Amad Diallo believes that, after coming through some testing times at Manchester United, he can become "one of the best in the world".
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Zaka Ashraf’s tenure as the head of the PCB is set to continue for three months, as confirmed by a government notification on Saturday evening. The notification was confirmation given by the patron of the board and current interim prime minister of Pakistan Anwar ul Haq Kakar in a TV interview on Friday. Kakar had, however, indicated an extension till the end of the ongoing World Cup.The notification, issued by the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), said it had “approved extension of three months in tenure period of present Management Committee w.e.f 5th November, 2023.” As has been the mandate all along, the IPC said the committee should perform the primary task of finalising the Board of Governors (BoG) and conduction the chairman elections at the earliest. It also said the committee would not be granted another extension beyond February 2024, which is around the time Pakistan will hold general elections. The committee has also been prohibited from making policy decisions or any high-level appointments.The current interim management committee running the board was due to end on November 5. The future of the administration had been under intense scrutiny and the subject of considerable speculation in recent days after a series of high-profile missteps, including a press release which appeared to shift the blame on captain Babar Azam and selector Inzamam-ul-Haq (who has since resigned) and a controversy around a leaked Whatsapp conversation between Babar and a senior PCB official.Ashraf’s leadership has been criticised by members of the management committee including Zulfiqar Malik and Mustafa Ramday for its decision-making and lack of movement over conducting board elections, which was the mandate it came in with in July. Malik sent an email to Ashraf, other members of the committee as well as the prime minister in October, laying out his criticism of PCB operations. In a separate communication, Ramday has also outlined his concerns with the way the board has been run.Related
Inzamam steps down as Pakistan chief selector amid conflict of interest allegations
Ashraf accused of 'flagrant misdoings and unconstitutional decisions'
The options for the patron coming into this weekend were to either appoint a new committee or give an extension to the existing one over the weekend and the latter option has been chosen.”At this time, you know there is a tournament going on,” Kakar told Dawn News TV in an interview. “We’ll look after this tournament what needs doing, what doesn’t need doing. At this moment, I don’t think we are going to make a big decision. The reason for that is that at times you have to work according to the doctrine of necessity. Once we are past the World Cup, then we’ll see.”As prime minister, albeit interim, Kakar is also a patron of the PCB and in charge of the appointment of the board head. The doctrine of necessity that Kakar cited is remembered in Pakistan, infamously, as a judgment in 1954 by the Supreme Court chief justice that validated the use of extra-constitutional emergency powers, as well as a 1977 decision that validated a military coup.Kakar’s comments came a day before Pakistan’s crucial World Cup game against New Zealand in Bengaluru where a win meant they remained in the tournament until the last round of games.They came after a meeting between the prime minister and Shahid Afridi, the former Pakistan captain and allrounder, who had publicly criticised Ashraf on a TV show earlier in the week. That meeting then led to one on Friday between Afridi and Ashraf at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The PCB released a statement after that meeting saying that Afridi had expressed an interest in working with younger cricketers.”Shahid Afridi expressed his interest in grooming young cricketers into future stars and positively shaping them into well-rounded representatives of Pakistan cricket,” the statement said. “He also admired and appreciated Mr Zaka Ashraf’s efforts and contributions for Pakistan cricket.”
