The new Bangladesh coach opens up on his detailed vision of how he wants to take the team forward in the next two years

Mohammad Isam17-Aug-2019Russell Domingo was a rank outsider among the candidates who applied to be Bangladesh’s head coach. The BCB’s initial targets were among Andy Flower, Mike Hesson, Paul Farbrace and Grant Flower. They were also weighing up a possible return for Chandika Hathurusingha, their head coach from 2014 to 2017. Even Mickey Arthur made a late entrance on their wide radar.The difference between all of them and Domingo was his desire. Domingo made the trip to Dhaka for his interview, and it was during that short window that he really impressed his new bosses. Hesson and Hathurusingha were still in the picture, but Domingo had made an imprint.When announcing his appointment nine days later, BCB president Nazmul Hassan made a mention of how Domingo wanted to work with the team every day, without a break, for two years.Those present during his interview were left mighty impressed with his presentation. So much that they kept talking about it. They mentioned it twice in press conferences, and his professional and pragmatic demeanour produced a positive vibe within the usually dour BCB top brass. Domingo’s approach made it hard to ignore him, and nine days later, despite some of the top coaches still present in their hunt, he landed the job.In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, Domingo said that he shared his experience of working at every level in a cricketing system. But his emphasis on giving importance to the lower levels of cricket, from where talent comes through, probably struck a chord with his new employers.”I think you must ask them what was so impressive,” Domingo said with a smile. “I have worked in various age-groups from the under-15s all the way through to the national side, so I think I am connected very much with the feeder systems. The national side is your main priority, there’s no doubt about that, but you must have a keen interest of what’s happening just below the national side. Ultimately, it is where your players are going to come from. If I can have a small role to identify where the fringe players are coming from, I think it will be important going forward.

“The national side is your main priority, there’s no doubt about that, but you must have a keen interest of what’s happening just below the national side.”Russell Domingo

“Bangladesh have some fantastic players but it is good to have some young options coming into the system and creating some pressure on the senior players. Also, providing them with the odd opportunity to play international cricket, because ultimately that’s where you need them.”To that end, Domingo said that he would have to be in touch with the high performance coach and manager to know which players are coming through the system and into the elite levels of training.”I really think it is important to work with the high performance coach and manager, to figure out who the next best players are. The Under-19s beat England four times and pushed India really hard. There’s obviously some richly talented players lower down in the levels that need to be brought close to the national side.”We need to widen the base of players and try to develop players that can take Bangladesh cricket forward over the next five or six years,” said Domingo.Bangladesh’s World Cup 2019 was a disappointing one after having promised much, but Domingo said that his experience as South Africa coach, when they lost a thriller against New Zealand in the semifinal in 2015, gave him an understanding of how to move on from such events.”I have been there as a national coach. I was there when South Africa lost the World Cup semifinal. It took us a long time to overcome that particular … [defeat]. Look, I am not reading too much into the side’s performance in Sri Lanka simply because straight after a World Cup, it is so hard to get yourselves going once again.”I am excited with what I saw [of Bangladesh] in the World Cup. There were so many games when they got really close. You think of the game against New Zealand, it was a missed run out opportunity that made the difference in not reaching the semifinal. The margins are so small that it is about overcoming the mental obstacles. Now that the World Cup is done, it is time to move forward and take the learnings into the next World Cup.”Russell Domingo takes notes – as a coach must•Getty ImagesThis is Domingo’s first coaching job outside South Africa, in whose system he has worked for two decades, but his experience meant he was also aware that at the highest level, the turnover for coaches could get high. “I think the head coach is the guy who carries the responsibility in a professional team. It is part of professional sports that when you lose one or two games, you will be under pressure.”You have to find ways of dealing with it. It is no different in South Africa. We have also lost a few coaches. Pakistan have lost coaches. So it happens all around the world and it is something you have to deal with, as a coach,” he said.Domingo will have some familiar faces in his support staff with three South Africans in the form of Neil McKenzie, the white-ball batting coach, fielding coach Ryan Cook who has been around for more than a year, and Charl Langeveldt, who joined as pace bowling coach a week ago. “They have put together a fantastic management. Charl Langeveldt is a fantastic bowling coach. Ryan Cook’s work ethic and thinking about fielding is at a different level.”Neil McKenzie is a fantastic guy. I am coming on Tuesday, and I will get an idea about the rest of the management, and try to see if there’s any gaps to fill. At the moment, I am ecstatic to be joining the three guys,” Domingo said.Domingo first series in charge will come next month, when Bangladesh take on Afghanistan.”If you look around the world, Bangladesh seem to be one of the teams that has developed the most over the last five or six years,” he said. “They have an unbelievable fan base. Having met the board, they definitely seem to have a plan. There is definitely a big interest in the future of the game, in some of the younger players coming through.”Everything looks in place to be a real powerhouse in world cricket, and that has really excited me about Bangladesh.”

