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He was UAE’s most successful captain in the shortest format, and helped the team qualify for the 2022 T20 World Cup

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Mar-2023

Ahmed Raza is UAE’s most successful T20I captain•Peter Della Penna

Former UAE captain Ahmed Raza, 34, has announced his retirement from international cricket. Raza is UAE’s most successful captain in the shortest format, with the team winning 18 of its 27 T20Is under him. UAE also secured a place at the 2022 T20 World Cup under his leadership, which he stated was “a significant achievement of mine.”He is now set to take up a new role as UAE’s assistant coach.”It is with great pride that I’m announcing my retirement from all forms of cricket,” Raza wrote on social media. “After much thought, I believe this is the right time to step away from the game that has given me so much love and respect over the last 17 years. “Representing and leading my country in the great sport of cricket has been one of the greatest honors of mine. I must thank the Board, my colleagues, coaches, selectors and most importantly my late father, who supported and enabled me to live my dream to the fullest. Also, my mother, my siblings and my friends who were there through it all. Lastly and most importantly to my wife, Mehreen, who has been my biggest support system over the last few years.”It’s hard to pinpoint a moment over the course of 17 years, however, leading the UAE to the T20 World Cup will always be a significant achievement of mine.”Whilst there are many that supported me throughout my career – I would like to say a special thank you to Aqib Javed, who contributed greatly to my success and turned a rookie into a thorough professional.”I am looking forward to what the future holds.”Raza’s international career began in 2006 when he debuted at age 17 in the EurAsia Cricket Series against an India A side that included the likes of Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja. He made his ICC tournament debut the following year against Scotland in the four-day Intercontinental Cup competition and later went on to represent UAE in 108 games across the ODI and T20I formats. One of the highlights of his career was leading the team to an undefeated run in the 2022 T20 World Cup Qualifiers in Oman. It came just under years after one of the most tumultuous periods in UAE Cricket history when he was thrust into the captaincy on the eve of the same T20 World Cup Qualifiers in 2019 where Mohammad Naveed, Shaiman Anwar, and Qadeer Ahmed were suspended for match-fixing just days before the start of the competition. Naveed immediately stood down as captain following the corruption scandal.In August last year, CP Rizwan replaced the left-arm spinner Raza as UAE captain in T20Is with the board deciding to appoint captains with “sole-format focus”. However, Rizwan subsequently was named ODI captain soon after to take over from Raza in that format as well.In the 53 ODIs he played, Raza took 64 wickets and scored 409 runs; in 55 T20Is, he accounted for 37 wickets.

