Rangers are reportedly in pole position to hire an “outstanding” manager as their next boss this summer, according to an interesting update on the situation.
Rangers continue search for next manager
The Gers drew 1-1 at home to Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday afternoon in the final Old Firm derby of the season, as the 2024/25 season draws towards its conclusion. Rangers are continuing their search for a permanent new manager, with Barry Ferguson seemingly unlikely to be given the job after his current stint in an interim role, with various names mentioned as possible options to come in this summer.
Rangers interim managerBarryFergusonbefore the match
Marco Rose has been one of the names mentioned in recent weeks, having most recently managed RB Leipzig earlier in the season, also winning two Austrian Bundesliga titles during his time in charge of RB Salzburg.
Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard has continued to be talked about as a front-runner to return to Ibrox ahead of next season, having guided them to league title glory back in 2020/21. The Liverpool legend could potentially jump at the chance to have a second spell as manager, as the Gers look to narrow the current gap in quality between themselves and Celtic.
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By
Ben Gray
Apr 30, 2025
Rangers favourites to win Rose race
According to a new claim from Football Insider‘s Pete O’Rourke, 49ers Enterprises’ “links” with Red Bull means Rangers are the favourites to hire Rose as their new manager despite interest from elsewhere. The report adds that it puts them “above other clubs in the race to secure his services” in the coming weeks and months, with the appointment described as a “real possibility”.
RB Leipzig coachMarcoRosebefore the match
There is certainly plenty to like about Rose, in terms of Rangers picking him as their No.1 option to come in, not least his aforementioned two title wins with Salzburg. The German, who likes to adopt a 4-4-2 formation, has succeeded at the highest level, including managing one of Europe’s biggest clubs in Dortmund 46 times, and former Germany international Marco Reus has lauded him in the past.
“We have had a very open, good and close relationship built on trust right from the start. Marco Rose has done an outstanding job so far, and he will continue to do so in the future.”
The Red Bull connection can only be a good thing for Rangers, if it helps entice Rose to Ibrox, and it’s now a case of them deciding if he is a better option than Gerrard.
Marco Rose’s key managerial stats
Matches
Points per game
RB Leipzig
124
1.85
Borussia Dortmund
46
1.85
Borussa Monchengladbach
88
1.61
RB Salzburg
114
2.35
Opinion among Gers supporters will likely be split in that respect, but Rose’s record speaks for itself, and he could prove to be an inspired appointment.
Liverpool are revelling in their Premier League triumph at the moment, but those behind the scenes have no doubt commenced preparations for next season’s title defence.
Frankly, the Anfield side won the title at a canter this term, going 26 matches undefeated before losing to Fulham at Craven Cottage last month with all said and done.
To be sure, Arsenal and Manchester City will be back, stronger and hungrier than ever after respective disappointments in the top flight this season.
But they are bound to reinforce their ranks and Liverpool must do the same. While the mere thought of Alexander Isak continues to tantalise fans, craving a new number nine, FSG appear to be focusing on the rear end of the pitch at the moment, with Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen right at the top of the summer shopping list.
The latest on Dean Huijsen to Liverpool
Bournemouth’s rising star is perhaps the most touted potential target of the summer, and we’re not even there yet. Data analyst Ben Mattinson has remarked that he’s “the most in-demand centre-back in the world,” after all.
The 20-year-old arrived at the Vitality Stadium on a £15m deal last summer after Juventus decided they were better off cashing in on the young prospect, who featured on loan for AS Roma last season.
As per Sofascore, he’s started 23 Premier League matches this season and has kept seven clean sheets, averaging six clearances per game and winning 61% of his aerial battles.
How foolish the Old Lady must feel, especially given rumours surfaced in March that Real Madrid have made him one of their priorities. Such claims mentioned that Juventus regretted their decision.
Liverpool are also keen, with Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg even revealing last week that FSG have presented an offer to the Spain international.
With an attractive £50m release clause, Arsenal and Chelsea are also working overtime to secure his services, as per Fabrizio Romano, with the race very much open at this stage.
Bournemouth's DeanHuijsencelebrates after the match
For such a young player with relatively minimal experience at the highest level, this is quite the glowing endorsement of Huijsen’s potential.
He might be the talk of the town, but Liverpool actually boast an up-and-comer with the same stock as Huijsen, and that’s despite a frustrating campaign in which he hasn’t earned the playing time he would have hoped for.
Liverpool have hit the jackpot with £4m signing
He might be a wholly different type of player, but Harvey Elliott is at the same career stage as Huijsen and will no doubt feel aggrieved that he hasn’t been given the chance to showcase his skills in a similar fashion.
