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A relatively routine infield batted ball became the source of much confusion and debate on Wednesday night in a game between the Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers.

Rangers left fielder Wyatt Langford hit the ball, which was picked up off a chop by Red Sox pitcher Tanner Houck. Houck fired the ball over to first, but his throw was off target, toward the home plate side of the bag and low. First baseman Romy Gonzalez fumbled the catch and stood in the way of the bag as he corralled it. Meantime, Langford ran down the line but missed the bag, jumping over Gonzalez along the way to avoid a potentially dangerous collision.

The play was reviewed, and the safe call was confirmed. Fans, in response to an MLB social media post on the call, were completely split:

At first glance, it looks simple. Gonzalez fumbles the ball, and therefore, Langford should be safe. But further, slower angles show that Langford, as he jumped around Gonzalez, failed to touch the bag. Before Langford was able to return to first base after overrunning it, Gonzalez picked up the ball and stepped on the bag. A logical person may assume that means Langford is legally out.

Umpires reviewed the play, and the on-field call of safe was confirmed. No explanation was given on the public address system. Boston manager Alex Cora came out to dispute after the review and appeared to leave satisfied with what the umpires told him.

The Red Sox did not appeal the safe call in real time. Such an action could have prompted a change from "safe" to "out" on the field. Appeals are an inherent part of the game and are frequently referenced in the MLB rulebook for "missed base" situations.

Another possible interpretation is that González was interfering Langford's path to first base. Section 5.05(b)(3) of the 2025 MLB rulebook says a runner shall be safe if, "the catcher or any fielder interferes with him," and specifically says, "if the batter-runner missed first base… he shall be considered as having reached the base," if interfered with. He certainly impedes the first base path as he reaches to grab the errant throw.

So, in all, not an easy or straightforward call to make or review. And while Sox fans may not like the outcome, it does appear to be grounded in rulebook logic, assuming one agrees that Gonzalez committed interference.

Interestingly, an almost identical play happened a few years back, then benefiting the Red Sox.

Former Chelsea left-back and Strasbourg star Ben Chilwell has revealed that he is not giving up on his dream to play for England at the 2026 World Cup, despite being sold by the Blues over the summer. Chilwell claimed that he has already received positive responses during talks with national team boss Thomas Tuchel, adding that "it would be a nice feeling to prove some people wrong".

• England squad shaping up ahead of 2026 World Cup

  England will be heading into next year's World Cup in the United States of America, Canada, and Mexico as one of the favourites, led by Tuchel, whose pedigree at club level is both proven and widely respected. The Three Lions have experienced a tale of 'so near, yet so far' in recent major international tournaments. They lost the Euro 2024 final to Spain as the agonising wait to taste success continued, but Tuchel's troops look strong as things stand. 

  Despite boasting ridiculous squad depth, with most positions stacked with talent in abundance, one of the weakest links in the England XI is the left-back spot. In recent times, Tuchel has called up the likes of Djed Spence, Miles Lewis-Skelly, and Tino Livramento, with Manchester City's rising star Nico O'Reilly starting there in the most recent pair of international fixtures.

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  Chilwell eyeing England's 2026 World Cup squad

  It's anyone's guess as to who will be England's starting left-back at the marquee event next summer in North America. With no player seemingly nailing down that position as things stand, could there possibly be an opening for former Chelsea defender Chilwell to play himself into contention? The 28-year-old certainly doesn't rule it out. Chilwell last made an appearance for England in March 2024, but has since been an afterthought internationally.

  "What a story it would be if I went to the World Cup after I was in the [Chelsea] bomb squad and everyone had counted me out 12 months prior," Chilwell told . "It would just be the biggest middle finger to so many people, which to me is a motivation. Chelsea were honest with me and there's no resentment, but of course I've got an ego, so it would be a nice feeling to prove some people wrong."

  The ex-Leicester City man also revealed that he has kept in touch with the national team gaffer and initial talks have gone well. 

