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The Manchester United job is difficult enough – try not to make it even harder for yourself.

That would be the advice Ruben Amorim should have heeded in his final days in charge, having made a string of head-scratching, in-game decisions.

Be it substituting goalscorer Joshua Zirkzee at half-time against Wolverhampton Wanderers, replacing Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez with just minutes to play against Newcastle United, or even refusing to deploy a back four when chasing the game against ten-man Everton at Old Trafford.

While the Portuguese coach has steered the club into sixth in the Premier League, the past month has showcased a string of missed opportunities, winning just one of the last five home league outings, a run that included largely favourable opposition.

Rather than letting things derail further, INEOS have struck swiftly and ruthlessly, with all eyes on just who will be named the 40-year-old’s long-term successor.

Top target emerges in race to replace Amorim this summer

Much like with the case of Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sackings in 2018 and 2021, respectively, United look to be seeking an interim, caretaker solution, before settling on a permanent appointment ahead of next season.

It would appear that that man Solskjaer is leading the race for the temporary role, with former colleague Michael Carrick also vying for his own Old Trafford homecoming.

In the case of Solskjaer, in particular, he is believed to be hopeful of doing enough to secure the job for the long-term, although the plan appears to be to go in a different direction, regardless of what happens between now and the end of the season.

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According to TEAMtalk, a new top target – alongside Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner – has emerged in the form of Marseille boss, Roberto De Zerbi, with the Italian previously interviewed for the role back in the summer of 2024.

The admiration from those at Old Trafford has remained since then, with De Zerbi himself said to be ready to leave France, viewing United as the perfect next step in his career.

It would appear that INEOS aren’t alone in their interest in him, however, with the 46-year-old also a candidate to potentially replace Thomas Frank at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Why De Zerbi could be another Amorim at Man Utd

Whether Amorim was aware of what was coming at that stage remains to be seen, although his explosive final outburst following the Elland Road stalemate highlighted his fractured relationship with the INEOS regime.

The former Sporting CP reiterated his desire to be the manager of Manchester United, and not the ‘head coach’, while pointing to the need for those above him to do their jobs.

Subsequent reports have suggested there was a schism regarding the club’s transfer dealings, with Amorim having been keen to sign the Aston Villa pairing of Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez, ahead of Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens.

A heart on his sleeve kind of coach with a radical tactical approach, there is certainly a shared likeness between the ex-United man and his potential replacement, De Zerbi, with the former Brighton and Hove Albion maverick also likely to go toe to toe with the Old Trafford hierarchy.

Indeed, part of the reason for his exit from the Amex in 2024 came as a result of a significant disagreement over the Seagulls’ transfer policy, with recruitment led by those above De Zerbi at the club.

An early departure at the Stade Velodrome also looked on the cards back in March, with De Zerbi refusing to take training following a loss to Reims, with the enigmatic coach seemingly always on the brink of exploding.

Amorim’s First & Last Man Utd XIs

vs Ipswich

Position

vs Leeds

Onana

GK

Lammens

Mazraoui

RCB

Yoro

De Ligt

CB

Heaven

Evans

LCB

Martinez

Amad

RWB

Dalot

Casemiro

CM

Casemiro

Eriksen

CM

Ugarte

Dalot

LWB

Shaw

Fernandes

RAM

Dorgu

Garnacho

LAM

Cunha

Rashford

ST

Sesko

In terms of tactics too, his approach has irked those in France. While not wedded to a back three like Amorim, the former Sassuolo man does appear to be confusing his playing squad, having repeatedly flitted between different tactical approaches and set-ups.

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That was noted by Louis Vix on the recent episode of the Totally Football Show, with the Canal+ journalist describing De Zerbi’s team as “unpredictable” and capable of moving from one extreme to the other, while noting that his “constant tactical changes” are putting his players in “difficult situations”.

Such criticism certainly should have a few alarm bells ringing, considering the likeness to Amorim, even with De Zerbi hailed as “one of the best coaches in the world” by his Marseille group.

United’s squad can’t afford another chaotic, combustible coach, and nor can INEOS, with the Italian arguably more likely to plunge the Red Devils further into crisis, rather than steadying the ship as needed.

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Chelsea are keen on a pair of Premier League talents who would greatly bolster their attacking ranks as they close in on a new manager.

When Chelsea lifted the Club World Cup trophy in July, their second of two trophies won under Enzo Maresca, few people, if any, would have foreseen that the Italian would be unemployed just six months later. On New Year’s Day, the Blues announced that they had parted ways with their manager, with the club fifth in the Premier League and tensions rising in the weeks prior.

Chelsea have been stuttering since beating Barcelona in the Champions League at the end of November, winning just two games out of their last nine across all competitions. Even still, Maresca’s dismissal has come as a shock, as it appeared that the Italian had offered the Blues some much-needed stability following the early chaos of BlueCo’s ownership.

