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Manchester United have struggled in front of goal this season, scoring just five times across four matches while securing only two wins from these Premier League ties, and it’s evident that Erik ten Hag has to change things up if he wants his team to contend for the title.

Marcus Rashford led the way last season, scoring 30 goals across all competitions, yet he has yet to catch fire this term, netting only once in four league outings, indicating that perhaps he needs more time to get back into his stride.

Bruno Fernandes also proved to be a key attacking outlet for the Red Devils last season, netting 14 times, but like Rashford, he has failed to really get going thus far and Ten Hag will require others to step up and begin contributing.

The Dutchman went all out to sign Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund in the summer transfer window, spending £72m to secure one of the most highly-rated talents on the continent.

Having missed the start of the season due to injury, the youngster will need to hit the ground running and prove to the United faithful why this sort of money was splashed out on him.

How good is Rasmus Hojlund?

During the 2022/23 campaign, the Dane scored 16 goals in all competitions, which included nine for Serie A side Atalanta, having made the move to Italy from Sturm Graz last summer.

He only started 20 league matches for the club, yet ranked third for goals and assists (11), second for shots per game (1.7) and eighth for successful dribbles per game (0.9), indicating that he settled into life well in Serie A, despite his tender years.

Despite these encouraging statistics, when compared to positional peers, Hojlund only ranks in the top 30% for non-penalty goals per 90 (0.42), while also ranking in the top 33% for total shots per 90 (2.81), demonstrating that he isn’t quite the finished article yet and there is still some developing to do.

The striker has only scored 27 senior club career goals and Ten Hag is perhaps expecting too much with regard to the youngster leading the line for the Old Trafford side, thus putting a heap of pressure on his shoulders already.

Given their struggles in the final third, what the former Ajax boss would give to have a former United sensation as his main striker right now. The likes of Andy Cole is one such player. He had everything to thrive under the Dutchman, certainly proving to be a bigger talent than Hojlund is currently.

How much did Manchester United sign Andy Cole for?

Sir Alex Ferguson was the master at signing players who were either just about to hit their peak years or had proven that they could thrive in the Premier League.

Andy Cole fits into both of these categories, having spent the previous two and half seasons scoring for fun at Newcastle United.

The Englishman netted 12 goals in the old First Division as the Magpies gained promotion to the Premier League and during the 1993/94 campaign, he exploded into life, making the top flight his stage.

Cole scored a staggering 34 goals across 40 matches as Newcastle finished the season in a wonderful third spot under Kevin Keegan and the good times finally looked to be coming back to St James’ Park.

Ferguson needed another goalscorer and earmarked Cole as the player who could spearhead the United attack for the foreseeable future.

The wily Scot eventually secured his signature for a fee of £7m in January 1995 and although his signing couldn’t help United win a third consecutive league crown, the future was bright.

How many goals did Andy Cole score for Manchester United?

His first two full seasons saw Cole hit just 11 and six league goals respectively as he struggled to live up to the vast hype, numbers indicative of Hojlund's embryonic years in football. Yet, the former finally hit the ground running during the 1997/98 campaign, scoring 25 goals across all competitions.

Having lost the league to Arsenal, Ferguson made sure there wouldn’t be a repeat of this by luring striker Dwight Yorke to the club, and it proved to be a stroke of genius, with him and Cole forming a deadly partnership when deployed up front together.

Their stunning link-up play against Barcelona in the Champions League during their first season together was a joy to behold, and the duo received praise from a variety of figures, including Ferguson himself.

He said: “Andy Cole had a great time with us. He and Dwight Yorke had that fantastic season in 1999 that year they were the best partnership in Europe.”

Commentator Clive Tyldesley even lauded the pair, saying “They are out of this world,” as they led United to a stunning treble of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup during the 1998/99 season.

Cole would remain at Old Trafford for the next two and half years before making the move to Blackburn Rovers in 2002, where he won the League Cup just a few weeks after his arrival.

Overall, the 15-cap Englishman made 275 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 121 times in the process while winning five league titles and the coveted Champions League in what was a golden era for the club.

Can you imagine a player like this in the current United team? With creative talents such as Fernandes and Mason Mount producing chance after chance for the striker, and Rashford linking up well from a wide position, it would be a match made in heaven.

Hojlund is still young and relatively experienced at senior level, playing just 88 matches over the previous three seasons but will need to start scoring before the pressure hits unbearable levels. He could well use Cole's example as inspiration.

