Eddie Howe is a legend on Tyneside. In years to come, his name will be used as the barometer from which managerial success at St. James’ Park is adjudged.

But Newcastle United are in a rut right now, their muscly underbelly having gone soft and their snappy tactical understanding having ebbed away from the level of last season, when a pathway into the Champions League was found and the Carabao Cup was lifted after Liverpool were beaten at Wembley.

Tournament form might be good, but the Magpies languish in 14th place in the Premier League, and after three goalless draws on the road to kick things off, three successive losses have been inflicted on the Toon, all against sides sat alongside them in the bottom half.

While it’s almost unthinkable, this decline has raised conversations relating to Howe’s future at the helm.

The latest on Howe's Newcastle future

PIF have adopted a ‘don’t panic’ approach to the current issues Newcastle are beset by. But improvements will be required over the coming months. The form on the road has been shambolic, and it is having a detrimental impact on what could still be another positive and progressive campaign.

Howe’s achievements are towering, and in this, he is immortal. But United’s drop-off reeks of deeper issues than, say, 2023/24, when injuries clamped down on any scent of progress. This is more than just a tinker job: a comprehensive reset is needed.

The English coach signed a new and long-term contract on Tyneside in 2022, less than one year after being appointed. A second, furtive extension may have since been engineered.

However, he is not untouchable in the dugout, and if PIF and technical director Ross Wilson feel he has taken this club as far as he can, potential avenues will be explored.

One of which could see them focus on one of the most interesting managers on the market, and he’s currently out of work.

Newcastle could hire Howe successor

Newcastle would love nothing more than to continue their journey with Howe in the managerial role, but the side’s form is alarming, and if the situation continues to devolve, hands may be forced before the end of the 2025/26 campaign.

The Mirror have recently compiled a list of candidates to consider, should the club look to head down that path and find a successor, and possibly the most curious name belongs to former Barcelona boss Xavi.

The Spanish legend has been out of work since the end of 2023/24, and Fabrizio Romano said at the start of the season that the 45-year-old was interested in taking the Manchester United job, had INEOS sacked Ruben Amorim. He has, after all, said himself that he “would love to work in the Premier League”.

Xavi’s principles are shaped by slick, Barca-esque (obviously) passing patterns, and the likes of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes could thrive at the heart of such a system.

But it’s Anthony Gordon who could benefit the most, finding more freedom down the left channel in a system that would see the Magpies soar to the top of the Premier League’s possession charts, maintaining the 4-3-3 tactical shape that Howe has enforced.

Gordon has struggled this year, and no mistake. The 24-year-old looks a pale imitation of his top-class self, with journalist Adam Clery even commenting that he looks “all over the place” at the moment.

Xavi’s sharp tactical mind could help Gordon find a solution, especially on the wing of such a fluent and commanding midfield force.

Comparing Gordon’s performances against his spectacular breakout season of 2023/24, when he posted 21 goal involvements in the league and won United’s Player of the Year award, it’s clear this is a man lacking confidence, currently showing little sign of the development expected as he matures into his left wing berth for club and country.

It is sharpness and polish which must be applied now, because for a player who considers himself among the top brass in England and Europe, zero contributions in the league this term is inexcusable.

Goals scored

0.34

0.00

Assists

0.31

0.00

Shots taken

2.49

2.75

Touches

44.35

45.00

Pass completion (%)

76.1

74.7

Crosses

3.46

2.75

Shot-creating actions

4.45

3.34

Progressive passes

3.15

3.14

Progressive carries

4.30

4.13

Successful take-ons

1.68

1.97

Ball recoveries

3.89

3.54

Tackles + interceptions

1.93

0.98

Injuries and the red card beamed at him during that frustrating defeat to Liverpool at the start of the season have done little to turn the tide for the Three Lions star, but in Xavi, Newcastle could land a progressive manager whose high-possession philosophy could work well for a fast and mobile winger like Gordon.