ICC says its Board is satisfied SLC is “no longer in breach of membership obligations [government interference in board affairs]”
ESPNcricinfo staff28-Jan-2024The ICC Board has lifted the provisional suspension on Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) with immediate effect, a statement from the body on Sunday evening said.SLC was suspended on November 10 for being in “serious breach of its obligations as an ICC Member”. Specifically, this had to do with “the requirement to manage its affairs autonomously and ensure that there is no government interference in the governance, regulation and/or administration of cricket in Sri Lanka”.The ICC Board said it had been monitoring the situation since the suspension and “are now satisfied that SLC are no longer in breach of membership obligations”.Related
Sri Lanka name uncapped Gunasekara, Rathnayake and Udara for Afghanistan Test
ICC shifts Men's Under 19 World Cup from Sri Lanka to South Africa
Sri Lanka Cricket suspended by ICC board
The lifting of the suspension had been somewhat expected since Sri Lanka’s president sacked sports minister Roshan Ranasinghe in late November. It had been with Ranasinghe that SLC’s top brass had had a feud lasting over a year. Since the new sports minister, Harin Fernando, was installed, it had seemed likely that SLC were more amenable to having their suspension lifted. In fact, ICC CEO Geoff Allardice had met with Fernando and Sri Lankan president Ranil Wickramasinghe this month.Fernando had also said in the days before this ICC announcement that he expected a change in Sri Lanka’s status at the ICC.When the suspension was announced, it was understood to be a warning to Sri Lanka, and ESPNcricinfo had reported that the SLC itself had requested the suspension to illustrate to Sri Lanka’s government that the ICC would not tolerate further meddling on its part.In the aftermath of the suspension, the men’s Under-19 World Cup, which is currently on, was shifted from Sri Lanka to South Africa. That aside, there was no immediate implication on the daily running of cricket in Sri Lanka, and the ICC Board had agreed that cricket at all levels, including any bilateral and domestic series and tournaments, would not be disrupted by the suspension. As for the ICC annual funding, that would be controlled until the suspension is lifted. Since then, Sri Lanka have hosted Zimbabwe for a white-ball series, in early 2024.In early November, Ranasinghe had sacked the SLC Board and installed an interim committee headed by Arjuna Ranatunga, but Sri Lanka’s courts reinstated the board a day later by issuing a 14-day stay order on the gazette that had dissolved the board.When the ICC suspension came, it was the elected SLC Board that was running cricket in the country.SLC had become the second Full Member to be suspended by ICC in the recent past after Zimbabwe Cricket was suspended in 2019 for similar reasons.
Behind Macario, Alyssa Thompson and Michelle Cooper, the USWNT attack was at its best in an easy 3-0 win
Let the U.S. women's national team's 3-0 blowout win over China on Saturday serve as a reminder to the rest of the world: don't play a high line against the Americans.
Not a good idea. It certainly didn't work out well for China. The USWNT, at its core, are a team that can eat up any space you give them, and they did so time and time against China.
Catarina Macario, Sam Coffey and Lindsey Heaps got the goals in the 3-0 win and, in truth, it didn't even feel that close. China's insistence on pressing the USWNT proved their undoing, as the U.S. front line of Macario, Alyssa Thompson and Michelle Cooper ran circles around them from the opening whistle.
It began with Macario's goal, a scrappy close-range finish kick-started by a Cooper cross in the 28th minute. Macario then turned helper for the USWNT's second just minutes later, laying it off to Coffey – just her second international goal, coincidentally both against China – to make it 2-0. Heaps then sealed it at 3-0 in the second half, as Cooper played in yet another picture-perfect cross to find the head of the USWNT captain.
Those were just the goals, though. Particularly in the first half, the USWNT were machine-like in their efficiency. Thompson threatened defenders. Cooper routinely ran into wide-open grass. Macario had the touch and poise to outsmart everyone in her path. The U.S. could have easily had more goals if a few other bounces had gone their way.
"We were just talking in our huddle about how we want to be ruthless," said Cooper, who only recently returned from injury. "I mean, 3-0 is a good win, we put in a good performance, but we can always be better. And our next step is that we’re ruthless, that we do exactly what we need to do and keep executing in 90 minutes."
In the end, it was a comprehensive win for a team that, even if not a finished product, is still pretty damn good in the attacking end. And considering Emma Hayes' side had lost two of its last three matches – to Japan, and then Brazil – it was a clear statement. Even without Triple Espresso – Sophia Wilson, Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson – this USWNT attack is high-octane, a fact that China learned in Saturday's blowout.
GOAL rates the USWNT's players from Allianz Stadium.
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defense
Phallon Tullis-Joyce (6/10):
Had one shaky moment early, but had little else to do the rest of the way. Did play a part in springing the USWNT's third goal, though.
Crystal Dunn (6/10):
Not too much to report. With the U.S. generally bombing forward quickly, there were fewer moments for Dunn to get forward herself, leading to a quiet-ish game.
Naomi Girma (7/10):
So nice to see her back, even if we saw very little of her doing what she does best – because it simply wasn't needed. Was good on the ball, though, as she was always available as a passing option when the USWNT wasn't moving forward.