Also: how concussions are different from say, a broken arm, and why even the possibility of one should require strict action

Sidharth Monga25-Nov-2019What is a concussion?
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that results in temporary loss of normal functioning of the brain. It is usually caused by a blow to the head or a blow to some other part of the body that results in rapid movements of the head. It is not always accompanied with external signs of head trauma, nor is a normal brain scan a reliable test of concussion.Why are there substitutes for concussion and not other injuries?
Pain caused by other injuries is conspicuous and more obviously debilitating. Concussions are not that straightforward, and if unattended, can leave players susceptible to a second impact because of reduced brain function. Such second impacts can lead to severe neurological complications, and can in some cases be fatal. It is, therefore, critical to take off the field a player who has a concussion or even suspected concussion to eliminate that risk. However, this is a competitive sport played by elite competitors. Cricket, in particular, tends to carry a problematic idea of “courage”.It can be difficult to convince a player to come off or a team to play with effectively 10 men when the symptoms are not that obvious. In a way, despite being more lethal than other injuries, the symptoms – or a possibility – of concussions are easier to brush off.So, the ICC wants to “lessen the cricketing consequences of a decision to rule a player out”, allowing players the chance to receive proper treatment for blows to their head.What happens during a concussion test?
The symptoms of a concussion typically include nausea, dizziness, visual problems, lack of consciousness, lack of balance or co-ordination, disorientation, confusion, momentary loss of memory. Players are asked if they are feeling a headache or nausea. They are checked on balance. Their memory can be tested by asking the cricketing version of Maddocks questions, such as “what city are we in”, “what session of the day is this”, which two bowlers are in the attack at present”. They might be asked to read signboards.In rugby, doctors maintain baseline scores on these criteria and test concussions suspects on them. Cricket hasn’t yet made baseline testing a matter of routine, but some teams already do that.Even if a player is allowed to continue, a video review of the injury is carried out to look for immediate symptoms that might have been missed in the direct observation. If such symptoms are present in the video review and not being reported by the player, he still needs to go off the field.India physio Patrick Farhart signals for a new helmet as he assesses Hanuma Vihari•Getty ImagesHow come Steven Smith and Hashim Amla continued playing then?
Amla, in the World Cup 2019 opener, and Smith, in the Lord’s Ashes Test, did carry on batting and later developed concussion symptoms. It is not atypical even in other contact sports for a player to develop concussion symptoms belatedly, which actually makes it an even trickier injury to handle. A concussion can only be properly ruled out 48 hours after the first blow.The absence of symptoms doesn’t mean the absence of concussion, which is why rugby is extremely strict with how it deals with it. A rugby player involved in a collision that typically leads to concussion has no choice but to go off for testing. Although it advises regular observation, and a SCAT5 (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool) test at the first available moment when the player is off the field, cricket is not yet as strict as rugby. Smith, for example, decided by himself that he wanted to carry on. As did Mushfiqur Rahim when he waved off the physio during the Eden Gardens Test.When asked about this, an ICC spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo: “The concussion protocol in cricket varies from rugby to some extent as cricketers have protective gear in the form of helmets, and hence a lesser proportion of head knocks result in concussions.” While that might be true, examples of Smith, Amla, Liton Das and Nayeem Hasan – who all continued to bat for varying lengths of time before availing a concussion substitute – is evidence that might push ICC more towards rugby protocols.Is a physio qualified to give a concussion test?
Ideally, you want a doctor to do it but, at the moment, not all teams travel with a team doctor. For example, Australia do and India don’t. While the ICC has not made it mandatory for teams to travel with a doctor, a physio still remains pretty qualified to take medical fitness decisions on behalf of his team.However, the ICC spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo of the work being done to regularise the process: “The ICC requires that a doctor who has knowledge of concussion management and the ICC Concussion Management Guidelines be available on match day to provide the necessary support to participating teams . The ICC has also been focussing on the professional development of all team healthcare personnel, in particular, the capability of team physiotherapists to oversee healthcare decisions such as concussion.”In time, perhaps the “if required” might be removed and an independent doctor or a team of doctors might become a mandatory presence at all ICC matches.Can the system be gamed?
Perhaps yes, but you would always expect a team to name their best players in the starting XI; any further change will, at least in that team’s estimation, weaken the side. The only conceivable advantage a team can gain by gaming the system is if it realises it has misread a pitch and picked a wrong combination. Not only will it be diabolical to go to such an extent, but the ICC match referee will also likely strike down any such request. The match referee is empowered to disallow a replacement that is not “like for like”. Such assessment depends on the role the said replacement is likely to play for the rest of the match. If al allrounder replaces a batsman, he will not be allowed to bowl. A spinner might not be allowed to replace a fast bowler unless he just bats.How long does it take to return for a concussed player?
Unlike rugby, cricket doesn’t lay down a minimum requirement of time off training, but it tends to agree with the rugby’s stipulation of a week away. Says the ICC protocol: “Generally, concussion symptoms will settle within two-three days and a player diagnosed with a concussion is ready to return in about a week but, in some individuals, this time might be shorter or longer. Medical oversight, as occurs in elite teams, is essential if a player is to return to play within a week or on a subsequent day of a multi-day match.”

