On a surface that aided pace and spin, Sri Lanka’s captain rescued his side with the bat before the visitors collapsed

Tristan Lavalette12-Feb-20252:01

Finch: Big three absence a chance for Ellis to lead attack

A weakened Australia started their Champions Trophy preparation with a 49-run defeat after Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka engineered a remarkable turnaround in a low-scoring first ODI with an extraordinary century in Colombo.Just three days after the Warne-Muralidaran Trophy ended, Sri Lanka’s batting woes continued at 135 for 8 until Asalanka took over with a flurry in the backend and capitalised on a tiring Australia attack in humid conditions.Asalanka made 127 off 126 balls, but took his time initially under sustained pressure before unfurling blistering shots around the wicket. He completely dominated a ninth-wicket partnership of 79 with Eshan Malinga, who finished unbeaten on 1 off 26 balls.Related

Sri Lanka leave out Wickramasinghe for ODI series vs Australia

Weakened Australia look for Champions Trophy answers

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Without Travis Head, Josh Inglis and Glenn Maxwell, Australia’s inexperienced top-order were blown away in their pursuit of 215. Australia made a poor start when Matt Short was out second ball for a duck after being pinned lbw by quick Asitha Fernando.It was a disappointment for Short who looks set to open alongside Head at the Champions Trophy. He struggled against Pakistan in the white-ball series in November, but did smash a rapid century for Strikers in the BBL.Jake Fraser-McGurk also endured a run of low scores against Pakistan and in the BBL before clubbing 95 off 46 balls for Renegades in their final game against Heat. It was a belligerent innings that brought him back into the national selection frame.He usually is all crash and brash, but looked uncertain against the moving ball and his only scoring shots were singles. But on his ninth delivery Fraser-McGurk offered a leading edge which was well taken low by Fernando in his follow through.Charith Asalanka scored 127 out of Sri Lanka’s 214•Getty ImagesHaving made his Test debut last week, Cooper Connolly was given an opportunity at No. 3 in a role he relished with Scorchers in the recent BBL season. But Connolly, a travelling reserve for the Champions Trophy, was tied down and lost patience when he fell lbw to offspinner Maheesh Theekshana after missing a slog sweep.The pressure was on stand-in skipper Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne as they seemingly had to revert to a Test cricket mindset given Australia’s predicament. But Smith tried to immediately put pressure on left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage only to play all over an attempted slog in perhaps his first mistake of the tour.Labuschagne and Alex Carey were forced to rebuild in a 52-run partnership as they knocked the ball around. After his career best 156 in the second Test, Carey’s fluency was evident and he blasted three boundaries when legspinner Wanindu Hasaranga was introduced in the 15th over.The situation appeared perfectly suited for Labuschagne, but on 15 he fell lbw to Theekshana and Carey followed in the next over after holing out to Asalanka for 41. Australia crashed to 85 for 6 and their slim hopes rested on Aaron Hardie and Sean Abbott, who had some nervous moments but battled to a 41-run partnership.Abbott fell tamely when he offered a return catch to Theekshana, who wrapped up Sri Lanka’s comeback victory with the wicket of Spencer Johnson to finish with 4-40.Sri Lanka did not qualify for the Champions Trophy, but continued their strong ODI form having claimed an eighth win from their last 12 matches.The end result looked totally unlikely earlier in the day when Australia’s bowlers dominated much of Sri Lanka’s innings. Spin was expected to feature prominently on a dry surface, but Australia were rewarded for selecting a seam-heavy attack with considerable movement on offer amid occasional overcast skies.Dunith Wellalage knocked over Steve Smith•AFP/Getty ImagesWith frontline quicks Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc out of the series and the subsequent Champions Trophy, Abbott, Hardie, Johnson and Nathan Ellis combined for nine wickets.Sri Lanka’s top order was exposed against the moving ball after Asalanka elected to bat having won the toss. He eyed a total of around 270, but Australia’s quicks immediately found a dangerous back of a length.Opener Pathum Nissanka hoped to shrug off a double failure in the second Test, but was undone by minimal footwork as Johnson claimed his first ODI wicket in his third match.Having made all the right moves during the Test series, Smith’s gut instincts again proved correct when Hardie was given the new ball ahead of frontline quicks Ellis and Abbott. He dismissed Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis behind the wicket, bowling at speeds around 135kph.He finished with 2 for 9 from his four-over opening spell having only returned to bowling late in the BBL season due to ongoing quad issues. It was a tonic for Australia, who will enter the Champions Trophy without the services of injured Mitchell Marsh and retired Marcus Stoinis.Johnson claimed his second wicket when Kamindu Mendis’ poor run continued after he chipped tamely to square leg. Long touted as a successor to Starc, Johnson bowled consistently around 140kph and his rearing bounce created headaches for Sri Lanka’s batters.It was left to Asalanka to turn things around and he started with a 67-run sixth-run partnership with Wellalage as they played legspinner Adam Zampa with ease.Just when Sri Lanka had some momentum, Smith stepped in with a one-handed blinder to his right at slip when Wellalage poked at Short’s offspin.Fresh off leading Hobart Hurricanes to their first BBL title, Ellis had been unlucky in his first spell but returned with the wickets of Hasaranga and Theekshana as Sri Lanka appeared set for a lowly score.Asalanka had other ideas as he overcame cramps to turn the innings on its head. He hogged the strike, but received solid support from Malinga, whose sole intent was to block the rare deliveries he faced. Asalanka notched his fourth ODI century with a single off Ellis before Malinga scored his first run off the 21st delivery he had faced.Asalanka’s heroics ended in the 46th over at the hands of Abbott, but he had well and truly sparked his team to life.

