Manchester United have shown glimpses of taking the next step under Ruben Amorim in the 2025/26 campaign, but there is still a glaring issue at the heart of the side.

The central midfield department has been an area of the pitch in which the manager has struggled for quality, which has resulted in a makeshift partnership as of late.

Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes have often shared responsibility in the middle of the park, but a longer-term solution will be needed to take the Red Devils back up the Premier League.

The Brazilian is now 33 and looks set to depart at the end of the campaign, which could open up the possibility of a move for a youngster to stake their claim for a starting role.

However, it could also see INEOS flex their muscles in the transfer market, potentially making a move for numerous players who are already on their radar ahead of January.

Man Utd's "top top target" revealed

Over the last couple of weeks, United have been one of the sides interested in a move for Bournemouth star Tyler Adams to bolster the options at Amorim’s disposal.

The American international has featured in all but one league outing this campaign, which has led to the Cherries placing a £40m price tag on his head in recent weeks.

However, it’s now being reported that Andoni Iraola’s men are desperate to keep hold of the 26-year-old, who has revived his career at the Vitality over the last 18 months.

He’s not the only player in their sights, with Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson currently ahead of the Bournemouth star in their list of targets this winter.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the England international is seen as a “top top target” for Amorim’s men this window, but a deal for his signature could be an expensive one.

He confirmed that a deal could well prove to be unlikely in the winter market, especially after Sean Dyche’s men placed a £100m price tag on his head for any interested party.

How Mainoo compares to Anderson

Kobbie Mainoo is another option who could be utilised at the heart of the United side, but boss Amorim evidently doesn’t see the youngster as part of his long-term plans.

The 20-year-old has now featured in 11 Premier League matches this season, but all of which have been from the bench – resulting in just 212 minutes of first-team action.

As a result, the player himself has been linked with a permanent and temporary move away from Old Trafford ahead of the upcoming window, but the club are set to block any approaches for his signature.

During Monday’s draw with Bournemouth, Mainoo’s brother was spotted wearing a shirt that stated ‘free Kobbie Mainoo’, which has no doubt flamed the fire that has been building.

It’s vital the youngster is handed senior minutes to help aid his development, especially after nailing down his place as a regular starter under the guidance of Erik ten Hag.

His minutes could be further limited should Anderson make a move to Old Trafford in the months ahead, with the Forest star currently a much bigger talent than the academy graduate.

When comparing his stats to those of Mainoo’s from the ongoing campaign, Anderson has outperformed him in numerous key areas – showcasing why he’d be a better option for Amorim’s men.

How Anderson & Mainoo compare in the PL (2025/26)

Statistics (per 90)

Anderson

Mainoo

Games played

16

11

Goals & assists

2

0

Progressive passes

8.3

3.2

Passes into final third

7.8

4.8

Tackles won

1.8

1.1

Interceptions made

1.9

0.4

Take-on success

50%

37%

Recoveries made

8.3

4.4

Aerials won

47%

16%

Stats via FBref

The Forest star, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by one analyst, has dominated in possession, as seen with his tally of more progressive passes and more passes into the final third per 90.

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Such numbers make him the perfect ball-playing option at the heart of the side, which could allow him to offer yet another creative outlet alongside Fernandes.

He’s also thrived without the ball at the City Ground, as seen by his tackles won per 90 tally, with the current United star unable to get anywhere near such levels in 2025/26.

Anderson has also made more interceptions and more ball recoveries per 90, further reaffirming his incredible ability without the ball – something which the side have greatly lacked in recent times.

The Mainoo situation at Old Trafford is certainly a sad sight to behold, especially after his efforts a couple of years ago, which led to the youngster scoring in the FA Cup final triumph in 2023/24.

However, a deal for Anderson would see the Red Devils land a phenomenal talent, with the 23-year-old having the tools to allow for an upgrade in the midfield department.

Related 0 key passes & 0 dribbles: Amorim must bin Man Utd dud who's like Hojlund

Manchester United played out a madcap game at Old Trafford on Monday evening.

