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Bangladesh captain urges team-mates to “back each other” and stay focused amid waves of public criticism

Mohammad Isam25-Nov-2021

Mominul Haque – “This is not the first time Bangladesh has gone through such a phase”•AFP/Getty Images

Mominul Haque has the monumental task of changing Bangladesh’s mood in and out of the dressing room. There has been an air of negativity around the team for the past two months. Nine defeats, fiery press conferences and public criticisms in the T20 World Cup was followed by a siege mentality during the T20I series against Pakistan in Dhaka.Everything from the cricket team, the board, and the overall structure and culture of Bangladesh cricket has come into question.On the eve of the first Test against Pakistan, Mominul urged his team to stop worrying about what is being said, and do what they are supposed to do, by bringing the focus back to cricket.Related

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“This is not the first time Bangladesh has gone through such a phase,” Mominul said. “We have overcome such situations before too. People become mentally weak, because they take outside talk seriously. My job is to bring back focus from thinking about what everyone is saying, and focusing on our job. We have to back each other. You cannot shut anyone’s mouth but I think you can shut off your own ears.”But the job at hand – playing a Test match against Pakistan – is doubly hard for Bangladesh as injuries have kept out big names like Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal, while Mahmudullah has retired from Tests. Taskin Ahmed, who has shown good form in his Test comeback, is also out with a finger injury he sustained during the third T20I in Dhaka.”I don’t want to call it a difficult challenge. ‘Difficult’ has a negative meaning. I don’t want to see it negatively. Tamim gives us good starts that we have often capitalised on. Shakib is two players in one. Taskin has been bowling well recently.”We are effectively missing four players. It makes my captaincy a bit more challenging but Mushfiq and I have to take on the added responsibility.”Mominul wants the focus on those who are in the squad, including Abu Jayed, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam, a bowling trio that has carried a major bulk of the attack. “Mustafizur (Rahman) hasn’t played a Test for a long time. Both Taskin (Ahmed) and Shoriful (Islam) are unfortunately injured. But we have to think about those who are in the squad.”(Abu Jayed) Rahi has been our leading wicket-taker in the World Test Championship. Ebadot is also playing Tests regularly. We also have (Mehidy Hasan) Miraz and Taijul (Islam). I have confidence in my bowlers. I think if we bowl well, we can take 20 wickets in this game,” he said.Mominul also expects Liton Das to bounce back from his T20I downturn, which cost him his place during the Pakistan series last week.”There’s a big difference between Tests and T20Is. When we keep mentioning T20s, it becomes difficult for me. I think Liton has overcome the (mental aspect) of it.”He has averaged 45-50 in Tests in the last 12 months. I think he can handle it well. He had a mental break. Everyone is supporting him.”Mominul said that Bangladesh’s next couple of Test series will offer a peak into their Test future. They were without Shakib for almost the entire 2019-21 WTC cycle, although Tamim and Mushfiqur have been heavily involved. Mahmudullah’s Test chapter has also drawn to a close, which means that Bangladesh are now forced to think about younger cricketers for these vacant spots.”Everyone wants results. Not just me. I think it is a good opportunity for the youngsters. You will get a picture of the direction our Test team is taking in this, and some of the future series. We definitely have long-term plans in Tests. We want to build slowly, and within a series or two we will know where our Test team stands.”

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is closing in on yet another trophy in his career in Glasgow after reaching the final of the League Cup on Saturday.

A 6-0 win over Aberdeen at the weekend at Hampden Park has set up a final clash with Rangers, providing the boss with an opportunity to win the competition for the first time since his return to Parkhead.

The Hoops won the Scottish Premiership title and the SFA Cup during the 2023/24 campaign, which means that this is the only domestic trophy missing for Rodgers this time around.

He came in to replace Ange Postecoglou in the summer of 2023, after his move to Tottenham Hotspur, and there were big shoes to fill, after the Australian’s great work in the transfer market during his time at Celtic.