Glasgow Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has said one new Hoops player is “not quite at the level” to play in the Champions League.

Celtic facing Kairat Almaty in Champions League qualifier

The Hoops have had a solid start to the Scottish Premiership season, winning both of their opening games, and are now looking to qualify for the Champions League group stage.

Rodgers, who has so far made seven new signings this summer, is preparing his side to take on Kairat Almaty of Kazakhstan in a two-legged tie.

Celtic’s summer signings so far	From	Fee
Benjamin Nygren	FC Nordsjaelland	£2m
Shin Yamada	Kawasaki Frontale	£1.5m
Hayato Inamura	Albirex Niigata	£250,000
Kieran Tierney	Arsenal	Free
Ross Doohan	Aberdeen	Free
Callum Osmand	Fulham	Undisclosed
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey	Man City	Loan

Celtic and Rodgers have already named their Champions League squad, but there is no room for one new name.

New Celtic signing not ready for Champions League, says Rodgers

Rodgers delivered a simple explanation of why summer signing Hayato Inamura was excluded from his Champions League squad.

Kuhn 2.0: Celtic make contact over deal to sign £6m attacker

Celtic are reportedly interested in signing a star who could be their next Nicolas Kuhn.

By
Dan Emery

Aug 19, 2025

The 23-year-old Japanese defender joined on a four-year deal from J-League side Albirex Niigata in June, having moved up a level from university football in 2024, but is yet to make his competitive debut.

Inamura will not do so in the Champions League play-off against Kairat Almaty after being left out of Rodgers’ squad.

It’s been a brilliant summer transfer window for Chelsea so far this year.

The Blues have generated a considerable amount of revenue through sales and have more than backed Enzo Maresca in terms of signings.

The likes of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro have joined the side from fellow Premier League sides, while Jorrel Hato and Jamie Gittens are two of the most exciting youngsters from the continent.

Moreover, with five days left until the window closes, Chelsea seem intent on making more signings, and should they fail to land Xavi Simons, could go after someone who’d be their own Eberechi Eze.

Chelsea target their own Eze

Chelsea have been linked with a host of brilliant attackers this summer, including RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

In fact, the Flying Dutchman feels like he has been touted for a move to Stamford Bridge for an age now, and while it’s been made abundantly clear he wants to join Maresca’s side, he is still in Germany.

Interestingly, while reports continue to claim that the Blues are working on bringing him to the club, it now looks like they have a backup in mind, someone who could be their own Eze.

At least that is according to a recent report from Caught Offside, which has claimed Chelsea are interested in Morgan Rogers.

The report has revealed that, alongside Tottenham Hotspur, the West Londoners are big admirers of the Aston Villa star, and that should they fail to sign Simons, they could focus all of their attention on him.

It wouldn’t be a cheap deal to get over the line, though, with the story claiming that it’d take an offer of at least £80m to tempt the Claret and Blue into selling their dynamic superstar.

