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Winning a close-run, low-scoring game against South Africa on a difficult Nagpur pitch has shown West Indies that they can handle pressure, Marlon Samuels has said

Karthik Krishnaswamy in Nagpur25-Mar-2016Winning a close-run, low-scoring game against South Africa on a difficult Nagpur pitch has shown West Indies that they can handle pressure, Marlon Samuels has said. Samuels, whose 44-ball 43 helped steer West Indies to a three-wicket win that sealed a semi-final spot for them, said the experience would stand them in good stead if they are to come up against a similar scenario in the knockouts.”On a day like today, on a slow track, it was always going to be a nail-biter, a close game,” Samuels said. “It’s very good that we can keep our nerve and bring it home because we might end up in the same situation again, so it’s good that we can carry home games under pressure as well.”Samuels, who began the tournament with a boundary-laden 27-ball 37 against England, was forced to adopt a more conservative approach against South Africa.”If you see the first game against England, we got a good start, so I could always go there and express myself and play my shots and play the game that I like to play,” he said. “Today, the wicket was on the slower side, [and we had lost] early wickets, so it called for me to change my game, to try and bat right down to the end.”Samuels said he had a dual role to play in a batting line-up full of power-hitters.”This batting line-up, I have two roles. One where, when the openers get a good start, I go there and express myself, and [if we] get a slow start, early wickets, I’ll go there and try to build up an innings with whichever partner that is there, and try to build something and [take] the game as far as possible.”Samuels has been one of West Indies’ form batsmen at the World T20, and though it is an entirely different format, he welcomed the runs after a wretched Test series in Australia that brought him 35 runs at 7.00.”Not going to be overconfident, but this is the part of the game which I think is the most beautiful part of the game,” Samuels said. “It makes you bring out how tough you are as a person, because you’re going to have failures, but what matters the most is how you come back.”

West Indies allrounder Andre Russell has admitted he has not yet performed to his standard in the Pakistan Super League so far, having scored 77 runs and taken eight wickets in seven games

Nagraj Gollapudi20-Feb-2016

West Indies allrounder Andre Russell has admitted he has not yet performed to his standard in the Pakistan Super League so far. Russell has scored 77 runs and taken eight wickets in seven matches for Islamabad United. On the eve of the eliminator against Karachi Kings, Russell said he had a clear goal: to “raise the bat” and keep Islamabad’s hopes of making the inaugural final alive.”I still haven’t done whatever I want to. I still haven’t achieved what I want to achieve as yet playing for Islamabad,” Russell told ESPNcricinfo on Friday. “And as of tomorrow I want to start that. I know whenever I go to bat, people are expecting big sixes and me to raise my bat. I haven’t raised my bat in months now. And I want to start that tomorrow.”Russell was named the Man of the Series of the IPL last year, where he played for Kolkata Knight Riders. He was also one of the best allrounders in the recently concluded Big Bash League, where his team Sydney Thunder won for the first time. His overall strike rate in T20s is 166.89, the highest among all 2000-plus run-getters. Still, Russell admits he is not the finished product.Despite his on-field performances not being spectacular, Russell said the PSL has been a good learning experience. “I know for sure by the time I leave, I’m going to learn a lot about how to play against left-arm orthodox. These teams have a lot of these spinners, boy. Even in the nets you would see them.”Even though Russell has been occasionally limited against spinners, he believes his game can overcome those obstacles. “At the end of the day playing spin is crucial in any form of the game, but in T20 cricket I don’t worry about spinners. I would prefer to bat spin more than pace. I love when the ball coming on (to the bat), but I would be more confident playing a shot against a spinner because I know that I have nothing to fear. If he spins the ball, he’ll beat me. Alright, he beat me. If I hit him for six, I win. I can sweep, but with my power I don’t really need to sweep sometime. But I can sweep to rotate strike.”Russell also said he was impressed by the emerging talent on show in the PSL. “A lot of talent in the PSL. This reminds me of playing in the Caribbean where you see so many (talented) guys. I ask a lot of of local guys here ‘Does this guy plays for Pakistan? I think he should play for Pakistan’ Russell said.

