Youngsters rule the roost as visitors hold nerve to defend 290 in close-fought contest

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay24-Aug-2025

Ralphie Albert drives through the covers•Getty Images

Ralphie Albert, the England Under-19 allrounder who is grandson to snooker star Jimmy White, fell just four runs short of a rampant century in his first innings at any level for Surrey as the visitors posted 289 for 8 against Notts Outlaws in their Group A Metro Bank One-Day Cup match at Trent Bridge.It was his side’s highest ever individual score for a maiden List A innings and helped bring victory by ten runs. This still looked unlikely, however, when, in reply, the Zimbabwean Dane Schadendorf and locally-raised Sam King both made their first fifties in any Notts cricket in an 85-run third-wicket partnership.But Albert, bowling left-arm spin, struck twice in 13 balls as Schadendorf fell for 51, caught behind sweeping, and Ben Martindale, returning with a runner after retiring hurt in the sixth over, soon drove him to mid-off. Seven balls later Albert took the catch that left Notts six down, needing 104 from 86 balls.Wicket-taker Ollie Sykes added two more successes in his next nine balls, King out for 67, and Notts now seemed certain of defeat. But No.9, Bob Lord, hammered a late bravura unbeaten 72, batting with a runner, almost to suggest a miracle, until 23 from the last over proved just too much.Earlier, with an onslaught of 146 at seven per over, Surrey’s List A record for the sixth wicket, Albert and wicket-keeper Josh Blake, who made 72, belatedly roused their own innings after stagnation had threatened on 102 for 5 from 26 overs.If Albert couldn’t quite clear the table in the family tradition he enhanced with the bat the promise shown as a spinner during England’s youth Tests against India U-19s last month.In their reply the Outlaws soon faced trouble when two of their bare trio of first-team regulars, Ben Slater, driving loosely, and Haseeb Hameed, caught behind glancing, went in South African Ari Karvelas’s first four new-ball overs. In between, Ben Martindale, who’d suffered cramp when bowling, retired hurt.The last of the regulars, Jack Haynes, left for 38, neatly stumped by Blake as Yousef Majid, another left-armer, spun one past the bat. Soon after, exactly 200 were required from the last 31 overs but it had become only 127 from 19.4 before Albert’s second intervetion, this time with the ball.When Surrey batted first it proved a dream start on Notts first-XI debut for Tom Giles as the 19-year old fast bowler claimed two England Test batters in his opening 18 balls. Raised in Brumby on the outskirts of Scunthorpe, where he plays his club cricket, Giles induced a bottom-edge from Rory Burns, bowled for 25 cutting, and found a beauty for Ben Foakes who lost off stump for 20.Cricket had already proved fickle for Adam Thomas after he followed 162 at Derby on Friday, a List A score only ever bettered by five Surrey batters, with just eight and when Surrey skipper Sykes followed the two Test men for ten, his side were 69 for 4 in the 17th.With Nik Gorantla driving to cover for 21, it was not until 33 overs had gone that Surrey suddenly picked up the tempo with vengeance. Blake’s fifty arrived in 56 balls, Albert’s in 53 and in all 187 were plundered from final 17 overs, Giles not escaping the brutality in his second spell. Dropped on 77, Albert selflessly fell in the deep with 11 balls to come after Blake was leg-before.

Southampton are now eyeing Russell Martin as a replacement for Will Still, who was dismissed on Sunday night, but there could be competition for his signature from their Championship rivals.

After being relegated from the Premier League last season, the Saints were expected to mount a promotion push, but it has been nothing short of a terrible start to the campaign, having taken just 12 points from their opening 13 matches.

The 2-0 defeat at home to Preston North End was the final straw for Sport Republic, who relieved Still of his duties on Saturday, and Under-21s head coach Tonda Eckert has now emerged as a contender for the first-team manager’s job.

It would be a gamble to appoint Eckert, however, given that he is just 32-years-old and yet to prove himself at senior level, and an external appointment is also being considered…

Southampton eyeing Russell Martin to replace Will Still

According to journalist Alan Nixon (via GiveMeSport) Southampton are now eyeing former manager Martin as a replacement for Still, with the 39-year-old on standby for a swift return to management, having recently been dismissed by Scottish giants Rangers.

The Saints are not the only Championship club that hold an interest, however, with it being revealed that Norwich City are also considering the Englishman, given that there are doubts over Liam Manning’s future.

