A jornada do Corinthians em busca do tetracampeonato da Copa do Brasil começa nesta quarta-feira, quando a equipe enfrenta o Remo às 21h30, em duelo válido pela terceira fase da competição.
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+ Com Barletta, Corinthians chega a 19 reforços na gestão de Duílio; relembre todos os reforços
O Timão, campeão em 1995, 2005 e 2009, irá participar pela 28ª vez do torneio, que chega a sua 34ª edição. Apenas em 1990, 1993, 2003, 2010, 2011 e 2012 o time do Parque São Jorge não disputou a Copa do Brasil, criada em 1989.
+ Guia Corinthians: onde assistir, análise dos adversários e tudo sobre o Timão na Libertadores
Na última temporada, o clube alvinegro fez ótima campanha, mas foi derrotado pelo Flamengo na final, acumulando o quarto vice-campeonato na competição.
Para superar os traumas do passado, a primeira missão de Fernando Lázaro é vencer o Remo fora de casa. Caso consiga o resultado positivo no estádio Mangueirão, o Corinthians pode dar um importante passo não apenas para melhorar o aproveitamento longe da Neo Química Arena, como também quebrar um tabu.
+ Veja tabela e todos os confrontos pela terceira fase da Copa do Brasil
O Timão não vence dois jogos consecutivos como visitante desde o começo do último ano, quando a equipe superou o Santo André e Ituano pelo Paulistão. A sequência veio durante a demissão de Sylvinho e a busca que culminou com a chegada de Vítor Pereira.
He hopes to cap off the milestone with a series-squaring victory in the second Test
Vithushan Ehantharajah27-Feb-2023
Kane Williamson brought up his 29th Test century on day four•Getty Images
Kane Williamson says he is honoured to lead a list of greats after becoming New Zealand’s leading Test run-scorer and hopes to cap off the milestone with a series-squaring victory in the second Test against England.Upon passing 28 early in the morning on day four, Williamson overtook Ross Taylor’s tally of 7,683 runs in his 161st innings. He went on to register his 26th Test century, allowing the Blackcaps to turn the tables on England in their follow-on innings.Related
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Stats – Williamson at the top of the Test charts for New Zealand
The 32-year-old’s 132 held together a response of 483, giving Ben Stokes’ side a chase of 258 to secure the series 2-0. Tim Southee, who took over as Test captain when Williamson stepped down last December, removed Zak Crawley to leave the tourists 48 for 1 overnight.”It’s not something I’ve thought a whole lot about,” said Williamson after the day’s play. “But it is an honour. You look at that list, and I’ve admired all of those players over those years, whether that’s watching from afar growing up or playing alongside a number of them as well. Like I say, it’s not a focus point but it’s special to be amongst that company.”It would be pretty special for sure,” he said on the prospect of becoming only the fourth team to win a Test after following-on. “It’s exciting going in to day five. As a bowling attack and a team, we want to make sure we’re on come tomorrow. There’s still some assistance there and some assistance for the slower bowlers as well. All to play for, which is exciting.”Harry Brook picked up the key wicket of Kane Williamson•AFP/Getty Images
Williamson, however, was frustrated with his dismissal. Not just because it was the start of a collapse of five for 28 from a commanding position of 455 for 5, but that the bowler who dismissed him was not a bowler at all. Harry Brook, whose exploits have been exclusively with the bat, was brought on in the 148th over to give James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson a rest ahead of a potential third new ball.With the final delivery of his third of seven overs of medium pace off the wrong foot, Brook fired a delivery down the leg side which Williamson tickled into the gloves of Ben Foakes, who was standing up to the stumps. Even as he shook his head contemplating the dismissal in his post-match press conference, he was able to see the funny side.”He didn’t miss his length at all, ey? He was immaculate.”He was on point. Maybe that (the wicket-taking delivery) was the worst ball he bowled, actually.”Initially given not out on the field, Ben Stokes reluctantly called for a review on the insistence of Joe Root who thought he heard something. A noise was picked up as the ball passed the face of the bat, leading to an overturned decision. While it was not a big spike, Williamson is satisfied the technology worked.”In my instance, it was,” he said when asked if UltraEdge had worked correctly. “But I think at times you see some shakes in the lone. Whether that’s accurate or now, I don’t really know. We had a few dismissals in Pakistan.”
