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Manchester United finished 15th in the Premier League last season, with emphasis on the word ‘last’.

Ruben Amorim didn’t mince his words when talking about the need to turn things around and use the 2024/25, and all the baggage that came with it, as a springboard for the future, finally ending these endless years of frustration for one of the game’s biggest superpowers.

Fixing the frontline was always going to be among the chief priorities for the Old Trafford side, and INEOS started on a strong footing there, signing Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a £62.5m fee, the Brazil forward rejecting interest from a host of Premier League suitors to join the Red Devils.

Efforts for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo are ongoing, but the pointers suggest that the right-sided forward will join up with Amorim’s squad in the coming weeks, having expressed a burning desire to make the switch.

This is all well and good, but Man United still need to sign a central striker.

Why Man Utd need a new striker

By all accounts, Amorim wanted to commence pre-season with Marcus Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho all sold. That hasn’t happened, and they have all informed the hierarchy of their wish to depart.

More concerning, perhaps, is Rasmus Hojlund’s continued presence in the Man United senior squad.

The Danish striker, 22, was well out of sorts last term, and has been heavily linked with a summer exit, Inter Milan showing the most interest in his signature.

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Hojlund is clearly a talented forward, but after such an abject run across the recent campaign, it might be a good idea for him to leave, not least because Sir Jim Ratcliffe openly admitted that the young talent was inherited from the past regime, and that he would “have to sort that out”.

Well, whether Hojlund goes or not, United’s movements in the market thus far suggest that a central frontman is on the agenda.

And they’ve been locked in talks for one of the best that Europe has to offer.

Man Utd open talks for new striker

According to talkSPORT, Manchester United have made a fresh enquiry for Eintracht Frankfurt centre-forward Hugo Ekitike, who is one of the hottest commodities in the market this summer.

Ekitike has been coveted by a host of Premier League sides this summer, with United joined in their interest by Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool.

However, with the Gunners closing in on Gyokeres, Jason Wilcox might feel he has a good shot at securing the talented Frenchman’s signature.

Transfer Focus

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

Frankfurt value their man at €100m (£85m), a figure they are unwilling to budge on and suitors are as yet unwilling to meet.

What Hugo Ekitike would bring to Man United

Ekitike is only 22 years old, but he’s already established himself as “one of the best strikers out there”, as said by analyst Ben Mattinson.

After leaving Paris Saint-Germain for Frankfurt in January 2024, initially on loan, he’s only gone from strength to strength, scoring 22 goals and supplying 12 assists across 48 matches in all competitions last season.

Ekitike’s natural finishing ability is neat and all, but his high-speed movements and all-round presence in the final third have led journalist Graeme Bailey to dub him “the next Mbappe”, with such a skill set surely perfect for the frontline Amorim is trying to build, namely with Mbeumo circling in on the Theatre of Dreams.

Runners – and confident ones at that – were in short supply at Old Trafford last season. Adding Mbeumo and Ekitike would do wonders, building back up a will to win and work which would pour over to the rest of the squad.

He’s certainly performing at a superior level to Hojlund, and could in that sense prove the perfect centre-forward for Mbeumo to combine with and rekindle the United attack.

Goals scored

0.53

0.18

Assists

0.28

0.00

Shots taken

4.00

1.44

Shot-creating actions

3.55

1.53

Touches (att pen)

6.88

3.32

Progressive passes

1.86

0.82

Progressive carries

3.27

1.26

Successful take-ons

1.83

0.40

Ball recoveries

3.06

1.57

Tackles + interceptions

0.81

0.22

Quite comprehensively, Hojlund was outstripped by his French counterpart, like bark from a sun-weathered tree.

Ekitike’s dynamic movements and innate creative flair suggest he could be perfect for a pair of goal-focused wide forwards such as Cunha and Mbeumo.

Of course, Mbeumo isn’t only about goalscoring. The Cameroonian racked up seven assists in the Premier League last season, creating 17 big chances across the campaign and averaging 1.8 key passes per game, as per Sofascore.

He also finished the campaign ranked among the top 9% of Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers for crosses completed per 90 (FBref), so he would be well equipped to turn provider for the rangy striker when required.

