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ESPNcricnfo understands that one reason for this could be because the probe panel has not yet sent the transcripts to everyone who deposed before it in the past week

Nagraj Gollapudi15-Nov-2018The inquiry committee probing allegations of sexual harrassment against BCCI CEO Rahul Johri has sought more time to finish its investigation. The inquiry committee was originally given a fortnight to complete its probe by the Committee of Administrators (CoA), with the deadline ending today.However, the inquiry committee – comprising Rakesh Sharma (retired judge of Allahabad High Court), Barkha Singh (former chairperson of the Delhi Women’s Commission) and Veena Gowda (women’s rights lawyer) – wrote to the CoA on Thurday seeking more time, saying it would finish the probe at the earliest. The CoA has approved the request with no specific deadline.ESPNcricnfo understands that one reason the committee has sought more time could be because it has not yet sent the transcripts to everyone who deposed before it in the past week. It is understood that those who have not yet received the transcripts include the two women complainants, both of whom reside overseas. Both women, who are not with BCCI, testified over Skype in the last week.The others that testified include former Mumbai captain Shishir Hattangadi, CoA members Vinod Rai and Diana Edulji, BCCI treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry, and whistleblower Aditya Verma and his legal counsel Sanjeev Mishra. Johri was the last person to be face the inquiry committee and his deposition stretched to two days.Once it finalises the transcripts, the three-person inquiry committee will evaluate the depositions and all evidence put in front of it before arriving at a conclusion. It is understood the CoA will ask Johri to resign if the verdict of the inquiry committee is unanimous or a majority one, with no confirmation over how the dissenting view will be managed.Johri was appointed as BCCI’s first CEO in June 2016 with his contract lasting until May 2021. In case Johri is found guilty by the inquiry committee and is asked to resign, the BCCI will appoint an interim CEO. A new CEO will only be appointed once the BCCI elects its fresh general body and apex council post elections.

Euro 2024 in Germany is right around the corner. The very pinnacle of international European football, some of the biggest names in football will be vying for the trophy.

Such an important occasion needs some important venues. Fortunately, Germany has great stadiums in abundance.

Harry Kane, Kevin De Bruyne and Kylian Mbappe are just a few names that will be looking to make history when it all kicks off on 14th June in Munich.

Here is everything you’ll need to know about where the football will be played, courtesy of us here at Football FanCast.

Olympiastadion, Berlin

Games hosting: Group stages x3, round of 16, quarter-final, final

Olympiastadion Berlin

Berlin

74,475

Hertha BSC

1936

Berlin’s Olympiastadion is one of the most iconic sports venues in Germany and will play a significant role in EURO 2024. It is located in the capital city, Berlin, and has a rich history dating back to its opening in 1936. With a capacity of 74,475, the stadium is the home of Hertha BSC, one of the city’s top clubs.

The stadium has hosted numerous significant events in the past, including the 2006 FIFA World Cup final. During EURO 2024, Olympiastadion Berlin will host three group stage matches, a round of 16 game, a quarter-final, and, most notably, the final of the tournament.

Olympiastadion Berlin is situated in the Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf district of Berlin. The city’s rich history, cultural diversity, and vibrant atmosphere make it an ideal host for the UEFA European Championship. Fans visiting the stadium can explore the city’s many attractions, such as the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall Memorial, and the beautiful Tiergarten Park.

Confirmed matches: Spain v Croatia, Play-off winner A v Austria, Netherlands v Austria

Allianz Arena, Munich

Games hosting: Group stages x4, round of 16, semi-final

Football Arena Munich (Allianz Arena)

Munich

70,000

Bayern Munich

2005

The Football Arena Munich, also known as Allianz Arena, is located in the city of Munich. It serves as the home ground for the nation’s biggest club, Bayern Munich, and boasts a capacity of over 75,000. Opened in 2005, this modern stadium is a state-of-the-art facility equipped with innovative technology and an iconic illuminated exterior.

