Travis Head is “happy” to continue opening the batting after his match-winning century in the first Ashes Test, echoing Pat Cummins’ view that batting orders are “over-rated”. His comments come amid continued uncertainty over Usman Khawaja’s fitness and his future as an international cricketer.Head has been Australia’s first-choice No. 5 for the last four years but deputised at the top of the order in the second innings in Perth last week, with Khawaja off the field following back spasms. His stunning 123 off 83 balls helped Australia chase down a fourth-innings target of 205 in just 28.2 overs, taking a 1-0 lead into Thursday’s second Test at the Gabba.Khawaja, who turns 39 next month, has been retained in Australia’s 14-man squad and said this week that he “should be right” to play. But he has been given no guarantees over his place by selectors, and has come under significant scrutiny after averaging 31.84 in the last two years with a single century.Related

• 'I'll be wearing them' – Smith commits to anti-glare tape in day-night Test

• Cummins a chance for Gabba as Australia delay naming XI

• Steven Smith bats with 'eye blacks' ahead of pink-ball challenge

• Root unperturbed by 'challenge' of facing pink-ball master Starc

• Root questions need for pink-ball Ashes Test

Australia’s squad assembled in Brisbane on Sunday and Head said before their training session that his role for the second Test had not yet been discussed. But he made it clear that he was open-minded about staying at the top of the order. “I’m happy,” he said. “If that’s what is needed to win a Test match and if that’s what’s required then, yeah, I’m fine with it.”I’m preparing for anything at this stage… There’s a fair bit to work through. I’ve just got here. We haven’t really had many conversations over the last week. It’s been about just spending some time out of the game as much as you can. You don’t get much time to chill out in a massive series like this, where it’s pretty full-on every single day.”Andrew McDonald revealed after the Perth Test that his Australia side had previously considered using different openers in each innings of a match, and Head said that he was “open” to the idea. “We’ve talked about that a lot: how you get there, and what personnel we have to be able to potentially do that and the personalities in the line-up,” he said. “You’ve seen it a little bit in the T20 team as well, where we’re trying to push the boundaries in power-hitting, and [asking] do we take singles at certain stages… I feel like I can play in any role, so I’m open to it, and it’s just trying to work out in-game and in moments when that may come out and when you may use that.”All options are on the table and have been for a long period of time about where this team can potentially get better, and where there’s opportunities to potentially win games of cricket in moments. It’s always been on the table.”Head was in agreement with Cummins, who is set to miss the second Test in Brisbane because of his ongoing back stress concerns, saying, “I agree with Pat. I think you could use this order and these players in a range of different ways and whatever ways that is to win games of cricket.”We’ve seen it in red-ball [Tests] but particularly probably pink-ball [Tests] as well. Non-traditional stuff, with double nightwatchmen, how you use orders, and how you use players in certain situations. So I agree with Pat that I think they’re slightly over-rated… It’s ever-evolving, and we’ll see where we get to.”

Tim Southee replaces Bharat Arun, who has moved to LSG ahead of the upcoming season

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Nov-2025Tim Southee, the New Zealand fast-bowling great, has been appointed Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) bowling coach for IPL 2026, as reported by ESPNcricinfo earlier.”We are delighted to welcome Tim Southee back to the KKR family, this time in a coaching capacity,” KKR chief executive Venky Mysore said in a statement. “Tim’s vast experience and technical expertise will be instrumental in shaping our bowling unit. His leadership qualities and calm approach make him an ideal mentor for our young bowlers.”Southee, who hasn’t retired as a cricketer but has taken on coaching assignments over the past year, including with the England men’s national team, said returning to KKR, who he represented as a player, felt like a natural step.Related

Shane Watson joins KKR as assistant coach

Abhishek Nayar appointed KKR head coach ahead of IPL 2026

“KKR has always felt like home to me, and it’s an honour to return in this new role,” he said. “The franchise has an incredible culture, passionate fans, and a great group of players. I look forward to working closely with the bowlers and helping the team achieve success in IPL 2026.”His appointment came amid significant changes to KKR’s coaching group, now headed by Abhishek Nayar.Former bowling coach Bharat Arun and spin coach Carl Crowe have both moved to Lucknow Super Giants, while Ottis Gibson, who served as assistant coach last season, has exited the setup. Shane Watson has joined as their new assistant coach, and Dwayne Bravo continues in his role as team mentor.Southee had a long but somewhat up-and-down IPL career as a player. Between 2011 and 2023, he represented Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians, before joining KKR in 2021, where he remained until 2023. He has 31 wickets from 43 matches in the IPL, with his best season coming with KKR, in 2022, when he claimed 14 wickets in nine matches.

