Acting captain hails togetherness of club as they secure another notable success after years of fallow fortunes

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay11-Sep-2025

Ian Holland, Leicestershire’s acting captain, says the club will celebrate their achievement of returning to the top flight of the County Championship for the first time in 22 years, but have already set their sights on cementing top spot and sealing their first piece of red-ball silverware in more than a quarter of a century.Holland was at the crease, on 27 not out, when Leicestershire shook hands on a rain-affected draw with Gloucestershire at Grace Road on Thursday. The result put them more than 50 points clear of Derbyshire and Middlesex in third and fourth place – two teams that had earlier played out their own stalemate at Lord’s – thereby guaranteeing Leicestershire at least a top-two finish. Glamorgan, 25 points behind them in second place, are their only remaining rivals for the second division crown.”There’s a lot of emotion, excitement, relief in the dressing-room,” Holland told the ECB Reporters Network. “We’re savouring this moment to get promoted, but it’s not a full celebration just yet because now we want to win the trophy as champions.”But, yeah, to be promoted is a great achievement for this club. It’s a credit to the people in the club that have turned it around over a period of time.”The result comes just two years after Leicestershire’s remarkable victory over Hampshire in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup final – their first List A trophy since 1985 – and continues a steady uptick in the team’s fortunes from the dark days of the mid-2010s, when they had habitually finished bottom of the Championship table, including a near three-year run between September 2012 and June 2015 when they didn’t win a single first-class fixture.”This today isn’t just a six-month thing, it’s been a few years in the making,” Holland said, as he paid tribute to Claude Henderson, the club’s director of cricket, as well as the coaching staff and Sean Jarvis, the outgoing chief executive who oversaw the upswing in fortunes since joining from Huddersfield Town FC in 2020.”The players have been able to go out and play the way we have this year because things are right,” Holland added. “It’s a great feeling. When I first met Claude and [head coach] Alfonso (Thomas), I got a sense of the trajectory that the club was moving in, and that was really attractive. I was always optimistic that we would get promoted at some stage, but I think it’s probably happened a little bit quicker than we thought.”If you’d asked me at the start of the season, are we going to get promoted this year? I wouldn’t have put my house on it, but it’s been great that things have clicked and we’ve played the cricket we have. Getting those wins early on gave us a really good head start, which has paid dividends.”Related

Leicestershire celebrate promotion after 22 years in exile

Holland namechecked Rehan Ahmed, who is currently away on England duty, as one of the stars of their campaign. After initially stepping up as an auxiliary opener, he struck five hundreds in ten appearances, while also claiming 23 wickets at 19.00 with his legspin – 13 of which came in a statement victory against Derbyshire in July.”There have been contributions from everybody. Rehan has got five hundreds, which is amazing, but so many people have stood up. I think just the consistency with the way we’ve played sums up our group.”The club captain Pete Handscomb, who is now back in Australia preparing for his Sheffield Shield campaign with Victoria, was another key contributor to Leicestershire’s season. “He’s been amazing with the way he’s captained the team and the group,” Holland said. “His calmness around the group has been incredible.”Leicestershire were made to battle in their title-seizing contest against Gloucestershire. They conceded a first-innings deficit of 140 despite a century for Shan Masood, but after being set a stiff fourth-innings target of 316, the week’s heavy rain reduced any prospect of a tense finish to the match.”In this game, it’s a real credit to the guys the way we fought back after getting behind the game early on day one,” Holland said. “There were a few niggly moments, but we were able to keep coming back, and just to get the points we needed to get promoted was a great result.”We faced a long chase today if we were to win the game. You can’t go out and go after it gung-ho, but I think you still want to have that positive intent, which we did, to take the game deep, and then whatever happens, happens. It was a good performance today to not be five, six, seven wickets down at the close. To do it the way we did was nice.”There will be a celebration, a few beers tonight. But we want to go on and win the trophy now, that’s very important to us.”

Newcastle United have now reignited their interest in James Trafford, who has reportedly made his feelings clear about a potential move away from Manchester City in January.

The Magpies could certainly do with a lift in the winter window amid their current struggles. Eddie Howe’s side have won just three of their opening 11 games in the Premier League so far this season and are paying the price for a chaotic summer.

After defeat against Brentford, the international break couldn’t have been better-timed. It’s allowed record signing Nick Woltemade to find the back of the net for Germany once again and has granted Howe the time he needs to find a solution for his side’s problems.