The Brighton-born manager is available without any compensation, which means he is an appealing option for the two Championship clubs, who could do battle for his services.

In truth, the former Rangers manager’s spell at Ibrox was a complete disaster, being sacked after just 17 games in charge, making him the shortest-serving permanent boss in the Scottish side’s history.

That said, the “exciting” manager, as hailed by analyst John Walker, could still be a good appointment for Southampton, considering the work he did at St. Mary’s previously, guiding them to promotion in the play-off final in the 2023-24 campaign.

The ex-Swansea City boss, who prefers to implement a 4-3-3 system, is also very experienced at Championship level, having taken charge of 138 second tier matches.

Russell Martin’s Championship record
Games	138
Wins	60
Draws	34
Losses	44
Points per match	1.55

That said, it would arguably be a backwards step to appoint Martin, given that he was sacked by the Saints less than one year ago, after being unable to make the step-up to the Premier League, with his side losing 13 of their opening 16 Premier League games.

Southampton plotting move for James Ward-Prowse in January

He's been told to leave: Southampton now plotting move to sign £30m PL star

The Saints could pull off an impressive move.

By
Tom Cunningham

Oct 2, 2025

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has a grand plan for striker Dominic Solanke once he returns from injury, contrary to other reports.

In the last few days, Spurs’ club-record signing has actually been linked with the January exit door.

The 28-year-old’s last appearance came during a brief cameo in Tottenham’s 2-0 win away to Man City at the very start of the campaign, but he’s been sidelined with a niggling ankle problem ever since.

Dejan Kulusevski

Knee

22/11/2025

James Maddison

ACL

01/06/2026

Radu Dragusin

Knee

22/11/2025

Ben Davies

Thigh

23/11/2025

Kota Takai

Ankle/Foot

08/11/2025

Yves Bissouma

Ankle/Foot

08/11/2025

Wilson Odobert

Abdominal

01/11/2025

Cristian Romero

Groin

01/11/2025

Destiny Udogie

Knee

08/11/2025

Dominic Solanke

Ankle

08/11/2025

Archie Gray

Calf/Shin/Heel

06/11/2025

via Premier Injuries

Solanke underwent minor surgery to fix the issue, with Frank’s forward still working his way back to full fitness ahead of a tough run of fixtures.

Despite playing just 49 minutes in total under Spurs’ new boss, reports have surprisingly suggested that Frank isn’t particularly impressed by Solanke and could look to sell the England international.

Solanke’s inconsistency and fitness issues have raised some doubts among supporters about his suitability as Tottenham’s long-term first-choice striker, with Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović reportedly emerging as a prime alternative as the Serbian’s contract expires at the end of this season.

Links to Vlahovic could raise some questions about Solanke’s future in N17, but according to reporter Dean Jones, the former Bournemouth star shouldn’t be too worried about his place.

Thomas Frank's grand plan for Dominic Solanke at Tottenham

Jones, writing for TEAMtalk, says that Frank is preparing to make Solanke the focal point of his attack once the striker returns from injury, with growing “inside” belief that he can add a fresh and “new” dimension to their attacking play.

Despite Solanke’s challenges, there’s a clear sense among Tottenham’s coaching staff and insiders that he has the qualities to lead the line effectively.

The return of Solanke is eagerly anticipated by Frank, with hopes that he will elevate Tottenham’s attacking threat in crucial matches.

The delay in his comeback may also be put down to Spurs adopting a more cautious approach with the number nine’s overall fitness as they look to avoid any setbacks.

Mathys Tel, bar his goal away to Leeds United, has struggled to replace Solanke overall, while Richarlison endured another night to forget during Tottenham’s 2-0 defeat at Newcastle in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

Last season, Solanke proved his worth by scoring 16 goals across all competitions, finishing as Spurs’ second top scorer behind Brennan Johnson. This goal tally underscores his importance to the team’s attack and highlights the threat he poses when fully fit.

Solanke’s presence allows Frank to build the attack around a proven goalscorer, providing a sense of stability to the entire forward line.

The ‘underrated’ forward’s ability to deliver crucial goals will be vital, especially in tight games where a clinical finish can make all the difference.

Jamie O'Hara takes aim at "non league" Tottenham player in defeat to Newcastle

MatériaMais Notícias

O Santos está matematicamente fora da Copa do Brasil de 2024, com o término da 36ª rodada do Brasileirão. Com isso, perdeu a oportunidade de arrecadar uma quantia milionária no próximo ano.

