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Manchester United have encountered issue after issue so far this season, with the likes of Jadon Sancho falling out with Erik ten Hag in what is an ongoing saga, whilst the Red Devils continue to struggle on the pitch, suffering a 3-2 loss in their most recent outing against Galatasaray. The club have a number of players out injured, too, and those at Old Trafford will be desperately waiting for the full squad to return.

Any boost is a plus in the current circumstances, and, those in Manchester have finally been handed some good news to cling onto, with one particular player edging closer and closer to a return from an injury suffered in pre-season.

What's the latest Man Utd injury news?

When it comes to injuries, United have suffered the same luck that they've faced when attempting to get results on the pitch this season. At various stages of the campaign, Ten Hag has already been without Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount, Raphael Varane, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Lisandro Martinez, who is set for an extended spell on the sidelines.

The Red Devils have, however, received a recent injury boost, with youngster Kobbie Mainoo back in training, and edging closer to a return to action. And whilst United's next Premier League clash against Brentford could come too early for the youngster, he isn't far off from making a comeback, according to the club's official website.

We've seen in the past just how much of an impact young players can have at Old Trafford, with Marcus Rashford a prime example of that. Now, it could soon be Mainoo's turn to light a spark that has been slowly fading at the theatre of dreams this season. It will be interesting to see if Ten Hag turns to the midfielder, given the current form of his side, and, therefore, the ease with which several names could play themselves into the Dutchman's plans.

Who is Kobbie Mainoo?

Just 18 years of age, Mainoo has the world at his feet at Manchester United, and could soon get his chance to show just how good he is. With Casemiro suspended in the Champions League after his red card against Galatasaray, Mainoo may yet even be handed a chance to stake his claim on the biggest stage to showcase his talents. The pressure would be on, but if he impressed on his chance, then Ten Hag may just have himself another option in the middle of the park.

The teenager has already earned plenty of praise during his time at United, including from club legend Bryan Robson, who told The Telegraph:

"He’s calculated and he’s reading the game, doing things in his own time. He closes down really well, receives the ball and changes the pattern of the game, quickens it up when he wants to and he’s using his football brain. I’m quite impressed with him."

Everything seems to be pointing to the fact that United have a gem on their hands, and who knows, a player who could yet play a surprise part in turning their campaign around after such a disappointing start this season.