The fact that the Red Devils have tweaked their strategy and appear to be intent on signing Prem-proven quality alongside the rising phenoms from overseas like Ekitike bespeaks the new era, incipient but inspired by the struggles of recent years, of ensuring that a corner will be turned.

United were at their nadir last season, and no mistake. However, Amorim is a tactician worth his salt, and he might just piece together a squad capable of competing at the top once more, with the likes of Mbeumo playing with the perfect frontman in Ekitike.

Let’s see how this one pans out over the coming weeks.

Cunha 2.0 for Amorim: Man Utd in talks to sign "unstoppable" £35m star

Manchester United are still planning to make some attacking signings this summer.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Jul 8, 2025

Manchester United are a club with huge ambitions this summer, looking to reach the next under the guidance of boss Ruben Amorim, who is set to enter his first pre-season with the club.

The 40-year-old was appointed as manager back in November, subsequently having to work with the players who were already on the books before his arrival.

However, the summer window has allowed the manager to make his own mark on the squad, having the funds to make the additions he wants to reach the next level at Old Trafford.

Matheus Cunha is a player who has already cost £62.5m during the off-season, as Amorim looks to add further quality to his attacking department at the Theatre of Dreams.

Along with the frontline, other areas of the pitch are set to receive investment from the hierarchy, with additions expected across the side in an attempt to rise up the Premier League table.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

The backline has also numerous players being linked with a move to join United, with Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo even being subject to an offer in recent days.

As for the midfield department, Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha another player who’s been of key interest, as Amorim looks to add depth to his first team squad.

However, the German isn’t the only midfielder on their radar, with Inter Milan star Davide Frattesi also a player in their sights, according to CaughtOffside.

They claim that the Red Devils have made an enquiry to the Serie A outfit over a potential deal for the 25-year-old, who made 47 appearances across all competitions last season.

It also states that he could be available for a fee in the region of £30m this summer, potentially taking the next step in his career after making just nine league starts throughout 2024/25.

Why United’s £30m target would be perfect for Bruno

Bruno Fernandes has been United’s club captain over the last couple of years, leading by example at Old Trafford and thriving within the final third under various managers.

The Portuguese international has been leading talent within the midfielder department, notching a total of 37 combined goals and assists throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

He was undoubtedly the shining light in what was a dismal year for the club on the pitch, with it unthinkable to imagine where the Red Devils would’ve been without his contributions in attacking areas.

The £47m paid for his signature back in 2020 now appears to be a bargain, racking up just shy of 300 appearances for the club and hopefully many more in the club’s quest to return to their former glory.

However, he could potentially reach the next level at the club should the hierarchy land Frattesi this summer, with the Italian able to operate in a deep-lying role and hand Fernandes with the tools for success in attacking areas.

His stats from his season on Serie A is evidence of the talent he possesses, potentially handing Amorim a box-to-box option at the heart of the squad.

Frattesi, who’s been labelled “one of the best midfielders in Serie A” by journalist Fabrizio Romano, has completed 84% of the passes he’s attempted, averaging 2.3 progressive passes per 90 – having the tools to provide the Portuguese international with chances in attacking areas.

He’s also averaged 1.7 progressive carries per 90, and ranking in the top 7% of Italy’s top flight for carries into the opposition box, subsequently able to provide the captain with endless opportunities.

The Italian has also won 1.3 tackles per 90, at a success rate of 56%, having the ability to regain possession, before playing the ball into forward areas – potentially being the perfect box-to-box option in the Red Devils side.

£30m for a player who’s consistently performed at the highest level in Italy could prove to be an excellent price, handing Amorim a new dimension to the heart of the side.

Frattesi also has the potential to improve further in the years ahead given his tender age, potentially providing an exciting talent in their quest to return to their former glory.

Mbeumo will love him: Man Utd submit £43m bid to sign "phenomenal" star

Manchester United appear to be making key moves in the transfer window ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

1

By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 2, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur salvaged their season when they defeated Manchester United in the Europa League final last May, rolling out the carpet for Champions League football once more.

Having completed some housework already, finalising a shrewd £30m deal for Mathys Tel and sealing the permanent signing of Kevin Danso after his loan spell, new manager Thomas Frank has turned his attention to external solutions.