The latter had everything to be a top-level centre-forward. He was pacy, and could outmanoeuvre even the best of defenders while having a ruthless streak which enabled him to be the main man at Old Trafford for over half a decade.

Hojlund is a wonderful talent and has already shown glimpses of his ability in Italy, but the pressure is greater in Manchester and in order to build on his solid start to life in senior football, he could certainly learn a thing from the success Cole enjoyed at the club.

Plenty of strikers have already tried to crawl out of Cole's shadow and failed; it's now time for the Norwegian to show he won't have the same difficulties. Over to you, Rasmus.

Jayasuriya’s free-spirited, electrifying talent will be sorely missed. So long, Sanath

Charlie Austin06-Dec-2007

Jolt from the blue: few could thrill like Jayasuriya © AFP
Sanath Jayasuriya’s second retirement from Test cricket attracted much lessfanfare than the first did, some 18 months ago. It was also far happier: on that occasion he started the match silently fuming with the selectors for pushing him out. It all ended with a dropped catch, a painfully dislocatedthumb, and a heavy defeat to Pakistan. He was not ready to walk away back then and it was a bitterly sad and unjust end to a great servant of SriLankan cricket. This time, though, he knew the time was right and he finished with a characteristically macho cameo, a brilliant 78 that played a crucial part in Sri Lanka winning the first Test by 88 runs.Indeed, his innings on Monday afternoon neatly encapsulated all that has made Jayasuriya so valuable a player for so long. He may have a modest average by the standards of top Asian batsmen (finishing with 6973 runs at 40.07 in 110 matches), but right through a career that stretches back nearly two decades, Jayasuriya’s runs were often hugely influential. He was, in short, a match-winner, possessed of that rare and precious ability – like Kevin Pietersen for England – to singlehandedly turn the tide of a game, stealing momentum.He did that in this Test, wiping away a 93-run deficit that many at the time thought was a winning lead for England. The rest of the top order may have finished the job, but Jayasuriya was the one who gave them an early wind and swung the match back onto an even keel.However, though he proved in this game that he still has the ability to win games at home, there’s no denying that it was the right time for Jayasuriya to leave the Test arena. As an allrounder he still has plenty to offer in the one-day and Twenty20 game, but in Test cricket his performances have been on the wane for some time now. The gaps between his big scores have grown wider. Age, inevitably, was taking a toll. While Jayasuriya’s fitness has remained good, the reflexes were starting to slow, exposing him at the start of the innings. Also, there are younger players waiting in the wings, such as Upul Tharanga and Mahela Udawatte, who now need to be playing if Sri Lanka is going to progress.Jayasuriya was offered a farewell Test by the selectors – the alternative being the prospect of being unceremoniously dropped – and he gladly accepted it. Characteristically, he made his goodbyes in low-key style. Jayasuriya is a national hero, a legend for many, but he has never sought the bright lights; he is a simple man, a very committed Buddhist. His retirement was announced to Sky Sports after his 78 with a casual air. There was no media release and no press conference. I asked him why, that evening. “Why do I need a press conference?” he queried back. “Murali had just broken a world record and that is far more important than me deciding to retire. If the journalists want a quote, they will find me.”Jayasuriya, though, will not be forgotten so easily. The first, simple reason for this is that for the best part of two decades he has been in the team. Most people in the country have little recollection of the pre-Jayasuriya era. In addition, there is the small matter of his style. Inan era of increasingly sterile and mechanical professionalism, Jayasuriya batted like a fearless schoolboy in a park. When he started out, Sri Lanka ate on match days and didn’t bother employing coaches. He leaves a dressing room of bland pasta dishes, isotonic drinks, ice baths, physios, trainers, psychologists and analysts. Throughout he played the same way:if he could, he’d whack it to the boundary. He was a player who routinely frustrated with soft dismissals, but he made up for those failures with innings so brilliant, so daring, so ludicrous, that you were often left in open-mouthed shock. When he walked out to bat, even non-cricket fans couldn’t resist looking at the TV All those fortunate to have watched Jayasuriya over the years have witnessed batting at its most brutal, compelling best. He was a player who routinely frustrated with soft dismissals, but he made up for those failures with innings so brilliant, so daring, so ludicrous, that you were often left in open-mouthed shock. When he walked out to bat, even non-cricket fans couldn’t resist looking at the TV. There are few sights in cricket more spellbinding that Jayasuriya on song. Of all the wonderful players I have watched over the years, none has electrified a stadium like him. He was, quite simply, Sri Lanka’s great entertainer.That entertainment played a crucial role in cricket’s growing popularity in Sri Lanka. A common Western misconception about Sri Lanka is that everyone is genetically cricket mad. On the contrary, the game was dominated for decades by Colombo’s elite, and lacked island-wide appeal until the 1990s. Now, though, fuelled by the World Cup win in 1996, and international success, it is a binding force that cuts across class, creed and ethnicity. Jayasuriya, born and bred in the undeveloped deep south, played a central role in making that happen. Every nation likes homegrown heroes, and Jayasuriya’s international success, especially his barnstorming 1996 World Cup, has been a source of huge patriotic pride.As captain he took over from Arjuna Ranatunga in 1999 and also made his mark with a consensual and inclusive style. He created a family-like atmosphere in the dressing room , and until 2002 it suited the team well. However, as time progressed, the job became harder and increasingly politicised. As a batsman his approach was fearless, as leader he was far more cautious and self-doubting. With hindsight you can see that he slowly lost control of the team in the lead-up to the 2003 World Cup. To be a good Sri Lanka captain, you have to be willing to be sacked. Jayasuriya spent too much time on the fence and eventually it became clear that a change was required. He realised it, too, and resigned straight after the World Cup.That is not what he will be remembered for. He’ll be remembered for his crunching airborne square-cuts, leg-side swipes, and the sunniest of smiles. He enjoyed his cricket and he gave huge enjoyment to others. He was a simple and free-spirited batsman blessed with enormousnatural talent. Fortunately, thankfully, Sri Lanka excused him his inconsistencies and allowed us all to marvel at his brilliance. He will be missed, sorely missed.

Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has launched a scathing critique of Real Madrid's hierarchy, accusing Florentino Perez of leaving Xabi Alonso "isolated" at the Bernabeu. The German club's chief claims the culture in the Spanish capital treats managers as a "necessary evil", contrasting it sharply with the support Alonso enjoyed at the BayArena.

Shaky run for Real Madrid

Alonso's tenure at Real Madrid, once viewed as the homecoming of a managerial prodigy, has quickly turned into a trial by fire. Back-to-back home defeats to Celta and Manchester City added fuel to reports that Alonso's future at the club is in doubt heading into the weekend clash against Deportivo Alaves, which they won 2-1. Amidst growing reports that the 44-year-old is facing the sack already, his former boss at Leverkusen has spoken out to defend the coach, pointing the finger squarely at the structural differences between the two clubs. Carro, the CEO of the Bundesliga side, believes that Alonso has been left exposed by a Madrid board that fails to protect its managers in times of crisis.

Alonso departed Leverkusen in the summer to take the reins at the Santiago Bernabeu, tasked with leading a new era for Los Blancos. However, results have been mixed, and the Spanish press has already begun to sharpen its knives. For Carro, who oversaw Alonso’s historic unbeaten domestic double in Germany, the issue lies not with the tactician’s ability, but with the ruthless and often lonely environment fostered by Madrid president Florentino Perez.

AdvertisementAFPCarrow pledges support to Alonso

Speaking to , Carro did not mince his words when comparing the supportive environment of Leverkusen with the cut-throat politics of Madrid. 

"We didn't advise him on anything," Carro said when asked if he had spoken to Alonso about his current predicament. "At the time we would have liked him to stay here, but we know he is a coach with enormous talent who, yes, finds himself in a different context in Madrid.

"If the president says that a coach is a necessary evil, if the coach is left alone and it is always he who receives the criticism, well then the situation is very different from the one he experienced in Leverkusen, where we all rowed in the same direction and did not leave the coach politically alone."

A bond that remains unbroken

Despite the tense situation surrounding Alonso’s future, Carro revealed that his personal relationship with the Basque coach remains incredibly strong. The two forged a close bond during Alonso’s three-year stint in Germany, a period that transformed Leverkusen from underachievers to history-makers.

Carro confirmed that he recently visited Alonso in the Spanish capital, emphasising that their connection transcends the professional sphere.

"During the international break I was in Madrid for a weekend, and the coaching staff and the family were at our house twice," Carro revealed. "We have a very good relationship; after all, during those three years we were like a family. I also know that they follow our matches and we follow theirs, we follow each other. We feel a lot of appreciation for each other and maintain very close contact."

