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India and Sri Lanka achieved their second wins in Group A of the Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup with easy victories over Malaysia and West Indies, respectively, in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.While Sri Lanka’s win was an all-round show in the first game, India’s left-arm spin duo of Vaishnavi Sharma and Aayushi Shukla set up the victory for India with big hauls, Vaishnavi starring with a hat-trick to complete a five-for.India chose to field in the second game of the day, as they had in their first game against West Indies, and it took them just 14.3 overs to dismiss the hosts Malaysia for 31. India conceded 11 extras and no Malaysia batter made more than 5.For India, VJ Joshitha started things off with a wicket in the second over, and Nur Aliya was run out in Joshitha’s next over. Shukla and Vaishnavi got going after that, with Vaishnavi taking 5 for 5 from her four overs, and Shukla 3 for 8 from 3.3 overs.That target was never going to pose a problem for India, and they got home in just 2.5 overs without losing a wicket, Gongadi Trisha hitting 27 in 12 balls and her opening partner Kamalini G scoring 4 off 5.India will finish the group stage with a game against Sri Lanka on Thursday, a fixture that will determine the Group A toppers. It’s also a game that will pit an outstanding bowling side – India, who have shot out their opponents for 44 and 31 in their two games – and a high-scoring batting side – Sri Lanka, who have so far hit 162 for 6 and 166 for 5, the top two scores in the tournament so far.Chamodi Praboda made big inroads in the powerplay•ICC/Getty Images

In the first game of the day, it was a slightly improved performance from West Indies after they were beaten by nine wickets by India in their opener, but it was not enough to challenge Sri Lanka, who ran away 81-run victors.Batting first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka rode on contributions from opener Sanjana Kavindi (39 off 36 balls), captain and No. 3 batter Manudi Nanayakkara (41 off 31) and middle-order bat Dahami Sanethma (31 not out off 25), as well as 36 extras to put up a huge total.The target of 167 might have been too much for West Indies to get to anyway, and left-arm spinner Chamodi Praboda’s spell in the powerplay, where she accounted for Asabi Callender, Naijanni Cumberbatch and Jahzara Claxton, put the result beyond doubt.There were pockets of resistance after the initial setbacks, especially from captain Samara Ramnath, who scored a 23-ball 24 opening the innings, but there wasn’t much of note from the other batters – Claxton, Amrita Ramtahal and Kenika Casaar were the only others to just about make it into double digits.Aseni Thalagune took 2 for 16 to complement Praboda’s 3 for 16, and West Indies, always well behind the asking rate, only got as far as 90.

Manchester United are rallying themselves to try and enjoy an improved Premier League season but have now pulled out of a huge deal for a priority transfer target.

Ruben Amorim speaks ahead of Manchester United vs Arsenal

The English top-flight has returned in all its glory and there won’t be a single eye in the footballing world that isn’t paying attention to Manchester United’s league opener against Arsenal on Sunday.

Ahead of the mouthwatering clash at Old Trafford, Ruben Amorim has confirmed that new Red Devil Benjamin Sesko is ready to start despite only having limited time on the training field in the lead-up to the clash.

“I can see Ben being a striker at this club for many years. That is why we paid a lot of money. He didn’t have a lot of time (on the training field), but physically, he is ready. That is a big component in our league. He’s ready to play, and we’ll see if he starts.”

Coming as a major boost, his arrival will form one major part of trying to reshape Manchester United’s fortunes, but who else could be set to join the Amorim revolution?

Reports suggest Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller is on the Red Devils’ shortlist and carries an impressive profile that has also attracted Liverpool to his situation.

INEOS make £320m: AI predicts players Manchester United will sell this summer

It could be a busy summer ahead of Ruben Amorim’s first full season in charge.

1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 21, 2025

In the long-term, Harry Kane could also be set for a surprise transfer to Old Trafford amid a £56 million release clause in his Bayern Munich contract that is set to activate next summer.

INEOS clearly plan to push the boat out across their reign and were prepared to shatter Manchester United’s transfer record amid recent developments.