Harvey Elliott celebrates for Liverpool
Of course, Bournemouth are at a different level to Liverpool, and there’s little question that Elliott would feature front and centre for Andoni Iraola’s team, having been praised as a “special” player by journalist Bence Bocsak.
He hasn’t seen all that much action this year, true, but Elliott has still popped up with some big moments, notching six goal involvements across all competitions. Liverpool might have crashed out of the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain, but the England U21 international scored the winning goal in the first leg, defying the odds after the Reds spent 90 minutes under the cosh.
He might not have featured with the regularity he desires this term, but Elliott has still demonstrated his elite-class qualities as an up-and-coming attacking midfielder, ranking among the top 1% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, assists placed and shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref, also ranking highly for progressive passes and carries.
The young playmaker was admirable, taking a strong stance regarding his future in January, rejecting any notion of a departure and claiming: “Liverpool is my club, Liverpool is my team.”
Having joined the club as a 16-year-old after leaving Fulham’s academy, signing for a tribunal fee of £4m, he’s already played a shedload of football under Jurgen Klopp but is now struggling for minutes in Slot’s system.
Liverpool player Harvey Elliott
That’s all well and good, but he’s a gifted young footballer with suitors beginning to get a sense that Liverpool might be keen on selling.
According to Football Insider, there are a number of Premier League clubs lining up to make their move this summer, with Newcastle United thought to be at the forefront.
Elliott, who, like Huijsen, is valued at £50m, might come to jump at the chance of playing at St. James’ Park, having failed to start just one of Liverpool’s Premier League fixtures this season.
24/25
14 (0)
0
1
23/24
34 (11)
3
6
22/23
32 (18)
1
2
21/22
6 (4)
0
0
20/21*
0 (0)
0
0
19/20
2 (0)
0
0
It would be great to see the 21-year-old’s services retained for several years yet to come (or more). Elliott is already showing elite-level signs, and Slot could turn him into a world-beater with the right series of tweaks.
However, things will need to change for that to happen. In any case, the £50m-rated talent has already made 143 appearances and played his part across a trophy-laden spell in the club’s modern history.
Given that he signed for a tribunal fee of just £4m, there’s no way to look it other than through the lens of Liverpool hitting the jackpot with his signing.
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The story of how South Africa won one out of their first five Tests and then remained unbeaten in their next seven
Firdose Moonda07-Jun-20256:55
Philander: ‘SA will put up massive fight against favourites Australia’
1st Test vs India, Centurion: won by an innings and 32 runs
Dean Elgar’s daddy hundred in his penultimate Test set up a massive victory for South Africa, ensured they could not lose the series and that the country remained India’s final frontier. Elgar’s 185 came after South Africa’s decision to go in all-pace paid off as Kagiso Rabada’s 14th five-for left India splintered around KL Rahul’s second hundred at Centurion. Elgar had support from David Bedingham, who scored 56 on debut and Marco Jansen, who scored 84 at No. 7, and South Africa took a 163-run first innings lead.It proved enough as the combination of Rabada, left-arm seamer Nandre Burger (also on debut) and Gerald Coetzee dismissed India for 131, with Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill the only second innings batters to get into double figures. South Africa did lose something: their captain, Temba Bavuma to a hamstring injury.Jasprit Bumrah shared the Player-of-the-Series award with Dean Elgar•Gallo Images/Getty Images
2nd Test vs India, Cape Town: lost by 7 wickets
Things went from the sublime to the ridiculous as Newlands played host to the shortest Test – which lasted just seven overs more than a full ODI – and South Africa were bowled out for their lowest total in a hundred years. Mohammed Siraj took 6 for 15 in the first innings as all but two South African batters – Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne – got past ten.India’s response showed signs the surface was improving and led by Kohli’s 46, they scratched together 153. Against the run of play, Aiden Markram produced his seventh Test hundred but Jasprit Bumrah’s 6 for 61 made a mess of South Africa and left India a target of 79. They reached in 12 overs, after lunch on the second day, to share the series spoils. The pitch later received an unsatisfactory rating from the ICC.Rachin Ravindra smashed his maiden Test double century in just his seventh innings•Getty Images
