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Marcelo Bielsa's recent press conference following Uruguay's thumping defeat by the USA was as intense as his management style and has caused a huge backlash with claims it has damaged team morale. Known for his eccentric nature, Bielsa went on a lengthy tirade, criticising players, officials, and even the media for perceived biases.

Heavy defeat poses major questions

United States thrashed Bielsa's Uruguay 5-1 in Florida earlier this week, a result that has put the veteran coach under intense pressure. The defeat was Uruguay's worst since 2004 and the first time they conceded five goals against the Americans. Uruguay without key players like Federico Valverde and the suspended Darwin Nunez, fielded a strong side but comprehensively outplayed by Mauricio Pochettino's team. Goals from Sebastian Berhalter, a brace from Alex Freeman, and Diego Luna gave the US a 4-1 lead at half-time and Tanner Tessmann added a fifth in the second half after Rodrigo Bentancur had been shown a straight red card. 

Bielsa shouldered full responsibility for the "disastrous performance," describing himself as "ashamed". He dismissed suggestions of a mentality problem, instead pointing to a tactical failure to match the U.S.'s intensity and organization. The result prompted a wave of criticism in the Uruguayan press, with outlets labeling the loss an "historic humiliation". 

Despite the fallout, Bielsa remains defiant, insisting he has the conviction to lead the team to the World Cup.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportBielsa: 'For me, it’s karma'

Bielsa said: "I’m a generator of tension. When I arrive, the environment becomes tense. That’s why I appear infrequently. I’m toxic. To associate yourself with me makes you worse off. Do you understand me? There are toxic types who only see the errors that they are correcting, who are demanding, who are never satisfied with anything. He talks only about the work he is doing. When he goes out to eat, he reads the newspaper because he doesn’t want to integrate with those around him, so that he doesn’t have to talk about things that distract him from all that. Don’t think I enjoy it. For me, it’s karma."

He's called "El Loco" for a reason

Bielsa is known for his meticulous yet unconventional methods, and has crafted a volatile managerial career defined as much by his innovative tactics as his contentious actions. His most high-profile incident was the "Spygate" scandal in 2019 while managing Leeds United. A staff member was caught observing a Derby County training session, a practice Bielsa stunningly admitted he performed against all rivals. He defended the action as merely accessing publicly available information, personally paying the club's £200,000 fine in a display of eccentric integrity that polarised the football world. 

Bielsa is also notorious for his abrupt departures and perceived man-management flaws. In 2016, he infamously resigned as manager of Lazio after just 48 hours, citing the club's failure to meet contractual promises. His intense, demanding style has drawn criticism from players; most recently, Uruguayan star Luis Suarez lamented a lack of communication and respect. Critics frequently point to his rigid tactical philosophy as a weakness, most notably during Argentina's 2002 World Cup campaign where a talented squad exited early, a testament to his stubborn adherence to a system regardless of the cost. These persistent controversies form a core part of his legacy and also why his nickname is "El Loco".

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Getty Images SportWorld Cup draw awaits

Uruguay have already qualified for next year's World Cup, securing one of the automatic spots from the South American (CONMEBOL) region. They are in Pot 2 for the official draw, which is scheduled to take place on December 5th, in Washington. The two-time World Cup champions will avoid Pot 1 giants like Argentina and Brazil in the group stage but could face a challenging draw elsewhere.

With the 2025 MLB trade deadline upon us, there are some teams expected to take bigger swings than others as they look to gear up for a postseason push.

Different front offices face different amounts of pressure to improve their rosters in the pursuit of success. Some teams are stuck in a lengthy World Series drought that fans are eager to see end, while others have the make-up of contenders and are simply missing a piece or two.

Regardless of why, there will be a few front offices in the market for a seismic move, and we'll take a look at what organizations may be feeling the most pressure to make a big splash before Thursday's deadline.

New York Yankees

Biggest need: Bullpen help

The Yankees have been one of MLB's worst teams in July. In addition to losing the AL East lead, they're now treading dangerously close to falling out of a wild-card spot. With Aaron Judge on the IL, the team is at risk of seeing the season spiral out of control, but making a big move at the deadline could help steady the ship and keep New York afloat while awaiting the return of its two-time MVP.

