For the fourth time this season, Manchester United faced off against Leicester City on Sunday evening. For the fourth time this season, the Red Devils ran out winners.

Up against a man who had actually led United against the Foxes twice earlier in the campaign, in the form of Ruud van Nistelrooy, the Old Trafford side enjoyed a rare smooth outing in the Premier League, with the hosts already looking rather resigned to their relegation fate.

The nature of the opposition may suggest otherwise, but there were once again real signs of progress for the away side, having also hit Real Sociedad for four on Thursday night.

Spearheaded once again by midweek hat-trick hero, Bruno Fernandes, the visitors comfortably powered to a 3-0 win at the King Power Stadium, ensuring Ruben Amorim can head into the international break in positive mood – excluding the cruel injury blow to 18-year-old, Ayden Heaven.

The loss of the shining teenager was the obvious negative in a largely impressive night that saw both Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho end their respective goal droughts, although it was that man Fernandes who was – again – the pick of the bunch.

Bruno Fernandes' form in 2025

Whether Roy Keane was aware of what he was doing or not, the Irishman’s targeting of Fernandes – after stating that “talent is enough” late last month – appears to have lit a fire under the belly of the Portuguese.

It hadn’t been vintage Fernandes in the early months of the season, yet in 2025, in particular, the 30-year-old has been simply masterful, putting in a string of ‘captain’s performances’ from his new deep-lying role.

Whether it be at Anfield in January, or at Goodison in February – where the playmaker’s stunning free-kick kickstarted a late comeback – the former Sporting CP star has repeatedly delivered the goods in 2025, cementing his status as United’s talisman even under the new Amorim regime.

Now with 31 goals and assists to his name in just 44 games in 2024/25, the experienced midfielder has particularly come alive in recent weeks, registering six goal involvements in his last four league outings, while also scoring in the FA Cup clash with Fulham – alongside his treble in the Europa League.

As for his most recent appearance, the genius talent found Hojlund with a clever dinked pass over the top, before prodding the ball into the path of Garnacho in the second half, with both men duly converting.

To emphasise his rich vein of form even further, Fernandes rounded off proceedings with a goal of his own after sweeping home from Diogo Dalot’s pullback, making it eight goals and assists in the league in 2025 to date.

United’s number eight very much remains captain fantastic, although it looks as if INEOS and United have already found the perfect successor for the future.

Man Utd already have their next captain brewing

Fernandes’ merits as a captain have long been debated since he took the armband from Harry Maguire back in the summer of 2023, yet on current form, the question remains just where this side would be without him.

Still only 30 and something of a freak with regard to staying injury-free – having missed just three games in five years at the club – the one-time Udinese man may even have one eye on leading the club into their new stadium, amid the INEOS-led goal after making that transition ahead of the 2030/31 campaign.

That said, should the midfield maestro – who has just two years left to run on his current deal – opt to move on in the near future, the club may have found the perfect replacement as skipper, in the form of Matthijs de Ligt.

Signed from Bayern Munich over the summer on an initial £38.4m deal, the towering Dutchman endured a rocky start to life at Old Trafford, having notably been ripped apart by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher amid his shaky display against Tottenham Hotspur back in September.

To his credit, the former Ajax man has shaken off such moments, including his mad five minutes at Anfield in which he gave away a penalty and allowed Cody Gakpo to cut inside, to emerge as a real leader and “warrior” in Amorim’s ranks, as hailed by the United Stand’s Beth.

De Ligt’s PL season in numbers

Stat (*per game)

Record

Games

27

Goals

2

Assists

0

Key passes*

0.2

Pass accuracy*

90%

Tackles*

1.0

Interceptions*

1.2

Total duels won*

63%

Aerial duels won*

66%

Stats via Sofascore

There have, of course, been mistakes still in the 25-year-old’s game, including his foul on Mikel Oyarzabal in midweek, but even the best make errors. Who can forget Rio Ferdinand inexplicably scooping the ball to Craig Bellamy in that 2009 Manchester Derby.

