What were the factors that led him to pip Mike Hesson, Tom Moody and the other contenders?

Nagraj Gollapudi16-Aug-2019After interviewing five candidates on Friday and rating them on five different parameters – coaching philosophy, experience, achievements, communication, and knowledge of modern coaching tools – the BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) chose to continue with Ravi Shastri as India head coach. Mike Hesson and Tom Moody finished second and third based on these ratings, CAC head Kapil Dev said.Here is a break-down of the process that led to Shastri’s reinstatement.Who devised the rating system?The BCCI originally devised the rating methodology while picking the head coach of the India women’s team late last year. The five parameters were arrived at after seeking suggestions from the current CAC, which slightly tweaked the original set of suggestions. WV Raman was appointed as the Indian women coach using the same parameters that were later applied for the men’s coach selection process.In what order did the candidates appear?The interview process began in the morning with Robin Singh, the former India allrounder, followed by former Mumbai captain Lalchand Rajput, who briefly served as India’s cricket manager, and won the inaugural World T20 and their first-ever tri-series triumph in Australia a decade ago. Former Australia allrounder Moody was the third on the list and attended the interview via video-conference. Former New Zealand coach Hesson attended his interview in person, in the afternoon, while Shastri was the last to speak to the CAC, via video conference from the Caribbean, where he is on tour with the India team.Anshuman Gaekwad, Kapil Dev and Shantha Rangaswamy after a CAC meeting•Annesha Ghosh/ESPNcricinfoWhere exactly did Shastri pip the others?International experience, track record, and his plan for the way forward were the key areas that Shastri topped the scores in. ESPNcricinfo understands that Shastri began the interview speaking for around 20 minutes, explaining what the India team was like back when he took charge in 2017, when he replaced Anil Kumble, and went on to list India’s achievements under his watch, before going to what plans he had for the team going forward. Shastri, according to a CAC member, was precise, specific and clear.Shastri’s new stint will involve two T20 World Cups, to be played in successive years – next year in Australia and then in India in 2021. In his first stint (as team director), India reached the semi-finals in 2016. Shastri has no T20 franchise coaching experience, unlike Hesson, Moody and Robin, who all have been involved in coaching roles in domestic T20 tournaments for several years.However, with the inaugural World Test Championship having just commenced, and the ODI League to begin in May 2020, the CAC was keen on a coach who could handle the team across all three formats. Shastri is understood to have outscored his competitors in this regard.The CAC was impressed by the presentations of Hesson, Moody and even Robin, but felt none of the three had coached an international team recently, and were more involved in T20 leagues across the world.R Ashwin and Mike Hesson fine tune the team’s plans•BCCISo was Shastri’s appointment straightforward?The CAC member disagreed. The person said tough questions were asked of Shastri, including why India could not win a few tough series or any world tournaments under his watch. Shastri is understood to have provided the break-up of the results, and in which areas the team came second, and what solutions he had in mind.One of the members is believed to have asked what sort of a say Shastri had had in the India dressing room, given the widespread perception that Virat Kohli, the captain, leads the ship. Incidentally, Shastri himself had said the captain leads the ship when he took over as head coach in 2017. Shastri told the CAC that he would invite its members to the dressing room to observe the atmosphere. He stressed that wherever required he, as head coach, speaks out and discusses issues with everyone, and not just the captain.Will Shastri have a say in the appointment of his support staff?As per the new BCCI constitution, the selection panel will shortlist the candidates. It is understood that the head coach could be consulted before finalising the three assistant coaches – batting, bowling and fielding.

And was Ireland’s 38 at Lord’s the lowest score in the fourth innings of any Test?