Manchester United pull out of Carlos Baleba move

According to Graeme Bailey speaking to United in Focus this week, Manchester United were set to submit a record bid for Brighton & Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba. However, despite designs on smashing the £89 million fee paid for Paul Pogba, David Ornstein has now revealed INEOS are “not planning to proceed with Carlos Baleba move this summer”.

There was “direct contact between clubs but Brighton clear – not for sale”, leading the Red Devils to look elsewhere despite the midfielder’s own keeness to move.

Last term, Baleba registered four goals and two assists in 40 appearances across all competitions. His personal ambitions match recent interest from high places amid claims he wants to win the Ballon D’or after Rodri’s success, given the pair feature in similar positions.

Brighton were apparently set to hold out for £115 million, and with time ticking before the window closes, Manchester United appear to have moved on to other targets with the belief a stalling deal would deprive Amorim of midfield reinforcements before the deadline.

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MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians iniciou, nesta quinta-feira (13), a venda de ingressos para a partida contra o Argentinos Juniors. O duelo, válido pela 2ª rodada da fase de grupos da Libertadores, será disputado na quarta-feira (19), às 21h30, na Neo Química Arena.

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+ Lázaro erra nas escolhas, Corinthians sofre pane coletiva e se complica na Copa do Brasil

Em comparação com o jogo contra o Cruzeiro, pelo Brasileirão, a diretoria alvinegra aumentou o preço dos ingressos em oito setores, menos no setor Norte, onde a entrada pode chegar a custar R$35, com o desconto do Fiel Torcedor. A entrada mais cara para o duelo custará R$660 na Oeste Inferior Central.

+ Guia Corinthians: onde assistir, análise dos adversários e tudo sobre o Timão na Libertadores

VEJA OS VALORES DOS INGRESSOS (SEM OS DESCONTOS DO FIEL TORCEDOR)
NORTE – R$ 50,00
SUL – R$ 110,00
LESTE SUPERIOR LATERAL – R$ 116,00
LESTE SUPERIOR CENTRAL – R$ 150,00
LESTE INFERIOR LATERAL – R$ 150,00
LESTE INFERIOR CENTRAL – R$ 184,00
OESTE SUPERIOR – R$ 280,00
OESTE INFERIOR CORNER – R$ 490,00
OESTE INFERIOR LATERAL – R$ 530,00
OESTE INFERIOR CENTRAL – R$ 660,00

Para balancear o aumento no preço dos ingressos, o clube ampliou as vantagens para os sócios-torcedores.Os associados do plano Minha Vida, do Fiel Torcedor, terão vantagens de30% a 65% no preço dos ingressos mais baratos, dependendo do setor. Já os que configuram no plano Minha História terão descontos de 35% a 65%.

A venda, como já é de costume, acontece de forma escalonada, de acordo com prioridades estabelecidas pelo clube alvinegro.

+ Veja tabela e todos os confrontos pela terceira fase da Copa do Brasil

Veja como será a venda de ingressos

13/04 (quinta-feira), às 11h – Abertura para os torcedores membros do Fiel Torcedor com créditos relativos às partidas suspensas pela pandemia (contra Ituano e Palmeiras), que poderão adquirir ingressos conforme disponibilidade dos respectivos setores adquiridos.
– Abertura da venda de estacionamento para os proprietários adimplentes do plano Minha Cadeira, do programa Fiel Torcedor.

13/04 (quinta-feira) às 13h – Abertura para todos os membros adimplentes do Fiel Torcedor que tenham a partir de 60 pontos, independentemente do plano, que poderão adquirir ingressos de todos os setores disponíveis para seu plano e também realizar a compra do estacionamento pelo site www.fieltorcedor.com.br (mediante disponibilidade de ingressos).