Peter Hatzoglou stars with three wickets to keep up hopes of quarter-final berth

ECB Reporters Network18-Jun-2023

Sam Northeast was in the runs for Glamorgan•Getty Images

Glamorgan got back to winning ways in the Vitality Blast with a 32-run victory over Gloucestershire in Cardiff. A half century for Sam Northeast and a very solid bowling display from the home side was enough to claim their fifth win of the season and keep their hopes of qualification to the knockout stages alive.Glamorgan struggled at first but Northeast was well supported by Billy Root, Chris Cooke and Timm van der Gugten as they battled to a very challenging total of 183 for five.Gloucestershire started slowly but looked to be building towards making this game a close one, but the fall of five wickets for 15 runs at the back end of their chase gave Glamorgan the win.This victory puts Glamorgan level with Hampshire on 10 points and in the mix for a place in the quarter-finals. Gloucestershire remain on just six points and will need to start putting together some results to push for the latter stages.It was a slow start in the first few overs for Glamorgan with further injuries resulting in another new opening partnership for the home side. This time it was Prem Sisodiya who was given the job at the top of the order with Kiran Carlson. Both openers were gone within the first three overs with Glamorgan reduced to 18 for two.With Colin Ingram joining the lengthy Glamorgan injury list it was left to Northeast and Root to rebuild. The two shared a stand of 45 that saw them get out of the Powerplay without the loss of any further wickets and with some acceleration.Root was dismissed for 36 from 24 balls when he was caught at point from a thick outside edge off the bowling of Tom Smith.Northeast was happy to play the anchor role as players attacked around him and the in form Chris Cooke got off to a flying start on his way to 28 from 17 balls before he became Tom Smith’s second victim to leave Glamorgan 116 for four in the 15 over.An acceleration was needed and that it just want Timm van der Gugten provided as he smoked four sixes on his way to a crucial 38 from 17 balls. His effort was what took Glamorgan to a very competitive total that was tricky when starting your innings.Northeast was unbeaten at the end with 60 from 48 balls as Glamorgan reached 183 for five, an innings that held together a batting effort from a makeshift top order.The Gloucestershire innings also got off to a sluggish start, with them reaching the end of the PowerPlay at 44 for one with Miles Hammond the man dismissed for 9 from 11 balls.Grant Roelofsen had reached 33 from 24 balls when he was caught in the deep by Northeast off the bowling of Sisodiya just as he looked set and was starting to push on to leave Gloucestershire 63 for two in the ninth over.When Ben Wells was bowled by Peter Hatzoglou for 15 it left Gloucestershire needing 89 runs from 49 balls.It was Ben Charlesworth who led the charge with a very well made 45 from 28 balls before he was brilliantly caught by Billy Root on the square leg boundary to give Hatzoglou his second.Another fantastic bit of fielding saw the end of Tom Price when Sisodiya took a catch over his shoulder while running away from the ball off the bowling of Ruaidhri Smith. Van Der Gugten took two wickets in two balls as part of a sequence that saw Gloucestershire go from 113 for three to 128 for eight.Some lusty blows at the end of the Gloucestershire innings from David Payne gave the visiting fans something to cheer but the result was a heavy defeat against rivals from the other side of the Severn Bridge.

The visitors produced a late-innings surge in the final five overs as New Zealand lost their captain to injury

Andrew McGlashan27-Mar-2024

Maia Bouchier pulls during her 91•Getty Images

Maia Bouchier hit an outstanding 91 to supercharge England towards a series-clinching 47-run victory against New Zealand in the fourth T20I, in Wellington.Bouchier, who had been promoted to open as England reshuffled their side with WPL players now available, followed her maiden half-century from the third game with a destructive display which powered the visitors to 177 for 3.New Zealand had suffered a major blow when captain Sophie Devine picked up a quad strain while bowling. She sent down only one over and did not appear with the bat as the home side were overwhelmed.Bouchier notches up her career bestEngland did not race away in the powerplay and sat on 35 for 1 after six overs. However, Bouchier had already been given a reprieve when she was missed on 5 in the opening over as keeper Izzy Gaze and Devine at slip left an outside edge to each other.Bouchier was 20 off 18 balls after the powerplay – which included a magnificent straight six off Hannah Rowe – then started to move through the gears to reach fifty from 33 balls. By then, she had been given another life on 44 when Jess Kerr missed a return catch.Back-to-back boundaries off Amelia Kerr took her into the 90s in 18th over but she fell the next delivery. Her 91 was the seventh-highest score for England in T20Is.England’s strong finishThere was a series of strong partnerships for England. Bouchier and Alice Capsey, one of the four players who had been at the WPL back in the side, added 75 in 61 balls although Capsey couldn’t quite hit her stride with 25 off 32 balls.The tempo was lifted as Bouchier and Nat Sciver-Brunt put on 38 off 20 deliveries before the innings was given a powerpacked finish by Sciver-Brunt and captain Heather Knight as they added 34 off just 14 balls. In total, England amassed 65 off the last five overs which all went for double figures.Other than the 14th over delivered by Suzie Bates, England found at least one boundary in every over after the powerplay.New Zealand don’t challenge record chaseIt was always going to be a tall order for the home side to chase down 178, doubly so with Devine having picked up an injury. Their hopes took another major blow when Bates fell to Lauren Bell in the opening over.Bernadine Bezuidenhout and Amelia built a promising second-wicket stand as New Zealand kept up with England’s initial scoring rate. But Charlie Dean had Amelia taken at square leg in her opening over then added Maddy Green when she got a glove on a reverse sweep.Sophie Ecclestone was typically miserly on her return to international duty although blotted her copybook when she shelled a regulation catch at long off. Dean picked up two further wickets in her last over to finish with four.The potential seriousness of Devine’s injury was clear when she did not appear in the middle order.