Even so, Rogers has more than proven over the last year and a half that he would be worth such an outlay, especially as he could become Chelsea’s own Eze.

Why Rogers could be Chelsea's own Eze

There are plenty of similarities between Rogers and Eze, and in this case, specifically, one of them could even be the transfer itself.

If Chelsea were to decide to go all in for the Villa star, then there would be parallels to the deal that saw Arsenal sign the Crystal Palace star from under their noses just last week.

Additionally, both players are stars of the Premier League, leading figures in their respective teams, and now regularly feature in senior England squads.

There are also key similarities in their playstyle.

For example, while both are now thought of as primarily attacking midfielders, they’re more than capable of playing on the wing.

Moreover, they’re well-rounded attacking threats who are just as comfortable scoring goals as they are creating chances for their teammates.

For example, despite playing for a mid-table side last season, the Gunners’ new “magician,” as dubbed by Micah Richards, scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 43 appearances, totalling just 3303 minutes.

Appearances

54

43

Minutes

4496′

3303′

Goals

14

14

Assists

16

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.55

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

149.86′

132.12′

In other words, the Greenwich-born superstar managed to maintain an average of a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes.

For his efforts, the Halesowen-born “machine,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Jacob, scored 14 goals and provided 16 assists in 54 appearances across all competitions last season, totalling 4496 minutes.

That means the often “unstoppable” midfielder, as dubbed by former Liverpool defender turned pundit Jamie Carragher, was able to average a goal involvement every 1.8 games, or every 149.86 minutes.

Last but not least, and this is hard to quantify, but on top of being ruthlessly effective at times, both midfielders are also great entertainers, and more than capable of getting fans on their feet as well as winning games.

Ultimately, even if Chelsea do sign Simons this summer, they should go all out for Rogers, as he could become their own Eze.

Their next Palmer: Chelsea have a new "generational" £45m transfer target

The sensational talent could become Chelsea and Maresca’s new Palmer.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 28, 2025

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has issued a mature statement after losing out to Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembele in the Ballon d'Or race on Monday. The teenage attacker had a stellar 2024-25 campaign with Barca, but Dembele was ultimately crowned the best player on the planet after leading PSG to the treble.

• Dembele gets edge after UCL exploits

  Yamal appeared in a whopping 55 matches for Barcelona across all competitions at the age of just 17 in the 2024-25 campaign, where he scored 18 goals and provided 25 assists. He played an important role in Barca's run to glory in La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup. However, Dembele was given the edge based on his Champions League-winning exploits with PSG, and he also scored 17 more goals than Yamal across all competitions. 

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• Getty
  

  Yamal issued classy message after losing Ballon d'Or

  A day after the ceremony in Paris, Yamal shared a mature post on Instagram and congratulated Dembele, as he wrote: "God’s plan is perfect, you have to climb to get to the top. Happy for the Kopa trophy x2 and congratulate @o.dembele7 for the award and the great season."

• Kopa Trophy consolation for Yamal

  Even during the ceremony, the Barcelona sensation conducted him in a very classy manner as he was spotted hugging Dembele on the stage just moments after the PSG star was presented the Ballon d'Or. Also, the 18-year-old did not leave Paris empty-handed as he bagged the Kopa Trophy for the second time in a row. 

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Yamal battling back from injury after strong start in 2025-26

  Yamal started the 2025-26 campaign with two goals and three assists in Barcelona's first three La Liga matches, however, he is a doubt for their next game against Oviedo on Thursday as he continues to recover from a groin injury.

The American midfielder's fine form across the first month of the campaign offers plenty of hope for Milan and USMNT fans, alike

It was the kind of goal Christian Pulisic doesn't score – but the exact one he should. Milan were up 2-0 against Lecce, yet hardly cruising. They needed a third goal to put their Coppa Italia tie to bed. The didn't craft the goal too well. Ruben Loftus-Cheek fed Youssouf Fofana, whose cross expertly evaded a wide-open Santi Gimenez. 

And that should have been it. But Pulisic read the cross expertly. He dashed in front of his defender, and, as the ball skipped off the turf, hooked it beyond a stranded goalkeeper. Game, won. Last 16, secured. It's a new move for the American star, an extra move added to his game that has developed year on year. Since the start of the 2023-24 season, only Lautaro Martinez has more goal contributions than Pulisic in Serie A. This season, thus far, he is averaging just short of two goal contributions per 90 minutes. 