Four dropped catches undermine Northamptonshire efforts
David Hopps20-Apr-2023
Nick Gubbins was in the runs for Hampshire•Getty Images
Hampshire 287 for 4 (Gubbins 125, Vince 104*) vs NorthamptonshireIt is 50 years since Hampshire last won the Championship under the captaincy of Richard Gilliat, with the scorer famously having a few quid on odds of 66/1 after drawing the understandable conclusion that an opening pair of Barry Richards and Gordon Greenidge might be quite handy. Those romantically inclined fancy them to celebrate the anniversary in style, and these days there appear to be about eight million online betting sites eager to take their money.They should go close. Hampshire lie fourth going into the third round but Surrey, the defending champions who everybody fears, have already stolen a nine-point advantage in second. When bad light intervened 6.5 overs before the close of the first day at Wantage Road, Hampshire were healthily placed at 287 for 4, drawing full benefit from a best-forgotten day in the field for Northants. Nick Gubbins and James Vince both struck hundreds with Vince 104 not out at the close.There are few more admirable cricketers than Gubbins, and his own innings did not require any let-offs, but he can be an inconspicuous figure, batting with such a measured tread that an unwary spectator could easily lose concentration and wander behind the back of the stands with him on 97. With the ground once again in view, there he is, raising his bat and receiving deserved applause. A decent, unflamboyant pro who deserves the good days.Replays proved there had been no grand statement to follow up two half-centuries in the opening two Championship matches with a hundred at Wantage Road, merely an easeful cut to deep third off Gareth Berg for two runs. Imagine, there were times when such information had to be gleaned from a gateman, whose assurances could rarely be trusted. This was a 14th first-class hundred, dutifully assembled, by a batter who looks contented with life on the south coast.Nobody wanders behind the stand with Vince approaching a century. He invites rapt attention and only has to be on about 17 before his admirers start mentally penning poetry. He also reached his hundred with a square cut, but this one came against Jack White with the new ball and it oozed pizzazz as it rattled to the boundary boards. “Cinch,” the board said, and so it was.Gubbins and Vince shared a stand of 198 in 59 overs – the best for Hampshire’s third wicket against Northants – which ended in White’s next over when Ricardo Vasconcelos made good ground for a catch at first slip, the ball appearing to deflect not just off a thin outside edge but also to loop up in slow motion off Gubbins’ body. Extra bounce did for him. Nine of his boundaries came against a new-ball attack he gradually wore down. He is a working cricketer.Vince was generally secure, although not quite at his most delightful, veritably down with the mortals at times, and he should have been dismissed on 25 when Chris Tremain set him up for a hook shot, the ball sailed invitingly into Ben Sanderson’s midriff at long leg and somehow ended up on the turf. Tremain, an imposing fast-medium bowler from New South Wales, in his last match in a three-match deal, kept his own counsel, Sanderson presumably saved from a volley by his membership of the Fast Bowlers’ Union.Fail to take new-ball wickets at Wantage Road and an unforgiving day may well develop. Inserting Hampshire looked justifiable enough, but Northants dropped four catches in all, with three in the morning session down to Berg, a zestful cricketer who since Darren Stevens’ grudging retirement is now the oldest county player, at 42, and as such will be anxious not to encourage talk of advancing years. Felix Organ was the beneficiary on all three occasions.Organ recitals are normally the province of St Matthew’s Church in Northampton; its spire can be seen from the top of the Ken Turner Stand, less than a mile away. Judging by White’s growing despair as this obdurate opening batter was dropped on 13, 18 and 22, Organ’s recital was a fugue in F minor, a key which some musical experts apparently credit with causing abject misery. It certainly did here.Berg’s first fumble was the most testing, a dive to his left at third slip (Northants had just dispensed with fourth). His next was a grade easier as he dived to his right this time with the understandable intention to pilfer a catch that would have reached second slip, and again found fortune against him. His third miss, in the same over, was the sort of straightforward opportunity he must have yearned for to remedy matters, and White (clearly not one to learn from experience) was cartwheeling away in premature celebration as it descended to the earth.Northants’ head coach John Sadler sang from the team-ethic hymn sheet. “We’re all in it together so if one of us drops it, we all drop it.” Well, quite: team ethic is a living, vital thing and the stuff of a coach’s job. By which logic, though, White had three dropped, and dropped three so it hardly seemed designed to cheer him up.On a sunny day terrorised by a stiff, chill breeze, the sun traps were clearly operating more successfully than the slip traps. But Berg ended his own misery 20 minutes before the lunch, dismissing Organ with the ball as he nibbled at an outswinger and was caught by wicketkeeper Lewis McManus, who was playing against his former county for the first time.The rest of the day was left to Gubbins and Vince, apart from the briefest of cameos from James Fuller, with the floodlights on and the skies darkening, as he charged a length ball from Sanderson and clattered him into the stand high above the sightscreen. It made a satisfying crash, although as far as Sanderson was concerned the most satisfying sound came immediately afterwards when he struck his off stump.
