Bangladesh women bowled out for their second sub-100 score as they go 3-0 down in the five-match series
ESPNcricinfo staff09-May-2018 ScorecardGetty Images and Cricket AustraliaBangladesh women are yet to bat out 50 overs on tour in South Africa. On Wednesday, they were bowled out for their second sub-100 score after which the dominant hosts, riding on an unbeaten 51-ball 44 from Lizelle Lee, cruised past the target of 72 in just 14.4 overs. The victory gave South Africa an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-ODI series.Barring Nigar Sultana, who occupied the crease for 122 minutes to make an unbeaten 97-ball 33, none of the other Bangladesh batsmen made much of an impression. Panna Ghosh’s 12 at No. 8 was the second-highest score of the innings that lasted 36.5 overs.The top four were blown away inside four overs by the new-ball pair of Ayabonga Khaka and Marizanne Kapp, who picked up two wickets apiece in their first spell. The 23-run stand that followed between Jannatul Ferdus and Sultana was the highest of the innings.Khaka, who was in line to record her ODI best, finished with her second successive three-for, while Kapp didn’t add to her first-spell tally. There was a wicket apiece for Masabata Klaas, Chloe Tryon, debutant Zintle Mali and Raisibe Ntozakhe.Bangladesh struck in the seventh over of the chase when left-arm spinner Nahida Akhter removed Andrie Steyn, but that would be their only consolation on the field. Trisha Chetty finished 15 not out to Lee’s 44, which contained five fours and a six.The fourth ODI will also be played in Kimberley on Saturday.
It is almost three months to the day that Ruben Amorim oversaw his first game in charge of Manchester United, with it taking just 81 seconds for Marcus Rashford – remember him? – to open the scoring in that eventual 1-1 draw away to Ipswich Town.
That largely sticky showing at Portman Road set the tone for what has been a turbulent 12 weeks since then for the Portuguese head coach, with Wednesday’s 3-2 win against the Tractor Boys proving a rare triumph in the 40-year-old’s early United tenure.
Like in that meeting with Kieran McKenna’s men back in the Autumn, there was another fast start this time around, albeit with the Suffolk side taking the lead, courtesy of a calamitous mix-up from Patrick Dorgu and the error-stricken Andre Onana.
To their credit, the Red Devils fought back through a Sam Morsy own goal and a Matthijs de Ligt strike to regain control, only for a Dorgu red card – and a second for Jaden Philogene – just before the break marking a dismal end to the opening 45.
The clouds had gathered over Old Trafford, yet after Harry Maguire powered home from Bruno Fernandes’ corner, the hosts held firm to pick up a vital three points, in turn moving to the heady heights of 14th in the Premier League table.
Stat
Player
Most touches
Bruno Fernandes (81)
Most key passes
Bruno Fernandes (4)
Most accurate passes
Dara O’Shea (54)
Most successful crosses
Bruno Fernandes (4)
Most duels won
Harry Maguire (8)
Most successful dribbles
Diogo Dalot (3)
Highest xG
Jaden Philogene (1.04)
Dribbled past
Jaden Philogene (2x)
Quite what Amorim was able to learn from his chaotic side following that breathless encounter remains to be seen, with it having been a real mixed bag of performances.
Man Utd's best performers vs Ipswich
Let’s begin with the man who proved the matchwinner, with Maguire – who scored a last-gasp FA Cup winner just a few weeks ago – getting in on the act again after meeting Fernandes’ outswinger to expertly header home.
Fresh off the back of a rough ride at Goodison Park, in which he notably failed to deal with Abdoulaye Doucoure’s header, the 31-year-old was far more dominant up against the lively Liam Delap, having relished the battle up with the reported United target.
Elsewhere, from the man who once wore the armband to its current incumbent, with Fernandes steering his side over the line following a “talismanic” midfield showing, as hailed by journalist Samuel Luckhurst.