Now operating typically on the right side of a back three, De Ligt has put in a string of commanding displays of late, having been hailed by journalist Samuel Luckhurst for enjoying his “best game” in the FA Cup against Fulham, showcasing a combination of defensive aggression and ball-playing quality.

Captain of Ajax at the age of just 18, the experienced talent was also crucial away in San Sebastian after denying Orri Oskarsson with a crucial intervention, having again thwarted Facundo Buonanotte’s strike with a vital bloke on Sunday evening.

That outing at the King Power saw the £195k-per-week titan lauded for his ‘mini-revival’ of late by Luckhurst, who awarded the defender an 8/10 match rating, with it looking as if INEOS have struck gold on a player who is now worth around £44m, as per Football Transfers.

A true, old-fashioned defender who is a threat in both boxes – having scored two league goals this season – De Ligt is now stepping up at a crucial stage of the campaign, just as captains do.

Related Amorim may have finally unearthed Man Utd's new Paul Scholes

He’s become a modern legend for Manchester United.

Posts 4 ByAngus Sinclair Mar 17, 2025

Chelsea have now opened talks over a summer move for an “incredible” forward, and they are willing to make an offer of £83m to get a deal over the line, according to a report.

Maresca keen on new forwards

Nicolas Jackson’s form has been on a downward spiral since December, while fellow forward Christopher Nkunku has scored just three goals in the Premier League this season, meaning Enzo Maresca is now keen to bring in new attacking options in the summer.

Maresca is thought to rate Athletic Club winger Nico Williams extremely highly, and the Blues are said to have offered the Spaniard a £319k-per-week contract to move to Stamford Bridge.

Another wide option the west Londoners have in mind is Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens, and they have now made their first move to sign the winger, tabling a blockbuster £66m bid in an attempt to get a deal done this summer.

Chelsea join huge race to sign £15,000-p/w youngster after sending scouts

He’s one to watch…

1

By
Tom Cunningham

Mar 2, 2025

Earlier this week, it was revealed Chelsea are also in a strong position to sign AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, with the Italian club now more open to a departure, and there has since been a new update on their pursuit of the Portugal international.

According to a report from Spain, talks have now been opened with Leao’s representatives ahead of what could be a big-money move this summer.

The Blues are willing to make an offer of €100m (£83m) for the winger, with the board expressing a serious interest in getting a deal done, having identified him as one of their key targets.

Chelsea are said to be the frontrunners for the forward, who Milan would prefer to keep hold of, but there is a feeling the Italian side could be tempted to sanction a sale, should they receive a big offer.

"Incredible" Leao could be a fantastic signing

Maresca recently sent scouts to watch Bologna defender Sam Beukema in action against AC Milan, but their attention may also have been drawn to Leao, given that the Portuguese forward bagged his sixth goal of the season in the Serie A.

Although Milan lost 2-1, the former Lille man put in another impressive performance, having been a key player for the Serie A side for quite some time, amassing 68 goals and 52 assists in a total of 247 appearances for the club.

Not only that, but the 25-year-old also ranks very highly on some key attacking metrics, when compared to his positional peers over the past year.

Leao has been a brilliant servant to Milan, but he may want a fresh challenge after spending six seasons in Italy, and if he decides to test himself in the Premier League, his attacking numbers indicate he could be a fantastic signing for Chelsea and one to watch by the looks of things.

MatériaMais Notícias

Titular absoluto do Vila Nova na atual edição da Série B do Brasileiro, o volante Arthur Rezende vive em 2022 a sua temporada mais efetiva ofensivamente. Em 35 partidas disputadas no ano, o atleta participou diretamente de 10 gols. O goiano admite que passa por um bom momento.

– Especialmente para um jogador da minha posição, esses números são bastante expressivos. Fico orgulhoso dessa fase que venho passando, mas minha meta é que essa característica se torne um padrão no meu futebol – declarou.