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Getty Images SportThe pressure cooker of the Bernabeu

The contrast described by Carro serves as a warning to Madrid fans and pundits calling for Alonso’s head. However, pressure will only continue to build on the coach unless he brings consistency after a stunning start to his tenure. They started the season with 13 wins from their first 14 games under Alonso, including a victory against Barcelona, but a defeat to Liverpool sparked a dismal run that saw them drop four points behind in La Liga and in danger of falling out of the Champions League's top eight.

While Leverkusen soldier on without him, watching their former manager struggle under the weight of the "white house" expectations has evidently struck a nerve with the German club's hierarchy. Whether Perez heeds the subtle warning from his counterpart remains to be seen, but as the sack rumours intensify, the accusation that Alonso has been "left alone" will likely resonate with those who feel the manager is being made a scapegoat for wider structural issues.

The Premier League has overcome the circus of the summer transfer window, with clubs spending a record £2.36bn on signings in the highly-inflated market. Wolverhampton Wanderers took part in the spending, despite being anonymous for the most part due to restrictions on funds as a result of Financial Fair Play (FFP) breaches from windows prior.

The Old Gold welcomed eight new arrivals this summer, including the permanent moves of Matheus Cunha and Boubacar Traore, as well as the deadline day swoops for loanee Tommy Doyle and £12.8m Jean-Ricner Bellegarde.

Selling Matheus Nunes on the final day hugely bolstered Gary O’Neil’s chances of strengthening his squad for the season ahead, adding much-needed funds to the bank to enable such moves.

Despite bringing in reinforcements, the club missed out on a number of targets that could have been fundamental assets to O’Neil’s plans to better the squad's form of last season.

Who was linked to Wolves this summer?

The one that got away this summer was most prominently former Bristol City midfielder Alex Scott, whom Wolves made two bids for below the asking price of £25m.

The highly-rated Englishman made the move to the Premier League with Bournemouth, in a deal that highlighted how much of an issue the Midlands club’s financial struggles were at the time.

In July, it was reported that the Old Gold had got talks underway over the potential move for Real Betis’ Guido Rodriguez but nothing came of the rumours. However, it did signify the area that the club were hoping to improve.

A deadline day saga over the reported interest in Southampton’s Che Adams also equated to nothing as the Saints blocked the striker’s move, leaving Wolves short on forwards.

While missing out on such deals is disappointing, one that truly could’ve made the difference at Molineux was Fluminense midfielder Andre, who was linked with the club by reports in Brazil.

The £35m-valued man was also eyed by Liverpool, who had a bid of £26m rejected by the Brazilian outfit, telling of his talents to be wanted in the Premier League and valued so highly at Fluminense.

A combative and lively central midfielder, Andre could have replenished the wilted middle of the park at Molineux, which was left relatively bare following the departures of Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho.

Who is Andre?

A product of Fluminense’s academy, the 22-year-old has cemented his worth in his homeland, becoming a vital part of the club’s side as highlighted by his 43 appearances over the 2022/23 campaign.

Lauded as “top-class” by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his playing style and described as a “roaming play-maker”, the 2001-born gem has a host of attributes that could have been useful at Molineux.

To reward the impressive performances of Andre, the Fluminense ace was handed his first cap for Brazil in an international friendly against Senegal in June, the game ended in defeat but marked the start of something potentially special for the rising star.

Competent in both defensive and offensive roles relative to a player of his position, it’s unsurprising that he has gained attention from the Premier League, as both Liverpool and Wolves endeavoured on quests for a player fitting of his style.

South American football expert Nathan Joyes was full of praise for the 22-year-old following his links to English clubs, tipping him to become Brazil’s “next best defensive midfielder."

What could Andre have offered to Wolves?

Hiring from Brazil has already worked well for Wolves this year, with Julen Lopetegui sealing a deal for former Flamengo midfielder Joao Gomes in January.

Since his arrival, the 22-year-old has become a key member of the side at Molineux, with his playing style and tackling ability making him a reliable figure to balance play in the engine room.

As per FBref, the former Flamengo whiz averaged 4.00 tackles per 90 during his first taste of the Premier League, a figure that places him in the top 1% of midfielders in the English top tier.

As such, the more progressive Andre could have been the perfect partner in the middle of the park.

Andre averages per 90 in 2023 Serie A.

Pass Completion %

93.8%

Progressive Passes

5.76

Passes Attempted

80.32

Final Third Passes

7.07

Interceptions

1.43

Tackles

2.44

Figures provided by FBref.

It didn’t take long for the new arrival to settle into his new surroundings, which poses the thought of what could have been for Andre at Wolves, should the Old Gold have had the finances to sanction a swoop for his services.

