Since taking over footballing activities at Manchester United, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have made efforts to bring in young players that they believe will be able to develop into world-class talents.

In previous years, United have spent big on proven players, which, while it has its benefits, has put them far behind many of their Premier League rivals in terms of profits from player sales, which in turn has put them in a precarious position PSR-wise.

After bringing in Christopher Vivell, among other notable backroom figures, United have started scouting and bringing in promising players who had previously been relatively unknown, such as Sekou Kone, Enzo Kana-Biyik and Diego Leon.

The club is now hoping to continue this as they have identified a promising up-and-coming striker in Brazil.

United scouting Brazilian talent Mathias

Reports from Brazil, via Sports Witness, have revealed that Manchester United scouts were at Wednesday’s 1-1 draw between Fluminense and Internacional. United scout Alexandre Torres, former Fluminense defender and son of Brazil legend Carlos Alberto Torres, was seen at the game scouting the young Brazilian striker Ricardo Mathias. Mathias came on in the 53rd minute for a subdued performance where he didn’t manage many actions.

Torres was likely not the only scout there, as Mathias has been garnering attention from a number of European clubs. Sports Witness also shared that an unknown Premier League club has gone as far as submitting a letter of intent to Internacional to register their interest, with United potentially hijacking a top flight rival.

Additionally, there had been past interest from PSV as well as “two foreign investment groups in Brazil” but none of these were as advanced as the letter from the unknown Premier League club.

Wednesday’s game would not have given Torres a true taste of Mathias’ capabilities. If he also watched Internacionale on Saturday, then he would undoubtedly have left impressed with Mathias’ promise, as his two goals were instrumental in his team’s 3-1 victory over Red Bull Bragantino.

Mathias' breakout season

Mathias’ performance against Bragantino may have fully solidified his place in his team’s starting 11. Internacional are midway through their season, as the Brazilian league runs from March to December, and at the start of the campaign, Mathias was a regular feature on the bench and only sporadically seen on the pitch.

As the season has progressed, so have Mathias’ minutes, and he has now received four starts, scoring four goals across those games. From 28 games in all competitions without a start to leading the line and bagging a brace, Mathias’ development this season has undoubtedly gained him further international attention.

With United having only this week agreed a deal of up to £73.7 million for striker Benjamin Sesko, it seems unlikely that they would be willing to pay the £56 million release clause in Mathias’ contract this summer. United are still hoping to buy a midfielder this summer and potentially another goalkeeper, which further throws doubt on this deal being completed this summer at the release clause value.

At only 19 years old, Mathias could become a long-term United target that the club could sign at a later date. Alternatively, United could attempt to negotiate Internacional down from their £56 million price tag. Both options come with risks, as paying now would likely decrease the funds available for other transfers this window, and waiting could allow for the unknown Premier League club to swoop in and sign him.

Son Heung-Min shared his experience participating in LAFC's player-run fantasy football league despite his complete unfamiliarity with American football. The South Korean superstar admitted virtually no understanding of the sport or its fantasy counterpart.

Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED

The South Korean forward, who joined the club in early August, explained how his American teammates insisted he join their league. Despite his confusion, Son's teammates have embraced his participation, with several players reportedly offering contradictory advice to further complicate his fantasy decision-making process.

“That’s a great question,” Son told . “I’m in the fantasy league, so we’re competing, but still, I have no idea what’s going on. But I’m still fond of it, I think it’s great to have a social life with the teammates, it’s a great idea to and they invite me, and obviously I’ve enjoyed every single moment talking with the players.

“And obviously, Aaron [Long] and Ryan [Hollingshead] are sending us some bad trades, they tried something bad on me, but I was strong, I stuck with my team.”

AdvertisementOn his first pitch at a Dodgers game

The former Tottenham superstar was also asked whether he was more nervous for his MLS debut with LAFC or throwing out the first pitch for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

“I think it’s an easy answer, the Dodgers," Son explained. "The first pitch was, oh my god. I was so nervous that I think it’s one of the most I’ve been. I was so nervous, but yeah, I mean here now to play soccer, I mean football, so now I can concentrate.”

The race for the playoffs

currently sit in fifth place on the Western Conference table after 27 league games following their 3-1 win over the San Jose Earthquakes. They sit 12 points behind conference leaders San Diego FC but are only five points behind third-place Vancouver Whitecaps.

