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Thomas Muller ended his 25-year association with Bayern Munich by joining Major League Soccer outfit Vancouver Whitecaps as a free agent over the summer. However, things could have played out a whole lot differently. Indeed, Bayern's all-time record-appearance holder admitted that he could have "imagined a future with Barcelona" had his former coach Hansi Flick called him.

Vancouver adventure after Muller's Bayern Munich exit

Muller completed a much-anticipated summer switch to MLS in the summer, having spent his entire life at Bayern Munich. Indeed, the veteran forward joined the Bavarian giants' youth academy in 2000 at the age of 10. In 2008, he made his first team debut and in the 2009-10 season, he was promoted to the senior squad by the then-manager Louis van Gaal. The move paid off, as he scored 19 goals in 52 games. He continued his incredible exploits for the record Bundesliga champions until the end of the 2024-25 season. The former German international left the club after scoring 250 goals in a club record 756 appearances. 

His move to North America was not a big surprise. Muller had lost his status as an undisputed presence in the starting XI due to the emergence of Jamal Musiala. Additionally, he was also about to turn 36. 

"The overall package just worked," Muller shared in his monthly newsletter in August. "From a sporting perspective, we are in contention for the title and are currently in second place in the Western Conference. The discussions with managing director Axel Schuster and coach Jesper Sorensen were really good from the start, I noticed they know where they want to go. Clear words, as you know, I've always liked that."

He further added that leaving Europe to join the MLS didn't "feel as strange as you might think," stating that he had "known about his situation since March."

AdvertisementAFPMuller was open to Barcelona move before leaving for MLS

It could all have played out entirely differently had one of Muller's former coaches intervened. Indeed, in a recent interview with , the 36-year-old revealed that he could have joined Barcelona. Muller enjoyed his matchups with the Catalan giants, both individually and collectively. He featured in 10 games against Barca, ending up on the winning side eight times and losing just twice. In fact, he also found the back of the net eight times while producing two assists, too. Muller enjoyed more wins against Barcelona than against any other non-German side.

"I could have imagined a future at Barcelona, yes," admitted Muller. "If Hansi Flick, who knows me very well, had called me and I had liked the project at Barcelona, I could have imagined something like this. It's a top-level club where you know what people expect from you."

Muller spent two seasons under the tutelage of Flick. In the first season, Die Roten were simply magnificent. They won the continental treble, wreaking havoc in Germany in addition to winning all 13 games in the Champions League. Flick's first season at the Allianz Arena was the epitome of ruthless dominance. 

After Flick left Bayern in the summer of 2021, he took over the reins of the German national team. The association between Muller and the current Barca coach was far less fruitful, though, as the latter registered a below-average win percentage of 48. 

Muller continues to win silverware at Vancouver Whitecaps

The legendary former Germany and Bayern attacking midfielder has had a positive impact on his new side, helping them clinch the Canadian Championship. In the final, he scored once and delivered an assist, showcasing that he still remains capable of influencing the outcome of the biggest games at the biggest stages. In all, Muller has scored eight goals in as many games, recording a direct goal contribution every 68 minutes. His first few months in Canada have been dreamy. Not only has the iconic midfielder completed 300 career goals, but has also overtaken Toni Kroos as the German footballer with the most titles in football history with 35. 

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Getty ImagesMuller non-committal about life after retirement

Bayern legend and supervisory board member Karl-Heinz Rummenigge recently confessed that "it is the wish of the fans and the club that former players take on a leadership role at Bayern Munich." In what was a cheeky response, Muller joked that "the path has already been mapped out" for his post-playing endeavours. 

However, Muller is unsure whether he wants to continue working within the football fraternity after calling it a day. "That's a long shot," clarified Muller when asked if he had given thought to what he wants to become once he quits being a footballer. "I'm aware of that. I know my skillset. But even so, I still have no idea whether I could be a good coach and want to be a good coach. And whether I could be a good sports official and want to be a good sports official."