Bruno Fernandes
Involved in all three goals following a trio of delightful set-piece deliveries, the Portuguese magician produced a real captain’s performance when United needed it most, a fact epitomised by his surging forward run down the left flank late in the day, with his inventive pull-back only narrowingly missing the sliding Noussair Mazraoui.
It has been said time and again but it is impossible to imagine just where the Red Devils would be without their midfield maestro, with Fernandes having again pulled the strings beautifully after registering four key passes in total, while also winning five of his seven total duels.
Like Maguire, the 30-year-old was right at the heart of the action at both ends of the pitch. The same, sadly, can’t be said for everyone…
Man Utd's "anonymous" figure vs Ipswich
As De Ligt prodded home for his second league goal of the season, it may have been overlooked that the Dutchman is actually now level with a certain Rasmus Hojlund for top-flight goals in 2024/25. Two in 22 for any striker worth their salt is grim reading indeed.
Chalkboard
Signed for an initial £64m back in the summer of 2023 – a figure which eclipses the fees dished out by Manchester City and Newcastle United for Erling Haaland (£51.2m) and Alexander Isak (£63m), no less – the 22-year-old Dane simply can’t buy a goal right now, having again been off the boil at Old Trafford.
There may be an argument that Hojlund simply does not get the service, having actually only missed three big chances this term, yet Wednesday night showed that even when openings do present themself, he is just not able to capitalise.
That was most apparent early in the second half, with the former Atalanta starlet opting to dummy Leny Yoro’s pullback after fine work from the Frenchman, rather than attempting to lash home himself with his stronger left foot.
As journalist Sam Pilger stated, the “anonymous” forward is now simply “sad to witness”, while his “confidence is on the floor”. As Luckhurst noted in his post-match player ratings for the Manchester Evening News, Hojlund was ‘not in the game at all in the first half and should have been the one to go off for Noussair Mazraoui.’
The issue is that it’s not even just in front of goal where the 4/10 man is found wanting, with his all-round contribution also under the microscope having failed to win a single duel on the night, while also being restricted to just 12 touches in all, fewer than fellow underperformer Onana who had 29.
The United number nine did enjoy a 100% pass accuracy rate, yet it was another game that largely passed him by, with it looking as if he could now be on borrowed time amid the looming presence of young Chido Obi.
As Hojlund showed last season, after ending as the club’s top goalscorer, there is a player in there somewhere.
At a club like United, however, if you don’t kick on, you’ll quickly find yourself being kicked out.
Amorim must finally drop Hojlund and unleash Man Utd’s "homegrown Osimhen"
Man Utd need a new source of goals and they could do so by dropping Rasmus Hojlund.
Fidel Edwards made short shrift of Worcestershire after being awarded his Hampshire county cap
ECB Reporters Network16-Apr-20181:51
Gurney and Ball run amok at Old Trafford
ScorecardFidel Edwards crushed the Worcestershire batting line-up as Hampshire skittled their newly promoted rivals out for 127 to win the opening Specsavers County Championship fixture of the season by 196 runs.West Indian fast bowler Edwards was handed his county cap before the start of play before taking 3 for 33, including two wickets in two balls, in a whirlwind morning spell.Gareth Berg, Brad Wheal, Liam Dawson and Kyle Abbott – the latter returning 4 for 45 – also took a wicket each on the final morning to send Hampshire to the top of the Division One table.Joe Leach, Worcestershire’s captain insisted that despite the heavy defeat Worcestershire had proved that they deserved to be in Division One company.”We have competed in a lot of the game and been on top in certain periods,” he said. “Ultimately it wasn’t good enough but we live and learn. I have said to this group – and this might seem a bizarre thing to say after a loss [by this margin] – but this game reaffirmed to me that we deserve to be here and mix it in this division with these types of teams.”The day had begun with Hampshire needing seven wickets and Worcestershire requiring 264 runs.The visitors, who had lost three wickets all to Abbott on the previous day, had what they would have thought was a trump card at the crease in Daryl Mitchell.Mitchell boasted an average just under 70 against Hampshire, including a double century, and had batted serenely on day three to reach 34.At the other end Josh Tongue had been dispatched as a nightwatchman for the second time in the match, and while he had done his job in the day three gloom, he lasted just three overs in the morning. Gareth Berg set a trap with a catching fielder at midwicket, and bowled a straight delivery which Tongue clipped straight to Brad Wheal. Mitchell only managed a single before he departed, pinned on the crease by Abbott.George Rhodes’ innings typified the tricky conditions by taking 35 balls to get off the mark. Scoring a run proved Rhodes’ demise though, as he then edged Edwards to Hashim Amla at first slip.Ben Cox was the next to depart when Brad Wheal slammed into his off stump to send it cartwheeling.Edwards cleaned up the tail when he had Ed Barnard on the pads in front before find the edge of Worcestershire captain Joe Leach’s bat next ball.Australian overseas Travis Head, who blocked out the hat-trick ball at the start of the next over, provided the only real barrier to a Hampshire rout with a well-made 45. But Hampshire completed their win when Steve Magoffin poked Dawson to James Vince at short midwicket.