13/04 (quinta-feira) às 15h – Abertura para todos os membros adimplentes do Fiel Torcedor que tenham a partir de 40 pontos, independentemente do plano, que poderão adquirir ingressos de todos os setores disponíveis para seu plano e também realizar a compra do estacionamento pelo site www.fieltorcedor.com.br (mediante disponibilidade de ingressos).

13/03 (quinta-feira) às 17h – Abertura para todos os membros adimplentes do Fiel Torcedor que tenham a partir de 20 pontos, independentemente do plano, que poderão adquirir ingressos de todos os setores disponíveis para seu plano e também realizar a compra do estacionamento pelo site www.fieltorcedor.com.br (mediante disponibilidade de ingressos).

14/04 (sexta-feira) às 11h – Abertura para os demais membros adimplentes do Fiel Torcedor, que terão acesso à compra de ingressos e do estacionamento pela plataforma online www.fieltorcedor.com.br (mediante disponibilidade de ingressos).

15/04 (sábado) às 15h – Abertura para torcedores em geral, que terão acesso à compra de todos os ingressos disponíveis em suas categorias pela plataforma online www.ingressoscorinthians.com.br (mediante disponibilidade de ingressos).

continua após a publicidade

Less than a month after becoming the advisor to the PCB chairman on cricket affairs, Waqar Younis’ stint has ended, with the former fast bowler now a mentor for one of the five sides in the new domestic competitions the PCB is introducing this season.Waqar is joined by Misbah-ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik, Saqlain Mushtaq and Sarfaraz Ahmed as mentors, whose first assignments will be the Champions One-Day Cup, which will run from September 12 to 29 in Faisalabad. The PCB confirmed that Sarfaraz, who is part of the Test squad for the ongoing Bangladesh series, would continue with his playing career.Waqar was slated to become the board’s cricket supremo, a role created to take the burden of cricketing decisions away from the PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. He even appeared alongside Naqvi at a press conference in that role, an unveiling of sorts, at Gaddafi Stadium at the time.Related

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• Waqar Younis set to sign on for key role at PCB

Initially the PCB didn’t give a reason for why Waqar is no longer in that role and had become a mentor instead, which is a three-year contract and was, in the PCB’s words, the result of a “transparent and robust recruitment process”. It had been suggested that both parties thought Waqar might be better suited to a team-building role such as this, with more active involvement in the development of a side. The role of the advisor to the chairman is still being advertised.But at a press conference later in the day in Lahore, Naqvi said Waqar had played a pivotal role in identifying and appointing the other four mentors, before taking on the fifth spot himself. “Waqar Younis assisted us for the last 3-4 weeks,” Naqvi said. “He’s a great name to have, a great cricketer was on board with us. He helped us finalise the other mentors. He spoke to them, did everything. And then he had to handle the fifth team. So in the first 3-4 weeks, in this entire exercise, he spoke to them, convinced them, to get them on board, and now he will handle the fifth team.”As per the constitution we couldn’t hire him as a mentor straight away, only as an advisor. And now he is a mentor handling an entire team.”In an earlier statement, Naqvi had welcomed “five exceptional champions as mentors” for the Champions Cup teams. “These individuals bring a wealth of cricketing experience, knowledge and expertise, which, combined with their passion for the game we all love, will help the Pakistan Cricket Board identify, develop and nurture the next generation of cricketers across all formats. This initiative will not only benefit the Pakistan men’s cricket team but also help bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket.”

أعلن الاتحاد العربي لكرة القدم، عن اختيار دولة مصر، لاستضافة بطولتي كأس العرب للمنتخبات للشباب تحت 20 عامًا وللناشئين تحت 17 عامًا، في عام 2028.

ومن المقرر أن تقام بطولة كأس العرب للمنتخبات تحت 20 عامًا من الفترة 10 حتى 26 من شهر مايو 2028.

كما تستضيف مصر، بطولة كأس العرب للمنتخبات تحت 17 عامًا، خلال الفترة من 2 حتى 19 من شهر أغسطس 2028.