Michael Hussey has become so good at stabilising potentially worrying situations that he could get a job straightening the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Brydon Coverdale at the Adelaide Oval29-Nov-2008
He is no cross-bat slogger but at the Adelaide Oval, Michael Hussey slowly started to use the venue’s dimensions for his own purpose© AFP (file photo)
Michael Hussey is probably the world’s most organised cricketer and in an Australia team so unsettled that they haven’t picked the same XI in consecutive Tests for 11 matches, his reliability is invaluable. Hussey has become so good at stabilising potentially worrying situations that he could get a job straightening the Leaning Tower of Pisa.Australia’s circumstances here were far from dire, although when he came to the crease at 2 for 49 on a pitch where scores of 500-plus are commonplace, solidity was required. Ricky Ponting currently features in a television ad where he calls his helmet “the rock of Gibraltar” but in most situations the term would be more appropriate for Hussey. His calmness and dependability allowed Ponting to lead Australia in strengthening their position with a terrifically fluent half-century.When their hundred partnership came up, Hussey’s contribution had been 27. Ponting was drawing applause for his frequent boundaries while Hussey was disciplined but no less important. It is a role that has become Hussey’s niche in the past year. When he burst onto the Test scene with a Bradmanesque first couple of seasons he was coming in after Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer, arguably the most in-form opening pair in the world, and Ponting at the height of his powers.Langer has gone, Hayden is struggling and Ponting is still a menace to opponents but with bigger gaps between peaks. The batting line-up remains relatively strong – 3 for 241 is an excellent position at stumps on day two in Adelaide replying to 270 – but it is less intimidating than it was. As a result, Hussey’s role has been tweaked: he is the No. 4, the anchor and usually the trickiest man to get out. A self-described traditionalist, Hussey is a throwback to Test batsmen of old and he stubbornly protected his wicket on a benign Adelaide surface where the likes of Bradman and Clem Hill played much of their cricket.”It’s still not easy you know,” Hussey said after finishing the day unbeaten on 69 from 178 balls. “Test cricket’s hard. You have to do a lot of hard work to reap the rewards at the end of the day. I think we’ve just got to get back into that mode of being patient, working hard over long periods.”If Australia lose Hayden over the next year an in-form and confident Hussey will become even more important. In Hussey’s short Test career he has constructed more purple patches than Barney the Dinosaur’s tailor, so it’s tempting to view his 2008 average of 46.78 as below par. But that is an unfair assessement and although Hussey felt scratchy earlier this year, he is sure that his best form is not far away.”I felt pretty good in India to be honest,” Hussey said. “But I’ve felt like since being back in Australia I’ve had to work very hard for my runs again. I have been working on a couple of technical things since the start of the season, since we were up in Darwin and I’ve continued to work on those. It feels pretty good.”Hussey has so many plans and set thought processes in his head it’s a wonder it doesn’t explode. He is an obsessive list-maker and is constantly thinking through the way he should construct an innings. When he batted with the brilliant Ponting, he knew his task was simply to turn over the strike and watch the boundaries tick over at the other end. But when Ponting pulled to midwicket, Hussey’s role changed. At the time he had 28 from 105 deliveries; his tally from that moment onwards was 41 from 73.”I felt more comfortable after tea because I had been in for a while and I was sort of used to the conditions a lot more,” he said. “I felt I was trying to get some scoring options against [Daniel] Vettori. But you do feel probably a little bit of added pressure when the man that’s set gets out, you feel like right now it’s my responsibility to go on and bat throughout the day and try and build a big score.”Hussey would be a good poker player. He is an excellent judge of situations and doesn’t gamble with what he can’t afford to lose. He is a frustrating man to deal to because whatever he is handed he can make work to his advantage and most importantly, he plays the percentages to a fault.He is no cross-bat slogger but at the Adelaide Oval, where the square boundaries are so short that fans on opposite sides can wave hello to each other, Hussey slowly started to use the venue’s dimensions for his own purpose. His eight boundaries all went more or less square of the wicket and he was able to sweep against Vettori, whose 28 miserly overs cost 54, and clubbed him over midwicket to reach his half-century.The fans cheered, although they had more reason to roar for Ponting earlier in the day. Ponting’s 79 from 124 balls featured 13 fours and it is the innings that the spectators on this Saturday at Adelaide Oval will remember. But for a team that will in the next year face one of the world’s best pace attacks in home-and-away Tests against South Africa and then proceed to England, where they lost the Ashes in 2005, Hussey’s consistent contributions might get the attention they deserve.

MatériaMais Notícias

da dobrowin： “Cincum”. Jorge Jesus deu munição para a sua fala, que nem tinha a ver com placar, viralizar e simbolizar a goleada sobre o Grêmio na Libertadores de 2019. E ela ainda ecoa na rivalidade entre Flamengo e Tricolor. A prova é que Gabigol, na saída para o vestiário, no intervalo da partida pela ida das quartas da Copa do Brasil, na noite desta quarta-feira, em Porto Alegre, fez um gesto com a mão espalmada, em alusão ao 5×0 do mata-mata de dois anos atrás, em direção aos dirigentes do rival.

RelacionadasFutebol NacionalFlamengo goleia o Grêmio com brilho de contestados e encaminha vaga na semifinal da Copa do BrasilFutebol Nacional25/08/2021FlamengoATUAÇÕES: Everton Ribeiro, Vitinho e Michael comandam ‘goleada louca’ do Flamengo sobre o GrêmioFlamengo25/08/2021

da betobet： O jogo terminou com um 0x0 no placar parcial, e Gabigol saiu questionando, aos gritos: “Tem torcida?”. A cobrança se deu pelas reclamações de membros da diretoria tricolor, oriundas das arquibancadas da Arena do Grêmio.