  "Probably 99 out of 100 people are saying, 'No, he's not going, and it is impossible to go to the World Cup'," he admitted. "We've had conversations since he's got the job at England. I'll try and word it right – it has been said that it's not out of the equation.

  "It makes me laugh that people think I'm an old player at 28 – I'm really in my prime. That's why the World Cup is an ambition… there's so much to achieve. First things first, I want to play well here, be healthy, and then the rest – the World Cup – may follow. If I can say I gave everything but don't achieve it then it's not the end of the world. I'll still be enjoying my football, and only be 29."

• Chilwell reflects on his Chelsea departure

  Last summer, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca made it clear that Chilwell would not be a part of his plans for the 2024-25 season. Barring a second-half substitute cameo against Barrow in the Carabao Cup in September, he did not make a single appearance. His exile under Maresca came to an end towards the end of the winter transfer window, as Crystal Palace signed him on a short-term loan.

  In the summer, with the chapter of his Chelsea career well and truly closed, he joined BlueCo's sister club Strasbourg permanently, moving to Ligue 1. However, the 2021 Champions League winner revealed that he doesn't hold any grudges over how he was treated by Maresca.

  "I've never had anything against Enzo Maresca. I told everyone how much I respected the fact that he was honest, because at least then I could just go, 'alright, cool, I'm not wanted'," he explained. "Of course I wasn't happy with the decision – I didn't agree with it, but I respected it.

  "I definitely feel like I suffered from it. I also completely knew I could have done the role [as an inverted full-back]. I played centre-mid until I was 12 and even with Thomas [Tuchel], when we played in a back three, I was making runs into striker positions, or because Toni Rudiger liked to drive with the ball, I'd go inside. I was able to do it – I just didn't have the opportunity."

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  Ambitions with Strasbourg – silverware & UCL dream

  Things have been going well for Chilwell at Strasbourg, where he has earned the trust of head coach Liam Rosenior. The Milton Keynes-born full-back shared his ambitions for this season.

  "It wasn't my top choice, but then I spoke to the manager. It was only a 10-minute call, and I rang my agent straight away after and said, 'Yes, let's get Strasbourg done,'" Chilwell added. "Liam said I'd be surprised how much I'd enjoy it. He still thought I could improve and said he would ask me to play certain roles I haven't played before, which has already started to happen.

  "Then there's the leadership side of it. I've been in changing rooms with serial winners and know how to be in a group that wins stuff. It just seemed like a no-brainer and a pretty perfect fit.

  "I'm definitely shocked at the quality. There are a lot of people going straight to the top here, and I include the manager in that. The league is good and the stadiums are full. We've shown we can compete with PSG and the manager has big ambitions to win stuff this season and qualify for the Champions League."

Manchester United’s 2024/25 campaign handed Ruben Amorim and the hierarchy a huge task of winning the fanbase over ahead of the ongoing season.

The Red Devils’ 15th-place finish in the Premier League was nothing short of an embarrassment, with such a standing the club’s lowest since the division’s formation back in 1992.

The Europa League gave the manager a chance to redeem himself, but such a competition brought about more misery – losing the final in Bilbao to fellow English strugglers Tottenham Hotspur.

Despite all the failures of Amorim’s debut year at Old Trafford, the hierarchy decided to stick with the 40-year-old for 2025/26 – even handing him over £200m worth of funds to improve the first-team squad.

However, further embarrassing defeats against League Two side Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup once again led to rumours over the manager’s long-term future in the role.

He’s since managed to win three league games in a row for the first time in his tenure, with some of his tactical tweaks finally starting to take effect 12 months on from his appointment.

The impact of Bruno & Mbeumo in Amorim’s system at United

Despite United struggling massively last season, it didn’t stop club captain Bruno Fernandes from impressing and producing some astonishing numbers in the final third.