Sarfaraz Khan talks about leaving Mumbai and coming back, his relationship with his father-slash-coach, and on fighting perceptions

Interview by Shashank Kishore27-Jan-2020How does it feel to be playing for Mumbai again?It’s a proud feeling to return and also join Mumbai’s triple-century club, alongside great players like Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Wasim Jaffer and Rohit Sharma. I’m a little relieved, more than delighted, because my season started late. I didn’t get opportunities in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and very few chances at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. There was this fear in my mind that half the season had finished and I hadn’t yet made any kind of impact. So this triple century came at the right time.Did you fear you may not get match time again this season?I was left out of the Baroda game,. Then before the second game, I was sent to play for Mumbai Under-23, where I made 40 in the first innings and a century in the second. Then I came back for the Karnataka game. Making 71 not out in the second innings against a quality attack gave me the self-belief again, because how much ever you are confident, unless you have scores to back it up, it won’t help. Coming into the previous game, I knew the Uttar Pradesh players well, since I’ve played with many of them. So scoring against them and more importantly helping Mumbai get a lead was very satisfying.How did you channel the frustration of sitting out during the cooling off period in Mumbai?The last two years have been very frustrating. There were a lot of question marks over me. I was asking questions of myself. I won’t lie. Everyone thought I was only a white-ball player. Deep down, I knew I was a good enough red-ball player too, but I didn’t have too many opportunities to prove it. One season, I sat out in Uttar Pradesh. Then I had to serve out a cooling-off period in Mumbai, so I used the time to work on my game.I used to play on seaming wickets, my father kept hurling balls at me and I was only focused on leaving the ball. Earlier, I used to instinctively play the upper cut to short balls even if there was third man. It became a habit. But I tried cutting out all these aspects to discipline my game. In the game against Uttar Pradesh, there were times when they kept bowling short balls. The old me would’ve tried to ramp the ball. Here, I kept ducking under it because the situation demanded.Do you look back and regret the decision to move to Uttar Pradesh in 2015?Leaving Mumbai was a bad decision. It wasn’t mine, but my father’s. At that age, you aren’t matured enough to think of circumstances or look at things in a different way. Dad felt that was the best way forward for me. There’s no point looking back at why I made the move. But when I moved, I kept having this thought: ‘will I ever play for Mumbai again?’. Because I had played all age-group cricket here, represented India at the Under-19 World Cup in 2014 because of my performances for Mumbai. But I felt like an outsider, I didn’t get chances. There were perceptions around me. I couldn’t help it.What about the decision to come back to Mumbai?Quitting Uttar Pradesh and coming back was entirely my call. Of course we discussed the pros and cons, I decided if I had to serve out some time, I better do it now than later. Some people said, ‘maybe it’s not the right call, because if you so wanted to come back, you would’ve never left in the first place’. I’m glad I took the call. It hasn’t been easy even after coming back, but I’m enjoying the feeling again of playing for Mumbai. That crest and cap, I had safely kept it away in a store room when I left for Uttar Pradesh. It was a proud feeling to wear it once again the moment I was eligible to play again.Sarfaraz Khan is ecstatic after getting to his triple century•PTI When did you realise you had to work hard on your fitness?I was dropped at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2016 because of my fitness. Virat Kohli told