وكان الاتحاد العربي لكرة القدم أقام اليوم جمعية عمومية في السعودية، أسفرت عن فوز الأمير عبدالعزيز بن تركي الفيصل، رئيسًا للاتحاد العربي بالتزكية.

كما اعتمد نائبي سمو رئيس الاتحاد، النائب الأول المهندس هاني أبو ريدة والنائب الثاني الشيخ حمد بن خليفة بن أحمد آل ثاني.

طالع | رسميًا.. هاني أبو ريدة نائبًا أول لرئيس الاتحاد العربي لكرة القدم حتى 2029

وجاء الأعضاء على النحو التالي، الشيخ خليفة بن علي بن عيسى آل خليفة، فوزي لقجع، هاشم حيدر، عبدالله الجنيبي، أحمد يحيى والدكتور معتصم جعفر لعضوية مجلس الاتحاد، بالإضافة إلى عضوية دولة فلسطين، للفريق جبريل الرجوب، وعضوية المعقد النسائي لـ سمر نصار.

Scoring goals hasn’t been an issue for Tottenham Hotspur throughout 2024/25, with the club posting one of the best tallies in the division over the course of 38 games.

The Lilywhites registered 64 goals in the Premier League under Ange Postecoglou, a record that was only bettered by six other sides in the division – three of which occupied a place in the top five.

However, despite such a record, it appears as though the club are plotting moves for numerous reinforcements in such a department, with new boss Thomas Frank wanting added options at his disposal.

The Dane took the reins after the Aussie was dismissed by owner Daniel Levy, having a huge job in his hands to lead the side back up the Premier League in 2025/26.

It’s evident that he will have money at his disposal to spend on players he sees fit, but it’s crucial that the right additions are made to avoid a repeat of the recent campaign.

The latest on Frank’s hunt for new additions at Spurs

In their attempts to land a new attacker this window, OGC Nice talisman Evann Guessand has emerged as an option for Spurs, after making contact with the Ligue 1 outfit over a potential deal.

He’s not alone in that aspect, with talks also being held over a deal which would see Brentford striker Yoane Wissa follow his former boss across the capital this summer.

However, despite the aforementioned stars, RB Leipzig forward Xavi Simons has again emerged as a target, according to Ben Jacobs’ update with TBR Football.

He claims that the Lilywhites hierarchy have made an enquiry to land the Dutch international, who registered 10 goals and seven assists in the Bundesliga this season.

The report also states that Levy and Co have asked about how much a deal for the 22-year-old would cost this window after his impressive form in recent years.

Why Simons would be a better signing than Eze for Spurs

At this point, it feels as though there hasn’t been a window in recent history in which Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze hasn’t been linked with a move to join Spurs.

This summer appears no different with rumours already emerging linking the England international with a move across the capital to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

However, this time around, the competition for the 26-year-old’s signature is likely to be higher given his success with the Eagles, which saw him net the winner in the FA Cup final.

It’s been reported that he does currently have a £68m release clause in his current contract at Selhurst Park, but it remains to be seen if Oliver Glasner’s side would be willing to negotiate a cheaper deal.

Regardless of any interest in Eze during the off-season, the board should look past a move for his signature, subsequently pursuing a move for Simons instead.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the recent season, the Leipzig talent has registered more goals, highlighting the threat he can add to Spurs should he move to North London.

Simons, who’s been labelled “one of the best youngsters in Europe” by Alex Barker at The Athletic, has also completed more of the passes he’s attempted, and posted more progressive passes per 90 – handing other attackers at the club the chance to bolster their own tallies.

Games played

25

34

Goals scored

10

8

Progressive carries

3.6

2.4

Progressive passes

5.9

3.3

Shot-on-target accuracy

46%

27%

Pass accuracy

79%

74%

Passes into final third

3.3

1.7

Carries into final third

3

1.6

The youngster’s also starred with his ball-carrying, registering nearly two times more carries into the final third per 90, showcasing his desire to get forward at any given moment.

Given the difference between the aforementioned duo this campaign, it’s evident that Simons would be a better signing for Frank in the coming months in his attempts for sure success.