➡️Veja tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro-2023 clicando aqui

O time da Baixada Santista não pode mais conseguir a vaga pelo Campeonato Brasileiro, que era a última esperança de ingresso do Peixe no milionário torneio. A derrota por 3 a 0 para o Fluminense impossibilitou que o clube abocanhasse a última vaga remanescente para o torneio, que consiste em ter a melhor classificação entre os times que não garantiram vaga para a próxima Libertadores.

➡️Tudo sobre o Peixe agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Santos

Baseado nos valores deste ano da Copa do Brasil, o prejuízo astronômico pode variar de acordo com o progresso do clube dentro do torneio. Apenas por participar, o Alvinegro Praiano já garantiria R$ 1,4 milhão. Caso o time se classificasse até a terceira fase da competição, o clube já teria acumulado R$ 5,2 milhões.

Caso o Santos alcançasse as oitavas da competição, assim como chegou nesta temporada, o clube arrecadaria mais R$ 3,3 milhões, ou seja, já teria arrecadado R$ 8,8 milhões.

Se o Peixe faturasse a taça da copa, a remuneração total acumulada no torneio seria de impressionantes R$ 91,8 milhões. Mesmo se fosse até a final e não vencesse, o vice-campeonato garantiria R$ 51,8 milhões.

Como todo ano, os valores de premiação da Copa do Brasil passam por reajuste. Portanto, a perda pode ser ainda maior para a equipe caiçara.

O REGULAMENTO MUDOU!

A classificação para a milionária Copa do Brasil foi alterada para esta temporada e priorizou o desempenho na competição estadual. Sem sequer se classificar para a fase mata-mata do Paulistão, o clube poderia se classificar caso alcançasse uma vaga na Libertadores da próxima temporada ou se vencesse a Copa Paulista. 

Como o time optou por não disputar o torneio regional, não venceu as copas que disputou na temporada e, agora, não conseguiu vaga via Brasileirão, o time cravou sua ausência na competição nacional.

NÃO VAI TER CONVITE!

Em junho, o presidente Andres Rueda, em reunião do Conselho Deliberativo, disse crer que o clube poderia ser convidado para participar da copa. Contudo, o regulamento da competição não prevê essa forma de ingresso e a CBF não pretende abrir uma exceção.

انتهت منذ قليل، قرعة بطولة كأس أمم أفريقيا لكرة اليد، والتي أسفرت عن وجود منتخب مصر في المجموعة الثانية.

ومن المقرر أن تستضيف دولة روندا، بطولة كأـس أمم إفريقيا 2026 خلال شهر يناير المقبل.

وكان منتخب مصر، في المستوى الأول من القرعة رفقة منتخبات الجزائر وتونس والرأس الأخضر.

ويأمل منتخب مصر لكرة اليد، في الحفاظ على البطولة للنسخة الرابعة على التوالي، بعد التتويج بالنسخ الثلاث الأخيرة.

ويحتل الفراعنة المركز الثاني، في ترتيب المنتخبات الأكثر تتويجًا بأمم إفريقيا لكرة اليد بـ 9 ألقاب بعد تونس صاحب الـ 10 ألقاب. مجموعة مصر في أمم إفريقيا لكرة اليد

– مصر

– أنجولا

– الجابون

– أوغندا

Crisis over? Not quite yet. Sure, Liverpool put five past woeful Eintracht Frankfurt to get their Champions League campaign back on track, but fans will now expect a continuation of that performance carried into the weekend.

Liverpool travel to Brentford on Saturday evening, having lost three on the bounce in the Premier League. Last week’s Anfield defeat at the hands of Manchester United was a low ebb, and Arne Slot will no doubt have been chagrinned by this polarising level of performance.

Last season, of course, the Reds romped their way to the Premier League title. Few, if any, anticipated a title battle after Jurgen Klopp up and left, but this football club has a funny way of disproving doubt, and the charge was ultimately processional.

Frankly, Frankfurt were shocking defensively, inviting 18 shots and 14 on target. Liverpool amassed an xG (expected goals) total of 3.26.

The club-record signing, Alexander Isak, might have been withdrawn at half-time, having still not hit his stride after that contentious summer move, but Hugo Ekitike continues to show why he has been one of the signings of the season – and that’s accounting for all teams across Europe.