The Yankees have various needs to address, so they may prioritize making multiple smaller additions as opposed to pursuing one of the bigger names available. Still, having gone since 2009 without a title, frustrations are running high among the fan base, and making a big splash at the deadline could be a show of the franchise's dedication to pursuing its long-awaited 28th World Series championship.

Potential target: Twins RP Jhoan Durán

Seattle Mariners

Biggest need: Another bat, preferably second base or third base

The Mariners are the only MLB team to have never appeared in a World Series. This year may be their best chance at snapping that undesirable streak. With Cal Raleigh playing at an MVP level and enjoying what has been the best offensive season for a catcher in history, there's no reason this team shouldn't be among the most aggressive at the deadline.

Seattle already made a nice addition in the form of Josh Naylor, bringing him over in a deal with the Diamondbacks. But there are still some areas of the Mariners' roster that could use upgrading, and with just one playoff appearance in the past two decades, the organization simply cannot let this strong season go to waste. Jerry Dipoto has indicated he wants to be aggressive at the deadline, and now he'll be expected to live up to those expectations.

Potential target: Diamondbacks 3B Eugenio Suárez

San Francisco Giants

Biggest need: Another bat, preferably second base or right field

The Giants splashed earlier this season by trading for Rafael Devers, but have since had MLB's worst record and are tied with the Pirates for the fewest runs scored in the league as the entire lineup is mired in a slump. Sitting at 54–53, San Francisco is at risk of falling out of the postseason race if president of baseball operations Buster Posey doesn't find a spark plug to rejuvenate the lineup, and another significant trade at the deadline could be exactly what San Francisco needs.

The organization has already shown its intention to win now, and Posey could double down on that approach with a big deadline acquisition. As the team continues to struggle, a big move could help get the Giants to where they need to be in order to claw back into the playoff mix and emerge as possible contenders.

Potential target: Rays 2B Brandon Lowe

Philadelphia Phillies

Biggest need: Outfielder

The Phillies have one of baseball's best pitching staffs, and as usual, they're right in the mix as contenders in 2025. Their lineup is loaded with stars, but lacks depth, which is an area they should look to address prior to Thursday's deadline.

Philadelphia already has one of MLB's highest payrolls, but they haven't had too much to show for the huge deals they dished out to guys like Bryce Harper, Zack Wheeler, Trea Turner and others. They made the World Series in 2022, but lost in six games and haven't been back since. As their veterans continue to age, their window for success narrows, and they'll feel more and more urgency to get the job done in October. Reinforcing this lineup and getting more balance across the batting order would be a great way to help them compete when the stakes are at their highest.

Potential target: Guardians OF Steven Kwan

Detroit Tigers

Biggest need: Elite bullpen arm

Just a few weeks ago, the Tigers had MLB's best record and were the first team to 60 wins. They've slowed down in July, however, having their worst month of the season by far. They've gone 9–14 through their first 23 games this month, and have won just three of their last 10 games.

Fortunately, they're still in comfortable position to win the division, and they've added some rotation depth in the form of Chris Paddack, but they should continue to be aggressive as the deadline nears. Detroit hasn't reached the ALCS since 2013 and haven't been to the World Series since 2012. After one of their best starts to a season in recent years, the front office needs to look to build on that momentum and take a big swing at Thursday's deadline.

Potential target: Pirates RP David Bednar

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has seen all the chatter online about him being “asleep on the job” this offseason since New York hasn’t made a big move yet. At least not the moves fans are really hoping for—like bringing back Cody Bellinger or signing Kyle Tucker, for example.

Cashman poked fun at himself by creating the “meme”—a word he hilariously pronounced incorrectly—when he participated in the Covenant House Sleep Out in New York on Thursday night. As he cuddled up on the ground in a sleeping bag, this is what he told reporters:

“You know this is a meme about how Brian Cashman’s asleep on the job and not doing his job, ‘cause I’ve seen that all over social media.”

Don’t worry, Yankees fans. Cashman also shared with reporters on Thursday that he’s making strides to figure out the moves the team wants to make this offseason. He’s already started conversations about Bellinger and Tucker, and he’s spoken with other teams about other moves. Apart from Tucker, he’s also started talks about bringing back Paul Goldschmidt and potentially acquiring Michael King and Kyle Schwarber this offseason. He’s not totally sleeping on the job.

Over the last couple of years, Manchester United have shifted their focus in the transfer market to landing young talents who can make an immediate and long-term impact at the club.