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Getty Images SportA tough road ahead

Following their win over the San Jose Earthquakes, LAFC face back-to-back games against Real Salt Lake on Sept. 21 and Sept. 27, which is followed by a home game against Atlanta United on Oct. 5.

MatériaMais Notícias

Durante a derrota do time masculino contra o Goiás, pelo Brasileirão, as atletas da equipe feminina do Corinthians e o técnico Arthur Elias se posicionaram sobre a contratação do técnico Cuca. Através de publicações nas redes sociais, as jogadoras postaram uma mensagem unificada contra a contratação do técnico de 59 anos.

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+ Quem seu o time tem emprestado para outro clube? Veja levantamento

– Estar em um clube democrático significa que podemos usar a nossa voz, por vezes de forma pública, por vezes nos bastidores. “Respeita As Minas” não é uma frase qualquer. É, acima de tudo, um estado de espírito e um compromisso compartilhado. Ser Corinthians, significa viver e lutar por direitos todos os dias – diz a mensagem.

+ Todos os jogos do Brasileirão você encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o Timão!

A indignação das Brabas e parte da torcida está relacionada à condenação de Cuca e de outros dois jogadores do Grêmio, em 1989, sob a acusação de terem estuprado uma menina de 13 anos, em Berna, na Suíça. O treinador nega. Para saber mais sobre o caso, clique aqui.

Horas após o anúncio da chegada de Cuca, a Camisa 12, Pavilhão 9 e a Estopim da Fiel, três torcidas organizadas do clube, emitiram notas repudiando a contratação. Nas redes sociais, a #ForaCuca foi um dos assuntos mais falados.

+ Veja tabela e a situação do Timão no Brasileirão

Na madrugada de sexta-feira (21), os muros do Parque São Jorge, sede social do clube, amanheceram pichados pedindo a saída do treinador. A coletiva de apresentação do técnico de 59 anos foi marcada por protestos no CT Joaquim Grava, onde cerca de 50 torcedores, majoritariamente mulheres, levaram faixas cobrando a diretoria pela contratação de Cuca.

Em sua primeira partida no comando do Corinthians, Cuca foi derrotado pelo Goiás por 3 a 1.

continua após a publicidade

Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has revealed his first impressions of new goalkeeper Senne Lammens, stating that the youngster "looks really sharp" in the few days he has spent in training since arriving from Royal Antwerp in a move worth £18 million. The left-back also revealed the role he is playing in helping Lammens' adaptation at Old Trafford.

• Shaw takes Lammens under his wing

  Manchester United left-back Shaw believes it's up to senior players like him to take care of new arrivals in the squad, as the Englishman provided his first impressions on new goalkeeper Lammens. Shaw said that the Belgian "looks really sharp" in training as the young goalkeeper awaits the chance to make his debut for the Red Devils.

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• Getty/GOAL
  

  Lammens won't be undisputed No.1 at Man Utd

  Head coach Ruben Amorim was not at all convinced with the goalkeeping options at his disposal. Andre Onana made mistakes too often to be overlooked, while Altay Bayindir didn't exactly evoke a sense of security in goal. As such, United pushed to sign a new goalkeeper, with Lammens and Aston Villa star Emi Martinez topping their shortlist. Eventually, it was the former the Red Devils captured, paying Royal Antwerp a fee of £18 million (€21m/$24.5m). Onana left for Turkish side Trabzonspor, further strengthening the notion that Lammens would become the new No.1 at Old Trafford.

  The 23-year-old is yet to make his debut for United, with Amorim confirming that Bayindir will start in goal for Sunday's Manchester derby, as Lammens continues to adapt to a "different ball."

• Shaw heaps praise on Lammens

  "Really good. I think us, as players, it's really important to help any new players settle in," Shaw told of his first impressions of Lammens."He's been really good, he's trained for a couple of days. Looks really sharp. I've been really impressed with him. So, you know, that's good. It's always good, like I said, to have new additions, and I'm really looking forward to playing with him."

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• AFP
  

  When could Lammens make his debut?

  With Amorim confirming that Bayindir will start against City, Lammens will have to wait until next Saturday to find out whether he will be making his debut for his new employers. United will welcome Chelsea at Old Trafford in their next game.