While the former Brentford boss would love nothing more than to reunite with Bryan Mbeumo, the Red Devils hold the lead in that race. As such, Spurs have turned their attention to Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, having made contact with Bournemouth but made it known they have no interest in meeting the £70m asking price; the same is true for other suitors.

Despite an abject Premier League campaign, the Lilywhites have an exciting project indeed, and that’s why they might want to turn to a Semenyo alternative who might even prove an upgrade.

Spurs lining up Semenyo alternative

As per L’Equipe, as relayed by GetFootballNewsFrance, Tottenham have received a huge boost in their bid to sign AS Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche, who has been informed he could leave the Ligue 1 club for the right price this summer.

That price is marked at €60m (£51m), so he wouldn’t come cheap. However, the 23-year-old ace is one of the most exciting talents in France and is also attracting interest from Nottingham Forest alongside Spurs, who are both chasing a deal for the starlet.

The Moroccan has yet to be the centre of an official bid, but if Bournemouth remain stubborn on their valuation of Semenyo, that could change very soon.

What Maghnes Akliouche would bring to Spurs

Akliouche has made headway at Monaco over the last few years, graduating from the academy to become one of the most influential members of the first team.

24/25

43 (38)

7

12

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31 (19)

8

4

22/23

13 (6)

1

0

21/22

9 (1)

0

1

He’s just come off the back of his most productive campaign, and having demonstrated such interesting year-by-year growth, might just be the perfect option to add to a developing Tottenham side showing itself to be a hothouse for young stars.

Indeed, Akliouche ranked among the top 14% of attacking midfielders and wingers last season for assists, the top 11% for progressive passes, and the top 16% for tackles per 90, as per FBref, illustrating both his creative flair and a tenacious approach to his football.

Typically playing off the right flank, Akliouche operates in a similar area to Semenyo, albeit he plays a different role. FBref have actually likened his style of play to that of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and the legendary Heung-min Son.

He notched 15 goal contributions in Ligue 1 last season, averaging 4.5 successful duels per game. He also created 15 big chances, as per Sofascore.

No question, Semenyo’s the real deal, but is the 25-year-old worth £70m? He finished the 2024/25 campaign with 13 goals and seven assists across 42 matches in all competitions, very impressive for the Cherries, but perhaps not worth such a large sum.

Not when there’s a “magician” in Akliouche potentially available, demonstrating incredible playmaking potential, with his “wand of a left foot” singled out for praise by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Semenyo is an energetic and versatile forward himself, and he did average a greater amount of successful duels than Akliouche last term (6.1 per Premier League match), but Tottenham could do with some more creative ingenuity on the flanks to enhance Frank’s system, and they already have a goalscoring specialist on the right in Brennan Johnson.

Moreover, the Morocco star has converted 12 big chances in the French top flight across the past two years, only missing 13 big chances, which speaks of a clinical instinct that Frank will be sure to tweak and develop on the training pitch.

While Semenyo would be a fantastic buy for the Londoners, Akliouche has a higher ceiling and would come at a cheaper fee.

Dream Son heir: Spurs set to enter bidding war for "generational" £50m star

The talented youngster could be a superstar at Spurs.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 20, 2025

Aston Villa have now made contact over a deal for a defender, whose recent performances have attracted the attention of some top clubs, according to a report.

Aston Villa eyeing bargain signings amid PSR concerns

PSR has been a thorn in Villa’s side for quite some time now, having previously been forced to cash-in on the likes of Douglas Luiz and Jhon Duran to raise funds, and having missed out on the Champions League in controversial fashion, NSWE may have to make sales this summer.

After the 2-0 defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford, there are now doubts over the futures of Morgan Rogers, Emi Martinez and Marco Asensio, with Manchester City being named as potential suitors for the former in the past.

Martinez also looks as though he could be heading for the exit door, with Atletico Madrid recently entering the race for the Argentina international, alongside Manchester United, although it is unclear whether a move to Old Trafford would be of great appeal after their Europa League final defeat.

Better than Rashford: Aston Villa exploring move for "special" £58m star

It’s set to be a busy summer at Aston Villa, so could they sign a “special player” from a Premier League rival for £58m instead of Marcus Rashford?

ByBen Gray May 30, 2025

Amid PSR concerns, it could be a wise idea for Aston Villa and NSWE to make some low-cost additions to the squad this summer, and they have now made contact over a deal for Hellas Verona defender Diego Coppola, according to reports from Italy (via Sport Witness).