Such a strategy may prove to be a risky one, but the benefits massively outweigh the negatives, with the huge development and room for profit no doubt a real contributing factor.

Leny Yoro joined the Red Devils in a £52m deal from Lille last summer, with the Frenchman seen as a huge addition for the backline in their attempts for Premier League glory.

At just 20, he’s racked up nearly half a century of appearances at Old Trafford and is likely to remain a key member of Ruben Amorim’s squad for the foreseeable future.

However, with January rapidly on the horizon, the hierarchy look set to make yet more additions, which could see numerous other youngsters take the jump to move to Manchester.

Man Utd’s hunt for new additions in January

Elliot Anderson is the player who has mostly been linked with a move to join United this winter, with the 23-year-old seen as the club’s marquee addition for the upcoming window.

However, his potential move to Old Trafford would likely be a club-record one for Amorim’s men, as current employers Nottingham Forest are currently demanding £100m for his signature.

Such a price tag is to be expected given his recent rise, which has seen him cement himself as a regular starter in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad in 2025.

However, he’s not the only youngster in their sights, with AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit another talent the hierarchy are considering, according to CaughtOffside.

Their report states that the Red Devils have already reached out to the Dutch outfit over a move for the 19-year-old star, with a £25m price tag currently being mooted for his services.

The article also claims that local rivals Liverpool are also interested in a move for the teenager, but it remains to be seen where the player himself would prefer to move.

How Smit compares to Scott McTominay

United’s academy setup has often produced numerous top-level talents, with midfielder Scott McTominay just one player who has placed himself in that bracket.

The Scottish international rose through the ranks at Old Trafford, before making himself known to the supporters in the first team ranks – subsequently racking up a total of 255 appearances for the club.

However, last summer, the hierarchy decided it was best to move him on and cash in on his services, with the club offloading him to Napoli in a deal worth a reported £25m.

Such a decision has massively backfired, with the midfielder scoring 13 times in all competitions last season, resulting in the 28-year-old winning the Serie A MVP award for 2024/25.

He’s carried his phenomenal form into his international career as of late, even scoring a remarkable bicycle kick against Denmark this week to secure Scotland’s place at the 2026 World Cup.

His move away from Old Trafford has made him an elite-level talent, but the club could be about to land their next version of the star with a move for Smit in the coming months.

The Dutch youngster has also made a name for himself in recent months, as he’s already registered six combined goals and assists in his 19 appearances across all competitions.

He’s become a box-crashing midfielder who likes to pop up with a goal or an assist, something which McTominay has done excellently since his transfer away from his boyhood club.

Smit, who possesses “superstar potential” according to Ben Mattinson, has also completed 88% of the passes he’s attempted – resulting in 2.1 chances created per 90 this campaign.

Games played

19

Goals & assists

6

Pass accuracy

88%

Chances created

2.1

Successful dribbles

1.2

Dribble success

50%

Recoveries made

6.3

Tackles in final third

0.9

Other figures, such as 1.2 successful dribbles per 90 and a 50% dribble success rate, further showcase his talent in possession, which makes him a huge threat in attacking areas.

Out of possession, the youngster has also thrived, subsequently making 6.3 recoveries per 90 and 0.9 tackles per 90 in the final third of the pitch – numbers which could add a new dimension to Amorim’s side.

£25m for a youngster with Smit’s quality and potential is an excellent deal, but the Red Devils board will need to act quickly to avoid missing out to Liverpool.

If he can replicate McTominay’s incredible nouse for goals and assists within the final third, it would be a phenomenal piece of business that could take the club to the next level in the years ahead.

Next Carrick: Man Utd want to sign "one of the best CMs in the PL" for £60m

Man United could enhance the quality of their midfield with the signing of another Michael Carrick.

