CWG 2022 – India are medal contenders, but the gold seems reserved for Australia

History is against Pakistan, but they would hope to change that, while Barbados are unknowns at this level

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jul-2022

Australia

Overview
Though in a bit of a transitional phase off the field after losing head coach Matthew Mott to the England men’s white-ball set-up, Australia retain an imposing squad, which has made them world-beaters for years. Two T20 World Cup titles, two Ashes series victories, and an ODI World Cup crown in the past four years, and you can bet they are hell-bent on adding the inaugural women’s Commonwealth Games gold medal to that trophy cabinet. Their depth is breath-taking, as illustrated by the fact that a player of Ellyse Perry’s calibre has for some time now been outside their first-choice T20I side.Squad
Meg Lanning (capt), Rachael Haynes, Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Grace Harris, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Amanda-Jade WellingtonRelated

  • Can England shake things up enough to challenge Australia?

  • Meghana to join India squad in UK, Pooja Vastrakar still in quarantine

  • ICC expects CWG 2022 to give impetus to cricket's Olympics ambition

  • CWG 2022: It will be a surprise if Australia don't take home the gold

  • Cricket at the 2022 CWG – all you need to know

Recent form
Rain-affected T20s during the Ashes series at the start of the year and more recently against Ireland and Pakistan don’t provide the best gauge, but Australia were most convincing in the matches that were completed. Their run to the T20 World Cup title two-and-a-half years ago wasn’t quite as rampant as their ODI triumph at the start of this year, but they’re favourites for very good reason.Player to watch
Tahlia McGrath stunned England with 91 not out, batting for just the third time in T20Is during their Ashes series opener. It was one of those moments when England thought they had done pretty well reaching 169 for 4 only to discover Australia had yet another trick up their sleeves and McGrath led them to a thumping nine-wicket victory. She has batted four times in the format now and been named Player of the Match in each one, most recently for her 70 off 45 balls against Ireland last week. She shared a record third-wicket stand for Australia of 135 with Meg Lanning and finally has a T20 batting average – 247.00 – after being dismissed in that match.There are few better all-round athletes in world cricket than Deandra Dottin•ICC via Getty Images

Barbados

Overview
Barbados will be making their international debut at the Commonwealth Games, as the representative country for the West Indian islands. As a multi-nation team is unable to compete at the Games, CWI intended to use the 2021 T20 Blaze as a qualification tournament to decide which nation would compete on their behalf. When the tournament was cancelled because of Covid-19, Barbados were chosen, having won the most recent competition in 2019.While it is the first time we’ll be seeing Barbados compete at the global stage, they aren’t short of experience among their squad. Seven of their 15-member squad have played international cricket, with six of them part of the West Indies squad that won the T20 World Cup in 2016. They will be led by Hayley Matthews, the 24-year-old allrounder who has been announced as Stafanie Taylor’s successor as West Indies captain.Squad
Hayley Matthews* (capt), Aaliyah Alleyne*, Shanika Bruce, Shai Carrington, Shaunte Carrington, Shamilia Connell*, Deandra Dottin*, Keila Elliott, Trishan Holder, Kycia Knight*, Kyshona Knight*, Alisa Scantlebury, Shakera Selman*, Tiffany Thorpe, Aaliyah Williams* Capped by West IndiesRecent form
Domestic T20s (most recent first): LWWWW
Barbados have had a strong domestic season, lifting the Super50 Cup unbeaten, while they narrowly missed out on the 2022 T20 Blaze title to Jamaica on net run-rate. Matthews topped the run charts in both tournaments, while medium-pace bowler Shanika Bruce was the leading wicket-taker in the Blaze.Player to watch
It’s hard to look past Deandra Dottin. She was the first woman to score a T20I century, she has the best T20 bowling figures for West Indies – 5 for 5 against Bangladesh at the 2018 T20 World Cup – and to top it off, she’s one of the standout fielders in the game. A natural athlete, in an alternate timeline, Dottin could have been at these games competing in another discipline – she was a junior Caribbean champion in the shot put, discus and javelin. Instead, Barbados will be grateful for her explosive presence at the top of their batting order and her readiness to put her hand up to bowl the big overs when the pressure is on. If Barbados are to spring a surprise at Birmingham 2022, Dottin’s ability to change a game single-handedly will be key.Yastika Bhatia’s emergence at No. 3 has been hugely beneficial for India•Fiona Goodall/ICC/Getty Images

