Alex Cora and Aaron Boone may be on opposite sides of baseball's most bitter rivalry, but that doesn't mean there isn't a shared respect between them. When the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees linked up for a spring-training game Tuesday, Cora had strong thoughts on criticism Boone receives.
Boone has managed the Yankees since 2018. He made his first World Series appearance as manager last year and was rewarded with a two-year extension, which keeps him in the Bronx through the 2027 season. He's still searching for his first World Series ring at the helm after the Los Angeles Dodgers took care of the Yankees in five games last fall.
Despite the World Series drought, Boone has won three AL East titles since he took over and has gotten to 90 wins or more in all but one of the full seasons played under his leadership. And Cora made sure he got his praise, despite all the outside noise.
“That guy over there, man, gets a lot of s— from people but he’s one of the best,” Cora said of Boone via 's Chris Kirschner.
A solid stamp of approval, especially from someone who's supposed to be an arch-nemesis—at least on the surface.
Boone and the Yankees begin their season March 25 against the Milwaukee Brewers at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees and Red Sox first play this season on June 6 in the Bronx.
O Fluminense venceu o São Paulo por 1 a 0 no Maracanã, em jogo atrasado da 32ª rodada do Brasileirão. O gol do Tricolor Carioca foi marcado por Germán Cano, aos nove minutos do segundo tempo. Antes do jogo, as duas equipes trocaram faixas de campeão, em comemoração aos títulos conquistados na temporada (Copa do Brasil e Libertadores), mas o clima amistoso ficou apenas no pré-jogo: durante o jogo, muitas faltas foram marcadas e cartões aplicados.
FICHA TÉCNICA FLUMINENSE 1 x 0 SÃO PAULO Local:Estádio do Maracanã, no Rio de Janeiro (RJ) Data e hora:22/11/2023 (quarta-feira), às 21h30 (de Brasília) Árbitro:Andre Luiz Skettino Policarpo Bento (MG) Assistentes:Guilherme Dias Camilo (FIFA/MG) e Felipe Alan Costa de Oliveira (MG) VAR:Daniel Nobre Bins (VAR-Fifa/RS) Público e renda:44.694 pessoas e R$ 1.659.302,00 Cartões amarelos:Guga (13’/1ºT, no banco de reservas), Marcelo (17’/1ºT), Ganso (20’/1ºT), Cano (28’/1ºT), Matheus Martinelli (2’/2ºT) e Alexsander (52’/2ºT) para o Fluminense; Lucas Beraldo (9’/1ºT), Diego Costa (20’/1ºT), Rafinha (28’/1ºT), David (15’/2ºT) e Nathan (51’/2ºT) para o São Paulo. Cartões vermelhos:Gabriel Neves (29’/1ºT) para o São Paulo Gols:Germán Cano (9’/2ºT) (1-0)
FLUMINENSE:Fábio;Samuel Xavier (Guga, aos 20’/2ºT), David Braz (Lelê, no intervalo), Thiago Santos (Diogo Barbosa, aos 36’/2ºT) e Marcelo (André, aos 36’/2ºT); Matheus Martinelli, Alexsander, Paulo Henrique Ganso e Lima; Yony González (Leonardo Fernández, aos 30’/2ºT) e Cano.Técnico:Fernando Diniz
SÃO PAULO:Rafael; Rafinha, Diego Costa, Lucas Beraldo e Welington; Pablo Maia (Talles Wander, aos 45’/2ºT), Gabriel Neves e Alisson (Talles Costa, aos 30’/2ºT); Luciano (Erison, aos 30’/2ºT), David (William Gomes, aos 15’/2ºT) e Juan (Nathan, aos 15’/2ºT).Técnico:Dorival Júnior
Jadon Sancho endured a difficult night on a rare start for Aston Villa as former player Stiliyan Petrov criticised the Manchester United loanee for failing to take his chance in Thursday's 2-0 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv. Sancho's subdued display left the former club captain "disappointed" with renewed doubts over his long-term Premier League future.