Should he carry over his skillset to England, it would be a sensational addition that would allow the club to have a leading European star in their side for many years to come.

Frank's answer to Dembele: Spurs now eyeing £85m "ball-carrying machine"

Tottenham Hotspur have made a move to land a star who could emulate Moussa Dembele’s success.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jun 18, 2025

Arsenal finished second in the Premier League for the third successive season in 2024/25, and Mikel Arteta knows that he needs to bag himself a new striker to defeat the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City to next year’s title.

Well, with a deal for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko in the works, it seems like the Londoners are finally sorting out that issue, but attacking quality needs to be brought in across other areas too.

Out on the left, Gabriel Martinelli’s future is uncertain, and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams has been picked as a leading candidate to strength the Gunners’ attacking flank.

However, the Spain star isn’t the only one on the radar, especially after just 11 goals and seven assists from 45 matches in all competitions.

Arsenal, alongside their pursuit of the aforementioned Sesko, might be better off looking at a different La Liga sensation…

Arsenal line up Williams alternative

According to GIVEMESPORT, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo would be willing to sign for Arsenal this summer, but only if his £250k-per-week salary demands are met.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

In fact, sporting director Andrea Berta is personally driving the deal forward, having engaged in official talks with Los Blancos and the player’s representatives last week.

Chelsea have also expressed an interest, and it’s felt Florentino Perez would be open to selling for something in the range of £85m.

However, a resolution won’t be reached until Xabi Alonso has taken the time to decide if he considers the Brazil forward as untouchable or not, so don’t hold onto your breath with this one.

What Rodrygo would bring to Arsenal

Rodrygo has been at Real Madrid since his 18th birthday, when he left Santos and his Brazilian homeland in search of footballing riches in the Spanish capital.

The 24-year-old has since scored 68 goals and supplied 50 assists across 267 appearances for Real, notably winning two Champions League trophies and establishing himself as one of the game’s foremost forwards.

If Arsenal find themselves in the right position for it, they must move this dynamic attacker in lieu of Williams.

Hailed as a “world-class superstar” by his Real teammate Luka Modric, Rodrygo must be desperate to step away from the shadow of Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe and begin to forge a new future for himself in the Premier League, where he could light up English football on the left flank.

Though he rarely features off the left, Rodrygo believes it is his best position, and when assessing his data from last term, it’s clear to see why.

Right winger

29

7

4

Left winger

12

6

6

Centre-forward

8

–

–

Bukayo Saka has Arsenal’s right wing on lock, so it makes perfect sense to sign Rodrygo and give him the keys to the position he so desperately wants to nail down. Should Arteta make it happen, we could see some of the “terrifyingly good” finishing the Brazilian is capable of, as has been said by journalist Sam Tighe.

Such potency could see Rodrygo prove an even better fit than Williams, bringing many of the Spaniard’s electric qualities to the table but providing a sharper goalscoring sense too.

As per FBref, Rodrygo ranked among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for pass completion and the top 14% for progressive carries per 90.

Such technical and athletic qualities have actually seen Williams drawn against him as one of his most statistically similar players, so it’s clear he would be a stylistic fit for the Gunners.

Given the need to add goals to Arsenal’s game, Arteta and Berta might be better off forging ahead with a deal for Rodrygo, who only missed one big chance in La Liga last term, scoring six goals.

A new challenge would serve him well, and he’d prove to be a superior choice to Williams while bringing a similar profile. Let’s get it done.

Their own Wirtz: Arsenal make contact to sign £70m "machine"

Arsenal could land their answer to Florian Wirtz with a statement signing this summer

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 7, 2025

Contracts have been the talking point around Liverpool football club in recent months, with three of Arne Slot’s key players out of contract at the end of the season.

Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah have all been regular starters this campaign, but all three of the stars’ current deals are set to expire in June.

However, there has been progress with the Dutchman and Egyptian, with the pair both set to sign new deals until the summer of 2027 – undoubtedly a huge boost to their ambitions for Premier League glory next season.