Owing to some of his recent performances, Coppola is now attracting widespread interest ahead of the summer transfer window, with the likes of Juventus, AC Milan, Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford also being named as potential suitors.

A deal could be on the relatively cheap side too, with the Serie A side expected to receive offers of around €10m – €15m (£8m – £13m) in the coming weeks.

"No-nonsense" Coppola impressing in Italy

The Hellas Verona defender is only 21-years-old, but he has already solidified his place as a regular starter for the Italian side, making 34 Serie A appearances in the 2024-25 campaign, during which time he impressed considerably.

Indeed, the Italian centre-back showcased his defensive quality on a regular basis, perhaps most notably ranking in the top 1% for interceptions per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

Statistic

Average per 90

Aerials won

4.09 (98th percentile)

Interceptions

2.21 (99th percentile)

Tackles

2.03 (85th percentile)

Not only that, but the “no-nonsense CB”, as dubbed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, also proved himself to be an attacking threat, scoring with a towering header in his side’s 3-2 victory over Parma back in December.

Coppola has proven he could now be ready to take the next step in his career, and he could be a fantastic low-cost addition to Unai Emery’s squad.

When it comes to legendary players, Arsenal aren’t short of names.

Now, most fans will understandably go back to the era of Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Patrick Vieira and Robert Pirès. After all, they were the stars of the Gunners’ iconic Invincibles.

However, if you were to go back just a little further, you’d end up talking about one of the most beloved players to ever pull on the famous red and white shirt: Ian Wright.

The sensational striker became the club’s all-time leading goalscorer when he netted his 179th goal in September 1997.

While it was a record later broken by Henry, it cemented the Englishman’s legacy, and if recent reports are to be believed, Andrea Berta and Mikel Arteta may soon sign someone who could be Arsenal’s new Wright.

Arsenal transfer news

So, before we get to the striker who could be the club’s new Wright, it’s worth looking at some of the other centre-forwards they are reportedly looking at, such as Benjamin Sesko.

The Slovenian has been on the Gunners’ radar since last summer, but could finally be available for around £58m this year, which might sound like a lot, but as he’s amassed 26 goal involvements in 41 games this season and is still just 21, it could be a fee that looks like a steal a few years from now.

However, it also appears as if the Gunners are after someone even more prolific than the RB Leipzig star, as they continue to be linked with the £60m Sporting CP monster, Viktor Gyokeres.

Transfer Focus

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

The Swedish international has been in utterly sublime form this season and has racked up an absurd tally of 47 goals and 11 assists in 46 appearances, although aside from his eye for goal, there isn’t much he shares with Wright, which isn’t the case for Ollie Watkins.

Yes, according to a recent report from Football Transfers, Arsenal have maintained their interest in the Aston Villa star ahead of the summer window.

In fact, the report has revealed that new Sporting Director Berta pushed for the club to chase the Englishman in January, and he is again the leading force for his inclusion on their shortlist now, as he wants an ‘oven-ready’ striker to join the team.

It’s not entirely clear how much the former Exeter City gem would cost, as the Villans demanded £60m in the winter window but may well ask for less in the summer; either way, his goal record speaks for itself and Arsenal should do what they can to bring him in, especially as he could be their new Wright.

How Watkins compares to Wright

So, some of you out there may be scratching your head trying to work out why Watkins could be Arsenal’s new Wright, but rest assured, should this transfer happen, then there would be some unmistakable similarities between the two strikers.

The first is that, like the former professional, who joined the North Londoners from Crystal Palace in 1991, the Torquay-born monster would be moving to N5 from a fellow Premier League side in Villa, already having amassed plenty of experience in English football, which cannot be said of the club’s other targets.

On top of that, he’d be securing his move to the team at the older age – for a footballer – of 29, which is both unusual and similar to the former Gunners star, who turned 28 just two months after moving to Highbury.

Finally, on top of both having played for England and putting in their best performances when playing on the shoulder, the “world-class” Villa ace, as dubbed by journalist Jack Grimse, has proven that he has what it takes to score bags and bags of goals.