Northamptonshire piled up a huge total and only Rehan Ahmed responded with the bat
ECB Reporters Network23-Jun-2023
Chris Lynn helped Northants to a big total•Getty Images
A traumatic couple of days for Leicestershire predictably ended on another low note as the Foxes concluded their home fixtures in the Vitality Blast with a crushing 92-run defeat at the hands of neighbours Northamptonshire Steelbacks.Chris Lynn, who has hit Blast centuries against Foxes in each of the last two seasons, continued his assault with 62 from 35 balls, Saif Zaib hitting 55 off 25 as the two piled on 114 off 50 balls for the third wicket in a total of 210 for seven from their 20 overs. Mike Finan took two for 30 as the best of some modest bowling figures.Rehan Ahmed made a spirited 49 off 32 balls but the Foxes were bowled out for 118 in 16.4 overs in reply, Ben Sanderson taking three for 20, with two wickets each for David Willey, Andrew Tye and Justin Broad, with wicketkeeper Lewis McManus involved in a county record five dismissals.Related
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With Leicestershire’s head coach Paul Nixon placed “on leave” by the club on Thursday, bowling coach Alfonso Thomas and batting consultant James Taylor were in charge of the Foxes.The circumstances behind the decision to relieve Nixon of his duties after six years in the job remain shrouded in mystery. The club’s website belatedly carried a statement from chairman John Thorpe essentially explaining that he could say nothing for legal reasons.Chief executive Sean Jarvis was a little more forthcoming in an interview with BBC Radio Leicester, speaking of “comments” and “allegations” as he alluded to events over a period of months, suggesting Nixon’s departure was unrelated to the announcement – also made on Thursday – that senior players Colin Ackermann, Callum Parkinson and Chris Wright would be leaving at the end of the season.Ackermann and Parkinson were both selected to face the Steelbacks, although Ackermann handed captaincy duties to overseas player Peter Handscomb.The Australian won his first toss in the role, asking Northamptonshire to bat first. Steelbacks openers Ricardo Vasconcelos and Emilio Gay needed a couple of overs to get the measure of a slow pitch but still managed to rack up 49 runs in the powerplay.Checked by a tight over by Rehan, they were parted in an excellent over by Callum Parkinson, the eighth of the innings, when a top-edged pull by Vasconcelos dropped safely into the hands of Mike Finan behind square. Aussie Lynn signalled his intent with three boundaries from his first six balls but Gay (30 from 27 balls) holed out to long-on as the Steelbacks reached halfway at 77 for 2.The remainder of the innings was one of increasing carnage for the home bowlers, Lynn and Zaib taking the total to 129 for 2 after 15 overs, Lynn getting lucky on 37 when he was caught off a Finan no-ball, before the final five overs piled on another 81.The third-wicket pair took turns to clear the ropes as Tom Scriven and Matt Salisbury took the brunt of their assault, the former conceding 22 in one Salisbury’s worst over costing 23, including back-to-back sixes by Zaib, who followed his partner in being caught off a no-ball, on 54.After they were parted two balls into the 19th over as Lynn picked out long-on, four more wickets followed, Finan dismissing Tye with his next ball, before Zaib was caught on the boundary. Willey was run out and Broad found the fielder on the cover point boundary to give Scriven some consolation in the 20th, although Broad’s 10 off four balls had taken the total past 200.The Foxes had twice chased more than 211 to win in the Blast, including 219 against the Steelbacks in 2018, but on this season’s form it looked a tall order, more so after Handscomb was comprehensively bowled by Willey for three in the opening over.By the end of the powerplay, the home side were 30 for 4, Rishi Patel caught behind attempting to ramp Sanderson, who then bowled Ackermann first ball and had Wiaan Mulder edging behind. They might have been five down had a Sanderson direct hit been reviewed after Rehan, on six, was judged to have made his ground by the on-field umpire.Rehan, sent in to open the innings with Handscomb, made the most of his reprieve, clubbing Freddie Heldreich for three sixes in an over, but with Nick Welch also caught behind, at the halfway stage in the chase the Foxes at 74 for 5 were scoring at barely half the required rate of 13.4 runs per over.The young England allrounder – about to joins up with Ben Stokes’s squad ahead of the second Ashes Test – looked set to celebrate with a half-century only for his luck to run out on 49 as he miscued Broad to cover, the South Africa-born German international following up by bowling Scriven in the same over.Swindells, who had helped Rehan add 66 for the sixth wicket as the sole highlight in the Foxes innings, perished on 20 when he helped one into the gloves of McManus. Finan belted Heldreich for six but was stumped next ball as the ninth wicket fell in the 16th over before Salisbury was caught at midwicket to put the home crowd out of their misery in the 17th.
