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Derbyshire romp home at Headingley after limp home effort relieved only by Dom Bess’s fifty

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Jul-2025Seamer Ben Aitchison’s maiden T20 five-wicket haul set Derbyshire on their way to hammering Yorkshire for the second Sunday running, ending the hosts’ already slim Vitality Blast quarter-final hopes in the process.Excellent Aitchison was potent en route to a superb 5 for 29 at Headingley and Afghanistan overseas spinner Mohammad Ghazanfar miserly in returning 2 for 5 from four overs as Yorkshire were limited to 151 for 9.The Falcons won at Chesterfield last Sunday, and here they deepened their local rivals’ misery by reducing them to 17 for 4 in five overs. Ghazanfar struck twice early and returned the joint-second most-economical four-over spell in Blast history.In a clash between the bottom two sides in the North, Dom Bess’s career best 53 off 37 balls at least gave Yorkshire a fighting total. But Derbyshire eased home by eight wickets inside 17 overs thanks largely to opener Aneurin Donald’s 54 off 30 balls.Derbyshire were already out of knockout contention, but this was their fourth win in 13 games and Yorkshire’s eighth defeat in 12.Yorkshire were left shell-shocked in the powerplay, which ended with them stranded on 28 for 4 having been inserted. Jonny Bairstow was bowled for a five-ball duck playing back to the offspin of Ghazanfar, who also had James Wharton caught at short cover.Sandwiched in between, Will Luxton was caught at short third-man and Dawid Malan at short fine-leg off Aitchison’s seam.On Thursday, Derbyshire reduced Worcestershire to 10 for 4 and lost. So they will have been wary not to let their foot off the gas. And they did not.Pakistani overseas batter Abdullah Shafique was next to go for 26, caught at mid-on off a miscued pull at Zak Chappell as Yorkshire reached the 10-over mark at 55 for 5. Chappell struck again in the 16th with the score on 97 when he had Will Sutherland caught at deep midwicket following a miscued pull.Bess, who hoisted two leg-side sixes off Pat Brown’s seam, kept Yorkshire afloat with his second career Blast fifty, this off 36 balls. But he fell to his next, caught at deep midwicket off Aitchison, who struck three times in four balls in the 19th over.Either side of dismissing Bess, he had Jordan Thompson caught behind and Jafer Chohan caught at backward point in posting only Derbyshire’s second ever T20 five-for.At Chesterfield last weekend, opener Donald smashed 85 off 30 balls as the Falcons chased 201. Here, their task was much more straightforward, and Donald was in the mood again.He ramped Sutherland’s seam for six and went on to reach his fifty off 24 balls – his sixth fifty of the campaign. By the time that was recorded, Derbyshire were motoring at 70 without loss in the sixth over. From there, with Yorkshire sloppy in the field, the result was inevitable.Donald miscued to point off Dan Moriarty’s left-arm spin having shared 78 inside eight overs with Australian Caleb Jewell.Jewell went on to post 41 not out and share an unbroken third-wicket stand of 73 with Wayne Madsen, who finished 51 not out off 28 balls and reached his fifty with the winning blow – a six over long-on off Jafer Chohan.

From Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane to Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins, MLS has featured some high-octane duos

Major League Soccer is built on star power, but not always on individuals. Sometimes the stars align, quite literally in this case, to create something even better. Throughout the league's history, dynasties have been formed by high-profile pairings, tandems that have helped lead some of the best teams in league history.

From the early days in MLS, some of the league's all-time teams have been led by two dynamic attacking players. And we might just be seeing another league-altering duo emerge. Son Heung-Min and Denis Bouanga are running right through MLS, and not just the regular season. Austin FC were recently put to the sword by LAFC's new duo, who combined for two goals and three assists in a 4-1 MLS playoff win on Sunday.

Like all great duos, Son and Bouanga have a natural chemistry. They're also individually dangerous. Son, of course, has long been one of the best wingers in the world. Bouanga, meanwhile, has blossomed into one of the most fearsome goalscorers in the league, one that was striking fear in defenses long before his South Korean running mate arrived.