For example, since joining the Claret and Blue in 2020, he’s amassed a brilliant haul of 86 goals and 41 assists in 217 appearances, totalling 17259 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.7 games, or every 135.89 minutes. On that evidence, it’s hardly a surprise to see him described as “one of the best centre-forwards in Europe” by Arsenal podcaster Rohan Jivan.

Appearances

217

Starts

196

Minutes

17259′

Goals

86

Assists

41

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

135.89′

Ultimately, while it might cost the club a pretty penny, and he may be on the older side of players normally targeted by Arteta and Co, Watkins has proven he can perform at the highest level consistently, so Arsenal should do all they can to sign him this summer, especially as he could become their new Wright.

Worth more than Trossard & Merino: Arsenal struck gold on the new Fabregas

The incredible talent looks destined for greatness with Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 21, 2025

Newcastle United are now closely monitoring a “monster” forward, who has been likened to Sergio Aguero, having watched him in action recently, according to a report.

Newcastle ramping up summer transfer plans

As we enter April, and thus the business end of the Premier League season, Newcastle still have a lot to play for, with Champions League qualification still very much in their sights, having already made the 2024-25 campaign a memorable one by lifting the EFL Cup.

The type of summer transfer window the Magpies have is likely to hinge upon whether they qualify for Europe’s elite competition, given that it will enable them to attract some top players, but they have already started to work on some potential signings.

PIF have reportedly made a £50m+ offer for Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, which may be difficult for the Reds to turn down, while they also hold an interest in teammate Diogo Jota, with some suggestions the Portugal international could be used as a makeweight in a deal for Alexander Isak.

Newcastle now eyeing £25m Leeds target who Howe called "magnificent"

The Magpies are in the race for a Premier League player, who is set to leave his club in the summer.

ByDominic Lund Apr 1, 2025

Jota is not the only forward in Eddie Howe’s sights, however, with a report from The Boot Room revealing scouts have now been sent to watch Besiktas’ Semih Kilicsoy, who helped his side to a 2-1 victory over rivals Galatasaray at the weekend.

Scouts from West Ham United, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest were also in attendance, with Galatasaray’s Baris Alper Yilmaz another player of interest to the English delegations.

The Magpies are said to be watching Kilicsoy closely, however, and with a busy transfer window planned on Tyneside, he could be in line for a move to St. James’ Park.

"Monster" Kilicsoy showing promising signs in Turkey

The report references the Besiktas winger’s nickname of the “Turkish Aguero”, and much like the Manchester City legend, his favoured position is striker, where he netted 11 goals in 23 Süper Lig appearances last term.

After showing signs of promise in a breakthrough campaign last season, however, the teenager hasn’t been quite as prolific this year, netting three league goals, although it must be noted he is still just 19.

As such, with Besiktas’ asking price allegedly dropping to just £12m, it could still be worth taking a risk on the Turkish youngster this summer, particularly considering he has received high praise from members of the media.

That said, Kilicsoy’s performances this season indicate he could take a little while to get to grips with the Premier League, so it could be worth Newcastle sending him out on loan, should they decide to pursue a deal this summer.

Going into the final, he is the second-highest run-scorer and third-highest wicket-taker for his team

Hemant Brar08-Mar-2024To a boy, as the saying goes, a father is often his first hero. It was no different for Tanush Kotian, the lanky allrounder from Mumbai.Kotian’s father, Karunakar, was a regular in the city’s tennis-ball circuit and would often take his son along to the tournaments.”Growing up, I watched only my dad,” Kotian, 25, tells ESPNcricinfo when asked about his heroes. “He was a fast bowler and a middle-order batsman, and was called the king of tennis-ball cricket. The name he made for himself inspired me to take up the sport.”And those five-over matches would be so exciting that I was pulled into it. Soon, I also started playing tennis-ball cricket.”Related