The Premier League title race was blown wide open deep into time added on at Villa Park after Emiliano Buendia fired home from close range to sink Arsenal, a defeat which pundits say could've easily been avoided. Gunners legend Ian Wright believes Mikel Arteta got his tactics wrong late in the game as Villa pushed for their winner.

• Gunner stunner at Villa Park

  Arsenal’s 18-game unbeaten streak ended with a dramatic last-gasp winner in the pulsating clash – and Man City’s winner later in the day cut the Gunners' lead to just two points at the top of the table. The game exploded into life as Matty Cash's clinical finish put the hosts ahead, but Areta’s side roared back after the break, with Leandro Trossard leveling the scores in what was a breathtaking second-half. The match appeared destined for a draw until a chaotic climax. Deep into injury time, Villa launched a final, desperate attack. A scramble in the box saw the ball fall to substitute Buenda, who unleashed a fierce strike that found the back of the net in the 95th minute. But the Gunners’ game management in the final moments has been called into question.

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  Wright: 'That should have been the signal'

  Speaking to Premier League Productions, Wright said: 'I think you’ve got to look at the substitutions Emery made, Malen coming on, offensive, Buendia coming on, offensive, I think that should have been the signal to Arsenal to say, "right, let’s shut up shop now because they’re going for it". I think once you get past 85 minutes I think Arsenal going there, let’s face it, Villa with the chances they had could have won the game, you then say, “let’s take what we’ve got now and get back to London”.'

  Ex-Villa boss Martin O’Neill highlighted Noni Madueke’s performance and questioned his decision to take on a difficult shot, rather than head to the corner to run down the clock. O’Neill said: 'I think some players have to take responsibility. You (Wright) mentioned Madueke should have run it into the corner, these are the types of things, the manager would have been encouraging him to do exactly that. So you’re talking about the game management, sometimes it’s not down to the manager, he would’ve been shouting, Madueke wouldn’t have been able to have heard him, but he would’ve been shouting take it to the corner.'

  Wright replied: 'I have to agree with Martin, naturally, as a forward if we’re getting into that stage of the game where they’re putting pressure on, they’ve put two forwards on, then you naturally know, “I’m going to start running it into the corner now”. Because a point at Villa at this stage is good. I think a lot more will lose points at Villa Park, but it would’ve been a good one to take.'

• Arteta points blame for damaging defeat

  Speaking to reporters after the loss, Arteta said: 'In the second half we started really well. We were very dominant, but then the same issues returned. We allowed certain opponents too much space. We gave the ball away ourselves, to the point where it could have cost us the game, before it actually did. Goal kick long, second ball…clear the ball. Individual actions and a lot of chaos in the box and you end up losing it. So it's painful.'

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  European challenge awaits Gunners

  Arsenal don’t have long to wait to move on from the defeat by Villa as they head to Belgium for a tricky tie with Club Brugge. Arteta's team are the only side with a 100 per cent win record in the Champions League this season, winning all five matches and have won six of their last seven away games in the competition.

Cristian Romero’s Tottenham future has been thrown back into doubt after Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez revealed he held talks with the Spurs captain about a potential summer move to Spain. The World Cup-winning defender ultimately signed a new long-term contract, but Alvarez’s admission has reignited speculation. With Atletico still admiring Romero, his commitment could again be tested next summer,

Atletico Madrid wanted Romero in the summer

Atletico Madrid made Romero one of their priority defensive targets last summer, with Diego Simeone pushing for a deal to bring the Argentine to the Wanda Metropolitano. The Rojiblancos believed his aggressive style and leadership made him an ideal fit, but talks never progressed far due to Tottenham’s refusal to lower their valuation. With Spurs convinced of Romero’s importance, the north London side stood firm and ensured no negotiations on personal terms were ever meaningfully opened.