Despite being so new, this stadium has a rich international football history of hosting matches at significant football events, including the 2006 FIFA World Cup. During EURO 2024, it will host four group stage matches, a last-16 game and a semi-final. The Football Arena Munich promises to provide an electrifying atmosphere for fans of whichever nations play there.

Munich is not just a football-loving city, but also a cultural and economic hub. It offers a blend of historical landmarks, including Nymphenburg Palace, Marienplatz, and the vibrant Viktualienmarkt. Visitors to Munich can also savour the city’s world-famous beer gardens and cuisine.

Confirmed matches: Germany v Scotland, Romania v Play-off winner B, Slovenia v Serbia, Denmark v Serbia

RB Arena, Leipzig

Games hosting: Group stages x3, round of 16

RB Arena

Leipzig

41,122

RB Leipzig

2010

RB Arena, located in the heart of Leipzig, is the home stadium of RB Leipzig. Although they’re a young club, their stadium is fantastic. With a capacity of over 41,122, this modern stadium opened its doors in 2010. RB Arena is a striking venue known for its passionate and vocal fanbase.

For EURO 2024, RB Arena will host three group matches and a round-of-16 game. The city of Leipzig, with its rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels, will provide a delightful backdrop for the tournament.

Leipzig might not be as well-known as Berlin or Munich, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. The city offers historic charm with landmarks like the Old Town Hall and St. Thomas Church. Enjoy coffee culture, savour Saxon cuisine, and experience the city’s vibrant nightlife, making it a diverse and lively destination.

Confirmed matches: Portugal v Czechia, Netherlands v France, Croatia v Italy

Hamburg Arena, Hamburg

Games hosting: Group stages x4, quarter-final

Hamburg Arena (Volksparkstadion)

Hamburg

57,000

Hamburger SV

1953

Hamburg Arena, also known as Volksparkstadion, is home to Hamburger SV, and a stadium with a capacity of 57,000. It has been open since 1953, but was heavily renovated in 1998, and has since witnessed thrilling football encounters. EURO 2024 will see the stadium host four group matches and a quarter-final.

In recent years, Hamburg have fallen off a little bit. They’re currently in the German second division, following heartbreak on the last day of the 2022/23 season that saw them fail to get promoted. Despite that, they’re still one of the best-supported clubs in the country, and their stadium shows that.

Hamburg, known for its bustling port and maritime history, offers visitors a unique experience. Attractions like the Elbphilharmonie, Miniatur Wunderland and the historic Warehouse District (Speicherstadt) make it a diverse and exciting destination.

Confirmed matches: Play-off winner A v Netherlands, Croatia v Albania, Play-off winner C v Czechia, Czechia v Turkey

Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen

Games hosting: Group stages x3, round of 16

Arena AufSchalke

Gelsenkirchen

50,000

Schalke 04

2001

Arena AufSchalke, situated in Gelsenkirchen, is home to the Bundesliga club FC Schalke 04. With a capacity of over 50,000, it’s been a landmark in German football since its opening in 2001. Schalke may be struggling, but this stadium has a big history in tournaments like the Champions League, with 2004’s final taking place here.

Gelsenkirchen, a city in the Ruhr area, is known for its industrial history and has transformed into a dynamic and modern urban centre. The Arena AufSchalke will offer an electric atmosphere for EURO 2024, hosting three group stage matches and a round-of-16 game.

Confirmed matches: Serbia v England, Spain v Italy, Play-off winner C v Portugal

Stadion Cologne, Cologne

Games hosting: Group stages x4, round of 16

Stadion Cologne (RheinEnergieStadion)

Cologne

50,000

FC Koln

1923

Stadion Cologne is the home of 1. FC Köln. With a capacity of 50,000, this historic stadium in a historic city opened in 1923 and was renovated in 2004. It is without a doubt a prominent football venue in Germany.

The city of Cologne, known for its stunning cathedral, Köln Dom, and vibrant cultural scene, offers a unique experience for visitors.

