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Manchester United’s excellent run of form continues, as they narrowly defeated Luton Town 2-1 on Sunday afternoon.

Erik ten Hag’s side raced to an early two-goal lead within the first ten minutes, but that was their best spell of the entire game.

A slightly fortunate Hatters goal saw the dominance turn, and from that point on, the hosts were the side pushing for another for the equaliser.

Missed chances summed up the second half for the Red Devils, who looked dangerous on the break, but the three points ultimately put them just five points behind Aston Villa in fourth.

Rasmus Hojlund’s performance in numbers

It was that man again putting the ball in the back of the net for Man United, with Rasmus Hojlund now scoring seven goals and providing two assists in his last six Premier League games.

The 21-year-old was phenomenal throughout today, and he took his two goals extremely well. For the opener, Hojlund showed excellent composure to round the keeper and finish into an open net after latching onto a mistake from Amari Bell.

His second arrived in the seventh minute after an Alejandro Garnacho miss-hit volley was flicked into the bottom corner off the Dane’s chest.

Over his 86 minutes on the field, he was a handful and displayed his ability to play with his back to goal, excellent decision-making, and creativity, as highlighted by his two key passes.

It was a pretty perfect performance by the number 11, who will be gutted that he didn’t take home the match ball.

That said, he wasn't the only player in white on Sunday who deserves his flowers.

Kobbie Mainoo's performance in numbers

Kobbie Mainoo. The academy graduate is simply unbelievable, and with each game, he seems to get better and better.

Today, the 18-year-old played with the class and confidence of a professional with ten years in the business at the most elite level, with even Ian Wright taking to X to say:

“Kobbie Mainoo has to be in the next England squad. Such maturity in chaotic conditions that we've not seen from a England player in a long time. Impressed every time I watch him.”

Minutes

94

Touches

52

Pass accuracy

88%

Key passes

2

Successful dribbles

6/7

Possesion lost

7

As you can see by the table above, Mainoo completed six of his seven dribble attempts against the Hatters, showing composure to wriggle his way out of trouble and retain the ball during difficult spells for United, which is what earned him an 8/10 rating courtesy of the Manchester Evening News. Football creator Liam Canning went so far as to say that he's an "absolute joke."

Those are apt words indeed from a young talent with the world at his feet, so much so he's now even emulating a certain Paul Pogba with his displays in the centre of the pitch.

The number 37 also always made the right decision when on the ball, whether it was to keep it simple, as shown by his 88% pass accuracy, or take more risks in the final third, as displayed by his two key passes.

When the rest of the team panicked, the youngest player on the field remained calm and showed real courage and leadership in a ground that has seen the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool struggle this season.

A huge three points, another two Hojlund goals, and a Mainoo masterclass. The perfect way to round off the weekend as a United fan.

Ex-Germany star Markus Babbel claimed that teams are not afraid of facing England in Euro 2024 and Jude Bellingham deserves a "kick up the backside."

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England have been lacklustre in Euro 2024Bellingham has been thoroughly unimpressiveBabbel slammed Three Lions for performance WHAT HAPPENED?

England's performance in the group stage has left much to be desired. Despite entering the tournament with high expectations, the Three Lions have struggled to find their rhythm, prompting concerns about their tactical approach under Gareth Southgate. They started off the tournament with a narrow 1-0 victory over Serbia, but their form dipped significantly in the subsequent matches and were held to a draw by Denmark and Slovenia.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT MARKUS BABBEL SAID

Former Germany international Babbel has been vocal about England's shortcomings. He expressed his astonishment at England's lacklustre displays, noting that they appeared disjointed and ineffective.

In an interview with Babbel said: "Germany wouldn’t have any fear coming up against England. England might well have the best players but they have been so poor. If you see how England play, you get tears in your eyes. I’m not sure what they are trying to do, if you look at Trent Alexander-Arnold he is incredible for Liverpool and then for England, you’d think it was his twin brother.

