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With the IPL set to resume, we look back at five defining moments from the first chunk of the season

Hemant Brar14-Sep-2021Samson refuses a single
Chasing 222 against Punjab Kings, Sanju Samson scored 119 scintillating runs but it was the single he did not take that remains the abiding memory of his innings. With Rajasthan Royals needing 13 from the last over, Arshdeep Singh conceded only two singles from the first three balls. Samson hit the fourth ball for a six to make it five required from two balls, and then drilled the penultimate ball towards long-off. Non-striker Chris Morris, no slouch with bat, charged halfway down the pitch before realising Samson wasn’t interested in the run.That meant Royals needed five off the final ball. Arshdeep bowled it full outside off, almost in the slot but Samson could only slice it into the hands of deep cover.Related

• IPL returns to UAE as familiar foes Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings take centre stage

• IPL 2021 returns: Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, KKR and Sunrisers Hyderabad look to turn fortunes around

• Brendon McCullum: 'We were being paralysed a little bit by fear' at the start of IPL 2021

• The ever evolving genius of Kieron Pollard

• Jadeja is already changing games – in 3D

Jadeja tears apart Harshal
In his first four games in IPL 2021, Harshal Patel had bowled seven overs at the death at an economy rate of 5.85 while picking up nine wickets. Then came the game against Chennai Super Kings. Harshal bowled the 18th over of the innings, conceded only five runs and dismissed Ambati Rayudu. His figures at that stage were 3-0-14-3. Giving him the 20th over was a no-brainer.Ravindra Jadeja, though, had other plans. Harshal tried offcutters, yorkers and a slower bouncer but nothing came out right as Jadeja stood deep in his crease, cleared the front leg and launched everything over midwicket. The first four balls, including a no-ball, were all hit for sixes. The next produced a brace before Jadeja finished it off with another six and a four, making it the joint-most expensive over (37 runs) in the IPL.Shaw’s six fours in an over
While Jadeja’s onslaught against Harshal came in the last over of the innings with the batter well set, Prithvi Shaw did something similar to Shivam Mavi in the first over itself.Kolkata Knight Riders had set Capitals a target of 155. Not a daunting task but Shaw reduced it to a cakewalk just after one over. Mavi’s first ball was a wide down the leg side; each of the next six was dispatched for a four via an array of shots – loft, flick, punch, drive and cut. Shaw didn’t premeditate. All he did was reacted to the ball and hit it either in the gaps or over the infield. He and Dhawan added 132 for the first wicket as Capitals cruised home with seven wickets and 21 balls to spare.Kieron Pollard hammered a 17-ball half-century to pull off an improbable heist against Chennai Super Kings•BCCI/IPLBrar gets Kohli, Maxwell and de Villiers
Halfway into his third IPL season, Harpreet Brar had no wicket to his name. And then, in a single match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, he dismissed Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell and AB de Villiers. All in a span of seven balls. Without conceding a run.In Brar’s earlier overs, Kohli had hit his first balls for a six and a four. At the start of his third over, Kohli once again stepped out but this time Brar shortened his length and castled him. On the next ball, he beat Maxwell’s outside edge to hit the off stump. de Villiers prevented the hat-trick but with the first ball of his next over, Brar snared him as well, caught at extra cover by KL Rahul. That all but sealed Kings’ victory.Pollard stuns Chennai Super Kings
Set a target of 219, Mumbai Indians were 81 for 3 in the tenth over when Kieron Pollard came to the crease. The asking rate was already above 13 and soon crossed 15. That’s when Pollard started the boundary-fest. He bludgeoned Jadeja for three sixes in an over and Lungi Ngidi for two before meting out similar treatment to Shardul Thakur.Still, Mumbai needed 16 from the last over, bowled by Ngidi. With Dhawal Kulkarni at the other end, Pollard decided to face all six deliveries. He refused singles on the first and fourth balls while squeezing out two fours in between. With eight needed from two, Ngidi bowled a juicy full toss that Pollard pulled for six. Then he dug out the final ball towards wide mid-on and sprinted back for the second to seal the match and finish unbeaten on 87 off 34 balls.

In what could see them finally land a long-term target, Newcastle United are now reportedly accelerating their move to sign a £30m star with talks now advancing.

Newcastle's summer plans set to heat up

With the PSR deadline approaching as well as the start of pre-season, Newcastle insiders reportedly believe that the transfer window is set to heat up in the next week or two. And that Magpies could yet play a large part in that. The Champions League awaits Eddie Howe’s side next season and, for the first time in over a year, PIF seemingly have money to spend.