No decision yet on whether Marsh will be withdrawn from the IPL, more so with the T20 World Cup looming

Nagraj Gollapudi and Shashank Kishore13-Apr-2024

Mitchell Marsh played just three games for Delhi Capitals this season•BCCI

Delhi Capitals allrounder Mitchell Marsh has returned to Australia to treat a partial tear in his right hamstring. ESPNcricinfo has learned that Marsh, who is set to be named Australia’s captain for the upcoming T20 World Cup, was recalled by Cricket Australia after consultations with the IPL team.Marsh did not feature in DC’s last two matches, against Mumbai Indians on April 7 and Friday’s outing against Lucknow Super Giants. He last played on April 3 in Visakhapatnam where DC suffered a 106-run defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders after conceding 272. Marsh was out for a duck in that game following moderate returns of 20, 23 and 18 in the first three matches.He left for Australia immediately after the defeat against MI. It has been learned that a final decision on whether Marsh would be withdrawn from IPL 2024 has not been taken yet.Marsh has been carefully managed by CA over the last 12 months since returning to being a three-format player, culminating in him winning the Allan Border Medal as Australia’s best men’s player of the year for 2023.David Warner undergoes scansDC have more than one injury concern at the moment, with David Warner, who was hit on the finger on Friday while attempting to play a lap over short fine-leg, also not quite 100%.It is understood that Warner has a swelling and underwent scans upon landing in Ahmedabad on Saturday. DC’s next match is on April 17 against Gujarat Titans – they are currently on four points after six games.

Few Manchester United players in the modern era have been quite so polarising, quite so newsworthy as that of Paul Pogba, with the mercurial Frenchman enduring a turbulent six-year second spell at Old Trafford, to say the least.

Signed on an £89m deal back in the summer of 2016 – four years on from having left under Sir Alex Ferguson on a free transfer – the towering midfielder failed to truly justify that club record fee, despite scoring and assisting 87 goals in 233 games for the Red Devils in total.

Plagued by injuries in his final few seasons in Manchester, the World Cup winner was repeatedly touted for an exit by his then-agent, Mino Raiola, throughout his time at the club, while failing to build on the Carabao Cup and Europa League success from his first year back in English football.

The former Juventus man may not have been surrounded by the greatest United side of recent times, but neither has Bruno Fernandes, with the Portuguese playmaker epitomising everything that his ex-teammate could have been.

Deployed in a deep-lying role, as a number ten, or even on the flanks, Fernandes has repeatedly delivered the goods over the past five years, having now chalked up 95 goals and 82 assists in 277 games to date. There have been no excuses, no apparent desire to leave – the 30-year-old has relished the role of being United’s talisman.

Pogba, however, never took on that mantle, even despite his hefty price tag, with the Red Devils certainly needing to steer clear of any suggestion regarding a potential reunion.

The latest on Pogba's potential Man Utd return

Having been approaching the end of his contract in the climax of the 2021/22 campaign, Pogba’s United career petered out in a sorry manner as he was notably booed off by the Old Trafford faifthful during the 3-2 win over Norwich City, having then limped off just minutes into the 4-0 defeat to Liverpool away at Anfield.

That had looked like a fitting end to a disappointing chapter for the 91-cap France international, although there had been reports of late that an unwelcome homecoming was on the cards.

The 32-year-old has been out of action across the last 18 months or so due to a suspension for a doping breach, having endured a miserable return to Juve, following his United exit in 2022.

Now currently a free agent, Pogba was linked with a short-term switch back to Manchester in recent months, albeit with those claims subsequently quashed, amid the player’s own desire to join a club competing in the upcoming Club World Cup.

Forking out for the wages of a player who hasn’t played competitively since 2023 would make little sense too, with a final swansong in Saudi Arabia or MLS looking a more likely destination for the ageing star.

For all concerned, Pogba’s United story wisely looks to be resigned to the past, although Ruben Amorim and INEOS may be fearful of having found their next version of the 6 foot 3 hotshot among the current ranks.

Man Utd may have found Pogba 2.0

For all the criticism mentioned above – with club legend Gary Neville among those to admit that Pogba’s move “failed” – there were no doubt flashes of quality from the midfielder at times in a United shirt.

