Manchester United supporters very much enjoyed Grimsby Town's downfall as the League Two side crashed out of the Carabao Cup after losing 5-0 against Brentford on Tuesday. Grimsby fans were on cloud nine only a couple of months ago after they dumped the Red Devils out of the competition following an epic penalty shootout win over the Premier League giants. Goalkeeper Andre Onana in particular had a nightmare outing and was later loaned out to Turkey.
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Grimsby stunned Man Utd in round two
United made a sloppy start to the 2025-26 campaign as they lost their opening Premier League fixture against Arsenal and before being held to a 1-1 draw by Fulham. However, things became worse after their Carabao Cup second fixture against Grimsby as they played out a 2-2 draw against the fourth-tier and then were dumped out after a 12-11 loss in the penalty shootout.
Onana had a nightmare game and the loss prompted United to act swiftly in the transfer market as the Cameroonian was loaned out to Turkish Super Lig giants Trabzonspor, while Senne Lammens was signed from Royal Antwerp on deadline day.
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The reaction on social media
United fans were mocked and humiliated after their club's exit from the Carabao Cup. But some supporters of the Red Devils decided to get their own back on Grimsby after they were beaten 5-0 by Brentford.
@Lasha_069 wrote on X: "But you have won your “win against Manchester United” trophy already…idiots…Grimsby will always stay as Grimsby and no one ever will remember it’s name…"
A use with the handle @ZirzkeeSzn11 posted: "Out you go hahahahaha bye bye."
@Deen__K wrote: "You never see anything, fools."
@eyebee_art could not stop laughing as the post read: "Let's all laugh at Grimsby town fc" and then several laughing emojis.
A fan named @utd_BigC wrote: "Not only down. You'll perish."
Grimsby coach took a dig at Man Utd ahead of Brentford clash
Ahead of the Brentford clash in the League, Grimsby boss David Artell had taken yet another dig at the Red Devils as he claimed that the Bees would make for a much tougher opponent than Ruben Amorim's side. Artell said in his pre-match press conference: "I don’t want loads of letters from Manchester United fans from Kenya or Norway – or Stretford – but I think they’re still in that process of finding their way again. Brentford are fully in, fully understanding. That makes it so much more difficult. I think everyone agrees that Man United are still – maybe not in transition per se – but finding their way under a new manager that needs to be given time."
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Has Carabao Cup loss helped Man Utd?
A lot has happened since the fateful night at Blundell Park. While United still struggled in the next few games, they have finally managed to regain form as they are now on a three-game winning streak in the Premier League. The Carabao Cup exit may been seen as a sort of blessing in disguise for the Red Devils as they got even more time to prepare for their Premier League games on the training ground, having not qualified for European football this season. Manager Amorim even admitted after beating Brighton – who had won on their last three visits to Old Trafford – that his side were starting to benefit from that added preparation time.
United have the chance to win a fourth consecutive league game for the first time since February 2024 when they take on Nottingham Forest on Saturday in Sean Dyche's first Premier League home match in charge at the City Ground.
Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson will have their names etched on prestigious silverware as ECB and BCCI have decided to name the Test series between England and India the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.ESPNcricinfo has learned that both Tendulkar and Anderson will unveil the trophy at Lord’s during the World Test Championship (WTC) final which gets underway from June 11.England and India will kick off the new WTC cycle by playing a five-Test series starting at Headingley (Leeds) from June 20.Related
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While Anderson, who featured in 188 Tests, retired last July, Tendulkar quit in 2013 having played 200 Tests. Until now the series played in England was called Pataudi Trophy, after former India captains Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi and Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi (his son) while the equivalent in India was called Anthony de Mello Trophy, named after one of the founding figures of BCCI who was also the board’s inaugural secretary and president between 1946-47 to 1950-51.The trend follows the naming of the Crowe-Thorpe trophy in November 2024, which goes to the winner of Test series between England and New Zealand. Similarly, India and Australia compete for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Tests.