Yes, it’s early in the season. Yes, Milan aren’t weighed down by European football. And yes, new manager Max Allegri has rotated with glee. But Pulisic is pacing this squad, enjoying the best start to a season of his career, and putting the memories of a beleaguered summer behind him. 

Getty ImagesA strong start to the season

Context is vital here. Pulisic, he insisted in his self-titled PULISIC documentary, that he has always been up against it in Europe. The city of Milan and supporters love him, but they are also always ready to pounce. This is the problem with being Pulisic. American stars generally don't exist in Europe. Pulisic breaks that mold. 

But that also comes with immense pressure, of course. The down periods at Chelsea were pretty heavy. He has been excellent – to various degrees – in Milan. Yet he still has endured his fair share of criticism in poorer spells. Last year, all said, was a bit mixed. Milan went through two coaches, and even if Pulisic managed to piece together another good season, he never quite took off in a way that he perhaps should have. 

Enter a new year, and Allegri – in Milan for his second spell as manager. It was a puzzling appointment. Sure, Allegri has a winning pedigree, but Milan have a load of attacking footballers who like to be expressive with the ball. That's the manager's worst nightmare. This shouldn't work. And the former Juventus boss has done his best, at times, for it not to. He has been painstakingly conservative in some of his starting XIs to open the season. The absence of star Rafa Leao due to injury, to be sure, has limited his options here and there. But his insistence on playing a back five has limited attack somewhat. 

AdvertisementGetty ImagesOff the bench, or from the start?

It is a good thing, then, that Pulisic has delivered. He started the first game of the season, playing up front in a maddeningly rigid 3-5-2 alongside Leao. It was a puzzling setup, especially against Serie B Bari in the Coppa Italia. But it was also effective. Pulisic scored and turned in an excellent 65 minutes. 

Since then, he has been in and out of the starting XI – and quite comfortably been Milan's best player throughout. Allegri is still beta-testing here, figuring out the best combinations of players up front. He is, in some ways, spoiled for choice. Santi Gimenez has all of the tools of a complete forward. Christopher Nkunku is a second triker, the kind of reclamation project that Serie A is built off. And a fit Leao is among the best wingers in world football.

Pulisic's role, in theory, should be a clear starter. But Allegri insists on tinkering. It is a good thing, then, that Pulisic has made an impact whenever he has played. The American has started just three of Milan's six games thus far, playing in a variety of roles. He has scored in four of those appearances and totaled six goal contributions in 287 minutes. Those are elite numbers, the kind you'd expect out of a world-class attacking player.

Getty ImagesTactical versatility to benefit

It may seem confusing, in that light, to see Pulisic come off the bench. Why, if he is so effective, is Allegri not fully taking the handbrake off? There are numerous answers here. The first is a tactical one. Allegri is a systems guy. He will play a 3-5-2 to an absolute fault. There are no alternatives here. It doesn't matter that, for example, Milan's squad is far more suited to an orthodox 4-3-3 or 3-4-3. 

That means it's tough to accommodate everyone. Gimenez is the only No. 9 in the squad. He also needs his fair share of touches to find form. He is a shoo-in due to his size, at 6-1, and potential – despite his challenges in actually finishing. That leaves four players fighting for one spot next to the Mexico international. And thus far, Allegri seems determined to give everyone a chance. The good thing for Pulisic here is that he's versatile enough to work in a variety of different configurations. Under previous managers, he has split time between left wing, right wing, and attacking midfield. 

At times, he has played as a false nine – even if that is a misuse of his talents. Allegri, then, can sort of chuck Pulisic in whenever he wants, with whoever makes the most sense. That likely won't keep everyone happy – there are too many players here – but it should at least guarantee minutes.

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Getty ImagesRotation and load management

The flip side to that is Pulisic's legs remain fresh. Calling him injury-prone might be a bit harsh, but Pulisic has certainly dealt with his fair share of knocks over the years. This is a player, remember, who has been forced into minutes from a young age, brought in by Jurgen Klopp at Borussia Dortmund before he was perhaps truly ready for first team football. 