Sancho struggles in Europa League clash
Sancho was handed a rare starting opportunity for Aston Villa on Thursday night but failed to impress in the Europa League win over Maccabi Tel Aviv. Making just his third start of the season, the Manchester United loanee played 75 minutes before being substituted in what many saw as a make-or-break chance to convince Unai Emery he deserved a bigger role. His overall performance was criticised as ineffective and lacking intensity.
Sancho’s inclusion came as part of a rotated Villa side, with key players like Ollie Watkins rested for the European clash. Villa’s goals from Maatsen and Donyell Malen secured the three points, but the performance of the English winger again drew scrutiny from pundits and fans alike. His limited impact, despite flashes of skill, did little to dispel the growing perception that he has yet to rediscover his best form since leaving United on loan.
Speaking on after the match, former Villa captain Petrov delivered a blunt assessment of Sancho’s performance. "A few of those players would have the opportunity to show the manager they should be in the starting XI," he said. "Really impressed with Maatsen — every time he’s had the chance he always performs, he always impresses. I’m not sure if I can say that for Sancho and [Evan] Guessand. I’m a bit disappointed there."
Elsewhere, Dietmar Hamann questioned whether the winger can still succeed in the Premier League, he told footballblog.co.uk: "It hasn’t really happened for Jadon Sancho at Aston Villa yet. He’s failed to settle at several English clubs – should he be looking to return to Dortmund when his loan expires and is he in danger of not realising/wasting his talent?
"He's such a good player. When he came to United, I said to everybody, what he's done in the Bundesliga was second to none. I was really surprised he struggled at United. Obviously, he didn't get on with the manager, which didn't help. I just thought he was too good not to make an impact at United. He came back, did well at Dortmund.
"I think he's got to have the belief to do it somewhere outside of Dortmund, or outside of Germany, because I think he's a player who can certainly play in the Premier League, who should be one of the better or best players in the Premier League.
"Then again he went back to Dortmund. Does he come back once more? I’m not sure. Dortmund probably has had a look at him. Usually when you do go back and do these things again, they’re not as good as they were the first or the second time.
"If Dortmund take him back, the wages might be a problem. At a reasonable price maybe it works, but I think even Dortmund might think, if you take him back a second time, for his third stint in Dortmund, we're not sure whether it's going to happen again as well as the first two times."
Emery believes Sancho is improving physically
Emery’s outlook on Sancho remains cautious yet optimistic. The Villa manager has repeatedly insisted that the winger’s limited minutes are part of a long-term plan to rebuild his fitness and confidence. "I am so happy because his impact was good, his electricity, his skill, but then to play more than now, he’s not ready to play 90 minutes," Emery explained recently. "He’s getting better and better."
The Spaniard has a strong record of rejuvenating careers. Emery believes Sancho still has the technical qualities to succeed. However, the coaching staff remain concerned by his sharpness and conditioning, often substituting him after the 70-minute mark or using him primarily in less demanding fixtures such as cup or European ties.
Sancho has made seven appearances across all competitions, registering no goals or assists, and remains without a Premier League start.
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Getty Images SportMan Utd ready to cut costs with Sanch
Sancho’s immediate focus will be regaining consistency and fitness ahead of Villa’s upcoming fixtures, but time is running short to change perceptions before his loan expires next summer. With United reportedly prepared to let him leave on a free transfer rather than pay his £200,000-a-week wages, his long-term future appears to lie away from Old Trafford.
Just when Celtic supporters thought this season couldn’t get any more miserable, the news all football fans fear during an international break filtered through to Parkhead.
According to widespread reports, striker Daizen Maeda has withdrawn from the Japan squad due to ‘tightness in his left foot’; the seriousness of the issue is not yet known.
Maeda didn’t actually feature as the Samurai Blue drew 2-2 with Paraguay in Suita on Friday, returning home prior to Tuesday’s clash with five-times world champions Brazil in Tokyo.
Once the international break is over, Celtic will travel to Dens Park to face Dundee on Sunday, before crucial clashes with Sturm Graz in the Europa League and then current Premiership leaders Hearts at Tynecastle the following weekend.
With Maeda potentially set to miss these important games and more thereafter, who should Brendan Rodgers choose to deputise during his absence?
Daizen Maeda's importance to Celtic
It is worth reiterating just how important a figure Maeda is to Celtic, despite his dip in form this season.