"There are top players, but no one is performing, England can’t be worse than they were in the group stage. I wish that Germany would have played against England because it was the easiest draw if you go by the group games. If they perform like they can then it will be difficult to beat them, but at the moment they look awful."

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Central to England's struggles has been the form of Bellingham. After a stellar season with Real Madrid, where he showcased his scoring prowess and midfield dominance, Bellingham was expected to be a key player for England. He delivered a standout performance in the opener against Serbia, scoring the decisive goal. However, his impact waned in the matches that followed, particularly in the goalless draw against Slovenia.

According to Babbel, Bellingham's body language on the pitch has been concerning, suggesting that the young midfielder might be overestimating his current standing due to his Champions League success with Real Madrid.

"The body language from Jude Bellingham, my God, what's going on with him?" he asked.

"Maybe he thinks that because he won the Champions League that now he’s the absolute superstar of England? Come on. If I was playing with him, I would kick him up the backside. He's a top, top player. There's a reason why he won the Champions League with Real Madrid because he's an outstanding player, but when I see his body language, I go mad.

"He's still a young player. If Harry Kane was doing it then maybe. He has played so many years in the Premier League and was often the top scorer. Okay, I’d understand that. But, Bellingham? Come on. He's doing well with Real Madrid but when you’re playing for England you have to give everything. If you don’t want to run, that's not good enough for me because I expect so much more from this kind of player."

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?

With the knockout stages looming, Southgate faces crucial decisions regarding his team selection and tactics. There have been suggestions that Bellingham might be better utilized in a deeper role alongside Declan Rice, allowing him to focus on his strengths in ball distribution and defensive duties. This adjustment could also help address England's midfield issues, providing more stability and control in matches. Their next test will be against Slovakia in the last-16 on Sunday.

West Indies internationals like Sunil Narine and Lendl Simmons will also feature in the game to be held on September 1 in Port of Spain

ESPNcricinfo staff31-Aug-2019Trinbago Knight Riders have called upon the services of overseas internationals like James Neesham and Seekkuge Prasanna, and local Trinidad and Tobago talent, for an exhibition game that the T20 franchise will host ahead of this year’s CPL. Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard will captain the two sides that will lock horns in the one-off fixture, named the Selector Fan Cup, on September 1, in Port of Spain.New Zealand allrounder Neesham and Sri Lanka’s Prasanna will line up for Pollard’s side, which will also feature Denesh Ramdin and Khary Pierre.Brian Lara, the former West Indies captain who recently worked with the men’s national team ahead of the ongoing Test series against India, will be part of Bravo’s team. Lara, a Trinidad native, last appeared in a high-profile exhibition game in the Masters Champions League in the UAE in 2016 and the Cricket All-Stars Series in the USA the previous year.Current West Indies internationals in the likes of Sunil Narine and Lendl Simmons will turn out for Bravo’s side, with young players like Ali Khan, Tion Webster, Amir Jangoo and Akeal Hossein also featuring in the mix.Defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders will kick off their CPL 2019 campaign on September 4, against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, in Port of Spain.Bravo XI: Brian Lara, Lendl Simmons, Amir Jangoo (wk), Tion Webster, Dwayne Bravo (capt), Javon Searles, Yannic Cariah, Sunil Narine, Ali Khan, Akeal Hossain, Sheeno Berridge, Jayden Seales, Isiah Rajah, JP Barrie, Dexter SweenPollard XI: Denesh Ramdin (wk), Mark Deyal, Kieron Pollard (capt), Jimmy Neesham, Seekkuge Prasanna, Joshua De Silva, Khary Pierre, Terrance Hinds, Anderson Phillip, Jon Russ Jaggesar, Jalarnie Seales, Leonardo Julien, Nicholas Alexi, Kjorn Ottley, Yannick Ottley, Daron Cruickshank

Tottenham Hotspur chiefs apparently rate one club's 25-year-old star in very high esteem, with the north Londoners now readying talks to sign him.

Spurs prepared to back Ange with signings this summer

Ange Postecoglou's debut season in the Spurs dugout has proved excellent thus far.

