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Ruben Amorim’s polarising tactical set-up is reliant on fluent and efficient wing-backs. Establishing a winning formula down the flanks has proved difficult for the Manchester United manager in his year at the Old Trafford helm, though.

Though the right-sided pairing of Bryan Mbeumo is an imperfect combination, there is much to like about this front-footed and dynamic dimension.

The same can’t be said for Patrick Dorgu down the left, who Amorim admitted last week creates an air of “anxiety” when on the ball at the moment.

Harsh words, but not without the ring of truth. The Red Devils are short on effective options on the left, with Diogo Dalot the stand-in. However, he too leaves much to be desired, as was clear as United secured a from-behind Premier League win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Dalot flatters to deceive at Selhurst Park

Dalot has struggled under Amorim’s wing, having found tough work in adapting to the new system. Content creator Liam Canning actually said a month ago that the Portuguese defender is “becoming a worry long term”, given that he “doesn’t look like he suits the wing back role”.

Such words rung true against Palace at the weekend, albeit with the intensity and aggression improving after the break.

While content creator Adam Joseph feels the left side is “completely toothless”, there are signs of life.

Dalot did win eight duels on the afternoon, as per Sofascore, succeeding with his one tackle and making six ball recoveries besides. But he also failed with two attempted crosses and didn’t create a single chance, illustrating the on-the-ball imbalances that Amorim has yet to iron out.

However, given Dorgu has been so unconvincing and the alternative options are few and far between, it’s unlikely we will see any drastic upheaval in the immediate future.

But Amorim may look to chop and change another part of his backline.

Amorim must drop 3/10 Man Utd star

There has been a promising increase in levels at Manchester United this season, but Amorim still has much ground to cover before his tenure can be confirmed as a success.

Going forward, he may need to make a few tough calls, and one of those calls centres on dropping Leny Yoro, who has struggled of late and must be pulled to the bench.

Yoro, 20, is considered one of the most talented centre-backs in the world, and United scored a coup when beating Liverpool and Real Madrid to his signature.

However, he’s been out of form this season, and journalist Nathan Salt believes he “needs a break from the XI to restore some confidence”.

Yoro was at fault for the penalty which Jean-Philippe Mateta dispatched – controversially – to put the hosts 1-0 up before half-time. The Manchester Evening News gave him a 3/10 match rating after an error-strewn performance that saw him hooked before the hour mark.

The timing is at least fortuitous. Lisandro Martinez has completed his long-anticipated return from injury, and the Butcher at his best will be sure to nail down a starting berth in Amorim’s team.

Yoro is strong on the ball and a progressive passer, ranking among the top 14% of positional peers in the Premier League this season for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref, but he’s also shorn of confidence.

United fans must retain their excitement over the dynamic, promising defender, who has what it takes to become one of the very best in the business. But, for now, he needs to put the brakes on his campaign.

After the match, content creator Adam Joseph acknowledged that the Frenchman is “going through a tough period in his development”, but that he was “brilliant last season” and will bounce back soon.

This is true, but, for now, Amorim would be wise to take the young centre-half out of the firing line, especially now that Martinez is match fit once again.

Not just Zirkzee: Man Utd star who was a "waste of time" is now undroppable

This Man Utd player starred in their 2-1 win away to Crystal Palace

1

By
Joe Nuttall

Nov 30, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly considering launching a 2026 bid to sign an impressive defender who just scored a Premier League brace.

Carragher name-drops Marco Silva as pressure grows on Frank

Thomas Frank should be pleased that his side showed some resilience to complete their comeback against Newcastle United late on in midweek, but it was ultimately another attacking performance to forget. The Lilywhites found themselves relying on Cristian Romero brace to salvage a point as their frontline once again struggled to create.

The pressure is certainly growing on Frank, who is quickly losing the backing of supporters thanks to his pragmatic style. It remains to be seen whether ENIC pull the plug so early into the manager’s tenure, but that didn’t stop Jamie Carragher from suggesting a manager that he’s always seen heading to Spurs.

The Sky Sports pundit and Liverpool legend said: “I actually think he was the one manager Everton should have stuck with. I’ve always seen Silva at Tottenham, I’m not saying Tottenham as in change Thomas Frank put Marco Silva in.