me straightaway while there were no doubts over my skills, my fitness was not letting me get to the next level. He was very honest with me about where I was. See, I used to sleep in Azad Maidaan, and since 10-11 years old, all I knew about cricket was just batting and bowling. I really had no idea about fitness until I came in to the Under-19 level. I was very low, my dad was also low. But I was still retained by RCB in 2018. At that time, I felt like being in the same team as Virat and AB de Villiers was my life’s biggest achievement. I didn’t realise there was so much more to do.When I think of it now, the ACL injury in 2017 changed my outlook towards fitness. I knew that is when I had to get fitter. So I started working out, running, doing a lot of cardio. I gave up sweets and tried to improve my eating habits. I won’t say I became obsessed with fitness, but I just made small changes to my diet. If I had two portions of something, I changed it to one portion, and gradually cut down on my intake of junk food. I didn’t get too obsessed with just fitness because sometimes you can let it affect you so much that you forget about batting and bowling.How has your improved fitness helped you now?Even in the last game against Uttar Pradesh, there were stages after 250 where I was cramping up. But I continued to bat on. I had some fever too. I didn’t give up, even though at times I had the thought of coming off. I fielded for two days and then batted for two days. I felt good not just about my improved fitness but because it helped me score runs and get a lead. At one point, all my team-mates used to call me ‘panda’ because I used to eat a lot. Now, they’ve started calling me ‘macho’. Actually, very few people know it’s my nickname now.When anyone talks about you, it’s always in connection with your father who is also your coach. What are your interests outside of cricket?My dad is 97% my coach and just 3% my father. When I’m at home, he’s discussing cricket with me. When I’m at the ground, it’s cricket anyway. So right from my young age, cricket has been the only thing. I don’t go out much. It’s like a military life sometimes, but I’m used to it now. I have lost a bit of time, for whatever reason, now I want to make up for it.When you have a bad day, you don’t want to be thinking cricketMy dad’s mindset is if you get out or have had a bad day, you can’t think about something else, rather, you should think more about the game. I used to play at John Bright Cricket Club while growing up. Sometimes have three sessions a day. My dad didn’t want me to commute and waste time in traffic, so I slept at the ground. There was a change room and shower, so he used to get me my kit and clothes, I used to shower there and get ready. This used to be my schedule for two months at a stretch during the summer. These days, my dad is focused more on my younger brother Musheer. He feels I’m matured now, so he has let me off the hook at times. (laughs)From being retention material at RCB to working your way up at Kings XI Punjab last IPL, what were your challenges?Being released from RCB hurt me in a way, but I couldn’t do much about it. I had one of the best IPLs so far with Kings XI Punjab last year. I was in the midst of my cooling-off period, so I knew that was my only chance to impress. Against an attack of Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes and Jaydev Unadkat, I was pleased to make 46 not out. Against Chennai Super Kings, I made 67. I made a crucial 39 against Delhi Capitals. In terms of knocks, I was scoring whenever I had the chance, even if they were just small contributions. That boosted my morale.How do you plan forward, now that you’re back playing for Mumbai?No goals, really. [When] you look for something and when it doesn’t happen, you feel disappointed. I just want to work hard, train, keep fit and score runs whenever the opportunities come. I’ve stopped overthinking or having high expectations. I want to make up for lost time and do well wherever a chance comes.