For now, Muller remains focused on his objectives in Vancouver. He remains tied to the club until December 31, 2025, with an option to extend the deal for another year as a Designated Player.

Openers assemble unbroken stand as Glamorgan struggle at Lord’s

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay18-Apr-2025Middlesex’s bowlers shared the wickets around as they dismissed Glamorgan for 199 to take control on the opening day of their Rothesay County Championship Division Two encounter at Lord’s.Skipper Toby Roland-Jones led a mid-afternoon recovery with 3 for 44 after Glamorgan had looked well-placed at 108 for 1, while Middlesex debutant Dane Paterson was among another trio to collect two wickets apiece.Opener Zain-ul-Hassan top-scored with 65, his second 50-plus score in as many innings, but the visitors failed to build on that solid foundation and needed Ben Kellaway’s maiden half-century, a fearless unbeaten 54, to get then anywhere near 200.Middlesex openers Stephen Eskinazi and Nathan Fernandes reached stumps unscathed with an unbroken stand of 63 in response to leave their side trailing by 136 going into the second day.The home side were finally able to include Paterson, whose commitments with Western Province had delayed his arrival at Lord’s by a fortnight and the South African seamer found some early swing after his side won the toss in cloudy conditions.Zain survived two lbw appeals when Paterson made balls straighten up down the slope and there was another close call for the opener, whose leading edge looped up just short of Roland-Jones in his follow-through.Yet Glamorgan made steady progress and it was one of Paterson’s wider deliveries that brought the breakthrough, with Eddie Byrom caught behind pushing at a ball well away from his body.Sam Northeast – who became holder of the record individual score at Lord’s when he hit an unbeaten 335 in this fixture last year – was fortunate to escape an early dismissal, walking into a Henry Brookes delivery that appeared to hit his pads flush in front of the stumps.However, the Glamorgan captain remained at the crease alongside Zain, who punched Brookes’ penultimate ball of the morning through the covers for three to raise his second successive half-century.Paterson prised out Northeast after lunch, persuading him to nibble outside off stump and, with the visitors starting to become desperately bogged down, three more wickets followed in the space of 11 balls.Roland-Jones accounted for two of those including the scalp of Zain, caught at second slip after Leus du Plooy’s brief juggling act, while Brookes removed the dangerous Colin Ingram as wicketkeeper Jack Davies claimed his fourth dismissal.Kellaway counter-attacked, dispatching Brookes for a couple of sweetly-struck boundaries which briefly lifted the shackles before Middlesex’s seamers re-established their grip on the innings.Ryan Higgins, at that stage the sole wicketless member of the quartet, made amends by collecting two in successive overs as he moved the ball away to clip the top of Chris Cooke’s off stump and then had Timm van der Gugten taken low at slip.Having done his best to marshal the tail, Kellaway stepped up a gear once Ned Leonard and Shoaib Bashir had fallen to Zafar Gohar either side of the tea interval, clubbing the spinner for successive fours and slamming Paterson to midwicket fence as well.Kellaway’s well-deserved half-century arrived courtesy of another leg-side four off Paterson and his efforts had guided Glamorgan tantalisingly close to the 200 mark when Roland-Jones dismissed last man Asitha Fernando.Despite scoring only nine in his four previous innings this season, Fernandes looked assured as he and Eskinazi launched the home side’s reply, flicking Fernando past square leg for an early boundary.Eskinazi began more sedately, but gradually overtook his partner as they chipped away at the deficit and the pair had posted 34 and 26 respectively when bad light brought play to a close.

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Newcastle United are searching for a striker before the window closes and could now make a surprise late move for a goalscorer from the continent, according to a report.

Newcastle United draw a blank at Leeds United

With speculation mounting that Alexander Isak could be on his way to Liverpool, away supporters made their feelings known after the Magpies drew a blank against Leeds United at Elland Road in a 0-0 draw.

William Osula started through the middle, and Newcastle struggled to create many chances of note, though Nick Woltemade’s arrival from Stuttgart has offered one part of the solution for Eddie Howe moving forward.