The towering 23-year-old has been one of the few bright sparks for Newcastle since arriving in the summer, but Alan Shearer still believes he can still go up a few levels.

Speaking after Newcastle’s loss against Brentford, the Premier League’s record goalscorer said: “I’ve said before that as good as Nick Woltemade is with the ball at his feet, he is a problem for Newcastle because he’s not the quickest, and he can’t press, and he doesn’t run in behind.

“Eddie’s teams have always done that. Look at what Alexander Isak did or look at what Callum Wilson did, they all pressed and ran behind. But this guy can’t do that, and that’s a problem for Newcastle.”

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That said, it would be harsh to suggest that Woltemade is the Magpies’ biggest problem. Before anything, they must address the form of their wingers and perhaps even return for some missed targets such as Trafford from the summer.

Newcastle reignite James Trafford move

According to TeamTalk, Newcastle have now re-opened talks with Trafford via his representatives, as they a January deal with Man City.

The goalkeeper rejected the chance to join the Magpies in the summer, but has since been made to regret his decision after City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma so soon after his return to the Etihad.

Despite interest from Tottenham and West Ham, it is believed Newcastle’s ‘advanced talks’ from the summer, their pull and Saudi-backed ambition hands them an ‘edge’ in the race for his signature — making Howe’s side favourites.

He’s reportedly desperate to leave the Manchester club in an attempt to keep hold of his place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad. Newcastle, as a result, are moving ahead of the winter window.

If the 23-year-old could turn back time, then he could be a Newcastle player right now. He returned to Man City ready to take Ederson’s place, but was simply sold a dream by Pep Guardiola and others who quickly welcomed their true replacement for the Brazilian in Donnarumma.

Now, he arguably needs Newcastle more than they need him. With Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope providing them with solid options, Trafford’s arrival would be more of a luxury than a necessity at this stage.

Nonetheless, having been described as “world-class” by Burnley boss Scott Parker last season, the young shot-stopper is still undoubtedly a player full of potential in the Premier League.

Newcastle now ready to race Barcelona to sign De Bruyne-esque talent

Robinson spoke to GOAL about his USMNT comeback, his life in Cincinnati, and the bigger questions shaping the way he sees the world.

PHILADELPHIA – Miles Robinson spends a lot of time thinking about the future – not just his own, but the big-picture stuff. Smartphones, wealth disparity, happiness, and greed. Topics most footballers never touch in an interview, but Robinson drifts there naturally.

"One thing that I'm passionate about is trying to envision the future and create a better life for people in need," he tells GOAL from the USMNT's hotel in Philadelphia. "I feel like this country is way too rich in general to have so much poverty. I feel like a lot of people stray away from tough conversations and don't want to talk about what's actually important in our society right now.

"Like, for example, I'm at peace, mostly, when I'm off my phone. Sometimes I feel like we're slaves to it, and that's where I feel the future is going. It's just about making sure that all of these massive influences around us are giving us a positive outlook on life, nothing hateful or negative."

"That's just what I'm on right now," he adds with a laugh.

Those are the big-picture questions he lets his mind wander toward. His future, though? He doesn’t spend much time on that anymore. How could he? There was a moment in his life when Robinson thought he had everything mapped out, when his trajectory felt certain. And then, in an instant, it all disappeared. After that kind of shock, looking too far ahead gets harder – even with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.

Robinson, by all accounts, should have been at the 2022 World Cup. Leading up to the tournament, he was one of the U.S. men's national team's go-to center backs, a player whose combination of athleticism and game-reading had made him one of the best in MLS. Then, just six months before the World Cup, his Achilles snapped. With it went his World Cup dream.

Now, six months before another World Cup, Robinson is back in the mix. He's playing regularly for the USMNT and is back to being one of the best in MLS with FC Cincinnati. His future, though? That's for someone else to think about. Robinson can't bear to do that just yet, knowing what happened last time.

"I'm just happy to be here right now," he says. "I'm happy to be healthy right now. I'm not one to really look that far ahead into the future. I think the last World Cup is the reason I can't do that in general. It's all just trying to put my best for forward, but I promise that, in my head, I'm just super motivated."

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  'I wasn't trying to sit back and sulk'

  In many ways, Robinson's life changed on May 7, 2022. The change happened out of nowhere. He had 18 USMNT caps over the prior year-and-a-half. He'd also scored three goals, including the dramatic trophy-winner against Mexico in the 2021 Gold Cup final. Robinson wasn't just pushing to be on the World Cup roster; he was making his case to start in the world's biggest tournament.