His career-best 4 for 27 included the wickets of Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma and Anmolpreet Singh in the first six overs
ESPNcricinfo staff28-Apr-20243:51
Finch: Gaikwad stays consistent despite fickle nature of T20s
In dewy conditions, Tushar Deshpande’s three strikes in the powerplay dented Sunrisers Hyderabad so hard, that the big-hitting side could never recover against Chennai Super Kings during their chase of 213 on Sunday. Deshpande finished with 4 for 27, his career-best IPL figures, and told broadcasters after CSK’s 78-run win that he wanted to “dictate the terms” out there.”We had a specific plan that even if they hit us from a good ball we will try and focus on bowling that good ball again,” Deshpande said. “We won’t change according to them. As bowlers in this format, I need to dictate the terms to the batters. I tried to do that and it paid dividends today.”Deshpande’s strikes with the new ball were important because CSK came into the game with only nine powerplay wickets in IPL 2024, the lowest among all teams. He dismissed Travis Head and Anmolpreet Singh with full deliveries in the second over and then tested Abhishek Sharma with a short-ball dismissal in the fourth over. From that position of 40 for 3, SRH could only muster 134 in 18.5 overs.”The only plan was to keep bowling and having patience against a batting line-up like SRH who are very aggressive in the powerplay. So that paid dividends for us,” he said. “I think bowling that length in the powerplay is very crucial. Even if the batsman is hitting, I always back myself to bowl that ball again. So I challenge the batsman to hit me again on that length. That’s my mindset always and it worked out today.”Related
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CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, and the Player of the Match for his 98 in the first innings, said the powerplay wickets from Deshpande ended some concerns the side had over their penetration in the first six overs.However, Gaikwad said the “match-turning spell” belonged not to Deshpande, but Ravindra Jadeja, who took 1 for 22 in four overs and conceded only one six while dealing with the wet ball.Tushar Deshpande soaks in the applause on sending the in-form Abhishek Sharma back•Associated Press
“That was one area where [in the last] two-three games we lost momentum, not getting enough wickets in the powerplay,” Gaikwad said. “Wickets in the powerplay with the impact player rule definitely puts pressure on the opposition. It is the only way you can put the opposition on the back foot. Yes [Deshpande] he bowled really well and he’s doing hard work throughout the season. Even last year and previous to that, he’s been doing well and his hard work is paying off.”Special mention to Jaddu [Jadeja] as well. In these wet conditions, four overs for 20-25 [22] odd runs, for me that was the match-turning spell.”Gaikwad also addressed concerns over his fitness after needing the physio during his innings of 98 and later while fielding. He said that batting long in the last few innings, together with fielding in humid conditions, did take a toll.”It is just that… too hot and humid conditions,” Gaikwad said. “Even in the last game I was there throughout [batting] for 20 overs and fielding for 20 overs. Even today I was there for almost 19 overs, so little bit tough to breathe but I was just making sure I take my time and not really rush myself.”Third-placed CSK will next play Punjab Kings at home on Wednesday. They are tied on ten points with four other sides.
There are still a couple of months of the season left to play, and following Tuesday night’s sensational result in the Champions League, we aren’t sure many Arsenal fans will be thinking about the transfer window.
However, the club certainly are, and they seem intent on improving the first team to make sure Mikel Arteta’s side have a far more successful Premier League campaign next year.
Moreover, while signing a new striker will undoubtedly be one of the club’s key objectives, there are other areas of the team that need reinforcing.
Recent reports suggest this is an opinion shared by the board, as the latest player touted for a move to the N5 is a winger who’d not only improve the starting lineup but also help the incredible Myles Lewis-Skelly reach another level.
Arsenal transfer news
On top of playing them off the park, reports have come out in recent weeks claiming that Arsenal are keen on signing Real Madrid’s Arda Güler.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The North Londoners are supposedly keen on paying around €30m for the Turkish prospect, which is about £26m, and considering he’s racked up a tally of ten goal involvements in just 1170 minutes, that might prove to be great value.