GOAL takes a look at the all-time great MLS duos.

Getty Images SportLA Galaxy: Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane

Yes, there was the David Beckham era for the LA Galaxy. But there was another following the English icon's departure: the Donovan-Keane era.

Landon Donovan remains the true face of the LA Galaxy, the star that accomplished it all during his extended run as the guy in MLS. There's a reason the MLS MVP award is named after him. He didn't do it alone, though, as, starting in 2011, he was joined by Irish star Robbie Keane to form a duo that turned winning MLS Cups into something of a habit.

During their four seasons together, they lifted the big trophy three times. Each time, Donovan and Keane were a huge part of it.

"It’s been an honor to play with him," Keane said of Donovan at the time. "The understanding that we’ve both had on the field, the amount of goals both of us have scored and assists we have provided over the last four years has been fantastic. It is definitely up there with the best partnerships I’ve had in the game."

During their run together, they accounted for 174 combined goals and assists, nearly half of the Galaxy's numbers in total in that stretch. It's why, for many, Keane and Donovan remain the gold standard for partnerships in MLS.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportSeattle Sounders: Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins

They were here for a good time, not a long time, and those in Seattle would say it was a very, very good time. In the spring and summer of 2013, the Sounders took two big swings to bring Obafemi Martins and Clint Dempsey on board from Europe. It was, particularly at the time, a massive statement from the club. In truth, the ball didn't get rolling right away but, once it did, there was no stopping it.

In 2014, the Oba-Deuce duo exploded, leading the Sounders to the Supporters' Shield and the U.S. Open Cup. Martins finished with 17 goals, a club record, as well as 13 assists. Dempsey had 15 goals. What made those so special, though, was the manner in which they were scored. 

Throughout their run together, Dempsey and Martins often made it look like they were playing in a recreational league, not in MLS' biggest matches. There was a certain ease and flair to every goal they scored.

"I love playing with Oba," Dempsey said in 2015. "He’s one of the players I’ve enjoyed the most playing with in my career because it reminds me of being a kid playing pickup style, just thinking alike and knowing that if you make the right run, he’s going to find you."

Unfortunately, neither Dempsey nor Martins were around for the Sounders' crowning achievement two years later. Martins had, at that point, headed to China for a massive payday. Dempsey, meanwhile, was sidelined with a heart condition that prevented him from helping the Sounders lift the MLS Cup that winter.

For those who remember that era, though, the Dempsey-Martins combo was just as iconic as the MLS Cup trophy – and they paved the way.

Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY SportsToronto FC: Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco

During the mid-to-late-2010s, MLS was often defined by Seattle and Toronto, who met in the league final three times in a four-year span. Toronto was led by an attacking duo of their own. One big, one small, but Toronto FC's two attackers – Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco – ultimately ended up being a perfect pairing.

“For me, it’s a pleasure to play with Jozy," Giovinco said. "He’s more physical, I’m more technical, so we complete each other.”

After swinging and missing with Jermain Defoe, Toronto FC handed the attacking keys to Altidore and Giovinco, who arrived in January 2015. What followed was nothing short of magic. Giovinco, the diminutive Italian, became the first player to lead MLS in goals and assists in the same season. He was also the first player to record consecutive seasons of 30-plus goals and assists.

Altidore, meanwhile, was right there with him, hitting double figures for goals in each of their first three seasons together. With Altidore and Giovinco leading the line, and Michael Bradley anchoring the midfield, Toronto FC made it to three MLS Cups, winning in 2017. They also won a Supporters' Shield and three Canadian Championships, with Altidore and Giovinco playing definitive roles.

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Getty Images SportD.C. United: Marco Etcheverry and Jaime Moreno

One for the OGs here. Marco Etcheverry and Jaime Moreno were the league's original duo and, to this day, their achievements match up with virtually any other. The two Bolivian stars were the iconic faces of MLS' early years, with Etcheverry so often the creator and Moreno so often the one finishing.