India

Overview
The towering presence of two legends – Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami – may no longer be there, but the shadow of Covid-19 is clearly still there. India are effectively a squad of 13 at the moment, and it is likely to remain that way at least for the first two group games.Missing are S Meghana, the top-order batter, and premier allrounder Pooja Vastrakar, who offers fearless and clean ball-striking in the lower order apart from bowling nippy seam-ups.In a big change, though, Harmanpreet Kaur knows she is the leader, and India don’t have to switch captains as they move between formats, like they did until the 2022 World Cup when Raj was still an active player. This is Harmanpreet’s team, and the core group of Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma all have vital roles to play if India are to challenge for a medal. Gold may be tricky – Australia, remember? – but a young team, hardened by heartbreaks of the past, are determined to carve an identity. Birmingham is another opportunity.Squad
Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, S. Meghana, Taniya Sapna Bhatia, Yastika Bhatia, Deepti Sharma, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Pooja Vastrakar, Meghna Singh, Renuka Thakur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Radha Yadav, Harleen Deol, Sneh Rana
Recent form
India are coming off a successful tour of Sri Lanka, where they won the ODIs (3-0) and T20Is (2-1). Rodrigues returning to form in the T20Is after a rough year – she had been dropped from the World Cup squad – was a positive, as was the transformation of Shafali Verma, who is showing signs of being more than just a feared ball-striker; she is on the way to becoming an all-round batter who can temper her game based on the conditions and the team’s needs.Player to watch
Yastika Bhatia has emerged as a vital piece in the team’s jigsaw. Her ability to hit big wasn’t in doubt, but lately, she has learnt to marry that with consistency. Her presence could take some pressure off Harmanpreet in the middle order. Yastika has also been groomed as a wicketkeeper, which also gives the flexibility of playing an extra batter or bowler based on conditions.Tuba Hassan has made an excellent start to her international career•PCB

Pakistan

Overview
Pakistan do not have a good history at major tournaments and have only won three out of 30 50-over World Cup matches [including a losing streak of 18 games] and seven out of 28 T20 World Cup games. They will hope the Commonwealth Games starts changing that. Theirs is a tough group, which includes Australia and India, a match that is set to be a sellout and could also play a major role in whether they advance to the knockouts. With Australia’s dominance in the women’s game, the Pakistan vs India match could effectively be a quarter-final, and history is not on Pakistan’s side. They have only won two out of the 11 matches they have played against India and none of the last nine. Bismah Mahroof’s baby daughter Fatima and her mother have been allowed to stay in the athlete’s village so expect more cuteness as the tournament plays out.Squad

Bismah Maroof (capt), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Gul Feroza, Iram Javed, Kainat Imtiaz, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Tuba Hassan

Recent form
Pakistan beat Sri Lanka 3-0 in a T20I series in Karachi in May before rain severely affected their triangular series against Ireland and Australia. Their two matches ended up being washed out and Pakistan were 56 for 6 in one and had scored 94 for 8 while Australia were 28 without loss in reply in the other, and the only result they recorded was over Ireland in a match reduced to 14 overs a side.Player to watch
Legspinner Tuba Hassan made her debut in the Sri Lanka series and was Pakistan’s leading bowler with five wickets in the series at 8.80. That earned her the ICC’s Player-of-the-Month award in May. She was also recently centrally contracted by the PCB and has a lively social media presence.

An Mbeumo repeat: Man Utd to make £52m bid for "best winger in the country"

Manchester United have been known to splash the cash in the transfer market over the last couple of years, with INEOS backing various managers in their quest.

Since the summer of 2022, over £800m has been spent on new additions at Old Trafford, but their spending has failed to catapult them to Premier League glory in recent years.

The Red Devils kept up their spending spree under Ruben Amorim during the recent summer window, with over £200m being spent on new additions to help bolster the squad.

The vast majority of the funds were injected into the attacking department, handing the manager a new infamous trio to help him in his quest for silverware at the Theatre of Dreams.

However, the hierarchy look set to continue their mammoth backing in the months ahead, resulting in numerous big-money talents being touted with transfers for the January window.

United’s hunt for new additions in the January window

With the window rapidly appearing on the horizon, United have already been heavily linked with a move for Nottingham Forest sensation Elliot Anderson this winter.

The Red Devils have been reportedly targeting a move for the 23-year-old, but it could be an expensive one, with Sean Dyche’s men currently demanding £100m for his signature.

Whilst the window is currently closed, it’s not stopped Amorim’s men from making their move, with the club already making contact with his current employers over a potential deal.

However, he’s not the only player in their sights, with Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo another player that is reportedly they’re hunting for in January.

According to one Spanish outlet, Amorim’s men are set to make a €60m (£52m) bid for the Ghanaian international who’s already registered nine goal contributions in the Premier League this season.

Such a report also confirms that the Red Devils see the 25-year-old as a primary target to improve the front line, potentially linking with one talent as a result of his potential transfer.

Why United’s £52m target would be an Mbeumo repeat

During their recent summer spending spree, United forked out a staggering £71m for the services of Bryan Mbeumo, with the attacker joining from fellow Premier League side, Brentford.

Eyebrows were raised about the deal, undoubtedly because of the reported price tag, but a couple of months on, it’s safe to say it’s been a phenomenal piece of business.

The 26-year-old has already scored five times and registered one assist in his first 11 league outings, with such a tally the highest in the current first-team squad.

Within such efforts, numerous of which have been crucial, with the big-money addition scoring in the clash against Liverpool at Anfield – subsequently securing the club’s win at such a ground for the first time in nearly a decade.

However, despite his record, the hierarchy are still targeting attacking reinforcements, which could lead to their pursuit of Semenyo in the months ahead.

The similarities are there for all to see, with both players operating in wide roles, but often wanting to cut inside onto their favoured foot – Semenyo going so from the left, whilst Mbeumo features off the right.