For EURO 2024, Cologne Stadium will host four group stage matches and a round-of-16 game. Football fans can expect a fantastic atmosphere in this historic city.

Confirmed matches: Hungary v Switzerland, Scotland v Switzerland, Belgium v Romania, England v Slovenia

Stuttgart Arena, Stuttgart

Games hosting: Group stages x4, quarter-final

Stuttgart Arena (MHP Arena)

Stuttgart

54,000

VfB Stuttgart

1933

The home stadium of VfB Stuttgart has a capacity of around 54,000. This historic venue has been a prominent part of the city’s sports landscape since its opening in 1933. The stadium has hosted various significant football matches and events over the years.

Stuttgart, known for its lush parks and vineyards, offers visitors a unique blend of nature and culture. EURO 2024 matches hosted at the Stuttgart Arena will include four group matches and a quarter-final, promising an exciting football atmosphere in this picturesque city.

Confirmed matches: Slovenia v Denmark, Germany v Hungary, Scotland v Hungary, Play-off winner B v Belgium

Westfalenstadion, Dortmund

Games hosting: Group stages x4, round of 16, semi-final

BVB Stadion (Westfalenstadion)

Dortmund

66,000

Borussia Dortmund

1974

Home to Borussia Dortmund and the world-famous Yellow Wall, the Westfalenstadion boasts a capacity of 66,000 and has been welcoming passionate football fans since 1974. It’s a stadium steeped in history, having previously hosted matches at two World Cups.

Dortmund, with its bustling atmosphere and vibrant cultural scene, is a football-loving city that will provide an exceptional backdrop for EURO 2024. The BVB Stadion Dortmund will be a hub of excitement, hosting three group stage matches, a round-of-16 game, and a semi-final.

Confirmed matches: Italy v Albania, Turkey v Play-off winner C, Turkey v Portugal, France v Play-off winner A

Frankfurt Arena, Frankfurt

Games hosting: Group stages x4, round of 16

Frankfurt Arena (Waldstadion)

Frankfurt

46,000

Eintracht Frankfurt

1925

Eintracht Frankfurt are lucky enough to play their football at the beautiful Waldstadion. It’s a historic stadium with a capacity of 46,000. Opened in 1925, it holds a special place in the hearts of local fans. Frankfurt, known for its financial district and cultural attractions, is a vibrant city that perfectly complements the tournament’s spirit.

For EURO 2024, Frankfurt Arena will host three group matches and a round-of-16 game. It will host England’s crunch clash with Denmark on 21st June.

Confirmed matches: Belgium v Slovakia, Denmark v England, Switzerland v Germany, Slovakia v Romania

Düsseldorf Arena, Düsseldorf

Games hosting: Group stages x4, round of 16, quarter-final

Düsseldorf Arena

Düsseldorf

47,000

Fortuna Düsseldorf

2004

Düsseldorf Arena, home to Fortuna Düsseldorf, is a modern stadium with a capacity of 47,000. Opened in 2004, it offers state-of-the-art facilities for players and fans.

A city known for its fashion and art scenes, Dusseldorf provides an elegant and cultural backdrop for EURO 2024. The Düsseldorf Arena will be the stage for three group stage matches, a last-16 game and a semi-final, promising a thrilling experience for football enthusiasts.

Confirmed matches: Austria v France, Slovakia v Play-off winner B, Albania v Spain

There you have it, all you need to know about every stadium that will play a part in the Euro 2024. Germany haven’t hosted an international tournament (at least by themselves) since the World Cup in 2006 – a competition that turned out to be a lot of fun.

Euro 2024 promises to be a great tournament.