Steven Lynch29-Jul-2019Both wicketkeepers failed to score in either innings in the recent Test at Lord’s. Has this ever happened before? asked Sandy Whitlock from England
The fate of both wicketkeepers – Jonny Bairstow for England and Gary Wilson for Ireland – in bagging pairs in the action-packed match at Lord’s last week was a first in Test cricket.The previous low for wicketkeepers in a Test in which they both batted twice was two runs, in a match in Kanpur in 1959-60: Naren Tamhane scored 1 and 0 for India, and Barry Jarman 1 and 0 for Australia. The keepers contributed three runs in Port-of-Spain in 2001-02: Junior Murray made 0 and 1 for West Indies, and Ajay Ratra 0 and 2 for India.England won their Test against Ireland despite making only 85 runs in their first innings. Have there been any lower first-innings totals that brought victory? asked Chris Mitchell from England
Ignoring the match in Centurion in 1999-2000, when England declared their first innings before it started and went on to win after South Africa forfeited their second innings, there have been just six lower first-innings totals than England’s 85 against Ireland at Lord’s last week that led to victory in a Test, only four of them in the opening innings of the match. Lowest of all is England’s 45 in Sydney in 1886-87, when they bowled Australia out for 97 in the final innings to win by 13 runs.Twenty wickets fell on the first day at Lord’s – was this a record for the Home of Cricket? asked Savo Ceprnich from South Africa
Twenty wickets is indeed the most for the first day of a Lord’s Test: 18 fell on the first day there in 1896, when England bowled Australia out for 53 and then amassed 286 for 8. Lord’s also holds the overall record for wickets in a day’s play: no fewer than 27 toppled on a rain-affected pitch on the second day of the match between England and Australia in 1888. England went from 18 for 3 to 53 all out, Australia made 60, then England were skittled for 62 to lose by 61 runs.Was Ireland’s 38 at Lord’s the lowest score in the fourth innings of any Test? asked Jamie Stewart from Canada
Ireland’s 38 at Lord’s last week has been beaten – if that’s the right word – twice before in the fourth innings, both times by South Africa early on in their time as a Test nation, against England. Needing 319 in Port Elizabeth in 1895-96, they were shot out for 30 (George Lohmann took 8 for 7). Then, in Cape Town in 1898-99, needing 246, they were demolished for 35.Mike Atherton’s 553 runs – without a hundred – in the 1993 Ashes included his memorable run-out on 99, when he slipped and fell on the pitch.•PA PhotosTo answer one final question about Ireland’s 38, it was the lowest completed innings known to have included a six (by Mark Adair). The previous-lowest appears to be India’s 42 against England in 1974 at Lord’s – the previous-lowest Test total there – which included a six by Eknath Solkar. There are many innings for which we don’t have full ball-by-ball details, although not many of them ended in a total of less than 38.Who has scored the most runs in a Test series without making a century? asked Leo McGuinn from Ireland
This record is held by England’s Mike Atherton, who made 553 runs in the 1993 Ashes series without making a century – he was memorably run out for 99 at Lord’s after he slipped over on the pitch. That was one of six scores of 50 or more he made in that six-match rubber. The record for a five-match series is 550, by another stylish opener – West Indies’ Conrad Hunte, against Australia in 1964-65. He also made six half-centuries, with a highest score of 89.And here’s an update to last week’s answer about Super Overs that ended in a tie:
A number of readers have pointed out that there have been other matches that were decided on boundary countback, apart from the 2019 World Cup final at Lord’s, and the IPL game in Abu Dhabi in 2014 so expertly described by Steve Smith last week.The first time two teams were separated in this way was in Bridgetown in July 2010, when Barbados beat Combined Campuses and Colleges after ties in the match and Super Over. It happened again in a Champions League T20 match in Jaipur in September 2013, when New Zealand’s Otago Volts beat the Lions from South Africa.There have also been two similar results in the Women’s Big Bash in Australia: in Sydney in January 2017, Sydney Thunder beat local rivals Sydney Sixers, while in another derby match, in Melbourne in January 2018, Melbourne Stars beat Melbourne Renegades.The Super Over replaced a bowl-out in the event of a tie in a World Cup knockout match in 2011, and since then the boundary count has always been the first tie-breaker, in line with most domestic T20 competitions.I’m sorry for missing these last week – I had asked a colleague if there were any others, as I couldn’t think of any, and took their silence to mean I was right. Just shows you should never rely on your recollections in cricket!Use our feedback form or the Ask Steven Facebook page to ask your stats and trivia questions

A drawn series took the gloss off, but given where the squad were 12 months ago, retention was a triumph