  That was until Atlanta United's clash with the Chicago Fire. Just 14 minutes into the game, Robinson went down, pointing at his left leg. Following the match, then-Atlanta United manager Gonzalo Pineda revealed it was a "bad injury". Shortly after that, the worst was confirmed: Achilles rupture. Surgery incoming.

  “We are devastated for Miles,” then-USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter said at the time. “He had established himself as a top performer throughout last year and World Cup Qualifying. We will be thinking of him and wishing him a successful recovery process.”

  The USMNT moved on without him, of course, but, as the player going through it, Robinson could do little but relive it. In an instant, his World Cup dreams were gone. They were replaced with a long road back, one that didn't guarantee he'd ever really be back to his old self.

  "It was sad," he says now, three years later. "It was a moment where so much was going on in my life. It was a lot to even think of or fathom happening all at once. It was just one of those moments where you go, 'Damn'. I knew it right away. I knew I wouldn't be able to play at the World Cup, and it was just from a normal kind of motion that happens to everyone. 

  "Then, you have to just be like 'Okay, there's too much to be grateful for'. I can't complain. In reality, that's what I stand on. Whatever conflicts there are in my life, there's too much for me to be grateful for to let this stop me."

  That wasn't just talk, either. Instead of Qatar, Robinson spent the World Cup with friends and family. He was able to watch and enjoy the tournament while occupying some space between fan and teammate.

  "Man, I was outside watching that sh*t,"  he says with a smile. "We were partying, watching, cheering on my guys. I really wanted to experience that real-life energy because that's who I am. I wasn't trying to sit back and sulk. You just want them to succeed. You want them to do well. At the end of the day, yeah, you're still a little bit salty that you're not a part of it, but you recognize that they're now the ones putting in the work. You're rehabbing, and they deserve it, too."

  It took some time for Robinson to truly return from injury. He's back now, though, and he's once again one of the best in American soccer.

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  Finding his way with Cincy

  Rehab went well, Robinson said. He was quick to give credit to the team in Atlanta for getting him back onto the field. It wasn't until he left Atlanta, though, that he really felt he'd regained what he lost.

  Ahead of the 2024 MLS season, Robinson made the big decision to sign with FC Cincinnati as a free agent. It was, at the time, somewhat controversial. At 26, Robinson was entering his prime and could have gone to Europe. Instead, he chose to continue his career as part of a rising Cincy project. He didn't just choose Cincinnati, though; the club chose him, too. They believed that he'd be able to get back to what he was before the injury.

  "I felt like explosive, even early on," he says, "But for me to really get back into the game and feel like I was competing at an elite level, it was like over a year, maybe even 16 months. It's one thing to be able to play, but a whole other thing to be able to play your best. You have to be very quick, very sharp. It's crazy movements."

  He was back to his best this season. Robinson was selected as an MLS All-Star this summer, returning to that game for the first time since his injury.

  “He's elite at so many things when it comes to defending, and I think he continues to improve,” FC Cincinnati General Manager Chris Albright said of Robinson in September. “The number of plays that don't happen when Miles is on the field, you never realize. You never realize what doesn't even have to happen, or someone that doesn't have to cover because he can just put out so many fires by himself. There are only so few players in the world that have that elite athleticism and dueling ability, and he's in that category."

  Cincinnati, meanwhile, finished second in the Eastern Conference, only one point behind the Supporters' Shield winners in the Philadelphia Union. Robinson then helped lead the Cincy defense to a triumph against the rival Columbus Crew, winning two out of three games to advance to the next round of the postseason.

  "I think the mood in the locker room is like, when we play at our best, no one's touching us," he says. "Straight up, when we're at our best, we will win any game. It's about, 'Listen, We've got three games left, let's be at our best every moment of these games, and we can lift a trophy.'"

  In between the club's MLS Cup run, though, was a two-game stint with the USMNT as Robinson continues to pursue that World Cup dream.

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  'His philosophy on life is something that I relate to'

  Robinson’s defining injury struck roughly six months before the 2022 World Cup. Now, almost exactly six months from the USMNT naming its 2026 roster, he’s back in a familiar place: the pressure rising, the competition relentless, and the center back depth chart as crowded as it’s ever been.