+ Veja o chaveamento da Copa do Brasil

Hoje, o Flamengo goleou por 4 a 0, com gols deBruno Viana, Michael, Rodinei e Vitinho, e encaminhou uma vaga para as semifinais da Copa do Brasil. O jogo da volta das quartasserá realizado no dia 15 de setembro, no Maracanã.

Liverpool are interested in signing a hugely exciting Premier League player if he becomes available next year, according to a new transfer update.

Will Liverpool sign players in January?

The Reds have an extremely strong squad at their disposal currently, with world-class options dotted all over the pitch, and quality players behind them as backup. Jurgen Klopp completely rebuilt his midfield during the summer transfer window, bringing in Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, among others, but he didn't add to the defence or attack.

Liverpool currently have magnificent attacking options in Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo, but that's not to say that that area of the pitch won't need freshening up in the future, especially if the former leaves at the end of this seasonm, as has been mooted.

It looks as though the Reds are certainly keeping an eye out for potential signings in the final third, following an exciting new update.

Which Premier League star at Liverpool keen on signing?

According to Football Transfers, Wolves star Pedro Neto is being looked at as a potential acquisition for Liverpool next year should he leave Molineux, along with Juventus forward Federico Chiesa:

"Liverpool have added Pedro Neto to their wishlist if Mohamed Salah leaves next year, FootballTransfers has been told. The Reds remain aware of Saudi Pro League interest in Salah and are making arrangements to ensure that a viable replacement is brought in if he does leave. Neto, who is a client of Jorge Mendes’ Gestifute, has been on the club’s radar for some time.

"The 23-year-old – who has been a revelation for Wolves this campaign – is now under consideration along with Juventus player Federico Chiesa, as FootballTransfers previously reported, and one other unnamed footballer.

"Sources have informed us that Liverpool are unhappy with Wolves’ current valuation for Neto, however, and there is a feeling within the club that rival sides will add a further £20m to any asking price when Salah leaves Anfield."

Neto is a special footballer who is having a superb start to the season, registering four assists in just seven Premier League games, which is a good return for a top side, let alone a struggling team. The 23-year-old's efforts certainly have gone unnoticed by Wolves manager Gary O'Neil, who recently described his standout attacking player as "absolutely incredible".

Neto is such an exciting footballer, running rings around Liverpool during the first half of the Reds' eventual 3-1 win at Molineux last month and assisting Hwang Hee-chan for the opening goal, and he would come in as someone who could mature into a world-class player over time.

There have been some serious injuries for the Portuguese in recent years, which would make signing him a possible risk, but if the medical staff are confident that he has overcome those issues, he could be a fantastic addition.

Neto isn't out of contract at Wolves until the summer of 2026, so he clearly wouldn't be available on the cheap, but if Liverpool could beat other top clubs to his signature, it could prove to be a masterstroke of a signing as the years pass.

Newcastle United have lost one of their first-team regulars to injury ahead of the trip to Milan, and a fresh report has revealed the exact number of games that he’s expected to miss.

Who is injured for Newcastle United?

Joe Willock, Javier Manquillo and Emil Krafth are all currently sidelined with injuries, but Eddie Howe did receive a boost with a few of his stars having returned from the treament room over the weekend.

During Saturday’s 1-0 Premier League victory over Brentford, Sven Botman, Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali all staged their own individual comebacks which is helpful considering that the northeast outfit are set to compete in their first Champions League fixture vs AC Milan at the San Siro this week.

However, Joelinton won’t be able to participate under the bright lights of Europe's elite competition because of a recurring knee injury that he first sustained during last month’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool, which saw him missing from the matchday squad for the recent win over Thomas Frank’s side.

The Magpies’ central midfielder was named as part of Brazil’s team during the international break alongside Bruno Guimaraes and he even featured as a substitute during both matches, but upon returning to the northeast, the 27-year-old has suffered a setback due to continually playing with his problem.