Daniel Brettig at The Oval15-Sep-2019A pesky Australian hundred, a fourth-innings collapse, an England team celebrating victory at The Oval to round off the summer. On a sunny Sunday afternoon at Kennington, so much of this looked very familiar for Australian cricketers of recent vintage, right down to the raucous noise emanating from the seats as the final set of the touring side’s wickets fell.What was different, though, arrived at the end of a lengthy presentation ceremony, albeit beneath a backdrop emblazoned with the words “series drawn”. If this sounded uncharitable then it was nothing compared to the four Australian fingers and the clenched English fist that had greeted many of the same players in Sydney a little more than 18 months ago.Tim Paine’s Australian team did not end this ceremony as four before them had done, standing to one side as a group of men in three lions caps lifted the Ashes urn. This time it was their champagne, their streamers, and their reason to be most cheerful, not only for retaining the urn, but being part of the best Ashes series since 2005, and arguably the friendliest since then too.England undoubtedly deserved their final victory, but it was one that the Australians could afford to concede so far as the urn was concerned. Through Edgbaston, Lord’s, Headingley and Old Trafford, when the Ashes were alive, they had played more of the better cricket, boasting in Steven Smith the undisputed dominant force in the series, in Marnus Labuschagne a worthy understudy, and in Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon three of the five leading wicket-takers.It had taken a Ben Stokes miracle in Leeds to keep the Ashes alive for one more Test, and after that crushing moment, the way the Australians recovered their composure and put together a determined and sustained display in Manchester spoke volumes for their resilience but also their perspective: something they had gained in spades in the year and a half since the Newlands scandal that had followed the previous Ashes series.Unburdened by the pressure of the Ashes and the expectation that went with it, England played much the better cricket at The Oval, underlined by the numerous holes that Stuart Broad and Jofra Archer punched in the Australian top-order. Ultimately it meant that both the World Cup and the Ashes would be determined by wildly varying count-back systems. The World Cup final’s, for most boundaries when the Super Over ended in a tie, was among cricket’s newest. The tradition that states that the Ashes stays with the winner of the preceding series is among the oldest and far less likely to ever change. Both sides knew the math entering this series, and Australia did just enough, as England did back in July.Reflecting on the achievement, Paine had little hesitation in pointing out that the foundation for the result had been laid in the first Test in Birmingham, where he and the rest of the team had faced the most raucous crowd in England and run away with a comprehensive victory. For that, they owed plenty to Smith, who rescued the tourists from 122 for 8 on day one and then carved out twin centuries, but also to a far superior series preparation than that enjoyed by England.”Certainly Edgbaston, there was so much talk about that being a fortress and how difficult a place that was going to be for us to start the series, probably by design,” Paine said. “So for us to come over and win that first Test quite convincingly gave us the belief we could do it and gave us a taste that how we wanted to play over here could work. To get that confirmation early made it easier for the guys to stick to what we wanted to do. Getting off to a good start is important when you are overseas.”Matthew Wade celebrates with Pat Cummins after bringing up his ton•Getty ImagesSmith, too, saw Birmingham as the key to all that followed for him, namely 774 runs and an undisputed garland as the player of the series. “That gave me a lot of confidence,” Smith said. “That was my favourite innings of the whole series that I played. The first Test match as we know is always incredibly important in an Ashes series and to pull the team out of what was trouble at the time gve me that confidence straight up that I could slot back in and perform.”Nevertheless, the entry of Archer into the series, at the expense of the injured James Anderson, changed the balance of the remaining Tests. Joe Root and England will be happy in the knowledge that, with their new spearhead helping the other members of the attack, plus the significant addition of Jack Leach in place of the listless Moeen Ali, they won two of the remaining four matches and set down a decent marker for the next Ashes encounter in Australia.It is for that reason, plus the way the Australians twice failed to follow up a victory with an equally staunch performance (Paine notably bowled first at both Lord’s and The Oval and paid for it with a draw and a defeat), the touring side will go home without too great a degree of triumphalism.They will also know, the batsmen in particular, that the imminent start of the Sheffield Shield season, four rounds to take place before the home Tests against Pakistan and New Zealand, will see plenty of jockeying for places.”There’s no doubt every team needs to be improving, we’ve spoken about Steve this series, he is the best player in the world and he is still improving,” Paine said. “The moment we stop or think we don’t have to improve, there is something wrong. We are disappointed the way we played this game but, as a whole series, we had some good moments in a country where Australia hasn’t had some success for some time.ALSO READ: Steven Smith v the world: Where does he rank among the greatest?“We can be proud of that but we’ve got a way to go,” he added. “Steve had an unbelievably good series and won us some Tests by himself so we’ve got some parts we need to improve, but if we click them into gear while he’s at the height of his powers and with the pace attack we’ve got, then in the next few years we are going to be a very hard team to beat.”***There was another kind of perspective to be applied to Australia’s fortunes. Little more than a year ago, the ODI team had arrived in this part of the world, with Paine as captain and Langer as coach, saying all the right things about balancing performance, culture and improved behaviour. Promptly they had been atomised 5-0, and there were other humiliations to be endured against Pakistan, South Africa and India at home before things began to improve.A solid upward path since then was aided, of course, by the return of Smith, and if the final presentation had been something of an anti-climax, then the day’s emotional high point had surrounded his exit. Smith’s score of 23 was his lowest of the series by a distance and more or less guaranteed England’s victory. But he was given the most generous standing ovation of his entire time in England, fitting recognition for a commanding but also graceful performance across the summer.”It was a nice reception when I walked off, it would have been nice if I had a few more runs under my belt in this game … I’ve given it my all since I’ve been here the last four and a half months every Test match we have played and I didn’t have much left to give today,” Smith said. “I’m pretty cooked to be honest, mentally and physically, and I am looking forward to a nice couple of weeks’ rest before getting back into the Australian summer.”This, too, provided a reminder of the lessons from 18 months ago. Back then, Smith had been similarly fried but given only a few days of rest before suiting up again for ODIs and then South Africa where it all went wrong. Australia have not won the series here, but the humbler result is also in keeping with the fact that this is a more humble team learning, day by day, to marry better cricket to better conduct. Paine was able to speak freely about how unlikely this had all been for him, let alone the team.”I didn’t think I’d still be doing it to be honest and here we are,” Paine said. “I’m very lucky as I have said a number of times to be in the position I’m in and now to be captain of a team that has come here and retained the Ashes is something I’m sure I’ll never forget. We’re bringing the urn home and that’s what we came here to do, we’re thrilled by that.”We’re a little disappointed by this game, obviously, it’s put a bit of a dampener on it. But overall, had you said we were taking them home, we would have jumped at it and taken it.”Right now it’s still a bit close to a loss to be absolutely thrilled about what happened. But when you put it in perspective of what we have done in the past 12 months, I think as a group, we can be proud of the way we have come over here. We’ve got a lot right a lot to be really proud about.”In 2019, Australia came to England and did not lose the Ashes. Whatever the whys and wherefores of a first 2-2 series result between these sides since 1972, that statement will sit well with every member of the team that made it so.