“The point I’m trying to make is not quite go from Fulham to like you know a Liverpool or Manchester City you think going to sort of compete for the league but sort of that sort of level just belong with it trying to get you know Champions League maybe, you know Aston Villa, that type of team that would almost be the next step for him in the Premier League.”

Of course, if Spurs are to make a decison then it should come before the January transfer window, when they could look to sign a defensive addition.

Tottenham eyeing Van Hecke bid

According to TeamTalk, Tottenham are now eyeing a bid to sign Jan Paul Van Hecke in 2026 following the defender’s impressive start to the campaign for Brighton. Like Romero in midweek, Van Hecke netted an unlikely brace for the Seagulls, highlighting his surprising goalscoring threat in a dramatic 4-3 defeat against Aston Villa.

That said, Van Hecke’s set-piece threat is unlikely to be the main reason for Tottenham’s interest. Instead, their focus will be on his defensive prowess – especially as Frank continues to experiment with an occasional back three.

In Romero, Micky van de Ven and Van Hecke, the Lilywhites would suddenly have a solid trio to choose from in a back three. That, in itself, would go a long way towards turning things around for Frank.

Brighton rarely make things easy for buying clubs, however, and the praise of manager Fabian Hurzeler suggests that the Seagulls will be keen to keep hold of their man.

Fabrizio Romano shares Thomas Frank update amid mounting Tottenham pressure

The reliable journalist has some information.

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 4, 2025

The young manager told reporters last season: “I think it’s very important that we recognise he’s a very young player. He’s 23 and he plays an unbelievable season. He shows great character. I like his character because he’s very straight. He says his opinion, he always has good intentions.”

Tottenham in 'very advanced' talks with £88m Semenyo alternative over Spurs move

Rasmus Hojlund formed part of a bizarre celebration after teeing up Napoli team-mate David Neres for a crucial goal that settled a top-of-the-table Serie A clash with Roma. The Manchester United outcast, who has rediscovered his smile since returning to Italy in the summer of 2025, played a leading role in the effort which settled a keenly-fought contest at Stadio Olimpico.

• Man Utd struggles: Hojlund happy again in Italy

  Denmark international Hojlund previously enjoyed a productive spell in Italian football with Atalanta. It was his performances there which convinced Premier League giants United to part with a £72 million ($95m) transfer fee in the summer of 2023.

  The 22-year-old frontman endured a tough time at Old Trafford, registering 26 goals through 95 appearances, and was allowed to link up with Napoli ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. He has found the target for them on four occasions across 12 outings.

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• Watch Hojlund take part in bizarre 'bird' celebration

• In a flap: How Hojlund and Neres downed Roma

  Hojlund did not hit the net on his latest appearance, but still managed to make a decisive contribution. That is because it was his quick counter-attack that allowed Neres to settle a tight encounter with Roma.

  Hojlund was picked out by Neres as they raced out of their own half. The burly Danish striker carried the ball down the right flank, before rolling a pass inside. Neres took over from there, pulling clear of the Roma defence before stroking a composed finish into the bottom corner.

  After initially sharing a warm embrace by the corner flag, Hojlund and Neres then proceeded to deliver a strange ‘bird’ celebration that saw them flap their arms like wings. Hojlund looked a little sheepish at first, but performed the routine with a smile on his face.

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  Napoli fixtures: Next up for Hojlund and Co

  He will be hoping to deliver more moments of match-altering brilliance over the coming weeks and months. Ex-Napoli star Antonio Careca has told of the Hojlund’s contribution so far: “He’s just arrived, so you have to be patient. I don’t know him personally, but you can see he wants to give his all. Maybe too much: he doesn’t always manage to express himself.

  “He has a good left foot, but both in the league and the Champions League, I’ve seen him struggle a bit. He struggled to stop the ball, and he showed a nervousness that’s normal for his age. He has a lot of quality, but we just have to wait a bit longer.”

  Defending Serie A champions Napoli, who have pulled level with AC Milan on 28 points at the top of the table, will be back in action on Wednesday when facing Cagliari in the last 16 of the Coppa Italia, before then playing host to Juventus on Sunday.

Celtic head into the final international break of the year off the back of a 4-0 win over Kilmarnock at Parkhead under Martin O’Neill in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.