As for Trent, he looks set to depart and join Real Madrid on a free transfer at the end of the season, ending his 20-year affiliation with his boyhood club, to the disappointment of the fanbase.

Such a departure could leave a huge hole in the first-team backline, but it appears the hierarchy have wasted no time in landing a player who could potentially fill any void next campaign.

Liverpool set to make £85m bid for defensive star

According to one Spanish outlet, Liverpool are set to make a €100m (£85m) summer bid for Barcelona star Ronald Araujo in an attempt to strengthen the defensive department.

The 26-year-old has made 16 appearances across all competitions, notching four combined goals and assists, being able to feature in a centre-back or right-back role.

The Uruguayan international has had an injury-hit campaign, but has still managed to impress, as seen by the Reds’ willingness to fork out big-money for his signature.

The report claims that the opportunity to play in England’s top flight could be too good to turn down, but that it will be up to the LaLiga outfit whether they want to part ways with Araujo.

It may be a huge investment from the hierarchy, but it would be a worthwhile one for Slot’s side – especially if his figures from the current campaign are anything to go by.

Why Araujo is the perfect Van Dijk & Trent hybrid for Liverpool

The Reds’ backline is in need of investment with Trent’s pending departure and Andy Robertson’s decline in recent months, making this summer vital for Slot.

Van Dijk has often been the shining light within the back four over the last few years, with his performances helping the side win five major honours since his move in January 2018.

However, he’s often lacked that partner at the heart of the defence, with Ibrahima Konate prone to a mistake, as seen during last weekend’s defeat against Fulham.

Araujo could provide that fellow world-class option the club have been searching for, with current boss Hansi Flick labelling the Uruguayan international as “one of the best in the world”.

His ability to feature at right-back too could make him an option to cover should Trent leave, producing figures better than the aforementioned pair in numerous key areas.

Defensively, Araujo has outperformed the current Reds stars, winning more tackles per 90, whilst also coming out on top in more aerials – offering that added solidity they’ve been hunting for as of late.

Games played

16

28

31

Goals & assists

4

8

2

Pass accuracy

93%

74%

92%

Tackles won

1.3

1

0.5

Aerials won

3.9

0.2

3.2

Shot-on-target accuracy

67%

18%

32%

Passes completed per game

90

63

74

In possession, he’s been just as impressive, completing more of the passes he’s attempted, whilst also achieving a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – highlighting the quality he possesses at both ends of the pitch.

Whilst it may be another huge fee to spend on a new signing, it’s one that could provide added quality into the backline, further strengthening Slot’s chances of winning trophies on Merseyside.

It’s unclear whether Barça would be open to selling one of their key players, but it’s evident that from the stats he’s produced in 2024/25, he would be a superb addition – partnering Van Dijk and softening the blow of Trent’s pending departure.

£70m PL star wants to sign for Liverpool & he'd be a better move than Isak

Liverpool may decide to make a move for a player who would be a better addition than Alexander Isak.

1 ByEthan Lamb Apr 9, 2025

Manchester United are now set to make an approach for an “immense” defender, with Ruben Amorim believed to be a big fan, according to a report.

Man Utd pursuing defensive reinforcements

Amorim has made it clear that he will not compromise on his style of play, having implemented a three-at-the-back system ever since arriving from Sporting CP, which means the manager may need to recruit another centre-back in the summer transfer window.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie is one of the names on the shortlist, with Man United looking to hijack Real Madrid’s move for the defender, while they have also sent scouts to watch Fiorentina’s Pietro Comuzzo in action.

Comuzzo is being targeted as a potential replacement for Lisandro Martínez, who may not be back until 2026, which underlines the need for a new centre-back to be brought in prior to the start of the 2025-26 campaign.

Related Man Utd make contact for "unbelievable" £62m star as agent flies for talks

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Posts ByDominic Lund Apr 8, 2025

According to a report from Football Transfers, not only is Amorim concerned by Martinez’s injury woes, but the manager also has doubts over whether the Argentine is suitable for his three-at-the-back system.

