Liverpool have sent scouts to watch an "excellent" player in person during the last week, having tabled a bid for him last summer, according to a fresh transfer update.
Liverpool's injury crisis worsens
The Reds are flying at the moment, threatening to go far in all four competitions they are playing in, and their defence is so much stronger than it looked last season, helped by a rebuilt midfield in front of it.
Despite this, there could be a need to sign a new defender during the January transfer window, with Joel Matip's cruciate ligament injury ruling him out for the remainder of the season and acting as a major blow.
It means there is a huge onus on both Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate to stay fit until May – the latter has been injury-prone in the past – with Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah good options, but both potentially required to fill in at full-back, with Trent Alexander-Arnold now injured, joining both left-backs in the treatment room.
A host of different centre-backs have been linked with moves to Liverpool this month, including Sporting CP star Goncalo Inacio, who is arguably one of Europe's most exciting young defenders at the moment, and can actually fill in at full-back as well.
Bayer Leverkusen ace Piero Hincapie has also emerged as a potential addition at Anfield, with his long-term ceiling thought to be very high, and Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi has also been touted as a target, too.
Goncalo Inacio to Liverpool update
According to a new claim from HITC from journalist Graeme Bailey, Liverpool have again been scouting Inacio ahead of a possible move in the near future, following FSG reportedly submitting a bid to Sporting at the start of the window.
"Liverpool’s main reason for being present (at Sporting's win over Estoril on Friday) was to continue their assessment of Goncalo Inacio. HITC Football understands that the Portuguese star is a player the Reds admire hugely and he has been on their radar for a couple of years."
It is no surprise that Inacio is a wanted man, having been lauded as an "excellent" player by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, and he could be an outstanding signing by Liverpool, whether that be in January or in the summer transfer window. The 22-year-old is arguably already one of the first names on Sporting's team sheet, and his numbers highlight what an imperious season he is enjoying for his current club.
Appearances
15
Starts
14
Goals
1
Clearances per game
1.9
Aerial duel wins per game
1.3
Pass completion rate
88.3%
If Liverpool manage to sign him, he could be viewed as Van Dijk's long-term replacement at the heart of their defence, and his ability to play at left-back as well would immediately improve the depth across Jurgen Klopp's defence.
A huge bid will be needed to snap up Inacio, which is no surprise given his ability, but he could be a mainstay of the back-line for a decade, eventually looking like a bargain, as has been the case with Van Dijk after his £75m switch from Southampton.
It wasn't so long ago that Newcastle United were struggling to survive in the Premier League, but ever since their takeover by the Saudi Investment Fund the Magpies have been flying up the Premier League ranks, resulting in Champions League qualification last season. Eddie Howe's side have impressed at times throughout the current campaign too, with their standout moment being a 4-1 thrashing of Paris Saint-Germain at St James' Park.
If some thought that result was a blip, then Newcastle's valiant 1-1 draw against the French champions quickly put an end to that belief, even if French newspaper L'Equipe delivered a rather harsh verdict on the Magpies' performance.
Newcastle vs PSG player ratings
Newcastle found themselves on the verge of what would have been a famous three points at the Parc des Princes before Kylian Mbappe equalised in the 98th minute with an incredibly controversial penalty awarded for Tino Livramento's handball.
The Magpies now face the prospect of a Champions League exit into the Europa League or out of Europe entirely in what will frustrate Howe, given how well his depleted side played. They sit third in Group E, level on points with Milan and two points adrift of PSG with one game left to play.
Despite how tight the game was, L'Equipe were not quick to praise Newcastle players. Instead, they delivered some fairly harsh ratings, handing 17-year-old Lewis Miley the lowest in the team with a four out of ten.
9/10 Newcastle star outshone Livramento & Isak against PSG
This “outstanding” player outshone Alexander Isak on his return and was Newcastle United’s real hero in the 1-1 draw away at PSG.
ByAdam Scully Nov 29, 2023
Meanwhile, Miguel Almiron, who very nearly had an early assist to his name and worked tirelessly all evening, was given a six, as was Tripper, who kept Mbappe quiet aside from his penalty, even forcing him to switch flanks late on in search of more space. Livramento was hit with a rating as low as five, despite often acting as Newcastle's driving force down the left-hand side and defending valiantly.