Speaking on Saturday, the former Bournemouth manager welcomed the towering German striker, signalling his belief that he could be a useful addition once he adapts to life in the Premier League.

“I think I like his different dimensions to his game. Of course, he’s a big presence, he’s a big man but he has really good technical skills and really good creative ideas around the box. If he was playing today he would’ve helped us in that respect, seeing what other players can’t.

“He’ll need a period where he adapts and he understands what we ask of him and the test the Premier League will bring him but I think he will score goals and he’ll hopefully be a fantastic addition for us.”

Imagine him & Bruno: Newcastle lodge bid for "one of the world's best DMs"

Newcastle are looking to sign one of the best midfielders on the planet to partner Bruno Guimaraes

ByWill Miller Aug 31, 2025

Brentford striker Yoann Wissa has been a long-term Newcastle target and it remains to be seen whether he is drafted in before the deadline to add goals at the top end of the field. However, there is a chance that the Magpies look elsewhere to find clinical firepower amid recent developments.

Newcastle make late Artem Dovbyk move

According to The Sun, Newcastle are in talks over a deal to sign Roma striker Artem Dovbyk that could take the form of a loan-to-buy agreement between now and the close of play in what they describe as a ‘surprise’ deadline move.

Rated at around £30 million, the Ukraine international scored 17 times in 45 appearances last term, though is yet to strike in two outings this term amid speculation over his future.

Labelled “elite” by Zach Lowy, Dovbyk may be allowed to leave Roma this summer, providing they can fetch a sizeable loan fee, which could push Osula out of the door as part of a striker merry-go-round.

Callum Wilson’s departure has left two holes to be filled in light of the Isak situation. Bringing an experienced forward to the North East with a proven track record would be a pleasing outcome for supporters.

Aston Villa are yet to show off their best in the Premier League this season.

It has been a disorienting summer for Unai Emery’s men after all, with the likes of Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins being consistently looked at by their fellow top-flight rivals, away from the disappointing departure of Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle United for £43m.

Still, with the transfer window wrapping up very shortly, the Spaniard will hope he can keep a firm grip on his top assets – away from the sad exit of Ramsey – with a bounce back from his side’s two winless opening matches also on the cards.

On top of that, he will further be eager to welcome in a few new additions before August is out, with a whole host of fresh signings reportedly on the Villans’ radar.

Aston Villa show late interest in £40m star

Minus splurging out £30m on Evan Guessand, Villa have been quiet in terms of flashy incoming signings.

Transfer Focus

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

That could soon change if Emery and Co are finally successful in their advances to land Chelsea outcast Nicolas Jackson, with Villa having reportedly made him their top target for the remainder of the window.

A deal makes sense, particularly considering he’s already worked with Emery. However, he isn’t the only costly addition rumoured to be making the switch to Villa Park.

The Daily Mail Online have revealed that Villa are in the hunt to sign wantaway West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta.

It won’t be straightforward for Villa to win the Brazilian, who has a hefty £40m price tag above his head, with the report further clarifying that Tottenham Hotspur are also keen to pick up another asset from their near-London rivals, having sounded out Paqueta as a target to now pursue after losing out on Eberechi Eze.

Yet, if Villa were to find themselves at the front of the queue for the lively 27-year-old, they might be about to win a far better signing than a hit-and-miss Jackson entering Emery’s group.

Why Paqueta could be a better signing than Jackson

Rampant transfer talk surrounding Watkins deserting Villa Park has died down in recent weeks.

Therefore, forking out £60m on a striker such as Jackson, who has been prone to widespread barren patches of form at Stamford Bridge, might not be the most sensible move, with £30m already shelled out on landing Guessand to enhance the Premier League side’s forward personnel.

Worryingly, Jackson has squandered a colossal 43 big chances across his last two league seasons at Chelsea.