The collapse of the move allowed Tottenham to take decisive internal steps, securing Romero’s long-term future amid growing speculation. By August, the centre-back had not only committed to a new four-year contract but was also named club captain following Son Heung-min’s departure to LAFC. These developments were seen as a significant show of trust by new manager Thomas Frank, who considered Romero a foundational figure in his tactical and cultural reset.

Despite that clarity at the time, Alvarez’s admission that he and Romero discussed the possibility of a transfer has reignited lingering doubt. The forward revealed that while the talks did not progress due to “details,” the idea of playing together at club level was very real. With Atletico Madrid still monitoring high-level defensive options, the story has resurfaced.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesAlvarez reveals why Romero's Atletico talks broke down

Alvarez openly expressed admiration for Romero in an interview with MARCA, saying: “Yes, yes. Obviously, I would have liked to (sign him), Cuti is one of the best defenders in the world.” He emphasised the elite qualities Romero brings to the national team, adding: “I share time with him on the national team and I really think he's a star, a fierce competitor, very strong defensively.”

The Atletico forward also confirmed direct interactions about a possible move, offering new insight into how seriously the idea was considered. “Yes, I had some conversations with him, and due to some details it didn't work out, but hopefully one day we can play together,” Alvarez continued. This acknowledgment suggests that while the transfer never advanced formally, the players themselves envisioned the possibility more seriously than previously understood.

Romero’s own statements at the time of signing his contract had strongly indicated that he felt settled and valued at Tottenham, making Alvarez’s remarks even more striking in retrospect. Shortly after extending his deal, the defender said: “Honestly, the last two weeks, first captain, now a new contract with the club, I’m very, very happy… For me, this club is the best in the world. For this, I extend my contract.”

Romero has evolved under Frank — but Atletico links persist

Romero has been central to Tottenham’s season under Frank, evolving from a talented but volatile defender into a more measured, influential leader. His early-season absence with an adductor strain was notable, and Spurs struggled without his presence, but he returned with a significant impact. A brace against Newcastle and an assist in the 3-0 Champions League win over Slavia Prague highlighted not only his defensive value but his unexpected attacking contributions.

The Argentine has long been viewed as a player whose ceiling spans across top European leagues, and his previous openness about eventually playing in Spain has kept speculation alive. Atletico Madrid’s admiration dates back several seasons, with Simeone publicly acknowledging his desire to work with the defender.

Tottenham’s internal situation also adds context, with ongoing scrutiny around defensive consistency and the changing dynamics under a new manager. While Romero has thrived in Frank’s structure, the club’s broader performances have fluctuated.

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Getty Images SportTottenham confident of keeping Romero in North London…

For now, Tottenham maintain complete confidence that Romero is committed and central to their project, with his contract running until 2029 and marked by his status as club captain. Internally, he is viewed as integral to the team’s mentality and tactical framework, making any future approach from Atletico Madrid far more complicated than last summer’s speculative interest.

Spurs believe the structure now in place under Frank offers Romero the stability and ambition he previously craved. However, Alvarez’s revelations ensure that the Argentine’s future will remain a topic of discussion, especially if Atletico choose to revive their pursuit in the next transfer window.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have lost third baseman Max Muncy for an indefinite amount of time thanks to a bone bruise suffered Wednesday night.

While the timeline for his return is unknown (though Muncy shared informally that he expects to be out at least six weeks) the Dodgers have to make a decision regarding the newly opened spot in their lineup. In 81 games this season, Muncy is slashing .250/.375/.457, with 13 home runs and 55 RBIs. As usual, he's providing lots of power and on-base prowess while being a below-average defender with plenty of strikeouts. That's who he is at this point in his career.

The Dodgers have a $10 million club option on Muncy for 2026, so if they were able to find a longer-term solution at the hot corner, they could decline that and make him a free agent.

Los Angeles has options for what to do in the absence of their longtime third baseman. Below is a look at three potential replacements.