Harris will serve as the team’s bowling coach, while McMillan has been hired as a fielding coach

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Dec-2018Kings XI Punjab have appointed Ryan Harris, the former Australia quick, as the bowling coach for the 2019 IPL season. Harris replaces Venkatesh Prasad, who was in the position last year but resigned recently. Harris was the head coach of the Australia Under-19, who were runner-ups in the World Cup earlier this year.Kings XI, who finished seventh last season, also roped in former New Zealand batsman Craig McMillan as a fielding coach. McMillan, who is also the batting coach of New Zealand, is currently in the UAE for the ongoing Test series against Pakistan.”Having quality coaches like Harris and McMillan will be a great asset to the team,” Mike Hesson, who recently took over as head coach, said. “They have both performed as players on the big stage and have made the transition into quality coaches. They will be excellent additions to the coaching team.”The other appointments by made the franchise to bolster the support staff were that of Brett Harrop (physio), Sridharan Sriram (batting coach) and Prasanna Raman (high-performance coach).Apart from the ouster of former head coach Brad Hodge and Virender Sehwag, who was the tean Mentor and Head of Cricket Operations, Kings XI released eleven players, including Yuvraj Singh, Aaron Finch and Axar Patel, and traded Marcus Stoinis for Royal Challenger Bangalore’s Mandeep Singh. That has left them with the highest salary cap (INR 36.20 crores) among all franchises ahead of the auction.

Bastian Schweinsteiger has revealed how Jose Mourinho kicked him out of the Manchester United dressing room and was forced to train with the U-16s.

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Schweinsteiger joined Man Utd in 2015 under Louis van GaalFailed to impress Mourinho when he took charge in 2016Reveals unfair treatment Mourinho meted out to himWHAT HAPPENED?

Arriving at Old Trafford in 2015 with a decorated career at Bayern Munich, Schweinsteiger's transition to Manchester United happened under then-head coach Louis van Gaal. However, his fortunes took a dramatic turn for the worse upon Mourinho's arrival at the club in the summer of 2016.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT SCHWEINSTEIGER SAID

In a recent interview with Gary Neville on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, Schweinsteiger shed light on the turbulent conclusion to his Manchester United career, particularly highlighting his strained relationship with Mourinho.

"It was 2016 and I was with the German national team, we went far in the competition (the European Championship) reaching the semi-finals, so I stepped in a little later (at Manchester United) and the team were in the US for a pre-season tour," Schweinsteiger recalled.

"When I arrived on the first day, I trained with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and thought it was great, a player who has the vision and is amazing to play with. The next day, on my birthday, when I walked into Carrington, John Murtough was there and said that I wasn't allowed to walk into the dressing room, the coach had said so. No warning, nothing. I don't know (why he told me). Someone could have told me there (on my first day of training) or explained it to me in a normal way, but okay, I went to the youth dressing room and trained with the under-16s."

Schweinsteiger further shared that John Murtough had to "bring him his cleats and training gear."

"I asked him who I was training with, and he said there was the under 16 team, so I went and trained with the under 16s,' Schweinsteiger continued. 

"I asked him whether I could talk to the manager in the afternoon, so when I came back from training with the under 16s, where I trained so bad because I didn't know what was going on or it was a joke, I then had a meeting with (Mourinho) in the afternoon. 

"He explained to me that he didn't see me happy here at United because when I had my injury, I did my rehab with German doctors, spending time in Germany.  Of course, I came back to United and was in contact with doctors and watched the games – I had a conversation with Louis van Gaal when he was coach, and he said to come on the weekends to United and remain in contact with the doctors, they needed me fit and there was an FA Cup final which I almost played. That was our agreement and I kept to it.  For me, I just wanted to get healthy and wanted to be able to play – I stuck to the agreement with Louis van Gaal but obviously the board thought a little differently about that."

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The German midfielder expressed his frustration at being ostracized from the first team, emphasizing that he was effectively isolated from his teammates for a prolonged period. Schweinsteiger revealed that he underwent individual training sessions under a fitness coach for three months, devoid of interaction with the main squad.

"I was training alone for at least three months with a fitness coach," he added. "I trained before and after the (first) team. (Mourinho) never let me train with the first team. I guess they wanted to get rid of me. In that moment, I was still super happy at United, I loved to wear the jersey, I loved it. I was thinking that maybe it was just a period, I will train now and keep myself fit and maybe one day they'll change their mind. My dream was to always step back out into Old Trafford. sometimes I'd pass by a few or get a message. They said that they didn't understand the decision, but I didn't see them. I had to train in the morning or after their session to not see them."