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is personally eyeing former boss Mauricio Pochettino as an option to replace manager Antonio Conte.

The Lowdown: Conte future uncertain…

The future of Spurs’ current head coach remains uncertain with his contract expiring at the end of this Premier League season.

While Tottenham do have an option to extend his stay by a further year, it is believed that a departure is possible for the Italian with reports suggesting that Levy has already identified managerial targets.

One of those is Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, according to reports, with Lilywhites chiefs even being impressed by what they’ve seen from Sassuolo’s former boss.

The Latest: Levy eyes Pochettino…

Writing for GiveMeSport, reporter Dean Jones has claimed Levy personally wants Pochettino to replace Conte if he leaves.

The report adds that the 50-year-old is ‘of interest’ to Tottenham’s chairman, even if some ‘senior figures’ don’t entirely agree with the prospect of a Pochettino reunion.

This comes as Spurs insiders ‘admit’ it is ‘feasible’ this is Conte’s final season in charge.

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The Verdict: Perfect man…

As a coach who knows the club inside-out, has experience working with members of the squad and is proven in the Premier League – we believe Pochettino would be the ideal Conte replacement.

The former Tottenham boss famously operated with little backing during his time at N17 and still managed to get the very best out of his squad.

Spurs’ unlikely road to the Champions League final in 2019 is real evidence of this, and since departing, Pochettino has gained valuable experience at Paris-Saint Germain.

The Argentine guided them to a Ligue 1 title triumph last year whilst also clinching two other major honours during his time in France.

Called a ‘world class’ coach for his brilliant job at Spurs by Jamie O’Hara, we believe Pochettino should be the standout candidate.

Tottenham Hotspur have registered their interest over a potential move for Folarin Balogun from rivals Arsenal, however, a report has shared the other Premier League clubs who are also in the race for the forward.

Are Spurs signing a striker?

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou and chairman Daniel Levy appear to be on the search for a new forward before the September 1 deadline after cashing in on Harry Kane earlier this month.

Those in north London sold the England international to Bayern Munich in a deal worth around €100 million (£86m) plus an extra €20 million (£17.2m) in possible add-ons.

Postecoglou has Richarlison as the only senior striker available to him, with teenager Alejo Veliz joining earlier in the summer.

A number of attackers have been linked with moves to Spurs, including KAA Gent’s Gift Orban and Nottingham Forest’s Brennan Johnson. Another player who has been linked with a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is Balogun, and an update has emerged.

According to The Daily Mail, Balogun has been deemed surplus to requirements at Arsenal and is valued at £50m by the Gunners. The report claims that Tottenham are a side who have made an enquiry for the attacker, alongside both Chelsea and West Ham.

Balogun has spent time training away from Arsenal’s senior side this summer as the Gunners look to raise some funds late in the window, with Monaco, AC Milan and Inter Milan also keen on the striker’s services.

Who is Folarin Balogun?

Balogun is primarily a centre-forward who can also turn out on either wing if required. The 22-year-old, who has represented the USA at senior international level, appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €30m Transfermarkt valuation, a figure which has rocketed over the past 12 months.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

In total, Balogun, sponsored by Adidas, has made just 10 senior appearances for the Gunners in all competitions and has caught the eye out on loan. The forward spent last season in France with Stade Reims and contributed to an impressive 25 goals in 39 appearances.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has also praised Balogun in the past as a "special" striker and believes he's "really brave".

“He’s a boy that has a really clear idea of what he wants to do with his career. He’s really ambitious, really committed and really brave," said Arteta.

“We discussed a lot before he made that move whether it was the right place to go and the other choices he had. He was so convinced. I’m really happy for him because he deserves what he’s getting.

“When you look at the numbers and what he is doing, it’s just incredible. It’s very rare to see that. But he’s got something special."

It could be a deal to keep an eye on, however, with Arsenal likely to inflate the price of the player to a direct rival, Spurs may well find it difficult to strike a deal for Balogun, meaning they may end up moving on to other targets such as Orban or Johnson.

Jesse Marsch has revealed that he “pleaded” with Leeds to keep Marcelo Bielsa, before eventually steering the Whites towards relegation.