Tottenham laying groundwork to sign marquee striker with Paratici contacts

The Italian advises Spurs on a consultancy basis.

ByEmilio Galantini Mar 6, 2024

The Lilywhites are locked in a fierce battle with Aston Villa for a place in the top four and qualification for the Champions League next season, and while the overall success of Postecoglou's campaign will hinder on their finish to 2023/2024, it's safe to say Spurs have been a far more exciting watch under the Australian.

Spurs 3-1 Crystal Palace

Spurs 1-2 Wolves

Spurs 2-1 Brighton

Everton 2-2 Spurs

Spurs 3-2 Brentford

He's implemented a high-pressing, fast-paced and electric brand of football since his arrival from Celtic last summer, and it's won over large sections of the fan base. The feeling around N17 has greatly changed since the last days of Antonio Conte, with the north London club holding a greater appeal to players in the transfer market as a result.

Tottenham sensationally beat European heavyweights Bayern Munich and Barcelona to the signings of Radu Dragusin and Lucas Bergvall in January, and Spurs have been named as contenders for in-demand Brentford striker Ivan Toney in the summer as well.

Reports suggest that, no matter what happens in regards to their top-four push, Postecoglou will be backed with new Tottenham signings later this year.

One of the key areas which Tottenham want to strengthen is in defence, with there being a belief that they wish to sign another centre-back after Dragusin. Spurs apparently want two "top level" centre-backs across 2024, and one player said to be attracting their interest is Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly.

Tottenham readying talks with Lloyd Kelly

According to Football Insider and journalist Wayne Veysey, Tottenham are readying talks with Kelly ahead of the summer window. The Englishman will be a free agent as things stand, meaning Spurs can sign him without paying a penny to Bournemouth. However, Postecoglou faces stiff competition for Kelly, as Liverpool and Newcastle United are also eyeing a move.

Clubs abroad, like contenders AC Milan, Juventus and "multiple" sides from Germany, can agree to a pre-contract as rules dictate overseas clubs can commence official negotiations over personal terms right now.

That being said, those within Spurs rate the 25-year-old highly. As per Veysey, club chiefs are "convinced" that Kelly would be a "strong option" for next season. The "rapid" Cherries ace, who can play both as a full-back and in the centre, was a target for Spurs last summer.

Indeed, Tottenham made a concerted effort to bring in Kelly on deadline day but to no avail, with chairman Daniel Levy now handed the chance to bring him in for nothing soon.

Mary Earps, Leah Williamson and a host of their England team-mates enjoyed a trip to Amsterdam as they took in a summer break.

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Lionesses take trip to AmsterdamStars share images on social mediaGearing up for Euro 2025 qualifiersWHAT HAPPENED?

Beth Mead, Alex Greenwood and Millie Bright joined their Lionesses co-stars by paying a visit to the Dutch capital. The stars were all smiles as they posed on a bridge across one of Amsterdam's famous canals.

Instagram/ellatooneAdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The stars took in the sites as they relaxed ahead of their upcoming Women's Euro 2025 qualifying matches this month. Sarina Wiegman's team are currently third in Group A3, behind Sweden on goal difference.

DID YOU KNOW?

England's qualifying campaign started with a 1-1 draw against Sweden before they beat Ireland 2-0 in their second match. The Lionesses then came up against France in a double header, losing one game 2-1 and winning the return match by the same scoreline.

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WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?

Earps, Williamson & Co. will take on Ireland in their next qualifying match on July 12. That game will be followed by a trip to face Sweden four days later. If England fail to finish in the group's top two, they will be given another chance to qualify via the play-offs.