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard came up against some of the world’s best players during his career, both in the Premier League, the Champions League and the World Cup with England.

Regarded as one of the greatest Premier League midfielders of all time, Gerrard was hailed by Zinedine Zidane, who called the Liverpool icon the ‘best in the world’ and wanted Real Madrid to sign him.

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Jose Mourinho was also a huge fan of Gerrard and tried to bring him to Chelsea, whereas Wayne Rooney called the Liverpool star his greatest ever England teammate.

But who impressed Gerrard on the pitch? Italian icons Gianluigi Buffon and Paolo Maldini made up two of his dream five-a-side team and Gerrard then named ‘the three best players’ he played against during his 18-year career to finish his list.

There is no room for former Manchester United and Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

3 Zinedine Zidane

France icon Zinedine Zidane stole the show in the only time he faced Gerrard at Euro 2004.

The Three Lions and Gerrard looked to be on their way to a Group B win thanks to a Frank Lampard goal before Zidane scored a brilliant free-kick in injury time.

The attacking midfielder then scored a penalty to win it for France in the 93rd minute, with Gerrard describing Zidane as a “freak”.

2 Lionel Messi

No shocks to see Lionel Messi as one of Gerrard’s toughest opponents he has faced. Back in the 2006/07 season, Liverpool came up against Barcelona in the Champions League round of 16.

Barcelona won 1-0 at Anfield in the first leg, however, the Reds famously defeated the Catalan giants 2-1 at the Nou Camp to progress after goals from Craig Bellamy and John Arne Rise.

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Messi, who was still 19 at the time, failed to score or provide an assist in either game, but Gerrard was impressed with what he saw that day and the subsequent years from the Argentine.

1 Ronaldinho

Rounding off Gerrard’s toughest trio he has faced is Ronaldinho, who was also in the Barcelona side that Liverpool overcame in the 06/07 Champions League.

Gerrard also faced Ronaldinho on the international stage on two occasions, with Brazil and England drawing 1-1 in 2007. The Three Lions then won 2-1 in 2013, with Joe Hart actually saving a penalty from Ronaldinho.

Despite that, Gerrard was often left stunned with the skilful South American, saying:

Newcastle United hold a “strong interest” in signing an exciting set-piece expert this summer, according to a new report from reliable journalist John Percy.

Two new signings agreed at Newcastle

It has been a tumultuous summer at St James’ Park, with the Magpies failing to bring in numerous transfer targets, being pipped by other Premier League clubs to the likes of James Trafford and Bryan Mbeumo, among others.

Still, there have been more positive signs in the past few days, with AC Milan centre-back Malick Thiaw agreeing a move to Newcastle, strengthening Eddie Howe’s defensive options, which has been a priority throughout the summer transfer window. He underwent a medical on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Magpies have also completed the signing of teenager Isaac Moran, who was formerly at Liverpool, with the 16-year-old midfielder coming in as a bright part of the club’s future.

It is important that further business is also completed between now and deadline day, not least signing a couple of strikers if Alexander Isak ends up sealing a move to Liverpool. Now, a positive update has emerged in that respect.

Newcastle have "strong interest" in set-piece wizard

According to Percy on X, Newcastle club chiefs have a “strong interest” in Leicester City attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss, amid interest from other Premier League clubs.

El Khannouss is a big talent who could impress greatly for the Magpies, not least with his set-piece quality that he outlined over the weekend during the opening round of Championship matches.

The 21-year-old registered both assists in Leicester’s 2-1 win at home to Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday, both from set-pieces, and he is arguably too good a footballer to be playing in the second tier of English football.

El Khannouss has been hailed as an “elite” player by Ben Mattinson as recently as last year, and while an attacking midfielder by trade, he can also take up a deeper role if needed, and can shine on the left wing.

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At 21, there is still so much more to come from the Moroccan, too, and he could add some extra midfield guile that is arguably needed for Newcastle, giving Howe a different option to the likes of Joelinton and Joe Willock in the current squad.