  Crystal Palace’s Chris Richards feels like the only true lock right now, and that’s about where the certainty ends. Robinson is part of a crowded group that includes Charlotte FC’s Tim Ream, Toulouse’s Mark McKenzie, and Celtic’s Auston Trusty, all of whom were in camp in November. Youngster Noahkai Banks (FC Augsburg) is clearly in the mix, too, and a veteran like Walker Zimmerman can’t be written off. Factor in the possibility of Joe Scally or Alex Freeman serving as a third center-back, and the picture becomes clear: it’s going to be a fierce fight for places.

  Robinson has been in and out of that picture since his recovery. He returned to the USMNT in 2023, earning seven caps. He made three appearances in 2024 but, notably, led the U.S. U-23s into the Olympics as one of three overage players. Now, in 2025, he's been something of a regular under Mauricio Pochettino, starting in January camp, playing in the Gold Cup, and featuring in the fall friendlies to amass eight caps in this crowded center back group.

  "I think it's just about understanding the group we have," Robinson said. "A lot of us have known each other for a long time, so it's about competing, yeah, but we're still boys off the field. We all still want what's best for each other.

  "Obviously, I'd love to be a part of that group. It's just trying to chip away at the moment. I just try to be the best in training today and then in the games. Hopefully, if I stay healthy, I'll put myself in a good position to be part of that group."

  That decision, ultimately, falls to Pochettino. A former center back himself during his own playing career, the Argentine will likely push that competition right on down to the wire. Following a November camp that saw wins over Paraguay and Uruguay, the race for spots at the World Cup is fiercer than ever. Robinson believes that Pochettino wants it that way.

  "I think he's good at giving players confidence, which I definitely like and think is very important," he says. "In general, he's very clear with his messages, whether it's tactical or recognizing that we need to be better at this. We need to fight like our lives depend on it. Some of these players who come from other countries, this is their way out; they had nothing. He recognizes, 'Hey, that's not how most of you guys grew up, but we're going to have to beat them with our hearts, our minds, and other ways'. He's super truthful. His philosophy on life is something that I relate to."

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  Being optimistic about the future

  Following FC Cincinnati's playoff win over the Columbus Crew, Robinson was in full-on celebration mode. He celebrated so hard, in fact, that he ended up with a sword in his hand somehow.

  "This guy was begging me to take the sword. Alright, man, let me just grab it and do something with it," he reflects. "Maybe I created a new tradition. I don't know, but it was pretty cool!"

  With USMNT camp in the rearview, Robinson’s focus shifts to a very different challenge: Inter Miami. Lionel Messi and Co. are next up for FC Cincinnati, and that alone is enough to sharpen the senses. A duel with the GOAT, with a place in the Eastern Conference finals on the line? That’s a real test.

  Robinson isn’t looking past it – how could he? Not with that level of talent on the other side, and not with everything he’s already been through.

  That doesn’t mean he’s without ambition. He has goals, both for his career and for his life, some short-term, some big-picture. But his future – as it has always been – remains uncertain. Maybe this time, though, it will break his way and he will line up for the World Cup. Maybe this time, that steady optimism he carries will give him what he’s chasing. But he won't let that define him, one way or another. 

  "I think only about a few weeks or maybe a few days at a time," he says. "I definitely have bigger goals that I look into or maybe create a vision board or some sh*t like that, but there are definitely short-term goals. Some are based in reality, and some are almost impossible. I just strive for crazy sh*t. If that happens, let's go. If it doesn't, I'll probably still do something pretty cool, right?"

تعادل ليفربول مع سندرلاند بهدف لمثله حيث استمر الريدز في تقديم أداء مخيب للآمال، خلال اللقاء الذي جمع الفريقين على ملعب أنفيلد في الدوري الانجليزي.

وكان سندرلاند قد تفوق على ليفربول في بداية الشوط الثاني، قبل أن يتعادل فلوريان فيرتز لصالح الفريق المضيف بمجهود فردي وتسديدة رائعة اصطدمت بأحد مدافعي الفريق الخصم.

وتمكن الإيطالي فيدريكو كييزا من إنقاذ مرمى ليفربول من هدف ثاني لصالح سندرلاند بعد مراوغة أليسون بيكر عن طريق مهاجم الفريق الضيف ويلسون.

وعلق دانييل ستوريدج مهاجم ليفربول السابق الذي لعب إلى جانب محمد صلاح وفاز معه بدوري أبطال أوروبا 2019 ليقيم مستقبل الملك المصري.