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Inherited the reins at Elland Road in February 2022Lasted less than a year in English footballHas lifted the lid on challenges that he facedWHAT HAPPENED?

The American coach was taken to Elland Road in February 2022, with a change in the dugout made as popular Argentine tactician Bielsa was ushered through the exits. He had returned Leeds to the Premier League, but his high-press and high-energy approach could not be maintained and reins were eventually handed to Marsch.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT MARSCH SAID

Marsch has told the podcast: “When I went to Leeds, my analysts told me that within three years the club had an 84% chance of being relegated – the club knew that too. The Brightons and the Brentfords of the world are very unique, just look at Leicester. I knew when I went there that I was going into the lions’ den. I went because I liked the people at the club, and I believed that we had symmetry in the ways we thought about the game. I felt like Leeds was a club with a big heart, but I knew it was going to be a massive challenge. I didn’t even want to take the job at first. When they called me, I pleaded with them to keep Marcelo Bielsa. They just got to the point where they felt that they had to make a change.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Marsch was able to steer Leeds clear of danger in 2022, but was moved on himself after less than a year at the helm as the Whites lurched towards relegation out of the Premier League in 2023. The 50-year-old added on the challenges that he faced in West Yorkshire: “In a sense I did and didn’t understand the scale of the Leeds United job. Unless you’re in the middle of it, it’s impossible to understand what the club really is. I had coached players that played for Leeds, I had followed the history of the club and I had been to Elland Road, and when you’re tasked with the responsibility of leading the club you know it isn’t a small responsibility. I wasn’t afraid, I was excited by the opportunity. When I arrived, I had to go through customs and they were looking at my passport, they saw who I was and the person checking my passport looked up at me and said, ‘you’re here to save us’. I insisted that it wasn’t just a one-man job and that we all had to work together. It was almost like a test and if I didn’t answer correctly, they wouldn’t let me in. I actually told that story to the team when I arrived. Normally when you watch players on television, they look like strong men in the right physical environment, but when you meet them in person you see that they’re still kids and young men at heart – Leeds was the opposite. When I arrived the players looked gaunt, tired and defeated. They looked like a group that was going to need a lot of help for them to be what I wanted them to be. The first feeling I had when I first met them was that it was going to be a much more difficult task than I had imagined.”

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MARSCH?

Marsch has remained out of management since severing ties with Leeds. He was mooted as a contender for the USMNT job at one stage, before Gregg Berhalter was reappointed there, and has been linked with a number of other posts in England despite claiming just 11 wins from his 37-game tenure at Elland Road.

Thilanga Sumathipala, Sri Lanka Cricket’s president, has vowed to support Pakistan in their bid to host top-flight cricket on a regular basis. He was speaking at a media conference in Lahore, during Sri Lanka’s short visit for the third T20I.”Since we have experienced more than 30 years of war, we know what isolation means,” Sumathipala said. “We have gone through more than 30 years of war in Sri Lanka, but Pakistan has never cancelled a single game of cricket which we agreed to play against each other in Sri Lanka.”There are various [types of] people. We appeal to them to keep children, women, religious places and sports aside. Leave us alone, let us play our game of cricket in peace and harmony. We want to enjoy the game of cricket and give everyone opportunities and a chance to share our happiness in the game.”Since the attack on the Sri Lankan team nearly nine years ago, Pakistan have been trying to convince the world to visit, but had not managed to convince teams to tour until 2015, when Zimbabwe visited for a short series.But the first real sign of cricket returning on a more regular basis was taken earlier this year when a number of international cricketers featured in the final of the Pakistan Super League. Then, in September, Pakistan hosted a World XI, coached by Andy Flower and captained by Faf du Plessis, for a three-match series. Sri Lanka’s short trip is the latest step in the PCB’s efforts to convince international sides to tour the country.”Good or bad, Pakistan cricket and the government of Pakistan have stood by Sri Lanka,” Sumathipala said. “This is not a matter of just government. As you all understand, since the last incident was against Sri Lanka, the sentiments were quite different. We thought we should take the initiative and support Pakistan cricket.”If Pakistan is weak in cricket, Asian cricket will be weaker and that will make world cricket weaker and weaker. Your strength is our strength and it’s our responsibility to look after each other. We strongly believe in that.”The one-off match in Lahore was played under extraordinary security arrangements, with thousands of armed policemen deployed between the stadium and team hotel. The arrangements were similar to the security protocol followed for a presidential visit.”The arrangements made for the team and spectators are very much satisfactory,” Sumathipala said. “You deserve regular good cricket being played in your country. It is such a wonderful country that has produced so many talented cricketers. We don’t want anyone to fear and leave Pakistan away from international cricket. We encourage Asian regions to play more games in Lahore and in other [Pakistan] cities if possible one day.”As far as SLC is concerned, we are happy and privileged to be here to support Pakistan cricket. We believe in, especially in the Asian region, Pakistan is a very important, pivotal partner, a brother that we can’t allow to be left alone.”