Emily Sonnett (7/10):
Was able to play high up and was aggressive in winning the ball back when China did get forward. Also, as with Girma, completed plenty of passes throughout the game. We know who Sonnett and Girma are, though, so it's fine that they weren't ever challenged.
Avery Patterson (6/10):
Certainly looked the part as she was given the start ahead of Champions League winner Emily Fox, who is no doubt exhausted from Arsenal's celebrations. No one in this pool is quite like Fox, but performances such as this could allow Patterson to seal a spot as her understudy.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield
Sam Coffey (8/10):
Put her at striker if she's going to finish like that! Jokes aside, one heck of a goal from Coffey, whose finish shouldn't overshadow the good work she did defensively, as usual.
Lily Yohannes (7/10):
That vision? From a teenager? Still not fair. Yohannes played the U.S. out of China's press several times, showing her trademark poise and passing touch. Despite her age, she continues to make this all look so effortless.
Lindsey Heaps (8/10):
Pushed very high as the most attacking of the three midfielders. And it paid off early in the second half with a trademark Heaps header, putting an exclamation point on a trademark Heaps performance.
Getty ImagesAttack
Michelle Cooper (7/10):
Found herself in all sorts of space out wide and generally made the most of it. Unlocked China's defense with crosses throughout the first half, providing both the speed and precision needed from that spot out wide.
Catarina Macario (9/10):
Her goal was about as easy as it gets, although her own intelligence helped create it thanks to her decoy run. Her assist, meanwhile, was so classy, from the touch to the lay-off to Coffey. Overall, a fantastic game from a fantastic player.
Alyssa Thompson (8/10):
China had no answer for her pace, which allowed Thompson to get loose time and time again. Was unlucky not to score the USWNT's first, but she'll take the assist.
AFPSubs & Manager
Ally Sentnor (6/10):
Wasn't able to score a now-trademark golazo, but the U.S. had already done the damage and was largely cruising by the time she came on.
Emma Sears (7/10):
Looked just a little bit antsy initially, but settled down and should have had an assist after putting one on a platter for Moultrie.
Emily Sams (6/10):
Replaced Sonnett in the heart of defense, and somehow had even less to do as China struggled to get forward.
Lo'eau LaBonta (6/10):
A feel-good story if there ever was one. She'll have dreamed of this debut for a while now, and it'll be even sweeter getting it in a big win.
Lynn Biyendolo (6/10):
Almost got loose for a chance late on, but it didn't come together.
Olivia Moultrie (5/10):
Got close to a goal, but put her chance just wide. She'll want that back, although, to be fair, the chance came just after she entered the fray.
Emma Hayes (8/10):
A bunch of goals, a clean sheet and some big minutes for some younger players – this was about as satisfying of an outcome as a coach can hope for. Overall, Hayes got just about everything right, even if China played into her hands with their high line.
da brdice： Arsenal have reportedly made a bid to sign a top target for Mikel Arteta, and he actually has the same agent as defender Gabriel Magalhaes.
Arsenal ready to spend big in Berta’s first summer as sporting director
da pinup bet： The Gunners have been left to rue missed opportunities in the transfer market this season, with a number of injuries in the final third derailing Arsenal’s title challenge.
However, the arrival of new sporting director Andrea Berta could see a change in the upcoming summer window ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Reports have claimed that Arsenal could give Berta a £300m war chest to bolster Arteta’s squad, with up to seven new signings on the cards.
A new second-choice shot-stopper behind David Raya, along with a left-back, defensive midfielder, left-winger and striker are also being targeted by Berta.
Contact has already been made with Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, whereas Alexander Isak of Newcastle United appears to be a top target at the Emirates.
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Fabrizio Romano has recently said on Arsenal’s attempts to sign Isak: “Newcastle keep insisting in private and in public that they want to keep Alexander Isak. They hope to be in the Champions League next season but, in any case, they want to keep Alexander Isak at the club, so that’s the message from Newcastle. But I keep telling you that big, big, massive proposals will come to the table for Alexander Isak because Arsenal will be there, Arsenal want Isak. [Benjamin] Sesko is the other name on the list but, for sure, Isak and Sesko are the main names.”