Hugo Ekitike's prolific start to the season

Ekitike, 23, joined Liverpool from Frankfurt this summer, choosing the Reds over Newcastle United. An initial fee of £69m was chequed over to the Germans, with a further £10m payable through add-ons.

Liverpool have been freighted with tactical imbalances and new crises of confidence, but Ekitike has been cool and calm and clinical in the final third, with his well-taken strike against his former club, respectably not celebrating, taking his tally to six goals and one assist this year.

As per Sofascore, the France international also won five of seven contested duels at the Deutsche Bank Park, emphasising a wider level of quality. Not just a sharpshooter, he links up play, fights for loose balls, drops deep and carves openings for teammates. Ekitike is the real deal.

As content creator Asim Mahmood puts it, “Right now, he’s undroppable.”

Right you are, Asim. But Ekitike isn’t the only one, with one of the club’s longest-serving stars proving he’s still got a few tricks up his sleeve.

Liverpool veteran is now as undroppable as Ekitike

In his post-match interview, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk baulked at the suggestion he was relieved after turning around this tough run of losses. He has, after all, been in this game a long time.

And so has Andy Robertson, who for many years ran up Liverpool’s left line as a turbo-charged creative force, whipping in crosses and beating his man with blistering speed and neat dribbling.

Robertson has known criticism, these past 14 months or so. The 31-year-old no longer brings such energy and snap to his game, and has been somewhat remodelled into a less mobile full-back. His technical quality remains, though.

And against Frankfurt, this was on full show. You will have seen Ekitike’s opening goal, the deftness and composure to angle inward when played through and dispatch into the net. It was Robertson, though, who saw the opening and played a weighted pass through.

This is what he brings to the table. Sofascore also record that the Scotsman took 114 touches, attempting five crosses, making five ball recoveries, winning his one attempted tackle and making three interceptions.

Die Roten fell apart, and tougher tests will come for Slot’s side, but Robertson brings the balance, and it may well be that he has proved he is every bit as undroppable as Ekitike right now.

(GK) Giorgi Mamardashvili

6/10

(RB) Jeremie Frimpong

5/10

(CB) Ibrahima Konate

8/10

(CB) Virgil van Dijk

8/10

(LB) Andy Robertson

8/10

(CM) Dominik Szoboszlai

9/10

(CM) Curtis Jones

8/10

(RM) Florian Wirtz

9/10

(LM) Cody Gakpo

8/10

(CF) Alexander Isak

6/10

(CF) Hugo Ekitike

9/10

Milos Kerkez, of course, would have something to say about that, but Kerkez has flattered to deceive at Liverpool so far this season, and he does not look at home in the boss’s tactical system.

While the 21-year-old joined from Bournemouth for £45m and was named in the Premier League Team of the Season for 2024/25, he has not yet found his feet on Merseyside, where the spotlight shines much brighter and the calendar is more unforgiving.

He simply isn’t quite right – yet. Robertson started his first game in a month this week, and he must now retain his role. Less pacy he may be, the £160k-per-week veteran is one of the most distinguished creators in the Premier League, with his assist tally in the competition a testament to that.

The problem with Kerkez is that he’s not a natural ball technician. That is to say, to move him into a principally ball-playing role would be an erroneous move.

Correspondent David Lynch noted he is perceived to be “getting torn to shreds every week”, but that this isn’t actually the case, with the Hungarian simply misused across these opening months of the term.

Kerkez is more of a touchline full-back. He has pace and power and incisiveness, and these are faculties sure to work in his favour down the line.

But we are not yet down the line. Liverpool are at the beginning of a transition, and Slot, for all his brilliance, has yet to crack the wider tactical nut.

Wednesday’s win was a step in the right direction, but Robertson dangled among the bunch of keys to victory; he added balance and coherence and stability down Liverpool’s left side.

The vice-captain simply “has to be in the line-up at Brentford”, according to The Athletic’s James Pearce, and this is a sentiment many would share after the events of recent weeks.

If Liverpool fail to pass the Gtech test – a stadium they have won at twice in a row – questions will be thrown back at Slot’s presser table. If the elusive synergy is to be captured and contained within Liverpool’s tactical make-up, players like Robertson and Ekitike have to reprise their starting roles.