His goal return of 24 league strikes when he isn’t being wasteful ultimately falls flat next to Watkins’ far superior 35 efforts across the same span.

While the former Villarreal forward might not be viewed as the most sensible use of money, landing Paqueta for £40m could be deemed a masterstroke if he can let his football do the talking in the West Midlands, away from being embroiled in off-the-field controversies at the London Stadium.

AM

55

9 + 9

CM

22

3 + 0

LW

13

2 + 4

LM

13

2 + 0

DM

5

0

CF

4

1 + 1

RW

1

0

RM

1

1 + 0

Indeed, Paqueta has stood out as a vibrant, versatile presence throughout his 122-game stay in East London, with his collection of 19 goals and 14 assists from those clashes seeing him line up in a plethora of different positions, showcasing precisely why he’s been described as “one of the best 10s in the world” by one data analyst.

Having been one of a select few to exit West Ham’s recent 5-1 loss with Chelsea with his head held high, too, having smashed home the Hammers’ opener, the Brazilian will be champing at the bit to line up alongside faces such as Watkins and Rogers, hoping he can elevate his game to their lofty standards in the process.

Well, he should be up for the test, having further been hailed as “magic” by U23 scout Antonio Mango.

Emery will also immediately want Paqueta’s energy from the middle of the park to rub off on his players after a lifeless opening to the season, with the Hammers’ number 10 winning a high six duels per game in league action throughout 2024/25.

Jackson could well go on to do a reasonable job up top in claret and blue, but with Paqueta once being touted for an £85m switch to Manchester City, snapping him up for just £40m is surely the better move to sign off on.

Villa already have Watkins and Guessand who can play up top, but adding another creative face to take the burden away from Rogers – particularly considering he could leave – would be a wise use of funds.

Their next Ramsey: Aston Villa advancing to sign £26m star in late move

Unai Emery could swoop in for his next Jacob Ramsey at Aston Villa by successfully purchasing this £26m ace.

ByKelan Sarson Aug 25, 2025

أجرى محمد صلاح، نجم فريق ليفربول، حوارًا مع شبكة قنوات “بي إن سبورتس” القطرية حيث تطرق خلاله للحديث عن العديد من الأمور، على رأسها لياقته البدنية ومنافسيهم على لقب الدوري الإنجليزي.

ويتصدر ليفربول جدول الدوري الإنجليزي برصيد 18 نقطة، بالعلامة الكاملة بعدما حقق الفريق الفوز في مبارياته الخمس الماضية في البطولة.

وعندما سُئل عن كيفية حفاظ الفريق على النسق الخاص به وإصلاح المشاكل التي يتعرض لها، رد محمد صلاح: “فيما يخص إصلاح الأمور، عليك أن تسأل المدرب، شيء رائع أن يكون لديك رد فعل سريع تجاه الأمور السلبية التي قد تحدث في كل مباراة، سعيد بما حدث وردة الفعل، ولكن هذا شيء يجب أن ندرسه بعمق، ولا بد من إيجاد الاستجابة السريعة، أعتقد أن هذا يُعد أمرًا قابل للإصلاح”.

وفيما يخص دوره مع الفريق في الدقائق الأخيرة من المباريات من أجل تحقيق الفوز، قال: “أنا أتحدث من وجهة نظر مهاجم، ولكن عليك كذلك سؤال المدافعين والمدرب، لكن لقد كان لدينا إيمان في حظوظنا حتى الدقيقة الأخيرة، مثلما حدث أمام بورنموث ونيوكاسل يونايتد، لقد وجدنا الوقت المناسب والحلول اللازمة”.

وأضاف: “ولكن بورنموث وجه لنا صفعة في الدقائق الأخيرة، إذا رغبت في الفوز بلقب الدوري الإنجليزي، عليك إيجاد التوازن بين خط الهجوم والوسط والدفاع، استقبال الأهداف الكثيرة ليس بالإشارة الجيدة، ولكن لابد من إصلاح الأمور خاصة فيما يتعلق بتسجيل الأهداف من الهجمات المرتدة، الأمر لا يتعلق بعدد اللاعبين المتواجدين في مركز ما”.