He's an Isak clone: Newcastle start discussions to sign £50m "superstar"

Newcastle have enquired about signing their next Alexander Isak.

1 ByRoss Kilvington Jun 23, 2025

Unlike the last time that they were forced to balance European football with domestic commitments, Newcastle could put together a squad capable of competing on all fronts this summer. Just who comes in is the big question.

If reports are anything to go by, then the likes of Anthony Elanga will be a name to watch. The Nottingham Forest star was the subject of Newcastle’s interest late on last summer and is now seemingly back on their radar one year later.

Signing a right-winger is reportedly among Newcastle’s priorities this summer and with Bryan Mbeumo likely on his way to Manchester United rather than St James’ Park, a move to sign Elanga would certainly make sense.

That’s not Newcastle’s only priority, however. With Nick Pope now 33 years old and coming off the back of an injury-hit campaign, those in Tyneside have also set their sights on signing a new shot-stopper in the coming months.

Newcastle advance talks to sign James Trafford

To that end, the most prominent name mentioned over the last year has been James Trafford, and it now looks as though the Magpies could get their man.

According to TeamTalk, Newcastle are now in advanced talks to sign Trafford and are accelerating their £30m move to sign the Burnley star, which could be finalized as early as this week, with the goalkeeper reaffirming his desire to join Newcastle.

For all involved at St James’ Park, Trafford’s arrival would be seen as the ultimate success. He’s been a top target since early last summer and has since enjoyed a standout season as Burnley earned promotion back to the Premier League. At just 22 years old, he is one of the best young goalkeepers around.

Praised for an “incredible season” by scout Jacek Kulig back in February, £30m could quickly look like a bargain price for Trafford if he brings his Burnley form into Howe’s side next season.

With Antonio Cordero secured and Trafford reportedly on his way, the Magpies are off to a solid start on the transfer front this summer.

تعرض أحد لاعبي الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك، للإصابة خلال المباراة الجارية الآن أمام طلائع الجيش.

ويلتقي الزمالك أمام طلائع الجيش على أرضية استاد القاهرة، في إطار لقاءات الجولة الـ13 من الدوري المصري.

طالع.. فيديو | ناصر ماهر يسجل هدف الزمالك الأول أمام طلائع الجيش في الدوري

وأصيب خوان بيزيرا، لاعب الزمالك بعد تدخل قوي من لاعب طلائع الجيش، حيث غادر الملعب باكيًا من الإصابة، وحل عدي الدباغ بدلًا منه.

ودخل الزمالك المباراة وهو يحتل المركز الرابع في جدول ترتيب الدوري برصيد 19 نقطة من 11 مباراة، بعدما حقق الفوز في خمس مواجهات وتعادل في أربع وخسر مرتين.

ويبحث الزمالك عن استعادة نغمة الانتصارات بعد 3 تعادلات وخسارة في آخر 4 مباريات بمسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز. إصابة خوان بيزيرا

تطرق أندريس إنييستا، النجم السابق لنادي برشلونة، للحديث عن مباراة الكلاسيكو المرتقبة يوم الأحد المقبل، ضد خصمه ريال مدريد في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الإسباني.

ويحل برشلونة ضيفًا على ريال مدريد في قمة منافسات الجولة العاشرة من الدوري الإسباني، موسم 2025/26، على ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو”.

وقال إنييستا في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية: “مباراة الكلاسيكو دائمًا ما تكون مميزة، تتجوز توقعات كل لاعب”، موضحًا ثقته من كون انتصارات برشلونة الأخيرة عززت ثقتهم قبل مباراتهم ضد ريال مدريد.

وعندما سُئل عن انتقاد لامين يامال لـ ريال مدريد قبل ساعات قليلة من المباراة، لم يتردد إنييستا في الإشارة إلى أنه “تعليق لإضفاء بعض الإثارة على الكلاسيكو”، لكنه أوضح أن المهم هو ما يحدث على أرض الملعب، وليس التصريحات قبل المباراة.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ريال مدريد يتخذ قرارًا بعد تصريحات لامين يامال “الغبية” قبل الكلاسيكو

وأوضح: “أتفهم ذلك، بغض النظر عن صحة التعليقات أم لا، ستكون مباراة رائعة، سنرى ما سيحدث، دائمًا ما تُعطى أهمية كبيرة لما يُقال، خاصة قبل مباراة كهذه”.