How long is Joelinton out for?

According to Newcastle World it goes from bad to worse, as Joelinton is expected to be on the sidelines for at least the “next six matches” after sustaining a knee injury during international duty for Brazil.

Speaking to the media, Howe previously said: “Joe had a recurrence of his knee injury playing for Brazil in the second game so he won’t be with us for a few weeks”, and the outlet claim that the earliest he’s expected to return to action is for the Premier League game vs Crystal Palace on October 21.

How many goals does Joelinton have for Newcastle?

Following his arrival at Newcastle, Joelinton has posted 33 contributions (22 goals and 11 assists) in 161 appearances, form which has previously seen him described as “immense” by journalist Josh Bunting, so the fact that he’ll be missing for over a month will be a massive blow to Howe.

The ROGON client, who earns £85k-per-week, has also recorded 12 shot-creating actions so far this season which is the second-highest total throughout the squad, via FBRef, not to mention the different dimension that he adds to the centre with his height and physical presence, standing at 6 foot 1.

In addition, Alianca’s native is a versatile operator having been deployed in seven various positions since the start of his career, including three roles in the midfield and even everywhere across the frontline, though this is another attribute that the manager will have to cope without having at his disposal.

Joelinton was named the club's Player of the Year for the 2021/22 season so it’s clear to see how much he’s appreciated by his fellow teammates, the staff and supporters, therefore, everyone associated with the club will be hoping for his return to action as soon as possible.

Two nights after defending 118, Sunrisers Hyderabad defended 132 to snap Kings XI Punjab’s four-match winning streak

The Report by Deivarayan Muthu26-Apr-2018
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details3:43

‘Kings XI too dependent on Gayle and Rahul’

No Billy Stanlake and Bhuvneshwar Kumar? No problem, again. Two nights after pulling off the second-lowest successful defence in the IPL, Sunrisers Hyderabad defended 132 to snap Kings XI Punjab’s four-match winning streak. That they could pull off another coup seemed improbable when Ankit Rajpoot’s 5 for 14 – the best figures in IPL 2018 and the sixth best overall – pinned Sunrisers down to 132 for 6. It seemed as improbable when KL Rahul and Chris Gayle, the most prolific opening pair this season, raised their fourth fifty-plus stand in as many innings opening together.Enter Rashid Khan, the No.1 T20 bowler right now, and the experienced Shakib Al Hasan. They ran rings around Kings XI’s line-up and threatened both edges. Sandeep Sharma did his bit with knuckle balls. And, just like that, there was a slip breathing down the batsman’s neck. Just like that, Kings XI’s chase unravelled: from 55 for 0 they imploded to 101 for 9. Mujeeb Ur Rahman then hacked and reverse-swept his way to 10 off five balls – his first runs in T20 cricket – and reduced the equation to 15 off the last over. The first ball of that from Basil Thampi was a sharp inswinging yorker, which thudded into the pads of Mujeeb, who sneaked in a leg bye. Thampi then nailed the base of Rajpoot’s middle stump to cap Sunrisers’ comeback and move them to second on the points table.Bouncing ’em out
The ball was bursting off a length and zipping through to the keeper in Hyderabad. The conditions here might have reminded Rajpoot of his stint in South Africa earlier this year as a net bowler. He bounced out Kane Williamson and Shikhar Dhawan in the Powerplay before returning in the last over of the innings to floor Manish Pandey’s middle stump with an inch-perfect yorker from wide of the crease.Rajpoot had shown signs of his hit-the-deck bustle against Delhi Daredevils on Monday, when he claimed 4-0-23-2 in an uninterrupted four-over spell with the new ball. But this pitch had more grass and offered more bounce. Rajpoot exploited it in his first over and had Williamson splicing a catch to mid-off for a duck. This was the reason why he was picked ahead of the more experienced Mohit Sharma.Barinder Sran, at the other end, also found extra bounce but lacked enough discipline. He had Shakib top-edging a cut to third man, but replays indicated that Sran’s front foot had strayed. At that point, Shakib was on 0. Sran came close to a wicket on another occasion, when he had Pandey skewing one over mid-off. R Ashwin ran back but he could not cling on.Squeezing ’em out
Pandey had two more lives, but he could not break out of the funk. Ashwin and Mujeeb did not make his life easier with their bag of tricks. They kept batsmen guessing with offbreaks, legbreaks, googlies, carom balls, and front-of-the-hand sliders. Andrew Tye’s knuckle balls ensured there was no escape against him either. The three bowlers had combined figures of 12-0-79-1. The 52-run partnership between Shakib Al Hasan and Pandey, which came at just 5.88 runs an over, was the slowest stand of 50 or more this season. Pandey’s fifty, off 48 balls, was the slowest this season, but it hauled Sunrisers past 130 and gave their bowlers a sniff.Sunrisers’ attack bosses it, again
A sniff was all that they needed. Rahul and Gayle had just seen off Sandeep’s opening spell and shaved 53 runs off the target in seven overs. Rashid, though, provided the breakthrough in his first over, with a perfectly pitched legbreak, which turned just enough to beat the outside edge and clatter into off stump. Rahul did not read it: he was playing inside the line, searching for a googly. In the next over, Thampi rushed Gayle for pace and pouched a return catch. Two set batsmen gone in four balls.Karun Nair and Mayank Agarwal nervously knocked the ball into the gaps to leave Kings XI needing 56 off 48 balls. Then, instead of continuing to find the gaps, Agarwal hared down the track to Shakib, but did not meet the pitch of the ball and holed out to wide long-on. That set in motion a terminal collapse.Mujeeb gave Sunrisers a late scare but the spinners and Sandeep had done enough to help them survive it. Rashid and Shakib combined for figures of 7-0-37-5. Then there was the reserve quick Thampi providing the finishing touches and highlighting the depth in the attack. He had been named the emerging player of the year last season, but could not break into the team in 2018 until Stanlake and Bhuvneshwar sustained injuries. That’s how good this attack is.