Though other names have been touted for Chelsea, it seems that Liam Rosenior is the front-runner to replace Maresca.

Working at Strasbourg in France, who share the same ownership as Chelsea, the Englishman guided the club to a seventh-placed finish last season in Ligue 1 and since then, he has established them as a favourite for the Conference League, finishing first in the league phase.

For all of the risks that could come with appointing Rosenior, one issue that the former defender would not have is a lack of financial backing.

Chelsea want both Rogers and Nwaneri

As per CaughtOffside, Chelsea would be keen on recruiting more attacking bodies this winter, with one such target being Morgan Rogers. The former Middlesbrough man is in the form of his life for Aston Villa, where he has developed into one of England’s brightest talents since moving to the Midlands in 2024.

Unsurprisingly, Villa do not want to part ways with their number 27, though Unai Emery’s side faced some well-documented PSR struggles in the summer. That could, in theory, force the Villans into making a big sale sooner rather than later, which the Blues are monitoring given that Rogers, who could cost at least £80 million according to football finance expert Dan Plumley, is “high up on Chelsea’s list” of targets.

Subscribe to the newsletter for Chelsea transfer insight Dig deeper by subscribing to the newsletter for focused coverage of Chelsea’s interest in Morgan Rogers and Ethan Nwaneri, expert context on valuations and recruitment strategy, plus wider Premier League talent analysis.

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Also on the Stamford Bridge shortlist is Ethan Nwaneri. The youngster, who is comfortable operating either in central midfield or on the right wing, is one of several promising young talents at the Emirates Stadium, but has struggled for minutes this season. Such is his quality, that it may be Nwaneri departs North London in order to secure more minutes.

Whilst some may have expected Nwaneri, who is valued at £50 million according to Plumley, to leave Arsenal on a six-month loan, it would seem that in keeping with their current business model, Chelsea would pursue a permanent transfer which would have a better chance at success in the summer. Both targets are certainly ambitious for the Blues, but could be incredible additions for whoever Chelsea’s new manager will be.

Related Palmer will love him: Chelsea looking to hire "one of the best coaches ever"

This manager could be Chelsea’s ideal Maresca replacement

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Though back in Pakistan colours, Mohammad Yousuf’s terms with the ICL are yet to be settled © AFP

The Indian Cricket League (ICL) has sent a legal notice to Pakistan batsman Mohammad Yousuf for cancelling his contract. A top official with the ICL has said that action had to be taken after several unsuccessful attempts to get in touch with Yousuf to seek clarifications regarding certain statements made by him and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the recent weeks.”We can confirm that we have indeed sent out a notice to Yousuf,” Ashish Kaul, executive president of the ICL, told Cricinfo. “We have been trying to reach out to him and sent out three reminders to discuss some crucial issues after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) clarified recently that Yousuf will not play in the ICL and make himself available for Pakistan.”Yousuf had reversed his decision to commit to the ICL following a meeting with PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf. With the board adopting a tough stance on all players who’ve signed up for the ICL, Yousuf signed a central contract with the PCB and made himself available for Pakistan. He subsequently signed up for the Indian Premier League (IPL), a franchise tournament launched by the Indian board which has already roped in several international stars.Yousuf had explained his withdrawal from the ICL by stating that he wasn’t aware of a certain clause which says that priority had to be given to the league instead of Pakistan when international matches are happening simultaneously. Responding to this, Kaul said that there was no such clause, and that if a clash of dates were to occur, the ICL would have accomodated it. Kaul said that efforts had been made to get in touch with Yousuf and clarify such comments.The inaugural season of the ICL – a Twenty20 tournament – is set to begin in November, though the schedule is yet to be announced. Players who’ve already signed up have undergone a beginner’s camp in Chennai and an advanced camp is set to begin as well.”We are likely to announce the schedule, details of the teams and the team colours in a week’s time,” Kaul said. “The details of the venue of the advanced camp will be announced soon as well.”Kaul added that no new players have signed up over recent weeks, and denied reports that New Zealand’s Craig McMillan was one of those approached.