Four semi-finalists. One men’s cricketer of the decade picked by ESPNcricinfo’s readers. Make your vote(s) count

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Jan-2020And then there were four. The quarter-finals threw up two one-sided contests: AB de Villiers, with 88% of the votes polled, trumped his long-time team-mate Dale Steyn; while India captain Virat Kohli (73%) beat England’s World Cup and Headingley hero Ben Stokes (27%). But the excitement in the round lay elsewhere. Just 12 percentage points separated Kane Williamson and Steven Smith. The epic contest, though, was the subcontinent tussle between MS Dhoni and Shakib Al Hasan. Over 1.65 million votes were clicked, as fans on both sides battled it out to get their icons into the semi-finals. In the end it was neck-and-neck, and perhaps deserved a tie, but the India and Chennai Super Kings superstar prevailed “by the barest of margins”.Now it’s time to you to pick again, with the two winners making it to the final showdown. Will Williamson triumph in another Fab Four battle, will it be a reunion between RCB team-mates, or will it be an all-India contest? The ESPNcricinfo staff pick will be revealed in a few days too.Note: The voting for this round closes at 10am GMT on January 5, 2020.

How our readers have voted so far

ESPNcricinfo LtdMore in the decade in review, 2010-19.

Ever since a thumb injury in the World Cup, Dhawan has been forced out of action at inopportune times

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Jan-2020June 2019: The World Cup exitInjured his: Left thumb while batting
Out of action for: Two months
Replaced by: Rishabh Pant
For long, Dhawan has lorded over ICC tournaments, from the Under-19 World Cup and the Champions Trophy to the ODI World Cup. And as he cracked a match-winning hundred in India’s league fixture against Australia, all signs pointed to another encore.However, he took a hit on his left thumb off a Pat Cummins delivery, which resulted in a hairline fracture. India waited on his recovery for a while before naming Rishabh Pant as his replacement. He recovered in time for India’s tour of the West Indies in August 2019.ESPNcricinfo LtdNov 2019: The freak knee injuryInjured his: Left knee while diving to make his ground
Out of action for: One month
Replaced by: Sanju Samson (T20Is), Mayank Agarwal (ODIs)
Dhawan was batting in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Delhi against Maharashtra, when his desperate full-length dive to make his ground led to a “deep cut on his left knee”. Following a consistent run in the limited-overs sides after the World Cup, this injury ruled him out of contention for the limited-overs series against West Indies.

We Fall, We Break, but then…. We Rise. We heal and we overcome, and the only thing you have control over is how you respond to any situation. Here's to being positive and happy in every situation that life throws at you. Will be back in action in 4-5 dayspic.twitter.com/0XDHRXMSeP

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) November 21, 2019

Jan 2020: The rib-shoulder double whammyInjured his: Left shoulder while diving on the field
Out of: India’s T20Is and ODIs in New Zealand
Replaced by: Sanju Samson (T20Is), Prithvi Shaw (ODIs)
Another ODI against Australia, another Dhawan injury en route to a century. It was Cummins again, bruising his rib cage and forcing the batsman not to take the field that evening. Dhawan was back for the decider though, in Bengaluru, where more misfortune awaited him.In just the fifth over of the first innings, he fell on his left shoulder while diving to make a stop at cover point, and got up clutching it. By the end of the innings, his shoulder was in a sling and any further part in the game looked bleak. As it has turned out, the injury has ruled him out for at least a few weeks, long enough to miss five T20Is against New Zealand in New Zealand.