Manchester United will host Wolves on Monday 14th August as the two teams kick off their respective Premier League seasons. It's the first Monday Night Football of the season – and is a game rich with history.

This fixture should certainly be an interesting one, too. United will go into it hoping to improve on their third-placed finish last season and with an improved team. Wolves, who secured a mid-table finish, will want to make strides in their first full season under Julen Lopetegui.

So how have things gone in the past? Football FanCast takes a trip down memory lane to find everything you need to know about this fixture.

Man United vs Wolves: Who has the better head-to-head record?

These two teams first clashed in 1892, so there's a lot of history here. 111 games of it, in fact, across four different competitions. They've met at the top two tiers of the English pyramid, as well as the FA Cup and EFL Cup.

It's United who boast the best overall record, though, with 54 wins in those 11 games. Wolves aren't too far behind, having triumphed on 37 occasions. That leaves 20 times that the spoils have been split.

Man United vs Wolves: What's the top-flight record?

As we say, there's about 130 years of top-flight history here – or at least, that's when the two clubs first met. It means that of their 111 meetings, 92 of them came in England's top flight.

The respective records in this fixture are a little closer than some may have thought. Wolves, after all, have had periods where they were the outright best team in England – and that's shown here.

United still come out on top – being an elite club for 30 years will do that – winning 43 of the 92 games. Wolves sit ten behind on 33, with 16 draws.

Man United vs Wolves: What's their Premier League record?

There's a tendency these days to boil things down to just the Premier League era, such is the dramatic change in football over the last 30 years. When we look at this fixture in those terms, you see just how far things have swung in that time.

United and Wolves have met 18 times in the Premier League since the Old Gold's first appearance in 2003/04, with the former winning 11 and the latter just four. Only three of those games ended in a draw. This has been a very happy fixture for the Red Devils, then.

Man United vs Wolves: Who has the better cup record?

These two teams first met in a cup competition back in 1948, with Wolves winning an FA Cup semi-final replay against United. The Manchester side have fought back to boast the superior cup record since, however.

In total, there have been 13 meetings across the FA Cup and EFL Cup. United have won seven of those, with the majority coming away from home, interestingly enough. Wolves have won a further three, while another three went to FA Cup replays.

Man United vs Wolves: Who has the record at Old Trafford?

This upcoming fixture will be at Old Trafford, of course, so perhaps that record counts for a little more historically.

54 of the 111 games have been in Manchester, and United, as you could have guessed, dominate the results. They've won 35 of the 54, losing just ten. That leaves nine as draws, for those keeping count.

But what about just in the top flight? Well, that's seen 46 fixtures at Old Trafford and United won 29 of them – a far superior record to their away results against Wolves.

Man United vs Wolves: What team has the most goals in this fixture?

Both teams have historically scored well in this fixture. Remember, there have been 111 meetings in their histories so Wolves' tally of 151 is quite fantastic. United do have that beat, though, with 184. That also translates to the league record, unsurprisingly, as United have 154 to Wolves' 127.

As for Old Trafford, United look good there. They have 101 goals to Wolves' 52 when playing at home, which becomes 87 to 46 in the league.

What is Marcus Rashford's record against Wolves?