Leeds United journalist Conor McGilligan has now taken to X to react to Daniel Farke's latest comments about Georginio Rutter.
What was the Leeds vs Watford score?
Leeds picked up another important victory in the Championship this weekend, defeating Watford 3-0 at Elland Road, courtesy of goals from Joel Piroe, Sam Byram and Jaidon Anthony, in what was a very impressive performance from the whole team.
The Whites undoubtedly deserved to pick up the three points, dominating possession and recording more expected goals than their opponents, and there were a few players who stood out, with Daniel James receiving the highest SofaScore match rating of any player (8.1).
Although Rutter was unable to find the back of the net, he also impressed on Saturday afternoon, setting up Anthony for the third goal in the second half, with just one minute of normal time remaining, and he will certainly be pleased with his display.
Farke was clearly very happy with the striker, hailing him for a "top-class performance" in his post-match interview, while also claiming that his work ethic was "outstanding", but there was one aspect of his game the manager was not overly pleased with.
As relayed by Phil Hay on X, the manager has confirmed he's spoken to the 21-year-old about what he perceived to be unnecessary showboating during yesterday's game, which may have bordered on being "embarrassing for the opponent." Hay said:
"Farke says he's spoken to Rutter about making sure that when he plays, he doesn't try to embarrass or disrespect opposition players. Can show his magic but needs to keep it under control. But very happy with his display."
However, when reacting to the manager's approach on X, McGilligan has now suggested he thinks it is a non-issue, while querying the manager's approach to the forward expressing himself.
McGilligan said: "Relax Farke, let Georgio cook, crazy take."
How did Georginio Rutter play against Watford?
It is probably a little harsh to be too critical of the 21-year-old, as he is in exceptional form at the moment, and the fact he is showing his "magic" highlights that he is full of confidence, which can only serve Leeds well going forward.
The starlet completed seven of the nine dribbles he attempted at the weekend, by far the highest amount of any player on the pitch, while he also created one big chance, and won all three of the aerial duels he contested.
The only thing missing from the Frenchman's performance, which would have topped it off, was a goal, and he may be slightly be disappointed he spurned one big chance, although it ultimately had no bearing on the result of the match.
Leeds forward Georginio Rutter.
The Plescop-born forward is now on two goals and one assist in six Championship outings this season, having put in a remarkable performance against Millwall earlier this month, receiving the highest Sofascore match rating of any player (8.6).
Farke will be hoping Rutter can put in a similar display next weekend, when his side face a tough test away at fellow recently relegated side Southampton, who have suffered four defeats on the spin.