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Sussex face the possibility of censure or even a points deduction from theECB after 19 wickets fell on the first day of their second division matchagainst Northamptonshire at Eastbourne.A statement is expected this morning after deliberations between pitchinspector Mike Denness, who was at the Saffrons all day, and the umpiresover a well grassed, but dry surface.Bowlers on both sides benefitted from ideal conditions for swing bowlingwith Sussex’s James Kirtley passing 50 wickets for the season when heclaimed a season’s best 6-41 as the second division leaders were bowled outfor 110.New ball partner Jason Lewry supported him with 3-38 with only Russell Warren, who made 151 when the teams met a week ago, top-scoring with a gritty 29 off 81 balls.Sussex’s batsmen found the going just as tough when they replied and only asuperb innings from skipper Chris Adams prevented them conceding a firstinnings deficit.They were struggling on 83-6 after tea, but Adams put on 55 for the next twowickets with Nick Wilton and Kirtley as he reached his sixth half-century ofthe season. Adams finished unbeaten on 82, made off 135 balls with 13 boundaries, with Sussex 151-9, a lead of 41.Principal support came from Tony Cottey, who made 17 in a fourth wicketstand of 43, and wicketkeeper Nick Wilton (14).

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A 2-2 draw for Newcastle at Bournemouth on Saturday set up a remarkable statistic that shows just how brilliant Rafael Benitez truly is.

Newcastle were extremely unlucky at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, as were many people who had Bournemouth in their William Hill bonus code bet, as the Magpies should really have played the majority of the match against ten men after Jefferson Lerma’s first half horror tackle.

Salomon Rondon put Newcastle in front with a perfect free kick, before a brace from Josh King flipped the game on its head, only for Matt Ritchie to equalise in stunning fashion late on.

The win leaves the Toon Army on 35 points after 31 games, seven clear of the drop zone.

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals why Tyne-Wear is a more intense derby than anything London can offer – check out the video below….

On the chalkboard

It has been said several times throughout the season that the Magpies’ campaign was following a similar trend to their last, starting off horribly before picking up form thanks mainly to some fantastic home performances.

The similarities are greater than you could ever imagine though. At this point last season, the Tyneside outfit had nine wins, eight draws and 14 defeats with 31 goals scored and 40 conceded.

Right now, Benitez’s men have nine wins, eight draws and 14 defeats with 31 goals scored and 40 conceded. They are quite literally exactly where they were at the same point last season.

To many fans that statistic may be a worrying indicator of stagnation from the boss, but delving deeper into the numbers shows just how impressive it is.

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Of the teams above the Magpies, every single one bar Tottenham Hotspur spent more money than them last summer. Of the teams below them, only Crystal Palace spent less, per TalkSPORT.

To achieve consistency while all the teams around you in the table splash tons of cash to improve their squads is a true marker of just how special Benitez is, and it also makes you wonder just how good Newcastle can become under the Spaniard with even a little bit of backing from upstairs.

Whether it be under the infamous Mike Ashley or, as Newcastle fans will hope, with someone new at the helm, Benitez is more than capable of leading a charge for the top eight with some genuine backing this summer.