Together, they won three MLS Cups to establish D.C. United's dominance in the league's first years. To take it one step further, they also lifted a CONCACAF Champions Cup, too, to prove that D.C. – and MLS – could compete with the very best in the region.

“I’ve known Marco since my first cap with the national team in the 1991 Copa America," Moreno said in 2013. "Since then, we have always had an amazing friendship. We then met at D.C. and my arrival to the club was so quick, I don’t think he was even expecting it. Marco means titles, and with him, we had the best years in D.C.

"Today, soccer is different and is not as exquisite as it was before. Marco used to put that exquisite touch to the game and to D.C.”

For many, they will be the best on this list, and there's plenty to back that up. Both were named to MLS All-Time Best XI in 2005 and, while MLS has evolved since they ran things in the late '90s, they remain part of the league's foundation.

Los Angeles Dodgers star slugger Freddie Freeman hit his fourth home run in as many games on Tuesday night in the Bronx, continuing his hot streak as the Dodgers tried to sweep the New York Yankees in the World Series.

Freemnan's first inning two-run blast put the Dodgers up early, but the Yankees responded with three home runs of their own, including a third-inning grand slam from shortstop Anthony Volpe. The offensive explosion from New York helped the Bronx Bombers take Game 4 and avoid the sweep, but that doesn't mean the Yankees aren't marveling at what Freeman is doing in the middle of the Dodgers' lineup.

Yankees star reliever Luke Weaver had one adjective to describe the unbelievable hot streak from Freeman in the postgame aftermath of Game 4.

"My first thought is this guy is superhuman," Weaver said to the media contingent following Game 4. "This guy is doing something that … we've seen for years, right? He's a pretty good big league player. And you're just sitting there just kinda marveling at the fact of what he's doing. You've gotta give him all the respect and appreciation for what he's doing in the biggest stage."

The Yankees will look to keep their season, and longshot hopes of a World Series title alive when they take the field for Game 5 in New York on Wednesday night.

Manchester United made it three wins from three in their first-ever Champions League campaign, courtesy of a thrilling 2-1 victory over Paris St-Germain in the inaugural women’s European match at Old Trafford. Former England goalkeeper Mary Earps was booed throughout in the PSG goal as the French giants conversely suffered a third defeat in the competition this season.

Man Utd opened the scoring courtesy of a wonderful strike from Melvine Malard, who showed great strength to hold off her defender and fired an unstoppable shot past Earps and into the far corner of the net. Earps was targeted by home fans throughout, despite spending five years with United, seemingly in response to the revelations about life in the Lionesses squad she made in her recent autobiography. 

The hosts looked on course to reach half-time in the lead, but they were pegged back in added time thanks to an incredible long-range strike from Spain international Olga Carmona from fully 25 yards out into the top left-hand corner, beating Safia Middleton-Patel’s despairing dive – the first goal United have conceded in Europe this season.

But the hosts were back in front in the second period after a wonderful team goal, as a quick interchange of passes through midfield involving Jess Park led to Anna Sandberg’s cross being met by Fridolino Rolfo’s header at the far post to seal the three points. The win puts United third in the Women’s Champions League league phase table, while winless PSG are 16th – only off the bottom due to goal difference.

GOAL rates Manchester United's players from Old Trafford…

AFPGoalkeeper & Defence

Safia Middleton-Patel (7/10):

Making her Champions League debut for United and there was nothing she could do for PSG's stunning goal in the first half. Made a superb save at the start of the second period which kept her team level. 

Jayde Riviere (7/10):

Cool, calm and confident for most of the match and had to be at her best during periods of heavy pressure from the visitors. Barely put a foot wrong.

Maya Le Tissier (8/10):

A commanding performance at the heart of United's defence, remained vigilant to threats and made some telling blocks. 

Gabby George (7/10):

An excellent evening, shown by the way she helped cover her full-backs as well as in the more central positions.

Anna Sandberg (8/10):

A fully committed evening, plenty of running and covered both defence and provided support in attack. Also credited with an assist for her brilliant cross for United's second goal. 