Moeen Ali returned to his first home at Edgbaston with runs and wickets to take Worcestershire into the semi-finals and bring heartache for his former county
George Dobell07-Jun-2018 ScorecardWhen Moeen Ali left Warwickshire a dozen or so years ago, the club made a point of confirming that he would always be made welcome on his return.But they probably didn’t mean like this. For here Moeen, with three wickets and a century of the highest class, guaranteed his ‘new’ side,Worcestershire, a home semi-final and at the same time sentenced Warwickshire, their local rivals, to the exit.In what became, effectively, a knock-out match – Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire both leapfrogged Warwickshire with their victories – Moeenhelped Worcestershire withstand a blistering opening spell from Olly Stone on the way to his first List A century in domestic cricket forfive years. The previous one was also against Warwickshire at Edgbaston. There’s no place like home.In truth, a wonderful game – full of moments of youthful brilliance – deserved better than the moment that sealed it: Keith Barker skiddingon a dewy outfield and allowing a single to become a boundary. That tied the scores and meant there was no way Warwickshire couldprogress. Worcestershire’s home semi-final was guaranteed moments later when Ed Barnard, admirably calm amid the mounting drama, forced one through the off side field for four.It is often said there is no pace in county cricket. But here Warwickshire – even without the injured Chris Woakes – fielded twoyoung men capable of generating 90 mph. Both Stone – who was timed at 91.4 mph at one stage – and Henry Brookes – who was timed at 89.6 – hurried and harried the Worcestershire batsmen and shared seven wickets between them. To see an international batsman, CallumFerguson, beaten for pace by Stone was heartening. To see 18-year-old Brookes – who beat Brett D’Oliveira for pace – lose little bycomparison will have had selectors taking note. To see Brookes relishing the responsibility and rising to the moment was to see aspecial talent start to blossom. Warwickshire – and probably England – may well have unearthed a gem here.Only Moeen appeared to enjoy the extra pace. Upon a surface on which Worcestershire’s attack had relied on cutters, Warwickshire’s somewhat unsophisticated approach – if fast doesn’t work then bowl faster – played into his hands a bit. Moeen equalled his own record (Joe Leach shares it) for Worcestershire’s fastest List A half-century: a 25-ball affair that included three sixes; the best of them a drive overlong-on off Stone.He hasn’t been in much form since returning from the IPL. His last three innings had produced 10 runs and two ducks. But here, presented with a relatively big occasion – there was a time such a game would have generated a crowd in excess of 10,000 – and a chance to put one over on Worcestershire rich neighbours, he looked imperious.With nobody else in the top five able to make 20, Moeen was grateful for the arrival of Ben Cox. The pair added 95 in 12 overs, with Moeennegating the threat posed by Jeetan Patel and punishing Warwickshire for their absence of a fifth bowler. Aaron Thomason, who has a sidestrain, was missed.It’s probably churlish to find fault in such an innings. But, by the time Moeen mistimed a rare slower ball to mid-off – DominicSibley making a tricky catch appear straightforward – Worcestershire needed 105 from 24.4 overs; a rate only a fraction over four-an-over.The hard work had been done. It seemed an unnecessary stroke.The same might have been said for Cox. Having just seen Ross Whiteley superbly caught at short third-man, Cox’s well-paced innings endedwhen he attempted to pull one too full for the stroke and played on. It left Worcestershire, with seven wickets down, chasing 19 more runs.Sam Hain has had an excellent tournament•Getty ImagesThat set-up a nerve wracking finale. With Patel forced to go all-in in the search for wickets – Worcestershire were miles ahead of therun-rate and had more than 10 overs to score those 19 runs – Brookes, Stone and Barker bowled out their allocation. Time and again, ballbeat bat but, though Brookes yorked Leach, Dillon Pennington – on first-team debut – somehow survived for 23-balls in helping Barnardadd nine runs. It doesn’t sound much, does it? But every one had to be chiselled from granite and, by the time Barker trapped him leg before,just four were required for the tie.Earlier Warwickshire’s batsmen appeared to struggle for fluency on a pitch that may have been a little slower than they wished. DespiteWorcestershire being without Josh Tongue, who was ruled out with a foot injury, and soon losing their skipper, Leach, to a back injury – he was required to come back out and field for a few overs