Gary Neville, a former Manchester United player and PFA Union Representative condemned the treatment meted out to Schweinsteiger, labelling it as "illegal" and expressing dismay at the club's handling of the situation.

"I was the PFA Union Representative, and you’re not allowed to do that, you can’t dismiss someone like that, it’s constructive dismissal in some ways,' he said. "It’s probably a few years too late, you should have come and seen me at the time. I’m stunned and embarrassed at what I’m hearing because I always think, players leave clubs and people fall out, but there is a way to do things and a way to behave and act."

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DID MOURINHO APOLOGISE?

Although Mourinho eventually extended an apology to Schweinsteiger, the damage caused by the episode had already taken its toll.

"After three months of training on my own at Manchester United, one day Mourinho or his assistant came to me and said that I could train with them (the first team), and I trained with them. I think I trained well, and I liked to play with Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic," Schweinsteiger added.

"Later, I got my minutes but when you see other players playing in your position, you think, "I'm better than this guy." We had Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera, Michael Carrick, Morgan Schneiderlin, and Marouane Fellaini – I thought that I wasn't the last one in that group, for that position," he said.

"Sometimes you'll be sitting there after the game and then people come in (to the dressing room) from the board and come to shake your hands – for me this wasn't easy because I was thinking, that my heart was broken and that it wasn't full of red anymore. The first time someone apologised was when I decided to leave United for America, and asked Jose if I could do that, he then apologised for the way he treated me in the beginning and he had to let me go because he could not say no to me in that moment."

Shankar will join the ODI team in Australia ahead of the second match in Adelaide, while Gill has been named in both the ODI and T20I squads for the New Zealand tour

Nagraj Gollapudi and Sidharth Monga12-Jan-2019Shubman Gill and Vijay Shankar have been called up as replacements for KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya in India’s limited-overs squads.Shankar will join the team that is currently in Australia ahead of the second ODI, which will be played in Adelaide on January 15. Gill, meanwhile, will not feature in the ODI series in Australia but will join the team in New Zealand, where India are scheduled to play five ODIs and three T20Is, starting January 23.ESPNcricinfo understands that Mayank Agarwal was on stand-by to fly out to Australia as the third opener, but a bruised finger that is yet to heal resulted in the selectors going with Gill. As a result of the niggle, Agarwal will also not be available for Karnataka in their Ranji Trophy quarter-final against Rajasthan from January 15.India were forced to name replacements after the Committee of Administrators suspended Pandya and Rahul for their controversial comments on a TV show.This is the first India call-up for the 19-year-old Gill, who is fresh off an outstanding Ranji Trophy campaign for Punjab, scoring 790 runs in ten innings at an average of 98.75, including two hundreds and five half-centuries. Prior to the Ranji campaign, Gill was also part of the India A squad that toured New Zealand.Shubman Gill in Ranji Trophy 2018-19•ESPNcricinfo LtdGill enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2018, when he was named Player of the tournament during India’s Under-19 World Cup triumph in New Zealand. It was during the tournament that he was signed by Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 1.8 crores. Jostling for a lower middle order berth in a star-studded batting line-up, he struck an unbeaten match-winning 57 against Chennai Super Kings. It was then that Dinesh Karthik, the KKR captain, said: “That boy is special. I don’t want to hype it up and put extra pressure on him. I can see a lot of years of India Blues in him.”This is Shankar’s second time in the Indian dressing room after making his T20I debut in the Nidahas Trophy in March 2018. Shankar’s inclusion as a like-for-like replacment for Pandya might have come easy for the selectors after the Tamil Nadu allrounder finished as the highest run-maker during the one-day leg of the India A tour of New Zealand in November.Shankar played the role of the finisher successfully, cracking 188 runs at an average of 94 in the three matches.CoA split over inquiry procedureMeanwhile, both Pandya and Rahul have a week to respond to the showcause notice issued to them by the CoA on Friday. The two-member CoA comprising Vinod Rai and Diana Edulji is figuring out who should carry out the inquiry once the players submit their explanations. The two members aren’t on the same page on this matter, which is complicated by the sexual-harrassment inquiry that the BCCI CEO Rahul Johri recently faced.Rai is in favour of following the BCCI legal team’s opinion, which dictates that the CEO reach out to the players and seek an “early” explanation from them so that the inquiry can be expedited. In an email sent to Edulji on Saturday, Rai said the BCCI should conclude the inquiry by the end of the second ODI, which is on January 15, because it could not “afford to debilitate” the India team’s strength due to the “delinquent behaviour on part of some player.”On Thursday, the BCCI legal team had told the CoA that as per rules, once the CEO had submitted his report based on the players’ explanation, the rightful and final authority to adjudicate the issue would be the Ombudsman. However, the BCCI has not appointed a new Ombudsman since the expiration of Justice AP Shah’s one-year term in 2016. The legal team recommended an ad-hoc Ombudsman be appointed as a stop-gap measure. Rai suggested to Edulji that the amicus curiae – Gopal Subramanium – appoint the ad-hoc Ombudsman.However, Edulji disagreed. “We should be in no hurry to conduct the inquiry as then it will look like a cover up job being done,” she wrote in response to Rai. She also said Johri being involved in the inquiry would be “bad optics” owing to the “grave sexual allegations levied” on him recently, which were cleared by a three-member ad-hoc committee in controversial circumstances.Instead of the ad-hoc Ombudsman, a role she pointed out the BCCI constitution does not “provide”, Edulji said the probe should be carried out by the CoA in the company of the three BCCI office bearers, or the CoA and the board’s acting secretary Amitabh Choudhury. Rai, who is overseas, has not yet responded.GMT 1940 The article was amended after the BCCI sent out its release confirming the selection of Gill and Vijay Shankar. The article had earlier said Mayank Agarwal was likely to be named as Rahul’s replacement.