Would it be unfair to say that it’s all gone a little bit stale under Howe’s wing at Newcastle? The man has done so much for the club and for the city, but he won’t sit in the dugout forever, and if there is a chance to sign a manager of Xavi’s class who could reenergise the ranks, it might be a worthwhile gamble.

He’s proven he has the minerals, having won La Liga in his first year as the Camp Nou boss, leading club president Joan Laporta to call him “the best manager in the world”.

With the boss having celebrated his fourth anniversary in the hot seat several days ago, journalist Andy Sixsmith waxed lyrical, saying, “Eddie Howe should go down as one of the greatest Newcastle United managers in history.”

This is correct, and Tyneside is in concert. However, as the potential to turn the page toward a new chapter, with the idea of an exciting boss like Xavi in charge gathering pace, more may begin to warm to change, should things, as they are, continue to regress.

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ByKelan Sarson Nov 12, 2025

Karun Nair left out of the 15-man squad while Pant remains injured

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Sep-20253:28

What does the squad for the WI Tests tell us?

Ravindra Jadeja has been named the vice-captain of the India Test squad for the two West Indies matches next month – it’s his first time in the position, though he has been vice-captain in ODIs and T20Is in the past.Shubman Gill will lead in his second Test series after debuting in the position in England earlier this year, but the injured Rishabh Pant, who was the vice-captain on the tour of England, hasn’t recovered sufficiently to make the squad. Pant, who had fractured his foot while batting in the fourth Test in England, is currently recovering at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. Dhruv Jurel and N Jagadeesan are the two specialist wicketkeepers in the squad, with Jurel expected to be the first choice to stand behind the stumps.Jasprit Bumrah is also part of the squad, although there is only three day’s gap between the Asia Cup final, on September 28 in Dubai, and the start of the first Test against West Indies from October 2 in Ahmedabad.ESPNcricinfo LtdFrom the expanded squad that toured England, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Akash Deep, Anshul Kamboj, Arshdeep Singh and Shardul Thakur have missed out, along with Pant. Abhimanyu, Akash Deep and Kamboj have been included in the Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup, which will be played against Vidarbha from October 1 in Nagpur. Of them, Akash Deep had reported to the CoE recently to recover from a niggle he had picked up in England, which kept him out of the Duleep Trophy and recent India A matches.Coming in are Axar Patel, Devdutt Padikkal and Jagadeesan, who had been flown in for the final Test after Pant picked up his injury.On the exclusion of Nair, who had scored 205 runs in eight innings in England with a best of 57, chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar said at a press conference in Dubai while announcing the squad: “We expected more from Karun. Padikkal offers a little bit more at this point. Wish we could give everyone 15-20 Tests, unfortunately it doesn’t work that way. Padikkal was in the Test squad in Australia, played against England in Dharamsala, got a fifty there. He’s shown some decent form. Frankly, we expected a bit more from Karun.”Related

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Meanwhile, one of Nair’s likely replacements, Sarfaraz Khan, is currently recovering from an injury.The rest of the squad wears a familiar look, and with spin expected to play a bigger part at home than pace, India have named Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Axar as the three spin-bowling allrounders, as well as Kuldeep Yadav. Nitish Kumar Reddy is the fast-bowling allrounder, with Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna the frontline quicks.On Bumrah’s availability – it had been confirmed before the five-Test tour of England that he would play only three Tests to manage his workload – Agarkar said, “This team has been picked for both the Tests, so he’s available for both Tests. We’ve had a fair break after England. He didn’t play the fifth Test [at The Oval] either. So there’s been a five-week break. Even this tournament [Asia Cup] has been fairly spaced out till the last week. So no, he’s ready and keen to play both Test matches.”India’s two Tests against West Indies, starting on October 2 in Ahmedabad and October 10 in Delhi, is their second of six series in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. Their cycle began with the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series in England, where India drew the five-Test series 2-2.Having earned 28 out of the maximum of 60 available points for five Tests, India are third in the WTC points table, with 46.67 percentage points. Australia and Sri Lanka are above them with 100 and 66.67 percentage points respectively. West Indies have zero percentage points, having lost three Tests to Australia in June-July.India’s squad for West Indies TestsShubman Gill (capt), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, B Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja (vice-capt), Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, N Jagadeesan (wk)