Zimbabwe have picked three uncapped players – Trevor Gwandu, Tashinga Musekiwa and Tinotenda Maposa – in their ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series at home against Pakistan.While Gwandu and Musekiwa have both played T20I cricket for Zimbabwe, quick bowler Maposa, 21, is uncapped in international cricket. He has played just three List A matches so far, picking up four wickets at an economy rate of 6.29. Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava will continue to lead the seam attacks in both ODIs and T20Is.”The series against Pakistan is an important platform for Zimbabwe, and we believe the ODI squad we have selected is well-rounded,” David Mutendera, Zimbabwe’s convener of selectors, said in a statement. “The presence of seasoned players like Craig [Ervine], Sikandar [Raza] and Sean [Williams] provides stability, while young players like Clive Madande, Brian Bennett, Dion Myers and the uncapped trio bring energy and the potential for game-changing moments.”Sean Williams, who had missed the white-ball series in Sri Lanka earlier this year because of an injury, returned to the ODI side, but was omitted from the T20I squad. ODI captain Craig Ervine was also left out of the T20I side. Williams last played an ODI in July 2023.Zimbabwe retained the same T20I squad that had won the men’s T20 World Cup 2026 sub-regional qualifier in Kenya last month. During that tournament, Zimbabwe had broken the record for the highest T20I total.”We felt it was essential to maintain the same T20I squad that excelled in Kenya,” Mutendera said. “This continuity allows the team to build on the cohesion and confidence that drove their outstanding performance.”The white-ball series against Pakistan will begin with the first ODI on November 24 and will run until December 5, with Bulawayo set to host all the games – three ODIs and three T20Is.

Zimbabwe ODI squad for series against Pakistan

Craig Ervine (capt), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Joylord Gumbie, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brandon Mavuta, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams

Zimbabwe T20I squad for series against Pakistan

Sikandar Raza (capt), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Brandon Mavuta, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava

The board, however, has not confirmed him for any engagements beyond that tour

Danyal Rasool17-Nov-2024The PCB has said there will be no change of Test match coach for one more series, with Jason Gillespie taking charge of the upcoming two Tests against South Africa. The board has not confirmed him for any engagements beyond that tour, though he does have a contract with the PCB that runs till 2026.Over the past few days, multiple local reports indicated that Gillespie’s time with Pakistan cricket was limited, with Aaqib Javed lined up as replacement. Earlier today, ESPNcricinfo also reported that Aaqib was likely to take over as all-format coach. The white-ball coaching role remains vacant after Gary Kirsten resigned last month, and Aaqib remains the frontrunner to be replace him, with Pakistan’s T20I and ODI tour of Zimbabwe starting next Sunday.The PCB, though, has denied that Gillespie’s job is under immediate threat. “As announced previously, Jason Gillespie will continue to coach the Pakistan side for the two red-ball matches against South Africa,” a statement from the PCB on X said.Related

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The PCB have not confirmed whether Gillespie will be the head coach for any series beyond those two Tests. Pakistan have a two-Test home series against West Indies immediately following the Tests in South Africa.ESPNcricinfo has reached out to the PCB to confirm if their statement locks Gillespie for any engagements beyond the two-Test series of South Africa, and await a response.Earlier this week, the PCB sounded Gillespie out on the prospect of taking over as white-ball coach until the conclusion of the Champions Trophy. However, the increased responsibility did not come with a commensurate increase in his financial compensation, which is understood to be the reason Gillespie turned them down. Consequently, the PCB turned their attention to replacing Kirsten with a local appointment.They initially considered the possibility of either elevating Azhar Mahmood, or appointing Saqlain Mushtaq, who served as coach in 2021-22. Neither, though, appeared to draw enough support from within the PCB’s advisory circle, which led to Aaqib being offered the position. It is understood he will be asked to take on the role until the end of the Champions Trophy, following which the PCB will reevaluate.Gillespie’s next immediate engagement is the third T20I against Australia, a series he took over as interim coach for. Pakistan’s Test series against South Africa, the only other engagement he has yet been formally confirmed by the PCB for, begins on December 26.While Gillespie appears to have kept his job in the immediate term, the relationship between the coach and the board has been anything but smooth. Three Tests into his tenure, Aaqib was hired by the PCB as part of a revamped selection committee, with Gillespie’s powers significantly reduced. He was removed from the selection committee, and no longer had a say in which players were selected for a match or series.He was left thoroughly unimpressed by the changes, admitting in a press conference during the home series against England that he was “just a matchday strategist”. In another interview with broadcaster Sky the following day, he said that it “was not what he signed up for.””For me, when I came on board with Pakistan cricket, I was told there was a long-term plan, and we need to make sure our communication’s spot on,” he said at the time. “I made that a real focus and so you can get frustrated if those things aren’t done how you would like. It wasn’t what I signed up for, I’ll be completely honest.”