Joyes also described the bright midfielder as an “unbelievable talent”, whom he believes has the ability to “flourish in the Premier League”, praise indeed for a player coming from afar to feature in one the best leagues in the world.

So many players have arrived in England with huge potential and little to show for it at the time of their eventual departure, with the demands of the English game deemed to be incomprehensible to the playing style of some.

Being identifiable as an individual who could take to the Premier League made Andre even more of an attractive coup for Wolves, pondering the question of just how well he would have fitted into the squad.

This summer induced change at Molineux, with long-serving midfielders Neves and Moutinho calling it quits on their career with the Old Gold, leaving behind a sense of instability in the middle of the park in their absence.

With reference to his statistics in Brazil, Andre is the definition of stability, averaging a passing accuracy rate of 93.3% per 90, as well as making an average of 2.32 tackles per 90 over the past year for Fluminense, via FBref.

Amid all the chaos over the summer, Wolves could have captured the signature of a talent that could have replaced the calibre of the departed midfield duo, as well as introducing a state of control at a time of need.

Hailed as a “midfield orchestrator” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the Old Gold missed a huge chance to seal the signing of a player highly lauded and backed to become one of the best as his career progresses.

Finances and changes within the club acted as a smokescreen to the potential that could have been captured in the window, however with the 22-year-old still playing his football at his boyhood team, maybe a move could still be on the cards in the near future.

Liverpool have made some pretty historic January signings in recent history, with the likes of Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge, and Virgil van Dijk all completing moves in the winter transfer window, before going onto enjoy great success for the Reds.

Now, Jurgen Klopp has reportedly already turned his attention to January reinforcements, despite the summer transfer window just coming to a close, and his side's solid start to the Premier League campaign.

So far this season, Liverpool have remained unbeaten, only dropping points on the opening day of the season against Chelsea. Following that disappointing draw, the Reds went onto defeat Bournemouth, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa.

Nonetheless, those at Anfield are still looking to strengthen, particularly when it comes to options for the future, having reportedly joined the race for one particular standout player.

What's the latest Liverpool transfer news?

Throughout the summer, Liverpool's midfield rebuild didn't exactly follow the script, having initially welcomed both Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, before then losing Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.

Failed pursuits for Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia left the Reds without a defensive midfielder, but the arrival of Wataru Endo and the late signing of Ryan Gravenberch signalled a sigh of relief around Anfield.

Now, according to Tipsbladet, via Sport Witness, Liverpool are among the clubs to show "strong interest" in Tromso IL youngster Jens Hjerto-Dahl, having watched him play for Norway U18's win over Dennmark U18s.

The teenager has been described by Sport Witness as "one of the Nordics’ most exciting players" in what is high-praise for the youngster. As things stand, Hjerto-Dahl will reportedly sign a contract extension until 2027, when he turns 18 on October 31, potentially making any deal for his signature more difficult to negotiate for the likes of Liverpool.

Who is Jens Hjerto-Dahl?

Liverpool already reduced the age of their midfield in the summer transfer window by swapping Henderson, 33, and Fabinho, 29, for Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, who are yet to even turn 25-years-old. But, that doesn't mean they haven't got an eye on future talent, and their reported interest in Hjerto-Dahl proves that.

The 17-year-old can play in both central midfield and defensive midfield, and has already made 13 appearances for the Tromso first-team this season, scoring three goals and assisting a further two, for five goal involvements in total. For a player who is yet to turn 18, those numbers show someone who may have the world at his feet before too long.

If he does make the move to Liverpool, then Hjerto-Dahl will need plenty of patience, given the competition for places under Klopp. As proved by 18-year-old Stefan Bajcetic, however, if a player is talented enough, they will get an opportunity at Liverpool. The Spaniard made four appearances in the Champions League, as well as a further 11 appearances in the Premier League last season, and even managed to get himself a goal along the way.

Hjerto-Dahl may be looking at Bajcetic's path as one he can replicate, if he does get a move to the English giants in January.

Manchester United could see their potential Qatari investors walk away from a possible deal to take over the club if the price is not right.

Who could take over Manchester United?

Last month saw a deadline pass for interested parties to put forward their proposed offers for the Premier League giants and it is believed a Qatari-based party were one of the parties.

It is said the Glazer family are potentially looking to bring in at least £6bn if they are to sell the club but that could potentially prove an issue for the Qatari group.