1st Test vs New Zealand, Mount Maunganui: lost by 281 runs
And then from the ridiculous to the barely believable when South Africa took a squad with seven uncapped players to New Zealand as almost all their frontliners were engaged with their new T20 tournament: the SA20. Six made their debut in this Test and it was evident how deep the gulf was between them and New Zealand.A century from Kane Williamson and a career-best 240 from Rachin Ravindra saw New Zealand pile on 511. They bowled South Africa out for 162 and, as if to make a point, batted again. Williamson scored a second-innings ton too and New Zealand left South Africa a humongous 529 to chase. At 5 for 2, it was clear what the outcome would be. South Africa were bowled out for 247 in what can only be described as an embarrassing state of affairs.Kane Williamson became the quickest (number of innings) to 32 Test centuries•Getty Images
2nd Test vs New Zealand, Hamilton: lost by 7 wickets
A more competitive South African side had moments where they looked as though they would pull off an upset for the ages when they took a 31-run first innings lead over New Zealand and then set them a target of 267. The notable performances came from the more established names – Dane Piedt, on comeback from the United States, who took 5 for 89 in the first innings and eight wickets in the match – and Bedingham, who shunned the SA20 for a chance at an international career and scored his first, and to date only, hundred.But there was no stopping Williamson, whose 133* saw New Zealand home and earned them their first series win over South Africa. South Africa’s coach Shukri Conrad binned the tour as an aberration, which he likened to “when Burnley went to Anfield,” and it has been referred to in those terms ever since.Keshav Maharaj picked eight wickets for the match•AFP/Getty Images
1st Test vs West Indies, Port of Spain: drawn
A stung South African side – some of whom had just lost their first ICC white-ball final – regrouped in the Caribbean with a herculean task on their hands. They had to win seven of their eight remaining Tests to have any chance of qualifying for the WTC final. Bavuma returned and scored 86 in the first innings in Trinidad before Rabada and Keshav Maharaj combined to take seven wickets and leave South Africa in control with a 124-run first innings lead. With rain around and victory on their minds, South Africa declared on 173 for 3 and left West Indies 298 to chase. At 64 for 3, South Africa would have sensed victory but despite Maharaj’s best efforts, time and 92 from Alick Athanaze denied South Africa and left their campaign hanging by a thread.Wiaan Mulder put up an all-round show•AFP/Getty Images
2nd Test vs West Indies, Guyana: won by 40 runs
Being bowled out for 160 in their first innings – thanks largely to Shamar Joseph’s 5 for 33 – could have been enough to make that string snap, but the stirrings of a comeback began when South Africa bowled West Indies out for 144. Markram’s 51 and Verreynne’s 59 held together a second innings effort of 246 and left West Indies 263 to chase. They were 104 for 6 when Gudakesh Motie and Joshua da Silva put 77 for the seventh wicket and things seemed to be getting away from South Africa. But, Maharaj broke the stand and took three of the last four wickets to give South Africa a tense win and put them back on track.Kyle Verreynne is all smiles after getting to his second Test century•AFP/Getty Images
1st Test vs Bangladesh, Mirpur: won by 7 wickets
Bangladesh were stunned by a South African attack with two frontline spinners (Piedt had been retained from the wreckage of New Zealand) who bowled them out for 106 but responded strongly to leave South Africa 99 for 5 in the reply. A lower-order rescue act between Verreynne, who scored his second century, and Wiaan Mulder saw South Africa score 308 and hold the advantage. Rabada left Bangladesh reeling with a second six-innings 6 for 46 but Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s 97 and Jaker Ali’s 58 kept South Africa in the field for a ball short of 90 overs. Bangladesh scored 307 and, in poetic synchrony, set South Africa 106 to win. They got there with a few jitters, and without Bavuma. He had re-injured his elbow, after it was a concern in 2022, and Markram led the side.Tony de Zorzi celebrates his maiden ton•AFP/Getty Images
2nd Test vs Bangladesh, Chattogram: won by an innings and 273 runs
Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs and Mulder all scored their first Test centuries in an innings that marked the rebirth of South Africa’s batting prowess after a dearth of hundreds. They declared on 565 for 6, confident they had more than enough. Rabada took a second successive Test five-for in Bangladesh’s first innings, where they made 159, and followed-on. Maharaj claimed 5 for 59 in the second innings as he and Rabada bookended both South Africa’s bowling experience and their success. The match was over inside three days as South Africa claimed a first series win in the subcontinent in more than a decade, since beating Sri Lanka in 2014. Many members of the squad, including Maharaj, have identified this as the turning point that gave South Africa the belief they could go all the way.Marco Jansen finished with 11 wickets for the match•AFP/Getty Images
1st Test vs Sri Lanka, Durban: won by 233 runs
South Africa’s home summer began with great expectation as Bavuma was back from injury and initially, a sense of dread. He top-scored with 70 in Durban but South Africa were bowled out for 191 against a Sri Lankan side with more pace variety than had toured this country before. Then, as though a spell had been cast on Sri Lanka’s batters, they played a baffling array of poor strokes as Jansen ran through them. He plucked career-best figures of 7 for 13 and Sri Lanka were bowled out for 42 – their lowest Test score. Stubbs scored a second Test hundred and Bavuma a redemptive third as South Africa set Sri Lanka an academic 516 to win the game. They were bowled out for 282 against an attack that lost two members – Gerald Coetzee to a groin strain and Mulder to a broken finger.Dane Paterson picked seven wickets in the Test•AFP/Getty Images
2nd Test vs Sri Lanka, Gqeberha: won by 109 runs
With Mulder out, Ryan Rickelton got an opportunity and made it count with a workmanlike debut century at St George’s Park. Bavuma contributed with 78 and Verreynne thrilled with a 133-ball 105 as South Africa’s first innings reached 358. Sri Lanka replied with guts and temperament, led by Pathum Nissanka’s 89 but they had no other milestones to record as Dane Paterson plugged away. At 35 years old, Paterson had proved the worth of his time in the county circuit and the value of having someone with over 500 first-class wickets in the squad as he gave South Africa a 30-run lead. On a good batting surface, they then scored 317, with Bavuma scoring another half-century. Sri Lanka needed 348 to win and things hung in the balance on 205 for 5 after four days. Maharaj took 5 for 76 to seal the series and South Africa’s fifth successive win.Kagiso Rabada roars in satisfaction after making 31 off 26 to take South Africa home•Associated Press
1st Test vs Pakistan, Centurion: won by 2 wickets
Stop. The. Press.South Africa didn’t need to win this match and at times seemed to be doing their best to lose it as they were faced with chasing 148 in the fourth innings and needed a ninth-wicket partnership of 51 to do it. The precursor to all that is that Paterson took 5 for 61 and Pakistan were bowled out for 211 in the first innings. Then Markram scored 89, Khurram Shehzad and Naseem Shah shared six wickets between them, and debutant Corbin Bosch scored an unbeaten 81 to give South Africa a 90-run lead.Jansen then took 6 for 52 as Pakistan were dismissed for 237. South Africa should have won at a canter but were 27 for 3 overnight on day three and Mohammad Abbas had all three. He added three more then next day at 99 for 8, South Africa were about to head into 2025 needing to win their last Test. Amid the devastating news of the death of batting coach Ashwell Prince’s wife, Melissa, the result barely mattered by lunch on day four until Rabada and Jansen formed the unlikeliest of alliances, nudged, nurdled, edged and smashed their way to the most thrilling of victories. South Africa qualified for the WTC final with a game to spare.South Africa celebrate their 2-0 victory against Pakistan•AFP/Getty Images
2nd Test v Pakistan, Cape Town: won by 10 wickets
The job was done and Newlands was a riot as South Africa saved their batting best for last. Rickelton scored the first double-hundred by a South African opener since Graeme Smith in 2013 and the first double by any South African since Hashim Amla in 2016. Bavuma brought up a fourth century and second in the campaign and Verryenne scored his first hundred at home in a first innings domination. Pakistan were bowled out for 194 and 478, and 19-year-old debutant Kwena Maphaka played his first game, and South Africa needed just 58 to win. They completed a magical summer with a clean sweep.Seven Tests wins is their second-longest streak (after nine in 2002-03) but they won’t be chasing that necessarily. One more has been the mantra through the campaign and the next one is Lord’s.