Pogba’s PL record at Man Utd

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2021/22

20

1

9

2020/21

26

3

3

2019/20

16

1

3

2018/19

35

13

9

2017/18

27

6

10

2016/17

30

5

4

2011/12

3

0

0

Total

157

29

38

Stats via Transfermarkt

The elegant star notably dazzled in the 2018/19 campaign, amid Jose Mourinho’s dismissal, having scored 16 goals and registered a further 11 assists, after being pushed into a more advanced role by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Pogba also impressed down the left flank in the early knockings of 2021/22, having memorably chalked up four assists during the 5-1 thrashing of rivals Leeds United on the opening day.

Ultimately, however, a man signed to play in a midfield two never really looked comfortable in that role, with The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell noting after his exit that ‘his physical stature suggested a defensive side to Pogba’s game that was not really there’.

Parallels between that signing from Serie A can certainly be made then with the relatively recent capture of Joshua Zirkzee, with the 6 foot 4 Dutchman arriving on a £36.5m deal from Bologna last summer.

Like Pogba – who registered 23 goals and assists in 2015/16 at Juve – Zirkzee had dazzled in Italy’s top-flight, having ended last term as the division’s Young Player of the Year, while even being likened to Ronaldinho by then-boss, Thiago Motta.

Much like the Frenchman, the former Bayern Munich was signed for one role but has largely been at his best elsewhere, having swiftly moved away from operating as a number nine and instead been deployed as one of Amorim’s two number tens.

That switch has proved fruitful, amid notable goals against the likes of Leicester City and Real Sociedad in recent months, although, like Pogba, the 23-year-old’s pace and physicality has been called into question, having been described as almost “admirably slow” by journalist Charlie Parrish.

As Italian football expert Mina Rzouki has also outlined, ‘it doesn’t help that Zirkzee’s physical stature suggests he ought to be a different type of striker’, again mirroring the towering Pogba, who was not, despite his appearance, a particularly dominant midfielder.

A player that seemingly “belongs to a different era”, in the words of Parrish, Zirkzee’s almost casual style also bears a resemblance to Pogba strutting his stuff in the centre of the park, with the pair both possessing that knack for gliding up the pitch with the ball at their feet. The silk is there, but is there the steel?

The Netherlands international, to his credit, has shaken off an early withdrawal against Newcastle United to earn almost cult hero status – something his midfield counterpart was never able to achieve – with there perhaps a sense that he can kick on under the Amorim regime in the coming years.

That nagging stylistic likeness to Pogba does persist, however, with the question remaining as to whether the £105k-per-week maestro can truly carve out a regular role for himself in this system, as well as whether he really is up to the task amid the rigours of the Premier League.

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Posts ByJoe Nuttall Apr 1, 2025

As Alejandro Garnacho is currently finding out, life for a Manchester United academy graduate isn’t always plain sailing. As quickly as a new star can be born, there are those ready to tear them down again.

Just under three years ago, the Argentina international announced himself to the Old Trafford faithful after netting a brace in front of a bumper 60k crowd in the FA Youth Cup win over Nottingham Forest, with supporters itching to see the then-teenager afforded increased game time at senior level.

Despite an initial bumpy ride under Erik ten Hag amid concerns over his attitude, Garnacho swiftly forced his way into the first-team picture with notable goals away at Real Sociedad and Fulham, having ended 2022/23 with nine goals and assists to his name in all.

That was followed by the fleet-footed winger cementing his status as a regular starter last term, with that rise to prominence culminating in him scoring the opener in May’s FA Cup final triumph over rivals Manchester City.

A further nine goals have followed this time around, albeit with the 20-year-old having scored just twice since Ruben Amorim took charge, with journalist Samuel Luckhurst branding him ‘naive’ amid his erratic, profligate display away at Nottingham Forest in midweek.

With speculation still linking Garnacho with an exit, it could be the case that the Spain-born starlet is in need of a way to kickstart his career – much like a certain Jesse Lingard was able to do at West Ham United.

Jesse Lingard's brief career revival

If Garnacho was a teen sensation, then Lingard was anything but, with the Englishman forced to play the waiting game at United amid a string of loan spells in the EFL, prior to making his mark on the first team.

Having been struck down by injury on the opening day of the 2014/15 season, it wasn’t until the following campaign that the promising forward truly made his mark under Louis van Gaal, notably mirroring Garnacho by scoring what proved to be the winner in the 2016 FA Cup final.