Rhianna Southby, Abi Freeborn score 70s with Linsey Smith, Chloe Brewer in the wickets
ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay23-Apr-2025Women’s county cricket started in scintillating style in Birmingham as Warwickshire and Hampshire tied an absolute thriller in their Metro Bank One-Day Cup women’s competition opener at Edgbaston.On a pitch which never yielded runs easily, Hampshire chose to bat and were bowled out for 208 in 48.3 overs, as only Rhianna Southby (72 from 95 balls – her maiden 50-over half-century) and Abi Norgrove (28, 46) passed 20. Chloe Brewer took 3 for 40 and there were two wickets apiece for Emily Arlott and Georgia Davis.Warwickshire then were also all out for 208, their last wicket falling from the final ball of the 50th over. Abi Freeborn’s composed 70 (96 balls) put them on top but Linsey Smith, with 4 for 39, cut through the lower middle order to leave Warwickshire’s last two wickets needing to find 44.In fading light, Charis Pavely, Georgia Davis and Hannah Baker did brilliantly to find 43 before skipper Davis was run out off the last ball.As women’s county cricket dawned in Birmingham, the first delivery of the new era, by Emily Arlott to Maia Boucher, was met by a forward defensive. The batter may reflect that she should have repeated that stroke 26 balls later when she went back to Arlott and played on.On a cloudy morning, batting was far from straightforward and Ella McCaughan was bowled by a lovely in-ducker by Brewer. Charli Knott and Georgia Adams tried to break the shackles by hoisting the spinners straight but found only mid-off off Hannah Baker and Georgia Davis respectively.Southby and Norgrove built a responsible stand of 62 in 14 overs before the latter looked skyward in disbelief after flicking Davis straight to mid-wicket. Southby passed 50 from 75 balls but the innings petered out as the last five wickets fell for 25 runs in 33 balls.Smith was run out by Davina Perrin’s throw. Southby dragged an attempt cut at Brewer onto her stumps. Arlott hit Nancy Harman’s leg-stump and the innings ended with wickets in successive balls when Poppy Tulloch was run out by Perrin’s direct hit and Brewer struck Freya Davies’ middle-stump.Warwickshire openers Freeborn and Sterre Kalis started solidly with 35 in eight overs before the latter edged Lauren Bell behind. Freeborn and Perrin added 51 but Hampshire struck back when Smith turned one past Perrin’s defence to win an lbw decision and George ran herself out, going for a second run that didn’t exist.At 134 for 3, with Freeborn in quiet control, Warwickshire were on top but two wickets in five balls reversed the flow of the game. Freeborn missed a sweep at Knott and was lbw and Natasha Wraith sent a leading edged off Bell to cover.Smith added the wickets of Arlott, caught at mid-on, Brewer, who chipped to mid-wicket and Bethan Ellis, lbw, and suddenly Warwickshire’s last two wickets had 44 to find. Pavely and Davis valiantly garnered 24 in the gathering gloom but Pavely played on to Davies with 20 still needed.Davis and Baker chipped away to leave four required from the last over, bowled by Adams. Three singles from the first four balls took the scores level and, her side assured at least a tie, Davis was run out going for an impossible single off the last ball.
Inter chairman Giuseppe Marotta has cast a bleak verdict on Serie A’s pulling power, admitting that Kylian Mbappe is out of reach for Italian clubs and hailing Luka Modric as the league’s only “champion” at 40 years old. Speaking right before Inter’s Champions League clash with Slavia Prague, Marotta praised his club’s progress but underlined the financial gulf separating Serie A from Europe’s elite.
Modric the lone ‘champion’ in Serie A
Inter CEO Marotta delivered a sobering message about Italian football’s place in the modern transfer market, claiming that Madrid legend and Croatian hero Modric stands out as Serie A’s only “champion” at the age of 40. Ahead of Inter’s Champions League clash with Slavia Prague, Marotta contrasted the Croatian’s presence in Milan with the league’s inability to lure younger global icons like Mbappe.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMarotta rules out Mbappe dream
When pressed on whether Serie A clubs could ever mount a realistic attempt to sign a player of Mbappe’s calibre, Marotta did not hide from the truth. The Inter chief was frank in his assessment, saying, “Operations like Mbappe’s in Italy are not possible now. In Serie A, there’s only one champion, Modric, and he’s 40. Clearly, ours is a transitional league.”
His remarks reflect the harsh financial reality facing Italian football in contrast to Europe’s wealthier leagues. In England, the Premier League’s broadcasting revenue has allowed even mid-table clubs to pursue marquee names, while Spain and France can still rely on the drawing power of Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain to attract global icons. Italy, by comparison, has struggled to keep pace, with most top sides forced to prioritise balance sheets over blockbuster transfers.
Modric’s Milan impact
While Mbappe was hitting a Champions League hat-trick for Real Madrid this week, Modric’s influence in Serie A continues to grab the attention. The veteran midfielder was instrumental in Milan’s 2-1 win over Napoli, dictating the tempo and showing the fight of a player much younger. His dedication to competing at the highest level, even at 40, has made him a symbol of resilience and authenticity in Italian football.