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.

Related Man Utd can forget Mantato & Dorgu by unleashing "phenomenal" 18-year-old

Bendito Mantato won’t feature in Manchester United’s next game.

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.

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

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.

Worth more than Elanga: Man Utd have struck gold on £120k-p/w "wizard"

Man Utd have their own attacking sensation to rival Anthony Elanga

ByRobbie Walls Apr 3, 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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Liverpool are closing in on the Premier League title and could try to maximise their appeal by tempting a World Cup winner to make a move to Anfield, per reports.

Liverpool's summer plans once title is sealed

While Liverpool haven’t mathematically become champions yet, their status is all but guaranteed following Arsenal’s dropped points away to Everton on Saturday afternoon.

Undoubtedly, Arne Slot will have one eye on the quick turnaround set to occur in the summer, with addressing the contract situations of Trent Alexander Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk set to be an immediate priority.

Nevertheless, maximising squad depth across key areas is also a remit the Dutchman will seek to fulfil. According to reports, Liverpool have Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez in their sights as a positional competitor for Andy Robertson.

Further up, the Reds are also looking to add Xavi Simons to a midfield filled with pedigree. Although the Netherlands international won’t come cheap at between £58 million to £62 million, Slot will hope to call on the lure of the ex-PSG man becoming a key part of his mission to build a dynasty at Anfield.

Potentially making way, Darwin Nunez is a £50 million target for Nottingham Forest after failing to set the heather alight through the middle. Saudi Pro League clubs are also keen on the Uruguay international, who may be an ideal sacrifice to help Liverpool comply with PSR regulations.

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Liverpool are looking to strengthen the squad across any number of positions this summer.

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Bolstering the ranks with proven additions appears to the Slot’s modus operandi this summer, and he has now set his sights on a World Cup winner who could help to bring an added dimension across the front four.

Liverpool set to begin negotiations for Kingsley Coman

According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool are set to begin negotiations to sign Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman, who is expected to cost a maximum of €45m (£38.2m) this summer.

Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are also in the mix to sign the France international. However, the Gunners are believed to be his heaviest suitor alongside the Reds.

Appearances

22

Goals

4

Assists

4

Successful dribbles

35

Successful crosses

8

Chances created

30

Liverpool and Arsenal are set to open talks with his entourage over a potential deal. Coman reportedly wants a two-year deal with an option to extend by a further 12 months.

Both clubs are also set to submit an opening bid at around £29.7m, though it is unclear if that will be enough to land his services at this point in time.

Labelled “brilliant” by Julian Nagelsmann, Coman has registered six goals and four assists in 34 appearances across all competitions, and it isn’t difficult to see why his big-game experience would appeal to some of the Premier League elite.

Now, it remains to be seen who will win the race for his signature as the transfer rumour mill begins to descend into overdrive at Anfield.

A “great” Sunderland player is believed to be wanted by rivals Newcastle United ahead of the summer transfer window, according to a worrying new update from The Athletic.

Sunderland preparing for Championship playoff drama

It has been an excellent season for the Black Cats under Regis Le Bris, with a place in the Championship playoffs now mathematically certain, which is a great achievement from this young squad.

That’s despite Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at home to Swansea City, which has to go down as one of the more disappointing results of the campaign, considering their opponents are in 12th place with little to play for.

Sunderland sit fourth in the Championship table and 12 points ahead of Bristol City below them, as well as four points adrift of third-place Sheffield United, who have lost their last three matches.