Their build-up has not been great on and off the field, but Bangladesh have the talent to surprise some of the favourites
Mohammad Isam29-Sep-20231:56
Bowlers and allrounders give Bangladesh hope
World Cup pedigree
Bangladesh have won three matches in each of their last four World Cup campaigns, only once entering the knockout stage, which is an underwhelming record for the cricket-mad nation. In the 2019 World Cup, they beat South Africa, West Indies and Afghanistan and lost five matches.Recent form
Bangladesh bowed out of the Asia Cup in the Super Four stage but they finished well by beating India in their final game. Their experimental teams faltered against New Zealand at home soon after, capping off a build-up period that had more lows than highs. Tamim Iqbal (back) and Ebadot Hossain (knee) are out of squad while Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s hamstring is a concern.Related
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Tamim: 'After the last two months, I had nerves going out to bat'
Tamim left out of Bangladesh's World Cup squad
Selection
Tamim’s omission was the biggest talking point when the team was announced on September 26. They have the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah in their squad, and the 2020 Under-19 World Cup-winning quartet of Towhid Hridoy, Tanzid Hasan, Tanzim Hasan and Shoriful Islam.Squad
Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Mushfiqur Rahim, Najmul Hossain Shanto (vc), Litton Das, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Mahedi Hasan, Tanzid Hasan, Tanzim Hasan, MahmudullahTaskin Ahmed will spearhead the pace attack•Associated PressKey player(s)
Shakib Al Hasan remains the biggest name. He was outstanding in the 2019 tournament, scoring 606 runs in eight games at an average of 86.57, but didn’t receive much support from the rest of the team. He returned recently as ODI captain after Tamim resigned in August. His batting at No. 4, in addition to his ten overs in Indian conditions, will be key. Mushfiqur, another senior figure in the Bangladesh team in the twilight of his career, has been in great touch this year, especially after moving to No. 6.In the bowling department, Taskin Ahmed has been the leader in the last few years and will spearhead the pace attack.Rising star(s)
Hridoy, Shoriful Tanzid and Tanzim are playing their first ODI World Cup. Left-arm quick Shoriful and middle-order batter Hridoy have impressed the most in white-ball cricket lately, with Hridoy becoming the first Bangladesh player to score 500 runs in his first year of ODI cricket.World Cup farewells It could be the last World Cup for the likes of Shakib, Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah, though the latter two have not outlined their plans yet like Shakib has. Among the three, Shakib is the only one playing all three formats.
Brave women have already sealed their place in the final. At the other end of the spectrum, Originals and Fire are out in both competitions
Sampath Bandarupalli15-Aug-2021Men’s tournamentBirmingham Phoenix men –
: Northern Superchargers men
Birmingham Phoenix are the only side in the men’s competition to have already confirmed a place in the playoffs and will now play for direct qualification for the final. If they win against Northern Superchargers, they will finish as table-toppers with six wins.Southern Brave men –
: Oval Invincibles men
Southern Brave have a chance to top the table and directly qualify for the final. A win versus Oval Invincibles would help Brave secure a top-three finish, and a loss for Birmingham Phoenix on Tuesday will make sure Brave climb to the top. However, a loss against Invincibles will knock them out of the top three if Northern Superchargers get the better of Phoenix.Oval Invincibles men –
: Southern Brave men
Oval Invincibles are currently at No. 2 and are a little ahead of Southern Brave on net run rate. However, their scenario is similar to that of Brave. A win for Invincibles on Monday will ensure a top-three finish and they will find themselves in the final directly if Phoenix lose to Superchargers.Trent Rockets men –
: Manchester Originals men
Rockets needed to finish the league phase with successive wins to qualify directly for the final. Their hard-fought defeat against Phoenix on Friday means they have to win against Manchester Originals on Sunday – a loss will put them out of contention – to ensure they get a chance at the eliminator on Friday.A loss against Manchester Originals on Friday will pull Trent Rockets out of the top three•Getty ImagesNorthern Superchargers men –
: Birmingham Phoenix men
Ahead of the final round, Superchargers have the best net run rate in the men’s competition. This is a key factor in their chances of finishing in the top three. However, they will be rooting for Originals against Rockets before they face Phoenix.Women’s tournament Oval Invincibles women –
: Southern Brave women
Oval Invincibles moved to second on the table with two wins in their last two completed matches. They will be playing the eliminator at home even if they lose their final league game, given one of Superchargers or Rockets lose in the last round. The net run rate of Invincibles is well ahead of both Supercharges and Rockets, which will help them if there’s a three-way tie on nine points.Northern Superchargers women –
: Birmingham Phoenix women
A hat-trick of defeats has pushed Northern Superchargers down to third in the table. They will now need to win against Phoenix to secure a spot in the top three. Superchargers could be tied on nine points with Rockets if the latter win against Manchester Originals on Sunday. However, a better net run rate in Superchargers’ case ensures them a chance to play the eliminator.Trent Rockets Women –
: Manchester Originals women
A couple of big losses at the start of the tournament have dented Trent Rockets’ net run rate, which could have an impact on their chances of progression to the next round. They will need at least one of Invincibles or Superchargers to lose their last league game. And Rockets, who complete their league matches before Invincibles and Superchargers, will also need a big win against Originals to boost their chances.Birmingham Phoenix women –
: Northern Superchargers women
Successive wins have brought back Birmingham Phoenix into contention for a top-three finish. However, for that to happen, they would first want Rockets to lose to Originals. It will make things straightforward for Phoenix, who then need to beat Supercharges to finish in the top three.London Spirit women –
: Welsh Fire women
London Spirit would want both Superchargers and Rockets to lose their last-round games. Then, in the last league match, Spirit will need a win by a margin of at least 100 runs or with 50 balls spare against Welsh Fire.