It isn’t just Isak who is attracting interest at St James’ Park from the Gunners, though, with midfielder Bruno Guimaraes also of interest in north London.
Both Isak and Guimaraes helped Newcastle win their first trophy in 70 years last weekend by defeating Liverpool 2-1 in the EFL Cup final at Wembley.
It has been claimed that Berta has tried to sign the Brazilian on three occasions at Atletico Madrid, and a new update on a potential move has dropped.
Arsenal make £58m bid to sign Guimaraes from Newcastle
According to a report from Spain, Arsenal have made a €70m (£58m) offer to sign Guimaraes this summer, who is viewed as a main target for Arteta and co.
The Gunners see Guimaraes as ‘the perfect midfielder to raise the quality of their squad’, with Arteta personally believing the Newcastle star ‘would be a significant upgrade in midfield’.
Those at St James’ Park want to retain the services of the 27-year-old beyond the summer, although ‘the opportunity to join an ambitious project like Arsenal’s could prove enticing’ for Guimaraes.
Man City have also been credited with an interest in the midfielder and were readying a £70m offer, so Arsenal may need to up their opening bid if they are to win the race. The fact that the Newcastle star has the same agency as Gabriel could help the Gunners, though, making this one to watch.
علق حازم إمام لاعب الزمالك الأسبق على أداء الفريق الأبيض خلال الشوط الأول من مباراته أمام فاركو، والتي تجمع بينهما ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري.
وانتهى الشوط الأول من مباراة الزمالك وفاركو بالتعادل السلبي، في المواجهة التي تقام على أرضية استاد السلام بالجولة الرابعة من الدوري.
وقال حازم إمام في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة اون سبورت: “الزمالك مسيطر لكن هناك بُطء شديد ولا توجد فاعلية، الكرة الخطيرة الوحيدة لـ حسام عبد المجيد وكان عليه أن يوجه الكرة بشكل صحيح”.
خاص | تفاصيل تحقيق اتحاد الكرة مع محامي ووكيل زيزو في اتهامات الزمالك
وتابع: “الجناحان لا يدخلان للمنطقة، لا يوجد سوى عدي الدباغ، ولا يوجد تسديد من خارج المنطقة، أرى أن يخرج عدي الدباغ ويشارك ناصر منسي كرأس حربة ثان، ويخرج دونجا ويشارك محمد شحاتة”.
وأتم: “أرى إن الزمالك يستحق ركلة جزاء في كرة شيكو بانزا، حارس فاركو تدخل على قدم لاعب الزمالك، والغريبة أن الأخير لم يعترض ولم يتحرك أحد ليطالب الحكم بمراجعة تقنية الفيديو”.
Tottenham Hotspur are now keen on signing a defender who could be available for £29m this summer, but they may have to do battle for his signature with their Premier League rivals, according to a report.
Amid the injury crisis at N17, Tottenham have been through a tricky spell, but they are now showing much more promising signs in the Premier League, winning their last three games on the spin.
Most recently, Ange Postecoglou’s side put Ipswich Town to the sword at Portman Road, emerging as 4-1 winners, and the good news doesn’t stop there, as several key members of the squad are set to return soon.
Both Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero should be available for the first leg of the Europa League round of 16 tie against AZ Alkmaar, which will be welcome news for Postecoglou, having been severely limited on options in defence for some time.
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Emilio Galantini
Feb 22, 2025
When everybody is fit, Postecoglou has some solid options at centre-back, with Kevin Danso also joining from Lens in the January transfer window, but a report has revealed Tottenham are looking at signing another defender in the summer.
According to a report from Caught Offside, Spurs are keen on signing Juventus centre-back Federico Gatti, with the Italian club open to selling for a fee of €30m – €35m (£25m – £29m) in the summer in order to fund their own transfer business.
West Ham United and Nottingham Forest are also named as potential suitors for Gatti, so there could be competition for his signature, but the Lilywhites are thought to be particularly keen.
The 26-year-old is thought to be open to a move to the Premier League, but the fact he may not be guaranteed a starting spot in Postecoglou’s side could prove to be a stumbling block.