The interim head coach has won both of his league games in charge of the club by a 4-0 scoreline, and those two results have left the Hoops seven points behind Hearts in the table, with a game in hand.

Celtic now have an international break to assess their managerial situation after Brendan Rodgers tendered his resignation last month, following a 3-1 defeat to the league leaders.

The Hoops may decide to go with a longer-term option in their bid to overtake Hearts and claim the Premiership title once again, rather than allowing O’Neill to see out the remainder of the season.

Celtic set to make move for managerial target

In fact, a fresh report suggests that the Scottish giants are making moves to bring in a new head coach to take O’Neill’s place and replace Rodgers at Parkhead.

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According to TEAMtalk, Celtic are set to make a formal approach to appoint Bodo/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen as their next permanent boss this season.

The report claims that the Hoops are ready to make a move for the Norwegian tactician after they learned that he is keen on taking a step up in his career, and that a move to the club would match his ambitions, because of their budget and European football.

TEAMtalk adds that his contract at Bodo/Glimt is due to expire in January, meaning that compensation now would be minimal, but it does not reveal whether or not he would want to see out the final two games of the Eliteserien season.

Why Celtic should appoint Kjetil Knutsen

The Hoops should appoint the Norwegian boss, who Johan Mjällby claimed would be the “perfect fit”, because he could come in and crush Hearts with his track record of winning titles.

Knutsen’s Bodo/Glimt side are currently one point behind Viking in the Eliteserien with two matches left to play, and they have won the title in four of the last five full seasons.

2025

28

64 (2nd)

2024

30

62 (1st)

2023

30

70 (1st)

2022

30

60 (2nd)

2021

30

63 (1st)

2020

30

81 (1st)

As you can see in the table above, the Celtic target knows what it takes to win domestic leagues and to coach a team to achieve success on a consistent basis, which is exactly what the Hoops will be looking for in their next head coach.

The Scottish giants are currently seven points behind Hearts, but that could be four if they win their game in hand, and there is still plenty of football left to be played before the end of the season.

Bodo/Glimt had never won the Eliteserien before Knutsen took charge of the club, and now they are serial winners who have dominated the league for the past five or six years.

Celtic would be hiring a proven winner who can lead a team to glory, even in difficult circumstances, given that his club had never won a league title before his arrival, which is why he could be the dream appointment to crush Hearts this season.

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Therefore, the Bodo/Glimt tactician could be the perfect man to come in and win the league title for the Hoops, despite the position they find themselves in, because of his impressive track record when it comes to winning league titles.

A surprise promotion to No. 3 set him on course to play a match-winning innings

Sidharth Monga30-Mar-2025Sometimes one cursory glance at a scorecard can tell you the story of the match. In a 182-vs-176 match, eight batters batted more than 10 balls. Only one managed a strike rate of over 150. That of 225. Over 36 balls.Mega auctions can be tough on the mid card. Nitish Rana was one such solid and bankable mid-card player with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). In the year immediately preceding the auction, Rana injured his middle finger and played only two games. A year before that, he was their captain as Shreyas Iyer was out with injury. It is difficult for teams to reward loyalty with only so many players they can retain. In Rana’s case, the India cap he earned when two India teams played simultaneously in 2021 disqualified him from being retained in the uncapped quota.It is not to say the hurt was not justified. When KKR didn’t bid for him nor use the right-to-match card for him, Rana’s wife posted on social media: “loyalty is expensive, not everyone can afford it.” What a time then to produce his best IPL knock: only his fifth score in the 80s but his only half-century at more than two runs a ball.Related

