e engajamento político, unindo jogadores, torcedores e o público em geral na busca por um país mais democrático e justo.

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De tão simbólicas, as camisas da Democracia tornaram-se inspiração para a Nike reproduzir nas linhas da atual temporada. O símbolo do movimento está presente logo abaixo da gola, na parte de trás.

+ Compre aqui a sua camisa de 2023 a partir de R$199,00

3. Primeiro título nacional

Uniforme do primeiro título de Campeonato Brasileiro do Corinthians, a identificação desta camisa com o craque Neto é extremamente forte.

Na época, o Timão superou o São Paulo na grande final para garantir a taça da competição nacional.

4. A conquista do mundo em 2000

No embalo do jogo festivo entre lendas de Corinthians e Real Madrid, rivais que definiram a final do Mundial de 2000, vale relembrar a camisa utilizada na primeira conquista do mundo feita pelo Corinthians.

Com uma padronagem diferente da métrica histórica utilizada no Corinthians, o conjunto inovou no design do uniforme.

+ Pode festejar! A camisa do Mundial está disponível na FutFanatics, garanta a sua!

5. O fenômeno

A passagem de Ronaldo Fenômeno pelo Corinthians é lembrada como um dos momentos mais impactantes na história do clube paulista. Com seu faro de gol afiado, Ronaldo apoiou o Corinthians nos títulos da Copa do Brasil e do Campeonato Paulista.

Diante desta contratação relevantíssima da época, o camisa 9, que fez história na Seleção Brasileira, foi a grande figura daquela geração e, portanto, tem uma identificação com o uniforme daquele período.

Tudo sobre

Corinthians

The South Africa captain becomes the club’s pre-draft overseas player

ESPNcricinfo staff27-May-2025Laura Wolvaardt will continue her association with Adelaide Strikers in the WBBL after becoming their pre-draft signing on a two-year deal.In 71 matches for Strikers over five seasons, South Africa captain Wolvaardt has made 1726 runs at 27.83 and a strike-rate of 110.92.Strikers were aiming for a hat-trick of titles last season but struggled with just three wins in 10 matches to finish seventh.”The club has become a second home to me, and I’ve made so many incredible memories here, especially our back-to-back championship wins,” Wolvaardt said. “While last season didn’t go as we hoped, I’m incredibly excited about the future and determined to help bring more success to the Strikers and our amazing fans. I can’t wait to get back to Adelaide with the team.”Strikers head coach Luke Williams said: “Laura is a world-class player and a vital part of the Strikers family, so we are ecstatic to have her sign on for two more years.”Her skill with the bat, combined with her leadership and experience, is invaluable. She has consistently performed under pressure and played a huge role in our previous championship successes. We know she will be a key pillar for us as we build towards a strong WBBL|11 season and beyond.”The overseas draft for the WBBL and BBL will be held on June 19. All clubs can pre-sign one player with Melbourne Renegades now the only club not to have filled that slot for the WBBL.

Given she has been an unused substitute for 12 of England's 13 games in 2025, it wouldn't be a huge shock if Maya Le Tissier didn't feature for the Lionesses during their October international window – and yet, the Manchester United captain has come into camp as one of the most talked about names of the 24 Sarina Wiegman has selected for games against Brazil and Australia. Why? Because the England boss' perspective on the 23-year-old is very different to that of the majority.

That has been evident for a while, but was re-emphasised last week when Wiegman faced the media after naming her first squad since the Lionesses' triumph at the 2025 European Championship in the summer. When quizzed on what position she sees as Le Tissier's best, the Dutchwoman reiterated the stance she has always had: "She plays centre-back every single [club] game and I think she has good performances, but I also think that, for us, her first position still is the right full-back position."

It sparked a frenzy on social media, particularly after the United social media admin, somewhat incredibly, got involved. "Maya Le Tissier has started 104 games for United," a post on the club's official X account read. "103 of them have been at centre-back." Ian Wright, meanwhile, took to Instagram to note that he simply didn't "understand" Wiegman's point of view, calling Le Tissier "the most consistent" English centre-back in the Women's Super League.

It's become a very contentious topic and one even more relevant given the circumstances of the Lionesses' first camp since the Euros.