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Tottenham Hotspur’s upcoming Premier League fixtures |
Date |
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Manchester City (h) |
February 26th |
|
AFC Bournemouth (h) |
March 9th |
|
Fulham (a) |
March 16th |
|
Chelsea (a) |
April 2nd |
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Southampton (h) |
April 5th |
The injury crisis Postecoglou has been forced to endure this season underlines the need to have strength in depth, particularly when competing in Europe, and there are signs the Juventus defender could be a solid option.
Lauded as an “absolute hero” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Italian has been a regular starter for Juventus in the Serie A this season, while also making nine appearances in the Champions League.
It would of course be difficult to displace Van de Ven and Romero in the starting XI, but Gatti’s experience at the top level make him a good rotation option to have at the very least.
The only issue is it could be difficult to convince the Rivoli-born defender to make the move without a guarantee of regular game time, but it is certainly worth a try.
da supremo： Manchester United avoided defeat in all competitions through March. In fact, Ruben Amorim’s side are currently riding a seven-match unbeaten run.
da luck： There’s so much work to do. However, signs are appearing, sprouting like spring shoots. Maybe the Red Devils have a future under the wing of their Portuguese boss; maybe these interminable years of strife are going to be consigned to the history books, something to look back on with pride at leaps taken since INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe arrived at Old Trafford.
Chances of seasonal success through the Premier League are negligible. 13th, United’s hopes of salvation lie on the continental front, with Athletic Bilbao awaiting next month in the Europa League quarter-finals.
Amorim must make do with the resources available for the remainder of the campaign, but the wider picture portrays the need for drastic action. A host of players needed to be shipped on, but Rasmus Hojlund is surely one of the most pressing cases.
Rasmus Hojlund's nightmare season
Manchester United have been put through the wringer this season, but there’s surely only one way the club can go henceforth. It really has been the nadir for the prestigious outfit, one of the biggest on the globe.
INEOS must be ruthless, and while he’s still young, Hojlund isn’t cutting it and should be sold this summer to make room for a new and exciting number nine.
Reports suggest that the Denmark international is among the most likely names to depart this summer, with Italian side Napoli named. United might have paid Atalanta £72m for this raw centre-forward, but losses need to be cut.
Hojlund finally broke his duck in the Premier League before the international break, slotting home against Leicester City, but that’s only his third league goal of the term – and across 24 matches at that.
Rasmus Hojlund in the Premier League
Stats (* per game)
23/24
24/25
Matches (starts)
30 (25)
24 (17)
Goals
10
3
Assists
2
0
Touches*
22.8
17.5
Shots (on target)*
1.3 (0.7)
0.8 (0.4)
Big chances missed
13
3
Pass completion
77%
79%
Key passes*
0.9
0.5
Dribbles*
0.6
0.3
Ball recoveries*
2.0
1.1
Duels won*
2.8 (38%)
2.1 (29%)
Data via Sofascore
Profligacy is one thing, but Hojlund’s dearth of missed chances actually underpins the deeper fissures splitting United’s core. He’s bereft of service, unable to fashion openings for himself, incapable of leading confidently at the bow of Amorim’s ship.
In fairness, the likes of Erling Haaland would have struggled to meet expectations in United’s team this season, but Hojlund still hasn’t pulled his weight. Journalist Sam Pilger branded him “anonymous,” stating his “confidence is on the floor.”
United want to replace him this summer.
Man United lining up Hojlund upgrade
According to Manchester United’s former chief scout Mick Brown – speaking to Football Insider – INEOS are prepared to launch a statement move for Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres this summer and are even considered favourites to complete a deal.
That’s in spite of interest from rival suitors such as Arsenal and Liverpool, chiefly because Amorim turned the Sweden striker into a free-scoring machine before moving to England and is the driving force behind the potential deal.
Gyokeres wouldn’t come cheap, but the Devils wouldn’t need to fork out for his full £83m release clause, with the Liga Portugal champions fielding enquiries worth £63m.
Were Hojlund to be sold this summer, things could come together at the Theatre of Dreams.
What Viktor Gyokeres would bring to Man Utd
There’s a reason why Gyokeres is one of the most coveted players in world football. In fact, journalist Mark Ogden has described the 26-year-old as “the hottest striker in Europe.”