As the table below documents, not many players have scored more Celtic goals across Rodgers’ two spells in charge than the Japanese international.
Scott Sinclair
148
60
Moussa Dembélé
94
51
James Forrest
221
46
Daizen Maeda
100
46
Callum McGregor
261
37
Leigh Griffiths
96
37
Kyōgo Furuhashi
82
31
Adam Idah
76
29
Odsonne Édouard
68
27
Tom Rogic
105
24
Nicolas Kühn
69
24
As the table outlines, should Maeda score 15 more goals this season, he would become Rodgers’ leading scorer as Celtic manager, having currently played 148 fewer matches than the current leader, Scott Sinclair.
His stoppage time winner against Motherwell last time out was only his third of the season so far, but he did bag 33 during the previous campaign, four of which came in the Champions League, the first player to reach that many for the club in a single European Cup campaign since Joe Craig all the way back in 1977/78.
Daizen Maeda
Maeda has also previously netted four times against Rangers too, converting the winning spot-kick in December’s League Cup Final, so Rodgers will be desperate for his star attacker to be available for the next Glasgow derby between the two at Hampden on 2 November.
For now, who is best suited to fill his void in the forward line?
The Celtic star who should replace Maeda
Considering Kyōgo Furuhashi, Nicolas Kühn and Adam Idah have all been sold throughout 2025, reinforcing the attacking department was a priority for Celtic this summer.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Supporters would argue this happened too late, with an entirely new front three arriving in the final hours of the window, after they’d been eliminated from Champions League qualifying by Kairat.
Sebastian Tounekti and Kelechi Iheanacho have both got off the mark in hoops, establishing themselves as part of the first-choice front three alongside Maeda, but we’re yet to see much from Michel-Ange Balikwisha, so is this now his time to shine?
The Scottish champions had attempted to sign a winger 12 months earlier, only for him to suffer an injury, belatedly joining from Royal Antwerp for around £5m in late August.
Upon his arrival, manager Rodgers labelled him a “really talented, exciting player” noting that he “can play both sides of the pitch”, while Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout asserts that “pace, dribbling and finishing” are his primary attributes.
The Belgian was thrown in for his debut during the dire Old Firm at Ibrox at the end of August, making six appearances for the club so far, four of which have come off the bench.
Balikwisha made his most telling contribution for the Celts to date during that aforementioned comeback 3-2 home win over Motherwell last time out, teeing up Maeda to nod in the last-gasp winner with an inch-perfect cross.
Unlike many of his teammates, Balikwisha has not been on international duty, yet to receive his first senior Belgian call-up, so has spent the last fortnight at Lennoxtown working with Rodgers and getting up to speed, which can only be beneficial.
Assuming Tounekti and Iheanacho keep their places at Dens on Sunday, Rodgers’ attacking alternatives are Yang Hyun-jun, James Forrest or youngsters Johnny Kenny, Shin Yamada or Callum Osmand; the latter is yet to even make his senior debut for the club.
Thus, starting Balikwisha appears to be a no-brainer, giving him the clash with Dundee as an opportunity to stake a claim, with huge games against Sturm Graz, Hearts, Rangers and Midtjylland all on the horizon in the coming weeks.