Ange Postecoglou's best signings for Celtic

The former Hoops boss struck gold with a number of signings throughout his two years with the Scottish giants, particularly with his work in the Asian market.

Japan international Reo Hatate was one of his finest pieces of business, as the central midfielder was brought in for £1.4m and was recently valued at a whopping £15m.

Another Japanese starlet whose value soared under Postecoglou was Kyogo Furuhashi. He was brought in for a reported fee of £4.6m and was valued as high as £25m in the summer transfer window.

There was also Portuguese starlet Jota, who joined in a £6.5m deal from Benfica before being sold to Al-Ittihad for a whopping £25m in the summer of 2023.

Not every signing under Postecoglou was a roaring success for the Hoops, however, and left-back Alexandro Bernabei is one example of the manager blundering in the transfer market.

Postecoglou's Bernabei blunder for Celtic

In the summer of 2022, the Australian boss swooped to sign the left-back from Lanus for a reported fee of £4m, and that has turned out to be a blunder on his and the club’s part.

Transfer Focus

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

Bernabei only started nine Premiership games in his debut season in Scotland, losing 60% of his duels, before a tally of just three starts in the first half of last term under Rodgers, losing 53% of his duels.

Former Hoops ace John Hartson labelled the Argentine flop a “disgrace” for not putting enough effort in to stop David Watson from scoring a stoppage-time equaliser for Kilmarnock earlier this year.

Less than a month on from that criticism, in February, the Bhoys and Rodgers made the decision to send him out on loan to Brazilian side

Internacional until the end of the year.

It was recently reported, by Football Insider, that Celtic are now likely to cash in on the defender in the January transfer window, as the manager is reluctant to bring him back into the fold, with sources telling Football Insider that he is ‘unlikely’ to ever play for the club again.

The outlet claimed that the Scottish giants will look to recoup as much of the £4m they spent on him as possible but it remains to be seen how much they will be able to bring in for his services, as he has been a flop for the Hoops and one that Postecoglou may look back on with regret.

Worth more than Kuhn: Celtic lost a real star whose value's soared 1,300%

The former Celtic forward has thrived since moving down south to the Premier League.

1 ByDan Emery Nov 3, 2024

Riding high still on their unbelievable success in the Champions League over Bayern Munich, Unai Emery’s Aston Villa had to settle for a share of the points against Manchester United last time out back in Premier League action.

Whilst Villa’s tie with Bayern was high-octane and fascinating to watch unfold, the goalless draw with Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils was a slog in contrast, as the hosts managed just one paltry shot on target.

Still, with the explosive nature of Jhon Duran at Emery’s disposal to call upon from off the substitutes bench, there are bound to be far more exciting contests to come.

Jhon Duran's form at Villa

Duran has been a man possessed for the West Midlands outfit this campaign so far, with the 20-year-old hotshot more than justifying his slender £18m fee in the here and now.

The entertaining Colombian centre-forward has registered a ridiculous six goals from ten games this campaign for Villa, with four of those coming in the Premier League despite making zero starts in the competition.

Of course, the standout pick from his glowing resume of strikes this season was against Vincent Kompany’s Bayern, as the super confident attacker amazingly caught out former World Cup winning goalkeeper Manuel Neuer with a smart finish late on to win his side the tight clash.

Duran has now been rightly rewarded with a new bumper contract at Villa Park, which now sees the breakout attacker stay put in England until 2030 to detract any onlookers interested in him, as the 20-year-old continues to be a clutch player for his side when it matters.

Yet, although Emery and Co will be overjoyed that they managed to get their hands on Duran when they did, the Premier League side will be left wondering whether they could have snapped up a different attacker last January.

Impressively, the player in question is actually outscoring the ex-Chicago Fire man.

One that got away

The transfers that nearly happened but never did. This article is part of Football FanCast's One That Got Away series.