L'Equipe harsh on Newcastle players
Travelling to a side of PSG's stature is never an easy task. Taking the lead at the home of the French champions, meanwhile, before only being pegged back in the dying minutes by a controversial penalty call, seems an impossible task. Yet, Newcastle did just that, all whilst enduring their fair share of injury problems in the build-up. If anyone deserved credit, it was the Magpies.
Miley, at just 17-years-old, was particularly hard done by, given that he performed exceptionally in the circumstances. Almiron, meanwhile, would have come away with a memorable goal involvement if Alexander Isak had tucked away from close range at the first time of asking. From Howe's perspective though, what the media in France, or anywhere for that matter, say about his side won't replace his pride in his team.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe withMiguelAlmiron
Speaking after the game, Howe delivered his verdict on the controversial penalty call, saying via ITV: "It wasn’t the right decision in my opinion. There are so many things to take into account at that moment, the speed first. It was a ricochet that when it is slowed down, looks completely different to the live event.
“The ball hits his chest first, comes up and hits his hand. But his hand is not in an unnatural position, they [his hands] are down by his side, but he is in a running motion. I feel it is a poor decision and it’s hugely frustrating for us as you know how little time there is left in the game. There is nothing we can do about it now.”
Everton manager Sean Dyche has made a special appearance in indie band Blossoms' music video.
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Dyche features in music videoEverton boss a fan of Indie band BlossomsToffees on three-game winning streak WHAT HAPPENED?
Stockport-based indie rock band Blossoms are set to release a new music track on May 1 where the Everton manager will make a special appearance. The band released a teaser of their latest track on X on Monday, and Dyche was spotted in the video.
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The Toffees manager is known to be a fan of the British rock band as he recently expressed his admiration for the group while speaking on The Overlap podcast. He said, "I was with the lads from the Blossoms recently who are just great, there are so many."
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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR EVERTON?
The Merseyside club are on a three-game winning streak in the league which includes a remarkable victory over rivals Liverpool. They will be next seen in action against Luton Town on Friday away from home.
Leeds United head into the last weekend before the November international break in third place in the Championship and eight points off the automatic places.
The Whites could close the gap to within a two-game swing if results go their way but their current position shows that they have had a strong start to life back in the second tier.
German head coach Daniel Farke was brought in over the summer and has been able to get the side firing after their relegation from the Premier League at the end of last season.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke.
His business throughout the summer transfer window has played an important role in their recent success as nine new players were brought in.
Joel Piroe, Jaidon Anthony, Djed Spence, Glen Kamara, Joe Rodon, Ilia Gruev, Sam Byram, Ethan Ampadu, and Karl Darlow were all signed either permanently or on loan.
However, an impressive start to the campaign may not stop the Whites from making further additions to the squad in the upcoming January transfer window, as Angus Kinnear revealed last month that funds are available to bolster the team – if needed.
One player who has recently been linked with a switch to Elland Road at the start of next year is AFC Wimbledon centre-forward Ali Al-Hamadi.
Leeds United transfer news – Ali Al-Hamadi
According to a report from TEAMtalk, EFL outfits Blackburn Rovers and Derby County are both interested in a possible deal to land the Iraq international in January.
Leeds have also been credited with an interest in the talented marksman and Wimbledon are said to be reluctant to lose him ahead of the second half of the 2023/24 campaign.
However, the League Two outfit are bracing themselves for possible offers from the aforementioned clubs after they turned down approaches from Barnsley and Peterborough over the summer.
Before the last transfer window slammed shut, journalist Darren Witcoop reported that they were looking for a fee in excess of £1.2m for the impressive finisher.
Iraq international Ali Al-Hamadi.
It remains to be seen whether or not Leeds are willing to meet Wimbledon's valuation. However, Al-Hamadi could be an exciting addition to Farke's squad and a lethal partner for current first-team ace Georgino Rutter if he is able to make the step up to Championship football.
The right-footed whiz could provide Piroe with competition for his place to ensure that there is no complacency amongst the frontline, as the Dutch forward has struggled in recent weeks.
He scored four goals in his first five Championship outings for the Whites and has since managed just one goal and one assist in seven clashes.