Manchester United now “fully expect” to sign a “sensational” £70m star soon, as they want him to take part in their pre-season tour, according to transfer expert Graeme Bailey.

Man Utd looking to sign new forward

It has been a slow start to the summer transfer window for Man United, with Matheus Cunha their only high-profile arrival to date, and they have also faced issues getting some of their own players off the books.

There has been a great deal of speculation surrounding the futures of Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford, with Liverpool even reportedly coming forward to sign the England international, although Barcelona seems like a more likely destination.

However, United legend Teddy Sheringham has now weighed in on Rashford’s situation, making the bold claim that he hopes Rashford doesn’t end up at the Spanish side, as he doesn’t deserve the move.

The other main transfer saga surrounding Man United this summer centres around Bryan Mbeumo, with Ruben Amorim identifying the Brentford forward as a player who could help solve his side’s attacking issue.

There has now been a new update on United’s Mbeumo pursuit, with Bailey telling The Boot Room that the Cameroonian is growing frustrated by the lack of progress.

The transfer expert said: “United are very frustrated, as is the player. But again, they are keeping pretty quiet. Officially.

“The guaranteed money is the main obstacle still… this was seen as a minor issue two weeks ago, yet that is still the main problem. Man United are telling Mbeumo they still fully expect him to be on their pre-season tour.”

It is little wonder that the Red Devils are starting to grow tired of the negotiations, given that Brentford have recently raised their asking price to around £70m, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe determined to pay no more than £65m.

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1 ByBrett Worthington Jul 17, 2025 Man Utd must finalise deal for "sensational" Mbeumo soon

While Ratcliffe should not be pressured into forking out an amount above his valuation of the Brentford star, the saga needs to come to an end soon, especially with the player himself now growing frustrated by the lack of progress.

£70m is, of course, a lot of money to spend on a player who is unproven at the highest level, but the former Troyes man performed remarkably well in the Premier League last season, amassing 27 goal contributions in 38 outings.