Who Villa could have signed over Duran

As per various different reports, Villa were previously keen on adding French star Marcus Thuram to their ranks, with rumours circulating that he was going to relocate to England from then-employers Borussia Monchengladbach early last year.

Manchester United were also reportedly in the running to try and secure the deadly Frenchman’s services, but Thuram eventually made his way to Inter Milan in the summer instead, with the Serie A giants jubilant at the fact that they managed to pick up the lofty 6 foot 4 striker for free after his Gladbach contract had run its course.

Games played

7

7

Goals scored

7

4

Assists

3

0

Shots

2.9

1.4

Expected goals (xG)

2.60

2.06

Scoring frequency

79 mins

46 mins

Goal conversion %

35%

40%

Interestingly, Thuram boasts more goals in the top Italian division than Duran has managed this campaign so far in the Premier League, with a stunning seven strikes from just seven games for Inter, which takes his total goal tally for the Serie A titans up to 22 goals from 54 appearances.

Far outperforming his xG too, it would have been a joy to watch if both Thuram and his theoretical Colombian teammate lined up with each other at Villa Park, giving Emery’s men some crazy firepower away from leading man Ollie Watkins.

As a result of his continued excellent performances donning the number nine jersey for Inter, the 27-year-old’s transfer value now stands at a hefty £54m according to Transfermarkt.

Yet, although Thuram has even been labelled as “special” by one of his Inter teammates Benjamin Pavard at the peak of his powers, Villa will be more than content with the fact they have Duran to call upon as he strives to continue taking the English game by storm when the international break is over.

After Duran: Aston Villa must hand a massive wage increase to amazing star

Aston Villa have various players who are now deserving of a better contract.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 9, 2024

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been handed an injury boost ahead of his side's all-important north London derby clash away to Tottenham this weekend.

Arteta dealt Arsenal selection headache with key players absent

Following the international break, Arsenal return to action imminently, with Arteta and the squad preparing to face-off against their fierce cross-city rivals on Sunday.

Arsenal hold extensive internal talks over signing £86m starlet for Arteta

He’s very highly regarded in north London.

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 12, 2024

The manager will be very keen to get back to winning ways after agreeing to a new three year deal at the Emirates to extend his stay until 2027, but he faces mounting obstacles to overcome in his preparation for a tough trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Star midfielder Declan Rice is a confirmed absentee against Spurs through suspension, having controversially been sent off against Brighton for two bookable offences, with fellow midfielder and summer signing Mikel Merino also set to miss Tottenham as he is out for nearly two months with a shoulder injury.

Tottenham (away)

September 15

Man City (away)

September 22

Leicester City (home)

September 28

Southampton (home)

October 5

Bournemouth (away)

October 19

Arsenal's shortage in that area means Arteta is reportedly planning to drop Kai Havertz back into midfield, with new arrival Raheem Sterling a candidate to play their false-nine role in the German's stead.

If absences for Merino and Rice weren't bad enough for the Gunners, defender Riccardo Calafiori is a real doubt for the North London Derby as well, after the centre-back sustained a calf injury during Italy's 3-1 UEFA Nations League win over France.

The most worrying injury blow, though, has come in the form of club captain Martin Odegaard. The Norway star was forced off in his country's 2-1 win over Austria on Monday, and needed medical staff to assist him in walking off the pitch as he couldn't bear weight on his ankle.

The 25-year-old has since returned to Arsenal, and was pictured boarding a plane to London on crutches. Reports in England have now shared that Odegaard is expected to be out for at least three weeks, dealing a hammer blow to Arteta as he gears up for crucial fixtures against Tottenham, Atalanta in the Champions League and Man City away.

Arteta handed Arsenal injury boost as Gabriel Jesus returns

Journalist John Cross, in a piece for The Mirror this week, has shared some much-needed good news out of London Colney – with £265,000-per-week striker Gabriel Jesus looking ready to be available for selection.