O Vila volta a campo na próxima sexta-feira, contra o Ituano, no estádio Serra Dourada. Em caso de vitória, poderá deixar a zona de rebaixamento depois de várias rodadas. Para Arthur, os três jogos consecutivos sem derrota indicam uma evolução da equipe na competição.

– Batemos o Vasco, um dos favoritos ao acesso e empatamos fora com Novorizontino e Sport, dois times que realizam boas campanhas. Caso derrotemos o Ituano e conseguirmos sair do Z4, ganharemos um fôlego essencial para a sequência da Série B – finalizou.

RelacionadasFutebol InternacionalMatheus Pato comemora artilharia no futebol da IndonésiaFutebol Internacional04/08/2022PalmeirasAbel Ferreira elogia treinadores brasileiros, mas rechaça duelos individuais: ‘Quem joga é o Palmeiras’Palmeiras04/08/2022Humor EsportivoAtlético-MG sofre com zoeiras após ceder empate ao Palmeiras; veja memesHumor Esportivo04/08/2022

USMNT hopeful Alex Freeman faces a Premier League transfer poser, with the Orlando City defender attracting interest from across Europe.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Full-back included in senior USMNT squadLinked with teams heading to Premier LeagueIs also attracting interest from Serie AFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱GettyWHAT HAPPENED?

At just 20 years of age, and having been included in Mauricio Pochettino’s latest United States squad, Freeman continues to see his stock soar. It is considered to be only a matter of time before the Baltimore native bids farewell to his homeland and MLS. Such a move could be agreed in 2025.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Freeman’s potential has been registering on recruitment radars in England for a while, with the buccaneering full-back’s potential holding obvious appeal. He is considered to be ready for another step up in class.

GettyDID YOU KNOW?

According to , Freeman is wanted by clubs that are heading to the Premier League ahead of the 2025-26 campaign – which narrows that list down to Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

TELL ME MORE

Clubs still in the Championship are also said to be keen, but they face competition for Freeman’s signature from Italy. Parma have reportedly put a €2 million opening bid on the table, with that approach now being mulled over.