There are a number of different interested bidders, but it has become apparent those from Qatar have got a limit as to how much they want to pay.

Speaking on Sky Sports News, reporter Kaveh Solhekol has claimed the party would be willing to walkway from the potential takeover of the club if the Glazer family demand too high of a price:

“We all know that the Qataris want to buy Manchester United. The question is, how much do they want to buy Manchester United?

“And the information we have today is that they will not be reckless when it comes to how much they spend on trying to buy United. And if the price is not right, they will walk away from the deal.”

Will the Qatari’s walk away from the Man United takeover?

What is interesting to hear is Solhekol has suggested United could be worth in the region of £3.5bn going against the New York stock exchange.

However, it is apparent the current owners are looking for a much higher figure than that with reports claiming they could look for up to £7bn.

So it could well come down to whether there will be any room for negotiation between the Glazers and the Qatari-based investors over potentially finding a middle ground.

What is also worth noting is the bid from Qatar was not the only proposal received last month with the likes of Sir Jim Ratcliffe showing his interest in the club.

Given there appears to be a significant difference in the valuation between the proposed buyers and sellers, it could cast doubt over the likely hope among fans that this can be resolved before the summer.

Certainly, the prospect of one potential investor walking away from a deal will not make good reading for United fans with the Glazers still possibly open to keeping the club, according to reports.

When a side loses their sixth and seventh wickets in quick succession – as Australia did late last night – the opposing bowlers feel rightly buoyed by their success.

Will Luke23-Jul-2005

Jason Gillespie helped to squeeze every last run out of Australia’s innings © Getty Images
When a side loses their sixth and seventh wickets in quick succession – as Australia did late last night – the opposing bowlers feel rightly buoyed by their success. And so, with only three more wickets to take, and each batsman averaging not much higher than their shoe-size, England didn’t expect Nos. 9, 10 and 11 to stand in their way for too long this morning. But then Australia’s No 10 Jason Gillespie walked to the crease to join Simon Katich. Underestimate this tail-ender at your peril.While the lower order batsmen of previous eras would blindly swish and swat, much to the amusement of the crowds, the modern lower-order batsman is a different beast – and Gillespie is a case in point. Aptly nicknamed the “walking defence”, his performances at No. 9 and No. 10, while not being lavished with flourishing cover drives, have enraged opposition bowlers and captains – and this was exactly what happened this morning at Lord’s. Against India, at Chennai in October 2004, his 26 was made in 165 balls. At the SCG in January 2004, his innings of 47 in a partnership of 117 – again with Katich – was made in over two hours.Even by not scoring many runs, his presence there today allowed Katich a certain amount of freedom to extend Australia’s lead beyond the psychological total of 400. Interestingly he averages 51 minutes per innings, which is only 14 fewer than Adam Gilchrist.Early in his career, he was an enthusiastic nightwatchman – on those rare occasions when Australia needed one, of course. It was Steve Waugh who encouraged his side’s lower-order to spend more time in the nets and even succeeded in teaching Glenn McGrath how to bat. The dividends for Waugh’s vision have paid off, however, with the likes of Gillespie refusing to be beaten into submission, driven by the desire to eke out as many runs as possible. Last November, at Brisbane, Gillespie and McGrath both struck their first fifties in Test matches against New Zealand. The effect this had on New Zealand was devastating, who conceded a 93-run partnership. That same year, he was the second highest run-scorer batting at number nine in Tests, scoring 314 runs at an average of just under 20.Today, batting at No. 10, he defended with obduracy, withstanding a barrage of short-pitched bowling to support Katich. Their partnership of 52 was, of course, vital for Australia -but not just in terms of runs scored. It was debilitating for England who had, surely, hoped to be batting before lunch. While Katich will receive the plaudits tomorrow for his calm and crucial half-century, Gillespie played a vital role in dampening England’s spirit.

How Adam Gilchrist coped with England’s plan to bowl from round the wicket

George Binoy04-Dec-2006

Adam Gilchrist’s wagon-wheel during his 64 off 79 balls. Enlarged graphic © Hawk-Eye
England needed to skittle Australia cheaply on the fourth day to have a chance of winning this Test, but Michael Clarke and Adam Gilchrist, both players who had a torrid time in the 2005 Ashes, bore the responsibility of avoiding the follow-on. Though Clarke went on to score a crucial hundred, it was Gilchrist who seized the initial momentum on the fourth morning.His 64 off 79 balls was his first fifty-plus score against England since his 133 at Sydney in January 2003. In the 2005 Ashes, England’s bowlers had sorted him out by bowling round the wicket. Before this series started, Gilchrist said that he was prepared to counter this line of attack, but in the first Test he was trapped lbw, playing down the wrong line to one that was angled into him. At Adelaide, Hoggard and co. adopted the same line of attack, bowling 57 balls to Gilchrist from round the wicket while Ashley Giles accounted for 16 of the 22 balls he faced from over the wicket. Blame it on a docile pitch and the dearth of movement in the air, but the ploy did not work at Adelaide.