Lauded as “sensational” by Sky Sports commentators, Mbeumo could be a fantastic signing for United, so it is promising news they expect him to take part in their pre-season tour, with Amorim’s side set to take on Leeds United in Sweden in two days’ time.

What a hectic transfer window it has been so far for Newcastle United. The Magpies have been embroiled in a crazy transfer saga with Liverpool surrounding Alexander Isak and Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike, which is yet to come to a conclusion.

Indeed, the exact makeup of Eddie Howe’s squad next season is still not clear, and with a few players out of the door, which will soon include Leeds-bound Sean Longstaff, he may have to rely on youngsters if signings are not made soon.

This has previously not been an issue for the Englishman, with Lewis Miley rising through the ranks to become an important player.

The Magpies seem set to add another young talent to their squad in the coming days.

Newcastle’s pursuit of young talent

Signing an exciting young player and thinking ahead to the future is something the Magpies have done before. Young Australian winger Garang Kuol joined the club in 2023 and has since gained experience on various loan spells.

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Well, perhaps the North East giants are about to repeat the masterclass. They are said to have ‘won the race’ to sign South Korean talent Park Seung-soo, having agreed a deal for the youngster.

That is being reported by website Football Asian, who claim he will be in Newcastle this week to ‘complete a medical’ ahead of the move. What makes this acquisition so impressive for the Magpies is the fact that they beat off fierce competition to sign Park.

Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, French side Marseille, as well as RB Salzburg and FC Midtjylland, were all interested, but Newcastle won what was described as a ‘year-long pursuit’ of the winger.

Why Park would be a good signing

Despite being just 18 years of age, Park has clearly made a huge impression playing for his club, Suwon Bluewings, where he has become an important player. Korean football expert Ross Davis described him as an “exciting” talent, which Newcastle seem to agree with.

The teenager, who is an international for South Korea at under-20 level, has played 28 times in professional football so far. He has one goal and three assists, all of which came last year in the K League 2 for Suwon, the club whose academy he graduated from.

One of the biggest benefits of Park’s game is the fact that he can play on both the left and right flanks. That certainly gives Howe options if he chooses to integrate him into the squad straight away. It also makes him an attractive prospect for sides looking to bring him in on loan, if that is the route Newcastle choose to take.

Howe would surely be hoping that Park can have an impact on the first team just like Miley did. The 19-year-old, who is a boyhood Geordie, has struggled with injuries in recent months, but has still made an impactful start to his Newcastle career.

Miley, who is from Stanley, just south of St James’ Park, has played 46 games for Newcastle so far, scoring three goals and grabbing four assists. One of his standout moments was this magical assist for Isak against Chelsea last season.

It is that sort of magic that Howe would surely want Park to recreate in the long run. In many ways, the Magpies boss might want him to become the second coming of Miley, in the sense of a young player stepping up in the first team.

Well, if his numbers via Sofascore from the 2024 K League 2 are anything to go by, he has the ability. Not only did he contribute to an average of 0.5 goals each game, but he averaged 2.2 key passes and 5.4 successful dribbles per 90 minutes.

Minutes played

586

41.9

Goals and assists

4

0.5

Key passes

14

2.2

Dribbles completed

35

5.4

Tackles and interceptions

5

0.8

Expected goal involvements

4.34xGI

0.67xGI

Described as a “lanky dribbler” by Davis, and standing at over six feet, the physical tools might well be there in the long run for Park to succeed in the Premier League. It certainly seems like he has the technical ability to do so.

Howe would surely love to have another exciting young talent stepping up in the same way Miley did, who can be a huge benefit for Newcastle in the short and long term. Park certainly has the tools to do that.