Mac Allister upgrade: Liverpool preparing huge offer to sign £69m "monster"

Arne Slot’s Liverpool midfield is malfunctioning this season.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Oct 21, 2025

Neymar has been reportedly offered an escape route from Santos as a Brazilian club is looking to beat Lionel Messi's Inter Miami to unite him with Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea legend Thiago Silva. The 32-year-old’s time at Santos appears to be winding down, and potential suitors are already lining up for the former Barcelona forward's signature.

Santos ready to move on

Santaos are mired in a relegation scrap and have reportedly informed Neymar’s father and agent that a contract extension is no longer a certainty. With his deal set to expire on December 31, the one-time golden boy of Brazilian football is edging towards free agency and a major decision about his future is set to be taken. His return last year was hailed as a fairytale homecoming, but persistent injuries have blunted the romance.

The club’s hierarchy now appears ready to turn the page as they are wary of committing large wages to a player whose fitness remains a gamble. Reports from Brazil suggest Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, are exploring a move to bring the Brazilian star to Florida. With Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba expected to retiring, Miami’s Designated Player slots will soon open up, which will potentially pave the way for another Barcelona icon to join Messi in the sunshine state.

For Neymar, the idea holds undeniable emotional appeal. The Brazilian has never hidden his affection for Messi and Luis Suarez, with whom he formed the devastating 'MSN' front line at Barcelona. When earlier asked by whether he’d like to reunite with his former teammates, Neymar didn’t hesitate to give his approval. "Obviously, playing again with Messi and Suarez would be incredible," he had said. "They are my friends. We still speak to each other. It would be interesting to revive this trio."

AdvertisementGetty Images SportFluminense launch bold plan for 2026

But MLS isn’t the only door open to Neymar. Back home, Fluminense are quietly plotting a move of their own, according to reports. The Rio giants have supposedly identified Neymar as their marquee target for 2026. It will be an audacious transfer that would unite him with Thiago Silva, as revealed by journalist Rodrigo Dias from the channel The transfer is already being discussed internally, though much will depend on the outcome of the club’s upcoming presidential elections.

To add fuel to fire, Fluminense’s head of physiotherapy, Nilton Petrone, known in Brazil as 'File', spoke openly about the possibility of Neymar joining the club.

"Neymar is the last genius we have produced in Brazilian football. It's undeniable," he began. "What we need to know is how much Neymar wants, and what Fluminense proposes, he will propose, right. Thiago (Silva) is very close to Neymar; he has probably been talking to him, not just today, there was already that first moment at the (Club) World Cup."

Petrone emphasised that Fluminense would only proceed if Neymar demonstrated full commitment. "Neymar has to want it. That's the first thing," he insisted. "Then, he has to adjust to the commitment to the procedural protocols that Fluminense has today. Fluminense today is not a ‘la vonte’ club. It has processes. These processes are established, and there is integration between the teams. Fluminense is an example of a multi, inter, and transdisciplinary team. It depends on him.

"If you asked me: would you make it available? Obviously, how could you not make the club available to help an athlete? We do it for so many, so many athletes that few people know and who went to Fluminense."

World Cup hopes fading?

Since Carlo Ancelotti assumed control of the Selecao earlier this year, Neymar has found himself conspicuously absent from the Italian’s plans. The former Real Madrid manager remains adamant that the forward must prove himself before getting a call from him. 

During a recent press conference, Ancelotti said: "I haven't spoken to Neymar yet, we'll see what happens when he recovers and is able to play again. (I) might call up a player who lacks fitness for the first match or two of the World Cup, but it is impossible to include a player who is not physically ready for the entire tournament. We need players who are at their best." 

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Getty Images SportThe clock is ticking for Neymar

Time is running out for Neymar. The deal with Santos ends on December 31, and as things stand, the club sits 17th in Serie A, two points away from safety. They are winless in their last five matches, and desperately need a spark before facing Palmeiras this weekend. Neymar was handed 36 minutes during their defeat to Flamengo, and it remains to be seen if the forward gets an opportunity to impress his potential suitors. 