ByJoe Nuttall Nov 19, 2025

The India opener also credited India’s team management for showing faith in his high-risk style and allowing him to express himself

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Sep-2025

Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill were involved in heated exchanges with Pakistan’s fast bowlers•AFP/Getty Images

After powering India to a six-wicket win with a 39-ball 74, Abhishek Sharma referred to his innings as a reply to Pakistan for “coming at us without any reason”.The climate of heightened political tensions between the two countries has spilled over onto the field during this Asia Cup, with India refusing to shake hands with Pakistan’s players, and Pakistan’s displeasure at this spilling over into a protest against match referee Andy Pycroft that threatened, at one stage, to escalate into a boycott.Related

Suryakumar found guilty of breaching code of conduct; verdict on Rauf and Farhan awaited

Shaheen Afridi brushes off criticism as Pakistan eye Asia Cup final

Similar goals, similar problems: SL, Pakistan resume borderline sappy yet competitive rivalry

Things Pakistan say, things Pakistan do, and the gap between them

Agha on Fakhar dismissal: 'It did look like it bounced ahead of the keeper'

Sunday’s Super Fours match, the second meeting between the two teams during the tournament, witnessed several feisty moments including heated exchanges between Pakistan fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf and India openers Abhishek and Shubman Gill.Rauf was also captured on cameras by fans making gestures to the crowd. In response to being heckled by chants of “Kohli, Kohli” from a section of Indian fans, he held up his hands and appeared to indicate the number six, and then made more gestures that resembled an aircraft flying and coming down.”Today, it was pretty simple,” Abhishek said while receiving the Player-of-the-Match award. “The way they were coming at us without any reason, I didn’t like it at all. And I thought that this is the only [answer] that I could give with my bat and obviously [contribute] with the win towards my team. That’s all that was going through my mind. I just wanted to deliver for my team.”Abhishek and Gill have been close friends since their Under-14 days; they stitched a 105-run stand off just 59 balls, giving India a flying start in their chase of 172.”We’ve been playing since our school days, so we enjoy each other’s company really well,” Abhishek said. “And the way we started, I thought that we’re going to do this in one of the games and that’s how we’re going to start our partnerships.”And luckily it was today, and I feel the way he [Gill] was giving them back, I really enjoyed it on the other side.”Shivam Dube took two wickets to peg Pakistan back after a strong start•AFP/Getty Images

Abhishek’s innings, which included six fours and five sixes, all but sealed the game for India. He began the innings with a first-ball six off Afridi, going one better than last week’s group-stage meeting where he hit the left-arm quick for a first-ball four.”I feel it’s very important for the team because if you see someone playing like this, they need really good support from the captain and the coach,” Abhishek said about his high-risk batting style. “I feel that’s what I’m getting from my team and that’s the intent they want me to show in all the games.”That’s how I want to play because I’ve been practising really hard for this. If it’s my day, I’m going to make sure that we win the game.”Unlike the group-stage game, which they dominated from the outset, India endured a few nervous moments on the field. Pakistan, courtesy Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub, raced to 91 for 1 in their first ten overs but India pulled the game back in the second half, conceding just 80 runs in the last ten.”The way the boys are stepping up in every game, showing character, I think it’s making my job really easy,” India captain Suryakumar Yadav said. “I think the boys showed a lot of character, composure; they were calm after first innings. After the ten overs, I told the boys during drinks as well, the game starts now, and the way they reacted, everyone on the field and all the bowlers, I think it was commendable.”Suryakumar also heaped praise on the “fire and ice combination” of Abhishek and Gill. “The way Abhishek complements Shubman Gill’s batting is amazing and it’s very enjoying to watch both of them bat together. The way they did it today, I think it was required for someone to bat at least 10-12 overs and give us that strong base and they did the same thing.”It was an off day for Jasprit Bumrah, who conceded 45 runs in four overs, but allrounder Shivam Dube stepped up, returning 2 for 33 in his four overs. “That’s completely fine,” Suryakumar said on Bumrah’s display. “He’s not a robot, he will have a bad day someday, but the way he comes back in every game after that is really important. Very happy the way Shivam Dube came out, raised his hand and bailed us out in that situation.”

تقدم فريق تشيلسي الإنجليزي بهدف ثانٍ في مباراته أمام برشلونة، حيث يلتقي الفريقين ببطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، مساء اليوم الثلاثاء.

ويستقبل تشيلسي خصمه برشلونة على ملعب “ستامفورد بريدج” ضمن مباريات الجولة الخامسة لمرحلة الدوري ببطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا موسم 2025-2026.

ونجح تشيلسي في تسجيل هدف ثانٍ أمام برشلونة وذلك بالدقيقة 55 من عمر المباراة، عن طريق لاعبه إستيفاو.

الهدف جاء بعد تمريرة من جيمس وصلت إلى إستيفاو الذي تجاوز لاعبي برشلونة ببراعة وسدد في شباك خوان جارسيا بنجاح.