وعن المنافسين لـ ليفربول على لقب الدوري، قال: “تواجدت هنا على مدار 9 مواسم تقريبًا، وأعتقد أن مانشستر سيتي سيكون المنافس المباشر، وكذلك آرسنال وتشيلسي، هكذا ستسير الأمور حسبما أعتقد”.

اقرأ أيضًا | رسميًا.. ليفربول يحذف ليوني من دوري أبطال أوروبا ويضم لاعبًا آخر

وفيما يخص لياقته البدنية، قال: “لا يوجد سر في هذا الصدد، أنا أثابر في التدريبات وأحافظ على نفسي بطريقة جيدة، لدي روتين يومي وأحافظ عليه، أستيقظ في الصباح وأؤدي صلواتي وأستمع إلى الموسيقى وأتناول زيت الزيتون وأحتسي القهوة، وأتناول وجبات خفيفة مثل الكرواسون، بناءً على المران، وكذلك السلطة، ربما شيء من الدجاج واللحم، وكل الفيتامينات، وأتناول كذلك البطاطس، وفي الليل أتناول بعض الخضراوات والكربوهيدرات”.

واسترسل: “التمرين في المنزل؟ نعم، بعد الانتهاء من التدريبات في الفريق، أذهب إلى المنزل وأتجه إلى غرفة اللياقة البدنية، حوالي السادسة والنصف مساءً، وأقضي 40 دقيقة في التمرين اليومي حتى أستعيد لياقتي البدنية ثم أذهب إلى الساونا، وإذا كان لدي وقت قبل تناول العشاء في 7:30 مساءً، أذهب إلى المسبح”.

وعن مشاعره الجياشة بعد نهاية مباراة ليفربول وبورنموث في الجولة الأولى من الدوري الإنجليزي، مع الجماهير، قال: “لقد تفاجأت بما حدث، ذهبت إلي فان دايك وتبادلنا العناق، لدي علاقة بناءة معه، لم أنطق بأي كلمة، ولكن المشاعر كانت عالية للغاية، استمتعت بأوقاتي مع بقية اللاعبين والجماهير، رأيت شخصًا من الجماهير يبكي وتحركت داخلي المشاعر (بسبب وفاة جوتا)، وقررت البقاء حتى النهاية”.

واستكمل: “اللاعبون الجدد؟ يجب علينا إيجاد التوليفة الجيدة بين كل اللاعبين، وعلى كل لاعب أن يفرض نفسه في التشكيل الأساسي، حتى هذا ينطبق على لاعبي دكة البدلاء، لابد من فهم أسلوب لعب سلوت وتحليل مقاطع كل فريق تواجهه، خاصة عندما يتعلق الأمر باللاعبين ذوي الجودة المرتفعة، عليهم ألا يترددوا في طرح الأسئلة والمثابرة في التدريبات”.

وأضاف: “إيكتيكي لاعب محير، لا تنتظر الكثير منه، ولكن لديه ميزة تميزه، تشبه ديفوك أوريجي، هناك الكثير من العناصر التي تميزه، يعرف دوره الذي يتعين عليه القيام به، لقد سجل أهدافًا عدة معنا، نعلم أن هناك ضغط عليه بسبب قيمة صفقة انتقاله إلينا، إلا إنه يتعامل مع الأمر جيدًا، ولكن أنا سعيد من أجله وأتمنى أن يستمر على هذا النحو”.

وعن الأسيست الذي قام به ضد نيوكاسل يونايتد في الوقت القاتل، وسجله اللاعب ريو نجوموها، وعن تعزيز مركزه على صعيد التمريرات الحاسمة في الدوري، قال: “هذا شيء يسعدني، لا أركز في الإحصائيات، أنا أركز على مساعدة فريقي وتحقيق الفوز”.