AdvertisementAFPMidfield

Hinata Miyazawa (7/10):

Wasted a good opportunity to open the scoring on the half-hour mark, her only chance in the match, but will be pleased with her performance. Had her work cut out it a busy midfield and played an important role in breaking up play. Taken off with 15 minutes remaining. 

Simi Awujo (7/10):

A constant threat for United and had a number of half-chances, but failed to remain cool at the crucial moment, snatching at a brilliant opening in the 67th minute, which would have sealed the points. Taken off in the 69th minute, replaced by Ella Toone.

Julia Zigiotti Olme (6/10):

A confident performance and covered huge amounts of ground, will be happy with her efforts against stern opposition.

AFPAttack

Jess Park (8/10):

A busy evening with a performance packed with creative spark, and did tonnes of work for the team. Was solid throughout and played a key role in the winner. Taken off in the the last minute.

Melvine Malard (8/10):

Showed exceptional strength to beat her defender and thrashed a brilliant shot past Earps into the far corner. Picked up a yellow card in the 17th minute, leading with her elbow into he marker's face. Had to be subbed off in the 76th minute after receiving a hefty knock.

Fridolina Rolfo (7/10):

Played a brilliant role in supporting Malard up front, covering acres of ground for United's cause and nodding in the winner. Will be pleased with her performance – subbed off in the 75th minute.

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Getty Images SportSubs & Manager

Ella Toone (6/10):

Brought on with 20 minutes to go, to provide a creative spark as United pushed for the third goal. Given a huge ovation as she entered the pitch, but wasn't able to create a big chance.

Elisabeth Terland (5/10):

Brought on after injury to Malard and was full of running, but too little time to make a significant impact. 

Leah Galton (5/10):

Clearly delighted to come on, but not enough time to make an impact. 

Rachel Williams (N/A):

Huge cheers as she came on in the last minute.

Marc Skinner (7/10):

Will be delighted with the performance and with his team's excellent progress in the Europe. His big players performed on the night and made the right changes to add fresh legs to close out the game. Good job.

In an early boost for Celtic, Club Brugge boss Nicky Hayen is reportedly open to replacing Brendan Rodgers in Scotland as the Bhoys step up their chase for their next manager.

Those in Glasgow were thrown into chaos when Rodgers resigned and majority shareholder Dermot Desmond had his say in brutal fashion on Monday night. Since then, a number of potential candidates have already been mentioned and veteran manager Martin O’Neill has enjoyed his first win as interim boss.

After thrashing Falkirk 4-0 to get back to winning ways in the Scottish Premiership, O’Neill told reporters: “I’m really pleased to win the game in the manner we did, and we played some delightful stuff. Could have scored a couple of more goals, too.

“I’m hoping some of the players have played today are old enough to know who I am, some of the younger lads I wouldn’t be totally sure. They see this man stepping into the dressing room and think ‘what’s happening here?’.

“I’m delighted, satisfied in the sense I thought we played very well. My anxiety has calmed somewhat, and it was really nice to win. When you get a few goals in front you can perhaps enjoy the last 10 or 15 minutes, and it kind of brought me back.”

Alas, the Northern Irishman will know more than most that the true test awaits this weekend when Celtic square off against Rangers in the Old Firm derby. With a place in the Scottish League Cup final up for grabs, the Bhoys should be desperate to get one over on their rivals.

Meanwhile, as the action continues on the pitch so does Celtic’s managerial search. So far, Parkhead chiefs have drawn up a shortlist which includes Craig Bellamy, Robbie Keane and Club Brugge boss Hayen among others.

Nicky Hayen now open to becoming Celtic manager

As reported by Belgian newspaper Nieuwslabd, Celtic now have concrete interest in Hayen and have got serious about the Brugge manager, who is also open to a move elsewhere.

Rodgers upgrade: Celtic have "kamikaze" title-winning manager on the radar

Celtic have a manager on their radar who could come in as a big upgrade on Brendan Rodgers.

ByDan Emery Oct 29, 2025

The report claims that the Bhoys would have to pay a hefty compensation fee if they did go all in on the 45-year-old, but he may prove to be worth every penny.