وواصل: “أنا أيضًا لست مطلعًا على آخر المستجدات، سيقول البعض إنها مجرد إثارة للمباراة، بينما لن يعجب البعض الآخر، لكن ما يهم حقًا هو ما يحدث خلال تلك الدقائق التسعين”.

وشدد: “الكلاسيكو يتجاوز أي تعليق من أي لاعب أو رئيس أو مدرب، بالنسبة لي الكلاسيكو هو أهم مباراة على الإطلاق، نصيحتي لـ لامين يامال؟ حسنًا، إذا رأى النادي أنه لا يقدم أداءً جيدًا، فأعتقد أن تلك الأمور ستناقش داخليًا”.

وأثنى إنيسستا على لاعب برشلونة بيدري، حيث قال: “بيدري هو بيدري، في عصرنا دائمًا ما تُعقد المقارنات، إنه يشق طريقه بموهبته وتأثيره في برشلونة والمنتخب الوطني، بالنسبة لي هو اللاعب الأكثر تميزًا، من وجهة نظري كلاعب كرة قدم، وما يمثله لاعب كرة القدم”.

واسترسل: “آمل فقط أن يواصل على هذا النحو ويمضي قدمًا في تألقه، الذي سيكون بلا شك مفيدًا جدًا لبرشلونة”، واختتم قائلًا: “لم أخفِ أبدًا رغبتي في العودة إلى برشلونة في مرحلة ما من حياتي”.

It is no secret that Arsenal are actively in the market for a new attacking player or two for Mikel Arteta this summer, with the Gunners now urged to make a move for one highly-rated forward who’s reportedly on Andrea Berta’s list.

Arsenal targeting new winger with "numerous talks" held

Bukayo Saka’s lengthy injury absence midway through 2024/2025, combined with uncertainty surrounding the long-term future of Leandro Trossard, has seemingly pushed Arsenal into considering the signing of a winger.

Arsenal talks could advance in "next few days" as Berta eyes £59m signing

The Gunners have been in contact this week.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 5, 2025

The Belgian is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract in north London, and there are even some suggestions that Arsenal would also entertain suitable bids for Gabriel Martinelli, who is valued at around £50 million, so Arteta’s wide options could look slightly different by the time we reach 2025/2026.

In terms of potential incomings, talks have been held over a deal for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, who is considered the “dream signing” by Arsenal in that position, but negotiations are proving complicated due to wage demands (Florian Plettenberg).

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

That being said, Rodrygo is by no means their only option, with Berta holding “numerous talks” over many targets, including Atalanta star Ademola Lookman.

The Nigerian is reportedly valued at around £42 million, which could prove to be a bargain considering his exploits in Serie A over the last two seasons.

Lookman’s devastating performance in the 2024 Europa League final ended Bayer Leverkusen’s historic unbeaten run, and he’s fresh off scoring 20 goals in all competitions for Atalanta over the season just gone.

Multiple reports have claimed that Arsenal have held talks over a move for Lookman, with club legend Ian Wright now urging Berta to seal a deal.

Ian Wright urges Arsenal to sign Ademola Lookman after alleged talks

Speaking on the Wrighty’s House podcast this week, the N5 icon expressed his admiration for Lookman’s journey to the top, branding him a “top” player.

Wright also urged Arsenal to sign Lookman before the start of next season, explaining exactly why he believes the African would do an excellent job under Arteta.

“I’m going to go with Ademola Lookman winning the African Player of the Year in respects of that man’s journey,” said Wright.

“I remember him from Charlton, it didn’t work out, £10 million to Everton, then moving all over the place, the journey from loan to this, then I think that’s one of the most devastating performances I’ve seen in any final with that hat-trick he scored.

“I hope we can buy him, Arsenal. I would love someone like him to come back to the Premier League and say, ‘listen, I have unfinished business here, so I am going to help Arsenal win the league’.

“But I just admire his journey, and now he’s recognised rightly as a top player, unbelievable.”