Prime Doleshwar came crashing down after four big wins, when Victoria Sporting Club handed them a nine-wicket defeat in the Dhaka Premier League.After deciding to bat first at the BKSP-3 ground, Doleshwar were bowled out for just 85 runs in 26 overs. Victoria’s Sri Lankan pace bowler Shalika Karunanayake and seamer Soumya Sarkar took three wickets each, while Sajedul Islam and captain Nasir Hossain picked up one each.Doleshwar were always going to be in trouble when Tillakaratne Sampath, Mominul Haque and Roshen Silva all failed in this game.Anamul Haque and Karunanayake then added 81 runs for the second wicket to take Victoria to an easy win, completed in 14.3 overs. Victoria join Doleshwar in the top of the table with four wins from six matches.Abahani however remain in tenth position, after suffering their fifth defeat. This time, Prime Bank Cricket Club crushed them by 120 runs at the Fatullah Cricket Stadium.Prime Bank batted first after winning the toss, and despite losing an early wicket, they began brightly. Saikat Ali (59) and Bhanuka Rajapaksa (69) added 82 for the second wicket, before Lahiru Thirimanne struck a breezy half-century.Abahani lost wickets regularly in their chase, never quite finding a rhythm. They missed the in-form Mosaddek Hossain in the middle-order. He has left for West Indies with the Bangladesh Under-19s squad, having been the joint highest-scorer in the league with 320 runs.Prime Bank captain Enamul Haque jnr picked up four wickets while offspinner Fariduddin Masud took three.There was a heavy defeat for Mohammedan Sporting Club too, who went down by 103 runs to Gazi Tank Cricketers. It was their third loss in a row, after having won the first three games.They inserted Gazi Tank at the Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogra, and had the early momentum. But Mahmudullah and Raqibul Hasan struck fifties to lift Gazi Tank from 95 for four. The pair added 94 runs for the fifth wicket, with Mahmudullah warming up nicely for the upcoming Test series with 68 off 78 balls. Raqibul was the top-scorer, making 75 off 65 balls with six fours and a couple of sixes.Ejaz Ahmed and Upul Tharanga kept Mohammedan in the hunt for a while. Opener Ejaz smashed three sixes in his 43-ball 42, but Tharanga saw wickets tumble at the other end. He made 56 off 72 balls, but by the time he was dismissed, Gazi Tank had the ascendancy.Ashar Zaidi, the 32-year-old left-arm spinner, took three wickets in seven overs while Mahmudullah picked up two.

Pakistan will tour Zimbabwe for two Twenty20 matches and three ODIs between September 24 and October 5, Wilson Manase, the chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket, has confirmed. The teams were initially set to play the series between August 17 and September 7, but that plan was “unanimously” put on hold, presumably over Pakistan’s unwillingness to jeopardise their qualification for the 2017 Champions Trophy.As per the current schedule, the T20 matches will be played first, starting September 26, while the three ODIs will be played in the first week of October, beyond the cut-off date for the Champions Trophy. Pakistan are currently eighth in the ODI rankings with 90 points, while West Indies are ninth with 88; the result of the Zimbabwe series will not affect Pakistan’s position.”We have dealt with the tour outline with my PCB counterpart Shahryar Khan. The management of our respective boards will now continue to fine-tune the tour schedule,” Manase said, before adding that he was also talking to the WICB over a possible home series against West Indies, given the free dates in August.Pakistan had initially agreed to play a limited-overs series in Zimbabwe this year during the only available window, in August. This was intended to reciprocate Zimbabwe’s tour of Pakistan in May, which helped Pakistan host their first international series in the country in six years.The confusion regarding Pakistan’s tour of Zimbabwe arose when ZC floated an idea of a tri-nation series involving West Indies, as the PCB was reluctant to play any series that could possibly harm their qualification for the Champions Trophy. To play it safe, ZC proposed pushing the ODIs to October, an idea which was instantly accepted by the PCB.

Australia’s tour of Bangladesh appears increasingly in danger of being cancelled, with Cricket Australia’s security team on their way home to brief players and the board following a series of meetings in Bangladesh over the past two days.CA’s head of security Sean Carroll, team security manager Frank Dimasi and team manager Gavin Dovey have held meetings with Australian and Bangladeshi officials after the squad’s scheduled departure was postponed at the weekend. Their trip followed a new travel warning from Australia’s government that: “There is reliable information to suggest that militants may be planning to target Australian interests in Bangladesh.”Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade had contacted CA directly on Friday to inform them of the updated travel advice. On Monday, the United Kingdom government also updated its travel advice for UK citizens to state that: “Militants may be targeting western interests in Bangladesh in late September; UK officials have been advised to limit attendance at events where westerners may gather.”News agencies have also reported that an Italian charity worker was shot dead in Dhaka’s diplomatic zone on Monday evening, and both and AFP reported that an online statement in the name of Islamic State had claimed responsibility for the attack.ESPNcricinfo understands the BCB was caught off guard by the departure of Dimasi and Dovey from Bangladesh on Tuesday – the Bangladesh board had expected the two officials to remain in the country until the Australian team arrived. Both CA and the BCB have, over the past two days, expressed their strong desire for the two-Test series to go ahead, though CA’s chief executive James Sutherland said on Sunday that the safety and security of their players and staff was “the absolute priority”.”There has been no change to our position on the matter,” a CA spokesman said on Tuesday. “Following yesterday’s meetings, our head of security, team manager and team security manager are on their way home from Bangladesh for further meetings with the Department of Foreign Affairs and to brief our board, management and players on the situation.”The BCB on Monday expressed its confidence that the series would go ahead as scheduled, and also named a squad for the first Test in Chittagong. The first Test is scheduled to start on October 9, with the second Test due to begin in Dhaka on October 17.