Having held Celtic to a 1-1 draw in the Champions League last year before thrashing Rangers 9-1 over two legs in the qualifiers back in August, Glasgow should already know all about Hayen’s quality.

Whether Celtic decide to push on and secure his arrival remains to be seen, however. He is certainly a strong candidate for the job, but is far from the only name in the running to replace Rodgers.

One Celtic star has just made himself undroppable

Opener’s century came alongside a fine all-round performance from Luc Benkenstein

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay17-Aug-2025Essex 321 for 8 (Critchley 103, Benkenstein 75, Westley 53, Holland 3-34) beat Leicestershire 261 (Masood 103, Benkenstein 3-53) by 60 runsAfter losing their opening three Metro Bank One-Day Cup matches, Essex backed up Friday’s emphatic victory over Surrey by defeating Leicestershire Foxes by 60 runs, dealing a blow to the latter’s chances of qualifying for the knock-out stages of a competition they won two years ago.A maiden List A century from opener Matt Critchley, supported by a 52-ball 75 by Luc Benkenstein, skipper Tom Westley’s 53 from 58 and Simon Harmer’s vigorous unbeaten 41 off 24 enabled Essex to rack up 321 for 8.Ian Holland (3 for 34) was excellent with the ball for the Foxes but Critchley’s solid 103 from 116 balls empowered Benkenstein and Harmer in particular to cut loose, the two hitting four sixes apiece. With no spinner in their side, the home attack lacked variety but did not help themselves by bowling 12 wides.Shan Masood (103 from 127) made the first century of his spell with Leicestershire but, with Roman Walker’s List A career-best 44 the next best against an Essex attack that had four spinners, the home side were bowled out for 261. Benkenstein took 3 for 53 with his leg breaks.After opting to bowl first on a green-tinged pitch, Leicestershire were rewarded in the fifth over when Robin Das nibbled at an outswinger by Holland and was caught behind.Ben Mike troubled Tom Westley early on but with Rishi Patel left out due to poor form with the bat and with no other spin option available after Liam Trevaskis pulled out through injury, the Foxes struggled to make inroads as Westley and Critchley added 99 in just under 19 overs. Westley survived a difficult chance to cover on 42 but hit seven boundaries in reaching 52 from 56 balls.He soon departed, superbly caught on the square leg boundary by Tom Scriven. Sol Budinger’s direct hit ran out Charlie Allison, but Critchley found another assertive partner in 20-year-old Benkenstein, who hauled Chris Wright and Wood over the rope at deep midwicket before ramping Roman Walker for another six in a 37-ball half-century, having escaped a chance to backward point on 39.The fourth-wicket pair added 127, Critchley overtaking his previous best of 64 not out as he collected nine fours in his hundred. Benkenstein hammered Mike down the ground for his fourth six but reached for a wide ball and was caught at short third.Ireland international Curtis Campher, after his debut unbeaten 123 against Surrey, was yorked first ball, after which Holland dismissed Critchley and Simon Fernandes. Scriven bowled Jamal Richards but Harmer cleared the rope four times in the last three overs.A testing target quickly became tougher as Jamie Porter removed both the Foxes’ openers in his first three overs without conceding a run, clipping Budinger’s off stump and striking Holland’s back pad in front. Lewis Hill edged Charlie Bennett to slip, leaving Leicestershire 16 for 3 in the sixth.Masood and skipper Peter Handscomb brought a wealth of experience but they needed not only to bat deep but score briskly with the required rate creeping up. They added 73 in 15 but then Handscomb found Allison on the legside boundary. New man Ben Cox was soon leg before to Westley’s off spin, leaving the home side 92 for 5.Masood completed a fifty from 70 balls but Harmer bowled Scriven for 15, after which Mike was out to Benkenstein’s leg spin without scoring.Walker batted nicely as he and Masood added 98 for the eighth wicket, Masood numbering 11 fours before he was lbw to Critchley’s leg spin, but the Foxes by then were well beaten, Benkenstein adding two more wickets as Walker and Wright found men on the boundary.