Any time to rest, then, is ideal. Pulisic missed chunks of last season with calf and Achilles injuries. There has already been scattered talk of a knock holding him back thus far this year. And even if there are freak moments, it is unlikely that Pulisic will be asked to play through anything. More broadly, this is the reality of modern football. Milan don't have to worry about the intensity of playing in Europe, but they will play 38 Serie A games this year, and a good chunk of cup fixtures, too. 

Expectations are high. Allegri is not a building manager. He is the kind of guy you hire if you want to win things. The expectation here is that Milan win the Scudetto. Anything less is a failure in the eyes of ownership and fans alike. The reason Milan are so deep up front is to suit a coach who likes to tweak – who to tweak – in order to be successful. Pulisic's legs, naturally, will benefit.

Ipswich Town have had a torrid start to life in the Championship following last season’s Premier League relegation. Kieran McKenna’s side currently sit 18th in the Championship and were knocked out of the first round of the League Cup following the loss of a number of star players.

Omari Hutchinson and Liam Delap both secured their Premier League futures with moves to Nottingham Forest and Chelsea, respectively. So far this window, Ipswich have actually made a profit of over £50 million.

They have brought in some players such as Kasey McAteer and Azor Matusiwa on permanent deals, Ashley Young on a free transfer and Chuba Akpom on loan. However, these signings are yet to bring McKenna’s side a win.

While there is still time left in the transfer window, Ipswich are pushing to bring in another signing to help reinforce them defensively.

Ipswich close to finalising Furlong

Ipswich Town are close to signing a deal with West Bromwich Albion for Darnell Furlong. The deal for the defender will initially cost the Tractor Boys £3.5 million.

The agreement also includes a unique clause that means Ipswich will be required to pay West Brom a further £500,000 if they secure promotion. However, given their start to the season, this clause currently looks unlikely to be achieved. West Brom are set to make an impressive profit on Furlong as he only cost them just over £1.4 million when he joined from QPR back in 2019.

Ipswich have recently worked with Furlongs agency, New Era Global Sports Management Limited, as they represent Corbin Mthunzi, who joined their academy from Brighton in April.

"One of the best full-backs of the Championship"

With Furlong, Ipswich will have a capable defender on their hands who ranked highly among his peers in the second tier last season. In the 2024/25 campaign, Furlong ranked in the top 3% of players for both aerial duels and ground duels won.

A unique area in which Furlong shines is winning fouls. Furlong won 72 free kicks last season, putting him in the top 3% of similar players. These fouls were often won in his own defensive third and are the result of his nous when dealing with pressing opposition players.

These achievements are part of the reason that Furlong has left positive impressions on coaches he’s worked with in the past. Valencia boss Carlos Corberen, who managed Furlong for two years as West Brom boss, was full of praise for the full-back when he was his manager:

Based on these defensive stats and his former manager’s praise for him, Ipswich might be about to recruit the catalyst that can kick-start their season and get them climbing up the table.

MatériaMais Notícias

A Seleção Brasileira venceu Guiné por 4 a 1, nesse sábado (17), em amistoso realizado em Barcelona, na Espanha. A partida foi marcada pela luta contra o racismo e teve o Brasil atuando com uniforme preto pela primeira vez na história. Um dia após o duelo, a CBF divulgou imagens de bastidores que mostraram a resenha no vestiário e a ida de Vini Jr. para a “galera” depois do apito final. Confira no vídeo acima:

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Australia’s two spinners are Nos. 1 and 2 on the wicket charts in the two-Test series

Andrew Fidel Fernando08-Feb-2025

Matt Kuhnemann has 16 wickets in the series so far•Getty Images

Whatever happens on what is likely to be the final day of the series, it is clear that Australia’s spinners have been spectacular in Sri Lanka.So far, the hosts have lost 37 of the 40 wickets they can lose in two Tests. Of those, Australia’s two frontline spinners – Nathan Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann – have taken 29 wickets.Left-arm Kuhnemann has been especially impressive, taking 16 wickets at an average of 16.50. He was a serious doubt to play any part of this series, having suffered a compound dislocation and fracture in his thumb while playing in the Big Bash League. He has played one of the most definitive roles so far, and Lyon, who is currently on 552 Test wickets, felt Kuhnemann had been Australia’s chief weapon.”Kuhney’s been exceptional, and he deserves all the praise that he actually gets,” Lyon said after the third day’s play in Galle, where Australia need three more wickets to win the series 2-0. “I hope he gets a lot of it, because the way he broke his thumb three weeks ago, and showed the courage to come out here and bowl – I know it’s hurting him, but he’s there, he’s showing a lot of courage, and he’s bowling exceptionally well.Related