Visitors own the final hour as Tom Lammonby, James Rew build steadying stand

Paul Edwards11-May-2023

Somerset 109 for 4 (Lammonby 34*, Rew 20*, Anderson 2-16) vs LancashireThere has often been a tinge of Old Testament suffering about James Anderson’s cricket career. For a man who has now taken 1099 first-class wickets, he often has the air of someone bleakly reconciled to the swipe of fate’s callous paw. Fellow seamers, on the other hand, might feel Anderson’s pain, especially so on mornings like this when he saw two slip chances go down in his first eight balls. On both occasions, Anderson turned resignedly on his heel and began his lugubrious trudge back to his mark, the woes of the ages resting on his slight shoulders. One thought of Henry White’s hymn: “Oft in danger, oft in woe, / Onward, Christians, onward go; / Bear the toil, maintain the strife”.However, by the time a heavy non-moving shower arrived at Emirates Old Trafford in mid-afternoon, the toil and the strife had been shared by Somerset’s batters, who had scrapped their way to 109 for 4 in cloudy conditions and on a slightly grassier pitch than had been offered for the Surrey game a month ago.It had never been easy. Having been dropped by Luke Wells and Tom Hartley, 22-year-old Tom Lammonby quickly adopted the old pro’s view that Anderson was best faced from the non-striker’s end. Thus he fairly skedaddled to that safer vantage point when a single was available and left Steve Davies to edge England’s finest bowler to Hartley, who took the straightforward catch with a colossal sigh of relief.Six overs later, Tom Abell was leg before to Anderson for a single and the next over George Bartlett departed similarly to Will Williams for a four-ball nought. Bartlett is a talented cricketer who is trying to establish himself in the side but it is hard to have much sympathy for someone who takes guard on or outside off stump and then tries to work the ball to square leg. In such circumstances a great escape is out of the question.Emboldened by his century against Northamptonshire last week, Tom Kohler-Cadmore took the attack to the bowlers, forcing Saqib Mahmood off the back foot and driving George Balderson back to the Players and Media Centre. But Kohler-Cadmore crossed the border between aggression and recklessness when he came down the pitch and tried to whip Mahmood over midwicket. His leg stump lay horizontal on the turf in baleful reproach. County Championship matches are rarely decided by bright little twenties.James Rew and Lammonby then took their side safely to lunch and the ease with which they did so was a portent for the first hour of the afternoon’s cricket. Nevertheless, a total of 67 for 4 revealed where the balance of the game lay and one wonders what the schoolchildren invited to Emirates Old Trafford for the day had thought of it. “149 dot balls in that session out of 176 bowled” intoned Chris Rimmer, the Lancashire scorer, and he might think about impersonating Elijah if the notching ever dries up.Somewhat improbably, though, what turned out to be the final hour of the day belonged to Somerset. Anderson returned without carrying quite the threat he had in the first session and Rew’s square drive recalled the century he had made off Lancashire three weeks ago. Indeed, while he is still prone to outbursts of skittish, not to say bonkers, shot-selection, Rew seems to get what batting in a first-class cricket match involves rather more certainly than some of his senior colleagues.In mid-morning, you could have got good odds on the Somerset innings containing a fifty partnership but Rew and Lammonby brought up that modest landmark just before the rain swept in and declined to sweep out for nearly two hours. By that stage, Lammonby, whose 93-ball 20 not out had been a monument to his concentration in the morning, had added another 14 runs off 52 deliveries.Bazball it certainly wasn’t but then one doesn’t recall too many occasions in red-ball cricket when a New Zealand cricketer charged down the pitch to Anderson, his bat whirling like Vishnu’s Nandaka. Well, not for long anyhow.

Leeds United could trigger the release clause of an “excellent” Premier League player, who is now likely to leave his club this summer, according to a report.

Leeds eyeing proven Premier League players

The three sides promoted from the Championship last season look like they will all be going straight back down, with Southampton sitting rock bottom, while Ipswich Town and Leicester City are currently five points from safety.

As such, you can make a case for it being more difficult than ever to make the step up back to the top flight, after dropping to the second tier, and with Leeds in a very strong position to get promoted, they are now eyeing players who have Premier League experience.

Former Chelsea man Tammy Abraham is one of the names on the list of targets in attack, while they are also considering a move for Southampton right-back Kyle Walker-Peters, who has made 140 appearances in the top flight.

Leeds expected to move for "fantastic" £15m striker; he's "keen" on joining

The Whites have been tipped to make a summer move for a forward who is excited by the prospect of moving to Elland Road.

ByDominic Lund Feb 25, 2025

Walker-Peters is not the only Saints player Daniel Farke’s side have their eye on, however, with a report from The Boot Room revealing they could trigger the relegation release clause written into goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale’s contract.

Ramsdale joined Southampton from Arsenal in a £25m deal last summer, but he is now likely to leave in the summer, with relegation from the Premier League looking increasingly likely.

There may be widespread interest in the Premier League, however, with Chelsea, Brentford and Newcastle United also being named as potential suitors.

Leeds United’s upcoming Championship fixtures

Date

West Bromwich Albion (h)

March 1st

Portsmouth (a)

March 9th

Millwall (h)

March 12th

Queens Park Rangers (a)

March 15th

Swansea City (h)

March 29th

Ramsdale has been "excellent" despite Saints' struggles

It has been a season to forget for Southampton, who have collected just nine points throughout the entire campaign, but their goalkeeper cannot be blamed for his side’s struggles, having been by far the most consistent performer in the squad.

Despite the Saints falling to a 3-1 defeat at home to Bournemouth earlier this month, Joe Hart lauded the 26-year-old’s performance as “absolutely excellent”.