For that reason, it doesn’t look like the Black Cats’ position will change between now and the end of the season, meaning Le Bris’ side will face a playoff semi-final against whoever ends up finishing fifth.

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A place in the Premier League next season would improve their chances of keeping hold of key men, and a big update has emerged regarding one such player.

"Great" Sunderland ace being eyed up by Newcastle

According to a report from The Athletic, Newcastle are eyeing highly-rated Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg this summer.

It is also stated that “West Ham scouts have monitored the development” of the £25m-rated teenage star, with the Magpies and Manchester United also “among his admirers”.

Seeing Rigg leave Sunderland for Newcastle doesn’t even bear thinking about for anyone of a Black Cats persuasion, given the rivalry between the two clubs.

Not only that, but the 17-year-old is also arguably the club’s most prized asset, with Jobe Bellingham waxing lyrical over him last month after he and his teammate won a Young Player of the Year award:

“Every day he trains like he wants to get better, with a great ambition and a great desire. So that’s the best thing for me really. The talent kind of comes secondary, which he definitely has, but him as a person, he’s always going to keep improving because of that hunger that he’s got, which for me is like, they’re the players you want to be playing with. So Riggy fully deserves the award, as I’ve said, and he’s just got to keep going because he’s on to big things.”

Realistically, Sunderland will be aware that they can’t keep hold of Rigg forever, with the midfielder likely to have lofty ambitions, potentially ending up at one of the biggest clubs in the country.

A switch to rivals Newcastle would be controversial, however, with Magpies supporters no doubt reminding Black Cats fans of it for many years to come, should a transfer materialise.

Manchester City staged an excellent comeback from two goals down to seal a 5-2 victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League this afternoon.

When Eberechi Eze and Chris Richards put the away side 2-0 up, it looked as though it was going to be another poor result for the Etihad side in the top flight.

They rebounded wonderfully well to seal all three points and they remain fourth in the table at the time of writing as they chase a Champions League spot next season.

All the talk this week was on Kevin De Bruyne finally departing City, and he was outstanding against Palace.

Kevin De Bruyne’s stats vs Crystal Palace

The Belgian won’t go out winning another league title, but he is doing his best to make sure City finish in the top four.

Against Palace, he was pushed into a more advanced role and not only scored, but he also grabbed an assist during the tie.

De Bruyne also registered six total shots, missed two big chances, made four key passes and hit the woodwork in what was an energetic display in Manchester.

Accurate passes

Rúben Dias (105)

Key passes

Kevin De Bruyne (4)

Tackles

Chris Richards and Nico Gonzalez (4)

Ground duels won

Daniel Munoz and Nico Gonzalez (5)

Shots on target

Omar Marmoush (3)

He might be advancing in age, but there is no doubt that when he is at his peak, few come close to performing like this. That’s for sure.

Pep Guardiola wasn’t relying on him solely, however, as there was a young talent making his first Premier League start for the club who shone today.

Man City shown why they don't need Gibbs-White

It appears as though City are keen on replacing De Bruyne with Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White this summer.

Despite registering 14 goal contributions this season, Forest have reportedly slapped a £100m price tag on the attacking midfielder.

Do they really need him? James McAtee was superb this afternoon at the Etihad. On his first ever league start for the club, he scored a delightful goal in the second half along with creating two big chances and making two key passes throughout the game.

The youngster may have been deployed on the right flank against Palace, but he is at home in the number ten slot, playing there on numerous occasions this season to excellent effect.

McAtee’s maturity is getting better with each game. He only lost possession seven times during the clash, while making one tackle and winning two ground duels.

Chief Manchester City writer for the Manchester Evening News, Simon Bajkowski, gave the Englishman a match rating of 7/10, stating that he ‘made a lot happen’ when he was on the pitch.

Guardiola will need to bring in another big-name signing or two this summer to please the supporters and give the club a shot at winning another league title.

Is spending around £100m on Gibbs-White the right option, however? Especially with McAtee proving today that he can step up when it matters most.

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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.”