Pressionado no São Paulo, o técnico Thiago Carpini encontrou respaldo nas principais lideranças do elenco, incluindo James Rodríguez. A utilização do colombiano, que pediu para deixar o clube e posteriormente foi reintegrado, é um dos pontos de maior crítica pela torcida.
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➡️ Siga o Lance! São Paulo no WhatsApp e acompanhe todas as notícias do Tricolor
Antes da partida decisiva contra o Cobresal, James Rodríguez teve um papo com Carpini sobre seu posicionamento em campo. O treinador foi pego de surpresa com a lesão de Ferreirinha e mudou o esquema tático do Tricolor. Com três zagueiros, o colombiano teve bastante liberdade no meio-campo e deu quatro passes decisivos no duelo pela Libertadores.
– Nós tivemos uma conversa muito boa. Ontem ele me procurou e se dispôs para fazer o que ele fez. Acho isso fantástico, sinto pela primeira vez o controle do grupo, como eu tenho esses caras do meu lado – revelou Carpini.
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Como a condição física de James Rodríguez é delicada, Carpini evita cravar o colombiano como titular para a sequência da temporada. No sábado (13), o Tricolor enfrenta o Fortaleza, na estreia do Brasileirão, e Carpini ainda balança no cargo.
– Quando você está em um clube grande, sempre tem muita pressão. A gente está com o Carpini, estamos fechados com ele. Acredito que ele trabalha bem, é jovem, mas estamos fechados com ele – comentou James.
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➡️ Veja tabela com datas, horários dos jogos da Libertadores
Mesmo assim, o meia atuou nos últimos seis jogos da equipe e pela segunda vez desde sua chegada ao São Paulo completou 90 minutos em campo. A última vez havia sido em 20 de setembro, quando ele marcou o gol da vitória contra o Fortaleza.
The last few days have been a whirlwind at Manchester United. The Red Devils suffered another disappointing result at Old Trafford, drawing 1-1 against relegation-threatened West Ham United.
Ruben Amorim’s side struggled to create many substantial chances and could only earn a point against the Hammers.
It was another game where Kobbie Mainoo didn’t play, either. The United academy graduate, a true gem of Carrington, has only played 171 minutes in the Premier League this term.
His lack of minutes has certainly upset United fans, with club legend Paul Scholes even saying on a now-deleted social media post that he is “being ruined.”
However, the 20-year-old’s talent cannot be forgotten.
Mainoo’s rise from the academy ranks
It has been a long time since the Red Devils had an academy graduate as exciting as Mainoo, perhaps as far back as Marcus Rashford all those years ago. The midfielder represents what the club stands for: youth, courage, success.
Mainoo’s rise to the top was nothing short of astronomical. He made his first Premier League start back in late November 2023.
Less than 12 months later, he was a starter for England at the European Championships, playing from minute one against Spain in the final.
In his first tournament, key England midfielder Declan Rice was full of praise for Mainoo. The Arsenal star said his midfield partner “has that leadership and the way he takes the ball and is comfortable,” which is high praise just months into his professional career.
United embrace the academy; it has been the heartbeat of the club for decades upon decades.
Mainoo has done Carrington proud in his 82 appearances so far, with the highlight no doubt his FA Cup final winner in 2024. That is what the Red Devils are all about.
Mainoo’s lack of minutes this season is frustrating, but his talent must be celebrated. Incredibly, United have an academy star who might be even more talented than their number 37.
United’s best academy talent
The Red Devils’ long history of success can largely be attributed to their academy. The Busby Babes, the Class of ‘92, graduates from the 2010s such as Rashford, Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard, all contributed to silverware.
Perhaps the next great academy graduate from Carrington will be JJ Gabriel.
Despite being just 15 years of age, he is already one of the most highly rated academy players and has been described as potentially being already “better than Premier League players.”
Indeed, Gabriel has shone for the Red Devils’ under-18s this season, playing under the tutelage of Darren Fletcher. In just 11 appearances, he’s found the back of the net ten times and has grabbed one assist.
Those numbers speak for themselves, but given that he is playing three years up, it becomes an even more impressive feat.