Chris Rogers, the former Australia opener, has signed a one-year deal with Somerset who will become his fifth English county.Rogers retired from international cricket after the final Ashes Test at The Oval in August and his highest score, 173, came during the series at Lord’s although that was also the match where he was forced to retire hurt after suffering dizzy spells in the second innings.Somerset have said that Rogers is set to bat at No. 3 next season, meaning the opening partnership will remain Marcus Trescothick and 21-year-old Tom Abell who made 726 runs at 36.30 in 2015 and won the LV=Breakthrough Player award.”I’m really pleased to be joining a club of the stature of Somerset,” Rogers said. “I have always enjoyed playing cricket in England and as soon as I heard that Somerset were interested I wanted to make it happen. There have been quite a few Australian players who have done really well down at Taunton and hopefully I can add my name to that list. I’m looking forward to the challenge and can’t wait to get started.”Somerset held onto their Division One status in the Championship although were not secure until the final round. Their batting has continued to lean heavily on Trescothick and James Hildreth, who scored 1284 and 1390 runs respectively in the 2015 season, although the emergence of Abell was a significant development.Matthew Maynard, Somerset’s director of cricket, hopes Rogers’ wealth of experience will rub off on the younger players. “Chris Rogers is an outstanding batsman with an excellent attitude towards the game. He will score runs on the field and will have a positive impact off it as well. He is an excellent professional and our young players will learn a lot from him.”Rogers has previously played county cricket for Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire and most recently Middlesex until 2014. However, his connections with Middlesex ended in somewhat controversial circumstances when he became embroiled in an Ashes ticket scheme where a company Rogers co-founded was offering hospitality packages for sale.Somerset also announced the signing of 18-year-old wicketkeeper Ryan Davies from Kent. He has played for England Under-19s having joined the Kent Academy as a 13-year-old. Somerset have struggled for a regular wicketkeeper since the double loss of Jos Buttler to Lancashire and Craig Kieswetter to injury-forced retirement.Alex Barrow played six Championship matches in 2015 but averaged just 13.33 and the county subsequently signed New Zealand wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi and the former Hampshire gloveman Michael Bates.