However, Farke does not have the options to adequately replace him in the XI, even for a few matches, as Patrick Bamford has failed to provide a goal or an assist in seven league games this season, despite racking up 1.16 xG.
This suggests that Leeds could benefit from snapping up a talented forward who could keep Piroe on his toes and provide Rutter with another attacker to link up with at the top end of the pitch.
Rutter's statistics this season
The French maestro has enjoyed a phenomenal start to the 2023/24 campaign and has showcased his ability to make a consistent impact in the final third as a scorer and a creator.
Playing in a hybrid forward role that sees him start as the focal point whilst having the freedom to drop deep to collect the ball and make things happen, Rutter has been an exceptional creative talent for Farke.
The former Hoffenheim starlet has created a staggering 14 'big chances' in 13 Championship starts and created 2.6 key passes per match, to go along with his three league strikes.
Rutter's last five appearances (via Sofascore)
Match
Goal contribution
Chances created
Bristol City
N/A
Five
Norwich
Assist
Two
Stoke
N/A
Three
Huddersfield
Assist
Four
Leicester
Goal
Two
Talent scout Jacek Kulig recently revealed that the attacker leads the way in the division for 'big chances' created and hailed him as a "joy to watch".
After struggling, with zero goals and one assist in 11 matches, in the Premier League last season, Rutter has been able to hit his stride at Elland Road this term and has proven himself to be an influential figure at the top end of the pitch as Leeds fight to return to the top-flight at the first time of asking.
The statistics that show why Al-Hamadi could be a good signing for Leeds
Signing the 21-year-old ace would be a gamble by Farke and the Whites as the attacker is yet to prove himself as a consistent performer outside of League Two.
However, the talented youngster has plenty of years ahead of him to develop and grow and could be brought in as someone with the potential to make an immediate impact whilst also being a long-term project who could improve over time.
Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson once described Al-Hamadi as a "great foil" for his strike partner as his ability to play off the shoulder of the last defender causes panic and creates space between the lines for another player to drop into.
This could make him a perfect ace to play alongside Rutter as the French magician could thrive in the space that the Iraq international is able to create with his movement and centre-forward play – given his outstanding creative quality.
Al-Hamadi's form throughout 2023 also suggests that the potential is there for him to provide goals and assists on a regular basis if he is able to make the step up to Championship level.
The impressive youngster has contributed with four goals and five assists in 13 league starts throughout the 2023/24 campaign, after managing an eye-catching ten goals and one assist in 15 starts in the second half of last term.
This means that the 6 foot 2 Wimbledon star has contributed with 14 goals and six assists in his last 28 league matches for the club, which is an average of one goal contribution every 1.4 matches – compared to Piroe's one every 3.5 games over the last seven outings.
He could, therefore, be a lethal partner for Rutter in 2024 – with their respective ability to score and assist goals on a regular basis – and excellent competition for the Dutch marksman if Farke is able to secure a deal for his services, and help him to adapt to Championship football.