In The Pipeline
Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.
The versatile attacker, who can play up front or as a winger, is not only consistent but also cashes in when he does score.
He’s bagged two goals in a game once, and a hat-trick twice, including one against Liverpool under-18s last weekend. He also grabbed eight goals and assists in August and September.
Gabriel form in August & September
Opponent
Scoreline
G/A
Everton (A)
0-1
0
Middlesbrough (H)
5-0
2G
Derby (A)
0-4
3G
Burnley (H)
1-0
0
Wolves (A)
0-4
1G, 1A
Man City (H)
2-4
1G
Stats from Transfermarkt
In terms of his technical ability, Gabriel is rated incredibly highly. Alfie Brooks, the youngster’s one-to-one coach, said he could go into a Premier League dressing room and “technically he would be better than all of them. It wouldn’t even be close.”
He has bags of tricks, a low centre of gravity and a good footballing brain.
Mainoo’s talent is doubtless, but Gabriel might well be an even bigger prospect. To receive the sort of praise he has is a testament to his quality, and the numbers he puts up on a weekly basis show how talented he is.
The attacker is someone United fans will hope to see break into the first team in the coming years, playing alongside Mainoo week in, week out.
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One of the greatest joys of baseball is watching a manager eloquently lay into a home plate umpire they believe has not lived up to the demands of the job.
Back in 2019, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone memorably got in the face of rookie umpire Brennan Miller after getting tossed from a game for his constant critiques.
“My guys are f—ing savages in that f—ing box, right?" Boone said. "And you're having a piece of s— start to this game. I feel bad for you. But f—ing get better. That guy is a good pitcher, but our guys are f—ing savages in that box.”
The rant was instantly iconic, helped along by the lip-reading/translation services of baseball internet creator Jomboy.
Jomboy recently celebrated the throwback moment by having actor Rob Lowe provide a reenactment of the fateful exchange. It is an absolute delight.
Let’s hope this trend continues—I would pay top dollar to see John Malkovich screaming “Our a– is in the jackpot.”
The international break came at a good time for Glasgow Rangers boss Danny Rohl, as it has provided him with time to assess his first block of six matches in charge of the club.
Having arrived at Ibrox last month to replace Russell Martin, the former Sheffield Wednesday head coach did not have a pre-season or any real time to assess the squad and what he wants to do moving forward.
The main focus has been on short-term results, which has resulted in three straight wins in the Scottish Premiership, most recently with a 3-0 win over Dundee at Dens Park.
This international break, however, will have provided Rohl and Kevin Thelwell time to sit down and map out the longer-term plan, so that the next steps can be taken to set foot on that path, in the next few weeks and in the January transfer window.
Part of that longer-term plan should include finding a way to create a better pathway from the academy to the first-team so that the Gers can develop homegrown stars, instead of constantly needing to splash money on new signings to bolster the squad.
Unfortunately, there have not been too many recent examples of stars who have broken through from the B team to the first-team to make a name for themselves at Ibrox.
The most valuable former Rangers academy players
Whether it is changes at academy or first-team level, the Light Blues should look to address the lack of quality academy graduates that have come from the youth set-up in recent years.
19-year-old starlet Findlay Curtis has shown promise this season, with a return of three goals in 11 appearances in all competitions, but he has not started any of his four outings in the Premiership, per Transfermarkt.
The Scottish youngster is currently valued at around £400k by Transfermarkt, which is understandable given his lack of starts at first-team level, and that means that he does not rank within the top ten most valuable former Gers academy stars at this moment in time.
Most valuable former Rangers academy players
Player
Market value (to nearest million)
Billy Gilmour
£18m
Nathan Patterson
£11m
Greg Taylor
£5m
Ross McCrorie
£2m
Lewis Morgan
£2m
David Bates
£1m
Robbie Ure
£1m
Ryan Hardie
£1m
Malcolm Ebiowei
£1m
Ross McCausland
£1m
Values via Transfermarkt
As you can see in the table above, the most valuable former academy talent is Napoli central midfielder Billy Gilmour, who is who is worth as much as the next three highest combined.
Unfortunately, the Scotland international did not play a single game for the Light Blues at first-team level because he opted to sign for Chelsea at the age of 15, with a development fee of at least £500k paid to Rangers.
When asked why he decided to move on from Ibrox, Gilmour later said: “It was between Rangers and Chelsea. Most of my family are Rangers fans and I love the club. I’ll always be thankful for everything they did. But when Chelsea showed me my development plan, I couldn’t turn it down. Everything about the club was amazing and it’s where I wanted to be.”