The same can be said about the Englishman’s display against Brighton & Hove Albion last week, receiving by far the highest SofaScore match rating in the Southampton team after making eight saves, seven of which were from inside the box.

As such, although the former Arsenal man is set to have another relegation on his CV, he cannot be blamed for the Saints’ inevitable fate, and he deserves another chance in the Premier League.

There has been doubt about Illan Meslier for quite some time, with the Frenchman making some key errors this season, most notably in the 2-2 draw at Sunderland in October, and there are plenty of indications Ramsdale would be a great replacement.

تدور في أروقة نادي ريال مدريد الإسباني حالياً تطورات متسارعة بشأن مستقبل البرازيلي رودريجو جوس، وسط حالة من الغموض تزداد وضوحاً بعد خروجه الكامل من حسابات المدرب تشابي ألونسو خلال مواجهة باتشوكا الأخيرة، في كأس العالم للأندية.

وتعد هذه هي المباراة الثانية توالياً التي يشهد فيها تراجعاً حاداً في دور رودريجو داخل الفريق، عقب المباراة الأولى أمام الهلال السعودي.

ورغم أن ما يحدث يبدو كردّ فعل مباشر على تهميش اللاعب مؤخرًا، إلا أن مؤشرات الرحيل بدأت منذ نهاية الموسم الماضي، حيث بدأت أندية إنجليزية بارزة في مراقبته، من بينها آرسنال، مانشستر سيتي، تشيلسي، وتوتنهام.

اقرأ أيضًا | لاعب باتشوكا يرد على اتهامات روديجر بالعنصرية.. وفيفا يوضح مستجدات التحقيقات

ووفقاً لما أفادت به إذاعة “كادينا سير”، فإن الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز يُعد الوجهة الأقرب لرودريجو في الوقت الراهن، خاصة مع ارتفاع قيمته التسويقية هناك، حيث يُنظر إليه كنجم قادر على إحداث فارق فني وتسويقي.

لكن الصفقة لن تكون سهلة، إذ يشترط ريال مدريد الحصول على ما لا يقل عن 90 مليون يورو للتخلي عن جناحه البرازيلي، على أن تُستثمر هذه الأموال في ضم لاعب وسط جديد، تماشياً مع مطالب المدرب ألونسو منذ استلامه المهمة الفنية.

ويعد آرسنال من أكثر الأندية جدية في متابعة رودريجو، ويبدو مستعداً للتحرك إذا قرر ريال مدريد فتح باب الرحيل أمام اللاعب، حيث ترى إدارة “المدفعجية” أنه سيكون إضافة قوية لمشروع ميكيل أرتيتا.

في المقابل، يدرك ريال مدريد اهتمام آرسنال، لكن اللاعب لا يزال يفكر في خيارات أخرى، وعلى رأسها مانشستر سيتي بقيادة بيب جوارديولا، الذي لطالما أبدى إعجابه بقدرات رودريجو.

ومع تمسك إدارة ريال مدريد بالمبلغ المطلوب، تبدو الأيام المقبلة حاسمة لتحديد مصير اللاعب، في وقت تُخطط فيه الإدارة لإعادة هيكلة بعض المراكز استجابة لطلبات المدرب الجديد.

Manchester United made two signings in the January transfer window, bringing in Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu.

The new Red Devils pair have caught the eye so far with Heaven costing Ruben Amorim’s side an undisclosed compensation fee, buying him out of his Arsenal contract six months early.

So far, the 18-year-old has made four appearances in the famous red shirt. That includes a 45-minute cameo against the Gunners in his first Premier League game, before making starts against Real Sociedad in the Europa League and Leicester City in the top flight.

Heaven has made a real impression so far for United, and the same can certainly be said for Dorgu, in his short United career.

Why Patrick Dorgu has been a good signing for Man Utd

20-year-old Denmark international Dorgu has made a great start to life at Old Trafford. He made the move from Serie A strugglers Lecce in the winter transfer window for £25m up front, and a further £4.2m in add-ons.