before George Rhodes arrived from a second XI match in Stourbridge to lendsupport – Warwickshire were unable to progress as they would have like against a disciplined attack.It took a stand of 133 in 25 overs between Tim Ambrose and Will Rhodes to drag Warwickshire to respectability. The pair helped their sideplunder 103 in the final 10 overs of their innings – and 66 from the final five – as Worcestershire started to wilt in the field. Twice balls that should have cost a single – at most – were allowed through legs and to the boundary, while there were four wides in the final two overs; one of them going down the legside for four.For a while it seemed Warwickshire’s superior fielding may prove the difference. But if the highlight was Patel’s direct hit from mid-off to run-out Daryl Mithcell, it was all forgotten when Barker’s slip let through the ball at a crucial moment.As an aside, it will never be Trott’s fault again. The result confirmed that this was the final List A match of his career. The game has, in many ways, moved on in recent years but Trott’s record – the 23 List A centuries, the ODI average of 51.25 – remain exceptional. But for a few minutes of madness at this ground in the Champions Trophy final of 2013, he would have been part of a side that won England’s first global List A trophy. It wasn’t to be but, for a while, England went to No. 1 in the world and he won many games – and a few trophies – for club and country.Worcestershire need not worry about that. For a second year in succession, they have earned themselves a home semi-final. To have done it with a largely home-grown squad – and Moeen didn’t have to come too far, either – provides an excellent example to many richer rivals.
Newcastle United face a huge Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain this week, but a late injury concern has emerged regarding one of their key players.
Who is currently injured at Newcastle?
The Magpies were superb last season, finishing fourth in the Premier League, and it means that they qualified for the Champions League for the first time in 20 years. Eddie Howe's side started their European campaign with a goalless draw away to AC Milan last month, in what was a spirited performance against the Serie A champions, but an even bigger test awaits on Wednesday evening.
Newcastle welcome PSG to St James' Park looking to pick up a stunning win, with Kylian Mbappe of course the main attraction for the visitors, considering he is arguably the world's leading footballer at the moment.
While the Magpies will fancy their chances of causing an upset in front of a raucous home crowd, injury problems are threatening to be problematic, with a host of key players missing. That includes the likes of Sven Botman, Joe Willock, Joelinton and Callum Wilson, and now another fitness scare has emerged.
Newcastle United managerEddieHowe
What's the latest Newcastle team news?
Taking to X, Sky Sports man Keith Downie hinted that Tonali could also be a doubt for the PSG game, having not been seen in training on Tuesday:
"UPDATE: Callum Wilson joined the group a bit later. But no sign of Tonali, Botman or Joelinton. No word yet as to why Tonali was absent."
Tonali may still be getting used to life in a Newcastle shirt, arguably dropping off a little bit after a memorable goalscoring debut at home to Aston Villa back in August, but there is no question that not having him available against PSG would be a big blow.
The Italian has been signed to make a big impact on nights such as these, and it would be a great opportunity to announce himself further to supporters on one of the biggest nights at St James' in years.
Howe certainly values Tonali greatly as a player, describing him as "magnificent", adding that he has "knitted into the midfield very well", and not having a player of such quality on the pitch will immediately diminish Newcastle's hopes of picking up a positive result.
The hope is that the 23-year-old ends up being passed fit and that his absence from training is just a precaution, but even if he is out, the Magpies can't afford to be too daunted by their opponents.
In truth, the Ligue 1 champions aren't exactly in sparkling form at the moment, sitting fifth in the table after seven matches, only winning three of those games, and they could only draw 0-0 away to Clermont last weekend. They also no longer have Lionel Messi and Neymar in their ranks, meaning they have lost some of their fear factor.
A win for Newcastle would suddenly put them in a wonderful position to qualify from a group also containing Milan and Borussia Dortmund, but on the flip side, defeat could give them an uphill task. Either way, it is an evening that should be cherished, with such occasions so often completely lacking over the past couple of decades.