The first round of the 2018 NCL had an unprecedented 13 centuries, but the Khulna batsman’s twin centuries against Rajshahi stood out
Mohammad Isam04-Oct-2018
BCB
Best batsmenTushar Imran stood out among the 12 centurions in the opening round of the 2018 National Cricket League, with his twin centuries against Rajshahi Division in difficult circumstances, while Rony Talukdar and Ariful Haque racked up double-hundreds.Tushar nearly accounted for half of Khulna Division’s 210 all out with his first-innings 104. It wasn’t until the arrival of the No. 9 Nahidul Islam, with whom he added 88, that he found support. Tushar followed it up with 159, with the help of 21 fours and a six, as Khulna fought hard to earn a draw. He added 250 runs for the third wicket with Anamul Haque, who also started the season with a century.In Fatullah, Rony’s third double-hundred came in Dhaka Division’s second innings, in which he and Abdul Mazid shared a Bangladesh first-class record opening stand of 350 runs. They beat the previous best of 341 runs between Nazmul Hossain Shanto and Mizanur Rahman from the 2017-18 NCL. Rony made 228 off 252 balls with 18 fours and seven sixes.Ariful’s 231 was his maiden double-century, which arrived with the help of 21 fours and four sixes in a near-eight-hour stay at the crease in Bogra. In the same match, Barisal’s No. 3 Fazle Mahmud missed out on a double ton, perishing on 195, having spent more than eight hours, and 424 balls while hitting 18 fours and three sixes.Best bowlersThe best news to come out of the bowlers’ camp was legspinner Jubair Hossain’s five-wicket haul against Dhaka Division, his first five-for in four years. Jubair had been a neglected figure in Bangladesh cricket ever since he burst on to the scene in 2014.He played only a single first-class game last season, and largely spent the Dhaka Premier League List-A competition on the bench. In a bid to revive his career, Jubair has been working with a legspin bowling coach in the last six months.Among the fast bowlers, Shahadat Hossain took his best match figures in ten years, finishing with 8 for 106 against Chittagong, and Shafiul Islam took a five-wicket haul in the first innings against a strong Khulna batting side.Meanwhile, Afif Hossain doubled his first-class wickets tally with a seven-wicket haul against Rajshahi. Having dismissed Nazmul Hossain Shanto and Junaid Siddique in the top-order, he removed the last five wickets, although Rajshahi had a healthy 352-run lead.Best matchRajshahi Division knocked down Khulna Division, the defending champions, for 210 in their first innings in Rajshahi, a body blow for the side that has won the last three NCL tournaments.Rajshahi’s reply with the bat was even better, as they took a 342-run lead having posted 552 in the first innings. Mizanur Rahman and Jahurul Islam struck centuries, and with several substantial partnerships throughout the innings, Khulna had little respite.But their powerful batting line-up responded to the deficit superbly, with Anamul Haque and Tushar Imran putting together 250 runs for the third wicket and taking the fight into the fourth day with eight wickets intact. Even after they fell in the space of four overs, Soumya Sarkar struck a quickfire century, only his second in first-class cricket and one that came after more than two years.Khulna fought back hard and finished the game with 2.5 points. Rajshahi took 4.8 points, but they would treat this game as an opportunity lost.Points to noteTwelve batsmen scored 13 centuries in the NCL’s first round, an unprecedented start to a cricket season in Bangladesh. Almost the entire front-row of the country’s first-class batsmen made good starts.The bowling, however, wasn’t as impressive, with only two fast bowlers, Shahadat and Shafiul, standing out with wickets. The usual cast of left-arm spinners took five-wicket hauls, although Jubair’s first five-for in four years was a point of interest.Players to watchAmong the Bangladesh players who were part of the Asia Cup squad, Soumya Sarkar and Nazmul Islam stood out with a century and five-wicket haul respectively.The national selectors would also look at Anamul Haque (who was dropped from the Asia Cup squad), Mizanur Rahman, Abdul Mazid and Shadman Islam for Bangladesh’s opening slot, as all four struck centuries.Naeem Islam and Jahurul Islam also reminded the selectors about their form with centuries, while Sohag Gazi started the season with a century and four wickets in the match.