Who might get the goals this time around, then? Marcus Rashford seems like the most likely player, given he scored 30 in all competitions last season. United rewarded him with a five-year contract – he's their star man going forward.

And his record against Wolves is pretty decent. The forward has come up against them seven times, which is a fairly small number given only four of those meetings have been league clashes.

Indeed, Rashford has missed three Premier League fixtures with Wolves because of injuries, while he missed both encounters in the 2018/19 season.

Rashford has three goals across his seven games against Wolves, with two of them coming in the Premier League. The other was an FA Cup strike in 2019.

What is Man United's record win vs Wolves?

United's record win wasn't technically by Manchester United. It came in the very first meeting between the two teams, back in 1892.

They were Newton Heath back then, and demolished Wolves 10-1 at home (to Wolves' credit, they did manage to win the reverse fixture 2-0). This actually remains United's biggest-ever win in the league.

As for a more recent result, their record Premier League win came in 2011/12 as United won 5-0 at Wolves. The best they've ever managed at home was a 4-1 win that same season.

What is Wolves' record win vs Man United?

Wolves thrashed United 7-0 in 1932 for what remains their biggest-ever win against the Red Devils. It came with both sides competing in the second tier of English football.

In the Premier League, their record home win against United is 2-1 and their record win at Old Trafford is 1-0 – that came in early 2022. So if Wolves do manage to win this one, don't expect a thrilling scoreline.

Man United vs Wolves: What are the recent results?

United took the spoils in both games last season, winning 1-0 at Wolves before seeing them off 2-0 at Old Trafford. It was a much more stable season for the club and the scores reflect that. We can't say the same for the season prior.

Both games finished 1-0 to the away sides in 2021/22. That was Wolves' first win against United since 2019 and their first at Old Trafford since 1980. A historic win, then.

That brought to an end a period of dominance from United, who had avoided defeat to Wolves in seven attempts. They'd won both games in 2020/21, after all, with 1-0 and 2-1 results.

The 2019/20 season saw the teams face off four times, with them not only playing in the FA Cup for the second consecutive season, but the fixture also going to a replay. United did win that replay 1-0, but the other three fixtures finished in draws.

And the 2018/19 season, which saw Wolves return to the Premier League for the first time in six years, was a good one for the Midlands club. They drew their first fixture with United before beating them at home in both the league and the FA Cup.

Man United vs Wolves: Classic meetings

2nd April 2019: Wolves 2-1 Man United (Premier League) – The two clubs made something of a habit of playing against each other during this time, with the Old Gold getting the better of United just weeks prior in the FA Cup.

The Red Devils' following trip to Molineux was just as fruitless despite an absorbing tie that saw them take the lead through Scott McTominay, before a dogged Wolves comeback saw Nuno Espirito Santo's side battle back for victory.

5th February 2011: Wolves 2-1 Man United (Premier League) – Another comeback in the Black Country saw bottom-placed Wolves overcome Sir Alex Ferguson's unbeaten United side, who were top of the table heading into the clash.

And it looked as though they'd extend their lead at the top when Nani gave the visitors the lead after just three minutes, before goals from George Elokobi and Kevin Doyle turned the match – and the table – on its head as Wolves charged towards safety.

When is Man United vs Wolves?

Man United will host Wolves on Monday, August 14th at 8pm UK time. It'll be the first Monday Night Football of the Premier League season – and a big one for both sides.

United hope to build on their improvements last season and have made several important moves in the transfer market. David de Gea is out in goal, with André Onana joining from Inter. Mason Mount will feature in midfield, too, having arrived from Chelsea.

Wolves have made moves, too, but the most notable may be their outgoings. Ruben Neves, for so long the lynchpin of their midfield, has left for Saudi Arabia, while Raul Jimenez – albeit perhaps past his best – is now a Fulham player.

The main arrivals at Molineux have been loans officially turning permanent, including Boubacar Traore and Matheus Cunha – they'll hope the Brazilian can fix their goalscoring issues after really struggling last time out.

Both teams are looking forward, then – especially with this being Wolves' first full season under Lopetegui. A win could generate serious early momentum for either side in what's sure to be an exciting Premier League season.