• Spirited Vidarbha run into mighty Mumbai in a contest of contrasts

• Ranji final an opportunity for Akshay Wadkar to forge his legacy

Kotian’s journey in leather-ball cricket, though, began when he was picked for Giles Shield, and then Harris Shield. After doing well there, he progressed through various age-group tournaments and made his Ranji Trophy debut in 2018-19, at the age of 20.When starting out, Kotian was primarily a batter and an occasional offspinner. But soon he was focusing on both disciplines. “Now I don’t think whether I am a batter or a bowler,” he says. “Whatever I am doing, batting, bowling or fielding, I try to make an impact in that department.”The result is, despite batting in the lower order, Kotian goes into the Ranji Trophy final against Vidarbha as Mumbai’s second-highest run-scorer and third-highest wicket-taker this season.A key to his success is his street-smartness, which probably comes from his tennis-ball cricket experience.In 2022-23, Mumbai were chasing 144 against Himachal Pradesh in the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. They needed six off the last over with three wickets in hand. Kotian was on strike, facing the HP captain Rishi Dhawan.”On that wicket, the ball was skidding,” Kotian recalls. “So I knew he would try to take advantage of that and bowl a bouncer.”As Kotian had anticipated, Dhawan banged the first three balls into the pitch. He pulled the first to deep midwicket for two runs. The next was a dot. When Dhawan went short once again, Kotian dispatched him over fine leg to seal the win with a six.For his 9 off 5 balls and 3 for 15 in four overs, Kotian was named the Player of the Final.Tanush Kotian is also Mumbai’s third-highest wicket-taker in the ongoing Ranji Trophy•ESPNcricinfo LtdThat match was roughly 50 days before the 2023 IPL auction, ahead of which Kotian had been at trials for several franchises. A day before the auction, he took his
maiden five-wicket haul in the Ranji Trophy. The stars seemed to be aligning for him.But on the auction day, Kotian was shocked to learn that he was on the BCCI’s Suspect Bowling Action list. He had no idea how and when that happened. Later, he remembered that during a Syed Mushtaq Ali game against Uttarakhand, the match referee had expressed concerns over his action. “But since there was no restriction imposed, and I was bowling regularly, I didn’t pay much attention to it,” he says.Only the franchises know how close they were to picking him, but the news meant no one risked a bid.Kotian was hurt but he decided to focus on the Ranji Trophy. Unfortunately, there was more disappointment to come.His participation in Mumbai’s last league game of the 2022-23 season, against Maharashtra, seemed to be over on the first day when he injured his right hand while attempting a return catch off Kedar Jadhav. “The webbing between my ring finger and little finger was split and I had six stitches,” he says.Maharashtra’s first innings ended on 384. In response, Mumbai, who needed a lead to qualify for the knockouts, were in a spot of bother at 238 for 6. In walked Kotian.”When I had stitches, I thought I would not be able to bat,” he says. “But slowly I got used to the pain. And since the team was in trouble, I had to go out. Once I started batting, I got into a flow and took the team close to Maharashtra’s first-innings total.”When Mumbai lost their ninth wicket, they were still 12 behind. Kotian helped them draw level in the company of No. 11 Siddharth Raut.Kotian was on strike for the last ball of left-arm spinner Vicky Ostwal’s over. He called Raut and said: “Only one run remains now. Even if this ball is a dot, you can take a single in the next over.”But Raut suggested otherwise. “He said if it were a fast bowler, he would have managed. But Satyajeet Bachhav [another left-arm spinner] was operating from the other end. So he asked me, ‘Since you are well set, why don’t you finish it on this ball?'”It made sense to Kotian; after all, he was well set on 93. “Maharashtra had packed the off side, so I thought I would move across and just tap the ball on the leg side for an easy single,” he says. “I didn’t want to take a risky run.”He ended up moving too far outside off and swept the ball onto the stumps. With neither team managing a first-innings lead and the match ending in a draw, both Mumbai and Maharashtra were knocked out, and Andhra qualified for the quarter-final.Tushar Deshpande and Tanush Kotian scored centuries at No. 10 and 11 against Baroda•PTI Kotian thought about that shot for many days. What if he had not played the sweep? What if he had gone for another shot? What if Raut had managed a single in the next over?”Whenever I would meet my team-mates, this topic would invariably come up,” Kotian says. “But they would tell me not to overthink as I had only brought the side this close.During the off season, Kotian travelled to Chennai to get his bowling action tested but the assessment could not be completed because of a technical issue. And that means, though he can continue bowling, his name remains on the Suspect Bowling Action list.After the ongoing season, he plans to visit Chennai again to get his name cleared.Meanwhile, he continues to churn out impressive performances. “Last year I had scored 300 [303] runs; this year I wanted to take it to 450 to 500,” he says. “In bowling, my target was to take 30 wickets.”He is more or less there, with a match to go. He started the season with three half-centuries in three innings, and despite batting mostly at No. 8 or lower, he has 481 runs at an average of 48.10. With the ball, he has 22 wickets at an average of 17.72 and a strike rate of 34.2. Only Mohit Avasthi (35) and Shams Mulani (31) have more wickets for Mumbai.”My strength is the extra bounce I get because of my height,” Kotian, who is six-foot tall, says. “And I can turn the ball at pace. While in white-ball, the focus is on keeping the ball away from the batsman’s reach, I know here I have to vary my length and speed. I have to dangle the carrot and purchase wickets.”Another box he has ticked this season – and in some style – is scoring his first century. In the quarter-final against Baroda, Mumbai had taken a 36-run lead in the first innings. In the second dig, they had extended it to 349 when Kotian walked in at No. 10.At that point, Kotian had ten fifties to his name including two scores in the 90s, but batting in the lower order did not give him many opportunities to score a hundred. Here, too, he was on 15 when the ninth wicket fell. But Tushar Deshpande hung around and they added 232 for the last wicket. Kotian finished unbeaten on 120 off 129 and Deshpande scored 123, also off 129. It was only the time that a No. 10 and No. 11 had scored a century in the same innings in first-class cricket.Kotian’s next knock, in the semi-final against Tamil Nadu, was perhaps even better. The conditions were more bowler friendly: Tamil Nadu were bowled out for 146 after choosing to bat, and Mumbai were 106 for 7. Batting at No. 10, Kotian scored an unbeaten 89 and added 88 with Deshpande to stretch Mumbai’s lead to 232. That was enough to secure an innings win.The next game is the final against Vidarbha, and the prince of tennis-ball cricket will be hoping for a Ranji Trophy coronation.