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“He’s bowling his best ball over and over, and challenging the guy’s defence, and that’s all we can ask. He’s playing his role to his best ability, and I’m extremely proud of him. This is his fifth Test match, is it? For him to take 16 wickets thus far in this series, with a couple still out there, I think he’s been our best bowler.”Lyon, one of Australia’s greatest spinners, has taken 13 wickets and on Saturday became the third Australia bowler – after Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath – to go past 550 wickets. But others have contributed too. Todd Murphy, Travis Head, and Beau Webster, have all taken a wicket apiece in Sri Lanka.”Well, we pride ourselves on improving on our skills – each and every one of us,” Lyon said. “For someone like Travis Head, too – we all know he’s an X Factor player with the bat – to keep putting his finger in the ice and keep doing those breakthroughs is special.”But everyone works hard on their game, and they want to play their role. They want to have an impact for the Australian cricket team, and that’s something that they should be proud of.”It’s been a resounding success in Sri Lanka for Australia’s spinners, and Lyon suggested simplicity was at the heart of what they tried to do on these pitches.”Honestly, we’ve just been talking about sticking to the process of bowling your best ball, and hopefully that will lead to a couple of chances here and there.”

Manchester United have suffered one of their most humiliating losses in the club’s history after being knocked out of the League Cup by League Two side Grimsby Town.

Ruben Amorim’s team were playing in the second round of the competition for the first time in 11 years but just about took the Mariners to penalties after recovering from 2-0 down in the first half.

However, £65m summer signing Bryan Mbeumo missed from the spot and goalkeeper Andre Onana struggled in goal as Grimsby ran out 12-11 winners on penalties.

Following Sir Alex Ferguson’s Old Trafford departure in 2013, the defeat to Grimsby has to be the most embarrassing for Man Utd. But this isn’t a one off, with the Red Devils suffering some heavy and humiliating losses since 2013 under numerous managers.

Man Utd’s most embarrassing defeats since Sir Alex Ferguson left 11 Man City 4-1 Man Utd 2013/14

David Moyes was the man to replace Ferguson, and in October 2013, led his Man Utd side in the first Manchester derby at the Etihad.

However, the Red Devils, who were the defending champions, found themselves 4-0 down in 50 minutes and began the shift in power in Manchester.

10 MK Dons 4-0 Manchester United 2014/15

MK Dons hadn’t been founded the last time United played in the second round of the League Cup in 2014, but the League One side hammered Louis van Gaal’s side 4-0.

Two goals from Will Grigg put the third-tier side on their way, before Arsenal loanee Benik Afobe rounded things off late on with a brace of his own.

9 Everton 4-0 Manchester United 2018/19

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and United were looking to finish in the top four when they travelled to Goodison Park to take on Everton in April in 2019.

However, the Red Devils failed to turn up, registering just one shot on target as they were outclassed by the Toffees, who went 4-0 up just after the hour mark. United would fail to qualify for the Champions League that season.

8 Manchester United 1-6 Tottenham 2020/21

Luckily for Man Utd and Solskjaer, the 6-1 defeat to Tottenham in October 2020 was played behind closed doors.

It was Jose Mourinho who came back to haunt the Red Devils, who conceded six at Old Trafford for just the second time in the Premier League. Spurs were 4-1 up at half time after Bruno Fernandes put United in front, and Tottenham coasted to victory as Mourinho got his revenge on United.

7 Manchester United 0-5 Liverpool 2021/22

A year on from a heavy defeat to Tottenham, Old Trafford was packed as Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool humiliated Solskjaer and Man Utd.

Mohamed Salah was the star of the show with a hat-trick for the visitors, with Naby Keita and Diogo Jota also getting on the scoresheet. Unfortunately for the Red Devils, though, things would only get worse against Liverpool.

6 Watford 4-1 Manchester United 2021/22

A heavy defeat at Vicarage Road against relegation-threatened Watford proved to be the final straw for Solskjaer as Man Utd manager in November 2021.