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Getty ImagesInter 'satisfied' as San Siro sale goes through
Marotta also stressed that despite missing out on elite transfer battles, Inter remain proud of their achievements on and off the pitch. He highlighted the team’s Champions League victory over Ajax earlier this month and is happy about the impending purchase of San Siro, with a new stadium set to be built for Inter and AC Milan.
“We’re very happy and satisfied. The stadium is an added value for all the teams.” Marotta added that Inter’s focus is on consistency and sustainable success.
Marotta’s words point to a broader reality for Serie A, while legends like Modric and Kevin De Bruyne still bring quality and prestige, the league struggles to attract prime-age megastars. Inter, meanwhile, continue their Champions League campaign with momentum, sitting top of their group after wins over Ajax and Slavia. Domestically, Chivu’s men remain within striking distance of the Serie A summit as they balance European and league ambitions.
It’s been a woeful start to life at Glasgow Rangers for Russell Martin and his Ibrox tenure could be coming to an end sooner than first thought following the latest update on his future.
Martin: I've got "more support ever" at Rangers
Out of the Champions League and yet to win a game in the Scottish Premiership, it can’t get much worse for Martin at Rangers. The former Southampton manager was backed all throughout the summer transfer window by the 49ers, but has not been able to turn that investment into much-needed results.
Rangers boss Russell Martin squating on the touchline
The international break no doubt comes at a good time for all involved, but Martin is not worried about losing his job. The manager revealed that he has “more support than ever” by those in charge at Ibrox after a 0-0 draw against Celtic in the Old Firm derby.
Although he chose to remain positive, however, reports have suggested that any support for Martin could be coming to an end sooner rather than later in Scotland with a number of replacements already mooted.
How many games Martin has left at Rangers
According to Football Insider reporter Wayne Veysey, Rangers are preparing to sack Martin this month, and, therefore, he has just four games to potentially save his job.
The report claims that only a dramatic turnaround would prevent any quick decision, with a ‘growing expectation within the club that Martin will be gone by the end of September’.
Rangers’ September fixtures
Date
Rangers vs Hearts
September 13
Rangers vs Hibernian
September 20
Rangers vs Genk
September 25
Livingston vs Rangers
September 28
The report comes just one day after Thelwell – Rangers’ sporting director – publicly hailed Martin as “one of the best” in a clear backing of the manager that he handpicked to join the club in the summer.
A lot can, of course, change in football at any given moment, but there’s no denying that Martin has given himself an uphill climb. His current record in the Scottish Premiership has been a particular disappointment, whilst a 9-1 thrashing accross two legs at the hands of Club Brugge in the Champions League hardly did wonders when it came to getting fans onside.
Neymar has suffered yet another injury blow as his involvement in the World Cup next summer looks bleak. The Brazil icon was left out of Carlo Ancelotti's squad for the September World Cup qualifying games due to an injury and the Santos star has once again picked up a knock, which casts doubt on his participation in Selecao's October international friendlies.
Another injury blow for Neymar
Neymar's injury woes continue as he has picked up a fresh knock during a training session with Santos. The Brazil icon suffered an injury to his right rectus femoris muscle. He is currently undergoing tests and is under the observation of Santos' medical team.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWhat did Santos say about Neymar's injury
In an official statement released on Friday, the Brazilian giants wrote: "Forward Neymar Jr. left Thursday's training session (18) at CT Rei Pelé with pain in his right thigh. After undergoing imaging tests on Friday (19), the athlete was diagnosed with an injury to the rectus femoris muscle in his right thigh. Neymar Jr. has already begun treatment at CEPRAF under the guidance of the Medical Department of Santos FC."
Neymar ruled out for at least a month
According to UOL journalist Lucas Minarelli, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star is likely to remain sidelined for at least a month. This means that he is unlikely to feature for Brazil in their upcoming international friendlies against Japan and South Korea next month.
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Getty/GOALWill Neymar play in 2026 World Cup?
With the constant injuries, there is serious doubt whether Neymar would be able to compete in what would be his fourth World Cup for Brazil next summer in North Korea. Ancelotti has already fired a warning to the 33-year-old regarding his selection in the World Cup squad.