Another young talent the club are said to be interested in is German wonderkid, Florian Wirtz.
The Bayer Leverkusen star has scored 15 goals and provided 13 assists in just 39 games this season, but would cost around £112m, making it a transfer that seems rather unlikely, which might not be the case regarding Nico Williams.
Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, the Gunners are planning to ‘secure the signing’ of the Spain international this summer.
Athletic Bilbao'sNicoWilliamscelebrates scoring their third goal
The report further reveals that the bid for the Athletic Bilbao star is now ‘underway.’
However, to ensure they get their man, the North Londoners will have to stump up enough cash to activate his €60m release clause, which converts to around £52m.
It would be an expensive deal to get over the line, but given Williams’ ability and potential, it is one worth fighting for, especially as he’d help Lewis-Skelly reach another level.
Why Williams would help Lewis-Skelly
So, if Arsenal are able to get their man in the coming weeks, there are two fundamental and intertwined reasons why Williams would be great for Lewis-Skelly, and the first is his output.
FC Barcelona's Marc Casado in action with Athletic Bilbao'sNicoWilliams
Since the start of last season, the Spain international has proven himself to be “one of the best wingers on the market” in the words of data analyst Ben Mattinson. He’s been a reliable source of goals and assists for Bilbao, scoring 17 of the former and providing 25 of the latter in just 76 appearances.
That means that despite still being just 22 years old, the Pamplona-born “level-raiser,” as Mattinson dubbed him, is averaging a goal involvement every 1.80 games.
Williams’ recent form
Season
23/24
24/25
Appearances
37
39
Minutes
2729′
2752′
Goals
8
9
Assists
18
7
Goal Involvements per Match
0.70
0.41
Goal Involvements per Minute
104.96′
172′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Now, just imagine how a consistent level of output like that from the winger in front of the Hale Ender would improve his own, be that from getting on the end of passes and slotting home the ball himself or playing a perfect ball over the opposite full-back for the winger to get on the end of and finish a move.
Lewis-Skelly has already proven himself a fantastic progresser of the football and the idea of him playing alongside such a dazzling winger on the left is a tantalising one. Ranking in the top 14% of positionally similar players in the top-flight for passes into the final third, Williams would know he’s going to receive plenty of service, and exceptional service at that.
Having such a frightening winger may well also free up extra room for the teenage superstar to operate in. Lewis-Skelly attracts and glides through opponents like a knife through butter as it is but with Williams in tandem, the left side of Arsenal’s attack would be truly menacing.
Spain'sNicoWilliamsin action with Netherlands' Jeremie Frimpong and Donyell Male
Ultimately, signing Williams would be good for the whole Arsenal team, but having him start ahead of Lewis-Skelly could help get so much more out of the already incredible teenager.
Arsenal have struck gold on "unplayable" star who's their own Bellingham
The incredible talent looks destined for greatness with Arsenal.
Manchester United will be hoping to claim a first Premier League double over noisy neighbours Manchester City since 2020 at Old Trafford this afternoon.
Ruben Amorim’s side claimed a 2-1 victory over Pep Guardiola’s men at the Etihad back in December, with Amad Diallo’s stoppage-time strike claiming all three points.
However, it hasn’t been all plain sailing for the Red Devils since the Derby Day triumph, losing eight times across all competitions – with the Europa League their only chance of claiming a trophy this season.
A win this afternoon could put a dent in City’s Champions League qualification ambitions, whilst also giving the fanbase a reason to celebrate in what has been a year to forget.
If they are to achieve such a feat, it’s vital that the manager makes a huge call and drops one player from the starting eleven ahead of the big clash in the North West.
Why Garnacho needs to be dropped against City
Attacker Alejandro Garnacho has massively struggled to adapt to Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system since the 40-year-old’s appointment back in early November.
The Argentine likes to operate off the left-hand side and cut onto his favoured foot, but has been unable to do so with the switch which has resulted in him operating more centrally.
His showing on Tuesday night against Nottingham Forest was one to forget, registering six efforts on goal, whilst being unable to get any of them on target – undoubtedly contributing to the defeat.
The 20-year-old also only completed 33% of his attempted dribbles, whilst completing none of the seven crosses he delivered into the box, showcasing his lack of attacking threat at the City Ground.