That was followed by a prominent role under Jose Mourinho over the next few years, with 2017/18 proving particularly impressive as he chalked up 14 goals and assists in 33 Premier League games for the Red Devils.

Unfortunately for Lingard, that momentum was halted amid Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s arrival, as he ended 2019 without scoring or assisting a single goal in the league, having subsequently been sent on loan to West Ham United in January 2021.

Away from the spotlight at Old Trafford, Lingard was a man reborn for the Hammers under ex-United boss, David Moyes, having gone on to register 13 goal involvements in just 16 games at the London Stadium.

Speaking at the time, teammate Declan Rice tipped his compatriot to stay put permanently in east London, having suggested that Lingard’s arrival had “changed our squad completely”.

Unfortunately for all concerned, a summer move could not be agreed upon – amid reports of the Red Devils demanding a £40m fee – with the long-serving star going on to leave Old Trafford on a free transfer at the end of the following season.

What that scenario showcased is not only the benefits of allowing a player to revive their career with a loan move, but also the need to strike while the iron is hot, with regard to cashing in. The new INEOS regime can’t make the same mistake with Marcus Rashford.

Man Utd's "reborn" star is now emulating Lingard

Academy graduates shining after exiting United has been the theme of the week, with Anthony Elanga stealing the headlines after netting a stunning winner against Amorim’s men on Tuesday night.

Speaking after that 1-0 defeat, Amorim hit back at suggestions that it was a mistake to allow the likes of Elanga – and now Rashford – to depart, having claimed that such players were given a fair “chance” in Manchester.

The Portuguese coach went on to add that a number of players appear to thrive away from the “pressure” of turning out in the red jersey, with Lingard’s loan at West Ham an obvious case in point.

Man Utd’s highest value academy players

Player

Current club

Market value

Kobbie Mainoo

Manchester United

£46m

Marcus Rashford

Aston Villa

£42m

Alejandro Garnacho

Manchester United

£38m

Scott McTominay

Napoli

£34m

Mason Greenwood

Marseille

£29m

Anthony Elanga

Nottingham Forest

£29m

Dwight McNeil

Everton

£21m

Angel Gomes

Lille

£17m

Andreas Pereira

Fulham

£17m

James Garner

Everton

£17m

Stats via Transfermarkt

As the last week has highlighted, the same situation has occurred with regard to Rashford, with the 27-year-old – who had been exiled by Amorim since December’s Manchester Derby – having scored three times in the space of just a few days on loan at Aston Villa.

Having already registered four assists since joining Unai Emery’s side late in the winter window, the experienced forward broke his duck with a double against Preston North End in the FA Cup, prior to scoring away to Brighton on Wednesday evening.

That latest strike against the Seagulls was vintage Rashford, in truth, with the Villa number nine pouncing on a lofted pass over the top and racing in behind, before duly converting. As journalist Antonio Mango subsequently stated, the Englishman looks “reborn” in claret and blue.

With Amorim’s side having failed to score for the 11th time this season in league action just a day earlier, questions have been asked over the decision to let Rashford move on.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, however, with the Manchester native – who scored just eight times last term – having hardly pulled up any trees for 18 months prior to making this switch, having mirrored Lingard in appearing in desperate need of a fresh start.

With Rashford already outlining his desire for “a new challenge” back in December, this temporary move should mark the end of his Old Trafford association, particularly with Villa able to sign him on a £40m deal this summer.

Amorim and co must avoid a repeat of the Lingard scenario, in which the now-32-year-old was not allowed to fly the nest after his fruitful West Ham loan, having thus returned to bit-part status under Solskjaer.

A revitalised Rashford is a sight that warms the heart, but now is the time for the head to rule – he must go this summer.

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta holds a “serious desire” for the Gunners to sign one player, with sporting director Andrea Berta and the recruitment team responding by making contact.

Arsenal target new full-back with players set to leave

Kieran Tierney is confirmed to be joining Celtic after his contract with Arsenal expires past June 30th, while Berta is believed to have transfer-listed fellow left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko.