Like the Cameroonian, the Ghanian has been the shining light for a less-established top-flight club, which could see the Cherries star make his own step to a “big six” outfit.

When comparing their respective stats from the ongoing season, Semenyo has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, showcasing how much of a sensational addition he would be.

The 25-year-old, who’s been labelled “the best winger in the country” by Chris Waddle, has already racked up more combined goals and assists – arguably being a more threatening option in the final third.

How Semenyo & Mbeumo compare in 2025/26

Statistics (per 90)

Semenyo

Mbeumo

Games played

11

11

Goals & assists

9

6

Shot on target accuracy

61%

54%

Successful dribbles

1.9

0.8

Dribble success rate

47%

42%

Duels won

6.6

2.8

Aerials won

2.4

0.2

Possession won in final third

0.9

0.7

Stats via FotMob

His underlying figures also highlight his quality in 2025/26, with Semenyo even registering a higher shot on target accuracy rate – making him a more all-round option in attacking areas.

He’s also completed more dribbles per 90, along with a higher success rate – further highlighting his quality with the ball at his feet, but Semenyo’s talents don’t end there.

The winger has dominated out of possession, winning more duels and more aerial battles, which could make him the perfect option for Amorim at Old Trafford.

£52m would be another huge investment from the hierarchy, but it’s a transfer that would add further firepower to the club’s already potent attacking department.

Given the success of Mbeumo since his own transfer, the hierarchy should be all over a deal for Semenyo, with the forward one of the most in-demand players in the division at present.

The new Ronaldo: Man Utd preparing British-record bid for £200m superstar

Manchester United are looking to make further attacking investments after this summer’s spending.

2

By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 17, 2025

Fernando Diniz explica modificações que garantiram virada do Vasco contra o Fluminense

MatériaMais Notícias

Após vitória de virada por 2 a 1 do Vasco contra o Fluminense no Maracanã, pelo jogo de ida da semifinal da Copa do Brasil, nesta quinta-feira (11), Fernando Diniz conversou com a imprensa. O técnico explicou as modificações no segundo tempo que levaram ao triunfo.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFutebol NacionalVasco x Fluminense bate recorde de público da Copa do Brasil 2025Futebol Nacional11/12/2025VascoEmocionado, Vegetti se declara ao Vasco e esclarece situação com DinizVasco11/12/2025FluminenseZubeldía vê erro de arbitragem em lance decisivo de Vasco x Fluminense: ‘Deveria voltar’Fluminense11/12/2025

— A gente fez um bom primeiro tempo, mais equilibrado, terminou melhor. No segundo, a gente mereceu a virada, buscou mais o gol, encaixou a pressão alta, ganhou mais segundas bolas e assumiu o controle do jogo — disse.

➡️Tudo sobre o Gigante agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance! Vasco

A virada passou muito pela evolução de Rayan na partida, além do poder de decisão de Vegetti no segundo gol. O técnico também abordou a combinação no ataque cruz-maltino.

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— O Vegetti entrou com 30 minutos do segundo tempo, o Rayan jogou bem o segundo tempo inteiro. O plano inicial já era ele participar mais do jogo. Desde que cheguei, tento fazer ele participar o máximo do jogo, junto com Andrés (Gómez) e Coutinho. No segundo tempo, a gente ajustou um pouco o posicionamento e orientamos onde tinha espaço para ele tocar mais na bola. Quando Vegetti entrou, ficou mais na ponta, entrelinhas, e foi decisivo para a gente virar — completou.

➡️ Emocionado, Vegetti se declara ao Vasco e esclarece situação com Diniz

Outras respostas de Fernando Diniz, técnico do Vasco

Evolução do Vasco no segundo tempo

— Não achei que no segundo tempo a gente estava alçando muita bola. Depois que o Fluminense fez o gol, abaixou a marcação e ficou difícil de entrar. A gente abriu o Gómez, com Paulo Henrique dando amplitude do outro lado. O que melhorou foi a celeridade nos passes, Rayan entrou mais no jogo e a dinâmica ficou mais acelerada para o jogo fluir com naturalidade.

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Vantagem para o segundo jogo

— A vantagem é como se fosse de um primeiro tempo, está 2 a 1 e tem mais um tempo. Nada ganho, a gente precisa encarar com muita seriedade. Só terminou o primeiro tempo, como o Fluminense vencia hoje. É corrigir o que fizemos de errado e respeitar o adversário.

Diniz é melhor em copas?

— Em relação aos meus trabalhos, no São Paulo a gente fez um trabalho de um ano e meio que conseguimos vaga direta na Libertadores e, em determinado momento, tínhamos sete pontos de vantagem na liderança no Brasileiro. Em 2022, quando fui para o Fluminense, saímos da zona de rebaixamento para terceiro. Então o trabalho não acontece só nas copas. Mas quando começa a avançar muito, é difícil manter. Flamengo, Palmeiras e Botafogo conseguiram por questão de orçamento, tinham dois times para jogar, investem muito dinheiro na categoria de base também. É difícil concorrer com esse poder financeiro, elenco robusto, mais que dois times. No Vasco, a gente está aprendendo. Aprendendo a ser grande com esse Vasco que dirijo. Aprendendo a ter estabilidade nos resultados, no desempenho. Não queremos essa oscilação, mas tem certa normalidade. Time machucado, jogadores desacreditados, que aspiram coisas melhores e depois caem. Com o tempo, vamos ganhar consistência. Nesse momento, precisamos de foco total no jogo de domingo.