Dorgu has made a big impression already with Football statistician Statman Dave stating the wing-back is a player who “brings balance and quality” to Amorim’s United side.

He has played six times so far, particularly impressing against Sociedad in the Europa League, where he made major contributions both in defence and attack, winning a penalty from which Bruno Fernandes scored.

One of the key features of Dorgu’s game is his speed. The 20-year-old is rapid and able to cover so much ground in a short amount of time. Of course, this is helpful to United in transitional situations, helping them get up the pitch and hurt teams on the counter very quickly.

The January arrival has been a revelation for the Red Devils, some might say the perfect addition at wing-back for Amorim’s system.

However, if things had gone differently years ago, perhaps the United boss could have had another flying wingback at his disposal.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

Man United academy gem is now similar to Dorgu

United’s academy can take credit for producing several exciting talents in the Premier League, or at least contributing to their footballing education.

One player who certainly fits that latter category is Dwight McNeil.

He was in the Red Devils academy in his younger days, notably training alongside the likes of Brandon Williams and Angel Gomes but was released by the club. It was a decision that certainly left him heartbroken.

After making his way through the Burnley academy, he became a vital part of the Clarets first-team under Sean Dyche.

Now plying his trade at Everton, McNeil has also become a key player for the Toffees. Although he has played in a number of positions, the Englishman has excelled out wide on the left, where Amorim surely would have deployed him if given the chance. This term, he has three goals and three assists in 13 Premier League games but has been out for some time with a knee injury.

One of the key features of McNeil’s game is his threat from open play when crossing the ball. Described by Statman Dave as an “excellent crosser”, the 25-year-old can whip a deadly delivery into the box, as he showed in Everton’s 5-1 win against Brighton a few seasons ago, a game where he also scored two goals.

To get an idea of how McNeil might have suited this United system, a comparison via FBref between his and Dorgu’s stats can be drawn. The Everton ace completes more crosses than the Dane per 90 minutes, with 0.79 compared to 0.39, but does complete less progressive carries per 90, with 2.44 compared to Dorgu’s 3.45.

Progressive passes

4.72

2.62

Key passes

2.52

0.92

Crosses

0.79

0.39

Tackles and interceptions

1.18

3.19

Ball recoveries

4.96

4.85

Progressive carries

2.44

3.45

Succesful take-ons

1.51

0.61

Shot-creating actions

4.72

2.75

On reflection, McNeil could have been a fantastic option for United. Of course, he left the club at a young age, but seeing how his career has turned out, perhaps they wish they still had someone in the squad so suited to Amorim’s system.

He is statistically similar to Dorgu, and worth £25m according to Football Transfers, around the fee United paid for their new wing-back up front in January. He is surely a player Amoirm would have loved to have at his disposal.

Man Utd star was ahead of Mainoo, then Ten Hag sold him for just £850k

One Man Utd academy star failed to build on his early promise under Erik ten Hag

ByRobbie Walls Mar 22, 2025

Leeds United reporter Joe Donnohue has shared an injury update on Wilfried Gnonto and how it could impact Brenden Aaronson ahead of the Championship run-in.

Leeds prepare for Championship run-in as Gnonto picks up injury

The Whites and Daniel Farke are preparing to make their Championship return this weekend following the international break with an Elland Road clash against Swansea City on Saturday lunchtime.

In a three-way battle for two automatic promotion spots with Sheffield United and Burnley, Leeds currently sit top of the pile on goal difference and two points clear of Burnley.