Rapid five-wicket haul is followed by fast-paced fifty to leave Derbyshire on the ropes

ECB Reporters Network17-Sep-2024Middlesex, trying to close a 15-point gap behind second-placed Yorkshire in the promotion race, utterly dominated an afternoon in Derby where the home side, attempting to overcome their own 19-point deficit to elude a first wooden spoon since 2016, lost six wickets for three runs in 43 balls.With Toby Roland-Jones returning five for 34 in all, Derbyshire ignominiously sank from 130 for two to an eventual 173. The decline set in when Harry Came fell for 66 as the Middlesex captain extended his recent superb sequence to 36 wickets at 16.92 in six matches.Led by Mark Stoneman’s rampant, unbeaten 79, Middlesex then romped through the evening, too, reaching 125 for one in reply on the first day of a vital Vitality County Championship meeting for them. No home seamer could match the accuracy and late movement on an occasionally two-paced pitch that meant “TRJ” claimed all his five scalps bowled or LBW.Belatedly exploiting conditions after Ryan Higgins’s outswing had undone Luis Reece for 20, he first removed Brooke Guest, missed by Noah Cornwell off his own bowling when three but out for seven 50 minutes from lunch, which arrived at 99 for two.Startling carnage then swept in from nowhere from the afternoon’s seventh over. Came lost his off stump and, after Wayne Madsen top-edged a cut at Ethan Bamber to first slip to go for 20, Roland-Jones knocked over two more for ducks and a then a third without score once David Lloyd had returned a catch to Bamber for two.Derisive applause greeted the single that finally took Derbyshire off 133, the score at which the last hapless trio had fallen, and the former England man’s spell ended with 8-5-6-4. It took the 17-year old bowler Harry Moore, in only his third first-class innings, and spinner Jack Morley, on loan from Lancashire, to add 35 for the ninth wicket.Having resisted 38 balls for one run, Morley unaccountably then leapt out to Luke Hollman’s leg spin and was bowled by his 39th before Moore miscued a lofted drive to deep mid-on for 32, which brought tea two overs early.In five of their last eight completed innings, Derbyshire had failed to better their 173 here. But Middlesex were aware at the interval that Yorkshire were doing well in Cardiff and that Sussex, the other side above them, already seemed well set for success in Bristol.If the obvious task was to make their own advantage now count, it didn’t help that the second ball of the reply, a half-volley from Zak Chappell, was clipped by Sam Robson low to mid-on. But their response to being one down without a run scored was full-on aggression: a dozen fours had come by the twelfth over.Chappell, who’d received his county cap in a presentation at the start, could celebrate no further as the two left-handers, Stoneman and Max Holden plundered 71 in the hour that took the former to his first fifty for eleven innings, off only 41 balls.If the tempo eased against the spinners on a surface already taking turn, Holden, the foil to Stoneman’s belligerence, moved quietly on to 44 not out by the close and the pair will resume their 125-run partnership on Wedneday with Middlesex only 48 in arrears.

Bayern Munich have now made an approach over a potential deal for a Chelsea star who excelled at the Club World Cup, according to a report.

Blues crowned Club World Cup champions in New Jersey

Few would have predicted the Blues to cause an upset against European champions Paris Saint-Germain, but they put in a remarkable performance to secure a 3-0 victory, with all three goals coming in the first-half.

Cole Palmer is likely to get most of the headlines, with the England international bagging a brace, and the 23-year-old’s second goal was extremely well-taken, creating space with a shimmy that was impossible for Lucas Beraldo and Vitinha to predict.

However, Enzo Maresca has praised the entire team for the way in which they were able to implement his game plan, saying: “It went well, but I think we won the game in the first 10 minutes, when the team came out to demonstrate that we were here to try to win, respecting the rival, considering the rival the best team in the world at this time.

“But I think in the end, you can give the players a plan, but in the end it’s them who have to execute it, and they did it very well.”

Another player who caught the eye was Malo Gusto, with the right-back assisting Palmer’s opening goal vs PSG, while also being trusted by Maresca throughout the tournament, featuring in every single match.