CSK face a tricky situation with Dhoni the batter

Rana 81 in Royals win as CSK batting muddle continues

That Riyan Parag would be pushed from mid card to main event was decided and conveyed to Rana even before the RR coach Rahul Dravid talked up Parag as the No. 3 in a press conference. There was a clear plan to what Dravid wanted, and he didn’t want it telegraphed to the opposition, who had anyway taken a long flight from Chennai to Guwahati with one day’s gap between their two defeats.RR wanted to make the most of the powerplay, so it made sense to deploy a low-cost wicket, but they also wanted to deny Chennai Super Kings (CSK) the use of R Ashwin with the new ball. CSK have Khaleel Ahmed to exploit the early movement, but have struggled for a quick to share the new ball. Sam Curran’s replacement, Jamie Overton is also more of an into-the-pitch user of the older ball.Now, you might wonder, why a left-hand batter to deny an offspinner? For starters, by now you know Rana enjoys a sweet match-up against Ashwin, who finally managed to dismiss him for the first time today but not before the carnage. Ashwin, though, is not the only offspinner to suffer at the hands of Rana. Before this game, Rana averaged 33.9 and struck at 154.13 against all offspin in the IPL.It’s not that CSK were not aware of the match-up, but they didn’t have too much choice but to go to Ashwin once Rana got off to a flier. Against left-arm orthodox, Rana enjoys an even better match-up. Off 21 balls from Kuldeep Yadav, the only left-arm wristspinner he has faced before this game, Rana had scored 36 runs without getting out. There could still be a case made for going to Noor Ahmad before feeding Rana the bowling of Ashwin, but CSK are a side that plays percentage cricket. Not for them such fancy moves of bowling Noor inside the powerplay only for the seventh time in an IPL career of 26 matches.2:27

Rapid fire review: How did Rana play so well when others couldn’t?

Rana didn’t waste any time in showing why he dominates fingerspin so much. He swept Ashwin for successive sixes and a four immediately. Ashwin was aware of the spin threat, which explains the attempt at really full balls, but he ended up overcooking two of the first three. The full length nearly worked when he got an lbw call but the DRS review reinstated Rana. He went on to drive Ashwin over extra cover and also reverse-hit him for four. In between, he also played perhaps his best shot of the innings: an inside-out extra-cover drive off Noor.While it was the perfect tactical ploy by Dravid and Parag to exploit CSK’s lack of bowlers who can test Rana with high pace, Rana took care of the execution perfectly.In an interview on Rana’s comeback last year, Harsha Bhogle said he was trying to catch a glimpse of his injured finger, to which he had said: “Sir, that I can’t show you because it is my middle finger.”Given his anger at not being valued enough by his previous franchise – Rana and his wife unfollowed KKR on socials – he showed his mature side in a “rocking-the-baby” celebration.

Southern Brave 161 for 6 (Wolvaardt 36, Bouchier 34, Franklin 2-28) beat Oval Invincibles 72 (Villiers 3-17) by 89 runs Southern Brave produced a devastating all-round performance to inflict a record-breaking 89-run defeat on Oval Invincibles at Utilita Bowl to maintain their 100 per cent record and move top of the table.Set 162 for victory, the Invincibles could only muster 72, never recovering from a two-wicket burst by Sophie Devine (2 for 15) in her opening set, the Kiwi castling Meg Lanning with a peach before sending Lauren Winfield-Hill on her way three balls later.When Lauren Bell (2 for 11) struck with consecutive deliveries, utilising the short ball to great effect to induce edges from Alice Capsey and Paige Scholfield, the visitors slumped to 28 for 4 and they were eventually skittled in 83 balls, Mady Villiers picking up 3 for 17 with her off-breaks.Earlier, England duo Maia Bouchier and Danni Wyatt-Hodge put on an opening stand of 59 after Brave were asked to bat, Bouchier the main aggressor in her innings of 34 from 23 before picking out Scholfield at deep mid-wicket to give Tash Farrant the breakthrough.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Wyatt-Hodge (26 from 24) was clean bowled by a Phoebe Franklin slower delivery but Laura Wolvaardt kept up the momentum, the South African cruising to a 19-ball 36 including a slog-swept six off Amanda-Jade Wellington but the Aussie leg-spinner had her revenge next ball when Lanning held on to a catch at extra-cover.Freya Kemp was involved in a mix-up which saw Devine run out for 19 but the England starlet made amends with a sparky cameo, smashing two sixes in her 11-ball 24 to post a target which was well beyond the Invincibles’ reach and set up a fifth straight victory for the 2023 champions.Meerkat Match Hero Sophie Devine, who picked up the award for a third game straight at Utilita Bowl, said: “I feel a bit embarrassed because today was a great team performance and there were so many people who should be standing here instead of me. Today was exceptional from this group and I’m really proud of everyone.”The great thing about this group is we’ve spoken at length about different plans and having the ability to be able to execute that is something I’ve found incredibly impressive. That should stand us in good stead come the important part of this tournament.”For us there’s a great focus on each and every game. We’ve got some tough games coming up but we’ll celebrate our success here today. It was a comprehensive win but we certainly know we’ve got a big job to finish off this competition strongly.”