As per their information, Jesus could be set to return from injury for Arsenal against Tottenham, so Arteta will at least have the Brazil international to call upon in the wake of his many casualties this weekend.

The former Man City star has played just five Premier League minutes so far this season, which came during Arsenal's 2-0 opening weekend victory over Wolves, missing their last two top flight games with a groin injury.

Jesus' experience and quality will be a real asset for Arteta, as the head coach ponders how best to set up his team against Ange Postecoglou's Lilywhites.

Shikhar Dhawan has added a new gear to his T20 batting, as evidenced by his returns in the IPL, particularly since the middle of the 2019 season. In IPL 2020, he was ESPNcricinfo’s leader on the Smart Runs chart, pipping league top-scorer KL Rahul.From the time his turnaround started in the IPL, with an unbeaten 63-ball unbeaten 97 against the Kolkata Knight Riders in the first half of IPL 2019], Dhawan has been a batter transformed. From that game onwards, he leads the IPL runs tally, with 1367 runs in 35 matches, at an average of 45.56 and a strike rate of 141.95. Only AB de Villiers among the top 10 run-getters has a higher strike rate.And yet, Dhawan would currently not find a spot in India’s first-choice T20I XI. The last time he played for India in the format was the first match of a five-game series against England, in March 2021. A poor outing yielded 4 off 12 and Dhawan was benched for the last four T20Is. With Virat Kohli opting to go up the order in the final game and indicating he was likely to continue his pairing with Rohit Sharma at the top, the other openers in the side will feel the squeeze of a space crunch, with at least four claimants for two spots now that Kohli is also eyeing opening.Related

• Dravid 'not disappointed' with young batters, says they will 'keep improving and getting better'

• Spin is Sri Lanka's best bet against India's IPL superstars

• Why Dhawan and not KL Rahul tops the Smart Runs tally

• Chakravarthy gets ready for his first, best, and only chance

• Suryakumar: How I build from here is all in my hands

In that context, India’s upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka is of greater importance to Dhawan than normal. While he has been fantastic in the IPL, in that same time-frame, his showing in T20 internationals has been underwhelming. He has featured in only 15 T20Is in that time, out of the 28 that India have played. Further, his average (25.92) and strike rate (117.47) in that period are decidedly below-par. So for this series, apart from being captain of India, Dhawan will want to lead the way in batting too.”It is very important. Of course any international match has its own impact, and whenever you perform internationally it makes a huge impact,” Dhawan said on Saturday, the eve of the first T20I. “So on a personal note, I’m really looking forward to perform over here and make my place more stronger for World Cup contendership. Then we’ll see how it goes in the future.”Dhawan the captain too, has clear-cut goals for the series. India opted to blood new players in the third and final ODI, having won the first two and sealed the series. Dhawan indicated something similar could be on the cards in the T20Is.”We have to win the series. In the last ODI, there was a good opportunity to give some youngsters a chance and give them a taste of international cricket, because we had already won the series,” Dhawan said. “We’ll of course go in with our best XI first. We’ll try to win the first two matches, and then according to the situation, we can experiment in the last game, if needed.”If we win two matches, then we have options to play any combination we want to. Otherwise, our main goal is to play the best XI to win the series. That’s our first priority. After that, if we can seal it like we did in the ODIs, we can think of experimenting.”Dhawan exuded confidence in his young side, who are much more familiar with high-intensity T20 cricket than one-dayers due to the IPL. He also pointed to Sri Lanka’s better showing in the second and third ODIs, and greater familiarity with the Indians on tour as factors that would make the T20Is a good contest.”Of course they are ready, that’s why they are here,” Dhawan said. “As you saw, youngsters have performed so well in the ODI series, so they’ll be taking that confidence ahead in the T20I series. You will see them perform really well. As a team, we have created an amazing environment over here. Really looking forward to do well as a team. Not just the youngsters, even the senior players are looking forward to it.”I think the competition will be good. You saw the Sri Lankan team improve a lot in the last two (ODI) matches. They played really well and they are a good team, with a lot of youngsters. We’ve both already played three matches now, so both teams know each others’ strengths and weaknesses. That’s a good thing, and it will add to the challenge.”