Kiké Hernandez (In-house)

Hernandez is almost certain to get the first crack at replacing Muncy. The 12-year veteran has spent nine years of his career in Los Angeles and is a trusted member of the organization. A pure utility man, he can play all over the diamond. He's spent time at third base over the years and has nine appearances there in 2025.

This would be the "hold serve" option. The Dodgers have enough offense that his .204/.270/.383 slash line wouldn't hurt them much. He'd play adequate defense and has a penchant for coming through in the clutch. He also wouldn't cost them anything in prospects to acquire like other options will.

Eugenio Suarez (Trade)

Suarez would be the swing-for-the-fence option. The Diamondbacks slugger would require a haul of prospects, given that he's one of the National League's best power hitters and would be coming from a division rival. The 33-year-old is in the final year of his contract and is playing like it. He is slashing .250/.319/.555 with 26 home runs and 69 RBIs. The latter two numbers both rank second in the NL.

The Diamondbacks wouldn't surrender Suarez easily but they'd likely relish the chance to prune L.A.'s loaded farm system in exchange for a rental, especially since Arizona has top prospect Jordan Lawlar waiting in the wings to take over at the hot corner.

Nolan Arenado (Trade)

Everyone has known for months that the Cardinals would love to move Arenado, who has a no-trade clause, and he'd almost certainly welcome a trade back to his Southern California home. The eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove-winner would be a major upgrade over Muncy defensively, though he isn't the hitter he once was. So far in 2025, he's slashing .247/.306/.395 with 10 home runs and 41 RBIs in 80 games.

Arenado had three years and $74 million left on his contract entering the 2025 season, so St. Louis would likely have to eat some of that to get anything of value from the Dodgers. L.A. could drive a hard bargain to take on the 34-year-old.

تفاعلت الصحف البلجيكية مع قرعة بطولة كأس العالم نسخة 2026، والتي تم إجراء مراسمها مساء يوم الجمعة في مركز “جون كينيدي” في الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية.

وتستضيف كل من الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية، كندا والمكسيك نهائيات النسخة المقبلة من بطولة كأس العالم، في الفترة بين 11 يونيو و19 يوليو.

وتُعد تلك هي النسخة الأولى من بطولة كأس العالم، بعد استحداث نظامها، حيث سيشارك فيها 48 منتخبًا، سيتم تقسيمهم على 12 مجموعة، ويتأهل متصدر ووصيف كل مجموعة إلى دور الـ32، بالإضافة إلى أفضل 8 منتخبات في مركز ثالث.

وشهدت القرعة تواجد كل من: بلجيكا، مصر، إيران ونيوزيلندا في المجموعة السابعة في بطولة كأس العالم الصيف المقبل (لمطالعة التفاصيل كاملة عن القرعة من هنا).

وقالت صحيفة “7sur7” البلجيكية: “يعرف الشياطين الحمر الآن مصيرهم، وقد وقعوا في مجموعة سهلة نسبيًا، نظريًا ستكون مصر أقوى منافس لـ بلجيكا في المجموعة السابعة من كأس العالم، إيران ونيوزيلندا هما الفريقان الآخران في المجموعة، يستهل الشياطين مشوارهم في كأس العالم بمواجهة الفراعنة في 15 يونيو في لوس أنجلوس”.

وأضافت: “ستكون مصر أول منافس لـ بلجيكا في كأس العالم، في 15 يونيو في لوس أنجلوس، وهي نظريًا المنافس الأصعب في مجموعتها، في الواقع، الفراعنة هم ملوك إفريقيا برقم قياسي في الفوز بكأس الأمم الإفريقية سبع مرات، لقد هيمنوا بوضوح على مجموعتهم في التصفيات، (ثمانية انتصارات وتعادلين)، دون أي خسارة، لكنهم لم يتألقوا بعد في كأس العالم، ففي ثلاث مشاركات، لم تفز مصر بأي مباراة في البطولة، وهي إحصائية سلبية سيسعى محمد صلاح وزملاؤه جاهدين لتغييرها الصيف المقبل”.