Chelsea now in race to sign PSG's "sensational" £34m Ballon d'Or contender

The Blues are vying to sign one of the world’s best-performing players…

ByDominic Lund Jul 14, 2025

However, according to a report from France, Gusto is now attracting interest from across the continent, with Bayern Munich submitting an enquiry over a potential deal, given that Sacha Boey is expected to leave the German club this summer.

It is currently unclear whether the Blues would be willing to listen to offers for the Frenchman, who started against PSG, but they should be in a strong negotiating position, as he remains contracted until 2030.

Chelsea must reject Bayern's advances

Maresca could be brewing something special at Stamford Bridge, with the statement victory over PSG suggesting his side may be Premier League title contenders next season, and Chelsea must not put that at risk by selling one of their key players.

The France international made 32 appearances in the Premier League last season, indicating Maresca trusts the full-back, with the Italian also describing the 22-year-old as one of his “favourite” players.

As such, it seems unlikely that a departure will be on the cards this summer, especially in the wake of the Club World Cup final triumph, which may convince the defender to continue being a part of Maresca’s project.

That said, if Chelsea do decide to cash-in, they should hold out for far more than the £31m they forked out to sign him from Lyon back in January 2023.

“We had a few warnings in earlier games, and it’s something we do talk about.” USA coach Stuart Law says

Sidharth Monga12-Jun-2024USA became the first team to be penalised according to the new stop-clock regulations put in place to speed up the pace of play in T20Is.They suffered the penalty – which is imposed if the fielding side fails to start the next over within a minute of the previous one ending thrice in an innings – during a crucial phase of India’s chase in New York.At the start of the 16th over of their T20 World Cup group game, India needed 35 runs and were in a tricky position on a tough batting pitch, but the equation was reduced to 30 off 30 balls after the penalty. India went on to beat USA by seven wickets with ten balls to spare.The stop clock to help speed up over rates became a permanent feature in men’s ODIs and T20Is from June 1. The relevant regulation says: “The clock will be used to regulate the amount of time taken between overs. If the bowling team is not ready to bowl the next over within 60 seconds of the previous over being completed, a five-run penalty will be imposed the third time it happens in an innings.”The trial for this playing condition had encouraging results in terms of over rates. “The results of the stop-clock trial were presented to the Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC), which demonstrated that around 20 minutes per ODI match had been saved in time,” the ICC had said when ratifying the regulation for all international limited-overs cricket played by men. During the trial period, no team was found to have exceeded the one-minute limit between overs three times in an innings, which makes this the first five-run penalty for this offence.The umpires were seen explaining what had happened to Aaron Jones, USA’s stand-in captain in the absence of the injured Monank Patel.Following the defeat, USA were left needing a win or a no-result in their final match against Ireland to qualify for the Super Eight. If they get no points from their last match, their chances of progressing could come down to net run-rate. India have sealed their place in the Super Eight with three wins in three games.Related

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It’s not like the penalty took USA by surprise.”Yeah, we talk about this,” USA coach Stuart Law said at a press conference after the game. “We had a few warnings in earlier games, and it’s something we do talk about to get through faster between the overs. It’s just one thing that we can improve on. I think that we’re only a fledgling team. There’s plenty to learn.”There’s not just the cricket aspect of the game of cricket, but there’s also the other intricacies that need to be embedded [among the players]. It’s a rule that’s only just come in. A lot of our players wouldn’t have heard about it before we played in the Bangladesh series or the Canada series earlier this year. So, look, it’s something that we need to address, we’ll sit down and talk about, but we can improve it, yeah.”Law said the umpires had said they had warned the USA players twice before imposing the penalty.”Players know the rule, but it’s something that if you haven’t played with it for a long time, it’s very difficult to have it embedded in your brain,” Law said. “So, the information coming from the umpires was, they were given two clear warnings, then it’s up to the players to respond. And we didn’t respond fast enough, we didn’t do it well enough, and that’s something we can address.”One thing for every team to learn from this is that Law didn’t put the defeat down to it despite the critical moment it came at. He said it didn’t even affect the players because eventually it was just five runs in a 40-over game.