حسم نادي فينيزيا الإيطالي موقفه من مستقبل لاعبه المغربي سعد الحداد، بعد الأنباء التي ترددت عن وجود اهتمام من النادي الأهلي بالحصول على خدماته خلال الفترة المقبلة.

وتألق سعد الحداد مع منتخب المغرب تحت 20 عامًا في مونديال الشباب والذي أقيم في تشيلي وحصل أسود الأطلسي على اللقب أمام الأرجنتين.

اقرأ أيضًا.. خاص | بعد اهتمام الأهلي.. ديبورتيفو لاكورونيا يفجر مفاجأة بشأن عقد زكريا الدهشوري

وخلال حديث خاص مع بطولات، قال فيليبو أنطونيلي، المدير الرياضي لنادي فينيزيا: “حتى الآن لم أتلق أي اتصالات، ربما تواصلوا مع وكيله”.

وأضاف أنطونيلي مؤكدًا تمسك ناديه باللاعب: “سعد الحداد أحد مواهبنا، وهو الآن مع الفريق الأول، وسيكون عليه أن يثبت قيمته هنا أيضًا كما فعل مع منتخب المغرب”.

وعن إمكانية رحيل سعد الحداد في يناير أو مع نهاية الموسم، أوضح: “نيتنا هي الإبقاء عليه حتى يونيو، لأننا نؤمن بقدراته، وإذا وصل عرض مهم سنقوم بتقييمه”.

وسُئل المدير الرياضي عن وجود أي عروض للاعب بعد مشاركته في كأس العالم تحت 20 عامًا، ليرد بإيجاز: “لا، حتى الآن لنرى ما سيحدث”.

بهذا التصريح، يضع فينيتزيا حدًا للجدل حول مستقبل الموهبة المغربية، ويؤكد غياب أي مفاوضات رسمية مع الأهلي في الوقت الحالي.

Martin O’Neill has now confirmed that he will “step aside” when Celtic find their next manager and revealed that there has not been any talks with the club about taking a permanent role.

O’Neill insists he has no idea whether he will remain at the helm for Celtic’s next match against St Mirren amid reports that the Hoops have stepped up their search for a new permanent manager.

The 73-year-old has been in caretaker charge of the Scottish champions for the last four games since Brendan Rodgers resigned two and a half weeks ago.

It has been reported this week that the Celtic board have been interviewing candidates, with Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy emerging as the new bookmakers’ favourite.

Other names mentioned includes Kieran McKenna at Ipswich Town and Kjetil Knutsen. Whether the Hoops can lure either of those names away from their current positions at Portmand Road and Bodo/Glimt is the question that everyone’s asking.

Reports have claimed that Knutsen wants to at least complete his side’s Champions League campaign, which could end in January in the earliest scenario. Meanwhile, there have been no signs that McKenna will be leaving Ipswich anytime soon.

As Celtic’s search goes on, O’Neill has continued to roll back the years. In his four matches, the 73-year-old – assisted by Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham – has overseen two Scottish Premiership victories, a Europa League defeat by Midtjylland and an extra-time win over 10-man Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final.

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The final against St Mirren takes place on December 14 and there are some who would like to see the veteran remain in charge for the Hampden showdown in order to add to his trophy haul from his glittering first spell in charge in the early Noughties.

O'Neill insists no talks with Celtic board

To no surprise, O’Neill has been questioned a number of times about the Celtic job, but his answer remains the same. He will “step aside” as soon as the club no longer need him and, despite rumours, there have been no talks about the permanent job.