Azhar will continue to a member of the selection committee for the men’s national team

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Nov-2024

Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali has been appointed head of youth development at the PCB. The newly created role was filled, according to the PCB, after a recruitment process and Azhar will perform it in addition to his current role as a member of the selection committee for the men’s national team.While light on specific details of what the role entails, a PCB statement said Azhar would be “tasked with shaping the future of Pakistan cricket by designing and implementing comprehensive youth cricket strategies, establishing robust grassroots cricket structures and talent pathways, collaborating with regional cricket associations to strengthen age-group programmes, educating emerging cricketers under the PCB’s Pathways Programme, and organising seminars and clinics to build awareness of off-field development essentials for aspiring players”.Azhar is one of the more obvious examples of a success story through the player pathway programme in Pakistan.He made his first-class debut in 2002, and was part of Pakistan’s Under-19 World Cup squad that year. He went on to hone his game in the UK before returning to Pakistan, making his Test debut in 2010, and became a Pakistan great, scoring 7142 Test runs at an average of 42.26, and briefly captained both Pakistan’s Test and ODI sides.”I am honoured and excited to take on this important role,” Azhar told the PCB’s website. “Having risen through the age-group ranks and played extensive club and domestic cricket, I understand the critical role grassroots development plays in shaping future stars.”Significant strides have already been made in this area and I look forward to working with my colleagues to elevate our youth development programme further. Our goal is to identify promising talent and equip them with the tools to excel at the highest level.”Pakistan’s U-19 side is currently involved in a triangular series in the UAE, with Afghanistan as the third side.

Leeds United are now leading the race for an “incredible” attacker, and they are ready to trigger his release clause, according to a report.

Leeds looking to sign another attacker after Calvert-Lewin

Leeds are closing in on the signing of former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with David Ornstein revealing the Englishman is now set to undergo a medical before completing a move to Elland Road.

However, Gary Lineker is not entirely convinced the 28-year-old has what it takes to be a success in Daniel Farke’s side, saying: “I suppose if you look back at his career there’s been a decent season or two. He’s got all the attributes [but], he’s not a clean finisher and that for a striker is an issue.

“He’s never going to be a 20/25 goals a season player even in a side that’s really attacking and has got creative players. I think in the end in football, you find your level.”

While Lineker doesn’t believe Calvert-Lewin is cut out to be a top striker even with a playmaker behind him, Leeds are now planning to add a new attacking midfielder to their ranks, and they have moved into pole position in the race for his signature…

Offer made: Leeds tabled near club-record £34.5m bid to sign "revelation"

The Whites have now tabled a big offer for a forward.

1 ByDominic Lund Aug 13, 2025

According to a report from Caught Offside, the Whites are now leading the race for Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss, having taken the most concrete steps to secure a deal, amid rival interest from the likes of Newcastle United, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund.

Having already held talks with El Khannouss’ representatives and offered the attacking midfielder a £50k-a-week salary, the Premier League newcomers are now ready to trigger the £24.5m release clause in his Leicester contract.

"Incredible" El Khannouss could flourish at Elland Road

While the 21-year-old struggled to find his rhythm in a very poor Leicester side last season, picking up just five Premier League goal contributions, there are indications the youngster could be a success at Elland Road.

At times in the 2024-25 campaign, the Morocco-born playmaker did manage to impress, being lauded as “incredible” by talkSPORT writer Jack Johnson after impressing in his side’s 2-0 defeat against Manchester City.

The starlet also managed to make a good impression on Pep Guardiola, having confirmed the Man City boss complimented his performance after the match, saying: “He (Guardiola) said he was impressed by my play today. I am not. I know myself and this is the player I can be. I have to show that every week now.”

El Khannouss deserves another chance in the Premier League, and Leeds should look to finalise a deal before Newcastle or Dortmund step up their interest.