Warwickshire strike early but captain’s innings keeps rivals at bay

ECB Reporters Network09-Sep-2024Club captain Brett D’Oliveira struck his fourth successive half-century since returning from injury to inspire another Worcestershire recovery on the opening day of the Vitality County Championship derby with Warwickshire at Visit Worcestershire New Road.D’Oliveira had come to the wicket just over a week ago with Worcestershire 10 for 4 on the opening morning versus Essex at Chelmsford and his 68 helped his side rally to 266 all out on their way to a 43-run success. That followed his 97 during the home win over Kent and for good measure he hit another 51 in the second innings against Essex.Here, his side were struggling at 67 for 4 in testing conditions when he walked out to the middle and was again the cornerstone of a fightback with the top score of 76.D’Oliveira received excellent support from Adam Hose, fit again Matthew Waite and Logan van Beek in partnerships of 49, 76 and 43.He had missed the entire Metro Bank One-Day Cup campaign whilst having extensive rehab to a shoulder problem which has troubled him for the past year. But the treatment seems to have paid handsome dividends for the 32-year-old who has been in prime form since the Championship programme recommenced.Waite also made his mark with a fluent half-century on his return to action after nearly two months on the sidelines with a side strain.Oliver Hannon-Dalby, the leading wicket-taker in Division One, added three more scalps to take his tally for the season to 46 and again bowled impressively.Worcestershire gave a Championship debut to young Academy pace bowler Jack Home who last week signed a three-year contract after taking 16 wickets in five games in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup.Warwickshire made one change from the side which had defeated Kent with spinner Danny Briggs replacing Jacob Bethell.Warwickshire skipper Alex Davies put the home side into bat on a wicket where the bounce was variable, particularly when bowling from the New Road End, and Hannon-Dalby made the first breakthrough when Jake Libby pushed forward to a delivery which nipped away and was caught behind.Kashif Ali, who had scored two centuries in the corresponding game at Edgbaston, provided keeper Michael Burgess with another catch off former Worcestershire allrounder Ed BarnardGareth Roderick had his middle stump knocked back by Michael Rae and then Ethan Brookes, promoted to No. 4, was lbw to Hannon-Dalby on his return to the attack with a delivery which swung back in. Hose and D’Oliveira battled through to lunch at 77 for 4 from 30 overs.D’Oliveira pulled Rushworth for four to bring up the 100 in 39.3 overs. The fifth wicket pair extended their partnership to 49 but Hose, having battled for nearly two hours for 33, drove at Barnard and was pouched at second slipWaite was full of positive intent from the start and collected four boundaries at Barnard’s expense in two overs.He was the dominate figure in a half-century partnership with D’Oliveira and completed his own fifty from 71 balls with nine fours.The afternoon session produced 111 runs from 34 overs for the loss of one wicket. But Waite added only one more run before he was lbw to Rae after he switched ends to end a stand of 76.D’Oliveira reached another excellent half century from 115 balls when he late cut Briggs for his seventh boundary. He found another staunch ally in van Beek in adding 43 for the seventh wicket but on 76 was finally caught low down at first slip by Yates off Will Rhodes.The second new ball accounted for van Beek with a third scalp for Hannon-Dalby thanks to Yates again showing a safe pair of hands, this time at second slip.But Home, who hit Barnard for the first six of the game backward of square, and Tom Taylor earned Worcestershire a precious batting point before the close during an unbroken stand of 52.

Romelu Lukaku has revealed he "didn't want" to join Manchester United in 2017, amid interest from Chelsea.

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• Lukaku "didn't want" Man Utd move
• Striker reveals Jose Mourinho call
• Had interest from Chelsea

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The striker signed for United from Everton for a reported £75 million but has now opened up on the move, claiming he regrets being influenced by a phone call from then-Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT LUKAKU SAID

  Lukaku told Het Nieuwsblad: "I had already told everyone: I’m going to Chelsea. But suddenly Mourinho called me to say that Manchester United had made an offer. I came back from vacation and suddenly there was an agreement with Everton. I said to Mino [Raiola, after the move]: 'I don’t want this', and then I decided now I’m doing everything myself."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Lukaku scored 42 goals in 96 appearances in two seasons at Old Trafford, also registering 12 assists, but was not part of a successful United team under Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He did eventually re-join Chelsea, signing from Inter in 2021.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR LUKAKU?

  Lukaku has since found a new home at Napoli, netting 14 goals last season, and will be aiming to inspire a defence of Serie A in 2025-26 with new team-mate Kevin De Bruyne.

Kostas Tsimikas has paid tribute to former teammate Diogo Jota, in a social media post alongside a gut-wrenching image of the forward's no. 20 shirt.