وكان تشيلسي تقدم بهدف عكسي سجله جول كوندي بالخطأ في مرماه، ويلعب برشلونة بـ 10 لاعبين بعد طرد رونالد أراوخو قبل نهاية شوط اللقاء الأول. هدف إستيفاو في مباراة برشلونة وتشيلسي

GOAL!

🇧🇷✨

Brilliant feet and finish from Estêvão who doubles @ChelseaFC’s lead!#beINUCL #CFC #UCL pic.twitter.com/kFjMnuiLEm — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) November 25, 2025

اعترف لاعب نادي توتنهام هوتسبير السابق، بأنه لا يشعر بأي تعاطف تجاه نجم نادي ليفربول، محمد صلاح، مبديًا توقعاته بشأن مستقبل الدولي المصري مع النادي الإنجليزي.

محمد صلاح تراجع مستواه بشكل كبير مع نادي ليفربول خلال هذا الموسم، وتلقى اللاعب انتقادات عديدة تزامنًا مع هبوط مردود الريدز نفسه.

وأدى سوء مستوى محمد صلاح إلى تواجده على مقاعد بدلاء ليفربول خلال آخر ثلاث مباريات بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، وبقرار من المدير الفني آرني سلوت.

وانفجر محمد صلاح بعد قرارات سلوت، وأكد أن علاقته بالمدرب الهولندي قد انهارت، موضحًا أن إدارة ليفربول لم تنفذ وعودها له.

ورد سلوت على ما قاله محمد صلاح واستبعد اللاعب من مباراة ليفربول وإنتر ميلان بدوري أبطال أوروبا يوم أمس الثلاثاء، والتي فاز بها ليفربول بهدف دون رد.

ويرى تيم شيروود، لاعب نادي توتنهام السابق، أن محمد صلاح سيطلب الرحيل عن ليفربول خلال الفترة المقبلة.

وقال شيروود في تصريحات نقلها ”consent.yahoo.com”: “لا أشعر بأي تعاطف تجاه محمد صلاح، أعتقد أنه أحد أفضل اللاعبين الأجانب الذين شهدناهم في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز ولا جدال في ذلك، أرقامه وأداؤه كانت مذهلة لكن الأمر كله يتعلق بمحمد صلاح”.

وأضاف شيروود في حديثه: “لو كان يورجن كلوب لا يزال في النادي، لكان قد دبر رحيل صلاح، لأنهم أجروا تغييرًا وكانوا يفوزون كل أسبوع في الموسم الماضي مع آرني سلوت، فقد قدم موسمًا رائعًا”.

وأوضح: ”هل ستمنحه عقدًا جديدًا؟ لست متأكدًا من أن ليفربول كان راضيًا تمامًا، لكنهم فعلوا”.

طالع .. لويس دياز ينهال بالمديح على محمد صلاح: ترك بصمة عميقة في نفسي

وأردف شيروود في تصريحاته عن محمد صلاح: “يدرك ليفربول تمامًا أن قيمته ستظل مرتفعة للغاية، خاصةً في الدوري السعودي للمحترفين وأرى أن هذا هو خياره”.

وتابع: “لماذا أعلن رغبته في الانتقال الآن؟ أعتقد أنه أعلن رغبته في الانتقال الآن بعد كأس الأمم الإفريقية، الأمر يتعلق برغبته في مغادرة النادي الآن”.

وواصل شيروود في حديثه عن محمد صلاح: “بصفتك مديرًا فنيًا، ليس هدفك أن تكون محبوبًا لكن يجب أن تحظى بالاحترام، وعليه أن يدرك أن سلوت هو المدرب، وأن وظيفته مليئة بالضغوط خاصةً في ظل ظروف هذا الموسم، سواءً كان السبب هو وصول اللاعبون الجدد أو وفاة ديوجو جوتا، فقد كان موسمًا سيئًا”.

واستكمل: “آرني سلوت يختار التشكيلة فقط لأنه يعتقد أنها قادرة على الفوز بالمباراة، في رأيي ليس لديه أي ضغينة شخصية ضد محمد صلاح، لو كان صلاح يقدم أفضل ما لديه ولم تكن لديه الخيارات الأخرى التي دفع ليفربول مبالغ طائلة لضمها، لكان لا يزال ضمن التشكيلة الأساسية”.