It's spring training for everyone across baseball, including the censors.

The Cincinnati Reds had the bats going during their Cactus League game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday, with Austin Hays leading the way in an 8–1 win. The 29-year-old outfielder, who totaled five home runs between the Baltimore Orioles and Philadelphia Phillies in 2024, went 3-for-3 with a pair of homers and six RBIs on the day.

His second big fly jumped off the bat, with a pop loud enough to make one fan sitting very close to a crowd microphone loudly exclaim something that doesn't usually make its way onto a family friendly broadcast.

Cincinnati fans hope that Hayes and the Reds can provide some more "oh s—" moments in the months to come.

Cincinnati finished a disappointing 77–85 in 2024, and hasn't made the playoffs since the abridged 2020 season. The Reds' last postseason trip in a full year was 2013, and they haven't won a playoff game since 2012 or series since 1995.

But that is the beauty of spring training—hope springs eternal for all 30 clubs.

Turkey is facing one of the most explosive scandals in its footballing history, with more than 1,000 players, 149 referees and even a top-flight club chairman suspended amid a sweeping illegal betting investigation. What began as an audit has spiralled into a multi-layered crackdown touching coaches, commentators, club executives and foreign betting networks while exposing a deeper crisis in Turkish football and society.

Gambling scandal jolts Turkish football

What began as an internal probe by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has now morphed into a far-reaching crisis. The initial revelation that 149 referees and assistants were suspected of betting on matches was shocking enough, but the numbers kept growing until the scandal exploded into the public sphere. Authorities have already suspended 1,024 players from all domestic leagues, shuttered the second and third divisions for two weeks, and arrested eight individuals, including the chairman of a top-tier club. The shock escalated when it emerged that 27 players from the Super Lig which included footballers from giants like Galatasaray, Besiktas and Trabzonspor were among those named. With nearly every club in the top 10 pulled into the inquiry except Fenerbahce, the title race has been thrown into disarray.

Istanbul Chief Prosecutor Akin Gurlek made it clear this was only the beginning. He said new operations could be launched at any time and openly acknowledged that coaches, club executives and even commentators may be pulled into the widening net. Turkish prosecutors are now working with UEFA, Interpol and foreign betting regulators in Montenegro, Cyprus and Georgia to track the international networks used to place illegal wagers.

"Whoever was involved in cheating, we are chasing them. There will be club chairmen and club executives in the probes … There may be ties between chairmen and referees, coaches and commentators. We are investigating everything," said Gurlek.

AdvertisementAFPAudit finds 371 professional referees hold active betting accounts

The magnitude of the scandal has left the country stunned. In Istanbul’s traditional hubs of football gossip fans admit they have been left speechless by the scale of wrongdoing. The TFF's own audit uncovered that 371 out of 571 professional referees held active betting accounts, including one official who had placed more than 18,000 wagers alone.

Sociologists and commentators argue the crisis mirrors wider issues within Turkey. The scandal broke at a time when Turkey is already grappling with politically charged anti-corruption probes, and many citizens believe football is simply reflecting the country’s broader problems. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has insisted that the crackdown proves no one is untouchable under Turkish law, yet critics argue that suspicions and political tensions have clouded the investigation’s integrity.

Meanwhile, pay levels and financial pressures, once assumed to be the cause, appear to be only part of the story. Some referees were even encouraged to join betting platforms linked to influential business groups, raising uncomfortable questions about oversight, conflicts of interest and how deeply embedded gambling culture had become within the sport.

Players deny accusations as Turkish football comes under strain

Several high-profile players, including national team defenders, denied ever betting and were later cleared. FIFA-certified referee Zorbay Kucuk filed a criminal complaint to assert his innocence, insisting he had never placed a single wager.

Turkey’s refereeing community, already historically targeted by fans, coaches and club owners, now faces public distrust like never before. Past incidents, from physical attacks on referees to public accusations from managers like José Mourinho, have only amplified the sense that the entire officiating system is fragile and vulnerable.