Devdutt Padikkal, who was in Australia with the ‘A’ squad, has been asked to stay on with the Test party
Nagraj Gollapudi16-Nov-2024
Shubman Gill during India’s match simulation on Friday•Getty Images
Questions around India’s batting order for the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth grew after Shubman Gill hurt his left thumb on the second day of India’s intra-squad training match at the WACA.He picked up the injury while fielding in the slips and left the field, not to return. It could not be confirmed if the injury will affect Gill’s selection for the first Test, starting November 22 at the Optus Stadium in Perth.Gill has been bating at No. 3, but has also been lined up as an option for the opening slot alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal in case Rohit Sharma is not available for the first Test because of the birth of his second child.It has also been learnt that Devdutt Padikkal, who was part of the India A group in Australia, will stay back with the Test squad*. It could not be confirmed, however, if Padikkal will be part of the main squad or the reserves.Rohit Sharma welcomes second child but still not confirmed to play in PerthWhile they await a proper assessment of Gill’s injury, the Indian camp received the good news that Rohit’s wife Ritika Sajdeh had given birth to their second child on Friday. With the due date for delivery close to the Perth Test, Rohit had communicated to the BCCI and the selectors that he might not be available for the series opener.Related
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In the wake of the 3-0 whitewash India suffered against New Zealand recently, Rohit, it is learnt, even considered travelling to Australia to train with the team and return for the birth of his child.It’s not clear yet if he will travel to Perth in time to be available for the first Test.Another opening option, KL Rahul, had left the field during the first day of the simulation match after being struck in the elbow by a short ball. He did not come out to bat later in the day as India’s main batters had another turn at the crease. Rahul did not take the field on Saturday either.Abhimanyu Easwaran is the other option India have for the top of the order.Gill, who batted twice on Friday, made 28 in his first go before being caught at gully off a Navdeep Saini back-of-length delivery. He made an unbeaten 42 upon his return to the crease.
Worcestershire sealed their highest position in the Vitality County Championship since it was split into two divisions in 2000 after drawing with relegated Lancashire at Visit Worcestershire New Road.They secured sixth spot in Division One after recovering for the second time in the game from a precarious position with the bat thanks to the efforts of Matthew Waite, Adam Hose and Logan Van Beek.It enabled them to surpass their previous best performance of finishing seventh in Division One in 2011.Worcestershire have defied the pre-season predictions of being favourites to make an instant return to Division Two after last summer’s promotion campaign.A run of three successive wins against Durham, Kent and Essex effectively made sure of top-flight cricket in 2025.It was a fitting way for long-serving all-rounder Joe Leach to end his career after being Worcestershire’s leader of the attack for the past decade and a haul of 467 first-class wickets for the County.He received a standing ovation when he came out to bat for the second time in the game and signed off with 30 not outWorcestershire can be proud of their efforts after the well-documented challenges on and off the field that have confronted them during the past 12 months.They have shown a tremendous team spirit and an abundance in skill but also their determination in adversity when recovering from challenging positions in games.Worcestershire triumphed away to Durham after being bowled out for 112 in the first innings and then recovered from 10 for 4 on the first morning to defeat Essex at Chelmsford.Relegated Lancashire’s fate had been sealed on Saturday after their failure to secure a single batting bonus point for the ninth time in 14 games this season.But there was the encouraging sign of a return to form of pace bowler Tom Bailey.He had picked up just 16 wickets in his first 10 Championship appearances of the summer but was back to his best against Somerset and Worcestershire with a haul of 11 scalps.West Indian paceman Anderson Phillip also impressed during his short spell at the club and ended this game with nine wickets.Phillip struck with his first ball of the day as Jake Libby played too early at the delivery and offered a gentle return catch.Phillip struck again when Kashif Ali, Worcestershire’s leading run-scorer in the Championship this summer, went for a flashing drive and edged through to keeper Matty Hurst.Gareth Roderick completed 2,000 first class runs for Worcestershire when he reached nine but added only five more before he was run out.Rob Jones turned Phillip towards cover and he and Roderick set off for a single but the keeper-batter was unable to make his ground before Will Williams direct hit at the non-striker’s end.Jones (17) was lbw after aiming to drive Tom Bailey and Club Captain Brett D’Oliveira lost his middle stump to the same player.Ethan Brookes was lbw to a delivery angled in by Williams at 78 for 6.But for the second time in the game Waite led a counter-attack, this time in partnership with Adam Hose.He pulled Phillip for six and a similar shot off the same bowler brought another boundary.Hose provided excellent support, mixing solid defence with a series of fine strokes, on driving George Balderson and straight driving Williams to the ropes.Waite raced onto 37 from 27 balls before he aimed another pull at Phillips but this time picked out Harry Singh at deep square leg.The seventh wicket pair added 55 in just nine overs.Hose’s determined knock of 41 off 109 balls came to an end when he was lbw to give Bailey his third wicket.Van Beek advanced to 44 before he holed out to deep mid-wicket off Phillip but then Leach had time to end with a flourish in making 30 not out before bad light halted play at 3,30pm with 41 overs remaining.