The visitors had collapsed from 96 for 0 to 125 for 5 in a chase of 175 in Harare

Andrew Fidel Fernando03-Sep-2025Kamindu Mendis’ 41 not out off 16 from No. 6 rescued Sri Lanka from a collapse, and catapulted them to victory in a game that seemed to be slipping away. Sri Lanka needed 46 runs off the last four overs, having slipped from 96 for no loss to 125 for 5.But Kamindu crashed four sixes and a four, the vast majority of those shots coming behind square on the leg side as Zimbabwe’s seamers got their lines wrong at the death. In the end, Sri Lanka cruised home with five balls remaining and four wickets in hand.Higher up the order, Pathum Nissanka struck his third half century of the tour to set the platform for this chase of 176. It was a competitive total given the conditions, with Brian Bennett’s 81 off 57 balls being the primary driver of Zimbabwe’s score.Aside from Richard Ngarava, who took 2 for 19, Zimbabwe’s seamers were expensive.ESPNcricinfo LtdTinotenda Maposa’s horror overWith three overs to go and Sri Lanka still needing 34, Zimbabwe needed a quiet over from Tinotenda Maposa, who had bowled well until that stage. Kamindu manufactured a boundary off a wide yorker by reverse-scooping him for four first ball. Then came the horror deliveries. The next one was a chest-high full toss at the body which Kamindu swatted over the deep fine boundary. Maposa followed up that no-ball with a leg-side wide, and finished the over with another leg-side full toss that Kamindu happily deposited over the deep square leg rope. That 18th over cost Zimbabwe 26 runs, and essentially decided the match.Sri Lanka’s middle-overs wobbleFollowing Nissanka’s outstanding 55 off 32 in which he was typically strong square of the wicket, Sri Lanka went through a period in which they lost six wickets for 46 runs in seven overs, with several Zimbabwe bowlers striking through this spell. The opening stand of 96 had come rapidly however – Kusal Mendis and Nissanka having scored at more than nine an over. This gave Sri Lanka some cover to weather the collapse.Bennett holds Zimbabwe togetherAlthough his innings began with some lucky edges through deep third, Bennett powered Zimbabwe through an impressive powerplay in which they reaped 59 – Bennett contributing 32 off 17. The deep third area would continue to be productive for Bennett, who used the seamers’ pace well. He also reverse-swept the spinners behind square on the offside. He was involved in fifty partnerships with Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl, before Dushmantha Chameera took out Bennett’s stumps with the last ball of the 19th over.Chameera takes threeThe best of Sri Lanka’s bowlers was Chameera, who finished with figures of 3 for 30. He was effective both in the powerplay and the death, taking the first wicket, before later sending down a series of excellent yorkers. He was good at reading the batters too – twice batters attempted to spring to the offside to drag him to leg, but found that Chameera had sent a rapid yorker at the base of their stumps and rattled them.

Ruben Amorim has put some credit in the bank in recent weeks, having overseen an upturn in performances and results at the Manchester United helm.

But the Red Devils’ three-match winning run in the Premier League was halted on Saturday’s draw against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. It was a creditable result, even if the performance left plenty to be desired.

Negativity has hung over Old Trafford like a brooding cloud for far too long, but Amorim will sense the first signs of a shift, with his side not only more fluent as a unit but demonstrably stronger from a mental standpoint too.

While impactful additions like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have helped refashion the outfit’s attack, they have been joined by a number of players, finding form after such bleak and low-ebb efforts last year.

Amorim's resurgent Man Utd stars

Cunha and Mbeumo are difference-makers, but no one has personified Manchester United’s budding resurgence under Amorim quite like Amad Diallo.

Amad salvaged a draw in that 2-2 battle at Forest last weekend, with that late volley salvaging a result and easing his own frustrations at being beaten by Morgan Gibbs-White in the air after the break. There it was that Casemiro’s first-half goal was cancelled out.

The Ivorian is a nifty little playmaker, with quick feet and an eye for goal that requires only a glance back at the weekend for proof, that strike very much pressed firmly in fans’ minds.

But his reshaped role as a wing-back has come at the expense of attacking freedom. Amad is not a natural defender, but neither is he a lost cause when against the ball. He works well on the flank of that line, adding to a defence that still searches for its final form.

But it’s getting there. Harry Maguire did not play against the Tricky Trees, but he has proven himself to be an important player this term. Likewise, Matthjis de Ligt is starting to come into his own after previously toiling through his first campaign in England.

And Casemiro’s strike to open the scoring underscored once again his own revival. Jamie Carragher’s acerbic comments have fallen flat, with the Brazilian now something of a linchpin in the centre for a side that has proven unable to find answers in the engine room.

But there’s an even bigger turnaround taking place at the Theatre of Dreams. Yes, one of United’s longest-serving stars appears to have found his finest form in some time.