• Getty Images
  

  Opportunity knocks

  That's because England come into this international break with plenty of questions at centre-back. Leah Williamson, their captain, remains sidelined with an injury she sustained during that title run in Switzerland, with it possible that she misses the Lionesses' November camp as she continues her recovery, too. Combine that with Millie Bright's international retirement, announced last week, and the withdrawal from the squad of Katie Reid, the teenager who had earned a first senior call-up because of how well she's deputised for Williamson in the Arsenal defence, and England are not as blessed as normal with centre-back options this month.

  That's not to say they lack bodies in that department. Esme Morgan has been a popular choice with Wiegman in recent times and it is at centre-back that Jess Carter is best, not in the left-back position she was shoe-horned into during the Euros. Lotte Wubben-Moy is another candidate to start as the right-sided centre-back, alongside Alex Greenwood who has seemingly – and deservedly – nailed down the left-sided role, while Grace Fisk is also in the squad after taking Reid's place this week.

  None, though, are in the form that Le Tissier is in right now.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  Outstanding form

  It's hard to overstate how well Le Tissier is playing for United right now. Into her second season as the Red Devils' captain, the 23-year-old has been solid as a rock through her team's first 12 games of the new campaign, helping them to qualify for the Women's Champions League proper for the first time and enjoy an unbeaten start to the 2025-26 WSL.

  United have kept eight clean sheets in those 12 games, with Le Tissier playing a huge part in that success. No team-mate has made more clearances and only two have made more blocks this term, with her most recent club performance particularly catching the eye. The Red Devils went down to 10 players in the first half, through a controversial red card, but clung onto their clean sheet to win at Atletico Madrid, with Le Tissier coming out on top in all of her duels, blocking three shots and making 10 clearances in a heroic display.

  It's not just about her defending, either. That the United captain is leading the WSL in touches is an indication of how she has developed into a conductor in possession. With the ball at her feet, she has completed more passes than any other player in the division, with an accuracy of 87.8 per cent, leading the league for successful passes between 15 and 30 yards and completing more long passes, of more than 30 yards, than any outfielder.

  Given her age, Le Tissier has got all the qualities to be a top centre-back for club and country for years to come, and with plenty of room to grow.

• Getty Images
  

  Versatility on show

  So, why does Wiegman see Le Tissier as a right-back? Well, the former Brighton starlet did play there during her days with the Seagulls. Having initially broken into the first team in a central role, then-manager Hope Powell brought in New Zealand stalwart Rebekah Stott in the summer transfer window of 2020, moving Le Tissier out onto the right for a new challenge.

  “I told her over the summer she's going to be in that position,” Powell explained at the time. “Her athleticism, her levels of fitness, I think really suit that role. Also, she gives us that extra option as a centre half.”

  Then just 18 years old, the defender took to the new role well, helping Brighton to secure a fantastic sixth-placed finish in the WSL and enjoy a run to the FA Cup semi-finals. Unsurprisingly, she was named the club's Young Player of the Year, an accolade she would collect again 12 months later, just before her departure for Manchester.

  Le Tissier was playing in the England youth teams at this point and, having been a regular centre-back for the Young Lionesses, most notably captaining the Under-17s to the 2019 Euros, the youngster did start to turn out as a right-back a little more in light of the versatility she was showing at club level. It's notable that this was also happening as Wiegman took charge of the senior team, too, meaning that she will have initially seen a lot of footage of Le Tissier excelling as a right-back, for club and country.

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• Getty Images
  

  Lack of depth

  That would have been a welcome sight for Wiegman, too, as the Lionesses team she was taking over didn't have much depth at right-back. Of course, she had Lucy Bronze, the best in the world in that position, but the back-up to her was lacking, so much so that Williamson and Rachel Daly were the options Phil Neville used there, in Bronze's absence, in his final games in charge of England at the start of 2020.

  In the five years since, there haven't been many other candidates to emerge, either. In fact, the only other player to really fit the criteria in that time has been Ella Morris, who was handed a first senior call-up back in May. However, the Tottenham defender suffered a devastating ACL injury during that very camp, meaning Le Tissier remains the only player other than Bronze or Daly to be given a proper run-out in the right-back role for England under Wiegman, barring the odd appearance from the bench there for Niamh Charles or Carter.

يشهد عشّاق كرة اليد العربية مساء اليوم السبت 1-11-2025 مواجهة من العيار الثقيل، حيث يلتقي منتخب مصر لكرة اليد تحت 17 عامًا بنظيره منتخب ألمانيا في نهائي كأس العالم للشباب لكرة اليد، في مباراة تاريخية تُقام على الأراضي المغربية.