Torcida vascaína

— A torcida é fundamental, nosso melhor jogador sempre. A torcida do Vasco é incrível, inacreditável o quanto conseguem apoiar, torcer, mesmo sem uma torcida machucada nos últimos. É um sonho fazer essa torcida feliz.

Oscilação do Vasco na temporada

— Eu acho que é um aprendizado constante. A vitória contra o Internacional foi contundente e o decréscimo para o jogo contra o Mirassol não foi tanto, embora tenhamos perdido. Do Inter para o Mirassol tivemos queda menos significativa do que do Santos para o Juventude. O jogo contra o Atlético-MG não entra nessa lista, foi atípico. Aprender a ser grande é ser consistente. Como disse, precisamos corrigir, erramos coisas no primeiro tempo, encaixes de marcação, perdas de duelo, bolas paradas, é uma disputa que está em aberto.

Vasco começou o jogo nervoso?

— Não achei o time nervoso, se fosse estaria no começo. A gente começou melhor, depois desencaixou a marcação um pouco, o Fluminense fez boas jogadas, bola circundando nossa área. E depois terminou o primeiro tempo melhor de novo já. Em relação às finalizações, tem as que vão no alvo e as que não significam nada. Tem as que vão para fora e são chances claras, mas não foram no alvo. Foi um jogo de poucas oportunidades no primeiro tempo, mas até foi melhor do que muitos jogos decisivos, melhor que Cruzeiro x Corinthians de ontem. A ideia no segundo tempo não era ficar mais agressivo, era para a gente ter jogado assim no primeiro. A gente conseguiu encaixes de marcação e colocar mais o Rayan no jogo. Mas não acredito que teve a ver com nervosismo, e sim com ajustes.

Mentalidade do elenco cruz-maltino

— O mental dos jogadores está em dia. A própria derrota contra o Atlético-MG, embora atípica, faz parte do roteiro da semana. O Vasco sabe aquilo que faz a gente de forte e frágil, soube se fortalecer nesse processo geral. Jogos como o de hoje, com contundência, partida decisiva, não são construídos em uma semana. É uma construção dos sete meses que estou aqui. É um time que trabalho muito, com boa vontade, e merece como o torcedor. Não tem mágica, é um processo que estamos construindo, a gente teve de onde buscar energia para a partida de hoje.

Trabalho de Diniz com os jovens

— O jogador de futebol é machucado, tem fragilidade e acham que tem que ser de ferro. Essa pressa faz a gente perder muito talento, essa coisa de ter que ter herói e vilão. A gente prepara mal o jogador para isso, é difícil para o treinador e para a imprensa. Imagina para um jovem de 18, 19 anos. A gente pensa sobre pouco isso. E um dos pilares do meu trabalho é essa preocupação, consigo aproximar e oferecer coisas positivas para esses jogadores se desenvolverem. O Rayan não tinha problemas com o futebol, mas tinha problemas de estima, de confiança, a torcida hostilizando naquele momento. Sempre digo: o jogador sem confiança é ruim, com confiança é bom.

Favoritismo do Fluminense

— Eu não acompanho muito a internet, rede social, mas imaginava que o Fluminense poderia ter favoritismo pelo momento. Mas não me apoiei nisso, trabalhei o time do Vasco que iria enfrentar um time bom, com mérito, que sabe defender, construir, fazer transição, faz gol de bola parada. Treinamos o melhor possível para nos defender e explorar deficiências.

Relação com Vegetti

— Em relação ao Vegetti, é algo natural, tenho relação muito próxima com ele, um artilheiro, um ídolo. É um dos grandes artilheiros do Vasco na temporada. Confio como jogador e pessoa. Teve um momento de irritação, mas depois a gente conversou e não foi relacionado a mim. Saiu irritado e acontece. Tudo resolvido, e não porque fez o gol. Se não tivesse, nem teria entrado. Minha relação com os jogadores tem profundidade e, quando tem algum problema, as coisas caminham para melhor. A gente se aproxima. Quando tem boa intenção e bom coração, as pessoas se entendem e o vínculo se fortalece.

Pumita Rodríguez, substituto de Lucas Pitón

— Puma foi muito bem. No período que Pitón ficou afastado, teve participação muito boa. Eu gosto muito, tem características muito interessantes. É grande, forte, quase ambidestro, bate bem na bola, boa impulsão. Eu busco colocar em campo quem vai render. Eu gosto de quem joga em mais de uma posição, a gente vinha treinando isso há um tempo e senti confiança para lançar lá atrás.