وقالت صحيفة “sporza” البلجيكية: “سيواجه الشياطين الحمر كل من إيران، مصر ونيوزينلدا في بطولة كأس العالم، في قرعة سهلة المنال، حيث ستواجه منتخب مصر الذي تواجد في التصنيف الثالث، ويضم الفريق محمد صلاح وعمر مرموش، وهما نجمان كبيران في الدوري الإنجليزي، كما كان لديه سجل مميز في التصفيات الإفريقية حيث لم يخسر أي مباراة، ولكن لم يسبق له تحقيق الفوز في مباراة في كأس العالم”.

بينما قالت صحيفة “standaard” البلجيكية: “تبشر القرعة التي تواجد بها منتخب بلجيكا بإمكانية استمرار الشياطين الحمر في البطولة، مع العلم إنه في حال تصدر بلجيكا للمجموعة، ستواجه فريقًا يحتل المركز الثالث من مجموعة أخرى، ولو احتلت المركز الثاني، ستواجه ثاني المجموعة الرابعة التي تضم الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية، باراجواي وأستراليا، أسهل مجموعة نظريًا”.

في حين قالت صحيفة “hln” البلجيكية: “الشياطين الحمر يواجهون محمد صلاح! ستواجه بلجيكا منتخب مصر، وهو منتخب غاب عن كأس العالم 2022 في قطر لكنه تأهل الآن إلى كأس العالم 2026 متصدرًا مجموعته، ومثل الشياطين الحمر، لم يخسر المصريون أي مباراة في التصفيات”.

وأوضحت: “على الرغم من مشاركاتهم الثلاث السابقة، تسعى مصر لتحقيق أول فوز لها في كأس العالم، نجم الفريق هو محمد صلاح، ومدربه هو المهاجم السابق حسام حسن، ويُعد الفائز بكأس الأمم الإفريقية 7 مرات، خصمًا قويًا، لا يُضاهي إيران، ولكن من ناحية أخرى لن يُشكل المصريون أي مشكلة للشياطين الحمر”.

أما صحيفة “brf” البلجيكية فقد قالت: “أوقعت القرعة بلجيكا في مواجهة مصر، التي تشارك في كأس العالم لكرة القدم لأول مرة منذ عام 2018، وستكون هذه المشاركة الرابعة لمصر في كأس العالم، وستخوض بلجيكا مباراتها الافتتاحية ضد مصر في 15 يونيو 2026”.

من جهة أخرى، قالت صحيفة “sudinfo” البلجيكية: “قبل ستة أشهر من انطلاق كأس العالم، اكتشف الشياطين الحمر منافسيهم في دور المجموعات، ولا شك أن المدرب رودي جارسيا سيكون سعيدًا نسبيًا بترتيب فريقه في المجموعة السابعة إلى جانب إيران ومصر ونيوزيلندا”.

The Chicago Cubs have one of the best records in MLB so far this season, and the Cubbies don't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. They are considered strong World Series contenders, arguably for the first time since they broke the 108-year curse in 2016.

In order to reach the World Series in October, there are a few positions the Cubs might like to upgrade ahead of the trade deadline on Thursday, July 31. The Cubs are expected to make at least one major move, if not multiple, by the deadline.

Who could be joining superstars like Pete Crow-Armstrong, who is one of the NL MVP favorites this season, Kyle Tucker and Dansby Swanson? Here's some players the Cubs have been attached to in trade rumors, and those who would be the best fits for Chicago.

Positions Needed

The biggest need for the Cubs right now is pitching, plain and simple. The team's season got off to a rocky start in the pitching regard as ace Justin Steele underwent elbow surgery in April to cost him the entire 2025 season. Chicago was also without All-Star Shota Imanaga in May and June after he suffered a hamstring strain. He returned to the Cubs' rotation this month. Matthew Boyd earned an All-Star bid this season, but outside of him and Imanaga, the pitchers are less reliable.

Without as much star power in the bullpen as in years past, Cubs pitchers have slacked in some statistical categories. The team ranks 27th in MLB in strikeouts (764), for instance. However, in other categories, the pitching staff has thrived. The Cubs have posted 12 shutouts this season, the second most in the league. The team's combined ERA is at 3.86 this season, which is middle of the pack.