As such, the 40-year-old wants to bring in a new centre-back this summer, and he has demanded the signing of Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio.

Amorim knows Inacio well from their time working together in Portugal, and he remains a huge admirer, with Man United expected to make an approach of some description over the next few weeks, although there are yet to be any formal talks.

The Portuguese defender is protected by a €60m (£52m) release clause in his contract, but there are indications he could be available for as little as €35m (£30m), which would make him a relatively low-cost addition to the squad.

"Immense" Inacio impressing in Portugal

Sporting are once again challenging for the Liga Portugal title this season, and the 23-year-old has been one of their most important players, making 22 appearances, during which time he has picked up three goals and three assists.

Not only is the Portugal international a threat going forward, but he is also strong defensively and solid in possession of the ball, as showcased by his performance on some key metrics over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Blocks

2.22 (99th percentile)

Tackles

2.04 (84th percentile)

Passes attempted

88.70 (97th percentile)

With Amorim having doubts over whether Martinez is capable of playing in a three-at-the-back system, it would make sense for the manager to bring in a player he can trust, and the “immense” Sporting star is showing signs he could be a success at Old Trafford.

The only doubt over the signing of Inacio will be the fact he is yet to prove himself in a major European league, unlike some of the other players on Man United’s shortlist, such as Hincapie and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.

When is the India vs Pakistan game? What’s the format? Who are the players to watch? And a lot more…

Abhijato Sensarma05-Sep-2025Isn’t the Asia Cup sometime soon?Indeed, and that’s why we’re here. The 17th edition of the Asia Cup starts on September 9 and ends on September 28. The tournament will be played in the UAE, with matches in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. All games start at 6.30pm UAE time, with one double-header day when the two matches start at 4pm and 6.30pm UAE time.Why is the Asia Cup in the UAE this time?India were the official hosts of the tournament, but because of their strained political relations with Pakistan, neither team plays in the other’s country now. If India had hosted the tournament, the matches involving Pakistan would have had to be played at a neutral venue, like India’s games were in the UAE when Pakistan hosted the 2025 Champions Trophy. So while the BCCI remains the official host, the matches will be played in the UAE this time.Tell me more about the Asia Cup…The first Asia Cup was played in 1984, between India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The tournament is only nine years younger than the ODI World Cup. It was set up as a way of promoting goodwill between the participating countries and then became progressively bigger as more Asian countries developed strong teams. It was initially a stop-and-start presence in the international calendar, but has been played every alternate year since 2008, except for the interruption in 2020 owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.India are the defending champions. Mohammed Siraj ran through Sri Lanka with a six-for in the 2023 Asia Cup final in Colombo and they chased down the target of 51 in just 6.1 overs. It was India’s eighth Asia Cup title, making them the most successful team in the tournament. Sri Lanka are the second-most-successful team with six Asia Cup wins.Related