Rodgers made to sweat over two Celtic stars amid international break injury scares
The latest he can link up with RCB is on May 26 in Lucknow, a day prior to their final league fixture against LSG
Shashank Kishore22-May-2025
Tim Seifert is currently playing for Karachi Kings in the PSL•PCB
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have signed New Zealand wicketkeeper Tim Seifert as a temporary replacement for England’s Jacob Bethell. Seifert is currently playing for Karachi Kings in the PSL and his arrival into India will depend on how his team progresses. He’s available to be picked from May 24, the IPL said in a press release.Kings are set to play the PSL Eliminator against Lahore Qalandars on Thursday night, while the PSL final is slated for May 25 in Lahore. This means the latest he can link up with RCB is on May 26 in Lucknow, a day prior to their final league fixture against Lucknow Super Giants.Opening the innings with David Warner at Kings, Seifert has so far scored 226 runs in nine innings as an opener at a strike rate of 145.80 with a best of 47. Seifert has previously featured in the IPL, all too briefly, for Delhi Capitals (two matches in 2022) and Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL 2021).Related
RCB-SRH moved to Lucknow; IPL playoffs in Mullanpur and Ahmedabad
RCB bring in Muzarabani as Ngidi's temporary replacement
Seifert’s signing comes on the back of Bethell’s unavailability due to national commitments. Bethell is set to leave for England after Friday’s fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad, which was moved from Bengaluru to Lucknow owing to adverse weather conditions in south India.Bethell has so far featured in two matches for RCB in his maiden IPL season. Replacing an unwell Phil Salt in the line-up, Bethell struck a 33-ball 55 in his previous innings against Chennai Super Kings on May 3. That, incidentally, remains RCB’s most-recent outing in the tournament too; their home fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders upon IPL’s resumption following a ten-day break was abandoned in Bengaluru last Saturday.Bethell aside, RCB are uncertain over the availability of Australia quick Josh Hazlewood, who is currently in Brisbane at CA’s High-Performance Centre in preparation for next month’s World Test Championship final.Last Friday, RCB director Mo Bobat said they’d been in touch with CA over Hazlewood, but that they were adopting a wait-and-watch approach as he recovers from a shoulder niggle that he picked up ahead of RCB’s fixture against CSK.Meanwhile, South Africa quick Lungi Ngidi too will miss the playoffs for RCB as he prepares for the WTC final. Last week, Ngidi was replaced by Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani as a short-term replacement.RCB are currently chasing a top-two spot, having won eight out of their 11 matches in the league phase. They next play on Friday against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Lucknow before rounding off their league stages by playing Lucknow Super Giants.
يواصل الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك، تدريباته اليوم الأربعاء على ستاد الكلية الحربية، استعدادًا لمواجهة ديكاداها الصومالي في كأس الكونفدرالية.
ويلتقي الزمالك، مع ديكاداها الصومالي الجمعة المقبل، في إياب دور الـ32 لبطولة كأس الكونفدرالية الأفريقية.
طالع.. خاص | 3 أسباب وراء رفض الزمالك عودة طارق حامد
وخاض اللاعبون تحت إشراف البلجيكي يانيك فيريرا المدير الفني والجهاز المعاون، فقرات بدنية مكثفة قادها الإسباني راؤول لوبيز مدرب الأحمال.
وأدى اللاعبون تدريبات فنية وخططية، تضمنت تقسيمة في منتصف الملعب لتطبيق الجوانب التكتيكية التي ركز عليها الجهاز الفني.
وشهدت التدريبات انتظام محمد شحاتة لاعب وسط الفريق، بعد تعافيه من الإصابة التي لحقت به بالعضلة الخلفية، فيما بدأ ناصر منسي مهاجم الفريق المرحلة الأخيرة من برنامجه التأهيلي، تمهيدًا للعودة إلى التدريبات الجماعية.
وكان الزمالك قد حقق الفوز في مباراة الذهاب بسداسية دون رد على استاد القاهرة الدولي.
The international break will have come at a welcome time for Rangers and under-fire boss, Russell Martin, with the former Scotland defender having endured a miserable start to life at Ibrox.
Four points from four in the Premiership, alongside a Champions League qualifying embarrassment, has already plunged the ex-Southampton boss into crisis. Can he turn it around?
There’s no hiding from what was a miserable August, although nothing has been decided yet. The season is only in its infancy.
With 14 new signings needing to properly bed in to life in Glasgow, it may still be too soon to properly judge Martin’s tenure, albeit with the pressure on considering the nature of their summer outlay.
Roughly £30m was reportedly spent by the Gers during the most recent window, with the most notable investment having been the £8m that was splashed out on goal-shy Everton youngster, Youssef Chermiti.
That eye-watering fee – which could rise to £10m with add-ons – will bring with it a lefty weight of expectation. Is the Portuguese striker worth the risk?
Youssef Chermiti's record pre-Rangers
Three goals in 22 games for Sporting Lisbon. No goals in 24 senior outings for the Toffees. A record that points to Rangers – and former Everton chief Kevin Thelwell – gambling on potential rather than proven quality.