Given his performance, the manager needs to drop him from his starting eleven against their local rivals and subsequently giving the opportunity for one other star to impress at the Theatre of Dreams.
The player who Amorim must start against City
The lack of attacking threat at United has been evident for some months now, with the Red Devils only scoring 37 times in 30 matches – with only five sides scoring fewer.
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes remains the club’s top scorer with eight league goals in 2024/25, highlighting the issues Amorim has had to face in his first few months in charge.
However, he could combat some issues by handing a rare start to midfielder Mason Mount, who made his first appearance since December in the defeat in midweek.
The 26-year-old sustained a hamstring injury in the last Manchester derby but could be handed just his third start since the manager took the reins five months ago.
He’s ultimately failed to deliver since his £60m move to Old Trafford back in 2023, with injuries massively plaguing his progress and preventing him from being a regular starter.
However, he is a natural number ten, having the skillset to feature in Amorim’s system behind the striker, making him a better option than Garnacho in such a role.
Mount, who’s previously been labelled “phenomenal” by creator Alex Goldberg, has previously demonstrated glimpses of his quality – most notably in the manager’s second game in charge against Bodo Glimt – unlucky not to get on the scoresheet after hitting the woodwork.
Mason Mount’s stats for Man Utd in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
9
Minutes played
259
Pass accuracy
82%
Chances created
1.4
Shots taken
1.4
Fouls won
1.5
Duels won
4.2
Stats via FotMob
Despite his limited minutes this campaign, the former Chelsea star has produced numerous impressive figures, deserving of an opportunity to adhere himself to the supporters in a huge fixture.
Unsurprisingly, questions have been asked about his long-term future given his injury record, but he needs a consistent run to showcase his talents – with the perfect opportunity coming this afternoon.
It will be a huge boost should the side complete a double over their local rivals, with Mount potentially having a key role to play should he start at Old Trafford.
It's not Garnacho: Man Utd may have just found their new Jesse Lingard
Man Utd appear to have one high profile star now emulating Jesse Lingard
It was remarkably just over six years ago that Marcus Rashford enjoyed one of the greatest moments of his Manchester United career, with the Englishman rifling home from the penalty spot to send Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side into the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
The United academy graduate had been the undoing of Paris Saint-Germain with that last-gasp spot-kick, while he also netted again in the Parc des Princes during the 2020/21 campaign, to clinch another famous win for Solskjaer and co.
Something about the Ligue 1 side appears to bring the best out of the 27-year-old, it would seem, with the in-form forward having again been electric when facing off with the Parisien outfit – albeit this time in Aston Villa colours.
The Red Devils outcast put in a simply masterful display through the middle for Unai Emery’s side, having notably produced a breathtaking assist for Villa’s third of the night as the hosts flipped the encounter on its head. In truth, it was vintage Rashford.
Frustratingly for the Villans, they could not complete the comeback after bravely crashing out, while for those back in Manchester, such a fine individual display may have Ruben Amorim thinking twice over his decision to exile the £300k-per-week marksman.
But would a return to Old Trafford really be in the best interest of all parties this summer?
Why Rashford still needs to be sold this summer
As far as Rashford is concerned, the decision to make the move to Villa Park back in February could hardly have gone better, with the Midlands side also still in the mix for a top five finish in the Premier League, while having also reached the last four of the FA Cup.
The polarising sensation has been central to Emery’s plans in recent months, with the assist for Ezri Konsa last night taking his total tally to nine goal involvements in just 15 appearances since making the move. Jesse Lingard at West Ham United anyone?
Free from the shackles and the scrutiny of being a Manchester United player, Rashford has looked reborn in claret and blue, with Tuesday night seeing him create four big chances in total – more than any other player on the pitch.
That display backed up Emery’s decision to once again select his loan star ahead of compatriot, Ollie Watkins, in the centre-forward berth, with the Villans boasting attacking depth that Amorim can only dream of – not least with Joshua Zirkzee now sidelined with injury.
Speaking on Amazon Prime, United legend Wayne Rooney suggested that he would “love” to see Rashford back playing for the Red Devils next season, while also claiming that the player himself “wants” to be back at the Theatre of Dreams.
That said, it was only in December that the England international outlined his desire for a “new challenge” after being given the cold shoulder by Amorim, with it difficult to see any form of reconciliation occurring ahead of next season.
Indeed, having found his groove at Villa, why would Rashford risk enduring another stop-start campaign back at his parent club – not least considering three of the last four seasons have been rather underwhelming for him in a United shirt.