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Calum MacLeod boosted Derbyshire in the battle of the winless teams but for Northants a miserable season refused to relent

ECB Reporters Network19-Jul-2018
ScorecardCalum MacLeod’s 58-ball century led Derbyshire to their first win in this season’s Vitality Blast with a 31-run win at Wantage Road that kept Northamptonshire winless from five matches.MacLeod’s second T20 hundred, with 12 fours and four sixes, saw Derbyshire rack up 211 for 2 – their joint-second highest T20 total – that was defended very easily after Lockie Ferguson removed Ben Duckett and Richard Levi in the Powerplay.MacLeod, the Glaswegian right-hander who was the scourge of England as they lost to Scotland in Edinburgh earlier this season, became the first Scotland player to hit an ODI hundred against England. This time he became just the third century-maker for Derbyshire in T20s after Greg Smith and Wes Durston. He finally fell for a career-best equalling 104, miscuing a drive to extra-cover.Northants skipper Alex Wakely said: “It’s a similar story for us, we’ve gone for 200 four times and you’re not going to win too many games doing that. We’re just not doing it out on the field, I’m not sure why, we’ve got bowlers who are good enough they’re just not executing and you can see how guys have got big runs against us.

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“But the nature of T20, sometimes you just have to say well played and Calum played brilliantly. They then had three guys bowling 85 mph plus, every ball was hip height and above and they made it very difficult for us.”MacLeod began by driving Rory Kleinveldt past cover point and then over backward point, before cutting and sweeping Josh Cobb for further boundaries.A viscous lofted cover-drive was parried for six by a diving Ben Sanderson before a steer past short-third man brought him four more en route to fifty in 33 balls.His hitting set a good platform at 136 for 1 after 14 overs and MacLeod then heaved Brett Hutton over extra-cover for six, turned a high full-toss over long leg for another maximum and slammed his 10th four past mid-off as 22 came from the over. Luke Procter was slapped wide of mid-on before a drive past point brought up MacLeod’s century.MacLeod shared a stand of 126 with Wayen Madsen – a record second-wicket stand for anyone against Northants. Madsen, as ever, played a clever innings with excellent running between the wickets.He reverse-swept Seekkuge Prasanna for his first boundary and twice steered fours past point before heaving Procter onto the pavilion balcony. A slower ball from Kleinveldt was driven past extra-cover and he reached a half-century in 32 balls in the final over that yielded 16.Derbyshire, having been sent in, scored 75 runs in the final six overs. But in the first six, they were given a bright start from Billy Godleman, playing his first T20 this season. He skipped down to the first ball of the innings to lift Sanderson for four before hoisting Hutton for six over long-on. He pulled Kleinveldt for two fours but having got to 29, drove Procter to deep cover.The Northants chase never got into gear. Ferguson, introduced in the third over, produced a spell to put the game beyond doubt. He removed Duckett first ball with one that nipped away, took the edge and was wonderfully held down low at first slip by MacLeod, before a spearing yorker cannoned Levi’s off stump.Kyle Coetzer, playing his first match for Northants since 2015, went to uppercut Hardus Viljoen and was caught at short-third man for a fourth-ball duck as the Powerplay ended at 48 for 3. Cobb was then caught at extra-cover trying to drive Alex Hughes’ first delivery and the same bowler got a slower ball through Alex Wakely to bowl him for 10. Hughes finished with 4 for 42 – his final over being struck for 22.It was part of a brief flurry from Kleinveldt, who blasted four sixes in his 36 from 14 balls. He and Prasanna, with 29 in 14 balls, kept the home support entertained but the lower order were left with far too much to do.

Glasgow Rangers head coach Danny Rohl has plenty to stew on after his side were beaten 3-1 in the semi-final of the League Cup at Hampden Park on Sunday.

It was a valiant effort from the Light Blues, though, as they played the majority of the game with ten men after Thelo Aasgaard’s red card in the first half for a challenge on Anthony Ralston.

Given the circumstances, the fact that Rangers took the game to extra time is a credit to Rohl and the work that his coaching team have done to make the side harder to play against.

Of course, the German tactician has also won both of his Scottish Premiership matches in charge of the club since he came in to replace Russell Martin, which has provided supporters with a slither of hope for the rest of the season.