It is a “heck of a gamble” at that, in the words of club legend Ally McCoist, with there little evidence to suggest that Chermiti will prove to be a success in Scottish football, amid his recent woes on Merseyside.
Signed on a £15m deal by the Premier League side back in the summer of 2023, the 21-year-old has been reduced to bit-part status since then, albeit with then-boss Sean Dyche admitting in 2024 that he was recruited as a “development player” who would have fared better with a loan move.
Rather than a temporary exit, Chermiti has now secured a permanent switch to Scotland, thus marking the club’s most expensive outlay since the £12m capture of Tore Andre Flo back in 2000.
The merits of such a deal can be debated long into the night, with the Portugal youth international – who has scored seven times in 75 recorded games at academy and senior level, as per Transfermarkt – in need of a positive start to try and win over an expectant fanbase.
That said, the Light Blues’ extensive recruitment can help ease the burden on the marquee new addition, with Bojan Miovski likely to be the main man in attack for Martin and co instead.
Bojan Miovski's market value
If Chermiti is the long-term expensive gamble, then Miovski appears to be the perfect alternative, providing an experienced, ‘proven’ option who has already delivered the goods in the Premiership.
Market Movers
Described as a player who “does everything” during his time at Aberdeen by Billy Dodds, due to his impressive scoring rate and link-up play, the Macedonian marksman could prove a real coup following his £2.6m switch.
Indeed, while Chermiti is yet to flourish at first-team level, the 26-year-old has more than proven his worth in recent years, having notably scored 44 times in 98 games during his time at Pittodrie.
That impressive haul included a fine record on the big occasion, with Miovski scoring four times from just nine meetings with Rangers in all competitions, alongside netting three times in eight games against Celtic.
Livingston
7
5
Rangers
9
4
Hibs
9
4
Ross County
8
4
St Mirren
7
4
Motherwell
7
4
Celtic
8
3
While a return of four goals in 23 games for Girona last term is hardly the most eye-catching, the clinical number nine has already been there and done it for the Dons, a fact that pundit Andy Walker believes will make him a “better signing” than his new teammate:
That fact is also reinforced when considering what Miovski’s actual market value is, with the Gers having seemingly secured a bargain when considering their £2.6m investment.
As per the great minds at CIES Football Observatory, the 33-cap international has a peak value of as much as €16m (£14m), eclipsing the figure that was dished out on Chermiti.
While Rangers won’t be looking to cash in on their new addition any time soon, that valuation does point to them striking a significant profit in the years to come.
Better than Chermiti: Rangers must regret selling "rapid" star for just £4m
After signing Youssef Chermiti for an enormous fee of £8m, would Rangers have been better off keeping a “rapid” attacker sold for £4m?
Embora Dorival Júnior tenha desconversado sobre um possível interesse do São Paulo em Erick, um dos destaques do Ceará, conforme o Lance! apurou, o treinador teria indicado o nome do atleta, como uma opção para uma posição carente no clube. No caso, um atacante de velocidade e versátil.
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Revelado pelo Náutico, o jogador de 25 anos teve passagem pelo futebol português antes de chegar ao clube alvinegro, com o qual possui contrato até o final do ano. Devido à curta duração do contrato, o São Paulo acredita que possa chegar a um acordo vantajoso para a liberação antecipada do jogador.
Além disso, é importante ressaltar que o treinador e o ponta tiveram uma breve passagem juntos pela equipe nordestina.
ATUAÇÕES: Gabriel Neves vai do inferno ao céu e Luciano comanda virada do São Paulo contra o Athletico-PR
Para os tricolores apaixonados: produtos a partir de R$39,90 na FutFanatics!
Dorival Júnior assumiu o comando do Ceará no final de março de 2022, sendo oficialmente anunciado no dia 28 daquele mês. Após 73 dias à frente da equipe, ele deixou o cargo em junho, acumulando um total de onze vitórias, quatro empates e três derrotas durante o período.
Durante o período em que Dorival Júnior esteve no comando, Erick teve uma das sequências mais consistentes. Sob a orientação de Dorival, Erick disputou 15 jogos, conquistando dez vitórias, dois empates e três derrotas, marcando dois gols e fornecendo duas assistências. Vale ressaltar que Erick teve uma sequência de três vitórias consecutivas, uma das maiores da temporada.