The 4-2-3-1 tactician has done a solid job so far and may yet get the chance to continue that job after the international break, but admitted that he’s not bothered whether he’s in charge for the Scottish Cup final in December, saying: “I am a romantic and have been a romantic all my life. I know the history of football and all of those particular things but that doesn’t bother me one jot.”

Celtic hold talks to sign "talented" manager who's like a young O'Neill

Real Madrid have suffered another setback as Dean Huijsen has withdrawn from Spain duty due to muscle discomfort, raising concerns of a relapse of the soleus injury he suffered in October. The defender has been sent back to Madrid for tests, joining Kylian Mbappe and Eduardo Camavinga as the latest Los Blancos players to return early from international duty.

Huijsen’s new setback and return to Madrid

Madrid were dealt an unwelcome blow after Spain confirmed that Huijsen had been released from the national team camp due to renewed muscle discomfort. The defender was unavailable for the match against Georgia earlier in the week, and further assessment by La Roja’s medical staff confirmed he was not fit to continue.

He will now return immediately to Valdebebas, where Madrid’s medical department will run full tests to determine whether this is a fresh issue or a recurrence of the soleus injury he suffered in October. Spain face Turkey next, but Huijsen will take no further part in the international break.

Madrid are relieved he was not risked, but the timing raises concern. Only last month he was sent back from Spain duty with the same calf problem, treated in Madrid, and managed to recover just in time to rejoin the squad for El Clasico. The early fear now is that this latest discomfort may be a relapse of that injury.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportHow the injury began and how Madrid coped last time

Huijsen’s current setback traces back to the soleus muscle tear he suffered during Spain’s October camp. The injury occurred in training, forcing him to withdraw before their World Cup qualifiers. Los Blancos confirmed a minor tear that required rest and a tailored recovery plan, keeping him out of the matches against Getafe and Juventus.

During Huijsen’s absence, Madrid relied heavily on Eder Militao and Raul Asencio to stabilise the back line. His recovery was smooth enough for him to rejoin full training ahead of the season’s first El Clasico on October 26, where he made his return without complications.

This month’s relapse comes during a period in which multiple Madrid players have been recalled early from international duty. Mbappe and Camavinga were also withdrawn from France’s squad earlier in the week.

Mbappe and Camavinga also sent back from France duty

France were forced into late changes when Mbappe and Camavinga were both released before the final World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan. Mbappe continues to manage recurring inflammation in his right ankle, an issue that resurfaced the morning after France’s 4-0 win over Ukraine, where he scored twice and reached 400 career goals.

Although he completed the match, renewed discomfort prompted a joint decision between the French Football Federation (FFF) and Madrid to send him back for further evaluation. The French federation stressed that the decision was precautionary, with no indication of a serious injury, but Madrid preferred immediate testing to avoid aggravation ahead of a heavy schedule.

Camavinga, meanwhile, had not trained all week due to left-hamstring discomfort. With no improvement and Khephren Thuram already brought in as cover, he was deemed unfit for both fixtures and was sent back to Spain. Madrid expect him to recover in time for the La Liga match against Elche on November 23.

Both Mbappe and Camavinga are projected to be available after the break, but their simultaneous withdrawals underline the physical strain Madrid’s core players have been carrying.

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Getty ImagesHow will Xabi Alonso navigates the weeks ahead?

For Xabi Alonso, the coming days will revolve around clarity. Huijsen’s scans at Valdebebas will determine whether he faces a short spell of rest or a longer recovery similar to October. With Mbappé and Camavinga returning early as well, the manager must prepare for three possible absences as Madrid enter a demanding stretch of fixtures.

Madrid resume their season against Elche on November 23, followed by a crucial Champions League match against Olympiacos on November 26 and a top-of-the-table meeting with Girona on November 30. Alonso may turn once again to Militao and Asencio if Huijsen is unavailable, while midfield rotation will depend heavily on Camavinga’s fitness and match readiness.