Day 2
ScorecardAkalanka Ganegama and Upul Chandana shared seven wickets between them as Sri Lanka A dismissed West Zone for 149 on the second day of their Duleep Trophy clash in Cuttack. By stumps, Sri Lanka A had moved on to 83 for 1 with a handy 259-run lead.Ganegama dismissed Wasim Jaffer, the West Zone captain, for 0 in the first over en route to his figures of 4 for 47, while Chandana’s legspin ran a ring around the lower order. Dammika Prasad, a right-arm medium pacer, struck two telling blows up the order when he removed Dheeraj Jadhav and Rohit Sharma. For West Zone, only the veteran Amol Muzumdar managed 51.Siddharth Trivedi, the medium pacer, removed Mahela Udawatte for 10 but Michael Vandort (38*) and Malinda Warnapura (34*) took Sri Lanka A to a commanding position at the close.Day 2
ScorecardHundreds to Mahesh Rawat and Joginder Sharma, coupled with wickets before stumps on day two, cemented North Zone’s firm grasp over Central Zone in Jamshedpur. Bad light forced an early end to the day, but not before Rawat and Joginder, overnight on 59 and 65 respectively, progressed to their hundreds during a 171-run sixth-wicket stand as North Zone racked up 443.Rawat collected 16 boundaries in his second first-class hundred, while Joginder hit 14 fours and a six on the way to his third. Spinners Piyush Chawla and Murali Kartik each picked up three wickets for Central Zone.Taking the new ball, Joginder then forced Amit Pagnis to edge to Rawat behind the stumps. Rawat picked up his second catch when Shivakant Shukla nicked one from VRV Singh.

Razzaq will take no part in the first Test © AFP

Pakistan will go in to the first Test against England at Multan without allrounder Abdul Razzaq, who has been ruled out with an elbow injury.Razzaq ruptured tissues in his elbow and has been advised at least three weeks’ rest by doctors. At 25, having made his debut in 1999, he has only played 37 Tests but his allround versatility, the ability to bowl at a sharp pace, and bat aggressively at any position, means he is seen as a vital cog in Pakistan’s lineup. He has taken 77 wickets and scored 1523 runs in Test matches since making his debut.Wasim Bari, chairman of selectors, told AFP, “We have not included him in the 16 because he will take time to regain fitness.” Razzaq also told AFP earlier that the injury was “painful” but he had been hopeful of recovering in time to make the squad.Razzaq has fond memories of playing against England; he scored the first of his three Test centuries at Faisalabad during England’s 2000-01 tour. Pakistan’s three-member selection committee is likely to finalise the squad late Friday and submit it to the Pakistan Cricket Board, who may announce the final line-up at the weekend.Pakistan are also uncertain about the fitness of Shoaib Akhtar, although Bob Woolmer, the Pakistan coach, said the bowler looked good at the national training camp in Lahore and during the practice match between a Pakistan XI and Rest of Pakistan side. Shoaib bowled 20 overs on a flat pitch, taking a solitary wicket.

Which channel will they be switching to in October?© Getty Images

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has invited Zee Telefilms and ESPNStar for a final round of discussions regarding the telecast rights on September 4 in Chennai. Zee, was the highest bidder with approximately US$260million for the four-year cricket telecast rights, while ESPNStar was close to US$30million less than that. A final decision on the matter is expected on September 5.RC Venkatesh, managing director of ESPNStar Sports, told : “We have been invited by BCCI to present a clarification on our bid. We are open to any kind of negotiations that will enable us bag the deal.”ESPNStar had said that they were willing to increase the bid to around US$300million if the BCCI extended it to a five-year contract and not four. Thay had also alleged that Zee did not qualify for the bidding process they did not meet the board’s criterion of having two years’ experience in telecasting international cricket events.Zee, however, refuted the charge and said that they had telecast international cricket matches in other countries, like the UK, since 1995.

THE Western Australian Cricket Association today announced that Western Power has elected not to exercise its option to continue as Major Sponsor of the Western Warriors.Western Power will reduce its substantial contribution to Western Australian cricket, but would like to continue its support for regional development.Western Power has been Major Sponsor of the Warriors for the past five years.In announcing the conclusion of a successful partnership, WACA Chief Executive Mrs Kath White, praised Western Power’s contribution to Western Australian cricket."We’re pleased that we will still be partners with Western Power in our regional cricket program," Mrs White said."We fully understand Western Power’s position in not being able to continue with their sponsorship of the Western Warriors."Mrs White said that, negotiations with a comparable Warriors Major Sponsor, is now a priority for WACA management."The Western Warriors are a highly respected team on the national sporting scene with high profile players leading their appeal, such as Adam Gilchrist, Justin Langer and Damien Martyn," Mrs White said."Our Western Warriors epitomise the spirit of Western Australia as a State and they are always prominent performers in the Pura Cup and ING Cup competitions."Western Power General Manager Retail John Lillywhite said Western Power would continue its strong relationship with the WACA."Although no longer the sole sponsor of the Western Warriors, Western Power has realigned its level of support for WA cricket, to focus solely on the WACA’s regional junior program," said Mr Lillywhite."We would like to increase our backing for this very successful WACA program which we joined seven years ago. It has a strong rural and youth focus and its achievements are impressive."Western Power made the decision after reviewing its community partnership program in light of changes in the competitive marketplace.”We found that backing the high profile Western Warriors did not fit with our strategies as we repositioned in the competitive market.”Western Power looks forward to continuing to work with the WACA to develop its regional junior program.”We have no doubt that the WACA and the Western Warriors will go from strength to strength.”