+ Clique aqui e veja como apostar no Brasileirão
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+ Confira os jogos e classificação resultados do Brasileirão-23 na tabela do LANCE!
De fato, Erick enfrentou uma lesão complicada no segundo semestre, ocorrida durante uma partida contra o Internacional em julho, o que exigiu um procedimento cirúrgico. É verdade que no primeiro semestre ele teve uma boa regularidade, muito disso devido à sua atuação ao lado de Dorival Júnior. Após a saída de Dorival, Erick disputou 19 jogos até o final da temporada, incluindo o período em que estava lesionado. Isso significa que ele teve mais consistência durante os 73 dias em que Dorival esteve no comando do time do que no restante da temporada após sua saída.
Erick despertou o interesse do São Paulo nos últimos dias, principalmente devido ao pedido de Dorival Júnior por conta do trabalho com o ponta no último ano. No entanto, Erick é um dos principais destaques do Ceará atualmente. Na presente temporada, ele participou de 32 partidas, anotando 12 gols e fornecendo dez assistências, vivenciando um de seus melhores momentos na carreira.
O Ceará teria apresentado uma proposta de renovação de contrato a Erick. Segundo informações apuradas pela reportagem doLance!, membros do clube nordestino revelaram que, considerando que o atual vínculo do jogador expira no final do ano, uma nova oferta foi feita, oferecendo uma valorização salarial e um contrato mais longo. No entanto, até o momento, nenhuma decisão foi tomada. Conforme divulgado pelo Lance! em 21 de junho, Erick chama a atenção por sua versatilidade, sendo frequente vê-lo atuando pelo lado direito no clube cearense.
Devido às suas características, Erick seria uma ótima opção para reforçar o ataque do São Paulo, especialmente considerando a ausência de um atacante de velocidade. No início do ano, o clube contratou Pedrinho para desempenhar essa função, mas seu contrato foi rescindido devido a acusações de ameaça e violência doméstica feitas por sua namorada.
Manchester United’s rebuild under Ruben Amorim has been nothing short of turbulent.
A disastrous 2024/25 campaign saw the club slump to a 15th-place finish in the Premier League and lose the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur.
The result was their worst league showing in decades and left them without any European football this season, stripping away both revenue and prestige.
Manchester United manager RubenAmorimtalks to the fans after the match
In response, the Old Trafford hierarchy have moved aggressively in the transfer market this summer.
More than £200 million has already been spent to bring in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, signings that point to a focus on youthful energy and attacking firepower.
Yet even with those additions, one glaring issue remains: the defence.
Man United step up chase for Premier League captain
United’s backline was repeatedly exposed last term, and now the club are looking to secure the services of another commanding centre-half.
One who not only mirrors Harry Maguire in style and presence but could also represent the long-term successor.
Harry Maguire
Liverpool and Tottenham are also in the mix, but United appear particularly determined. Indeed, according to the Daily Mail, the man in question is Brentford’s Nathan Collins, with the Red Devils targeting a ‘shock’ swoop.
Tipped by journalist Mario Marra as “one of the best defenders in the Premier League,” the 24-year-old has grown rapidly into one of the most reliable centre-backs in English football.
Brentford'sNathanCollinsapplauds
Brentford, however, are deeply reluctant to sell.
Collins only joined the club in 2023 for a record £23m from Wolves and has since been elevated to captaincy, succeeding Christian Nørgaard.
His leadership qualities have been highlighted by new Bees boss Keith Andrews, who labelled him a “natural leader” and central to the side’s identity.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Standing at 1.93m, Collins is both a physical presence and a composed figure in possession – traits that have made him a target for the Premier League’s elite.
The Republic of Ireland international, who already has 30 senior caps and two international goals to his name, featured in Brentford’s opening day 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest.
With his contract running until 2029, the west London club have no financial pressure to cash in, particularly after sanctioning Bryan Mbeumo’s £71m move to Manchester United earlier this window.
Collins and Maguire: parallels and comparisons
The comparisons with Harry Maguire are inevitable.