Born in Sweden, reared at Brighton, but made under the watchful wing of Amorim. Coventry City’s goalscorer came close (but not close enough) to securing qualification to the Premier League in 2022/23, earning a £20m move to Lisbon.
Scorer of 83 goals, placer of 25 assists, winner of the 23/24 Liga Portugal title – all across 91 appearances. Not bad at all for a Seagulls reject. Is it any wonder he’s been hailed as a “powerhouse” in front of goal by analyst Ben Mattinson?
He’s not restricted his output to any one front this term, notably firing a hat-trick past Manchester City in the Champions League several months back – with Amorim still at the helm.
As per FBref, Gyokeres ranks among the top 4% of strikers across Europe’s top-five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 6% for pass completion and shot-creating actions and the top 4% for progressive carries per 90.
He does, after all, boast 40 goals from 41 matches this season. It seems inconceivable that he wouldn’t prove to be an upgrade on Hojlund, whose lack of presence at number nine, his reduced ball-carrying output and ball-striking quality, does make a telling comment on where he should fit into INEOS’s market strategy this summer.
Hojlund might not be the most wasteful forward in front of goal when observing the statistical analysis, but Gyokeres is far more predatory, combining movement, pace and potency to supercharge Sporting’s project.
He takes 4.2 shots per Liga Portugal match this season, missing just 17 big chances despite having scored 28 goals. Gyokeres is everything that Man United need up top and more.
Amorim knows him, loves him. Gyokeres hailed the gaffer back in November, saying: “We’ve done amazing things together.” Why not some more?
Man Utd gem who left for £0 would be even better than Dorgu under Amorim
Man Utd might wish they had this player at their disposal
ByJoe Nuttall Mar 23, 2025
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has only been in the role for four months, but he’s already made some impressive additions to help bolster the first-team squad.
His first signing as Red Devils boss saw him complete a £30m deal for left-back Patrick Dorgu from Italian side Lecce, looking to put an end to their crisis in such an area.
The Dane may have already received a red card, but when he has been available, the 20-year-old has impressed, with arguably his most impressive coming in the 4-1 triumph over Real Sociedad.
Given his tender age, he has the ability to nail down his place in the side for many years to come, whilst also having the potential to improve further down the line.
He could be aided in his attempts in wide areas by one player who’s been on the club’s radar in recent days ahead of the opening of the transfer window in a couple of months.
Man Utd enter talks to land £55m talent
According to GIVEMESPORT, United have entered talks to sign Southampton’s teenage sensation Tyler Dibling ahead of a potential move next season.
The 19-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at St Mary’s despite the Saints’ struggles this season, featuring in 25 Premier League matches and often being the shining light.
He’s so far managed to register two goals but is able to operate in either of the two central roles behind the striker or a wing-back role in Amorim’s system – making him a superb versatile option.
However, the side who are bottom of the Premier League set a £55m price tag for his services in recent months, with United having to fork out a small fortune if they want to sign him this window.
Despite the huge fee, he could prove to be a solid addition for the Red Devils, allowing them to forget about missing out on a player who’d previously worked under Amorim.
How Dibling compares to Quenda in 2024/25
Ever since the 40-year-old replaced Erik ten Hag at the helm as United manager, winger Geovany Quenda has been touted as a potential signing given his time under him at Sporting CP.
However, the 17-year-old won’t be moving to Manchester in the near future, after Chelsea agreed a deal in the region of £42m for the teenager, with the Portuguese talent spending next season on loan at the Liga Portugal outfit.
He’s signed a seven-year contract with Enzo Maresca’s side, with the Blues investing in yet another young player for the future, ending United’s pursuit of the star.
However, it could see them targeting Dibling, offering an impressive option for Amorim, especially if his stats from the current campaign are anything to go by.
The 19-year-old has matched or bettered Quenda in numerous key areas, showcasing his quality and highlighting how much of a superb signing he would be for the Red Devils.
Games played
25
26
Goals & assists
2
5
Pass accuracy
84%
82%
Successful dribbles
2.3
1.4
Dribble success
53%
49%
Fouls won
2.6
1.3
Duels won
7.1
4.4
Dibling, who’s previously been dubbed “incredible” by journalist Kaustubh Pandey, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but he has managed to complete more dribbles per 90 this season.