ويُعد هذا النهائي تتويجًا لمشوار مميز لمنتخب مصر الذي قدّم أداءً رائعًا منذ انطلاق البطولة، ونجح في تحقيق العلامة الكاملة في دور المجموعات بعد الفوز على منتخبات البرازيل وأمريكا والمغرب، ليعتلي صدارة المجموعة الأولى بجدارة.

وفي الدور نصف النهائي، واصل شباب الفراعنة تألقهم وحققوا فوزًا مهمًا على منتخب إسبانيا بنتيجة 31-28، ليضربوا موعدًا قويًا مع الماكينات الألمانية في المباراة النهائية، التي يسعى فيها الفراعنة الصغار لتحقيق إنجاز جديد للرياضة المصرية والعربية.

طالع أيضًا | القناة الناقلة لمباراة مصر وألمانيا اليوم في نهائي كأس العالم للشباب لكرة اليد موعد مباراة مصر وألمانيا اليوم في نهائي كأس العالم للشباب لكرة اليد

وتنطلق مباراة مصر وألمانيا اليوم السبت في نهائي كأس العالم للشباب لكرة اليد في تمام الساعة 9:15 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، و10:15 مساءً بتوقيت مكة المكرمة.

وتُقام المباراة على صالة قصر الرياضات بمدينة الرباط المغربية، وسط حضور جماهيري متوقع كبير من الجاليات المصرية والعربية في المغرب.

 

ويأمل منتخب مصر في حصد اللقب العالمي للمرة الأولى في تاريخه على مستوى فئة الناشئين تحت 17 عامًا، بعد أن رسّخ حضوره في مختلف البطولات العالمية في السنوات الأخيرة. ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has a point to prove in what is a crucial week for the tactician, amid reports surrounding his future.

Enzo Maresca under some pressure at Chelsea

The Blues’ 3-1 loss to Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday, thanks largely to Trevoh Chalobah’s sending off just after half-time, has put more pressure on Maresca after a winless last few weeks in the top flight.

Chelsea haven’t picked up three points in the league since their 2-0 London derby win over Fulham in late August, with Maresca’s side just edging past Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup and losing convincingly to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Maresca hasn’t been helped by their lack of defensive options, and you can make a serious case that Chelsea really should’ve brought in a star centre-back in the summer as one of their top priorities.

Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill are all injured right now, with Chalobah also suspended for their crucial next league game against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

Chelsea spent £285 million in the summer window, and were the division’s second-biggest spenders behind this weekend’s opponents. However, not a penny of that outlay went on a senior defender, and Maresca will undoubtedly be frustrated by that.

Liverpool

£415,000,000

£187,000,000

£228,000,000

Chelsea

£285,000,000

£288,000,000

-£3,000,000

Arsenal

£255,000,000

£9,000,000

£246,000,000

Newcastle

£250,000,000

£152,000,000

£98,000,000

Man Utd

£216,000,000

£68,000,000

£148,000,000

Nottm Forest

£205,000,000

£107,000,000

£98,000,000

Tottenham

£181,000,000

£36,000,000

£145,000,000

Sunderland

£162,000,000

£44,000,000

£118,000,000

Man City

£152,000,000

£53,000,000

£99,000,000

West Ham

£124,000,000

£55,000,000

£69,000,000

via BBC

Reports suggest that Chelsea are backing Maresca for the time being, and this is echoed by the likes of Fabrizio Romano, who say that the Blues don’t plan to make any immediate changes.

However, while this is their public standing, another reliable journalist, Simon Phillips, has revealed that there is “definite tension” between Maresca and Chelsea’s board — so he is far from bulletproof.

What’s more, it is believed that two big-name Chelsea stars are not fully buying into Maresca’s philosophies.

Cole Palmer and Reece James not fully behind Enzo Maresca at Chelsea

Writing via his Substack, Phillips has named Cole Palmer and Reece James as the players who are not entirely convinced by Maresca, with the former sidelined after Chelsea’s decision to play him through a groin injury.

Phillips adds that sources close to Palmer are annoyed by the circumstances surrounding his groin problem, while the £130,000-per-week star himself is frustrated too, as he wants to be fit and firing in the build up to next year’s World Cup.

While Chelsea aren’t planning on sacking Maresca, Phillips suggests that the tactician could decide to walk of his own accord if things escalate any further, as it’s reported that he’s “not entirely happy” at Cobham about a “number of things”.

That being said, despite “many clubs lining up for him”, Maresca would seriously lose out financially if he did do that, so that scenario remains unlikely for now.