Leeds (80 pts)

Sheffield United (80 pts)

Burnley (78 pts)

Swansea City

Coventry City (h)

Bristol City (h)

Luton Town (a)

Oxford United (a)

Coventry City (a)

Middlesbrough (a)

Millwall (h)

Derby County (a)

Preston North End (h)

Plymouth Argyle (a)

Norwich City (h)

Oxford United (a)

Cardiff City (h)

Watford (a)

Stoke City (h)

Burnley (a)

Sheffield United (h)

Bristol City (h)

Stoke City (a)

QPR (a)

Plymouth Argyle (a)

Blackburn Rovers (h)

Millwall (h)

Leeds were held to a 2-2 draw last time out against QPR in what was an afternoon to forget for Aaronson. The attacking midfielder, who has been a regular starter under Farke, made a costly error for the opening goal and was replaced by Gnonto at half-time.

Gnonto impressed and helped Leeds get a point at Loftus Road, however, the Italian has since picked up an injury while representing his nation’s U21 side.

Gnonto injury update and what it means for Aaronson

Sharing an update for The Yorkshire Evening Post, Donnohue said that Leeds have confirmed Gnonto’s premature return to Yorkshire as a result of the ankle injury he picked up against the Netherlands last Friday.

The Whites are planning to properly assess Gnonto in the coming days and an official update will be shared later this week, with Farke facing the media on Thursday.

Donnohue adds that it ‘is expected Aaronson will continue in the No. 10 role for the foreseeable future, especially if Gnonto requires a period of rehabilitation from this latest knock’.

This may not be the news Leeds fans will be wanting to hear, especially as Donnohue mentions a number of supporters are hoping Gnonto will start in the No. 10 position between now and the end of the campaign, with Aaronson registering zero goals and one assist in 15 games in 2025.

Leeds now preparing move for £10m Farke favourite if they seal promotion

Leeds have set their sights on a player who wants to play in the Premier League.

ByBrett Worthington Mar 24, 2025

However, Gnonto has previous when it comes to ankle issues, missing six games in 2023 shortly after Leeds were relegated from the Premier League. Anything similar to that timeframe and the Italian won’t play much of a part in the run-in, so Farke’s comments later this week after Leeds’ assessment could be crucial.

This is now the fourth Knight Riders franchise to be represented by Russell and Narine

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Jun-2023Kolkata Knight Riders stars Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Lockie Ferguson and Jason Roy have signed up with Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) for the inaugural season of the MLC. Adam Zampa, Martin Guptill and Rilee Rossouw are the other high-profile international players signed by LAKR.The LAKR squad also has Unmukt Chand, USA’s Jaskaran Malhotra and Ali Khan. Malhotra is one of four men to hit six sixes in an over in international cricket, and the trio – alongside others – was picked up by the franchise at a draft in March.Last month, Roy had agreed to a termination of his ECB incremental contract to pursue cricket in the USA’s MLC competition this summer. He had also been a replacement player in IPL 2023 for KKR.Related

Narine to lead LA Knight Riders, Simmons named head coach

Du Plessis, Conway, Santner, Rayudu reunite with coach Fleming at Texas Super Kings

MI New York unveil Rashid, Boult and Rabada in star-studded MLC squad

Harmeet Singh goes first in MLC Draft to Seattle Orcas; Ali Khan, Chand snapped by LAKR

Finch first overseas signing at MLC draft, named San Francisco Unicorns captain

Russell and Narine continue their long-standing relationship with Knight Riders. Apart from KKR and now LAKR, they also represent Trinbago Knight Riders in the CPL and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the ILT20.”We have assembled a strong and talented team for the debut season of MLC, who can compete at the highest level and bring joy to cricket fans around the world,” Knight Riders CEO Venky Mysore said in a statement. “The Knight Riders group is poised to make a significant contribution to the growth of cricket in the United States and to bring our unique brand of cricket to new audiences around the world.”The LAKR squad also features Ali Sheikh USA), Bhaskar Yadram (West Indies), Corne Dry (South Africa), Nitish Kumar (Canada), Saif Badar (Pakistan) and Shadley Van Schalkwyk (South Africa).The MLC 2023 will be a six-team event scheduled from July 13 to 30 at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, Texas.