Whilst the pull of a Premier League title winner and regular Champions League contender will always be big, the midfielder’s comments about a ‘development plan’ were interesting.
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Without knowing what goes on behind the scenes, it is hard to know whether or not the Gers are doing enough to convince young talent that they have a development plan that will turn them into a star at Ibrox.
One academy graduate who has seemingly not had a clear pathway to being a regular in the first-team is Bailey Rice, which is why Rohl must avoid him becoming a Gilmour repeat.
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The Gers youngster is not in the exact same situation as Gilmour, because he is four years older and has had experience in the first-team, but the club may run the risk of him wanting to move on if his lack of game time persists.
Thelwell, as shown in the graphic above, made it clear on Saturday that he wants the talented academy graduates at the club to be given chances at Ibrox, but that has not happened for Rice this season.
The 19-year-old star has played 45 minutes of football, against Alloa Athletic in the League Cup, for the Light Blues in the 2025/26 campaign, which means that he has not played a single minute in the Premiership.
In the summer transfer window, Rangers swooped to sign 30-year-old central midfielder Joe Rothwell from Bournemouth to bolster Russell Martin’s options in the defensive and central midfield positions.
That signing has played a part in blocking Rice’s pathway to playing minutes in the Premiership, and the experienced midfielder’s performances so far suggest that they may have been better off giving those chances to the youngster.
25/26 Premiership
Joe Rothwell
Appearances
8
Starts
5
Minutes
412
Goals
0
Assists
1
Tackles + interceptions per game
1.9
Dribbled past per game
0.4x
Ground duel success rate
46%
Aerial duel success rate
50%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Rothwell has offered very little offensively or defensive in the middle of the park in his 412 minutes on the pitch in the league, losing the majority of his overall duels.
The English flop’s struggles suggest that the Gers would have been better off giving those 412 minutes to Rice to benefit his development and put him back on track to becoming a first-team regular, as Thelwell stated that he wants academy players to be given chances.
Rice made his first-team debut as a 16-year-old and was described as “a heck of a player” by former boss Michael Beale, as he made 14 first-team appearances in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns combined.
After a Europa League clash with Manchester United in January, Rio Ferdinand said that he liked Rice and hailed his composed play and “wonderful” passing in midfield, which shows that he impressed a former Premier League title winner and England international.
The teenage talent has only featured in seven Premiership games, starting once, in the subsequent 11 months, per Sofascore. This means that he has not had ample opportunity to nail down a place in the team.
Therefore, Rohl should avoid another Gilmour situation by finally handing Rice a chance to shine in the Premiership after the international break, to let him learn and develop, rather than continue to play Rothwell, who is at the opposite end of his career and has struggled this season.
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Youngster Diego Leon may “not have to wait much longer” for his senior Manchester United debut.
Despite only turning 18 in April 2025, Leon had already made over 30 appearances in senior football with Cerro Porteno in his native Paraguay. Since joining the Red Devils in the summer, Leon has played exclusively for the Man United Under-21s, where he has caught the eye with his performances.
Leon is evidently an exciting talent and Man United, no doubt, will aim to avoid a repeat of what happened with Alvaro Carreras. The teenager has been in several matchday squads for Ruben Amorim’s side, who have acquired 10 points from an available 12 in their previous four games.
Reports from Leon’s home continent of South America, as per The Peoples Person, have suggested that the wing-back could soon be handed his senior debut at Old Trafford.
Leon is highly thought of at Carrington
Manchester United players huddle before the match
To be part of a Premier League squad in any capacity is a sign that Amorim has been impressed by Leon. As per journalist Christian Martin, the Paraguayan is a firm part of the club’s plans going forward.
Having signed in January, Patrick Dorgu is yet to make a strong impression for Man United. Formerly of Lecce, the left-sided player has not started a game for the Red Devils since a 3-1 loss against Brentford at the end of September.
Diogo Dalot has been starting as the left-wing-back in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system since Dorgu was dropped. Naturally suited to the right-hand side, Dalot has also struggled in the position and given the injury troubles that both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have faced in recent years, Leon could well soon find himself involved in a first-team game.
Reportedly, Leon will “get his chance sooner rather than later.” Top flight football in Paraguay is, of course, a different level to the English Premier League, but Leon has already played consistent senior football, a rarity for a player of such a young age.
When exactly Leon will receive his chance remains to be seen, but given the impressions he has been making since arriving in the summer, it surely can not be long until the Paraguay international makes his bow for the Red Devils.
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