The next 72 hours of medical evaluations will shape Alonso’s approach, but what is clear is that Madrid enter the post-break period with caution and the need for careful management of their biggest stars.

Manchester United are monitoring AZ Alkmaar sensation Kees Smit as they look to finally address their long-standing midfield issues, but face rival interest from within the Premier League. The 19-year-old Dutch international is attracting interest from multiple elite clubs, with AZ prepared to demand around £25 million for their prized academy graduate.

• Man Utd interested in making move for Kees Smit

  Manchester United have identified Smit as a potential solution to their midfield rebuild, as per CentreDevils, with sources confirming that scouts have been closely monitoring the AZ Alkmaar starlet's development this season. Director of Recruitment Christopher Vivell has already discussed the teenager internally, signalling that United consider him one of the most promising young midfield profiles available on the market. His age, tactical intelligence and technical quality make him an attractive long-term investment for a club beginning to reshape its spine.

  AZ are understood to value the player at roughly £25 million ($33m), a figure widely regarded as modest given his projection and growing international pedigree. The Red Devils are far from alone in their admiration; however, with several clubs across Europe already making enquiries, and domestic rivals in the Premier League expected to intensify their efforts in the coming weeks. Newcastle are pushing hardest alongside United in the race, with their interest described as "gathering serious momentum".

  Despite United's growing desire to strengthen early, a January move looks unlikely at this stage. Instead, the 20-time Premier League champions could position themselves for a summer approach, allowing time for negotiations and squad adjustments. Smit is open to a step up and views a transition to a bigger European club as his natural next step.

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• AFP
  

  Man Utd looking to rebuild midfield amid complex issues

  United's midfield issues have been evident for several seasons, arising from a blend of ageing personnel and uneven squad construction. Casemiro will turn 34 next year and has begun to show physical decline, occasionally leaving the defence exposed. Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes has often been forced into unfamiliar roles as cover inside the double pivot.

  Kobbie Mainoo remains the club's most exciting midfield talent, but his limited minutes this campaign underline United's need to protect young players rather than rely on them to paper over structural gaps. With Mainoo potentially heading out on loan for developmental reasons, the squad risks a further drop in depth. The lack of a true, specialist holding midfielder continues to prevent the side from asserting control in big games under Ruben Amorim's philosophy.

  The ambition within the club is clear: evolve the midfield from reactive chaos to proactive dominance. The Red Devils want a player capable of anchoring possession, dictating transitions, and restoring balance between their attacking aggression and defensive stability. Smit fits the ideal profile – and the recruitment team sees him as a long-term cornerstone rather than a short-term patch.

• Smit's meteoric rise at AZ

  Smit is widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders to emerge from AZ's academy, a system that has consistently produced intelligent, technically excellent talents. The Netherlands youth international has captained teams above his age group and earned senior football experience early through Jong AZ in the Eerste Divisie. At just 19, he already demonstrates a level of composure and decision-making beyond many established professionals.

  Operating primarily as a deep-lying midfielder, Smit excels in reading play, shielding the back line and dictating tempo with exceptional passing range. His ability to play both short and progressive long balls makes him the central hub for AZ's build-up phases. Because of this, comparisons have been drawn with fellow Dutch orchestrators such as Frenkie de Jong – though Smit boasts a more naturally defensive instinct.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Smit will likely only leave AZ in the summer of 2026

  Manchester United must decide whether to advance negotiations quickly or risk a rival outmanoeuvring them. With Newcastle already stepping up their approach and big European clubs circling, hesitation could prove costly. A summer move currently appears the most realistic scenario, giving United time to free up squad space, resolve outgoing uncertainties and refine their long-term midfield blueprint.