Orientações de Coutinho no intervalo

— Eu não acho que foi impaciência, foi inteligência e iniciativa. Coutinho falou em paciência no sentido de jogar bola na área com time descompactado, de perder bola e dar contra-ataque. Ele argumentou bem. A minha característica é acelerar, ser agressivo, mas ser paciente. A gente foi agressivo, circulou bem, os zagueiros e volantes foram agressivos com e sem a posse. Thiago Mendes fez dois passes longos muito bons, inclusive no primeiro gol. Ele vai entrando cada vez mais em condição de jogo, mostrando o grande potencial.

Mais elogios à torcida vascaína

— O torcedor do Vasco é fantástico, é lindo o que fazem. O time está aprendendo a importância do torcedor do Vasco e se conectando, apesar das nossas falhas, dos momentos que deixamos o torcedor na mão, quando perde cinco jogos seguidos, quando relaxa em jogos em casa. Mas é um time que trabalha muito e está aprendendo a ser Vasco, um time gigante. Gratidão ao torcedor. Peço que venha de novo, nos apoie, ele faz diferença. O jogador aprende a se sentir menos pressionado e mais motivado. Isso é ser Vasco: não é fácil, não é para qualquer um. O torcedor empolga e pressiona. Não é para todo mundo. Os jogadores vão aprendendo o que é jogar no Vasco e gostam cada vez mais da presença do torcedor. Eu adoro a torcida presente, essa festa. A gente espera e quer muito trazer alegria para a torcida.

Liderança de Vegetti

— O Vegetti personifica bastante o que é o Vasco, é uma entrega absoluta e um grande artilheiro. Tem vontade, carisma, veste a camisa e joga. É um grande artilheiro e líder. A minha relação com ele é ótima. Obviamente, a fluência é facilitada quando o jogador joga sempre. Mas, mesmo jogando menos, é uma relação muito próxima. É muito dedicado aos companheiros. Se vocês vissem o que fala nos treinos e nas preleções… É muito inspirado em ajudar os outros. É fundamental.

Mudança no calendário

— A CBF teve uma atitude certa com a modificação do calendário. Não é o ideal jogar quinta e domingo, mas é justo, igual para Fluminense e Vasco. A gente vai se preparar da melhor forma possível, se recuperar, descansar os jogadores e fazer ajustes táticos em campo e no vídeo.

Meio-campo do Vasco

— O meio-campo não são dois ou três jogadores, é como a gente consegue ocupar o espaço com os jogadores. O Coutinho estava pegando a bola nos pés do Léo Jardim. Existe uma rotatividade, é um time caracterizado pela mobilidade. Não são só três jogadores no meio-campo. Mas Thiago, Cauan e Coutinho fizeram partidas muito boas.

São Januário ou Maracanã?

— São Januário é a casa do Vasco, a gente adora jogar lá, embora não tenha aproveitado tanto o mando quanto historicamente. Fez boas apresentações que não terminaram com vitória. E o Maracanã também é a casa do Vasco, uma casa maior. É só ver a festa que a torcida fez, o time se sente bem aqui, como em São Januário. É um privilégio ter duas casas!

Grande fase de Cauan Barros

— O Barros faz três ou quatro meses com a gente. Quando estive aqui em 2021, era muito jovem e eu já queria subir. Ele estava indo bem no América-MG, tinha proposta para sair e eu pedi. Nem estava acompanhando tanto o América, mas já acompanhava em 2021. Chegou muito bem, aproveitou as chances, Uma das piores partidas do Vasco foi contra o Corinthians, mas Barros entrou por 15 minutos e nasceu para esse momento. Uma boa notícia num dia ruim. Se a gente tivesse jogado bem, talvez não tivesse entrado. Ele tem muito futuro! Tem alma de jogador grande.

Andrés Gómez: momento e chegada ao clube

— O Andrés Gómez cai na questão dos jogadores mais jovens: é talentoso, estava na França sem jogar, a gente conhecia pouco. O vídeo dele (de exibição) era pior do que realmente é. A gente acabou trazendo porque é da mesma cidade do Arias, ele me ajudou muito. Liguei para ele, me deu as informações que precisava para ser favorável à sua vinda. A gente foi muito assertivo nas contratações: agressivo, mas não apressado. A gente precisava de um jogador de velocidade, um para um. E tive segurança falando com o Arias, mais do que nos vídeos. O que mais chama atenção no momento dele foi o que o Arias me falou. É um jogador que está reconhecendo o próprio talento.

Tudo sobre

Copa do BrasilFernando DinizVasco

He’s “like Reijnders”: Old Trafford chiefs pushing Man Utd to sign “elite” star

Some at Old Trafford are now reportedly pushing Manchester United to sign a young midfield star who’s been likened to Tijjani Reijnders.

Paul Scholes urges Mainoo to leave Man Utd

The biggest headlines surrounding Man United this week have been stolen by Ruben Amorim’s decision to overlook Kobbie Mainoo once against West Ham United.

The Red Devils dropped points yet again in a game that they should be winning with their European ambitions in mind and Mainoo was forced to watch on from the bench.

What is certainly not a good sign for the young midfielder is that Amorim simply laughed off suggestions that he could turn to Mainoo following a frustrating result against West Ham. And that reaction sparked another from club legend Paul Scholes, who urged the academy graduate to leave on social media.