Celtic were boosted by the return of their captain last weekend when Callum McGregor came into the side for the 3-0 win over Hearts at Parkhead in the Scottish Premiership, and they now prepare to face bottom-of-the-league St. Johnstone.

The former Scotland international had missed out on the defeat to Rangers before the international break through injury, and reminded the supporters of his quality and what the team lacked whilst he was out of the team.

Vs Hearts

Callum McGregor

Pass accuracy

99%

Passes completed

66

Key passes

2

Big chances created

1

Tackles + interceptions

2

Dribbled past

0x

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the left-footed metronome was almost perfect in possession, completing 99% of his attempted passes, and excelled defensively, as he was not dribbled past a single time.

The Hoops skipper has the ability to control matches with his use of the ball, dictating the tempo of matches with his incredibly efficient passing, and was a vital figure in the 3-0 win.

Arne Engels deputised for him in the number six role against Rangers before the break, but it is further forward where the Belgian’s talents are best suited.

Why Arne Engels has been worth the money for Celtic

The Hoops gambled when they splashed a club-record fee of £11m to sign the 21-year-old gem from Augsburg last summer, as he had only started 13 of his 32 matches in the Bundesliga last season.

Engels did not have a wealth of experience or a track record of excellent performances at a high level for Celtic to be sure of what they were getting when they signed him, which is why it was such a gamble to splash the cash on him.

The Belgium international’s performances for the Scottish giants since his move to Parkhead, however, have proven that he has been worth the money so far.

Engels has delivered at the top end of the pitch with a return of ten goals and 12 assists in 44 appearances in all competitions for the Hoops, making him only the second central midfielder – after Matt O’Riley in 2023/24 – to hit double figures for goals and assists for Celtic since the start of the 2020/21 season.

This shows that the Belgian whiz has surpassed expectations, given his lack of experience prior to joining the club, as he has joined an elite group of midfielders – with just him and O’Riley – over the past five years to achieve that record, whilst still having a couple of months left to add to his tally.

There was one Celtic midfielder, however, who did not have his best afternoon in the win over Hearts at Parkhead last weekend, as Reo Hatate struggled against the Jam Tarts.

Why Reo Hatate should be dropped

Rodgers must ruthlessly ditch the Japan international from the starting line-up for this clash with St. Johnstone after he failed to provide an impressive showing last time out.

Hatate was selected to line up alongside McGregor and Engels in midfield, but did not reward Rodgers’ faith in him with an excellent performance on the pitch.

Vs Hearts

Reo Hatate

Minutes

81

Touches

74

Shots

2

Shots on target

0

Goals

0

Key passes

0

Duels won

0/5

Tackles + interceptions

0

Dribbled past

1x

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Japanese midfielder offered next to nothing in the final third, and was a liability defensively, losing all of his duels and being dribbled past once.

This shows that Hatate was ineffective at both ends of the pitch, as he did not impact play enough offensively or protect his back four, and that is why Rodgers must drop him out of the starting line-up.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

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Celtic are against the team that is currently sat at the bottom of the table and that presents the league leaders with a chance to rotate and offer chances to lesser-seen players, including Portuguese ace Paulo Bernardo.

Why Paulo Bernardo should start against St. Johnstone

The former Benfica starlet made his first appearance since the 8th February when he came off the bench in the 3-0 win over Hearts last weekend, having been struggling with an ankle injury.

This clash with St. Johnstone, who are bottom of the table with 19 losses in 31 matches, could be the perfect opportunity to hand him his first start since returning from injury, against a team the Hoops can reasonably expect to boss the game against – given their respective positions in the division.

When he has been fit and available, Bernardo has proven his worth to the Scottish giants with some excellent displays in the middle of the park as one of the number eights ahead of McGregor.

The Portuguese whiz has scored two goals, created five ‘big chances’, and registered three assists in just 11 league starts, which shows that he can contribute offensively, but maybe not to the level that Engels can – meaning that the former Augsburg man can step up in that area.

One of those two goals came against St. Johnstone away from home back in September, as the central midfielder brilliantly found the bottom corner from the edge of the box with a sublime finish.

As well as being a threat in the final third, Bernardo is also a “tenacious” – as described by Rodgers – defender out of possession, constantly looking to win the ball back for his team.

The right-footed dynamo has averaged 4.0 tackles and interceptions combined per 90 in the Premiership, which illustrates his desire to get stuck in with challenges to help his team out defensively. Meanwhile, Hatate has averaged 1.5 tackles and interceptions per 90 and did not make any against Hearts.