There is plenty of work left to do, though, if the Light Blues want to enjoy a successful end to the 2025/26 campaign, as Rohl needs to get more out of the current group of players, at least until the January transfer window.

One player the manager needs to work with to improve his performance is winger Djeidi Gassama, whom he worked with at Sheffield Wednesday.

Why Djeidi Gassama needs to improve his Rangers performances

The French forward arrived at Ibrox from the Owls in a £2.2m deal during the summer transfer window to bolster then-manager Martin’s options at the top end of the pitch.

Gassama made an electric start to life in Glasgow with a return of four goals in six Champions League qualifiers, per Transfermarkt, for the Scottish giants.

Unfortunately, the left-sided attacker has only scored one goal in 15 appearances in every other competition combined so far this season, with no goals in ten appearances in the Premiership.

Gassama has failed to provide consistency in his end product after that exciting start to his career in Glasgow, with just one goal and one assist in his last ten appearances.

Celtic

0

0

Hibernian

0

0

Kilmarnock

0

0

Brann

0

0

Dundee United

0

1

Falkirk

0

0

Sturm Graz

1

0

Livingston

0

0

Genk

0

0

Hibernian

0

0

As you can see in the table above, the Frenchman has rarely contributed at the top end of the pitch in recent months, which is why he needs to step up under Rohl and prove that he deserves to be a regular starter.

His inconsistency in the final third should not be a huge surprise, though, as he ended the 2024/25 campaign with eight goals and one assist in 47 games for Sheffield Wednesday in all competitions, per Transfermarkt.

With this in mind, it remains to be seen whether or not Gassama will be able to find that consistency as a scorer and a creator of goals, or if he will have those issues with his game throughout his Rangers career.

Meanwhile, there is another winger in the club’s ranks who has the potential to be an even bigger talent than Gassama at the top end of the pitch.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Mikey Moore has not set the world alight since his move on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer transfer window, but his form at youth level suggests that there is much more to come from him.

Why Mikey Moore can be a bigger talent than Djeidi Gassama

The 18-year-old forward has provided no goals and two assists in 15 appearances in all competitions for Rangers, per Transfermarkt, which is far from an impressive return.

However, it is worth taking into account that this is Moore’s first-ever loan move and first taste of regular first-team football, and he was dropped into an incredibly difficult situation during Martin’s tenure.

Rangers were a struggling team playing in front of a frustrated crowd at Ibrox more often than not, given a run of five wins in 17 matches, and that cannot have been an easy environment for an 18-year-old forward to come into.

It is, therefore, understandable, with the benefit of hindsight, why Moore did not hit the ground running and provide goals and assists straight away.

He has shown some signs of promise since Martin’s departure. After four goals in two matches for England’s U19s during the October international break, Moore provided an assist for James Tavernier in the 2-2 draw with Dundee United.

The English forward also showed some great moments off the bench against Celtic on Sunday, driving Rangers up the pitch with his impressive ball-carrying skills. Heart & Hand content creator David Edgar even described his cameo as “terrific”.

Left wing (19)

4

6

Attacking midfield (9)

6

4

Centre-forward (7)

11

4

Right wing (10)

1

0

Left midfield (1)

0

1

As you can see in the table above, Moore’s most productive performances as an attacking force have come in central positions as a number ten or as a centre-forward, but he has mainly played on the wing for the Light Blues.

The England youth international delivered 19 goals and 13 assists in 24 games for Spurs at U18 level, per Transfermarkt, which shows that he does have the potential to provide consistency in the final third when at his best and playing in the right areas.

As you can see in the clip above, Moore pressed well from a central position to create a chance for himself, which he then finished brilliantly.

This suggests that Rohl could get the best out of the young attacker by deploying him in a central role, allowing him to use his ball-carrying and pressing skills to impact games in the middle of the park.

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His form at youth level in central positions then suggests that Moore could be an even bigger talent than Gassama for Rangers because of his consistency, with goals and assists, in the final third, which the Frenchman has struggled with.