أقرأ أيضاً.. ريدناب: محمد صلاح سيغادر ليفربول في يناير إلى أحد هذين الوجهتين بسبب سلوت

وقال ستوريدج في تصريحات لـ “سكاي سبورت” حول إذا كان صلاح سيغادر في يناير :”لا أحد يعلم ما سيحدث في كرة القدم لكنني أعتقد أن الأمر ليس كذلك”.

وأضاف: “هل يقدم أداء وفقاً لمستواه؟ لا لا يفعل، ولكن لا أحد غيره يقوم بذلك، يريد أن يكون سبب فوزهم، ولست متأكداً تماماً من أنه يجب التشكيك في لاعب كان سببا في فوزهم بالدوري الموسم الماضي”.

واختتم:” يؤلمني أن أرى صلاح بهذا الشكل، أستطيع أن أقول إنه غير سعيد وأنت لن تكون سعيداً لأنك معتاد على أن تكون اللاعب الرئيسي، هناك وقت يجب فيه اتخاذ قرار لكني لا أعتقد أننا وصلنا لمرحلة يجب فيها الاستغناء عنه، النادي وصلاح قادران على تغيير الوضع”.

After smashing his 400th career home run on Saturday night, Angels right fielder Mike Trout shared an emotional message for his family, friends and fans on social media on Sunday.

"400. Last night was surreal," Trout said, alongside a special video montage. "Blessed to play this game I love. Thank you to my teammates, family, and the fans for all the support. Let's keep it rolling!"

Check that out below:

The 11-time All Star's 400th career dinger, which was his 22nd of the season, came in the eighth inning of Saturday's game against the Rockies: a 485-footer to left-center field off a 98-mph pitch from Colorado reliever Jaden Hill. Later, Trout played catch with the fan who caught the ball.

"It's one of the things coming into the season that was on the list," Trout said of the achievement, per ESPN. "I'm just happy it's over. I'm enjoying it, obviously. It sucks the family wasn't out here, but they watched it on TV. My boys back home, my two sons, and my wife got to see it on TV. My buddies back home and my family back home in Jersey, they can stop texting me to hit the 400th. It means a lot to me."

Although the Angels won 3-0 on Saturday (a fitting present for Trout), they still finished the three game series 1-2, as the Rockies proved victorious on Friday and Sunday.

Next up, L.A. will host the Royals starting Tuesday, when Trout could add another homer or two to his already impressive tally.

The Braves beat the White Sox 1-0 on Wednesday in front of an announced crowd of more than 30,000 at Truist Park. Since it was a home game, FanDuel Sports Network's Wiley Ballard was in the crowd to talk to some fans.

During the top of the 5th, he found a fan named Rick sitting in front of the Chop House in right field. Rick was holding an upper body cutout of Ballard himself with a red and white striped shirt that said, "Where's Wiley?" Ballard did a quick interview with the fan asking if someone had put him up to it.

He revealed that his wife had and explained why she was missing the interview. Oh, and he swore.

“She loves you," said the fan. "Every time you come up, you know, and talk about either food or whatever she loves you so she’s like we gotta f—— put a sign up for him. So I was like ok cool. So… but she just went to the bathroom."

Ballard didn't even blink and continued the interview as the game continued. The Braves social media team posted a gif of the couple holding up a sign and a teddy bear, but stopped short of sharing the video.

MatériaMais Notícias

O São Paulo tem um novo técnico: Luis Zubeldía. O argentino, que comandava a LDU, do Equador, até janeiro acertou com o Tricolor até o fim de 2025. A estreia dele deve ser na próxima quinta-feira (25), quando a equipe do Morumbi encara o Barcelona de Guiaquil, também do Equador, fora de casa.

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Zubeldía chega à equipe paulista para ocupar a vaga de Thiago Carpini, que não resistiu aos maus resultados, principalmente a eliminação nas quartas de final do Paulistão, para o Novorizontino e foi demitido após a derrota são-paulina para o Flamengo, no Maracanã, pelo Brasileirão, nesta quarta-feira (17).

O argentino já havia despertado o interesse da direção do São Paulo no início do ano, quando o Tricolor perdeu Dorival Júnior para a Seleção Brasileira. O treinador chegou a conversar com dirigentes do time paulista, mas não houve acordo com o estafe. A equipe do Morumbi, então, optou pela contratação de Carpini.

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Além da LDU, Zubeldía também tem passagens por times de Argentina (Lanús e Racing), Colômbia (Independiente de Medellín), Paraguai (Cerro Porteño), México (Santos Laguna) e Espanha (Alavés). Ele é o atual campeão da Conmebol Sul-Americana e, também, tem no currículo dois títulos nacionais no Equador.