Bayern Munich are now in contact with the representatives of a Manchester United star, who has been told to leave the club by Old Trafford legend Paul Scholes.

Man Utd targeting midfield addition in 2026

The January transfer window is now less than a month away and Man United could once again be active on the hunt for reinforcements. In the summer, it was their frontline that took the focus as they welcomed Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha. Now, however, INEOS are looking to add to Ruben Amorim’s midfield.

It’s not a major surprise that the Red Devils are after a midfielder. Casemiro is an ageing option, Manuel Ugarte has proved to be an unreliable option and Mason Mount’s injury history speaks for itself. As such, a move for Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton would make perfect sense.

According to The Mirror, the England international sits at the very top of United’s wishlist even though he wants the guarantee of Champions League football next season.

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For those at Old Trafford, it could be a case of one in one out if they sign Wharton but allow Kobbie Mainoo to leave in 2026. The Carrington graduate has been left aside by Amorim this season, despite the fact that the manager blocked his attempts to leave in the summer and told him to fight for his place.

The midfielder could now follow the path of Scott McTominay and others by thriving away from Old Trafford, especially if it is Bayern Munich who secure his signature.

Bayern Munich make contact with Mainoo

According to TeamTalk, Bayern Munich have now made contact with Mainoo over a 2026 move away from Man United. The German giants have joined the likes of Napoli in the race to sign the 20-year-old, who is increasingly desperate to leave his boyhood club when the chance arrives.

Mainoo isn’t the only one frustrated by his current situation, either. Man United legend took the Instagram after the midfielder was an unused substitute against West Ham United to say: “Bulls**t. The kid is being ruined, not being played in a team that can’t control a game of football. Hate seeing home grown players leave but it’s probably best for him now. Enough is enough.”

At his best, meanwhile, the academy graduate has earned high praise from teammate Bruno Fernandes, who described him as “great” after he first burst onto the scene while journalist Alex Turk has even described him as a “future £100m+ footballer.”

Praise from his captain isn’t enough for Amorim, however, who has not given Mainoo a fair chance since blocking his late loan move away from the club in the summer.

He's "like Reijnders": Old Trafford chiefs pushing Man Utd to sign "elite" star

Newcastle United will be hoping for a smoother January transfer window than the one they experienced in the summer. Eddie Howe’s side were embroiled in several sagas, including Alexander Isak’s move to Liverpool, which was the talk of the entire transfer window.

They did make some pretty big signings, too. Malick Thiaw joined the club from AC Milan and has gone on to become a key player for Howe’s side.

They also managed to replace Isak with Nick Woltemade, who has impressed in the four months he has been at St. James’ Park, following his club-record £69m switch.

It seems as though the Magpies are lining up some more moves with the next window around the corner.

Newcastle’s latest transfer target

The Magpies are already linked with a couple of midfield targets. Former academy star Elliot Anderson is one man on their shopping list, as is ex-Manchester United and Napoli man Scott McTominay.

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However, according to a recent report from The Athletic, there is another midfielder on their list of targets.

That man is Stuttgart star Bilal El Khannouss, and the report explains he is a player whom the higher-ups at St. James’ Park have already held ‘internal conversations’ about in recent weeks.

This would not necessarily be an easy deal for the North Eastern giants to complete.

The Moroccan star only joined the Bundesliga side on loan this summer from Leicester City. However, he has a buy option in the deal, which may add complications.

As for a price, El Khannouss’ buy clause is worth £21m, so the Magpies may well have to pay a similar fee.

Why El Khannouss would be a good signing

Adding a player with the attacking quality of El Khannouss to their squad would certainly enhance the final third quality that Howe has at his disposal.

As football scout Antonio Mango said, the 21-year-old is a “magician” on the ball.

Indeed, he has shone for German outfit Stuttgart this season. In just 16 appearances across all competitions for the club, he’s managed to score five times and assist four, operating as a number ten.