Alleged racist abuse of New Zealand players reported to ICC via social media

Nagraj Gollapudi22-Jun-2021Two fans were ejected from the Ageas Bowl on the fifth day of the World Test Championship final for allegedly hurling racist abuse at some of New Zealand’s players. ESPNcricinfo has learned the two fans were in Block M, which is just below the on-site hotel where both teams are staying.”We received reports of abuse directed at the New Zealand players,” the ICC said in a media statement. “Our security team were able to identify the culprits and they were ejected from the ground. We will not tolerate any sort of abusive behaviour in cricket.”Although the ICC is awaiting a report from the security team before it decides on any further action against the fans, it is understood that the abuse was both general and racist in nature. The ground security was triggered into action after the ICC was alerted by some fans through social media about the two persons who allegedly carried out the abuse. It is believed that some of the abuse could even be heard on the television broadcast.Tim Southee, the New Zealand fast bowler, said no one in his dressing room was yet aware of the incident. “No, it’s the first I’ve heard of it,” Southee said after play. “The game is always played in a good spirit on the field. We’re not sure obviously what’s happening off the field.This is the second time this year when fans have been removed from a cricket ground during a Test match. During the New Year’s Test in Sydney between Australia and India this January, a group of fans were removed after India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj reported to match officials that he had been on the receiving end of alleged abuse.

Glasgow Rangers were meant to overhaul the playing squad in the summer window by selling various first-team players while adding in high-quality replacements.

Philippe Clement did manage to offload high earners such as Sam Lammers, John Lundstram, Connor Goldson and Borna Barisic, but the reality is, the incomings have been fairly underwhelming as a whole.

Clement is certainly going for a youth-based transfer policy, as evidenced by the signings of Clinton Nsiala, Connor Barron, Hamza Igamane and Oscar Cortes.

A few experienced arrivals joined, with Vaclav Cerny proving, in the first few weeks of the season anyway, that he could be an inspired signing for the Light Blues.

Vaclav Cerny’s statistics for Rangers

The winger joined on a season-long loan deal from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg and has impressed so far.

In just six games this term, the Czech dynamo has scored once while grabbing two assists in the process. He has started just three of those matches, however. Once the 26-year-old manages to establish regular appearances in the starting XI, his output will only increase.

The player was only signed by FC Twente last summer for £6m, hence why the Light Blues opted for a loan move rather than a permanent one, as Wolfsburg would likely have held out for a fee in this region.

Clement does have a player he signed in the squad who is worth more than Cerny, however, in the form of Mohamed Diomande.

Mohamed Diomande’s market value at Rangers

The Ivorian initially joined the Ibrox side in January on a six-month loan, before making the move to Scotland permanently in the summer for a fee of £4.6m.

A tally of two goals across 19 appearances during the second half of last term showcased his talents early on in his spell and hopes were high for the current season.

Diomande may not have scored this season in the Premiership, but the dynamic midfielder has already grabbed an assist, created two big chances, averaged one key pass per game and succeeded with 1.3 dribbles per game – a success rate of 57% – which shows how effective he has been going forwards in the league this term.

The 22-year-old is still learning and developing with every passing game, but the consensus is he will be sold for a substantial profit in the coming years if he manages to keep up these levels of performance.

Mohamed Diomande in the Premiership this season

Goals

0

Assists

1

Big chances created

2

Key passes per game

1

Shots per game

1

Total duels won per game

3.3

Via Sofascore

According to the CIES Football Observatory, the young gem is currently worth €12m (£10m) and this value will continue to rise if he continues to shine in Scotland.

Cerny has proven his worth thus far at Rangers, but Diomande is still worth far beyond the £6m-rated Czech wide man, indicating that the Belgian manager struck gold on signing the Ivorian midfielder at the start of the year.