Struggling Man Utd star is now undroppable

Manchester United have been through a lot over the past 12 years. Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement was always going to knock Old Trafford out of kilter, but no one expected the club to have fallen from their perch as they have.

A trophy-winning identity has been maintained throughout, but inconsistencies have been rife, and too many frustrating players have been signed, unable to find the form that their skillsets demand.

Chief among these cases would be that of Luke Shaw, who has come a long way in a short amount of time this year.

Not only enjoying a prolonged run of fitness, the England international is performing resolutely in a left-sided centre back berth, and that after playing as if he “didn’t want to tackle anyone” toward the start of the campaign, as was said by Roy Keane, who also declared the defender has been “getting away with murder for years”.

Undoubtedly, Shaw has been put through a career-long wringer in terms of fitness levels. He left Southampton and joined Man United for a fee in excess of £30m in 2014, and after more than 11 years of service, the 30-year-old has 297 games chalked off.

Many times, he has languished in the infirmary, never quite able to build up that natural athleticism and energy and technical ability to a point of recognition as one of the best left-backs in the world.

But, having started each of his side’s ten Premier League matches so far this season, there’s reason to be excited as Shaw continues to make headway. He is sharp and aware and robust in his defensive duties.

Match Stats

#

Minutes played

90′

Goals conceded

2

Touches

85

Accurate passes

65/74 (88%)

Possession lost

9x

Dribbles

1/1

Recoveries

1

Tackles

2/2

Interceptions

3

Clearances

1

Ground duels

4/5

Aerial duels

3/4

The point gained at Forest proved this. In isolation, it was a frustrating performance, not quite slick enough and disappointing to have conceded twice after the interval, having worked hard to take the advantage into the break.

But we are not talking in isolation here. United played with heart and understanding, and Shaw was at the centre of this, building upon months of work. The Manchester Evening News noted he ‘will play himself back into the England squad’ with a continuation of these performances.

Keane would be the first to rejoice at Shaw’s rejuvenation. There has been no vendetta against the experienced ace, but rather, a deep disappointment relating to the club’s struggles to kick on. Shaw has been at the epicentre of this, too often injured and too often out of sorts. But no longer. This is a player who has rediscovered his self-belief and the joy of wearing the United badge.

This Saturday’s clash against Tottenham Hotspur – in London – will mark the perfect chance to enter the November international break with a real sense of progress. Amorim, undoubtedly, will field Shaw in his starting line-up, with the defender’s composure and ease on the ball now blended with renewed defensive iron. He is undroppable at this moment in time.

As the early-season form at Man United will attest, there is a long road to walk before the Red Devils and Shaw can look back and nod at efforts well expended.

Silverware is needed, and stability in contention at the top of the table. Whether United will do it is anyone’s guess, but so far, so good.

Man Utd's "anonymous" flop is rapidly becoming a bigger problem than Dalot

Ruben Amorim has a job on his hands to put one Manchester United player on the right track.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 3, 2025

Gus Atkinson’s fourth five-wicket haul helped England make light work of what remained of India’s first innings of the fifth Test, dismissing them for 224.Atkinson’s 5 for 33 upon his return to the XI after two months out was all the more important after news this morning that Chris Woakes would play no further part in the match after a suspected dislocated shoulder sustained in the field last evening. And the Surrey quick, on his home ground, took three of the remaining four wickets that India had up their sleeve when they arrived on Friday morning on 204 for 6.It was Josh Tongue who made the first key incision, albeit with a choatic approach that would get any surgeon struck off. His first over, opening from the Vauxhall End, went for nine, but he was able to remove Karun Nair for 57 in his second. A sharp delivery that nipped into the stumps – Nair no doubt expected something short and wide either side of them – pinned the right-hander on the back leg. Plumb in front, Nair took one of India’s three reviews with him.Washington Sundar should have assumed the responsibility at that point as an elongated tail became exposed, but he fell five deliveries later, waltzing into a short ball trap, heaving Atkinson to deep square leg, where Jamie Overton sprinted in to take a smart catch.Atkinson would then skittle Mohammed Siraj before Prasidh Krishna felt for a delivery outside off, completing a collapse of four for six in 18 balls. This is now the lowest first innings total of the series. The previous lowest was India’s 358 at Manchester.Atkinson now boasts an average of 21, the fourth best for an England seamer with fifty or more dismissals, and the second best strike rate, ever, at 34.9, for those who have taken 60 wickets.