Andre Russell, Alzarri Joseph and Kieran Powell have been recalled to the West Indies side for their three-match ODI series against Bangladesh beginning July 22
ESPNcricinfo staff16-Jul-2018Allrounder Andre Russell is set to play his first ODI for West Indies since November 2015 after being named in a 13-man squad for the three-match series against Bangladesh beginning on July 22 in Guyana.Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph and batsman Kieran Powell also earned recalls while Marlon Samuels, Carlos Brathwaite, Nikita Miller, Sheldon Cottrell and Kesrick Williams were dropped from the ODI squad, after they played in the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe to clinch a spot for West Indies at next year’s World Cup.West Indies ODI squad
Jason Holder (capt), Devendra Bishoo, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope (wk), Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed, Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul, Kieran Powell, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell In: Alzarri Joseph, Kieran Powell, Andre Russell Out: Carlos Brathwaite, Sheldon Cottrell, Nikita Miller, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Kesrick Williams
Russell’s last ODI for West Indies came nearly three years ago against Sri Lanka in the first ODI in Colombo. He scored 41 off 24 balls but also suffered a leg injury that kept him out of the following two matches in the series. That match is the only ODI Russell has played since the 2015 World Cup.He had been suspended for a year in January 2017 after he was found guilty of an anti-doping violation. Russell was charged with failing to file his whereabouts paperwork three times within a year, which amounts to a failed doping test under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules.After the ban, he returned to 50-over cricket for Jamaica in the Regional Super50 tournament but withdrew himself from consideration for the West Indies squad for the World Cup Qualifier in March, allegedly because he wanted to regain his confidence in the format first. Instead, he chose to play in the Pakistan Super League during the same time frame.”Great to have Dre Russ back as well,” West Indies coach Stuart Law said in a CWI press release announcing the squad for the Bangladesh series. “His explosive power and energy will breathe life into an already motivated squad.”Aside from the five players dropped, Kemar Roach was rested for the ODIs in what the selectors described as managing player workloads in the lead-up to next year’s World Cup. Roach was also rested for the second Test against Bangladesh after picking up a hamstring strain in the first Test and was replaced in the squad by Joseph.
Jamie Carragher got fellow CBS Sports pundit Micah Richards to wear an Arsenal shirt during their Champions League clash against Porto.
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Carragher got Richards to wear Arsenal shirtCalled Richards an 'Arsenal fan' at AnfieldArsenal beat Porto on penalties in the Champions LeagueWHAT HAPPENED?
The Liverpool legend got fellow CBS pundit and former Manchester City defender Richards to wear an Arsenal shirt during the Gunners' Champions League round of 16 tie against FC Porto at the Emirates on Tuesday. Before presenting the Gunners jersey to Richards, Carragher disclosed the back of the shirt with Micah and number 2 written on it.
On Sunday, during Manchester City's 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield, Carragher and Richards had a hilarious conversation on the sidelines while presenting for where the ex-Reds defender claimed that Richards was an 'Arsenal fan' after he said on TV that the Gunners would have become the title favourites had Liverpool won the clash.
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The Premier League giants came into the second leg against Porto a goal down. Arsenal scored the equaliser in the 41st minute courtesy of a brilliant strike from Leandro Trossard. Tied at 1-1, the game went into extra time and then to penalties, where Mikel Arteta's side eventually clinched the clash 4-2.
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WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?
The north London side will now enjoy a well-deserved break before they get back in action after the international break on March 31, as they take on reigning champions Manchester City in a vital Premier League clash at the Etihad.
Tottenham Hotspur have spent big in their pursuit of a return to the top, and saw it finally come to fruition under the careful guidance of Mauricio Pochettino.
Joining from Southampton, the tactician quickly went about cultivating not just a squad but an atmosphere worthy of a club their size, helping to usher in a refreshing regime that not only would see them thrive, but also help players feel comfortable enough to play their best football free from burden.