Turkey’s top clubs have publicly backed the crackdown, calling it a chance to “clean” the sport. Yet among supporters, scepticism runs deep. With Turkey ranked high on global organised crime indexes, many fear the investigation might end with a few high-profile arrests while the core problems remain untouched.

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AFPTurkish federation's fight to rebuild trust on the global stage

The scandal arrives at a time when Turkish football should have been enjoying renewed optimism. The national team’s Euro 2024 run, co-hosting duties for Euro 2032, and a surge of big-money transfers had created a sense of revival. Instead, the sport is now grappling with a crisis that threatens its integrity at the most fundamental level.

The TFF has quietly asked FIFA for an emergency transfer window to help clubs cope with mass suspensions, signalling just how disruptive the fallout has been. Meanwhile, UEFA is monitoring the situation closely, wary of the integrity risks posed to European competitions. As the legal dust settles, the investigation could reshape Turkish football for years to come, determining which clubs face relegation, which officials receive lifetime bans, and which executives are prosecuted.

Joining Manchester United in their pomp is easy. Joining Manchester United in their current state, fresh off the back of a worst-ever Premier League campaign at Old Trafford, requires a little bit of craziness.

Craziness to believe that you can be the man to lift the Red Devils out of their ongoing decline, with ex-Brentford talisman Bryan Mbeumo – signed on a £71m deal over the summer – already looking like he’s ready to do just that.

There may not have been the glamour attached to the deal that there was when names like Angel Di Maria or Radamel Falcao rocked up in Manchester, but that might be because this marquee move actually made sense, with Ruben Amorim and co forking out for a properly Premier League-proven figure.

Having netted 20 times in the top-flight last time out under Thomas Frank, there was a feeling that the Cameroonian was destined for the Champions League, with his former boss intent on taking him to Tottenham Hotspur.

The 26-year-old, to his credit, made it clear he only wanted United, patiently waiting out protracted negotiations to eventually seal his desired switch. Six goals in his first 12 games for the club have since followed.

Mbeumo is now the benchmark for further reinforcements to try and meet, with recent reports indicating that additional attacking recruits could potentially be in the works.

Man Utd's search for a forward

While the extent of his injury is yet to be known, the potential absence of Benjamin Sesko has brought the lack of genuine alternatives to the Slovenian into sharper focus, with Joshua Zirkzee the only other senior striker in Amorim’s ranks.

Sesko, signed for £74m from RB Leipzig, has made a promising albeit unspectacular start in English football with just two goals scored across league and cup, with questions to be asked over whether a more experienced marksman is still required.

According to reports in Spain, that very fact may well see United renew their interest in a certain Harry Kane in 2026, with the England skipper deemed to be a ‘proven solution’ to their long-standing centre-forward woes.

Transfer Focus

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

As per the report, the likes of Barcelona and Chelsea are also paying close attention to the 32-year-old’s situation at Bayern Munich, with his existing deal in Bavaria set to expire in 2027.

Kane, the piece suggests, is keen to stay at the Allianz Arena, although the presence of a reported €65m (£57m) release clause in his current contract will certainly spark a raft of interest heading into the New Year.

Whether it is January or next summer, Kane – who was Erik ten Hag’s prime target back in 2023 – would still remain a significant coup if INEOS could pull it off.

Why Man Utd could land an even better signing than Mbeumo

2023 remains a frustrating window as far as United are concerned, with Ten Hag’s apparent interest in the likes of Kane and Declan Rice ultimately counting for little, as Mason Mount, Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana all arrived instead.

Hojlund, as those at Old Trafford are aware, has since proved to be something of a mixed bag, having scored just 26 goals in 95 games in all competitions, alongside a further four goals on loan at Napoli this season.

Since leaving Spurs for Bayern two years ago, meanwhile, Kane has gone on to amass a ridiculous haul of 108 goals in just 113 games for the Bundesliga giants, becoming the quickest player this century to reach triple figures for a team in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

Mbeumo might have stolen the show with a standout 2024/25 campaign for the Bees, but if it is true Premier League proven quality that you are after, then Kane is the man. 213 goals in England’s top-tier places him third on the all-time list.