This suggests that Bernardo would come into the team as an upgrade on the Japanese dud from a defensive perspective, which could help Celtic to cut out any counter attacks that St. Johnstone may have.

It also suggests that he would be ideal next to Engels in the team because he can provide the defensive edge to complement the Belgian’s brilliant offensive power.

Related Rodgers plots move for "incredible" star who'd be Celtic's new Elyounoussi

Celtic have reportedly sent scouts to watch the £5m-rated forward in action.

Posts ByDan Emery Apr 4, 2025

It is now down to Rodgers to drop Hatate from the starting XI to make room for the Portuguese talent to come back into the side this afternoon.

In need of an attacking overhaul, Manchester United could now reportedly offer Rasmus Hojlund in a summer swap deal to sign an instant upgrade for Ruben Amorim and his side.

Amorim bemoans Man Utd's attacking struggles

Manchester United’s attacking problems couldn’t have been summed up much better than just how much more dangerous Harry Maguire looked when leading the line compared to the likes of Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee against Nottingham Forest.

The central defender offered the physical presence that Zirkzee and Hojlund otherwise lack and even moved with the attacking intelligence both forwards have failed to show consistently this season.

Minutes

1,479

1,328

Goals

3

3

Assists

0

1

Expected Goals

3

4.5

Amorim is well aware of his side’s attacking struggles too, telling reporters when asked what needs to change after Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat against Forest: “Yes, because if you look at some games, we cannot create situations where they create. The opponent sometimes create more opportunities and today was not the case.

“They scored one shot maybe two shots at goal and we manage not to score again. We have to improve in the last third. We are improving the way we build up. We are pushing the opponents more to their half, but there’s a lot to be given.”

Man Utd now open to selling star to fund move for "world-class" £62m striker

The Red Devils could cash in on a first-team player, following a very disappointing performance against Nottingham Forest.

1 ByDominic Lund Apr 3, 2025

That improvement, at this stage, looks unlikely to come by relying on Hojlund and Zirkzee which is destined to end in an attacking overhaul at Old Trafford. And whilst it remains to be seen just who arrives to solve Amorim’s problems, names such as Benjamin Sesko and Samu Aghehowa have already threatened to steal the headlines once or twice.

There’s no doubt that both would offer United instant upgrades, but there remains questions over their ability to lure such players to Old Trafford in current circumstances. Amid that doubt, the Red Devils have seemingly turned towards an option closer to home.

Man Utd could offer Hojlund in Mateta swap deal

Whilst Hojlund and Zirkzee have struggled this season, Jean-Philippe Mateta has continued to thrive and may yet find himself on his way to Old Trafford as a result this season.

According to Football Transfers, Manchester United could even offer Rasmus Hojlund in a shock swap deal to sign Mateta this summer, landing an instant solution to Amorim’s attacking problems in the process.

Dubbed “amazing” by Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, the Frenchman has outscored United’s two struggling strikers in the current campaign with 12 Premier League goals to his name providing more than enough evidence of his quality.

With talks reportedly already open over a move worth €50m (£42m), INEOS could save themselves some vital funds by ending Hojlund’s Old Trafford nightmare and signing Mateta whilst doing so this summer.

Everton are close to embarking on their new era at Bramley Moore Dock and David Moyes has now told the club that he has a new top target in his sights this summer, per reports.

Everton look to make a summer window statement

The Friedkin Group’s arrival coupled with Goodison Park’s upcoming emotional farewell has created a mixture of excitement and reflection among Everton supporters heading into next season.

Above all, their loyal fanbase feel a sense of relief that their club is finally on the up after years in the doldrums on and off the pitch. Financial struggles and relegation battles have threatened their Premier League safety, but there is hope those circumstances could now be a thing of the past.

David Moyes has decisions to make while rebuilding his squad and won’t have an infinite sum of money to plough into reinforcements, though it is expected that a healthy chunk will be available to invest in fresh blood.

Taking matters into his own hands, Everton have positioned themselves to sign Albert Gudmundsson once his loan spell at Fiorentina comes to an end and the Iceland international may be available for £20 million.

Everton emerge as shock contenders to sign £30,000-a-week Liverpool ace

This would steal plenty of headlines…

ByTom Cunningham Apr 16, 2025

Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis is another candidate to strengthen the Toffees’ forward line, albeit he may cost a pretty penny due to retaining an £80 million release clause.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin looks sure to exit the club this summer and it would be a surprise if Armando Broja were to be retained, leaving a void for one or two prolific marksmen to enter the fold during the beginning of a new era.

Now, Moyes has identified his preferred choice to lead the line and is plotting a potential double swoop that will have supporters on the edge of their seat.