As such, the likes of Toby Alderweireld, Heung-min Son, Harry Kane and Dele Alli were all transformed into some of the Premier League's finest in their roles, whilst even Jan Vertonghen and Christian Eriksen, who were left over from the previous management, were integrated too.
All the years of preparation finally seemed to be geared towards earning that elusive silverware until, spurred on by their failure in the Champions League final and inability to capitalise on the weakness of the division when Leicester City secured the title, Daniel Levy changed directions.
The appointments of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte outlined a vast shift in the club's mindset, abandoning steady progression in favour of winning now. However, in brushing aside the journey, when the end result fell short, they were left with little to go back on.
Ange Postecoglou's entrance notes a return to what they know, as they seek to expunge those failures of the past in order to enjoy a brighter future.
Who is Spurs' worst-ever signing?
During that stint, and indeed whilst Pochettino was in charge, there were some true transfer howlers as additional money began being pumped into the game.
The 2017 sale of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain completely altered the landscape of the transfer market, and since then, anything has become possible.
Selling clubs can seemingly command any fee, with Declan Rice's £105m move, and Moises Caicedo's £115m switch just weeks later, startling proof of this.
Whilst Spurs are yet to be so brazen with their funds, the likes of Tanguy Ndombele, Davinson Sanchez and Moussa Sissoko are all examples of a huge expenditure that offered very little return across their respective periods in N17.
Although his actual transfer fee might not have been as lofty as any of that aforementioned trio, that does not excuse the car crash of an acquisition that Sergio Reguilon was, and still proves to be, with the Spaniard still on Levy's books.
Joining from Real Madrid under Mourinho's ill-fated tenure, the 26-year-old came with an impressive pedigree, expected to offer huge experience down that left flank alongside an injection of dynamism to benefit both ends of the pitch.
After all, in a recent loan spell with Sevilla before moving to England, the 5 foot 8 flop was named the best left-back in La Liga.
However, what they actually received was a nervous defender lacking in confidence, and seemingly incapable of retaining defensive shape or winning a 1-on-1 duel. As such, he was lambasted as recently as 2022 by pundit John Wenham: "He’s so average it’s untrue. I always go back to these constant rumours about Barcelona or Real Madrid being interested in him. There’s always stuff about them paying a premium for him, it’s nonsense.
"He’s just not that good. For me, he is the worst of the bunch."
Having since made 67 senior appearances, it should come as no surprise that Postecoglou was willing to sanction his swift exit in the summer, with the left-back moving on loan to Manchester United.
After all, his debut year in England saw him struggle, losing possession 16.1 times per game whilst being dribbled past 0.9 times per game, and only providing a disappointing 0.6 key passes per game too, via Sofascore.
Little altered as he remained at the club, as his chaotic and somewhat thoughtless presence at full-back was typified through his ridiculous own goal against Aston Villa in May 2021, as he needlessly swung at a clearance under no pressure, only to see the ball slice off his boot and beat Hugo Lloris in goal.
Offering little composure or offensive impetus, it should come as no surprise that he has since been banished.
How much did Spurs pay for Sergio Reguilon?
What makes the deal so disappointing, other than the fact that his woeful form has seen fans' expectations shattered given they were taking a young star from the Spanish giants, is the financial side of it.
Per Game
£559k
Per Minute
£7400
Per Goal
£18.75m
Per Assist
£4.1m
Per Yellow Card
£3.4m
After all, they were forced to unload a mouth-watering £32m to secure his services, in a deal that was somewhat overshadowed by the loan return of Gareth Bale.
This would perhaps explain the lack of uproar surrounding such foolish spending, which is made all the more laughable given Los Blancos inserted a buy-back clause into the deal, suggesting that they obviously had some faith that he could flourish.
What is Sergio Reguilon's salary at Spurs?
Whilst with big acquisitions an equally large salary usually follows, Reguilon strangely bucked the trend, likely due to the negotiations of the ever-frugal Levy.