The 36-year-old, who went on to play in T20 tournaments across the globe after retiring from international cricket in 2015, indicated he would continue his association with the game by taking up coaching roles in the future
ESPNcricinfo staff19-Aug-2018
Mitchell Johnson holds on to a catch•Getty Images
Australia left-arm pacer Mitchell Johnson has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. The 36-year-old, who went on to play in T20 tournaments across the globe after quitting international cricket in November 2015, last played in this year’s IPL for the Kolkata Knight Riders.”It’s over. I’ve bowled my final ball. Taken my final wicket. Today I announce my retirement from all forms of cricket,” Johnson said in a column on . “I had hoped to continue playing in various Twenty20 competitions around the world until perhaps the middle of next year. But the fact is my body is starting to shut down.”Johnson revealed he had been suffering from back problems during the IPL and added that it was an indication for him to call time. Snapped up by the Knight Riders for INR 2 crores (USD 286,000 approx) this year, Johnson did not have a memorable season as he gave away 216 runs in six games and picked only two wickets.”If I can’t play at 100 per cent then I can’t give my best to the team. And for me it’s always been about the team,” he said. “I’m ready to break clear of playing cricket and move on to the next period of my life. He has recently been through retiring himself and I think he understood that when you’re done, you’re done.”Johnson had called time on his Big Bash League career with Perth Scorchers last month and had pulled out of his commitments with Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League earlier this year. Since his international retirement, he has picked 31 wickets in 33 games at an economy of 7.28 in T20s.Contrasting to his IPL performance, Johnson was in good form this BBL season, taking 20 wickets in 19 games at an average of 22.75 and economy rate of 6.14. He had also led Scorchers to the title in the 2016-17 season, finishing with figures of 1 for 13 in the final against the Sydney Sixers. He had finished that season as their highest wicket-taker with 13 wickets from nine matches and an economy rate of 5.91.”When I sat down with new Perth Scorchers coach Adam Voges recently to discuss my future, he was interested in me playing on again this summer. I did believe I could still be helpful around the playing group with my experience. But I think mentally I’m done as well. I’d like to thank the Scorchers for the last two fantastic summers and the WACA for everything my adopted cricket home has done for me over the past decade.He indicated he would continue his association with the game by taking up coaching roles in the future. “My competitive urge hasn’t left me and hopefully that’s something I can use to channel into a coaching or mentoring role in the future. I’m a believer in sticking to your strengths and cricket is my strength.”I don’t know if I’ll be any good at it. I’ve got a lot of experience in cricket and no experience in coaching officially, though I did help out at Wanneroo last summer and I’ve always enjoyed working with young players.”
O personagem Oliver Tsubasa, do icônico anime de futebol ‘Super Campeões’, utilizará o uniforme do São Paulo no jogo’Live Powerful Soccer’, game para smartphones exclusivo no Japão.
Vale destacar que o jogo não está disponível no Brasil por enquanto. A Konami, produtora do jogo, é parceira do São Paulo, inclusive com patrocínio no uniforme e licença para o ‘PES 2021’, com elencos e uniformes atualizados, além do Morumbi representado de forma fiel.
VEJA COMO ESTÁ O SÃO PAULO NA TABELA DO BRASILEIRÃO
O anúncio foi feito pela conta oficial do Tricolor nas redes sociais. ‘A história e a tradição tricolor agora em novidade do outro lado do mundo! O mais novo game da Konami, exclusivo no Japão, terá o craque Tsubasa Ozora vestindo e honrando as cores do São Paulo’, escreveu o clube no Twitter.
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RelacionadasFutebol InternacionalNo Morumbi, Japão estreia na casa de Oliver Tsubasa ‘de carne e osso’Futebol Internacional16/06/2019Copa do BrasilCBF sorteia mando de campo para duelos da semifinal na Copa do BrasilCopa do Brasil24/11/2020Fora de CampoDenilson lamenta morte de pai de Zezé di Camargo e Luciano: ‘Me tratou como ‘filho de Francisco’Fora de Campo24/11/2020
A história e a tradição tricolor agora em novidade do outro lado do mundo!@pawasaka_PR : O mais novo game da @Konami, exclusivo no Japão, terá o craque Tsubasa Ozora vestindo e honrando as cores do São Paulo! pic.twitter.com/7AnPuKMC8G
— São Paulo FC (@SaoPauloFC) November 24, 2020
Entenda a ligação entre Oliver Tsubasa e o São Paulo
Para entender essa história, temos que voltar ao ano de 1975. Tsubasa Ozora, ou Oliver Tsubasa, foi inspirado em um jogador japonês que vestiu a camisa do São Paulo entre 1975 e 1985. O jogador é Musashi Mizushima, astro no território japonês.
Naquele ano, o São Paulo deixou que o jovem meia-atacante de 11 anos treinasse na base do clube. Era uma recomendação de Pelé, que o descobriu durante ida ao Japão. Musashi deixou tudo para trás no Japão e sua determinação para vencer no mundo do futebol ficou conhecida em todo o país. Na época, o futebol no Japão não era profissional e os nipônicos nunca tinham disputado uma Copa do Mundo. Logo, as esperanças por dias melhores no esporte estavam nos pés de Musashi, que ganhou fama por isso.
Anos depois, em 1981, o fã de futebol e escritor iniciante Yoichi Takahashi decidiu produzir seu primeiro mangá e usou o futebol como tema, empolgado com a globalização do esporte. O objetivo era tornar o futebol mais popular no Japão. Usando personagens carismáticos e sonhadores, criou “Capitain Tsubasa”, que logo caiu nas graças do público.