He’s also won more duels and fouls per 90, having the pace and direct nature to cause the opposition endless problems, only getting better with age, with Dibling still just 19.
Missing out on Quenda would undoubtedly have been a huge disappointment to many supporters, especially with the youngster moving to one of their Premier League rivals.
However, Dibling has showcased he’s just as capable of filling the void at Old Trafford, with the £55m fee potentially a bargain if he continues on his current trajectory.
Man Utd thought they had their new Beckham, but Ten Hag sold him for £9m
Manchester United certainly made a mistake selling a player who could’ve been their next David Beckham.
ByEthan Lamb Mar 21, 2025
Meg Lanning had earlier struck a half-century in an absorbing contest which came down to the last ball
Andrew McGlashan19-Oct-2023
Annabel Sutherland made a crucial impact at the end•Getty Images
Melbourne Stars 165 for 8 (Lanning 55, Sutherland 34, Gardner 2-23, Cheatle 2-37) beat Sydney Sixers 163 for 9 (Gardner 72, Brown 35, Sutherland 4-27) by two runsAnnabel Sutherland produced the final twist to a thrilling opening match of the WBBL season with her double-wicket over denying Sydney Sixers after stand-in captain Ash Gardner had looked set to conjure a remarkable comeback for the home side.Gardner, leading the side in the absence of the suspended Ellyse Perry, marshalled a stand of 84 in 7.4 overs alongside Maitlan Brown after Sixers, chasing 166, had slumped to 71 for 6 in the 11th over.However, having got the equation down to 15 off 12 balls, Gardner then struck a boundary off Sutherland to make it 11 from 11 when she was cleaned up. Sutherland then sent down a big full toss that was called no-ball, but three deliveries later had Brown caught in the deep to claim her best WBBL figures which had followed an important contribution with the bat.It left eight needed from the final over which proved out of reach for Linsey Smith and Lauren Cheatle against England allrounder Alice Capsey although the last delivery was a borderline wide.
It's not a wide and the Stars get home! Quite the finish at North Sydney Oval #WBBL09 pic.twitter.com/DgRKBdcCcX
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 19, 2023
“When we rewatched it, we were, surely that’s got to be a wide,” Gardner said. “I can’t remember where Linsey was standing, whether the wide line did move, guess they’re those things, those little moments. We probably shouldn’t have got it to that point, we should have iced it earlier in the game.”The result meant that Stars captain Meg Lanning, who missed all of last season, began with a victory which she had helped lay the platform for with a 34-ball 55.Lanning’s innings, alongside useful contributions from Sutherland and Maia Bouchier lifted Stars to a healthy total. Her innings included a pulled six onto the hill and her trademark square drive was on display.But she had earlier been grateful for the DRS when given out caught behind on 12 with the replay confirming she had clipped her pad. Lanning had shown good form on her return for Victoria in the WNCL with three half-centuries in four innings and continued that in the green of Stars, reaching her fifty in 28 balls.Meg Lanning reached a 28-ball fifty•Getty ImagesAfter Gardner had removed Lanning, Sutherland and Bouchier gave Stars a platform for a strong finish with 42 runs coming in four overs but Sixers were able to pull things back a little despite Stars holding their power surge overs until the 18th and 19th.Kim Garth, who had been impressive against West Indies, started the chase with a maiden to immediately apply pressure to the home side. It was 10 balls before Garth conceded a run then Suzie Bates skied her high to mid-off.Sixers then suffered another major blow when Alyssa Healy, two balls after sending Sophie Day for six, clothed to mid-on.One of the notable moments of the game came when 18-year-old fast bowler Milly Illingworth struck in her first over trapping fellow debutant, 17-year-old Kate Pelle, lbw with a quick full delivery. Speaking the day before, Lanning, her Victoria team-mate, had noted her pace and the first ball of Illingworth’s over was clocked at 121kph.Sixers’ hopes further faded when Erin Burns, who had starred as a finisher last season, fell for a duck and when Sutherland struck in consecutive overs it appeared game over. Because of Gardner it wasn’t, until Sutherland came back at the death.