Aston Villa owners NSWE are ready to back manager Unai Emery by signing two new attackers in the January transfer window.

Aston Villa transfer update

The club have been in brilliant form in 2023, especially at Villa Park, with Saturday’s 1-0 win over Arsenal seeing them achieve a new club record 15th home win in the Premier League.

Emery has overseen every one of those after replacing Steven Gerrard towards the end of 2022 and has taken Villa into Europe. Villa appear to be in a battle for a top-four finish or even a push for the title this time around, with NSWE backing him in the transfer window over the summer.

Aston Villa summer signings

Fee

Pau Torres (Villarreal)

£33m

Moussa Diaby (Bayer Leverkusen)

Undisclosed

Youri Tielemans (Leicester City)

Free

Rico Richards (West Bromwich Albion)

Free

Nicolo Zaniolo (Galatasaray)

Loan

All fees according to Sky Sports

To ensure Villa don’t rest on their laurels, the club look to be ready to get the chequebook out once more in the New Year, with a fresh update coming to light.

According to Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke, NSWE are ready to bankroll Emery again by signing two new attacking players for the Spaniard. One possible target named was RB Salzburg starlet Oscar Gloukh, whereas Villa also want a new centre-forward to provide competition to Ollie Watkins.

Aston Villa attackers

Emery’s side haven’t exactly struggled for goals in the top flight this season, scoring 35 times in 20 league games, more than the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United, Newcastle, Brighton, West Ham and Fulham in the top half.

In all competitions, Watkins is the top scorer during the current campaign with 13, whereas Leon Bailey has scored eight times and Douglas Luiz and John McGinn six a piece. Moussa Diaby and Jhon Duran have four each to their name, with eight other players getting their name on the scoresheet at some point. (Aston Villa top scorers – BBC)

Alongside strikers Watkins and Duran, Villa have Bailey and Diaby as regular wide options, loanee Nicolo Zainolo as an attacking midfielder, whereas Emiliano Bunedia and Bertrand Traore are currently sidelined through injury. (Aston Villa squad – Transfermarkt)

Therefore, you can see why Villa and Emery would want to add to their ranks in the final third, and bringing in two new additions could help them achieve their goal of qualifying for the Champions League or pushing for the title in the second half of the season, making this one to watch over the coming weeks.