After considering a variety of options, the BCCI has finally identified the road ahead for the next two seasons of the IPL at its working committee meeting in Mumbai on Sunday. Bids have been invited for two new teams but they will be in existence only for the next two years. IPL Chairman Rajiv Shukla confirmed the new teams will make way for Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals when their suspension ends in 2018. Shukla though was noncommittal about whether the IPL will be a 10-team or an eight-team competition from 2018.”The working committee had made four recommendations, out of which one recommendation has been accepted by the committee,” Shukla said. “That the two vacant spots should be auctioned for two years. After two years we will decide whether we should go for two more franchises or we should confine ourselves to eight teams only.”However, given the short-term deals on offer, questions are already being raise over whether investors will be interested although BCCI authorities are confident that they will lay down bidder-friendly conditions to help them recover as much money as they have invested. As an incentive to the bidders, the BCCI is also likely to recommend that 12 players from the suspended franchises be split between the two new teams before the player auction.While the BCCI statement issued after Sunday’s working committee meeting did not elaborate on the specifics of the new bidding process, Shukla said details like the base price for the bids and the cities that can be bid for will be worked out over the next three weeks and finalised at the AGM on November 9.”The tender document will be prepared and it will be approved in the AGM on November 9. And then the tenders will be released,” Shukla said, adding that the bidders will have the final choice on which city they want to represent. “Whoever is the highest bidder will get the franchise and it is up to them to decide which city they prefer.”Ahmedabad, the adopted home of Rajasthan Royals, is out of contention as a host city since the Motera stadium, the home of top-flight cricket in the city, is being renovated. Jaipur, the original home of Royals, is unlikely to be included in the list of eligible cities since the Rajasthan Cricket Association remains suspended by the BCCI. Chennai’s fate will depend on the outcome of the Chennai Super Kings owners’ litigation against the two-year suspension.Shukla said that the interest of players from both the suspended franchises “will be protected”, but didn’t elaborate on it. ESPNcricinfo understands that the players contracted with the two will be put into the annual auction pool after six players from each are allotted to the new owners on the basis of lots. The BCCI feels such a move would ensure balance of the two new teams and ensure star appeal for both to allow the new owners to recover their money in a short period.The remaining 35-odd players will be put into the auction pool and will be up for grabs for all eight franchises. However, it is understood that the BCCI will ensure that all the players who were on the suspended franchises’ roster in 2015 will be available to them once again when the suspension lifts in 2018.This means that the big auction scheduled for 2017 could be pushed back by a year to 2018, when the two new teams are scheduled to make way for Super Kings and Royals.While the base price for the franchise bids is being worked out, according to an IPL insider, it will be “much lower” than in 2010 when two new teams were inducted at a high price. “We will try and ensure that the new owners will recover the money they put into the IPL for two teams,” he said.At the inception of IPL, the base price for teams was $50 million. While the ownership was in perpetuity, the franchise fees were fixed for 10 years. In 2010, the base price rose to $225 million for a ten-year period. However, in 2012, when Deccan Chargers was resold to Sun TV’s owners for five years, it was sold at Rs 86 crore per year, less than a half of the 2010 base price.

Scorecard File photo: Rakep Patel his 12 fours and a six in his 58-ball knock•ICC/Zainab Malubhai

Rakep Patel top-scored with a 58-ball 80 as Kenya beat Namibia by 11 runs in Windhoek to register their second win in the ICC World Cricket League.Rakep built on the foundation laid by Alex Obanda, the opener, who made a solid 78-ball 52 as Kenya finished with 287 for 7 in 50 overs. Namibia were driven by Stephan Baard’s counterattacking 106-ball 132 that allowed them to stay ahead of the asking rate for the first 20 overs.But once Baard, the captain, fell, the innings came apart as they lost their last five wickets for 55 runs. That the second highest total for Namibia was 33 by JP Kotze explained Namibia’s woes as they were bowled out for 276 in 49 overs. Shem Ngoche, the left-arm spinner, inflicted maximum damage by returning figures of 3 for 53, while Elijah Otieno and Nelson Odhiambo, the pacers, took two wickets apiece.Both sides will square off again on Sunday at the same venue.

ScorecardFile photo – Rishabh Pant top-scored for India with 71•PTI

India sealed a 20-run win over England in Colombo, their third consecutive win of the triangular U-19s tournament guaranteeing them a place in the final.After choosing to bat, captain Rishabh Pant led India’s batting effort with a brisk 71 at the start. He put on a 113-run opening stand with Himanshu Rana, who also scored a fifty. Nos. 3 and 4 Ricky Bhui and Virat Singh then added a 52-run partnership after the openers were dismissed. India faltered in their death overs, as they were bowled out for 261 from the last ball of the innings, having been 209 for 4 after 40 overs.Dan Lawrence gave a strong start to the England chase, smashing nine fours in his 51-ball 55. George Bartlett and Max Holden added 63 for the sixth wicket after England lost three quick wickets in the middle overs. England’s chase went downhill soon after Bartlett fell for 70 in the 44th over, as Rahul Batham and Mayank Dagar wrapped up England’s innings for 241, picking up three wickets apiece.England have now lost three in a row at the competition and must hope for India to beat Sri Lanka in their next match to retain slim hopes of reaching the final.