In the top flight of Germany, the attacker has five goals and assists in ten games.

Let’s not forget that the former Leicester star shone for the Foxes in the Premier League last season. In a tough campaign for the club in which they got relegated, he grabbed five top-flight goal involvements, including this sublime strike against Tottenham Hotspur.

The attacking midfielder’s stats from the Bundesliga season so far show the sort of quality he can add to Newcastle’s attack.

For example, he’s averaging 6.52 progressive passes and 2.81 key passes per 90 minutes, which both rank him in the top 5% of attackers.

Key passes

2.81

95th

Passes into final third

4.5

95th

Passes into penalty box

1.8

85th

Progressive passes

6.52

95th

Shot-creating actions

4.5

85th

This signing certainly has shades of the addition of Woltemade this summer.

As El Khannouss is doing now, the German striker shone in what proved to be his solitary season at Stuttgart and impressed with 18 goals and three assists in just 36 appearances for the Bundesliga side.

Since moving to the North East of England, Woltemade has continued that good form.

He already has seven goals to his name in that famous Black and White shirt, with his most recent effort being this exquisite chip against Everton last weekend.

It is easy to see how the potential move for El Khannouss has shades of the Woltemade deal. It seems like the Moroccan star will also spend just one season at the club, and Newcastle could well be his destination.

That is certainly one parallel, but the form which both players have, or did, showcase in the Bundesliga is another interesting dynamic.

Newcastle bought Woltemade based on his sensational 2024/25 campaign, and it feels as though that was some of the logic behind signing the Morocco international too.

If they do only have to pay £21m, that is an extraordinarily cheap fee for a player who could instantly improve their attacking quality.

Outscoring Woltemade: Newcastle preparing move for one of the PL's best strikers

He’s been in excellent form.

ByTom Cunningham Dec 3, 2025

Boland removed Konstas for a duck after Victoria posted 240 on a difficult batting pitch where Handscomb and Perry had stood tall

Alex Malcolm15-Oct-2025

Sam Konstas’ hopes of playing in the first Ashes Test are fading fast after he fell for a duck to Scott Boland at the Junction Oval on a day when Sean Abbott became the first player to be subbed out of a Sheffield Shield game through injury under Cricket Australia’s new trial rule.Konstas’ tough start to the Shield season continued as he was trapped lbw for a fourth-ball duck by Boland in the first over of New South Wales’ reply after Victoria had been bowled out for 240 on a very seam-friendly surface.Related

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Konstas left the first three length balls wide of off stump but then missed a full, straight delivery that would have crashed into middle and leg. It was the fifth time that Boland has dismissed Konstas in Shield cricket and the third time in the last three innings he has faced him.”It’s amazing just watching Scotty doing his thing and just going about his process each time he bowls, he’s better and better and better,” Victoria batter Peter Handscomb said after play. “He just peaks nicely come summer time for the Australian summer. So I’ve got no doubt in my mind that if selected [for the Ashes] which hopefully he is, he’ll do a great job.”It leaves Konstas with scores of 4, 14 and 0 to start the Shield season, although he has batted on some very difficult surfaces, and he has potentially three innings remaining before the Test squad his named.Victoria’s top three had also crumbled in the morning while NSW’s did likewise in the final hour on a day when 13 wickets fell overall for just 279. The home side’s new ball pairing of Boland and Fergus O’Neill relished the friendly conditions in the evening sunlight, just as NSW’s seamers had earlier in the day.Following Boland’s breakthrough, O’Neill had Kurtis Patterson caught behind for 5. Blake Nikitaras fought his way to 20 before O’Neill breached his defence from around the wicket to disturb his off stump. Matthew Gilkes and nightwatcher Ryan Hadley fought hard to get to stumps at 39 for 3 without further loss.Earlier, Handscomb continued his sparkling form making a superb 85 while Mitchell Perry made his fifth first-class half-century to rescue Victoria from a perilous position while Liam Hatcher taking his first five-wicket haul in Shield cricket.Handscomb and Perry came together at 66 for 5 after Abbott and Jack Edwards torn through the top-order following NSW’s decision to bowl on a lively Junction Oval pitch that was firm underneath with a thick coverage of green grass.Peter Handscomb continued his excellent form•Getty Images