He won't be at the club long, that’s for sure, as his ceiling appears to be limitless. Diomande will be one of the club’s key players this season, no doubt about that.

Related Rangers struck gold on "high quality" gem who's worth more than Propper

Philippe Clement has a player in his squad who is worth more than a new signing

Posts ByRoss Kilvington Aug 3, 2024

اختتمت اليوم مباريات الجولة الثامنة عشر من بطولة الدوري السعودي للمحترفين “روشن” 2024-2025.

واستطاع الأهلي أن يستهل الجولة بالفوز على العروبة بهدفين سجلهما زياد الجهيني وإيفان توني، ليرفع الأخير رصيده إلى 7 أهداف.

وفي الجولة ذاتها سجل البرتغالي كريستيانو رونالدو هدف في فوز فريقه النصر على الرائد بهدفين، ليصل إلى الهدف الخامس عشر له هذا الموسم.

طالع | وزير الرياضة السعودي: محمد صلاح يحقق كل متطلبات دوري روشن.. وضمه شرف

ويعتلي صدارة ترتيب الدوري السعودي حتى الآن كريستيانو رونالدو برصيد 15 هدفًا، فيما يلاحقه كريم بنزيما لاعب الاتحاد بـ13 هدفًا.

ونجح ماركوس ليوناردو لاعب الهلال في تسجيل هدفين أمام الخدود، مساء اليوم الجمعة، وأحرز زميله سيرجي سافيتش هدفًا، في المباراة التي انتهت برباعية نظيفة للزعيم.

ورفع ليوناردو، رصيده من الأهداف إلى 12 بالتساوي مع زميله بالفريق ألكسندر ميتروفيتش، ليحتل المركز الرابع في ترتيب هدافي الدوري السعودي.

وفي مباراة الاتحاد والخلود، التي أقيمت اليوم السبت وانتهت بفوز العميد بنتيجة 4-3، وسجل رباعية الاتحاد ستيفن برجوين وحسان قادش وعبد الرحمن العبود. ترتيب هدافي الدوري السعودي

– كريستيانو رونالدو – النصر – 15 هدفًا.

– كريم بنزيما – الاتحاد – 13 هدفًا.

– ألكسندر ميتروفيتش – الهلال – 12 هدفًا.

– ماركوس ليوناردو – الهلال – 12 هدفًا.

– جورج نكودو – ضمك – 10 أهداف.

– موسي بارو – التعاون – 9 أهداف.

– خوليان كينيونيس – القادسية – 9 أهداف.

– أوباميانج – القادسية – 9 أهداف.

 – عبد الله ال سالم – الخليج – 8 أهداف.

– حسام عوار – الاتحاد – 8 أهداف.

– سيرجي سافيتش – الهلال – 8 أهداف.

– عبد الرزاق حمدالله – الشباب – 7 أهداف.

– ميزياني ماوليدا – الخلود – 7 أهداف.

– موسي ديمبيلي – الاتفاق – 7 أهداف.

– إيفان توني- الأهلي – 7 أهداف

– مالكوم – الهلال – 5 أهداف.

– كريم البركاوي – 5 أهداف.

– جابرييل فيجا – الأهلي – 5 أهداف.

– ساديو ماني – النصر – 5 أهداف.

– كريج جودوين – الوحدة – 5 أهداف.

– روبرتو فيرمينو – الأهلي – 5 أهداف.

– رياض محرز – الأهلي – 5 أهداف.

– حبيب ديالو – ضمك – 4 أهداف.

– إيفان توني – الأهلي – 4 أهداف.

– جورجينيو فينالدوم – الاتفاق – 4 أهداف.

يمكنكم متابعة ترتيب هدافي الدوري السعودي بشكل محدث باستمرار من هنا

Ruben Amorim gained his first win as Manchester United boss on his Old Trafford debut, and the Portuguese coach thanked fans for their support.