The Hornets, who would pick jump just 23 points all season and finish 19th, ran out comfortable winners, with captain Harry Maguire being shown a red card to cap things off for the Red Devils. Solskjaer left the club the following day.

5 Brighton 4-0 Manchester United 2021/22

Ralf Rangnick took interim charge of Man Utd following Solskjaer’s Old Trafford departure, but he had seen enough by the time his side were hammered by Brighton in May 2022.

Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, Pascal Gross and Leandro Trossard were the goalscorers for the Seagulls on the day to end United’s slim chances of Champions League qualification.

4 Brentford 4-0 Manchester United 2022/23

With Erik ten Hag the new man in charge at Old Trafford, there was plenty of positivity in the summer of 2022.

However, that quickly evaporated as Brentford stunned the Red Devils by scoring four goals in the first half, even with Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting line-up.

It was also United’s seventh loss in a row away from home, their worst run since 1936, although that wasn’t Ten Hag’s fault.

3 Sevilla 3-0 Manchester United 2022/23

Heading into the second leg of the Europa League quarter-finals level at 2-2, United failed to show up in Spain as Sevilla ran riot with a 3-0 win after two goals from Youssef En-Nesyri and one from defender Loic Bade.

Errors at the back from Maguire and David de Gea, with nothing going forward, Ten Hag’s side exited Europe with a whimper.

2 Liverpool 7-0 Manchester United 2022/23

Man Utd’s worst ever result in the Premier League came at Anfield in March 2023, with Liverpool recording the biggest win in the history of the fixture between the two rivals.

Cody Gakpo broke the deadlock just before half time and Klopp’s side ran riot in the second half, scoring six times with braces from Gakpo, Darwin Nunez, Salah and one from Roberto Firmino.

It was the first time in over 90 years that Man Utd had conceded seven goals in a single match, with Ten Hag the manager in charge.

As their search for a striker continues, Newcastle United are now reportedly eyeing a late move to sign a want-away star who outscored Jorgen Strand Larsen last season.

Howe responds to Isak statement

When Newcastle commenced their search for a striker earlier this summer, the last thing they were looking for was the kind that Alexander Isak has become in recent weeks. But that’s the reality that they find themselves in. The Swede has done everything to leave the club, from going on strike to even taking aim at the club on social media, yet he remains a Newcastle player.

Eddie Howe, who has been left to answer several questions every week about the forward, responded to his statement on social media following the PFA awards – telling reporters:

“This has been an unfortunate situation, but there are always two sides to every story. There’s more than even I will know, because there are conversations that have taken place far away from me and my knowledge of them.”

The Newcastle boss went on to admit that there were conversations between himself and Isak towards the end of the season, but reiterated that they will remain private: “Me and Alex had conversations towards the end of last season. I am not going to deny that. But individual conversations are best off remaining private.”

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Away from what is still a developing saga, meanwhile, Newcastle are still searching for a new striker to ease any potential Isak blow or to simply bolster their squad.

Reports recently indicated that their attention has turned towards Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Strand Larsen, but the Midlands club’s £60m+ price tag may yet force the Magpies to once again re-evaluate their options.

Newcastle eyeing late Sorloth move

According to the Daily Mail’s reliable journalist Craig Hope, Newcastle are now eyeing a late swoop to sign Alexander Sorloth, who reportedly wants to leave Atlético Madrid this summer after falling out with Diego Simeone.

The Norway international last featured in the Premier League as a struggling Crystal Palace striker from 2018 to 2020, but has since rebuilt himself into the type of clinical player that Newcastle so desperately need.

Hope revealed when speaking about Newcastle’s transfer targets:

“Alexander Sorloth at Atlético Madrid. Now, he’s available. His goal record is quite incredible when you look at the amount of goals he scored in La Liga for Atlético Madrid.

“He played at St James’ a couple of weeks ago. Absolutely in the mold of his countryman Strand Larsen as well – a big, tall, powerful centre-forward, a record of doing it in the top division. That’s the latest information to me that Sorloth is one of the names being considered.”

Minutes

1,566

2,587

Goals

20

14

Assists

2

4

Expected Goals

16.8

10.3

An experienced forward at the top level who outscored Strand Larsen last season, Sorloth could finally be the man that solves Newcastle’s striker problem if they make their move this month.