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So the Asia Cup is an ODI tournament?It began as an ODI tournament, but over the last decade it has switched between the ODI and the T20I formats, depending on whether the upcoming World Cup is an ODI or T20I tournament. The previous Asia Cup in 2023 was an ODI tournament because it was held a few months before the 2023 ODI World Cup. This Asia Cup is a T20I tournament ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next February.India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are the participating teams?Not just them. For the first time, there are eight teams in the Asia Cup. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan qualified directly for the tournament, and they are joined by the top three teams – UAE, Oman and Hong Kong – from the 2024 ACC Men’s Premier Cup, which is the top-tier tournament for associate countries in Asia.Salman Agha’s Pakistan will have a new-look top order at the Asia Cup•AFP/Getty ImagesWhy didn’t Nepal make it?They came up short in the 2024 ACC Men’s Premier Cup. They topped their group but lost to UAE in the semi-finals, and then to Hong Kong in the third-place playoff in a last-over finish. Hong Kong qualified for the Asia Cup and Nepal, despite their rise in recent years, will sit this tournament out.What’s the format of this Asia Cup?The eight teams have been split up: India, Oman, Pakistan and UAE are in Group A, while Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka are in Group B, and each team will play the others in their group once. The top two from each group will qualify for the Super Four round, where they will all play each other again. The top two from the Super Four will play the final on September 28 in Dubai.India and Pakistan are playing each other?Yes, but there was some uncertainty around the fixture due to cross-border tensions earlier this year until the Indian government clarified its stance on playing Pakistan recently: India will not play bilateral cricket against Pakistan but will play them in multi-nation events like the Asia Cup and ICC tournaments.Their group A game is on September 14, Sunday, in Dubai. If both teams qualify for the Super Four stage, they will play each other a second time. And then there’s the possibility of an India-Pakistan final too; they have never played an Asia Cup final against each other before, though.Bangladesh recently beat Sri Lanka in a T20I series•Getty ImagesWhat else is there to look forward to in this Asia Cup?Plenty. Pakistan have a new-look top order, with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan still out of the side after a period of diminishing returns (and strike rates).Bangladesh recently beat Sri Lanka in a hard-fought bilateral T20I series.India have picked a full-strength squad for the first time since winning the 2024 T20 World Cup, but questions remain over the balance of their best XI.Hong Kong – who take on Afghanistan in the tournament opener – have a new captain, Yasim Murtaza, and a new coach, former Sri Lanka international Kaushal Silva.Afghanistan are gunning for their first major title after they had their best finish at a global event at the 2024 World Cup, where they got to the semi-finals.Oman will also be playing their first major tournament since a payment dispute with their board, in the aftermath of the same World Cup.India vs Pakistan is the biggest fixture, of course, but there has been a lot of needle in games featuring Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka over the years. No one can be certain where the flashpoints of this year’s tournament might be.Will Afghanistan’s AM Ghazanfar be a hit in T20 internationals?•ACBAny exciting new players in the Asia Cup?There is a significant pool of expected debutants and fresh-faced internationals at the Asia Cup. The most high profile among the second lot would be Abhishek Sharma, who already has two T20I centuries and scores at a strike rate of 193.84, but is only 24 and has played just 17 matches for India. This will be his first major tournament since his ascent to being first-choice India opener, and a litmus test too – how will he perform under serious pressure?Afghanistan’s 19-year-old mystery spinner, AM Ghazanfar, has just made his T20I debut after impressing with two five-wicket hauls in 11 ODIs. He is also becoming a regular on the T20 franchise circuit.Pakistan left-arm quick Salman Mirza is 31 and has made a name for himself recently. After an impressive PSL season with Lahore Qalandars, he debuted in the series against Bangladesh and picked up seven wickets at an economy of 5.21.UAE captain and opener Muhammad Waseem is by far their best batter and a prominent name in the T20 franchise circuit. He has a strike rate of 155.73 in T20Is* but he will be entering the Asia Cup without much experience in big tournaments. It remains to be seen if he doubles down on his aggressive batting.Hong Kong’s 34-year-old captain Murtaza has played T20Is for three years but will be captaining the side for the first time. A bowling allrounder, he has taken 70 wickets with a tidy economy of 6.33.So, a lot of entertainment to look forward to?Of course. In T20 cricket, even relatively lower-ranked teams have a fair chance of challenging the stronger teams. And, in recent years, the Asia Cup has produced some memorable matches.In their first appearance at the tournament, Afghanistan beat Sri Lanka by 91 runs in 2014. Four years later, they tied an ODI against India. Hong Kong almost chased down 286 against India after a 174-run opening stand in the 2018 edition. While major shocks have not been too frequent, matches like these prove the quality of cricket has been high and the competition fierce.Sri Lanka won the last T20I edition of the Asia Cup – played in 2022 – against the odds after facing Pakistan in the final, underlining the close gap between top teams. In short, plenty of excitement awaits with no results guaranteed. And we’ll be covering every moment on ESPNcricinfo, so stay tuned.