  For Smit, the upcoming months are crucial as he weighs his next destination and prepares for a potential leap into a major league. AZ will hold firm on their valuation, knowing demand continues to rise with every standout performance. Whether he ultimately lands at Old Trafford or elsewhere, the race to secure one of the Netherlands' brightest midfield prospects is only just heating up.

Manchester United’s central midfield department has been one that has been up for debate, with numerous players trying to stake their claim for a regular starting role.

Ruben Amorim has often struggled to find his best partnership in such an area of the pitch, leading to countless players being utilised in the middle of the park since his appointment.

However, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro have been the manager’s duo of choice of late, with the pair starting each of the Red Devils’ five Premier League matches in a row.

The club have remained unbeaten during such a period, showcasing that the boss has made the right decision in opting for the pair instead of selecting the likes of Kobbie Mainoo.

However, with Casemiro now 33, he’s likely coming to the back end of his career at the top level, with the hierarchy already laying the foundations for a move for one player in the January window.

Man Utd’s hunt for a new midfielder in January

Over the last couple of days, it’s been reported that United are targeting a move for Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson in the upcoming January transfer window.

It’s been claimed that the Red Devils have already made an approach to Sean Dyche’s side to register their interest in landing the 23-year-old England international in the coming months.

However, any deal would be a club record, with the Reds currently demanding a fee in the region of £100m to part ways with their star man during the upcoming market.

He’s not the only midfielder in their sights at present, as Brighton & Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba has once again appeared on their radar, if recent reports are to be believed.

According to one Spanish outlet, Amorim and INEOS have made the Cameroonian international their “dream” target for January, but like Anderson, he would set them back a small fortune.

They also state that a £100m deal would be needed to prise him away from the AMEX, but that the player himself would be open to a switch to move to Old Trafford in the near future.

Why United’s £100m target would end Ugarte’s career

It wouldn’t be the first time United have splashed the cash on a new central midfielder, especially after spending a reported £50m for the signature of Manuel Ugarte back in 2024.

The Uruguayan’s transfer generated huge excitement within the Red Devils fanbase, with his arrival finally handing the side the disruptive presence needed to regain possession.

However, a little over 12 months on from his switch to England’s top-flight, he’s since dropped down the pecking order, as seen by his tally of just two league starts in 2025/26.

Amorim has undoubtedly lost faith in the 24-year-old at present, with a new addition only pushing the former PSG star further down the list – which could tempt the hierarchy to cash in on his services.

Spending £100m on a new addition would be a huge statement of intent, but it would no doubt put the future signing ahead of Ugarte in the pecking order due to the fee alone.

Baleba now appears to be the most likely candidate to join the Red Devils in January, with the youngster offering an immediate and long-term upgrade on the Uruguayan.

When comparing their stats from the 2025/26 campaign, the Brighton star has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas – potentially making his £100m price tag an excellent deal.

How Baleba & Ugarte compare in the PL (25/26)

Statistics (per 90)

Baleba

Ugarte

Games played

11

9

Games started

10

2

Pass accuracy

86%

85%

Log balls completed

54%

50%

Interceptions made

1.4

1.1

Duels won

6.5

5.1

Take-on success

63%

33%

Recoveries made

5.9

5.8

Stats via FBref

The 21-year-old has completed more of the passes he’s attempted this campaign, whilst completing more of the long passes he’s attempted – highlighting the dominance he has over Ugarte in possession.

He’s also completed more of the dribbles he’s attempted, further showcasing his all-round talents with the ball at his feet in the Premier League this season.

Out of possession, Baleba has won more duels per 90, whilst making more interceptions per 90 – subsequently offering the side a more dominant option out of possession.

£100m would be a huge statement of intent from the United hierarchy, but given his tender age, Baleba would be the perfect immediate and long-term solution to their problems.

As to Ugarte, such a transfer would likely spell the end of his time in Manchester, with the board needing to offload him to avoid losing a huge chunk of their £50m investment.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb Nov 11, 2025

The Pittsburgh Pirates had their chance of a possible comeback attempt get extinguished on Saturday when first baseman Enmanuel Valdez got tagged out at third while he was trying to ask the umpire for time so he could try to shake off an injury.