He took to Instagram to say: “Bulls**t. The kid is being ruined, not being played in a team that can’t control a game of football. Hate seeing home grown players leave but it’s probably best for him now. Enough is enough.”

A new Amad: Man Utd could sign "one of the best LWs in Europe" in swap deal

Manchester United are plotting a sensational deal for this exciting winger who could be Ruben Amorim’s next Amad Diallo.

ByKelan Sarson Dec 7, 2025

Historically speaking, Man United have always been able to turn towards an academy graduate even in their most difficult moments. Amorim, however, is at risk of bringing such an impressive record to an end unless he hands Mainoo some much-needed opportunities.

The manager stood in the way of his exit in the summer, telling him to fight for his place, but Mainoo hasn’t received the chance to do exactly that ever since.

Now, Old Trafford chiefs are reportedly pushing Man United to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi which could all but spell the end for Mainoo’s time at his boyhood club.

Old Trafford chiefs push Man Utd to sign Bouaddi

According to Foot Mercato, as relayed by Caught Offside, Man Utd’s recruitment chiefs are now pushing them to sign Bouaddi in 2026, making their interest in the Frenchman concrete.

The LOSC Lille star is one of the best young midfielders around and could offer Amorim the quality that he is yet to personally see from Mainoo.

The Red Devils aren’t alone in the race to sign the 18-year-old, however, with Premier League rivals Arsenal among the other clubs chasing his signature ahead of next year.

According to Como scout Ben Mattinson, Bouaddi is “like Reijnders” and has the press resistance of an “elite” player despite still being just 18 years old. If Man United are looking for a permanent midfield solution, then the French teenager may well be their answer.

Better signing than Anderson: INEOS make £65m star Man Utd's top target

Assista aos melhores momentos de Athletico-PR 1×0 Vasco, pelo Brasileirão

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O Athletico-PR venceu o por 1 a 0 Vasco, neste domingo (5), pela 5ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro, na Ligga Arena. O meia Erick foi o autor do único gol da partida. Assista aos melhores momentos no vídeo acima.

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Arsenal have a Hale End Gabriel heir who'll be a "leader for club & country"

Arsenal have been head and shoulders above the rest of ’em this season, but Mikel Arteta knows that the season is still young, and there are many gruelling months ahead before the Gunners might end their two-decade-long wait for the Premier League title.

Runners-up for three successive years, Arsenal have worked toward dynamising and strengthening across the park, with the likes of Martin Zubimendi, Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze all adding flavour to an outfit already refined and complete.

It’s just silverware that is missing. And while the Emirates side have all the tools to go the distance this term, they will need someone of Gabriel Magalhaes’ character and quality to have avoided a long-term injury while away on international duty with Brazil.

The latest on Gabriel's muscle injury

Gabriel has played every minute of Arsenal’s Premier League campaign this season, but with a north London clash against Tottenham Hotspur looming on the horizon, a muscular injury sustained out with his nation could put a spanner in the works there.

Gabriel pulled up mid-sprint during Brazil’s recent win over Senegal. It has since been revealed by The Athletic’s David Ornstein that there is a worry that he faces an extended spell on the sidelines, more than a month and thus out of action until the new year.

It cannot be understated how integral Gabriel has become. As per FBref, the £150k-per-week talent ranks among the top 5% of positional peers for goal involvements and the top 15% for shot-creating actions per 90. That aside, he has incredibly won 78% of his ground duels, keeping clean sheets in seven separate matches.

In Gabriel and William Saliba, Arsenal have two defenders looking to take their place among the pantheon of great Premier League centre-back partnerships, and if Arteta does lift that elusive trophy at the end of the season, he and his wider squad will be indebted to the composed and flawlessly organised duo at the back.

The likes of Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera are able replacements, but this could be a big blow, and it’s got us thinking about the 27-year-old’s long-term successor in north London.

There is one Hale End star who might just have what it takes to complete that step up in the future.

The Hale Ender who could replace Gabriel

Under Arteta’s guidance, Arsenal have a feared outfit once again. This is a team capable of tackling and overcoming any opponent across the globe, as last season’s spectacular two-legged win over Real Madrid will tell you.

But this also needs to be a lasting project, and it’s clear that there is an emphasis on this, with Bukayo Saka the talisman and exciting prospects such as Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman filtering through to the first team.

And on the other side of the field, Callan Hamill could find himself succeeding Gabriel when the time comes, with the 16-year-old having made quite the impression at Hale End since joining from St. Johnstone in Scotland this summer.

The Scotland U19 international has swiftly established himself as the captain of Arsenal’s U18 squad, racking up 11 appearances and scoring one goal.

With such impressive performances, he has even been handed a string of outings with the U21s, and during his sole effort in the Premier League 2, Hamill kept a clean sheet across 90 minutes of action.

Analyst Ben Mattinson has remarked that the teenager has “all the tools to become a quality backline leader for club and country”, and while he’s not there yet, Arteta’s decision to throw the youngster into first-team training and guide him toward the fore suggests that it’s only a matter of time before this star emulates the better-known names in front of him and cements a place under Arteta’s wing.