At the end of the Second Eleven Final between Somerset and Surrey at The County Ground today, second eleven coach Julian Wyatt, who is taking time off from cricket to travel was presented with a round the world air ticket by Somerset Chairman Richard Parsons, in recognition for his services to cricket in the county.The Chief Executive Peter Anderson personally thanked the crowd of over a thousand for their attendance. Speaking over the public address system Mr Anderson said, “Thank you all very much indeed for coming along today, and for the level of support you have given to the match. You’ve been a credit to the club.”Regarding the match the Chief Executive told me, “This has been a good learning for the youngsters, who didn’t enjoy being on the losing end. They have to learn to bowl a tight line and length when the pressure is on, which they didn’t do today.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future is unclear – in terms of which position he may find himself playing in the next few years, with many seeing the Liverpool star capable of playing as a central-midfielder.

The England International has been trialled there before for his country, but didn’t look very comfortable playing in the position compared to the likes of Jude Bellingham – but there is no doubt he has enough ability and intelligence to transition there one day should Reds boss Jurgen Klopp want him to do so.

Should the right-back be deployed further up the field someday, it would leave a massive void at right-back, which could be replaced by loaned-out prospect Neco Williams – who has excelled at Fulham so far after joining a month ago today.

Already with two assists under his belt, including one to pick out Aleksandar Mitrovic for his Championship record-levelling goal, Williams is beginning to show some of the form that he has for Wales, which has led to fans calling him, “phenomenal”.

Having already put in some impressive shifts, with Virgil Van Dijk next to him in defence, for Liverpool, it’s no doubt that when Williams is called-upon to cover, he is a reliable option to slot in.

Fulham teammate Harry Wilson, who also played with him at Liverpool, also believes that the 20-year-old will continue to develop on-loan and that it was the right decision for his progression.

“I think he’s getting the games I think he needs,” said Wilson.

“Obviously, he was at Liverpool learning from the best in Trent [Alexander-Arnold], but I think at his age and where he is in his career, coming out and playing games on loan was what he needed.”

The Cottagers have only conceded two goals since the Welshman joined on-loan, and Williams has also been impressive defensively, making 2.6 tackles per game as well as 1.6 interceptions and 1.6 clearances.

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On attack, the loanee has also shown encouraging signs, as he has completed 1.4 crosses per game as well as having one shot and making one key pass every match also – with an average of 83% passing accuracy. With those stats in mind, it may not come as a surprise to see him described as the club’s “very own Gareth Bale” by journalist Ben Bocsak.

Should Alexander-Arnold transition into a central midfielder, or suffer an injury, Klopp would be able to rely on Williams, who will provide as much defensive security and also begin to develop more on the attacking side of his game, as opposed to splashing the cash on a new right-back.

In other news: Liverpool eye swoop for “world-class” £55m ace, he could force Salah out of Anfield…

India’s Test captain Virat Kohli has come out in support of day-night Tests, even expressing his willingness to play with the pink ball. Test cricket, the long cherished traditional form of the game, will start a new chapter in its evolution when Australia and New Zealand play the inaugural day-night Test starting at the Adelaide Oval from November 27.In recent weeks, there has been a raging debate among players, administrators and fans on the feasibility of day-night Tests, particularly the challenges of reading a bright coloured ball during late evenings, and the difficulties batsmen are likely to face due to an exaggerated swing. The main reason to play day-night Test cricket, according to the ICC, is to promote the longer form of the game and arrest the fast-declining crowds at grounds.For Kohli, day-night Tests are both an experiment as well as a forward-looking step in the game. “It is a landmark Test,” Kohli said, speaking on the eve of India’s third Test against South Africa in Nagpur. “It is a big experiment. It is a big step towards changing something in Test cricket. I hope it works. I hope it can be another option as well.”I’m glad two teams have actually agreed to play an official Test like that as an experiment. Credit to Australia and New Zealand, both, that they have decided to do this. Hopefully it will be better for the game. It will be a step which we all might remember few years down the line. Let’s hope so.”Incidentally, Kohli is the first Indian voice, be it player or administrator, to give an opinion on day-night Tests. Kohli said he was open to playing such a match because he saw it as a positive step to promote Test cricket.”As I said, it is a step towards something. If it is officially put into place it will be something different, it will be something exciting. As cricketers we all should be willing and accepting of the fact that we need to step forward and contribute to the game however possible. If this is a step towards improving the excitement and the popularity of Test cricket, then I think every team should be in for it.”Kohli has never featured in a match involving a pink ball, so he said his opinions on the challenges were based on what he had heard recently from other players.”I have heard a few of the players giving feedback on playing with the pink ball. The only thing that they were concerned about is that during twilight it is hard to pick up the ball. During the day it was still fine. And at night it was okay as well, but when the floodlights are not sort of on and the sun is going down is when they found it very difficult.”