The 31-year-old ended 2024/25 on a combined 37 goals and assists, by far and away the highest tally of any player in the squad – with his efforts saving the club from a relegation battle.

However, after the recent summer spending spree, the Portuguese international has been forced to operate in a deep-lying central midfield role – but it hasn’t taken away from his incredible ability in attacking areas.

Bruno currently sits on a total of four goal contributions, but his underlying stats highlight the bearing he is still having on creating carnage for the opposition.

In the recent Premier League outing against Nottingham Forest, he registered a total of four chances created – the most of any player on the pitch at the City Ground.

Bruno has also created the most chances of any player in the first-team squad this campaign, with his average of 2.8 per 90 ranking him in the top 3% of all players in the division.

Most of his opportunities have fallen the way of Bryan Mbeumo, with the 26-year-old tasked with the responsibility of transforming the club’s lack of quality in the final third.

The Cameroonian cost a whopping £71m including add-ons from Brentford, but has already made an immediate impact despite the pressure of the price tag looming over him.

He’s scored four times in his first ten outings for the Red Devils, but like Bruno, his underlying figures are the ones that greatly highlight his impact in the Premier League during 2025/26.

Mbeumo’s total of 1.4 shots on target per 90 ranks him in the top 4% of all players in the division, undoubtedly contributing to his impressive goalscoring tally.

He also ranks in the top 4% for crosses completed and the top 10% for successful dribbles – further reaffirming how he’s helped transform the club’s ability to impress in front of goal.

The United star who’s becoming the best in the world

The impact of Bruno and Mbeumo in the final third simply can’t be understated, with the duo playing a key role in United’s recent revival under Amorim this season.

The pair have played a key role in the majority of the club’s goals in the Premier League this campaign, with such a situation night and day from the previous year.

Amorim’s men have already netted 17 league goals in just 10 outings to date, which is already 45% of the efforts registered during the embarrassing 2024/25 campaign.

Such an investment has already been worthwhile, which has certainly set the first team on the right trajectory for success if they can sustain such levels in the years ahead.

As for the defensive department, they have often come under fire for their lack of quality – with the majority of which being directed to goalkeeper Andre Onana.

However, the centre-backs in front of the shot-stopper didn’t cover themselves in glory, resulting in the Red Devils conceding 44 times in just 38 matches.

The hierarchy backed Amorim in the summer, as previously mentioned, even landing a new goalkeeper in the form of Senne Lammens from Belgian outfit Royal Antwerp.

The 23-year-old cost a fee in the region of £18m during the recent window, subsequently being an investment for the immediate and long-term future at Old Trafford.

His arrival has brought a newfound sense of confidence in the defensive department, already keeping a clean sheet and only conceding five times in his four senior outings for the Red Devils.

Amorim’s men currently remain unbeaten during the youngster’s spell in the first-team, which is no coincidence given the struggles of those who have filled the void before him.

His stats from the early stages of his career at Old Trafford no doubt highlight his impressive start to life in England, which has seen the side rise up England’s top-flight.

Lammens has achieved a 71% save percentage to date, whilst making three saves per 90 – tallies which have certainly prevented the side in numerous key moments.

He’s also achieved a goals prevented xG of 0.38, ranking him in the top 8% of all ‘keepers in the league – which has led to one analyst tipping him to become one of the “best in the world”.

The Belgian’s ability to quickly transition the play has also aided Mbeumo and Bruno, with his tally of 8.8 accurate long balls per 90 able to quickly start a counterattack for Amorim’s men.

Given his tender age, it’s certainly frightening how exciting Lammens could be at United, with the 23-year-old able to fill the void between the sticks for at least the next decade.

Should he carry on his current path under Amorim, there’s no reason as to why he can’t play a vital role in any success endured by the Red Devils in the near future.

Sesko upgrade: INEOS lead race to sign £42m "future superstar" for Man Utd

Manchester United could be about to sign another striker despite Benjamin Sesko’s arrival.