The pitch-map of the balls bowled by england’s fast bowlers to Gilchrist. Enlarged graphic © Hawk-Eye
While the bowlers pitched 47 balls on a good length to Gilchrist, he scored at nearly 4 runs per over off them. He hammered 22 runs off ten full-pitched deliveries and was quietest against short-of-a-length bowling – 11 off 22 balls. It was just the kind of track he needed to regain some sort of form and even the 40 balls that were of a good line and length leaked 26 runs. Gilchrist’s in-control factor was also impressive – 82.27% (65 out of 79 balls).Cook caught out?
Alastair Cook has been caught by the wicketkeeper or the first slip in three out of four innings in this series. The balls have been fairly similar, pitching on a good length, moving away from the left-hander, inducing him to have a poke at it and taking the edge. Click here for an enlarged graphic of the two balls that dismissed him at Adelaide. They are almost identical.

The balls that dismissed Alastair Cook at Adelaide © Hawk-Eye
Other stats highlights
39.81 – Shane Warne’s strike-rate during his innings of 43. It is his slowest strike-rate for any innings of more than 40 runs.26 – the number of innings since Michael Clarke scored his last Test century. Today’s 124 was his third Test century. He had scored two hundreds and two fifties in his first nine Test innings.6 – the number of 500-plus scores in the last five Tests at Adelaide, including this one.7 for 109 – is Hoggard’s best figures against Australia and is the second-best performance by an English bowler at Adelaide, after Jack White’s 8 for 126 in February 1929.57.52 – Ashley Giles’s bowling average against Australia. This is his ninth Test, and he only has 19 wickets against them

England captain Harry Kane scored twice to carry Bayern Munich to a scrappy win over RB Leipzig and stay in the Bundesliga title race.

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Kane scored before Sesko equalisedEngland captain won it in stoppage timeBayern eight points behind LeverkusenTELL ME MORE

Kane came the closest for the Bavarians in the first half, seeing a free header denied by an acrobatic stop. He didn't miss in the second half, creating space inside the box before lashing a left-footed effort into the bottom corner. But Leipzig battled their way back, Sesko bagging the equaliser with 20 minutes to play. Kane had the last laugh, though, guiding home a fine finish in second half stoppage time.

AdvertisementGettyTHE MVP

It hasn't been an easy few weeks for Kane. The English striker was toothless against first Leverkusen, then Lazio, going missing in the Bavarians' biggest games of the season. And although he scored in a losing effort against Bochum last week, he failed to convince. On Saturday, he turned in a far more convincing performance. He was unlucky not to open the scoring after five minutes, and took first his goal well when the moment came. The second was even better – a fine left footed finish. A welcome return to form.

GettyTHE BIG LOSER

It's on nights like these that big players need to show up. And Leipzig's Lois Openda simply didn't. The pacey forward has been excellent in the Bundesliga this season, scoring 16 goals and adding four assists. But he was almost anonymous here. He managed just 27 touches – only four of which came in the Bayern box – and didn't put a shot on goal. In the end, Leipzig were perhaps unlucky that the opposition had a truly elite striker leading their line. But they could have done with a better contribution from their own centre-forward in this one.

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GettyWHAT COMES NEXT?

Bayern will face a scrap to stay in the Bundesliga title race – as current leaders Bayer Leverkusen keep winning. Thomas Tuchel's side continue that effort with a clash with Freiburg on Friday, before turning their attention to the second leg of their Champions League last 16 clash with Lazio.

With Manchester United currently enduring a dismal start to the season after slipping to a sixth defeat in all competitions against Galatasaray earlier this week, the focus is once again on the club's recruitment following a mixed summer of business.

While £72m man Rasmus Hojlund has begun to fire with three Champions League goals under his belt so far, fellow marquee additions Mason Mount and Andre Onana have failed to convince in recent months, with the latter having been particularly culpable in the defeat on Tuesday night.