This all happened in the bottom of the ninth inning with the Pirates trailing the Cleveland Guardians 3-0. Valdez hit deep shot to center that hit off the wall and allowed him to get all the way to third. He seemed to injure himself on the slide and motioned to the ump for time but that was when he got tagged out.

This was a pretty brutal way to get called out:

The announcer summed that up perfectly this line: "I don't think I've ever seen that."

Here's another look at that play:

The Pirates went on to lose the game, 3-0.

The Colorado Rockies turned the first triple play of the new MLB season Tuesday. In the top of the second inning, Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson hit a ground ball to third base with runners on first and second.

Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon fielded the ball near the bag and tagged third. He then fired the ball to Kyle Farmer at second, who cleanly turned it and hit Michael Toglia at first base to beat Wilson and quickly end the inning.

The 5-4-3 triple play marked the fifth triple play in Rockies history and the first since 2015. After the play, McMahon and starting pitcher Germán Márquez slapped their gloves together to celebrate the feat as Colorado improbably got out of an early jam. Farmer smiled with Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar as they ran toward the dugout.

The Rockies' last triple play came on Sept. 1, 2015 against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Athletics haven't hit into a triple play since 2021 when they did so against the New York Yankees according to the AP.

Before Saturday, the last triple play across the MLB occurred on Sept. 24, 2024 when the San Diego Padres turned one in the ninth inning to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers and clinch a playoff berth.

Manchester United are keen to strengthen their attacking ranks under Ruben Amorim and could now be set to raid South America for a bristling talent dubbed the next Neymar Jr.

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The Red Devils find themselves in the middle of the Premier League pack heading into a hectic run of fixtures between now and the New Year, which will offer Amorim some insight regarding where he needs to add steel to help his side continue their recent improvement.

Ultimately, setbacks are part of football, and Monday’s defeat against Everton will sting for the Manchester United support, especially given the difficulty their side had in breaking down the low block David Moyes deployed at Old Trafford.

Delivering an honest assessment of what needs to change going forward, Matthijs De Ligt urged his teammates to bounce back against Crystal Palace on Sunday and show improved urgency in South London.

He stated: “Overall, just a really bad performance. The next game, obviously, is really important now. We have to bounce back from this performance. We had some good performances over the last couple of weeks, and now we had a bad one.

“Now, it’s for us to come back, to stay together and to make clear what has to be better. We lacked maybe the urgency to score the goals, to create the chances – and then you know against a team like Everton, who drop back and are really strong in the air, it’s going to be quite difficult. That basically sums up the night.”

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BySean Markus Clifford Nov 28, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers pair Andre and Joao Gomes have been identified by Manchester United as January targets. Casemiro’s potential contract expiry has led Amorim down the path of searching for a midfielder, and it is clear he is making inroads on that front.

Conversely, the Red Devils are now said to be leading the race for a talent who could become one of South America’s brightest stars in the next few years.

Man Utd leading race to sign Santos star Robinho Jr

According to reports in Spain, Man Utd are leading the race to sign Santos prodigy Robinho Jr, and they have made contact with his entourage over bringing the 17-year-old winger to Old Trafford.

Compared to Neymar by peers in his homeland, he is a recognisable name as the son of former Manchester City and Real Madrid star Robinho, and he may be allowed to leave his current club due to their financial situation.

Robinho Jr’s statistics at Santos

Appearances

13

Goals

0

Assists

1

Santos are unlikely to let the winger go for a modest fee, albeit Manchester United have been tracking his progress for months and see a unique opportunity to develop his talent in England.

This is something that the Brazilian giants are willing to seriously evaluate as they look to bring funds into the club, especially given they are at risk of relegation, potentially creating a scenario where everyone is a winner.