Rashford’s last five Man Utd seasons (all comps)
Season
Games
Goals
Assists
2024/25*
24
7
3
2023/24
43
8
6
2022/23
56
30
11
2021/22
32
5
2
2020/21
57
21
18
*Not including record at Villa
Stats via Transfermarkt
As for the club itself, the chance to rake in a £40m fee from Villa – a deal that would represent pure profit – is no doubt difficult to turn down, with it perhaps best for everyone that a permanent separation occurs this summer.
That said, even if Amorim and co do change their mind, at least they have only opted to loan out Rashford thus far, with the option of a homecoming still on the table. The same can’t be said for everyone that INEOS have let go…
Man Utd may have made a bigger mistake than Rashford
It appears to be a growing theme that players who have left Old Trafford have gone on to shine elsewhere, albeit with the club having largely been correct in moving those players on.
Indeed, in the case of Anthony Elanga, the Swedish speedster had scored just four goals in 55 games for United prior to departing for Nottingham Forest. David de Gea, meanwhile, was public enemy number one for his mistake in the FA Cup final, before being allowed to leave for nothing.
Equally, the likes of Antony and Jadon Sancho – now on loan at Real Betis and Chelsea – had hardly pulled up any trees following their £86m and £73m arrivals, respectively, with the pair netting just 24 goals between them in 179 games.
Antony’s Man Utd record vs selected wingers (past and present)
Player
Games
Goals
Assists
Total G/A
Antony
96
12
5
17
Anthony Elanga
55
4
4
8
Amad
57
12
10
22
Jadon Sancho
83
12
6
18
Alejandro Garnacho
135
25
20
45
Dan James
74
9
9
18
Angel Di Maria
34
4
12
16
Henrikh Mkhitaryan
63
13
11
24
Memphis Depay
53
7
6
13
Stats via Transfermarkt
Even Rashford had endured a miserable 18 months after scoring just 15 goals for United following the start of the 2023/24 campaign, with few of a Red Devils persuasion having contested with any of those exits at the time.
In the case of Scott McTominay, however, it may well be a different story, with the Scotland star having actually been one of Erik ten Hag’s key men last term, before sealing a £25m move to Napoli over the summer.
Inter Milan's Denzel Dumfries in action with Napoli's Scott McTominay
Indeed, the 28-year-old was the Dutchman’s rescue act having repeatedly delivered the goods in an attacking sense, with the rampaging midfielder – who notably netted a brace at the death against Brentford – ending the season with ten goals to his name in all competitions.
The joint third-highest scorer for United in the end in 2023/24, McTominay appeared to be thriving in an advanced midfield berth, albeit with the desire to meet PSR regulations – and the pursuit of fellow midfielder, Manuel Ugarte – leading to INEOS deciding to cash in.
Scott McTominay
Ten Hag has since admitted that he “didn’t want” to sell the 6 foot 4 giant, yet was almost “forced” into agreeing to the decision due to the club’s financial constraints.
As it is, McTominay has gone on to dazzle in Naples in 2024/25 to date, with the midfield “monster” – as hailed by analyst Ben Mattinson – notably netting twice last time out to keep Antonio Conte’s side in title contention.
Those latest strikes – both of which were assisted by Romelu Lukaku, no less – showcased just what the Lancaster-born hero is all about. Indeed, for his first of the night, McTominay charged from deep before curling home from outside the area. For his second, the ex-Red Devil expertly headed home after towering above the Empoli defence.
The emerging Naples sensation now has eight Serie A goals to his name this season, with only Bruno Fernandes able to match that tally for league goals back in Manchester.
McTominay is then picking up where he left off last term, with INEOS having made a rare move for United by selling a player who was actually in form – unlike the exiled Rashford.
With the Red Devils now in the midst of their worst-ever Premier League campaign, that bold call doesn’t appear to have aged well…
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Celtic travel away from Parkhead to take on Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday, knowing that a point will be enough to seal the title.
The Hoops simply have to avoid defeat to clinch their fourth league title in succession, which means that this could be the weekend that they are crowned champions once again.
Brendan Rodgers’ side beat St. Johnstone 5-0 in the semi-finals of the SFA Cup last time out at Hampden Park, but the Northern Irish boss could make some changes to his side, starting with dropping James Forrest to the bench.
Why James Forrest should be dropped
The long-serving Celtic winger was selected to start on the right side of the attack against the Saints last weekend and, once again, failed to contribute much at the top end of the pitch.
Celtic winger James Forrest.