As a youngster yet to truly prove his quality at a consistently elite level, a £53k-per-week deal made perfect sense, allowing for plenty of scope for improvement should he fulfil his potential.
However, that has obviously failed to occur, and it is now the Red Devils who are being forced to unload that figure as he sees out his season-long loan at Old Trafford.
Amid his failure to make Erik ten Hag's struggling and threadbare first team due to injury, his parent club are shining, although they have already forked out £5.5m on his wages previously.
Does Sergio Reguilon deserve to earn £53k-per-week?
It's certainly fair to say that Reguilon has done little to merit either his wage or transfer fee, given the lack of positive input offered.
After all, he was acquired by Mourinho in an effort to usher in a prosperous, trophy-laden era for a club, and obviously failed in that venture given they are still going 15 years and counting without tasting silverware.
Destiny Udogie
To combine the initial money spent to tempt him from Madrid with the two full years he has actually spent playing for the Lilywhites, and the defender has actually snagged a frustrating £37.5m from Levy's pocket.
A truly woeful piece of business that arguably typifies a period completely devoid of any long-term strategy.
Burnley boss Vincent Kompany may now have a problem on his hands after recent developments emerged regarding one of his players at Turf Moor.
Burnley latest news…
Undoubtedly, Burnley have faced a challenging time since winning promotion to the Premier League last term, with boss Kompany having to integrate a host of new players alongside trying to formulate a style of play that can regularly guarantee points on the board, which hasn't transpired nine games into the season.
The Clarets sit in the relegation zone after picking up just four points from an available 27 and are continuing to experience the harsh lessons of life in the English top flight, having conceded the second-most goals in the division this season with 23, just one less than Paul Heckingbottom's Sheffield United, who prop up the rest of the table.
In the summer, Burnley spent a staggering figure of around £96.5 million on new arrivals, such as James Trafford, Aaron Ramsey and Jordan Beyer; however, their inexperience across the field has been clear for all to see over the course of the last few weeks. Last weekend, Kompany's Burnley were swept aside 3-0 by Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium and the former Belgium international fired a warning shot to his players that they must improve their level of performance. Kompany said:
"Simple. Overall, not good enough. In the first half, losing 1-0 was flattering to us. In the second half, I thought we came out and looked like we should have done in the first half. We played really well for that spell, but moments we don’t take – and they did take – put the game past us. But you can’t have 45 minutes like that in the Premier League."
Finding the steadiness of last term, where Burnley comfortably strolled to the Sky Bet Championship title, was always going to be a difficult challenge for all involved. However, one man who formed a key part of their side last campaign could now be set to move on following latest reports.
Burnley's next five fixtures – all competitions
Competition
Opponent
Venue
Premier League
Bournemouth (A)
Vitality Stadium
EFL Cup
Everton (A)
Goodison Park
Premier League
Crystal Palace (H)
Turf Moor
Premier League
Arsenal (A)
Emirates Stadium
Premier League
West Ham United (H)
Turf Moor
Burnley transfer news – Arijanet Muric
According to an update on Arijanet Muric's Burnley future from Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, the Kosovo international could be set to leave Turf Moor in the near future due to falling behind goalkeeping counterpart Trafford in the pecking order under Kompany and wanting to play regularly. Taking to social media platform X, Plettenberg stated:
"News Arijanet #Muric: The 24 y/o is focused on Burnley but he wants to play regularly. After a very good season last year he’s behind £19m signing Trafford at the moment. Several clubs are rating him very highly (Union Berlin, FC Sevilla). Ideas about a loan with an option to buy in winter. Contract at Burnley is valid until 2026."
Muric, who has previously been as "extremely good" by boss Kompany, has featured 43 times for the Clarets across all competitions since arriving at Turf Moor, keeping 21 clean sheets in the process, though the vast majority of his outings came in 2022/23. (Muric stats – Transfermarkt)
At 24, Muric looks to be keen on playing regular first team football, so he may need to seek a new challenge in order to secure is wish, making this one to watch.