Who knows, given his leadership skills, strong reading of the game and dynamism, Hamill might even have what it takes to succeed Gabriel, when the fateful day of the Brazilian’s departure comes.

A new Saka: Arsenal chasing "one of the best wingers in the world" for £88m

The game-changing winger could be a Saka-like addition to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 18, 2025

Freddie Freeman Shared a Special Moment With His Dad After Walk-Off Grand Slam

Off one massive swing of the bat, Freddie Freeman got the Los Angeles Dodgers a massive World Series victory over the New York Yankees to go up 1–0 in the Fall Classic. Freeman hit a grand slam in the bottom of the 10th, one of the biggest moments in recent World Series history, to give the Dodgers a 6–3 win.

Freeman, who has been nursing a hurt ankle all postseason, was the Yankees' preferred option to pitch to with two outs. New York intentionally walked Mookie Betts to get to Freeman instead. Potentially, the strategy was hoping he may have to run to beat out a ground ball. Instead, Freeman pushed out a no-doubter.

After the hit, Freeman was swept in a wave of celebratory chaos, but found his way to his dad.

"I [was] just screaming in his face," Freeman said to Ken Rosenthal during the postgame interview on FOX. "Sorry dad."

Freeman continued, saying, "He's been there since I was a little boy throwing batting practice to me every day. So this isn't my moment, that's my dad's moment."

For the Freeman family, it was an awesome moment coming in a year that has brought challenges. The first baseman has been candid with the public about a neurological disorder that hospitalized his son and kept Freeman away from the team for a short time.

Freeman and the Dodgers hope they can take three more games to hoist a World Series trophy.

Salvador Pérez Has Successfully Bridged the Gap Between Royals Eras

The Kansas City Royals had been thinking about making the move for a while, so when general manager J.J. Picollo approached catcher Salvador Pèrez and asked him to consider playing more first base, the executive was ready with his argument: 

Pérez scoffed. , he said. 

, Picollo said.

That was all it took. Pérez, a nine-time All-Star, five-time Gold Glover and four-time Silver Slugger at catcher, has spent a third of his time at first this season. (Even on those days, he does not entirely relinquish his role; he sits in meetings with backup Freddy Fermín and still makes mound visits from first base.) The result? At 34, Pérez has put together one of the best seasons of his career and helped key the Royals to a likely playoff berth, their first in a decade. The people around him are talking about enshrinement in Cooperstown. Pérez thinks about that honor—“I think any player [wants that],” he says—but right now, he is focused on one thing. 

“What I want so bad is for these guys to make it to the playoffs, because I know when you make it to the playoffs, and you feel that energy, that crowd—next year they’re just gonna want that again,” he says. “ I didn’t know until 2014 how that feels. But after that …” 

He smiles. He knows how it feels. And he wants to feel it again. 

Owen, Gous help Washington Freedom pull off record chase in MLC

Washington Freedom pulled off the highest successful chase in MLC as they chased down Texas Super Kings’ 220 for 6 with seven wickets and two balls to spare. The previous record was 201, chased down by MI New York against Seattle Orcas earlier this week.Mitchell Owen (89 off 52) and Andries Gous (80 not out off 45) were the chief architects of Freedom’s win, ensuring TSK captain Faf du Plessis’ 69 off 31 went in vain.After TSK were sent in, du Plessis gave his side a flying start, hitting four fours and two sixes in the first four overs. Smit Patel had contributed only 8 off 11 balls till then. But when Owen came for the fifth over, he hit his first three balls for 6, 6, 4. Owen dismissed Patel on the very next ball but there was little respite as du Plessis finished the over with a boundary.Andries Gous hit six fours and four sixes in his innings•MLC

Du Plessis brought up his half-century off just 20 balls before becoming Owen’s second victim. Marcus Stoinis and Milind Kumar then took over and added 42 in just 26 balls for the fourth wicket. Shubham Ranjane applied the finishing touches with an unbeaten 26 off ten balls, with TSK ransacking 56 from the last four overs. For Freedom, Owen picked up 3 for 33 from three overs and Glenn Maxwell 2 for 35 from four.Owen and Rachin Ravindra gave Freedom a steady start of 38 in 4.3 overs. Following that, Owen and Gous took the side to 96 for 1 after ten overs. With another 125 required, TSK were still the favourites, but Owen and Gous turned the game around in the 12th and 13th overs, smashing Noor Ahmad for 22 and Donovan Ferreira for 24. In those 12 balls, Owen and Gous hit a combined five sixes and three fours to reduce the equation to 69 needed from seven overs.Owen fell to Adam Milne at the start of the 15th over but Gous carried on. With 20 needed from two overs, TSK still had a chance. Maxwell hit Milne for a six off the first ball of the 19th but the seamer sent Maxwell back two balls later. It came down to 11 needed from seven balls before Glenn Phillips’ six reduced the requirement to five from the final over.Bowling the final over, Stoinis conceded three singles off the first three balls before Phillips hit the next ball past backward point to seal the win.

Aston Villa's most expensive sales of all time

Aston Villa are on the rise under Unai Emery, with NSWE backing the manager in the transfer market. However, the club have also cashed in on a number of Villa Park stars down the years – but who is the club’s record departure?