Agora, a grande missão do novo treinador são-paulino é colocar o clube em processo de recuperação no Campeonato Brasileiro, após a equipe perder as duas primeiras partidas, e também na Libertadores, onde o Tricolor tem três pontos em seis disputados. O intuito no Morumbi é que o time ganhe, pelo menos, um título na temporada, como foi no ano passado, quando conquistou a inédita Copa do Brasil.

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Patrick Dorgu’s Manchester United career so far was summed up in one moment on Monday evening against Everton.

A rare piece of attacking quality saw Joshua Zirkzee flash a ball across the box in the first half, and with Dorgu perfectly positioned at the backpost, the chance was there for the 21-year-old to fire home his first goal for the club following his January arrival from Lecce.

Just days on from cooly converting in Denmark’s eventual 4-2 defeat to Scotland in World Cup qualification, the young wing-back could not repeat the feat, instead lashing his attempt wide in what has, unfortunately, almost become trademark fashion.

Like against Manchester City – where Dorgu had more touches in the opposition box than any other player (12) – he routinely gets himself into promising openings, although is simply unable to make the most of it, having registered just two assists in 32 games under Ruben Amorim to date.

In truth, the left-footer is drifting into Rasmus Hojlund territory as a promising, but raw Danish arrival from Serie A who has almost been made first-choice in his position too soon, with little in the way of competition.

Thankfully, Amorim might well have an in-house solution, although it will continue to irk supporters that £30m was splashed out on Dorgu, while a certain Alvaro Carreras departed for just £5m a year earlier.

How Dorgu & Carreras compare this season

One of the most head-scratching decisions of the Erik ten Hag reign remains the choice not to hand an opportunity to Carreras at senior level, with the young Spaniard never actually making a first-team appearance before his eventual departure – initially on loan – to Benfica in January 2024.

Despite notably claiming Preston North End’s Young Player of the Year award following a standout 2022/23 season in the second tier, Ten Hag repeatedly overlooked the academy asset, even amid the long-term absences of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

In 2023/24, for instance, the Dutchman tried numerous, makeshift options at left-back, ranging from Sofyan Amrabat to Victor Lindelof, making it all the more puzzling that Carreras remained out in the cold.

Still only 22 years old, the Real Madrid youth product is now flourishing back at the Bernabeu, having re-joined his former employers on a £42m deal over the summer.

Comfortable at left wing-back or left-back, Carreras has started 16 of Madrid’s 17 games in LaLiga and the Champions League this season, scoring a belting effort in the 4-0 win over Valencia.

Notably likened to new teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold for his attacking, creative quality from the flanks, the Ferrol-born starlet looks like a real upgrade on Dorgu on current evidence, with United left looking red-faced over their handling of him.

Initially signed as a 16-year-old in 2020 – the same time in which Alejandro Garnacho arrived from Atletico Madrid – Carreras will seemingly remain a case of what might have been as far as the Red Devils are concerned.

Hopefully, a similar scenario doesn’t occur under the new INEOS regime.

Man Utd's "stream train" can derail Dorgu's Man Utd stay

Question marks remain over the midfield unit and number nine berth at Old Trafford, but perhaps the biggest issue for Amorim – and INEOS – is at wing-back, not least on the left.

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Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

The fact that the Portuguese frequently opts to deploy Diogo Dalot in that role is both damning on the club’s squad building, but also on Dorgu, with the more natural option hardly pulling up any trees down that side.

Dorgu isn’t even a year into his Old Trafford stay, but questions are beginning to be asked of his suitability and quality for Premier League football, with his woes highlighted by the fact that he ranks in the bottom 8% of top-flight full-backs for pass completion, as well as in the bottom 3% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

It simply isn’t working right now on that left flank, hence why a chance could arise for 18-year-old summer arrival, Diego Leon, with the Paraguayan still waiting for his first chance at senior level in Manchester.

Like Carreras, Leon has been plucked as a promising teenager with one eye on the future, with a deal having initially been struck with his former club Cerro Porteno in January.

Signed for a fee of around £6m, the bulldozing defender has featured in matchday squads this season, albeit without getting onto the pitch, having largely operated for the U21 side to date.

There is a danger that he could follow in Carreras’ footsteps as an almost forgotten figure in the academy set-up, yet much like in Ten Hag’s tenure, there is a left-sided issue to be solved – Amorim needs to be brave.