Everton want "superstar" to join Liam Delap under Moyes

According to reports, Everton want Evan Ferguson and Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap to come in as a two-part solution to bolster their slim options in attack, with the gaffer personally demanding the signings from the club’s board.

Referencing the former, Moyes has put Ferguson to the club as his top target and there is scope that he could be available for significantly less than his reported £45 million valuation.

Evan Ferguson vs Liam Delap – Premier League 2024/25 statistics

Evan Ferguson

Goals

1

Assists

0

Shots on target

3

Chances created

5

Aerial duels won

9

Liam Delap

Goals

12

Assists

2

Shots on target

30

Chances created

24

Aerial duels won

53

Evidently, both have endured contrasting fortunes this campaign, but Ferguson’s early promise has saw him net 17 goals in 80 appearances for Brighton & Hove Albion, bursting onto the scene with some exemplary performances.

Labelled a “superstar” by Micah Richards, his spell on loan at West Ham United hasn’t worked out, but Moyes clearly holds optimism that he can get the Irishman back firing after his struggles with form and injury.

Everton want Ferguson in addition to Delap, which would be a mouthwatering prospect for supporters as the club move towards a new era.

This summer promises to be a huge one for Arsenal football club as they look to finally end their two-decade wait for a Premier League title at the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta’s side have finished runners-up in each of the last two campaigns, looking almost certain to finish in such a position at the end of 2024/25 – this time behind Arne Slot’s Liverpool.

The Gunners have done a tremendous job over the last couple of months considering the constant injury issues they’ve faced, losing countless key players in the process.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel are just two of the players who have been absent for large spells, highlighting the lack of squad depth currently available to Arteta in North London.

The injuries have undoubtedly scuppered any title opportunity this season, showcasing the need for added reinforcements this summer, with one area of the pitch in the greatest need of new signings.

The latest on Arsenal’s hunt for a new striker

Over the last few months, a striker has been at the top of Arsenal’s shopping list, arguably being the missing puzzle in their quest for English top-flight glory.

The main name touted with a move to the Emirates is Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, with the Swede impressing in the Premier League over the last couple of years, notching 41 league goals in his previous 58 outings.

However, any deal for his services has been made almost impossible, with Eddie Howe’s side placing a £150m valuation on his head ahead of the summer window.

He’s not the only name in the mix with Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko, two other names also high on the club’s wish list – but like Isak, no progress has yet been made on any deals.

Despite the links, the Gunners have already started talks to land Lille striker Jonathan David this summer, according to Italian outlet Sempreinter.

They aren’t alone in their pursuit of the 25-year-old, with Bayern Munich also approaching the Canadian, who’s out of contract at the end of this season.

Why David would be a better signing than Isak for Arsenal

Isak’s talents have been on show for every Arsenal fan to see over the last few months, none more so than his effort against the Gunners in the Carabao Cup semi-final.

His effortless ability to glide past the opposition has seen comparisons made to Premier League legend Thierry Henry, which has certainly produced more hype over such a move to join Arteta’s side.

However, if they were to land the 25-year-old, they would have to fork out an English-record fee for his signature, breaking the record set by Moises Caicedo after his £115m deal to join Chelsea in 2023.

Given the added depth needed in key areas, splashing such an amount on one player would severely restrict the other business Arteta is able to conduct in the months ahead.

Such a deal may not be the supporters’ first choice, but when comparing the pair’s respective stats from the ongoing season, the Canadian has managed to outperform Isak in key areas, showcasing how much of a superb signing he would be.

How Jonathan David compares to Alexander Isak in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

David

Isak

Games played

44

36

Goals & assists

33

30

Shot-on-target accuracy

45%

44%

Pass accuracy

82%

73%

Take-on success

52%

49%

Fouls won

1.3

0.5

Aerials won

36%

34%

Stats via FBref

The Canadian, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers in the world” by Tony Marinaro, has registered more combined goals and assists this campaign, showcasing the attacking threat he carries in the final third.

He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted, whilst also completing more take-ons, offering a more all-round option at the top end of the pitch – something which Arteta has greatly missed this season.

Whilst they will face stiff competition from various other European sides for his signature, from the stats produced, it’s evident that the Lille star would be a sensational addition, especially on a free transfer.

Isak will undoubtedly remain as the supporters’ main target this summer, but if the side are to improve in all areas ahead of next season, it’s pivotal that funds are available to edge them closer to title glory in 2025/26.

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Glasgow Rangers showed plenty of fighting spirit under Barry Ferguson once again during his interim period in charge as they came back from 2-0 down to draw against Aberdeen.