By
Ethan Lamb

Nov 6, 2025

Jess Jonassen’s 4 for 10 is in vain as Welsh Fire remain winless

ECB Media20-Aug-2025

Top-of-the-table Southern Brave continued their unbeaten start to this year’s women’s competition in the Hundred and guaranteed themselves a top-three finish with a nervy penultimate-ball victory over a spirited Welsh Fire.Needing six runs from the final five, Mady Villiers was run out coming back for two from the first delivery of the set before Georgia Adams was almost brilliantly caught in the deep as she and Rhianna Southby scampered back for two and got Brave over the line with a ball to spare.Put into bat, Welsh Fire lost the big wicket of Hayley Matthews early, lbw to Sophie Devine for a first-ball duck.Sophia Dunkley looked to be continuing her form from The Kia Oval on Saturday, starting brightly and hitting four commanding boundaries.Brave made another important strike when Lauren Bell had Tammy Beaumont (7) brilliantly caught by Maia Bouchier at mid-on as the Fire reached 32 for 2 at the end of the powerplay.The impressive Tilly Corteen-Coleman returned to the attack to see the back of Dunkley (31), the spinner inducing a false cut shot to have the England batter caught behind by Southby.Georgia Elwiss reached a run-a-ball 36 not out as the Fire closed their innings on 111 for 6. Bell changed her pace and length expertly to finish with figures of 2 for 21.Bouchier and Danni Wyatt-Hodge played positively and untroubled, taking the score to 32 without loss after the powerplay and reducing the runs required to just 80.Fire then struck back to stay in the game. Wyatt-Hodge (18) was caught fantastically by Jess Jonassen at mid-off off Georgia Davis and Jonassen then came into the attack and removed Bouchier (35) and Laura Wolvaardt (3).Devine countered with a huge slog-swept six off Davis to relieve some pressure and Freya Kemp then deposited Freya Davies into the stands to take Brave closer to their target, but Kemp (17) fell soon after, caught by Shabnim Ismail at long-off off Jonassen.Chloe Tryon then went for a duck as Jonassen finished with exceptional figures of 4 for 10 before Devine (25) skied Matthews to Davies to leave her side needing 10 from the last 10 and then six from the final five.Meerkat Match Hero Devine said: “Credit has to go to the Welsh Fire there. We were probably cruising at the halfway stage and the way that they were able to fight back and take it to the last set, full credit to them.”It wasn’t our best day today, we’ll be the first ones to admit that. To get over the line is really pleasing and now we move forward.”I’m really pleased we were able to restrict them to what we did and finally get over the line there with the bat. We wanted to get ahead of the run rate and Dan and Bouch were outstanding and put the pressure back onto the Welsh Fire.”Then we probably got a little bit of the wobbles unfortunately but to be able to get over the line and people to keep their heads there at the end was really pleasing.”