The India batter on her love affair with butter chicken, discovering lasagna in Australia, and a secret Bhatia family recipe

Interview by Annesha Ghosh18-Mar-2022What is one meal you can eat day in and day out?
Butter chicken and roti. I eat it at home when my father makes it, and every time I go to a restaurant I straight away call for butter chicken if anyone else accompanying me orders non-veg.Is there anything you really love that you’ve added or removed from your diet to better fit your fitness regimen?
Chicken biryani. I it, but my nutritionist has asked me to cut out rice from my diet totally, explaining how it can affect my fitness and make me slow – with regards to injury too. So chicken biryani has had to go.How difficult was it to give that up?
It did break my heart when I was told I shouldn’t be having rice. But I was, and am, willing to make such sacrifices to get better results out of my cricket. But whenever I am allowed the freedom to have food of my choice, say, on a day off or some such, I make sure to have chicken biryani and butter chicken.What else has been hard to give up?
. I used to eat a lot of it growing up, but in the last seven years I’ve only had the home-made version of the street snack, and that too, rarely. In December last year, though, I had proper roadside after I scored a century for Baroda in the senior one-day domestic competition in Nagpur. It felt so good.What is your favourite pre- or post-workout snack?
I like to keep it light, so I usually go for [millet rotis]. After a workout I like having protein shakes or brown-rice cakes with peanut butter.Which of your team-mates is the best cook?
I am yet to taste anything made by my India team-mates, but I’ve heard Smriti Mandhana is quite good, so I’d like to try out some of what she makes. My Baroda team-mate Charmi Shah is decent at making Maggi and popcorn.What’s one thing you can cook for yourself really well?
I can make pizza. I remember making pizza at an Amul cooking contest once. On a regular basis, though, I think I’d be more comfortable making bread-omelette and [okra] – that’s a dish I love tucking into every now and then.What’s the one dish you would like to ace?
[spinach]. I can’t make it but my mother makes it very well. It would make for a very nice combination with , which I already know how to make, and roti.Who is the one team-mate who can eat whatever they want without it affecting their fitness?
Tanvir Shaikh from Baroda. She indulges in deserts often but she tops pretty much all the sprinting drills. We often ask her, [You eat everything, where does all of it go?] In the Indian team, I am a newbie, so I don’t have much of an idea, but I think Sneh Rana is similar [to Tanvir]. Her fitness is top- shelf. Her metabolism must be quite high, so cheat meals don’t appear to affect her much.Is there a snack you carry in your kit bag when you’re travelling or on tour?
Peanut butter – dark-chocolate flavour. I took a liking to peanut butter ever since I first had it during the home series for South Africa [in March last year], for which I was part of the Indian squad for the first time. I can’t do without peanut butter after a workout.Did you try any new food when you toured Australia?
We were served lasagna at the pink-ball Test [in Carrara]. I loved it. During the tour they would also serve rice, dal and chicken – tandoori or butter – for buffet, and we’d order roti separately along with . The food in Australia was very good.Which cricket venue you’ve played at has had the best food or catering?
We were in Ranchi for a domestic game, and I loved the food and catering in that stadium. I particularly liked the chicken.You’ve grown up, and live, in Baroda. What would you recommend to anyone visiting your home town?
Kathiyawadi cuisine is quite famous in Gujarat, especially the Kathiyawadi , which serve a wide variety of fare. Those are usually a bit more spicy than Gujarati . Baroda’s street food is quite popular as well, and people here are crazy about in particular. , , are some of the other dishes I’d recommend.What do meals look like during a regular week in the Bhatia household?
My mother is vegetarian, but my dad, [older] sister, and I eat non-veg, so the fare on weekdays is usually veg stuff, which either my mom or our cook takes care of. Anything non-vegetarian is typically reserved for Fridays and Sundays and is made by my father.What are the signature dishes in your family?
Home-style chicken and mutton are my papa’s signature dishes, but our household has one of its own, the Bhatia . It’s a gram-flour-and-yoghurt-based thin gravy, which most types of are, and we add a generous assortment of diced drumstick, potatoes, and okra in it. We treat all our guests to it and serve it with steamed rice and sometimes with .What food do you miss most when you’re on tour?
. It’s so simple to make and it reminds me of the simplicity of home. Though you get dal at restaurants or often at match venues in India and abroad, it’s never the same, and as simple, as .