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Lazio loanee Nuno Tavares is also very likely to depart Arsenal on a permanent basis this summer, while uncertainty still surrounds the future of defender Jakub Kiwior despite his more regular involvement recently.

Arsenal’s next five Premier League games

Date

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

April 23rd

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

All of this means Arsenal are in the market for a new full-back option, according to GiveMeSport, as Arteta seeks more competition for first-choice left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Both Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber can play on that side when required, but it is believed they still wish to acquire another option for the left-flank to provide more balance and dynamism.

In terms of named targets, Barcelona defender Jules Koundé, who’s dazzled at full-back under Hansi Flick at the Camp Nou this season, is reported to be a name under firm consideration at the Emirates.

Reports in Spain earlier this week stated that Arsenal are prepared to offer over £60 million for Kounde, and given Barca’s financial situation, the Catalans may be forced to consider any significant bids.

The France international could be a big ask, though, considering he takes home £223,000-per-week in salary and Arsenal’s wage bill is already pretty high. An equally impressive alternative, and one who Arteta is in love with, is Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato.

He has impressed yet again for the Eredivisie’s champions elect this campaign, starring at left-back over 45 appearances in all competitions, and he’s still just 19-years-old.

Arsenal’s have been eyeing Hato since 2023, and journalist Graeme Bailey recently reported that the Dutchman has had admirers in north London since he was 16.

Arsenal make contact with Jorrel Hato amid "serious" Mikel Arteta wish

As per TEAMtalk, that interest has remained, and Arsenal are in contact with Hato’s representatives as they look to beat Liverpool to his signature.

The teenager’s price tag stands at around £40 million, with TT making it clear that Arteta has a “serious desire” to work with Hato and is a “huge fan” of the defender. However, Arne Slot’s side do pose a serious threat, as it is reported they’ve now made an approach which has worried Arsenal.

Liverpool aren’t Arsenal’s only contenders either, as both Real Madrid and Barca are also admirers of Hato. Going by Football Analyst Ben Mattinson’s verdict on the Netherlands international, it isn’t hard to see why.

“Hato is something else man. Special talent,” wrote Mattinson on X.

“I love how this season he’s played LB, really platforms his ability to break the press and defend wide areas.”

Manchester United are now considering a shock move to sign an “exceptional” attacker from one of their bitter rivals this summer, according to a report.

Man Utd pursuing new attacking midfielder

In truth, very few Man United players can hold their heads up high this season, given that they are on course for their worst-ever Premier League finish, but Bruno Fernandes has once again proven himself to be a top player.

The 30-year-old has 17 goals and 18 assists to his name in all competitions, most recently scoring in the 5-4 victory against Lyon to help his side progress to the Europa League semi-final, which is the Red Devils’ last chance to make a success out of this season.

Fernandes has put in some top-drawer performances, but United’s league position underlines the fact they cannot rely solely on the Portugal international, and they have now set their sights on a new attacking midfielder.

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Posts ByDominic Lund Apr 23, 2025

RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons appears to be one of the main targets for the summer, with INEOS reportedly sanctioning a £115m+ offer for the Dutchman, despite the financial difficulties at Old Trafford.

However, there have also been suggestions that Man United could look at bringing in a cheaper alternative, with a report from The Telegraph revealing they are now monitoring developments around Manchester City attacking midfielder James McAtee.

McAtee’s future at the Etihad Stadium is up in the air, as he is set to enter the final year of his contract this summer, and he wants to receive regular game time next season, having only played a sporadic role for City this term.

There is widespread interest in the 22-year-old, with the likes of Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United, AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen also in the picture, so there could be stiff competition for his signature.

"Exceptional" McAtee needs regular game time

The 22-year-old is now at an age where he needs to receive regular game time, but Pep Guardiola has been unwilling to give the attacking midfielder a consistent run in the side, often limiting him to appearances from the substitutes’ bench.

However, the Englishman has impressed when given the opportunity, scoring seven goals in all competitions this season, while he also caught the eye of reporter Ryan Taylor during his time with Sheffield United.

Back in January, it was reported Man City would be willing to cash-in on the Salford-born midfielder for just £25m, which feels like a fair fee, given his talent.

However, it seems very unlikely that City would be willing to sell McAtee to their bitter rivals, especially considering there is widespread interest from other English and foreign clubs.