Forrest has started the last two matches and has not been involved, with a goal or an assist, in any of the ten goals scored by the team, which has been the story of his season.
The Scottish forward has played 27 matches in all competitions this season without scoring a single goal for the Hoops, which illustrates his lack of impact in the final third.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
With this in mind, Rodgers must take the ineffective winger out of the starting XI for this trip to Dundee United, who are not an easy team to play against. They have only conceded 40 goals in 33 matches, which suggests that Celtic need their best attackers on the pitch, including Nicolas Kuhn.
Why Nicolas Kuhn could win Celtic the title
Dundee United, as shown by their defensive record this season, will be tough to break down and that is why the German attacker must be unleashed to win the title for the Hoops.
Forrest has shown, with zero goals in 26 games, that he is unlikely to make much of an impact as a starter on Saturday. Whereas, Kuhn has been in excellent form this season at the top end of the pitch.
The left-footed forward has racked up 18 goals and 14 assists in all competitions for the Scottish giants this term, including two assists in his last four league starts.
24/25 Premiership
Nicolas Kuhn
Appearances
28
Goals
10
Big chances created
10
Key passes per game
1.7
Assists
8
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Kuhn has delivered 18 goals and assists combined in the Premiership so far this term, which shows that he can get on the end of passes to score, or he can be the player who makes the killer pass to split open a defence.
The former Rapid Vienna star, once hailed as “magical” by Rodgers, could provide the cutting edge in front of goal that is seemingly going to be required to break down the Dundee United backline, whilst Forrest’s form this season suggests that he is not the man for that job.
Therefore, Rodgers could increase his team’s chances of winning the title on Saturday by dropping the Scottish forward in favour of Kuhn on the right flank.
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As concerns over William Saliba’s future continue, Arsenal are now reportedly eyeing a summer move to sign a potential replacement for the Frenchman in a deal worth a hefty £68m.
Arsenal's Saliba concern
After another season without a Premier League title and potentially without a major trophy altogether, Arsenal could face consequences for failure that they’ll be all too familiar with. Real Madrid, meanwhile, could land one of Europe’s best centre-backs.
The Spanish giants have reportedly set their sights on signing Saliba this summer, with likely new manager Xabi Alonso a fan of the central defender.
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The Madrid call is rarely one that players turn down and that should send alarm bells ringing around The Emirates. It’s a call that even Liverpool academy graduate Trent Alexander-Arnold is on course to accept and one that Kylian Mbappe accepted last summer. Now, Saliba could be next.
There’s no overstating the damage that the defender’s departure would do to Mikel Arteta’s side who have already struggled defensively when without Gabriel recently. Losing Saliba would be a whole new struggle for their backline as they look to make it a fourth-time lucky in the hunt for Premier League glory next season.
Known for their attacking prowess from set pieces, Arsenal’s struggles to defend such scenarios at the opposite end have gone under the radar this season. After Bournemouth came from behind to seal victory over the Gunners using two set pieces, however, it’s clear that with or without Saliba, Arteta’s side must improve on that front.
So, although losing Saliba would be a major blow, his exit would at least allow new sporting director Andrea Berta to welcome a fresh defender capable of turning that set-piece record around.
Arsenal set sights on £68m Diomande
According to Defensa Central in Spain, Arsenal have now set their sights on signing Ousmane Diomande from Sporting Club this summer as Berta plans for the worst-case Saliba scenario, should he leave for the Bernabeu. Alas, any deal won’t come cheap in the coming months. The Portuguese side have reportedly slapped a price tag worth as much as €80m (£68m) on their centre-back.
Sporting CP's Ousmane Diomande in action with Lille'sJonathanDavid
Whether the 21-year-old “monster” is at the necessary level to replace Saliba is the big question. When compared, it’s clear that the Sporting man would need plenty of patience if he did step in and replace a player who some may believe is irreplaceable at Arsenal.
League stats 24/25 (via FBref)
Ousmane Diomande
William Saliba
Starts
27
33
Progressive Passes
79
134
Tackles Won
20
36
Aerial Duels Won
78
58
However, what does stand out as a positive to take note of is Diomande’s aerial success compared to Saliba’s. Winning 20 more aerial duels in six less games, the Sporting man may have stood a far better chance of preventing Bournemouth’s two set piece goals in a frustrating Arsenal defeat last time out.
Also dubbed a player with “great” pace by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Diomande looks set to be one to watch if Saliba does swap Arsenal for Real Madrid in the coming months.