Taylor Ward is lucky he has attentive teammates.

The Los Angeles Angels outfielder ran headfirst into the left field wall while attempting to chase down a fly ball off the bat of Houston Astros second baseman Ramon Urias in the bottom of the eighth inning. Ward missed the ball, but got a face-ful of the wall and fell to the field in a heap.

He eventually got up and signaled to the Angels' bullpen that he needed help, and the team's relievers responded, rushing out to check on him and provided a towel to soak up the blood running down his face.

Video is below.

That is a scary scene.

The outfield at Daikin Park can be difficult to navigate due to its intricate angles.

Ward left the game and was replaced in left field by Luis Rengifo, who moved from second base, with Christian Moore taking over that spot.

Despite Ward's absence, the Angels won the game 3-0. Hopefully, he winds up being OK.

MatériaMais Notícias

Bahia e CRB se enfrentam neste domingo (26), pela semifinal da Copa do Nordeste. A bola rola às 18h (de Brasília), na Arena Fonte Nova, com transmissão do Nosso Futebol + e SBT.

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+ Dicas de apostas em nosso canal de WhatsApp para apostar com sabedoria!

Confira abaixo todas as informações que você precisa saber sobre o confronto entre Bahia e CRB pela Copa do Nordeste (onde assistir, horário, escalações e local).

✅FICHA TÉCNICA
Bahia x CRB
Semifinal – Copa do Nordeste

Data e horário: domingo, 26 de abril de 2024, às 18h (de Brasília)
Local: Arena Fonte Nova, em Salvador (BA)
Onde assistir: SBT e Nosso Futebol +
Árbitro: Fabio Augusto Santos Sa Junior (SE)
VAR: Thayslane de Melo Costa (FIFA-SE)
Assistentes: Daniel Vidal Pimentel (SE) e Vanessa Santos Azevedo (SE)

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⚽ PROVÁVEIS ESCALAÇÕES

BAHIA (Técnico: Rogério Ceni)
Marcos Felipe; Santiago Arias, Gabriel Xavier, Kanu e Luciano Juba; Caio Alexandre, Jean Lucas, Everton Ribeiro e Cauly; Thaciano e Ademir (Biel).

CRB (Técnico: Daniel Paulista)
Matheus Albino; Hereda, Saimon, Fábio Alemão e Matheus Ribeiro; Falcão, João Pedro e Gegê; Labandeira, Léo Pereira e Anselmo Ramon

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