Endrick is gearing up to join Real Madrid from Palmeiras in 2024, but his father has revealed just how close he came to signing for Chelsea instead.

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Endrick to join Real after 18th birthdayWas at centre of tug-of-war in 2022Came mightily close to joining ChelseaWHAT HAPPENED?

The prodigious striker will officially sign with Los Blancos in the summer once he turns 18, per FIFA regulations, but he could easily have been on his way to west London. Endrick and his family even visited the Blues' Cobham training ground in 2022 and had begun to envision their lives in England, even down to their church, but a deal was scuppered by Palmeiras' lofty £51 million ($64m) valuation of the then-16-year-old. Real Madrid then pounced, agreeing to sign him for that fee in December 2022 to see off competition from Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.

AdvertisementWHAT ENDRICK'S FATHER SAID

Speaking to , Endrick's father, Douglas, revealed his son could so easily have been destined for Stamford Bridge instead.

"I have to admit I do not like the cold but my wife and Endrick do," he said. "Endrick really likes playing in the rain. So we received an invitation from Chelsea, from the owner, and we went there to see the club and the country. We watched Chelsea play Arsenal and we got to see the coach, the facilities, Jorginho, Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva.

"They explained everything to us. They introduced us to the person who would help us settle in. She showed us the house we would live in, the school Endrick would go to, the church we would attend. Everything was right with us and Chelsea.

"I can’t say 100% because I hadn’t signed, but the deal was agreed. I had already got it into my head that I would live in London with all that cold weather. But then at night, my son’s manager phoned and said that the Chelsea owner had backed out of the deal because the price they would have to pay for Endrick would inflate the market. It was €60m (£51m/$64m) for a 16-year-old boy who would only arrive in the country almost two years later."

Endrick himself, added: "I was very close. My parents really liked London and everyone speaks very highly of it."

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Chelsea may now be ruing their decision, with Endrick going on to fire his side to the Brasilerao title earlier this month as he hit double figures in Serie A, and earning a senior Brazil call-up despite his tender years – beginning to demonstrate his full potential as he prepares to move to Madrid in the summer.

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WHAT NEXT FOR ENDRICK?

Endrick will be enjoying some well-earned rest having played a key role in Palmeiras' title win. However, with domestic football resuming in April in Brazil, the teenager faces the strange scenario of starting a new season with Palmeiras before leaving for Madrid – and another pre-season there – once his contract begins.

Manchester United have 'primed' Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund to be their next arrival at Old Trafford once a deal for Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana is closed, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Is Rasmus Hojlund joining Manchester United?

Laurie Whitwell, who is a journalist for The Athletic, has given an update on the state of play surrounding Manchester United's latest bid for Hojlund being rejected, stating on Twitter: "MUFC proposed players in part-exchange during talks on Rasmus Hojlund. But Atalanta only want cash. United view £85m fee as excessive. Simultaneous pursuits for Hojlund + Andre Onana but fine balance on costs. Key negotiations on Onana taking place."

Last term, the Danish international shot to prominence at Serie A side Atalanta and has fired in ten goals and laid on four assists in 34 appearances for the club in all competitions since joining from Sturm Graz, as per Transfermarkt.

Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed on Twitter as well that Hojlund is the Red Devils' top target this window to strengthen their forward line, adding: "Told Rasmus Højlund remains on top of Manchester United list as new striker. Personal terms, never an issue as he’s very keen on the move."

Atalanta are keen on taking Mason Greenwood on loan from Manchester United, though it is unclear whether there has been any talks of him being involved in a swap deal despite football director John Murtough holding talks with the Italian side over the controversial figure moving to the Bergamo-based outfit, as per talkSPORT.

The Red Devils have made progress in their move for Inter Milan goalkeeper Onana, who is said to have agreed personal terms over a move to Old Trafford, according to Football Insider.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, transfer insider Jones has said that Hojlund is now being 'primed' as the next potential incoming at Manchester United.

Jones stated: "In terms of Hojlund himself, this is the next transfer that has been primed by Man United, as the Onana one looks to go ahead.

"I think they are buoyed by the fact that Hojlund really does seem set on signing for them now.