Leeds United have officially confirmed the signing of centre-back Jaka Bijol from Serie A side Udinese to bolster their defensive options in the coming days.
The Slovenia international has arrived at Elland Road after the club agreed a £19m deal with the Italian outfit to bring him over to England this summer.
Bijol will not be the last defender to walk through doors as a new arrival at Thorp Arch before the end of the summer transfer window, though, as they are also looking to bring in a new left-back.
Junior Firpo’s contract in West Yorkshire is set to expire at the end of this month, which means that the Whites need a first-choice option in that position.
Leeds eyeing deal for Ligue 1 left-back
Leeds, knowing that Firpo is on his way out of the club in the coming weeks, are actively pursuing left-back targets to come in and bolster the squad.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to LeedsLive, Lille defender Gabriel Gudmundsson is one of the left-backs being eyed up as a target for the Championship champions this summer.
The report claims that they are ‘very’ keen on a swoop for the Sweden international, but that no transfer for the left-footed ace is close at this moment in time.
It adds that Burnley and Everton are also interested in signing the 26-year-old full-back, who has one year left on his deal with Lille, which means that the Whites will have to see off Premier League competition to secure his services.
The outlet does not reveal, however, how much money it would take to sign Gudmundsson, who is valued at around £6m by Transfermarkt, this summer.
Why Leeds should sign Gabriel Gudmundsson
The Whites should push to win the race for his signature ahead of Burnley and Everton because he could arrive at Elland Road as Daniel Farke’s own Ezgjan Alioski.
Alioski
In Marcelo Bielsa’s first season in the Premier League, the Macedonia international started 29 matches and featured in 36 of the 38 league games, playing mainly as a left-back, but also as a left-midfielder.
Gudmundsson has played 74 times as a left-back and 70 times as a left-midfielder in his career to date, which suggests that he has the versatility to play a similar role in the squad to the one that Alioski did for Bielsa.
LOSC Lille's Gabriel Gudmundsson shoots against Liverpool.
The 26-year-old star, who was described as a “fun” player and a “risk-taker” by journalist Joe Donnohue, is a left-back who can provide quality in possession by driving his team up the pitch with passes and dribbles, much like Alioski was for Bielsa.
Pass accuracy
82%
79%
Progressive passes*
4.59
4.83
Progressive carries*
3.58
2.82
Successful take-ons*
1.01
0.40
Shot-creating actions*
1.51
2.60
Non-penalty goals*
0.10
0.07
As you can see in the table above, Gudmundsson offers similar progressive qualities to what the former Whites star offered in his one season in the Premier League at Elland Road.
The Lille star, however, also won 54% of his ground duels and 57% of his aerial duels in Ligue 1, whilst Alioski won 53% of his battles on the deck and 48% of his aerial contests in that top-flight campaign.
This suggests that the Swedish gem could be even more dominant, particularly aerially, than the Macedonia international was for Bielsa in the 2020/21 season, making him a solid option for the team in the Premier League next term.
Therefore, Leeds could land Farke his own version of Alioski, who has the potential to be even better than Bielsa’s dynamic full-back, by signing Gudmundsson this summer, and that is why they must work hard to secure his services.
As exciting as Buendia: Leeds expected to make move for £18m EFL star
There is a belief that Leeds will make a move for a star who would be as exciting as Emi Buendia.
The BCCI has decided to release INR 1 crore for the treatment of former India batter Aunshuman Gaekwad, who is battling blood cancer at a medical facility in London.The BCCI’s decision came after Kapil Dev and Sandeep Patil urged the board to help Gaekwad.”Mr Jay Shah has instructed the BCCI to release INR 1 crore with immediate effect to provide financial assistance to India’s veteran cricketer Mr Anshuman Gaekwad, who is battling cancer,” the BCCI apex council said in a statement.”Shah has also spoken to Mr Gaekwad’s family to take stock of the situation and extend support,” the statement continued. “The board stands by Gaekwad’s family in this hour of crisis and will do whatever is essential for Mr Gaekwad’s quick recovery.”The BCCI will continue to monitor Mr Gaekwad’s progress and is confident that he will come out of this phase strongly.”Gaekwad, 71, played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India between 1975 and 1987. Later, he became a selector and then the coach of the national team.