Graeme van Buuren sings praises of young batting partner, Ben Charlesworth, as Gloucestershire pair dig in

Richard Hobson at Bristol25-Sep-2019Gloucestershire 220 for 7 (van Buuren 93, Charlesworth 77*) v NorthamptonshireWe might be living through strange times, but surely not so strange that either of these counties will now be denied promotion to the first division. Rain has made a mockery of the myriad equations so let’s be done with arithmetic and talk the simple language of cricket: Glamorgan must bat with the precision of Donald Bradman at the speed of Brian Lara, then take wickets at the strike rate of SF Barnes to beat Durham and stop Northamptonshire and Gloucestershire from going up.The game here at Nevil Road is heading for a draw, probably of the dullest and soggiest variety. That will matter not a jot in the wider context. Nor will Northamptonshire lament a strangely disengaged performance on Wednesday when they took only a single wicket and Gloucestershire claimed the batting point they needed to ensure promotion remains entirely in their own hands. They require a draw plus three more points with either bat or ball. A mere draw will do for Northants.Concern around noon on Monday when Gloucester collapsed to 67 for 6 had dissipated – drowned is perhaps a better way of putting it – by the time Graeme van Buuren pushed Rob Keogh through extra cover for the boundary that carried Gloucester to the critical 200 mark. His stand of 151 with Ben Charlesworth began pre-lunch on day one and was ten minutes from continuing into the fourth when van Buuren, who scored 93, stabbed outside off stump to Gareth Berg and was caught behind.The fact that Gloucester lost their first division status as far back as 2005 might explain why so many supporters stayed on with barely a murmur for the four-and-a-half hours between the scheduled start and eventual three o’clock beginning. Such a long and hard-fought return will be something to celebrate despite the absence of prize money for third place. Northamptonshire will receive £57,000 as runners-up to Lancashire.In other circumstances, they might have grown more restless. It is hard to imagine the crowd at an international match behaving as placidly with the sun shining, the playing field open, nets in place and stumps beside the pitch ready to be inserted. Yet the place was a hive of inactivity through the morning save for the occasional sight of a player or the umpires wandering out, scraping the soles of their boots on problem areas and wincing their way back off.With the situation even worse at Chester-le-Street, the slippy, sludgy areas around footmarks on the edges of used pitches might have suited both teams. Gloucester, in the weaker position, would have been content not to risk defeat. “Mud, mud, glorious mud,” they must have sung, like Flanders and Swann, in the sanctity of their dressing room. Yet once umpires David Millns and Mike Burns did consider play to be possible, it was they who switched on quicker.Van Buuren played and missed a couple of times against Ben Sanderson in the early exchanges and Charlesworth survived a reasonable appeal for leg-before by Keogh, the most dangerous of the bowlers on a surface offering some turn. Otherwise, the closest that Northants came to breaking the stand as it developed was a run out opportunity when Charlesworth was sent back by his partner, Keogh missing with the throw.They made a tricky pair: Charlesworth tall, upright and left-handed, van Buuren a short, right-handed croucher. Van Buuren punched anything slightly short, especially through the off side, while Charlesworth’s off-drives again flowed like cream from a jug. At 18, he is a prospect who will make crowds purr with his strokes. That in turn may lead to frustration if returns fall short of unreasonable expectations. He needs to be allowed to develop at his own pace.”Ben is so solid,” van Buuren said. “He makes bowlers look slow, he plays them with ease. It is a sexy forward defensive he has. He is an attractive player but he is already a good player too and you have to remember how young he is. I said to somebody yesterday how he reminds me so much of Aiden Markram, the way he loads up, stands still and has that same whirl of the bat. He is class.”Van Buuren is a friend of Markram, a fellow South African, who averages 43.80 from his first 17 Test matches. It is quite a compliment. He also drew a comparison with Chris Dent, blooded young by Gloucester but now their steadiest batsman approaching 9,000 career runs. Sanderson was generous too, praising Charlesworth for his temperament and judgement of what to leave.Charlesworth has already equalled his career best; tomorrow would be quite a day to set a new one. Equally, while van Buuren was disappointed at missing his own hundred he could reflect on the more important picture. “We just have to rock up for one more day and play good, hard cricket,” he said. “Stay grounded, keep humble and hopefully cricket will look after us in the end.”