Leon, of course, is unproven and untested in English football, but he’s no stranger to life in the first-team, having scored four times in just 33 games back in his native Paraguay.

Already capped at senior level for his country too, the teen full-back appears to have the physical capabilities to be able to thrive in the Premier League, with analyst Ben Mattinson suggesting that he runs “like a steam train”.

That pace and power was evident during Leon’s stunning, solo goal against Tottenham Hotspur’s U21 side, picking the ball inside his own half and driving into the opposition box to convert.

Also described by Mattinson as a “physical, explosive, marauding” left-back who is “similar to a Patrick Dorgu type”, Leon will hopefully showcase the best of what Dorgu has to offer, but with far greater end product.

The over-reliance and burden on Dorgu has gone on too long, with the ex-Lecce man having seemingly regressed rather than progressed under Amorim’s watch.

Time is on his side, but with an even younger, high-potential talent like Leon waiting in the wings, he might already be on borrowed time.

Mainoo 2.0: Man Utd can axe Ugarte for one of England's "best young players"

Manchester United’s midfield needs an overhaul – thankfully Carrington has the solution…

By
Robbie Walls

Nov 22, 2025

Scott McTominay delivered yet another commanding Champions League performance as Napoli beat Qarabag 2-0. But beyond the goal, the dominance, and another Man of the Match award, the midfielder turned the spotlight toward Napoli’s unsung behind-the-scenes heroes, further showing why his influence under Antonio Conte goes far beyond the pitch.

McTominay shifts focus to 'hidden heroes' as Napoli beat Qarabag

Napoli secured a vital 2-0 Champions League win over Qarabag on Tuesday keeping their play-off hopes alive. McTominay was at the heart of it all, breaking the deadlock in the 65th minute with a goal directly from a corner before forcing Marko Jankovic’s own goal with a sharp swivelling volley seven minutes later. Napoli controlled possession, registered 17 shots and delivered when it mattered, all in the charged atmosphere of the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on the fifth anniversary of the legend’s passing.

McTominay’s leadership once again defined the night, earning him the Man of the Match award. Yet, instead of celebrating himself, he closed the evening with a remarkable gesture. In a brief but heartfelt note on Instagram, he dedicated his MVP display to Napoli’s kitmen-the hidden heroes, as he called them-who make the club function quietly and tirelessly in the background.

Advertisement‘The Real MVPs’ behind Napoli’s success

In his post-match message on Instagram, the Scottish midfielder shared a locker-room picture with Napoli’s kit staff and wrote: “Champions League nights. True MVPs always.”

Injured compatriot Billy Gilmour left a blue heart, while supporters called him “Prince Scott.” Even Napoli legend Dries Mertens applauded the gesture.

The midfielder's seamless Neapolitanisation, both culturally and professionally, has become one of the club’s most celebrated success stories since his arrival.

McTominay pushed back to central role amid injury crisis

This season has demanded versatility from McTominay, and injuries to key midfielders have pushed him back into a role he knows well. With Kevin De Bruyne sidelined for up to four months following a biceps femoris tear and Zambo Anguissa also out with a high-grade hamstring lesion, Napoli’s midfield has been stretched.

As a result, the ex-Manchester United player has returned to his preferred central midfield position, taking on deeper responsibilities beside Stanislav Lobotka. The shift has meant fewer forays into the box compared to last season’s advanced role, but the Scotsman has adapted without complaint, balancing defensive duties, pressing triggers, and tempo control while still contributing goals and assists.

His ability to thrive in multiple systems, a 3-5-2, a 3-4-3, or a narrow three-man midfield—has reinforced why coach Conte trusts him so deeply. Even amid tactical reshuffling, McTominay continues to be one of Napoli’s most consistent performers, already contributing five goals this season across competitions.

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AFPHow Conte will navigate the games ahead?

Since joining from United in 2024, McTominay has grown into a central pillar of Conte’s project. His first season culminated in a Serie A MVP award, a league title, and decisive goals that cemented his role as a clutch performer. With more than 2,700 minutes played last year, he has become one of Conte’s most trusted lieutenants who values him for his discipline, work rate, aerial power and an uncanny ability to arrive in the box at the perfect moment.

In the current campaign, Conte will depend heavily on McTominay to stabilise the midfield, maintain control, and continue contributing offensively. The upcoming fixture list, Roma away on November 30, followed by Cagliari, Juventus, and a decisive Champions League tie against Benfica, will define Napoli’s campaign ahead. 