Here is a detailed look at Villa’s most expensive sales in their history, as per Transfermarkt, with an in-depth view of the top 10.

1

Jack Grealish

£100m

Man City

2021

2

Jhon Duran

£64m

Al-Nassr

2025

3

Moussa Diaby

£50m

Al-Ittihad

2024

4

Douglas Luiz

£42.35m

Juventus

2024

5

Christian Benteke

£32.5m

Liverpool

2015

6

James Milner

£26m

Man City

2010

=7

Carney Chukwuemeka

£20m

Chelsea

2022

=7

Stewart Downing

£20m

Liverpool

2011

=7

Jaden Philogene

£20m

Ipswich Town

2025

10

Cameron Archer

£18m

Sheffield Utd

2023

11

Ashley Young

£17m

Man Utd

2011

=12

Cameron Archer

£15m

Southampton

2024

=12

Danny Ings

£15m

West Ham

2023

=12

Matt Targett

£15m

Newcastle

2022

15

Dwight Yorke

£12.6m

Man Utd

1998

16

Gareth Barry

£12m

Man City

2009

17

Diego Carlos

£10m

Fenerbahce

2025

18

Tim Iroegbunam

£9m

Everton

2024

19

Jordan Amavi

£8.9m

Marseille

2017

=20

Fabian Delph

£8m

Man City

2015

=20

Ugo Ehiogu

£8m

Middlesbrough

2000

Here's a detailed look at Aston Villa's top 10 sales… 10 Cameron Archer £18m to Sheffield Utd, 2023

The first time Aston Villa sold Cameron Archer was in 2023 to newly promoted Sheffield United. Archer had a respectable campaign at Bramall Lane which resulted in Villa activating a buy-back clause in 2024, only to sell him again months later.

The Blades shelled out £18m to sign the forward, with their subsequent relegation perhaps playing a part once Villa sensed they could get some more money for him, with play-off winners Southampton the latest beneficiary.

9 Jaden Philogene £20m to Ipswich, 2025

Jaden Philogene swapped Villa Park for Portman Road in January 2025, looking to help keep Ipswich Town in the Premier League.

The Villa academy graduate had loan spells at Stoke City, Cardiff City, and Hull City in the Championship before the club cashed in.

8 Carney Chukwuemeka £20m to Chelsea, 2022

Young midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka starred for a brief period of time in the Aston Villa first team after coming through the academy.

Chukwuemeka’s impressive performances caught the eye of Chelsea, who added the midfielder to their growing list of young signings in 2022 for £20m. However, he has already been linked with an exit without making his mark at Stamford Bridge.

7 Stewart Downing £20m to Liverpool, 2011

Stewart Downing was Martin O’Neill’s first signing of the 2009 transfer window and his time at Aston Villa was short and sweet. After two seasons, Liverpool and Kenny Dalglish took Downing to Anfield and the left-winger would spend two years with the Reds.

The Anfield side spent a reported £20m to bring the England international to Merseyside, though the fee has officially remained undisclosed.

6 James Milner £26m to Man City, 2010

Premier League icon James Milner initially joined Aston Villa on loan in 2005 as part of Newcastle’s deal to re-sign Nolberto Solano.

Milner would go on to impress at Villa Park and signed on a permanent basis three years later in 2008, making a total of 126 appearances before signing for Man City in a £26m deal in 2010, from which point he continued to carve out a successful top-flight career.

5 Christian Benteke £32.5m to Liverpool, 2015

Powerful striker Christian Benteke first made his mark in England with Aston Villa after arriving from Genk in 2012, and the Villans would make a huge profit on the Belgian three years later.

It was again Liverpool who came calling and paid an eye-catching £32.5m fee for the forward, though his transfer to Anfield didn’t work out, and he was on the move again 12 months later.

4 Douglas Luiz £42.35m to Juventus, 2024

More recently, central midfielder Douglas Luiz was sold by Aston Villa to Juventus in 2024 after spending five successful years with the club.

A transfer was reportedly worth €50m (£42.35m), with Villa soon taking Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea to the Midlands in return. Amadou Onana has since become his successor at Villa Park.

3 Moussa Diaby £50m to Al-Ittihad, 2024

Another big-money exit in 2024 to help balance the FFP books was Moussa Diaby, who moved to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad for around £50m.

The France international only spent one campaign in England, but his displays were enough for Villa to more or less break even on the fee they paid Bayer Leverkusen a year earlier.

2 Jhon Duran £64m to Al-Nassr, 2025

Jhon Duran was going from strength to strength at Villa Park when the surprise decision was made to sell the Colombia international to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr in January 2025.

The forward cost Villa just £18m, so a £64m exit represented a huge profit and the chance for Duran to go and play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

1 Jack Grealish £100m to Man City, 2021

Unsurprisingly top of the list as Aston Villa’s most expensive sale is Jack Grealish, whose £100m move to Manchester City in 2021 was a British record at the time.

The attacking midfielder dazzled in claret and blue in the Championship and the Premier League and departed Villa after making more than 200 games for his boyhood club. His deal as the most expensive between British clubs has since been eclipsed by the likes of Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo.

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