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• 'Jota 20' shirt pictured at scene of tragic crash
• Diogo and brother Andre passed away on Thursday
• World continues to pay tribute

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The tragic image shows a Liverpool shirt with Jota's name on the back pictured at the scene of the fatal crash, which took place in Cernadilla, Spain, in the early hours of Thursday morning. Tsimikas captioned the Instagram post with an emotional message dedicated to his former teammate and close friend.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Tsimikas expressed in the message how himself and Jota arrived at Anfield the same year in 2020, growing at the club together and sharing some special memories. He spoke of their close relationship both on and off the pitch, between two players who may not be Scousers by birth, but who were welcomed into the Liverpool family as their own. Tsimikas is often lovingly referred to as the 'Greek Scouser' by fans, while Andy Robertson recently said Jota was "the most British foreign player he has ever met" in his own emotional tribute to the late forward.

• WHAT TSIMIKAS SAID

  Tsimikas begun his post on Instagram by quoting Jota's famous Liverpool chant: "Oh he wears the number 20 and his name is Diogo."

  He continued: "We’ve moved to the club the same period. We were the new boys in the city. We’ve shared and celebrated some of our best moments of our careers together. Before one of our last ones you’ve said to me 'You cross, I score' and that’s what happened. We laughed and we talked about lots.

  "You were a special player, a special guy, a true legend Diogo. You’ll always be remembered and always be loved. My heart and my prayers are with your Rute, your boys, your little girl, your family and everyone who loved and waited for you both to go home. You and your brother André will be missed forever."

  Tsimikas then had some powerful words in Greek: "Good paradise Diogo and Andre. May God give strength to your loved ones to endure the nightmare and may they one day see the light again," he said.

  "We love you Diogo. YNWA."

• Getty Images
  

  FURTHER TRIBUTES TO JOTA

  Friends and family will come together to celebrate the lives of Diogo and Andre at their funeral in Porto, Portugal on Saturday morning. Tsimikas and his Liverpool teammates will need some time to come to terms with their great loss, but they will no doubt play in the memory of Jota next season and forever thereafter, ensuring his memory lives on at Anfield and beyond.

The NYCFC star shined brightly in penalties against Costa Rica, but has looked shaky at times throughout the Gold Cup

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Consensus that Freese had a "nervy" Gold CupDonovan says Freese might not start in fall friendliesFreese expected to be starter in tournament finalGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowWHAT HAPPENED?

Just three days after being labelled a star after his heroics against Costa Rica in the USMNT's penalty shootout win in the Gold Cup quarterfinals, goalkeeper Matt Freese is back under the microscope.

Though Mauricio Pochettino's side beat Guatemala 2-1 to advance to the tournament final, Freese had dicey moments Wednesday night. Freese's positioning was slightly off when Olger Escobar scored to cut the deficit in half in the 80th minute.

"Outside of when he was making penalty saves, I don't think we've seen Matt Freese look comfortable in this tournament – comfortable or confident in himself, and the way in which we view him.," Lalas said on FOX Sports. "For a national team goalkeeper, that's not great. Had a beautiful moment in the penalties the other day, but its nervy."

Freese had four saves in the contest, conceding the one goal.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Freese's inconsistency raises the question: who will be the USMNT starting goalkeeper? Freese started all five matches in this Gold Cup, ahead of incumbent Matt Turner, the World Cup starter in 2022. Sidelined MLS goalkeepers Zack Steffen and Patrick Schulte are expected to remain in contention.

Another U.S. legend Landon Donovan wondered if Freese will start in the upcoming September friendlies, based on current form.

"When I walked out of the tunnel [as a player] and saw Tim Howard, I was like 'He's got it.' " Donovan said. "In the last game, after the penalties, you felt his presence for the first time. You could really feel it. And [now] you're like 'Eh.' Look, he's still growing, and I'm not saying he can't be there – he's earned the right to be at least considered a third goalkeeper for the next year.

"The big question mark is going to be who starts in the September friendlies… is Matt Freese starting, if Zack Steffen is back and Matt Turner is playing? We'll find out."

Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?

At least eight goalkeepers have started for the U.S. since Tim Howard's retirement from the national team: Brad Guzan, Bill Hamid, Steffen, Ethan Horvath, Turner, Gabriel Slonina, Freese and Schulte.

WHAT NEXT FOR USMNT?

The USMNT have now reached their 13th Gold Cup final, and will be looking to add to their previous seven wins – the most recent coming in 2021. They will play Mexico in Sunday's final.

It’s never straightforward with Manchester United, is it?