Unsurprisingly, there will be those questioning the decision to let former number one David De Gea depart on a free transfer over the summer, although the Spaniard was seemingly allowed to leave at the right time, having become "a big problem" for Erik ten Hag last season – as per pundit Jamie Carragher.

There are other figures whom the club have let go in the recent past that were possible errors of judgement, however, with promising playmaker Angel Gomes now flourishing after leaving Old Trafford on a free during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's time at the helm.

The diminutive midfielder – who was part of England's European Championship success at U21 level earlier this year – is now even being considered for a senior call-up by Gareth Southgate, indicating just how far the 23-year-old has come since moving on from Manchester.

Gomes isn't alone in having made Solskjaer look rather silly, however, with former academy colleague, Largie Ramazani, also now flourishing elsewhere following his departure from the Theatre of Dreams back in 2020.

Why did Largie Ramazani leave Man United?

Much like in the case of Gomes, the 5 foot 6 sensation had opted for a fresh start just over three years ago after failing to force his way into the first-team reckoning in Manchester, with the youngster's only senior outing coming in the Europa League dead rubber against Astana back in November 2019.

That late substitute appearance in the 2-1 group stage defeat had come amid Ramazani's sparkling form in the youth set-up for United, notably bagging 12 goals and assists in just 30 games at U18 level, before scoring 11 goals and contributing two assists in only 11 games for the U21's.

The promising Belgian had begun life on the books at Anderlecht before making the move to England in order to join Charlton Athletic, with that followed by his eventual switch to United on a scholarship contract in 2017, at the age of just 16.

Despite his promise in the youth ranks, it looked unlikely that the wideman would ever force his way into Solskjaer's plans, with the player ultimately rejecting the offer of a contract extension in 2020 after demanding a wage that the club are said to have deemed 'excessive' – as per Manchester Evening News.

With the Red Devils not necessarily viewing him as a player with a 'long-term future at the club' – as per MEN – there was seemingly an acceptance to let him depart, as Ramazani went on to join Spanish outfit, Almeria following the expiry of his deal.

How much is Largie Ramazani worth now?

The decision to not give the fleet-footed forward a proper chance to impress in the first team – and the subsequent decision to allow him to move on – appears to be a notable blunder as far as those at Old Trafford are concerned, with the 22-year-old having thrived since his move to Andalusia.

Having departed United for nothing under Solskjaer's watch, the Belgium U21 international is now valued at around €10m (£9m), according to CIES Football Observatory, with that only set to rise even further over the coming months and years.

There was even talk that the young dynamo had caught the attention of a raft of Premier League clubs during the recent summer window, with Everton having been quoted a fee of around €40m (£35m), amid their interest in the former Carrington gem.

That hefty price tag is yet another indication of the potential jewel that Solskjaer let slip from his grasp, with the Norwegian having overlooked a player who is now being described as the "Mini-Vincius" – according to talent scout Jacek Kulig – in relation to Real Madrid's Brazilian star.

How good is Largie Ramazani?

After previously flourishing in Spain's second tier – notably scoring eight league goals during the 2021/22 campaign – the £2.5k-per-week asset has made a smooth transition to life in La Liga since then, scoring three goals and contributing two assists last term.

As for this season, the "explosive" talent – as lauded by Kulig – already boasts four assists from just eight league outings, notably providing all three assists for teammate Luis Suarez – not that one – in the draw with Granada at the weekend.

That haul of four goal contributions is even more than young Alejandro Garnacho has achieved so far this term, with the Argentine international scoring just once and providing no assists in eight games in all competitions.

Unsurprisingly, Ramazani ranks in the top 8% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for assists per 90, as well as in the top 11% for successful take-ons, indicating his elite dribbling prowess and creativity from the flanks.

That is ahead of what the United teenager has recorded of late, with Garnacho ranking in just the top 42% and the top 37% for those same two metrics, respectively, showcasing that there is still room for improvement from this emerging superstar.

One further benefit that Ramazani also offers is his defensive work ethic as he ranks in the top 1% for interceptions per 90 – ahead of Garnacho (top 6%) – having been hailed as a "counter-attacking weapon" by Kulig.

With Ten Hag's attacking options currently failing to fire – with the likes of Antony and Jadon Sancho having been sidelined in recent weeks – having a player like Ramazani in the fold could have been hugely beneficial, yet alas, the Belgian gem is now shining elsewhere.

If they aren't already, United will increasingly grow to regret moving on Ramazani, such is his undoubted talent.