Outside of pitching, the least stable position on the field for the Cubs right now is third base. Rookie Matt Shaw has done a pretty good job manning the position, but he doesn't stand out as much as his fellow Cubs stars in the lineup. He is the only rookie out on the field for Chicago, so the team may want add a veteran player to the hot corner for the remainder of the season.

Trade Targets for the CubsTrade Target 1: MacKenzie Gore — Starting Pitcher, Nationals

Tottenham Hotspur’s deal to land Tanguy Ndombele back in the summer of 2019 was one that generated huge excitement amongst the fanbase, with the hope that the midfielder could take the club to the next level.

The hierarchy forked out a then club-record fee of around £62m for his signature, but it rapidly transpired that such a deal would be a huge waste of money.

He only featured 91 times for the Lilywhites over a five-year period, before being released in the summer of 2024 – leaving on a free transfer to join Ligue 1 outfit OGC Nice.

Whilst Ndombele was capable of producing a moment of magic, they were too far and between, leading to his attitude and fitness being brought into question.

However, one other big-money addition has also struggled to make himself a fan-favourite, which has once again highlighted the club’s struggles within the transfer market.

Richarlison’s struggles at Spurs in 2025/26

After costing £50m back in the summer of 2022, Brazilian forward Richarlison also had high hopes to succeed at Spurs, but he’d largely been a backup option in years gone by.

However, the arrival of Thomas Frank has given him a new lease of life in North London, with the Dane handing him a start in five of the seven league outings during the 2025/26 campaign.

The 28-year-old scored twice in the opening day victory over Burnley, but has since scored just once, often struggling to have a positive impact on any of the encounters.

His latest start came against Bodo Glimt, but he was unable to make the desired effect, only registering ten touches of the ball during his 90-minute performance.

He was subsequently dropped to the bench for the recent victory over Leeds United at Elland Road, further highlighting his inability to impress as of late under Frank.

Throughout his 101 appearances for the Lilywhites, the Brazilian has only managed to find the net on 23 occasions – a tally which has fallen way below the standards set by the fanbase.

However, despite his lack of success, another player currently on the books looks like a bigger waste of money, with such a deal being one of the worst in their recent history.

The Spurs player who’s the biggest waste since Ndombele

Spurs supporters have previously voiced their concerns over the lack of spending from former chairman Daniel Levy, with the 63-year-old often coming under fire for his lack of ambition.

Whilst the Lilywhites were the most profitable club in England’s top-flight during his tenure, such a feat largely came down to his lack of spending during his two-decade spell in North London.

He oversaw numerous high-profile departures from the club during his spell, with Harry Kane’s £82m transfer to Bayern Munich leaving a huge hole in the final third of the first-team squad.

12 months on from his move away from his boyhood side, the hierarchy finally landed their replacement for the Englishman, subsequently landing compatriot Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth.

The Lilywhites paid a club-record £65m to prise him away from the Cherries in the summer of 2024, with real hope and expectations placed upon his shoulders amid the transfer fee.

Last season was his first in North London, but he struggled to hit the ground running, scoring just nine Premier League goals in his 27 appearances – subsequently finding the net every three matches.

As a result of his disappointing opening year in the capital, he was labelled “woeful” by one analyst, but he was given the benefit of the doubt to try and improve his performances in 2025/26.

However, the 28-year-old has once again suffered another injury setback, with his ankle issue preventing him from making a case for a starting role under Frank.

Solanke has only featured for a total of just 31 league minutes in 2025/26, with his fitness issues also a concern in recent times – which has certainly contributed to his lack of impact.

He also earns a small fortune in North London, with the board currently paying him a staggering £140k-per-week and taking home just shy of £7.3m in wages alone last campaign.

When coupling his transfer fee and wages together, he’s currently costing in the region of £8m per Premier League goal he’s netted – an absurd amount of money despite the huge fees constantly being spent within the modern game.

There’s no denying he still has the chance to turn things around in North London, but his injury record and lack of impact is there for all to see at present – with no end yet in sight for the England international.