Just a few months ago, Pep Guardiola’s former pupil was celebrating back-to-back trophy wins with their triumphs in the Conference League and Club World Cup. We believe he should be given more time yet to turn things around, and Chelsea are planning to back Maresca with a much-needed centre-back signing in January.

That should go some way to alleviating the relationship between Maresca and Chelsea’s hierarchy, while a good run of games would also do wonders to change the mood.

West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo is faced with key “issues” in the build up to January, which could mean he loses one of his big-name players.

Nuno set for first West Ham home game as manager against Brentford

With the October international break now over, much to the delight of Premier League fans, Nuno is braced for his first home game as West Ham boss.

Nuno will be determined to make a strong impression on the London Stadium crowd and kickstart a positive run of form. However, the occasion is set to be clouded by unrest among some sections of the West Ham fanbase, who have announced a boycott of the match in protest against the club’s ownership.

Supporters’ group Hammers United, who are actively calling for the resignations of David Sullivan and Karren Brady, did send an open letter of backing to Nuno, explaining their stance is not aimed towards the Portuguese or his team.

Adding to West Ham’s challenges is the absence of striker Niclas Füllkrug, who could be sidelined for several weeks with a thigh injury.

Fullkrug’s latest injury adds to his torrid fitness record since joining the East Londoners from Borussia Dortmund in 2024, and this setback means Nuno will be without his first choice striker for the foreseeable future.

This puts additional pressure on the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Crysencio Summerville and Lucas Paqueta as the creators, with Callum Wilson and Callum Marshall now tasked with stepping up to replace the German.

Speaking of Paqueta, while reports suggest that West Ham are not keen on selling the Brazil international in January, Sullivan’s hand could be forced.

West Ham ready to sell Lucas Paqueta for £60 million in January

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, via Hammers News, West Ham face obstacles financially, and if any side were to bid around £60 million for Paqueta, Nuno’s side would green-light his exit mid-season.

The 28-year-old was believed to be close to joining Aston Villa in the summer, but in a show of loyalty, Paqueta kissed the badge after scoring against Nottingham Forest and chose to stick with West Ham after they backed him through his spot-fixing allegations.

The former Lyon star hasn’t been at his consistent best since 2023/2024, partly as a result of that major off-field distraction, but Paqueta will now be itching to prove himself to Nuno as West Ham look to battle away from the drop zone.

However, in the event of an offer too good to refuse, Paqueta’s mid-season exit cannot be ruled out, and any of the funds acquired for his services could be reinvested into signing a new striker.

Of the centre-forwards linked with a move to the London Stadium, Man United’s Josh Zirkzee is believed to be attracting West Ham’s interest ahead of January.

One of the most esteemed academies in world football is Manchester United’s Carrington.

You can go back as far in footballing history as you’d like; United have always produced some top academy graduates.

In recent years, there have been a couple of stars really flying the flag for the Red Devils academy. The main name that springs to mind is Marcus Rashford, who is now plying his trade at Barcelona, where he is flying.

For his boyhood club, the Wythenshawe-born sensation racked up 426 appearances, scoring 138 goals and assisting 79.

Kobbie Mainoo is a more recent example. He was brought through by Erik ten Hag, although the Dutchman was quite ruthless when it came to giving academy stars a chance.

The best academy prospects let go under Ten Hag's management

It is naturally quite hard to break into the first team of a club the size of United. There were a few players, like Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, who Ten Hag gave a platform to. Yet, others didn’t make the cut and were sold by the former United boss, only to thrive at other clubs.

Someone who certainly fits that bill is Alvaro Carreras. The 22-year-old completed a move to Real Madrid this summer after shining at Benfica. He never actually played a first-team game at Old Trafford, with Ten Hag opting against giving him a debut.

He moved to Portugal permanently last summer after a loan spell in 2023/24, before joining Los Blancos in 2025. He’s started every La Liga game under Xabi Alonso, operating at left-back and even as a centre-back.

Anthony Elanga could also come under the same category. Despite thriving under Ralf Rangnick and scoring a huge goal away to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, he only played 26 times under Ten Hag before moving to Nottingham Forest.

This summer, he switched to Newcastle United for a massive £55m fee but is yet to find the net for the Toon.

Both players could quite realistically have made it in a different era. The same could be said of United’s new Paul Scholes. At least that was how he was described at the time.