When United signed Maguire from Leicester in 2019 for £80m, he was widely regarded as one of the finest defenders in England, having starred for England at the 2018 World Cup.
His aerial strength and ability to step out with the ball drew widespread acclaim.
Collins now carries a similar profile at a younger age.
Both are physically imposing defenders, capable of dealing with long balls into the box, and comfortable leading from the back.
Importantly, both have also attracted interest from rival Premier League clubs at a relatively early stage in their careers, underlining their perceived value at the highest level.
Statistically, Collins has begun to surpass Maguire’s output.
Last season, the Brentford defender played 38 league games, contributing two goals and five assists, a notable tally for a centre-half.
His defensive metrics stand out: he ranks in the 97th percentile for blocks per 90 (1.97), the 79th percentile for clearances per 90 (5.90), and the 85th percentile for aerials won per 90 (3.03).
These numbers highlight both his defensive instinct and his reliability when Brentford are under pressure.
By comparison, Maguire, now 32, remains a steady figure but no longer operates at the same statistical level.
Last season he played 27 league matches and his influence has diminished. A look at their direct numbers paints the picture clearly:
Premier League Stats – 2024/25
Metric
Maguire
Collins
Tackles per 90
1.54
1.05
Tackles in the defensive third per 90
1.18
0.61
Percentage of dribblers tackled
73.9%
61.1%
Blocks per 90
2.03
0.77
Touches in defensive third per 90
33.6
33.4
Source: FBref
The data illustrates that while Maguire still excels in certain defensive actions, particularly when stepping up to tackle dribblers, Collins provides a superior shield in terms of blocking shots and disrupting attacking moves.
His knack for timely interventions reflects why so many top clubs have circled.
Nathan Collins
It’s also worth considering the trajectory. Maguire’s market value, once as high as that £80m price tag, has now fallen to just £11m, via Transfermarkt.
Collins, at 24 and with a long-term contract, represents the kind of profile United increasingly covet: players yet to hit their prime, with potential resale value.
The symbolism of this chase should not be underestimated. Manchester United were once defined by their defensive stalwarts – from Nemanja Vidić and Rio Ferdinand to Steve Bruce and Jaap Stam.
Collins may not yet be at that level, but the attributes he has displayed at Brentford and for Ireland suggest he has the potential to grow into such a role.
For Brentford, keeping hold of him is about more than just finances; it is about identity and ambition.
For United, though, the question is whether they are willing to test that resolve – and potentially break the bank again – to secure the man who could be Maguire’s successor.
His best display for Man Utd: £60m star is as undroppable as Mbeumo & Cunha
Manchester United suffered defeat in their first game of the new season.
Winless in their opening three games, Borussia Monchengladbach fired manager Gerardo Seoane, the club announced Monday. The squad, which features two USMNT players – Gio Reyna and Joe Scally – is reportedly interested in another American, Pellegrino Matarazzo, as the replacement. Matarazzo was Hoffenheim's manager until the start of the 2024-25 season.
Matarazzo reportedly linked
Matarazzo has been reported to be linked with the club, according to Tom Bogert and Kicker. Bogert reported that the 47-year-old has been considering his future and has been patiently waiting for his next opportunity.
He has a 57-47-71 record as manager overall, leading both Stuttgart and Hoffenheim, and was linked with the U.S. national team job before Mauricio Pochettino's hiring last year.
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AdvertisementGetty Images SportWhat his hiring could mean
Scally has been a fixture at the club since his arrival in 2021, making 123 league appearances and being one of the Bundesliga's top right backs. Reyna made his debut for Gladbach on Sunday, showing glimpses of quality despite the team's 4-0 defeat.
If Matarazzo is selected as new manager, he could lean into two players who have starred for the USMNT over the years.
GettyGladbach's struggles this season
Gladbach have just one point this season and have struggled on both sides of the pitch. They have yet to score a goal this campaign and have conceded five, tied for third-most allowed this season.
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Looking ahead
Things don't get any easier for Gladbach when it comes to upcoming opponents. They face U.S. international Malik Tillman and Leverkusen on Sept. 21 and take on Frankfurt the following week