If he is unable to transform things in the months ahead, he could certainly be one of the worst signings in the club’s history, potentially competing with Ndombele for that title in the process.

Not Kudus or Johnson: Spurs starlet looks like Frank's new Mbeumo

Tottenham Hotspur could have another top-level talent on their hands under Thomas Frank.

By
Ethan Lamb

Oct 8, 2025

Wayne Rooney has admitted he was “sceptical” about one Manchester United star, who has since been “by far” the best player and proven him wrong.

Man Utd end nine-year wait for victory at Anfield

Despite Liverpool’s poor form, few would have predicted Man United going to Anfield and picking up all three points, but that is exactly what they managed to do, with Harry Maguire’s late header ending a nine-year wait for a win at the home of their major rivals.

Maguire scoring a late winner was a fitting end to the game, given that the defender missed a golden chance to bag all three points for United at Anfield last season, and Ruben Amorim will be hoping his side can now kick on, after a turbulent start to the season.

The manager spent heavily to strengthen his squad in the summer, and a number of new signings have caught the eye, with goalkeeper Senne Lammens impressing on his debut against Sunderland, before going on to make four saves from inside the box against Liverpool.

However, Rooney has now claimed that a different new arrival has been the Red Devils’ most impressive player in the early stages of the campaign, singling out Bryan Mbeumo for high praise on his BBC Sport podcast.

The former striker said: “I’ll be honest, I was a bit sceptical when Manchester United signed him. I didn’t know whether he had the ability to come and play for Man United but he’s proven me wrong, and I think he’s been a great addition to the team, and by far Man United’s best player this season.”

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Mbeumo opened the scoring at Anfield after just 62 seconds, albeit in controversial fashion, with debate arising about whether the goal should have stood, given that Alexis Mac Allister was down due to a head injury.

The 26-year-old’s second Premier League goal wasn’t his only contribution either, having also created one big chance, which helped him earn a 7.6 SofaScore match rating, the highest of any Man United player.

The £150k-a-week star has been a shining light for United, amid a slow start to the campaign, chipping in with an assist against Sunderland, as well as his side’s second goal in the 3-2 victory against Burnley at the end of August.

With no European or EFL Cup football to contend with, the Red Devils have a golden opportunity to mount a push for the Champions League this season, and Mbeumo is likely to be key to their success.

The Mets dropped a critical game on Friday, losing 6–2 to the since-eliminated Marlins on a night where the club's competition for the final National League wild card spot, the Reds, were victorious. The loss evened the clubs in a tie for the last postseason spot in the NL, which effectively meant the Mets were on the outside looking in in terms of the playoff picture due to tiebreakers.

And the night started out well for the Mets, who jumped out to a 2–0 lead, which they held until a disastrous six-run inning for Miami in the bottom of the fifth, a cacophony of errors and mental mistakes for New York. First, there was a Marlins single that glanced off first baseman Pete Alonso's glove. Then, after a two-run triple, another grounder, not fielded cleanly by Alonso, allowed a Miami run to score. Finally, Marlins catcher Agustín Ramírez stole second and third without a throw from the Mets, preceding a Marlins RBI single and two-run homer.

In the midst of the fiasco, the Mets broadcast booth had seen enough, as they proceeded to tear into the club.

"The Mets—a lack of attention to detail, which has cropped up repeatedly during this slow-motion backwards march over the last three-and-a-half months," play-by-play broadcaster Gary Cohen said, "comes up to bite them again."

Color analyst Ron Darling was no kinder.

"You might take your whole travel ball squad off the field if something like that happened," Darling said. "Here's a team that is fighting to get to October. What are you going to do in October with an inning like that?"

Fellow color analyst Keith Hernandez finished up the broadcast booth's skewering.

"And it's not the first time too," Hernandez said. "They've made a lot of mental errors over the past what? Nine, 10 games down the stretch."

New York, through play on June 12, owned the best record in baseball and a 5 1/2-game lead over the Phillies. Since then, the Mets are an incomprehensible 37–54 and its playoff hopes are on the brink.

The Mets need to win the final two games of the regular season and hope for a Reds loss.