With just seconds remaining, the Red Devils looked to have secured an invaluable first-leg win over Lyon on Thursday evening, with Joshua Zirkzee’s late header steering the visitors into a deserved 2-1 lead on the night. And then…

With almost the last kick of the game, the Ligue 1 side ensured that this Europa League tussle is very much alive heading into next week’s reverse fixture at Old Trafford, with Rayan Cherki pouncing at the death to dink home.

The French outfit had initially taken the lead courtesy of Thiago Almada’s free-kick, albeit with United hitting back in first-half stoppage time, as Leny Yoro netted his first goal for the club with an inventive, glancing header.

Zirkzee’s own bullet header at the backpost looked to have been enough to seal the win, yet as it is, the tie is certainly still finely poised – largely thanks to the impact of one man, Andre Onana…

Andre Onana's costly display

Quite what Onana was thinking prior to the match – when insisting that the Red Devils are “way better” than their opponents – is difficult to fathom, with the Cameroonian ‘keeper engaging in a war of words with ex-Old Trafford star, Nemanja Matic.

"At least I've won trophies": Onana hits back at Matic "worst 'keeper" claim

Matic had sent a brutal dig to Onana ahead of Man Utd’s Europa League clash with Lyon.

ByStephan Georgiou Apr 9, 2025

While the Serbian giant watched on from the substitutes bench, one of the “worst goalkeepers in Man Utd’s history” – as so dubbed by Matic – was very much in the thick of the action. Having talked the talk, the 28-year-old, unfortunately, couldn’t walk the walk.

In almost inevitable fashion, it was Onana’s blunder that allowed Lyon to sneak into the lead in the opening exchanges, with the former Inter man failing to deal with Almada’s relatively routine in-swinging set-piece.

The £47.5m flop – who has now made more errors since the start of last season than any other Premier League goalkeeper in all competitions – looked to have got away with one as both Yoro and Zirkzee nodded home, with the experienced stopper even taking the time to rile up the home crowd even further when taking a typically laboured goal kick late on.

Much to the delight of the hosts, however, it was they who would have the last laugh, with Onana proceeding to spill the ball into the path of the lively Cherki at the death, with the dazzling Frenchman duly converting.

From one horrow show to another then as far as United are concerned, with Ruben Amorim also likely to be deeply frustrated by the performance of a man at the other end of the pitch, in Rasmus Hojlund.

The Man Utd star who now needs to be sold

Talk is already rife that Amorim is seeking a new goalkeeper this summer, with reports also suggesting that Onana has been the subject of interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, amid the possibility of an end to his two-season stay in Manchester.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

On current evidence, the one-time Ajax star could well be joined through the exit door by young Hojlund, with the 22-year-old looking like a player who “will be up for sale” at the end of the season, in the words of journalist Tom McDermott.

Branded with a 4/10 match rating from MEN correspondent, Samuel Luckhurst, the struggling Dane was again simply lifeless in attack for the away side, having been restricted to just 11 touches, while making just two passes in total on the night.

Minutes played

63′

Touches

11

Shots on target

1

Shots off target

1

Passes completed

2/3

Key passes

2

Ground duels

0/3

Aerial duels

N/A

Possession lost

3x

Fouls

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While those were both recognised as ‘key passes’, the former Atalanta starlet did little of any note prior to his withdrawal on the hour mark, with the misfiring striker failing to pounce on a rare opening after scuffing his attempt wide following Patrick Dorgu’s pull-back.

The £85k-per-week marksman – who also failed to win a single duel up against the Lyon backline – memorably passed the ball out of play down the right flank at one stage, having also drawn the ire of Bruno Fernandes after failing to read the Portuguese playmaker’s dummy inside the area.

Whether it be failing to beat his man when running in behind, or struggling to keep hold of possession, Hojlund simply looks lost at present, having now scored just once in all competitions since mid-December.

With only eight goals to his name across all fronts this season, United’s number nine – who has been linked with a return to Serie A – appears to be on borrowed time, not least with speculation ramping up regarding the potential addition of Ipswich Town talisman, Liam Delap.

Having seen his replacement, Zirkzee, take little time to make an impact, Hojlund must surely be second fiddle ahead of next week’s meeting at the Theatre of Dreams. Much like Onana too, this Erik ten Hag signing could find himself on the scrap heap this summer.

No longer can the Red Devils accept mediocrity at both ends of the pitch.

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1 ByRobbie Walls Apr 10, 2025