Handscomb looked a class above, navigating some hostile bowling from Abbott and Hatcher in particular. He had some luck, playing and missing several times, while a gloved ball cleared the keeper and two other top edges yielded boundaries.But his calmness shone as he sat deep in the crease and used the pace with some deft cut shots and controlled drives down the ground. Perry also batted impressively having been elevated above skipper Will Sutherland to No. 7. He played some outstanding drives through the off side to several over-pitched deliveries.Both played the ball much later than others in Victoria’s top order. Campbell Kellaway dragged on for 3 trying to drive a full ball wide of off stump. Another Test aspirant Marcus Harris also fell playing an expansive cover drive, edging Edwards behind. In between those dismissals, Abbott nicked off Harry Dixon with a beauty that nipped across the left-hander from back of a length.Victoria were 13 for 3 and then 38 for 4 when Edwards scratched the outside edge of Ollie Peake with another delivery that angled across the 19-year-old left-hander. Sam Harper was Hatcher’s first victim, edging a good length delivery to gully for a brisk 20 that included four boundaries.Handscomb and Perry then combined for a 130-run stand which was a complete outlier among the flurry of wickets that fell at either end of the day. Nathan Lyon bowled 13 overs but did not get any purchase on a surface where the seamers dominated.Abbott’s injury changed the course of Victoria’s innings. With the first ball of the 43rd over, Abbott’s ninth, Handscomb struck a firm drive back at him and the ball split the webbing between the second and third fingers on his right hand. Abbott walked straight off for treatment and never returned.Shortly after it was announced that he had been subbed out of the game under CA’s new injury replacement rule given he could not bowl again due to the injury. Charlie Stobo replaced him and bowled his first over of the match straight after the tea break. He struck in his third, luring Handscomb to drive a delivery that shaped away late with Edwards pouching the catch at a floating slip.Hatcher then cleaned up the tail with pace. Edwards took another sharp chance at first slip to remove Perry after dropping a tough one-hander moments before.Todd Murphy provided some excellent late hitting against a barrage of short balls. He clubbed 31 off 25 deliveries, including five boundaries before holing out to cover to end the innings.

Former Southampton manager Russell Martin is “still in contention” for what would be a stunning return to St Mary’s.

Though Southampton endured a dismal 2024/25 Premier League campaign, they were still expected to be strong contenders for an immediate promotion from the Championship. Having established himself with Reims and Lens in Ligue 1, Will Still was appointed as Saints manager in the summer.

Despite his obvious potential as a coach, Still was unable to make things click during what was his first job in English football. After winning just two matches out of 13 in the second tier, Still was sacked by the club who, at the time, were 21st in the league following three successive defeats.

Working as interim boss of the Saints, Tonda Eckert won his first game in charge against Queens Park Rangers. Having been called up temporarily from the Under-21s, Eckert has made a good start to his time in charge as Southampton pursue a permanent successor to Still.

Now, reports have indicated that Southampton, who are eight points adrift of the top six, could look to bring a former manager back to the club.

Martin to return to Southampton?

According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Martin is “still held in high regard at Southampton and has admirers in the boardroom”.

Taking over the Saints in 2023 after managing MK Dons and Swansea City, Martin guided Southampton to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs.

Wedded to his patient, possession-based brand of football, Martin was sacked by the club in December 2024, in a season that saw the club become the first Premier League side to be condemned to relegation with as many as seven games remaining.

Martin was, in turn, hired by Rangers in the summer of 2025, going onto endure a terrible tenure in charge that lasted for just 123 days. Amongst other reported options, including Frank Lampard and Mark Robins, Martin’s current status as a free agent may mean he is more inclined to take the job.

Football Insider have reported that, whilst Martin being hired by Southampton would be “a surprise, his return has not been ruled out,” as the club do not blame him for the season that they endured in the top flight.

Having been called “unbelievable” by Flynn Downes, who Martin brought to Southampton, the 39-year-old has certainly proven himself at Southampton in the past. Given their current predicament and how badly Martin’s tenure at Rangers went, though, it remains to be seen whether Southampton push further for a reunion.

"Very intelligent" coach interested in Southampton job