South Africa got onto the points table while New Zealand slumped to their second straight loss in Indore

Shashank Kishore06-Oct-2025

Tazmin Brits walked back to a rousing ovation in Indore•ICC/Getty Images

Tazmin Brits is having a year like no other. Her fifth hundred in 2025 – the most-ever by a woman in a calendar year – studded South Africa’s dominance as they got onto the points table with a crushing six-wicket win over New Zealand, who slumped to their second straight loss in Indore.Four nights after being bundled out for the second-lowest score in World Cups, South Africa showed authority and intent in chasing down 232 in 40.5 overs. This somewhat helped cover up for a massive net run rate dent from their embarrassing loss to England in Guwahati.That South Africa had only these many to chase was largely thanks to left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba, whose 4 for 40 triggered an alarming slide after Sophie Devine and Brook Halliday threatened a jailbreak. After the pair had added a quickfire 86 for the fourth-wicket, New Zealand were coasting at 187 for 3 in 38 overs when Mlaba made big dents.Related

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Halliday contributed 45 off 37 in a terrific exhibition of sweeps and reverse-sweeps, before falling to one hit too many when she top-edged a slog-sweep off Mlaba at the start of the 39th. During her stay, she briefly gave South Africa the shivers, like she had in last year’s T20 World Cup final in Dubai.South Africa hit back quickly after Halliday’s dismissal, with Mlaba next sending back Maddy Green to an ill-advised reverse sweep as she picked out backward point. Amid the collapse, Devine held out hope for New Zealand, like she’d done in hitting a valiant 112 against Australia in their opener.Nonkululeko Mlaba opened the floodgates with Brooke Halliday’s wicket•Getty Images

Devine helped shift gears after Georgia Plimmer struggled to hit the ball off the square in a painstaking 31 off 68 balls. Devine was largely measured, taking 66 deliveries to bring up a half-century, her 17th in ODIs, before shifting gears, as she fed off Halliday’s form and enterprise.Halliday and Devine raised their half-century stand off just 41 deliveries, and New Zealand looked set for a lift-off. But Devine’s dismissal for 85, attempting to work a full delivery into the leg side, had a deflating effect. Ayabonga Khaka then cleaned up the lower order, as New Zealand lost 7 for 44 to be bowled out for 231, leaving 13 deliveries unused.All told, it was an innings of contrasting fortunes. New Zealand played themselves into a hole, consuming as many as 72 dots in the first 15 overs to leave the middle order with too much to do, after Suzie Bates fell for a second straight duck off the first ball of the match and Melie Kerr for 22. Then Devine and Halliday bailed them out, but in having a terrible back 10, New Zealand undid all the good work through the middle overs.To make a fist of the target, New Zealand needed early wickets, and they had one when Laura Wolvaardt, who plucked a stunner to end New Zealand’s innings, was out lbw playing around her front pad to Jess Kerr. But that was as much joy as they were to derive over the next two hours as Brits put on an exhibition, with Sune Luus for company.Tazmin Brits and Sune Luus left New Zealand without hope in the chase•Getty Images

Brits’ was a high-tempo innings full of stunning shots, and it included a thrilling takedown of Melie Kerr early in the innings to offset any threat South Africa had. Having begun the innings steadily, Brits went into overdrive after the 10-over mark, at one point hitting five boundaries in nine deliveries, en route to a 44-ball half-century, her fastest in ODIs.Brits equally punished Eden Carson, the offspinner, muscling a six to bring up the 100 partnership off 111 deliveries. Brits’ use of her feet to negate any turn and bludgeon spinners repeatedly down the ground made for thrilling viewing. And while she was flying, Luus was fighting for survival.Unlike Brits, Luus struggled for timing, but the reward for all that tenacity for a fight was a half-century that she raised off 76 balls. Brits’ counter-attack gave her the rare luxury of finding her feet as the ball spun and jumped, merely underlining how ridiculously easy Brits had made batting look.Brits fell soon after getting to her century, bowled attempting to pull a skiddy length ball off Lea Tahuhu to leave South Africa briefly wobbly, as they lost two more wickets in an attempt to raze down the runs. But even through that, the result was a foregone conclusion.Luus raised the winning runs with a lofted hit over extra cover, finishing unbeaten on 81 to ensure South Africa ride a wave of confidence when they meet hosts and table-toppers India come Thursday in Vizag. New Zealand will hope for a change of luck when they travel to Guwahati to play Bangladesh the following day.