Muyeye’s fifty closes the contest out to keep quarter-final hopes alive

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay13-Jul-2025

The Kent Spitfires are still in with a shout a Vitality Blast quarter-final place, after they coasted to a seven-wicket win over Middlesex at Canterbury, with 11 balls to spare.Fred Klaassen took 3 for 39 as the visitors were limited to 160 for five from their 20 overs and they needed 68 from Leus Du Plooy to give them something to defend.A blistering opening partnership of 66 between Tawanda Muyeye, who top-scored with 59 and Harry Finch meant Kent always looked favourites and when Finch went for 36, Joe Denly took the Spitfires to the brink with 46, before Sam Billings sealed the win with a six.Middlesex chose to bat first but lost Stevie Eskinazi in the second over when he was bowled off stump by Klaassen.In his next over Klaassen got Ben Geddes for 22, after he slapped him straight to Finch at point, leaving the visitors on 40 for two after the powerplay.Kane Williamson was caught and bowled by Jack Leaning for just six but Leaning’s 10th over went for 14, and allowing Middlesex to reach 68 for three at halfway and Matt Parkinson’s 11th went for 16.There was a lengthy delay while du Plooy was treated for a hand injury, after which Grant Stewart bowled Ryan Higgins middle stump for 19, breaking a partnership worth 68.Klaassen claimed the key wicket of du Plooy when he was caught by Finch near the rope but some late hitting by Joe Cracknell, who finished on 24 not out, and Luke Hollman, who was unbeaten on 14, steered Middlesex to a defensible total.It looked less defensible when openers Finch and Muyeye flayed 59 from the powerplay,Although Zafar Gohar made a breakthrough when he caught and bowled the former for 36, it didn’t affect the scoring rate.A single from Josh Little gave Muyeye his 50 and although Higgins had him caught by du Plooy in the 16th, Billings came in and blasted 20 from seven.Denly was denied the satisfaction of hitting the winning runs when he was bowled by Tom Helm, leaving Billings to complete the job with a six off Higgins that flew over square leg.

Manchester United are struggling for momentum under Ruben Amorim and could look to replace their current boss if results don’t improve at Old Trafford.

Man Utd fail to impress in Brentford defeat

Once again, the Red Devils failed to build from a position of strength following their victory over Chelsea last weekend, falling to a defeat at Brentford that will be remembered due to a sliding doors moment.

After Benjamin Sesko halved the hosts’ lead, Bruno Fernandes spurned the chance to level the scoring from the penalty spot before Mathias Jensen ended Manchester United’s hopes of salvaging a result in the capital.

Amorim is a man under pressure at Old Trafford, and Ashley Williams has made it clear he can’t see improvement at the Premier League giants unless the Portuguese boss is relieved of his duties.

He stated on Final Score: “I don’t want to say they change manager, but how long can this continue? It seems to be every week that we’re talking about it. I’m a fan of managers who have a style and stick to it. That isn’t working. You have to adapt. I don’t see where Manchester united go with this unless they change manager.”

Slipping back into the bottom half won’t do Amorim any favours, and his side will now prepare to take on Sunderland at Old Trafford next weekend – a fixture that has now entered must-win territory.

Man Utd flop who had a "nightmare" was even worse than Shaw vs Brentford

The Man Utd player lost the ball 18 times and was even worse than Luke Shaw.

1

By
Joe Nuttall

Sep 28, 2025

Change is needed fast to avoid a seemingly inevitable parting of the ways, which many would attribute to the Red Devils’ refusal to alter their complex 3-4-3 formation.

Potential successors are already being floated, and a surprise name has emerged as a candidate to take over at Old Trafford should Amorim leave the club.

Man Utd could replace Ruben Amorim with Graham Potter

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United could take the surprise step of replacing Amorim with Graham Potter despite the Englishman being sacked by West Ham United earlier in the week. The report claims that the ex-Irons manager is a leading contender to come in at Old Trafford.

The 48-year-old has won 191 times during his managerial career, albeit his spell at the London Stadium was unsuccessful to say the least. Brighton & Hove Albion supporters will attest to his excellent work on the South Coast, though he also endured frustration while in charge at Chelsea.

Intriguingly, the outlet claim results over Amorim’s next few matches will determine his fate. Potter, who shares the same Wasserman agency as Mikel Arteta and Steven Gerrard, would offer something different with his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, but moving to appoint someone with a recent record similar to Amorim isn’t something that would appease supporters.

Nevertheless, he would have the luxury of working with offensive talent such as Bryan Mbuemo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha, three players who are yet to gel under the current management team.

كشف محمد الشاذلي المتحدث الرسمي لـ وزارة الشباب والرياضة، عن اتخاذ الوزارة قرارًا جديدًا بشأن استعدادات منتخب مصر الثاني المشارك في بطولة كأس العرب بقيادة الكابتن حلمي طولان.