واستطرد شيروود: “يريد سلوت إجراء تغيير في التشكيلة بما يخدم مصلحة النادي وليس مصلحة محمد صلاح، صلاح لا يفكر في النادي أولًا بل يفكر في نفسه أولًا، النادي دائمًا أهم من أي فرد”.

واختتم شيروود في تصريحاته عن محمد صلاح: “من المؤسف رؤية هذا وسيؤثر سلبًا على إرثه، لن يدمر ذلك الأمر، لأنه لاعب عبقري وما زلت أعتقد أن لديه الكثير ليقدمه، لكنني أعتقد أنه يحاول المضي قدماً حتى يتمكن من الرحيل في يناير، وإلا لما كان قد تحدث”.

After a generally productive international break for many of Rangers’ stars, can they bring this form back to Glasgow?

John Souttar, Liam Kelly and Connor Barron were all part of the Scotland squad that remarkably qualified for a first World Cup in 28 years, while Nicolas Raskin started both of Belgium’s matches as they booked their spot in North America, thrashing Liechtenstein in the midfielder’s hometown of Liège.

On Tuesday, striker Bojan Miovski scored his ninth goal for North Macedonia, albeit there was little cause for celebration given that his team were demolished 7-1 by Wales in Cardiff, their heaviest defeat for two and a half years.

While Miovski being back among the goals is undoubtedly good news for Danny Röhl, he does need to improve his performances on the domestic stage.

Rangers' lack of attacking firepower

While many supporters would blame now-dismissed manager Russell Martin’s ineptitude, the club’s poor recruitment over the summer is surely the key factor behind their underwhelming form this season.

This is most abundantly clear in attacking areas where, despite being a goal machine during his two seasons at Aberdeen, Miovski has netted only twice since joining Rangers from Girona for £2.6m in August.

Meantime, Youssef Chermiti has scored only once for the club so far, despite arriving from Everton for £8m, potentially rising to £10m with add-ons, thereby making him the club’s most expensive signing of the post-liquidation era, surpassed only by Tore André Flo’s move in 2000.

This is in complete contrast to last season when Rangers’ top three scorers, namely Cyriel Dessers, Václav Černý and Hamza Igamane, bagged 63 goals between them across all competitions, which represented 55% of all goals the club netted.

With the trio having all departed, new manager Röhl requires the attacking players he has inherited to step up and start contributing, something one “huge talent” in particular is yet to do thus far.

Thelwell signing has been a bigger waste than Chermiti & Miovski

In the summer, Rangers spent around £30m on 13 new recruits, including splashing a reported £5m to sign Thelo Aasgaard from Luton Town.

Upon his arrival, Scottish football analyst Kai Watson labelled him a “technical dribbler” who “loves to take on opponents and get shots away”, while journalist Jamie Allen asserted that he was a “huge talent”.

However, supporters have not seen very much of that thus far, with Aasgaard’s most noteworthy contribution being that red card he received during the League Cup semi-final defeat to Celtic at Hampden.

The table below underlines the fact that Aasgaard has not performed as expected to date. Aasgaard’s statistics are not terrible when compared to his Rangers teammates, ranked second for shots, first in terms of shots on target as well as in the top four when it comes to successful dribbles per 90.

Aasgaard Rangers statistics

Stats

Aasgaard

Rangers rank

Minutes

1,041

9th

Goals

1

7th

Assists

1

8th

Shots per 90

1.7

2nd

Shots on target per 90

1

1st

Big chances missed

2

2nd

Accurate passes per 90

19.2

12th

Key passes per 90

0.8

8th

Successful dribbles per 90

1.4

4th

Average rating

6.76

8th

Stats via Transfermarkt and SofaScore

Ultimately, however, he has scored only one for the club to date, on target against Dundee United last month, registering his first assist at Dens last time out, albeit scorer Djeidi Gassama did do most of the work.

This lack of end-product has seen his estimated market value, as recorded by Football Transfers, drop to around £3.4m, well below the fee Rangers paid to sign him.

Meantime, the Merseyside-born winger has been on fire for Norway, scoring four times in 24 minutes as his national team demolished Moldova 11-1 at the Ullevål in September, having marked his international debut with a goal in the reverse fixture in Chișinău back in March.

Thus, with Norway back at the World Cup for the first time since France ’98, Aasgaard will certainly be included in Ståle Solbakken’s squad that travels to North America next summer, but he’ll be desperate to improve his club form before then.