Widely regarded as the best striker in the world, Kane has scored at least 17 league goals in every season stretching from 2014/15 to 2024/25. As for the new campaign, he already has 13 in ten in Germany’s top division. Mbeumo, for contrast, has five in 11.

2024/25

31

26

2023/24

32

36

2022/23

38

30

2021/22

37

17

2020/21

35

23

2019/20

29

18

2018/19

28

17

2017/18

37

30

2016/17

30

29

2015/16

38

25

2014/15

34

21

Not your typical superstar, the former Spurs talisman is simply efficient to the extreme, with few players in the modern era having possessed such a ruthless, clinical streak in front of goal.

The beauty of Kane too, however, is that he isn’t just your average penalty box poacher. There are so many strings to his extraordinary bow.

Even deployed in almost a central midfield role at times under Vincent Kompany this season, namely in the win over Borussia Dortmund, England’s record scorer has that knack for being able to spray passes at will, having developed into an all-encompassing, playmaking number nine.

Such traits even led Tottenham great David Ginola to liken him to a legendary figure of the past back in 2022: “He is like the new Diego Maradona now. Long passes, short passes, he has it all.”

At 32, while he may be entering that ‘last dance’ territory, Amorim and United certainly shouldn’t turn their nose up at the chance to bring Kane back to England. There is Alan Shearer’s record to chase for him, after all.

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Manchester United have hit the jackpot on a star who’s worth more than Elliot Anderson.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 14, 2025

Visitors leave Glamorgan with plenty to do at Sophia Gardens

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay25-Sep-2025Glamorgan 265 and 41 for 2 trail Lancashire 374 (Wells 78, Jones 62, Balderson 51) by 68 runsLancashire have left Glamorgan with much to do to force a positive result after gaining a three-figure lead at Sophia Gardens.Luke Wells’ dogged 78 to pass 1,000 runs for the season along with a much-needed 62 for Scottish international Michael Jones and George Balderson took Lancashire to 374. Several other starts, including Keaton Jennings’ 1,000-run landmark, also boosted the visitors to a 109-run lead.Allrounder Timm van der Gugten’s involvement in his 100th first-class match wasn’t finished with a half-century on day one as he took the reigns to take 5 for 85, Glamorgan fighting back with the final four wickets inside nine overs with the second new ball.Resuming overnight on 55, openers Wells and Jennings resumed momentum with the expectation to bat all day. Jennings’ half-century looked inevitable before being removed on 49 as Van der Gugten’s first victim despite Jennings’ tall stature batting outside his ground on a rising delivery.George Bell was next to fall short of a half-century with a stylish 45 while Wells remained quiet since pulling a boundary to bring up his thousand-run season.Partnerships of substance without kicking on continued to be the theme. When Wells eventually was undone by Mason Crane finding some turn, a chance to rip through the middle order looked possible, Jones struggling to line up Crane initially in a good battle. Even after two sixes in quick succession from the Scot, Sam Northeast persevered with bowling the former England leg-spinner who created numerous chances in a long spell which deserved more than his 2 for 109 suggests.Ned Leonard hobbling off two balls into a spell left more pressure on Glamorgan. Jones’ second half-century of the season came after just 42 balls and Hurst was the next to fall short of the milestone.Tom Hartley pleasantly drove the first ball of the 89th over (Glamorgan’s first with the new ball) for four, giving warning signs of more to come at 337 for 6 – but Van der Gugten’s experience to gain his 300th first-class Glamorgan wicket, and one for Harris, was enough to wrap up before more potential damage on a variable pitch.Similar to the previous day, the opening pair would need to negate 17 overs as the sun lowered at Sophia Gardens. Zain Ul Hassan avoided his pair and stuck out the day after an important spell of bowling claiming both Jones and Hurst, who put together 88 in the afternoon.Asa Tribe and nightwatcher Harris couldn’t grind out Lancs’ seamers despite a positive start from the former; a low ball making him the latest to succumb to that method on the deteriorating Cardiff pitch.