ويشارك منتخب مصر، في بطولة كأس العرب خلال الفترة من 1 حتى 18 ديسمبر المقبل بقطر، ويتواجد في المجموعة الثالثة، بجانب الأردن والإمارات والفائز من (الكويت ضد موريتانيا).

وكان حلمي طولان، قد خرج في تصريحات مساء الإثنين، اشتكى فيها من عدم الاهتمام باستعدادات المنتخب لبطولة كأس العرب، قائلًا :”منتخب مصر يواجه أزمة كبيرة في ملاعب التدريب، فالملاعب الفرعية في استاد القاهرة مؤجرة لرجال أعمال يملكون أندية في الدوري، وعندما أذهب للتدريب يُطلب مني دفع مقابل مالي، رغم أننا نمثل مصر في البطولة”.

طالع | حلمي طولان يهاجم رابطة الأندية: لن أقبل الإهانة.. ومنتخب مصر يُعامل بدون احترام

ونقل إبراهيم فايق تصريحات خاصة لمتحدث وزارة الشباب والرياضية لبرنامج “الكورة مع فايق” على قناة “إم بي سي مصر 2″، قال فيها: “وزير الشباب والرياضة أشرف صبحي أعطى توجيها للإدارة التنفيذية باستاد القاهرة بتوفير ملعب للمنتخب مصر بقيادة حلمي طولان”.

وأضاف: “ووجه وزير الشباب والرياضة أيضًا بتوفير كل الإمكانيات اللازمة لدعم منتخب مصر لخوض منافسات كأس العرب”.

يذكر، أن منتخب مصر الثاني، سيلعب مباراتين وديتين في معسكر شهر نوفمبر المقبل، ضد منتخب الجزائر استعدادًا لخوض منافسات كأس العرب بقطر.

AC Milan legend Massimo Ambrosini has praised Christian Pulisic and Santiago Giménez, crediting the Mexico forward for positively impacting the USMNT star's form. Ambrosini, who won multiple titles with Milan from 1995 to 2013, said both have impressed since joining the club. Pulisic has scored 38 goals in 108 appearances, while Giménez has netted seven in 27.

Getty Images Sport'One of his best performances so far'

Ambrosini, who made nearly 500 appearances for the Rossoneri and lifted multiple trophies with the club, emphasized that Giménez’s value can’t be judged solely by his goal tally. In his view, the 23-year-old’s tactical awareness and relentless pressing have been key in helping teammates like Christian Pulisic shine this season.

“True, he hasn’t been scoring much,” Ambrosini told , “but against Juventus in Turin, he delivered one of his best performances so far – he controlled the game’s rhythm, worked tirelessly, came close with a header and a long-range shot, and even won a penalty.”

Ambrosini noted how Giménez’s movement and physical presence constantly unsettled the Juventus defense, opening up lanes for others to exploit – particularly for Pulisic, who has been one of Milan’s most productive attackers.

“Pulisic covers the entire attacking line, but he benefits from having a player like Giménez who keeps defenders occupied,” Ambrosini said. “If Christian has been performing at such a high level, some of the credit has to go to Santi.”

AdvertisementGetty Images SportGetting recognition

Gimenez's work ethic and overall impact on the pitch haven’t gone unnoticed – especially by Ambrosini and manager Max Allegri. 

“Santiago is a fundamental piece of this team,” Allegri said after the Juventus match. “He gives us structure – the way he connects play, holds up the ball, and presses from the front is vital. The goals will come, but what he brings goes well beyond statistics.”

While parts of the Italian media have criticized Giménez for his lack of goals, respected voices like Ambrosini’s continue to underline his importance to Milan’s structure and chemistry. For many observers, the Mexican forward has become a quiet but essential presence in Allegri's squad.

The advanced stats

Gimenez currently has an xG of 2.48, and is currently shooting 38 percent on target in Serie A. He is 14th among strikers in the league in shots on target per 90 minutes at 1.2 per match. 