Em 1985, finalmente Musashi Mizushima passou a integrar, efetivamente, o elenco do São Paulo para os campeonatos da temporada. No entanto, como o grupo era recheado de bons nomes, o japonês não conseguiu sair do banco em nenhum jogo oficial. Ele disputou só uma partida com a camisa do Tricolor: um amistoso com um time misto entre profissionais reservas e aspirantes contra o Bragantino, fora de casa, em abril de 1985. Vitória do Bragantino por 4 a 3. Porém, Musashi fez parte do grupo campeão paulista de 1985.
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.
ScorecardSam Curran was the star of the show as Surrey wrapped up an innings victory over Yorkshire in just 45 minutes on the final day of their Specsavers County Championship match at the Kia Oval.The 19-year-old took three of the last five Yorkshire wickets to fall in the space of six balls as he claimed the first ten-wicket match haul of his career a day after receiving his county cap.Rikki Clarke picked up the other two wickets as Yorkshire were dismissed for 168 in their second innings to lose by an innings and 17 runs, their second defeat of the season. Their remaining five wickets fell in 5.2 overs today.Yorkshire’s hope of prolonged resistance had largely rested on Jonny Bairstow and Jack Leaning extending their sixth-wicket stand which stood at 40 overnight.But they added just a further nine runs before Clarke struck in the fourth over of the day. Bairstow fenced at a ball which bounced more than he expected and edged to wicketkeeper Ben Foakes, having added four runs to his overnight 25.Curran then struck with successive balls. Tim Bresnan inside edged a good ball and Steve Patterson lost his off stump to the first delivery of Curran’s next over.Josh Shaw defended the hat-trick ball before being bowled by a similar delivery to the one which accounted for Bresnan that knocked back his stump.The end came when Clarke pinned Leaning leg before for 28 as Surrey sealed their first win in this fixture since 2001.Surrey captain Rory Burns praised his team’s work after they claimed their second win of the season.”Apart from a wobble on the first morning when we were 69 for 4 I thought it was a very good performance,” he said. “Some of the individual performances were excellent. Ollie Pope played beautifully and we took the momentum we had into our bowling.”In our last two games we went away from plans a bit but this time we bowled really well as a unit, especially as we lost Conor McKerr to injury too. We stuck to the task and got our rewards. Sam Curran produced a great performance – county cap, 100th first-class wicket and his first ten-for – I don’t think you can ask for much more.”Yorkshire coach Andrew Gale had few complaints. “All credit to Surrey, they outplayed us over the four days but on day one we missed four key chances which allowed them to get away when we could have bowled them out for 260,” he said.”We have spoke at length about our batting. Preparation wasn’t great coming into the season because we’ve had to little match time but we have to make more runs.”Adam Lyth showed what was possible in the second innings but the break for the Royal London One-Day Cup probably comes at a good time for us. It will free the lads up a bit and allow them to just go out and play and get themselves back into form.”
Following last season's third-place finish under new boss Erik ten Hag, it is now over a decade since Manchester United last tasted Premier League glory, with the Red Devils having been forced to watch on as their city neighbours have dominated the division in that time.
Despite a net spend of over £1bn since the glory days of Sir Alex Ferguson, the Old Trafford outfit have never truly looked like ending that barren run, with a shaky start to the new season indicating that this lengthy wait is set to continue.
Of the current first-team squad, only the returning Jonny Evans – who signed on a short-term deal last month – was part of the last title-winning squad back in 2013, with former teammates Phil Jones and David De Gea having left the club over the summer.
Despite the length of time that has passed since that most recent triumph, it feels like only yesterday that the legendary Ferguson signed off his illustrious managerial career with a final major honour, aided by a side spearheaded by the devastating brilliance of striker, Robin van Persie.
How many goals did Van Persie score for Man United?
The major talking point heading into that 2012/13 season was the controversial capture of the Dutchman from rivals Arsenal, with the experienced marksman having been tasked with guiding United to a 20th league title, following the prior Sergio Aguero heartbreak in the previous campaign.