Ten Hag let go of Man Utd's 'next Scholes'

There is no doubt that, over the years, some of the academy sales made under Ten Hag have been blunders. The decision to move Carreras on, for example, must sting United fans given how well he is doing in Madrid.

When the Red Devils decided not to renew Shola Shoretire’s contract back in 2024, it brought an end to a United career that saw the Newcastle-born midfielder become the youngest player to appear for the club in a European match, aged 17 years and 23 days old.

It’s safe to say that in his younger days, the former United number 47 was incredibly highly rated.

Stephen Rutherford, the director of football at his junior club, said that he “would compare Shola to Paul Scholes,” which is high praise indeed.

Shoretire’s record for United’s academy was impressive. In the Premier League 2, he played 61 times, scoring 29 goals and assisting a further 18 goals. He operated all over the midfield and even out on the wing.

Shoretire record per season in PL2

Season

Games

Goals & assists

2020/21

21

10g & 5a

2021/22

22

7g & 8a

2022/23

9

5g & 1a

2023/24

9

7g & 4a

Stats from Transfermarkt

Unfortunately for Shoretire, he could only rack up five first-team appearances at Old Trafford. A loan spell to Bolton Wanderers saw him get first-team opportunities, but he left Old Trafford upon the expiration of his contract in 2024.

He joined Greek side PAOK on a free transfer, and now plays on loan for PEC Zwolle in the Netherlands. Those Scholes comparison feel like a long time ago now.

Under Ten Hag, the 21-year-old only featured on the bench four times. Despite his excellent form in the academy, the Dutchman never gave Shoretire more of an opportunity to showcase his skills at senior level.

This might always be one that United fans look back on and think, what could have been. Their youngest-ever European player was clearly very talented, and to be compared to Scholes is no mean feat.

Perhaps, if he’d have been given more of a platform by Ten Hag, he could have proven his worth at United.

Related Man Utd have a "£100m + footballer" who's becoming their new McTominay

Man Utd will not want to repeat the mistake they made with McTominay

Posts 2 ByJoe Nuttall Oct 13, 2025

Manchester United have now reportedly received an early response in the battle to sign a Premier League rival for Ruben Amorim in 2026.

Amorim: "It's more excitement than fear" at Man Utd

There’s still plenty of work for Amorim to do at Man United. The Red Devils invested well in the summer, but were brought back down to earth in the opening weeks of the season.

Carabao Cup defeat against Grimsby Town followed by a 3-0 thrashing in the Manchester derby even led to uncomfortable questions about the manager’s future, but he’s claimed that there is an “excitement” within United this season.

Just how long that excitement lasts is the big question. What is clear is that INEOS will back their man away from the pitch. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co. spent around £200m in the summer transfer window and recent reports suggest that more spending is on the way.

The likes of Dusan Vlahovic and Adam Wharton have both been linked with moves to Old Trafford in recent weeks and there’s no doubt that they’d make significant impacts under Amorim.

Vlahovic is far from a bad option, either. The Juventus striker is fighting for his place in Turin and arguably winning what was once a losing battle, scoring four goals in his first five games this season.

Wharton is particularly one to watch, however. The Crystal Palace star is the latest Eagle to rise at Selhurst Park and interest from the very top always seemed inevitable. If United are looking to upgrade on Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte then he is their man alongside another England international.

Man Utd receive early response in race for Anderson

According to The Boot Room’s Graeme Bailey, Nottingham Forest have issued a hands-off warning to Man United about Elliot Anderson. The Midlands club are keen to keep hold of the impressive Englishman, with both Liverpool and the Red Devils plotting 2026 moves to secure his signature.

Bailey told TBR: “Anderson has been top class for Forest, and they are aware of the interest is emerging. But I am told that Forest have no intention of entertaining any interest in him, and with Ange Postecoglou arriving – they want him to be a cornerstone to his team going forward.”

Ahead of Mainoo: Man Utd ace was heir to #18 shirt, then he left for £857k

Man Utd may wish they’d kept hold of this midfield star.

By
Joe Nuttall

Sep 26, 2025

The 22-year-old has been a standout at the City Ground all season and that was no different in midweek when Forest travelled to face Real Betis. Anderson was at the centre of everything positive that Ange Postecoglou’s side did and has done no harm to his hopes of securing a World Cup place next summer in recent weeks.

Dubbed “phenomenal” by England teammate and Chelsea star Reece James in the September international break, Anderson is the type of player that Man United should do everything to sign next summer.