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AFPBack against Fiorentina

Giménez has scored just once this season – in the Coppa Italia – across eight appearances, and will be eager to find the net in Serie A once league play resumes after the October international break. Milan host Fiorentina on October 19, giving the Mexican a new chance to end his scoring drought and reinforce his growing reputation among fans and pundits alike.

MatériaMais Notícias

OSão Paulofoiderrotado por 1 a 0 para o Cruzeirona noite do último sábado (24), com gol contra anotado pelo lateral Rafinha logo aos 3 minutos do primeiro tempo. Apesar da derrota, a atuação do Tricolor não foi ruim, tirando os dez minutos iniciais da partida, período, inclusive, que saiu o gol da Raposa em Belo Horizonte. Dorival júnior promoveu algumas mudanças em relação ao time titular que venceu o Athletico na última rodada.

Sem Gabriel Neves, suspenso, Méndez ganhou a vaga de titular inédita até aqui com o treinador. Além disso, Luciano foi sacado para a entrada de Alisson, fazendo a função de armador atrás do centroavante Calleri. O esquema 4-2-3-1 foi mantido, com Méndez fazendo uma dupla de volantes com Pablo Maia, um trio formado por Wellington Rato na direita, Nestor na esquerda e Alisson no centro, tentando municiar Calleri, centroavante fixo como pivô.

ATUAÇÕES: Ataque perde chances, e Rafinha marca contra em derrota do São Paulo pelo Brasileirão

O sistema ofensivo do Tricolor até foi bem, parando muitas vezes no goleiro Rafael Cabral, que fez grande partida. Porém, o que se viu foi um São Paulo sem muita criatividade, abusando dos cruzamentos na área. Foram 22 bolas alçadas na área, buscando desvio de Calleri ou algum atacante. No entanto, somente sete delas (32%), foram certas, segundo dados do ‘Sofascore’. Isso dificultou muito a criação, já que as triangulações eram facilmente bloqueadas pela defesa cruzeirense. Quando tinha a chance dde finalizar, o São Paulo nâo concluía bem. Foram 14, com oito na diração do gol.

Para os tricolores apaixonados: produtos a partir de R$39,90 na FutFanatics!

Apesar da derrota, pode-se dizer que o sistema defensivo funcionou, tendo somente o ‘apagão’ que resultou no gol de Rafinha, contra, em mais um tento sofrido em bola aérea. No lance, a falta de comunicação entre os defensores e a falha de posicionamento foram vitais. Arboleda e Beraldo ficaram muito juntos, marcando praticamente o mesmo jogador: Gilberto. Com isso, Rafinha ficou na marcação de Filipe Machado, no meio da área, colocando a bola para dentro do gol.

No mais, o Cruzeiro não conseguiu finalizar na meta de Rafael. Tanto que o São Paulo terminou o jogo sem sofrer um chute ao gol. Isso não acontecia desde a Ponte Preta em outubro de 2015 contra o Joinville. Abusando do chuveirinho, o São Paulo até pressionou, mas não conseguiu furar o bloqueio cruzeirense, saindo de Belo Horizonte com a derrota.

Newcastle United’s transfer strategy this summer has been one of urgency and precision.

After finishing fifth in the Premier League last season and securing a place in this year’s Champions League, the Magpies have been determined to strengthen in all departments.

The recruitment drive has already seen significant arrivals. Jacob Ramsey, Malick Thiaw, Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale have all arrived to add competition.

The club’s ambitions to compete both domestically and in Europe are plain to see, but the 3-2 thriller defeat against Liverpool at St James’ Park served as a stark reminder of how quickly plans can be disrupted.

Midfielders Sandro Tonali and Joelinton both picked up injuries, leaving fans and management concerned about the stability of the engine room.

With Champions League fixtures looming, Newcastle suddenly face the prospect of heading into winter without two of their most trusted midfielders.

Newcastle make move for new midfielder

While speculation over Alexander Isak’s future continues to simmer in the background, the pressing priority is now midfield.