Robin van Persie (Arsenal)
Shinji Kagawa (Borussia Dortmund)
Alexander Buttner (Vitesse)
Nick Powell (Crewe)
Angelo Henriquez (Club Universidad de Chile)
Snapped up from under the nose of Arsene Wenger for what now looks a rather measly £24m, the one-time Feyenoord ace was seemingly the catalyst for the success that was to follow in Ferguson's last bow, taking on the mantle of being the main man in attack.
Having plundered 30 league goals the year prior for the Gunners, the Rotterdam native netted a further 26 top-flight goals in his new surroundings to not only claim a long-awaited league title but also a second successive Golden Boot gong.
That, however, was as good as it got for the now-retired ace as his form somewhat dipped over the next two seasons, ultimately scoring just 22 league goals combined as the club as a whole struggled to adapt to a post-Ferguson world.
Even despite only enjoying what was a relatively brief three-year stay at the Theatre of Dreams, for a long while the 40-year-old arguably remained the most influential signing of the decade at the club, with few having hit the ground running quite so successively since then.
That being said, however, it could be argued that Van Persie's solid legacy has now been eclipsed despite United's continued quest for major honours, with it fair to say that current skipper Bruno Fernandes has proven the major success story of the last ten years or so.
How much did Man United pay for Fernandes?
Much like Van Persie, the Portugal international's impact in Manchester was immediate following his arrival from Sporting CP in January 2020, with the playmaker providing the creative spark that had long been lacking in Manchester.
Signed for an initial £47m – less than what United forked out for Fred (£52m) – Fernandes' smooth transition to life at Old Trafford was made all the more impressive considering, unlike Van Persie, that he had never played in English football prior to that.
A Man of the Match performance on debut at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers set the tone for what has been a standout spell since then for the 5 foot 10 maestro, with it hard to imagine where the club would be had they not acquired the talismanic figure just over three-and-a-half years ago.
How many goals has Bruno Fernandes scored for Man United?
Despite operating in a number ten berth – unlike Van Persie – the Maia-born gem has proven himself to be a real weapon in a goalscoring sense for the Red Devils, while also providing the benefit of his creative flair as a link between midfield and attack.
That dual quality has been evident from the off as the £240k-per-week sensation ended that 2019/20 campaign with eight goals and seven assists in just 14 league games, while also netting three times in just six Europa League outings for his new side.
The midfield "magician" – as recently lauded by Statman Dave – subsequently contributed a staggering haul of 28 goals and 17 assists in 58 games in all competitions in 2020/21, while adding a further 24 goal contributions the following year.
Having continued to impress over the past 12 months or so, the 29-year-old's current tally now stands at 65 goals and 55 assists in just 189 games for the club in total, with Van Persie, meanwhile, scoring 58 goals yet registering just 21 assists in his 105 outings.
How has Bruno Fernandes performed this season?
Now the man with the armband on a permanent basis after teammate Harry Maguire was stripped of the captaincy earlier in the summer, it is fair to say that the 59-cap international is the undisputed leader in Ten Hag's side, showcasing remarkable resilience and consistency to have missed just one game through injury or illness in his United career to date.
While his start to life as the new club captain may have been somewhat rocky – with the Red Devils losing two of their opening four league games – the one-time Udinese man still boasts one goal and one assist in the top flight thus far, converting from the spot to clinch the comeback victory over Nottingham Forest last month.
Man United's Bruno Fernandes
Previously described as a "dream" for a striker by club legend Roy Keane, Fernandes currently leads the way in the division with regard to 'big chances' created, after also topping the charts in that regard last term.
That quality was also on his show for his country against Luxembourg on Monday night as the former Sampdoria dynamo got himself on the scoresheet and completed a hat-trick of assists, including a delightful, outside of the boot cross for Goncalo Inacio.
To have maintained his levels over an extended period of time is a credit to the playmaker's talents, with United supporters only truly seeing the best of Van Persie for a solitary season, prior to Ferguson's exit.
There will be those who argue that Fernandes – who has just a Carabao Cup to show for his efforts thus far – needs to do more to help drag his side back into contention for major honours, yet if any current player is to lead the charge towards the title in the coming years, it is likely to be the Portuguese genius.