In Glasgow, Aasgaard has started three of Danny Röhl’s six matches in charge, but was introduced off the bench during the last two against Roma and Dundee.

With Röhl having switched to a 3-4-2-1 formation, there is one fewer attacking position up for grabs, and Aasgaard so far is not doing enough to suggest he should be ahead of Gassama, Miovski, Chermiti, Danilo or Mikey Moore in the pecking order.

Considering he cost £5m, surely Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell envisaged that the Norwegian would be a guaranteed starter, but this is certainly not the case. Considering he was a player that Martin pushed to sign, it isn’t ideal when the manager is sacked after just 15 matches in charge.

Thus, while Chermiti and Miovski have established themselves as key figures in Röhl’s team, one could certainly argue that Aasgaard has been the biggest waste of money from last summer.

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Posts ByBen Gray Nov 16, 2025

Are Manchester United back on track? It’s probably premature to make such a conclusive claim, but then we can’t help but notice the hint of success now that Ruben Amorim has strung together a five-match unbeaten run in the Premier League.

It was refreshing to see the Portuguese coach speak candidly after the recent draw at Tottenham Hotspur, though. Amorim understands that, while progress has been made in recent months, there is so much work still to be plied.

While the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have reshaped the Red Devil frontline for the better, there’s no question that issues remain in the centre of the field, even with Casemiro resurgent and the skipper, Bruno Fernandes, in fine form.

Man Utd's search for a midfielder

INEOS and the Manchester United recruitment team have accepted that the midfield requires something of a rebuild, with Bruno and Casemiro into their 30s and Kobbie Mainoo out of sorts.

One of the pleasing changes of recent months has been a focus on adding Premier League-proven quality. Mbeumo and Cunha stand as testaments to this. Now, the same logic must be applied in the centre.

There are a number of possibilities, the most noisy of which centres on England star Elliot Anderson, though Nottingham Forest have placed a prohibitive £100m price tag on their prized star’s name.

United are ready to spend in 2026, though, and could instead make a move for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, having profiled the Cameroonian talent last summer.

According to GIVEMESPORT and Fabrizio Romano, Old Trafford Director of Football Jason Wilcox has held positive discussions with the young midfielder; however, it looks like Brighton have doubled down on their £115m valuation.

Crucially, Baleba is “very keen” on leaping at the chance to sign for Amorim’s outfit, and so a deal could certainly be pulled off next year.

Why Man Utd want Carlos Baleba

Man United have needed a mobile centre-midfielder for a while, and in Baleba, they might just land the perfect player.

The Brighton star is into his third season in the Premier League, and though he hasn’t been at his best since the summer, this is likely because of the fallout from United’s failed attempt to bring him away from Fabian Hurzeler’s outfit in August.

Hailed by analyst Joao Miguel as being a “transition monster” who “eats hectares of space for lunch”, the 5 foot 11 star would dovetail right into the way Amorim wants to play, perhaps even more so than Anderson, who is firmly rooted in Forest’s counter-pressing brand of football.

Anderson might be more mobile and energetic in his game, but Baleba’s mix of tough-tackling defending and ball-playing quality makes him the perfect alternative, and one who could even come to surpass the England man.

For all the gains United have made in recent months, they are still an imperfect outfit. Too easy to catch on the break and lacking physicality, xGA data reveals Amorim’s side to be among the most statistically porous in the division.

Burnley

22

23.4

Nott’m Forest

20

16.6

Man United

18

16.4

West Ham

23

16.3

Wolves

25

16.0

Baleba’s strength and ground-covering presence would ease this problem and then some, adding the fresh legs needed to keep Bruno on his A-game. This positive chain would ripple through to the forwards, who are already showing such promise.

Anderson is emerging as a talented midfielder, and either would be a credit to the Man United project. However, Baleba’s desire to move to Manchester, the club’s comprehensive profiling of his style and his powerful and athletic approach could see him emerge as the pick of the bunch.