"So I think everybody's hopeful that this one can come together. It's not far enough along that you can guarantee that that's the case at this point, but of course, with pre-season now about to get underway, you've only really got a couple of weeks to get your squad in place, and United’s forward options for the new season aren't going to be that deep.

"If they can find a scenario whereby Mason Greenwood goes to Italy, with Hojlund coming to the Premier League, it would be ideal.”

Who else could join Manchester United?

Manchester United are active in the market as Erik Ten Hag seeks to build a squad capable of reaching new heights this campaign and new addition Mason Mount has already given a taster to his new support by featuring in a 2-0 friendly victory over Leeds United in Oslo earlier this week, as per The Guardian.

A Bola via METRO report that Porto striker Mehdi Taremi is admired by Ten Hag as Manchester United continue to track the Iran international.

In a surprising turn of events, Manchester United are mooted to have made tentative contact with former Chelsea forward Joao Felix over the possibility of him coming to the North West from Atletico Madrid, as cited by ABC via The Daily Express.

Come the next few weeks, we will find out more about where Manchester United's priorities on the transfer front lie as the start of the season begins to draw closer.

Tom Westley’s 108 not out, and an equally fine innings of 77 from Nick Browne, took Essex to an emphatic eight-wicket victory against Surrey at Guildford which takes them to the top of the Specsavers County Championship Division One table

ECB Reporters Network12-Jun-2017
ScorecardTom Westley’s 108 not out, and an equally fine innings of 77 from Nick Browne, took Essex to an emphatic eight-wicket victory against Surrey at Guildford which takes them to the top of the Specsavers County Championship Division One table.Needing 253, from a minimum of 83 overs, after they had bowled Surrey out a second time for 288 earlier in the day, Essex reached 253 for 2 little more than half-an-hour after tea and always looked totally in control despite a wearing last-day pitch.Westley was joined in an unbroken third-wicket partnership of 105 in 27 overs by Dan Lawrence, who finished unbeaten on 32. Essex took 24 points from their third win of the season, with Surrey having to settle for seven.Since gaining promotion last year, Essex have surprised the rest of the first division with their early-season success – but this was a comprehensive win against a team who themselves led Division One until the last round of matches and was achieved despite seamer Matt Quinn suffering a back spasm on day one which has prevented him from bowling since.Essex began their chase well, with a half-century stand posted by Browne and Alastair Cook. But Cook was out on the stroke of lunch for 31 when, having just driven Ravi Rampaul to the cover boundary, he was drawn into another off drive and edged to Scott Borthwick at second slip.Browne was eventually caught at slip from one which turned and bounced, playing back to Gareth Batty’s offspin, but not before he and Westley had added a further 95 for the second wicket. The tall left-hander had faced just 96 balls, hitting 13 fours, and in the latter half of his innings he produced some quality strokes – including an effortless straight drive for four to greet Stuart Meaker’s introduction into the attack and then a dismissive short-armed pull to the boundary off Ravi Rampaul.Batty’s offspin did not trouble the Essex batsmen in the same way that former South Africa Test offspinner Simon Harmer had made Surrey battle for runs in his second-innings return of 4 for 83 from 39 overs.Westley moved to 97 with three successive fours off Scott Borthwick’s legspin, and then completed three figures with a pull for four off Meaker. His hundred came from 162 balls and, overall, he faced 168 balls, hitting 17 fours.In the morning Ben Foakes finished unbeaten on 65, from 149 balls, as Surrey added just 35 runs to their overnight 253 for 7 before the innings ended in a rush of poor shots and crazy running.Meaker drove a half-volley from left arm paceman Neil Wagner to extra cover to go for 14, and two balls later Rampaul clipped the same bowler to backward square leg.Foakes was then left stranded when he drove Wagner down the ground, looking for two, but Lawrence moved quickly to his right at long off to field and return to the bowler and there was never any chance of a second run. Footitt, however, turning blind, set off for the second even though Foakes had clearly decided against it, and Wagner lobbed the ball down the pitch for keeper James Foster to whip off the bails with Footitt helpless in mid-pitch.