“It didn’t affect the result of the game as many people will suggest. But to lose five runs was crucial at that time. But, once again, it may have just taken us to the 19th or 20th over, rather than finishing it in the 18th”Stuart Law

“I don’t think it affected the outcome of the game,” he said. “Five runs wasn’t going to affect the outcome of the game so I don’t think it rattled [the players]. No, I thought we stuck to our guns, we fought hard, we fought to the death. I thought we showed some fantastic character against one of the best teams in the world.”Law had no issues with the ICC trying to speed up the game. He was asked if such measures might compromise the quality of cricket played, and replied, “I think there needs to be a pace of play. I think if you’re dragging games out that should last three-and-a-half hours, they’re going for four-and-a-half hours, that’s a bit much. The ICC are there to install rules and regulations. We as coaches and teams are there to follow those rules and regulations.”If there’s enough voices saying that it may be detracting from the game, I’m sure the ICC will act to it. I don’t see it as a bad thing, I see it as a good thing. The game continues to move. When momentum is with you, you want to keep that momentum running quicker and put the opposition under pressure that way.”So it’s neither here nor there. It didn’t affect the result of the game as many people will suggest. But to lose five runs was crucial at that time. But, once again, it may have just taken us to the 19th or 20th over, rather than finishing it in the 18th.”

With Matheus Cunha seemingly on his way to Manchester United this summer, Wolverhampton Wanderers are now reportedly set to submit a £29m bid to sign their potential replacement.

Man Utd close in on Cunha

Cunha’s Wolves departure has looked inevitable rather than possible ever since he put pen to paper on a deal which included a £63m release clause in January. The Brazilian stayed put in the winter window, but on that one condition. Now, according to Fabrizio Romano, it’s Manchester United who are set to take full advantage of that release clause this summer.

The inevitability of Cunha’s exit hasn’t always seen the forward keep his home fans onside, either, and he has done himself no favours throughout the campaign by keeping up a poor disciplinary record on the pitch.

What those suspensions have done, however, is hand Vitor Pereira a glimpse into life without Cunha. And whilst it would have been easy to assume that glimpse would spell undeniable disaster for Wolves, the reality couldn’t be more different.

Without their star man, Wolves put together an impressive three game winning run, which then turned into six once he returned. It was a run that led to their Premier League safety and one that Pereira celebrated by joining his supporters at the local pub.

Whether a toast was raised to Cunha is doubtful, but there’s no denying that Wolves will still need to replace the Man United-bound star regardless of that impressive run without him. And that has reportedly seen them turn their attention towards another Brazilian forward.

Wolves set to table Yuri Alberto offer

According to reports in Brazil, as relayed by Sport Witness, Wolves are now set to table an offer worth €35m (£30m) to sign Yuri Alberto this summer. Pereira has reportedly specifically requested the 23-year-old Corinthians forward who he worked with during his time at the Brazilian club and could now get his man when the summer arrives.

Appearances

28

Goals

11

Assists

2

A young forward who was just finding his best form at the time, Alberto has since blossomed into an impressive striker who is ready for a move into European football.

Described as “clinical” by South American football expert Nathan Joyes, the Brazilian could instantly form a partnership full of promise with Jorgen Strand Larsen, who has enjoyed an impressive season in his own right under Pereira.

Wolves battle Borussia Dortmund for 18 y/o starlet with £10m release clause

Wolves are among the teams chasing a young star, who is out of contract in December.

ByBrett Worthington May 19, 2025

Get things right and Cunah will be a name of the past, rather than a regretful star lost. Pereira has already proven that he is more than capable of getting the best out of his current squad without his standout star, but the arrival of Alberto could help the Portuguese manager take Wolves beyond simply surviving in the Premier League.