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2 ByAngus Sinclair Nov 17, 2025

The experienced allrounder helped West Indies break their losing streak in the format with a superb performance with the bat and ball in the second T20I against Pakistan

Vishal Dikshit03-Aug-2025

Jason Holder took 4 for 19•AFP/Getty Images

West Indies had nothing going for them coming into this second T20I on a balmy evening in Lauderhill. They had won just two of their last 19 completed T20Is, which included the forgettable 5-0 loss to Australia at home. They had put down multiple catches in the first T20I. Rovman Powell joined Brandon King, Evin Lewis and Shimron Hetmyer on the injury list, Andre Russell and Nicholas Pooran had recently said their goodbyes, and the three-match series was on the line.If not for a comprehensive team effort, West Indies were looking for something, a semblance of a spark, any individual brilliance to turn things around amid the mounting pressure in the build-up to the T20 World Cup next year. It came, the individual brilliance, and from one of the oldest members in the squad.At the age of 33, a body that has been through the rigours of 12 years of international cricket as a pace-bowling allrounder, participation in nine T20 leagues around the world and a shoulder rehab not too long ago among other injuries, Jason Holder became West Indies’ highest wicket-taker in the format, took stunning figures of 4 for 19, pouched two sharp catches, and hit the winning runs when West Indies had lost all their batting steam and needed three to win off one.Related

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Holder's 4 for 19 and last-ball heroics keep series alive

What was Holder going to remember the most from this day? “Just getting over the line, to be honest,” he said on being named the Player of the Match. “As I said before, it’s been a tough couple of weeks for us. We just needed a win. We brought it down to the very end, unfortunately. But fortunately, we still got over the line.”The most pressure-cooker situation of those must have been when he got the strike back against Shaheen Shah Afridi in the last over of the chase with six to get from three balls. Holder had Shamar Joseph at the other end, and still, inexplicably, took a single when he couldn’t put away a low full toss. Shamar, for his part, gave the strike back and it all came down to Holder to hit four runs off the last ball to keep the series alive. He shuffled away to off, Afridi bowled the full delivery well wide of him outside off and the wide signal eased Holder’s nerves a little. Next delivery, Holder covered the stumps and this time when Afridi aimed for the stumps, Holder swiped it away behind square for four.The ball had barely left the 30-yard circle and you could hear Holder’s shriek of celebration on the stump mic before the camera turned to him with his arms aloft, accompanied by a roar of celebration. Holder explained what their chasing strategy was when he was batting with Romario Shepherd and they needed 36 from 18.”I told Romario when we were batting, we needed at least four sixes with the scenario that was posed to us. We got three. We fell probably one short, but we still got over the line. That was our target. Just keeping wickets in hand, obviously, but still trying to hit our strong areas and find the boundary.Jason Holder’s last-ball heroics took West Indies over the line•AFP/Getty Images

“We are powerful players and we know we can find the boundary. But credit to the Pakistani bowlers as well. I thought they bowled really well.”Earlier in the day, Holder had also given West Indies an early lift that also pegged him higher in the record books. Sharing the new ball with Akeal Hosein, Holder struck with his sixth ball when he had the in-form Saim Ayub edge behind and it took him level with the T20 legend Dwayne Bravo on the list of most wickets for West Indies in T20Is. On his third ball after what he later called “just a statistic,” Holder had Sahibzada Farhan, the other opener, slicing to deep point for 3. Even when he wasn’t bowling, the ball found it hard to stay away from Holder.When Mohammad Haris went across the line against Hosein in the next over and failed to get the distance for a six, Holder ran back from mid-on, as much as he could, and stretched his long arms with his bucket hands to grab the ball in the nick of time. Pakistan were now three down early and Holder had played a hand in each of those wickets. But Pakistan were not done yet, and hardly did they know that neither was Holder.Captain Salman Agha and their young basher Hasan Nawaz had put together a quick stand of 60 in just over six overs to power Pakistan past 100, when Holder was brought back. Hasan had just pumped three consecutive sixes in the 15th over, but Holder, who had shown his wares in the middle and death overs in the PSL a few months ago, got Hasan in a tangle, completed the return catch and followed it with his fourth wicket in his last over.”I love playing for West Indies, to be honest,” Holder said. “One of my things is to leave West Indies cricket better than they came and found it. I still think there’s a lot of work to be done. We haven’t done justice to our potential over the last couple of weeks, maybe the last couple of years. We’ve had a fair bit of criticism, which at times is warranted, but we know that winning can be a lot better. We’ve just got to put it together more often than not.”I think [lack of] consistency has definitely plagued us, but we’ve seen that over the years that we can do it. For me, it’s just to have that burning desire to make a change, to make a difference. So I keep putting in my best effort when I get a chance with the West Indies.”