The result was made even better by the fact that Ross McCausland was sent off for the Ibrox outfit after receiving a second yellow card just five minutes before the interval.

With the second leg of the Europa League quarter-final tie coming up against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday evening, it was evident that Ferguson was thinking ahead to that game, making nine changes to his team.

In the grand scheme of things, the result wasn’t important, especially as the domestic season is all but done for the Light Blues.

The game did present an ideal chance for several fringe players to make an impression against the Dons. The likes of Danilo, Rafael Fernandes, Findlay Curtis and McCausland were all given starts at Pittodrie.

Given the most important match of the season is fast approaching, none of the aforementioned players took their chance to shine against the Dons.

In McCausland’s case, his brief cameo on the pitch could well turn out to be one of his last games for the Ibrox side.

Why Ross McCausland was sent off against Aberdeen

The Northern Irish winger was given his first league start since the 2-1 loss to the same opponents all the way back in October 2024.

He received an early yellow card before he chopped down Aberdeen player Topi Keskinen in what was a senseless challenge that saw him receive a second yellow and ensured the Gers would play the rest of the game with ten men.

After breaking into the first-team squad last season due to an injury crisis, McCausland looked to have a bright future ahead of him, although there were certainly a few things to work on.

The current campaign hasn’t exactly been much of a success, as the winger has featured 25 times for the club, with only seven of those coming in the starting XI.

A tally of just three goals and a solitary assist has been registered from those matches, hardly numbers which have given the Ibrox faithful much confidence in his abilities.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Across his 13 league matches this term, the youngster has registered only 1.2 shots per game while creating no big chances, averaging just 0.6 key passes per match and succeeding with only 0.8 dribbles each appearance for the Light Blues.

In Europe, these numbers decrease even further, as he has averaged no key passes per game while succeeding with 0.7 dribbles and recording only 0.4 shots a match in the Europa League.

Goals

3

0

Assists

4

1

Key passes per game

1.4

0.6

Big chances created

3

0

Successful dribbles per game

0.9

0.8

It has become evident that he isn’t up to the required standard to be a regular at the club, especially if the new manager wishes to embark on a title challenge next season.

If a decent offer arrives this summer, then McCausland should be offloaded at the first available opportunity, no doubt about that.

He isn’t the only one who must be sold when the summer transfer window opens either, as someone who was signed just last summer must headline the list of those expected to depart Rangers.

Bajrami's performance against Aberdeen in numbers

Nedim Bajrami was making his first start for the club since a 3-1 victory over Dundee United in January. With a chance to make a solid impression ahead of the second leg against Bilbao in midweek, it’s fair to say that the Albanian failed to take his chance.

Deployed in a deeper role than he is perhaps accustomed to, Bajrami struggled throughout the match, taking just 44 touches and completing only 25 of his 32 passes against the Dons.

Bajrami lost possession ten times, registered no shots and failed to deliver an accurate cross throughout his time on the pitch. The former Sassuolo man was subbed off with 25 minutes remaining and quite frankly, must not start again in Light Blue.

Journalist Ben Banks of Glasgow World gave Bajrami a match rating of just 4/10 for his performance on Sunday and it is clear he has regressed massively since arriving at Ibrox last summer.

With yet another lethargic display for the Light Blues, Bajrami may have started his last game for the club.

Why Bajrami could be sold this summer

The midfielder joined Rangers in a deal worth around £3.4m towards the end of the 2023 summer transfer window.

It appeared as though Philippe Clement had landed a decent signing, as Bajrami did showcase his talents during his first few months at Ibrox.

He scored on his first European start for the club against Malmö in September, adding goal involvements against Aberdeen, Dundee and Motherwell, with his goal against the latter sending the Gers through to the League Cup final.

Since the start of 2025, however, Bajrami has recorded only four assists in all competitions, with none coming in Europe.

Stevie Clifford, who runs the Four Lads Had a Dream, criticised the player back in January after a string of poor performances, saying: “I’ll highlight it again, it’s not singling him out, but Nedim Bajrami is not offering enough at all. We need him to influence games & be involved, largely anonymous so far, again. £4m is big money to do it in these type of games & he’s miles off it so far.”

He hasn’t become any more influential since Clifford said this and his spell in Glasgow may be short-lived, especially if a new coach comes in who wants to sell a few players to raise transfer funds.

If an offer comes in that would see Rangers recoup the majority of the £3.4m they paid for him, then the board will certainly be keen on accepting this, without a shadow of a doubt.

Some transfers work out well, while others don’t. That is the nature of the beast. In Bajrami, Rangers thought they had a player who might take them to the next level, especially considering he had shone at Euro 2024 and in Serie A. Unfortunately, it hasn’t quite worked out like that.

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