Newcastle know they cannot risk being short in the one area of the pitch that dictates both defensive resilience and attacking creativity.

The search for a solution has therefore intensified in recent weeks, and the club has now turned its attention to one of the Premier League’s most exciting young talents.

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 reporter Jason Soutar, Newcastle United have opened talks with Manchester United over a deal for Kobbie Mainoo.

The 20-year-old midfielder is widely regarded as one of England’s brightest prospects.

The club have enquired about the conditions of a transfer, with the player thought to be open to a move away from Old Trafford.

Mainoo does not fall into the category of wantaway players currently unsettled at United – a group that includes Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia – but his long-term future under Rúben Amorim remains uncertain.

The Portuguese manager has so far preferred to use captain Bruno Fernandes in the central role, often alongside Casemiro or Manuel Ugarte, leaving Mainoo on the bench for two consecutive matches.

Reports have also linked Bayern Munich and former United boss Erik ten Hag’s Bayer Leverkusen with interest, though neither club has formalised a move.

Mainoo himself is said to favour a switch abroad, but Newcastle’s offer of regular first-team football at a Champions League club may be difficult to ignore.

How Mainoo and Bruno Guimarães could transform Newcastle

The growing recognition of Mainoo’s talent only adds to the intrigue.

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has compared him to “a mix of Xavi and Busquets”, while United writer Alex Turk describes him as a future “£100m-plus footballer”.

Thus, for Newcastle, this is a chance to recruit not just a stop-gap solution, but a midfielder capable of becoming a cornerstone of their project for years to come.

The most compelling aspect of Newcastle’s pursuit is the potential partnership between Mainoo and club captain Bruno Guimarães.

Since arriving at St James’ Park, Guimarães has been the heartbeat of the team, combining defensive resilience with incisive creativity.

His influence is borne out in the numbers.

Matches Played

38

Minutes Played

3,271

Goals

5

Assists

6

Progressive Carries

64

Progressive Passes

271

According to FBref, last season he ranked in the 91st percentile for progressive passes per 90 (7.29), 78th percentile for progressive carries (1.73), and 89th percentile for shot-creating actions (3.69).

Simply put, he is among the most effective deep-lying playmakers in Europe.

The difficulty for Howe has been ensuring Guimarães is not shackled by too much defensive responsibility. Injuries to key personnel have forced him to sit deeper in the past, reducing his attacking output.

This is where Mainoo’s arrival could be transformative. Despite his age, the Manchester United outcast has already shown an impressive balance between defensive steel and technical quality.

Via FBref, he ranks in the 72nd percentile compared to positionally similar players in Europe for tackles per 90 (2.44) and the 78th percentile for dribblers tackled per 90 (1.25), demonstrating his ability to break up play and protect the back line.

At the same time, his composure on the ball and eye for a forward pass give him the qualities needed to recycle possession and progress play under pressure.

A partnership with Guimarães would allow the Brazilian to push higher up the pitch, dictating attacks and creating chances, while Mainoo shields the defence and links transitions.

It is a blend that mirrors some of Europe’s most successful midfield pairings – the balance of control and creativity that every top team requires.

For Newcastle, such a signing would not only fill the immediate gap left by injuries but also send a message about their long-term ambitions.

Bringing in a player who has already started for England in a European Championship final and scored in an FA Cup victory over Manchester City demonstrates both vision and intent.

At just 20 years old, Mainoo is a talent who could grow with the club as they continue to build towards competing consistently at the highest level.

Manchester United, of course, will be wary of letting such a player leave. He is a Carrington graduate, a fan favourite, and one of the few academy products to establish himself in recent seasons.

But with Fernandes an immovable figure in Amorim’s system and Baleba on the horizon, United may face a difficult decision.

For Newcastle, timing is everything, and their pursuit of Mainoo could prove one of the defining moves of the summer window.

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