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• Amorim gets first Man Utd win
• Thanks fans for warm support
• Man Utd beat Bodo/Glimt 3-2

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Amorim did not have the start that he hoped for at Manchester United as a trip to Portman Road ended in a 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town. However, the Portuguese coach managed to get his first win as Red Devils boss when they hosted Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt at Old Trafford in a Europa League clash on Thursday. Thanks to a brace from Rasmus Hojlund and an early strike from Alejandro Garnacho, the hosts won 3-2, while Amorim was warmly welcomed by United fans.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Amorim joined United earlier this month after leaving Sporting CP a third of the way through the season. While the Portuguese coach has not had a lot of time to work with the Red Devils' squad, he has quickly started influencing the team's shape and tactics. This was appreciated by supporters, who already have a personalised song for Amorim.

• WHAT AMORIM SAID

  Speaking in a press conference, Amorim said: "It was special because half of the stadium doesn't know me. You can say I came from Portugal, and half of the stadium doesn't know me.

  "I have done nothing for this club yet, but the way they support me in the beginning, I felt that I'm not alone. I'm like one of them now, and it was really special. I hope not to disappoint my supporters."

  While United's shape and tactics are starting to take shape, Amorim agreed that there is still a lot of work to be done. He added: "I think we improve different things since the last game. I know it's a different competition, a different team, but we improve with the ball. We control the tempo more with the ball, we push the team a little bit more higher, we create more chances.

  "We should kill the game before the end. You suffer two transitions. I think we need to improve on that because it was like runs, it was like a physical thing, one against one. You have to improve on that, but I like some things that the team did today."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR AMORIM?

  The Red Devils will be in action next when they take on Everton on Sunday, December 1 at Old Trafford.

Southampton are believed to be in talks to complete the signing of a player they are "in love with", although his current club are refusing to budge easily.

Southampton transfer news

The player who is at the top of Saints' summer wishlist currently is Fabio Carvalho, with Russell Martin hoping to bring him to St Mary's before the new Premier League season gets underway. A new bid of approximately £20m has been tabled for the 21-year-old's services, but it looks increasingly as though Liverpool want to keep hold of the attacking midfielder for the time being.

Youssoufa Moukoko is another rumoured target for Southampton between now and the end of the summer transfer window, with the teenager an exciting prospect at Borussia Dortmund. He has already scored 18 times for the Bundesliga giants, making 99 appearances, which is hugely impressive considering he is yet to turn 20 years of age.

At the other end of the pitch, Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is seen as an eye-catching option to bring in, as the England international looks to seal a move away from the Gunners this summer. David Raya is the undisputed first-choice between the sticks at the Emirates now, so moving elsewhere to be a regular makes complete sense, and Saints signing him would be a real coup.

Meanwhile, Southampton continue to show interest in signing Celtic star Matt O'Riley, who is wanted by a host of clubs in the current window. Brighton are one of those in the mix, but neither side are making huge progress in their efforts to snap up the Dane currently.

Southampton in talks over move for 19-year-old

According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri on X, Southampton are in talks with KAA Gent winger Matias Fernandez-Pardo over a move to St Mary's, with a clear obejctive to lower the average age of the squad this summer.

Fernandez-Pardo isn't exactly a household name, considering he is a young player not plying his trade in one of Europe's biggest leagues, but that's not to say that he couldn't be an excellent addition to Martin's squad this summer.

The fact that Southampton seemingly adore him as a player is a good place to start, and it is easy to see why, considering he has already registered 11 goal contributions (nine goals and two assists) in 24 appearances for Gent, holding his own at senior level.

Fernandez-Pardo has also been capped for Belgium at three different youth age groups, including the Under-19s, for whom he has netted three times for in 10 caps.

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While predominantly a left winger, Transfermarkt also point out that the teenage attacker can operate as a second striker, so Martin could see him as a strong squad option, covering two key positions and representing a long-term investment.