Rob McElhenney and his wife Kaitlin Olson sank pints and sang Wrexham songs after joining in wild promotion celebrations at The Turf pub.

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Red Dragons heading into League OneHollywood co-owners making rise possibleCause for celebration in North WalesWHAT HAPPENED?

The Red Dragons have, on the back of their record-breaking National League title triumph in 2023, bounced straight through League Two. That means third-tier football is back on the agenda at SToK Racecourse for the first time in 20 years.

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Wrexham have been revelling in another step up the EFL ladder, with a second all-expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas – courtesy of Hollywood co-owners – on the cards before taking in a pre-season tour of the United States and Canada.

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For now, those in North Wales are enjoying seeing the 2023-24 season come to a close. McElhenney and his partner were in attendance for a final day showdown with League Two champions Stockport – and they headed to The Turf after the 2-1 win for drinks and a singalong with jubilant locals.

The Portuguese magnifico dragged United to victory against the Premier League's worst team to ever-so-slightly ease the pressure on his manager

Where would Manchester United be without the brilliance of Bruno Fernandes? Quite possibly in the relegation zone along with Sheffield United. The Red Devils captain dragged his dysfunctional side to a first league victory in five matches with an inspirational performance against the Blades, summed up by an outstanding long-range strike for the winner.

The effort, with his weaker foot, put United in the lead for the first time after a maddening match against the Premier League's weakest team, who twice took the lead before Fernandes grabbed the game by the scruff of its neck.

United had made a dominant yet toothless start, but found themselves trailing when Andre Onana's loose pass was gobbled up by Jayden Bogle. Harry Maguire headed United level but the Blades, who won 2-1 in their last visit to Old Trafford three years ago, took the lead again in the second half through Chile international Ben Brereton-Diaz.

Maguire again came to United's rescue, earning a penalty from which Fernandes levelled, blasting into the top left-hand corner. The Portuguese then found the opposite corner with a tremendous strike, before United's talisman set up Rasmus Hojlund to score their fourth. Not even this chaotic, wild team could let this one slip.

GOAL rates United's players from Old Trafford…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Andre Onana (3/10):

Got United off to a horrible start with his disastrous pass and his confidence was shot for the rest of the game.

Diogo Dalot (4/10):

Could have done more to prevent Bogle's goal, although let down by Onana's pass. Bungled a glorious chance by taking too long to shoot.

Casemiro (7/10):

Much improved on his rusty recent displays, making crunching tackles and reading the game well.

Harry Maguire (7/10):

An inspired performance against his boyhood club, causing a nuisance in the opposing box and defending his own comfortably.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (6/10):

A comfortable performance to recover confidence after his woeful display against Coventry.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Christian Eriksen (5/10):

Used the ball well but not convincing without it, losing Brereton-Diaz for the Chilean's goal and being beaten too easily in midfield.

Kobbie Mainoo (6/10):

Had many bright passages of play, taking on responsibility in attack as well as defensively.

Bruno Fernandes (9/10):

Talismanic, both in the way he inspired the team with his body language and in the way he raised his level, scoring a truly stunning goal with his weaker foot.

Getty ImagesAttack

Alejandro Garnacho (6/10):

Ran hard despite having to come off against Coventry. Set up Maguire's goal but missed some good chances.

Rasmus Hojlund (6/10):

Held the ball up well, was unconvincing in front of goal but kept believing and scored for the first time in two months.

Antony (4/10):

Slow, imprecise and kept miscuing. Another embarrassing display after another week to forget for the Brazilian.

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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Amad Diallo (6/10):

A big improvement on the hapless Antony.

Scott McTominay (6/10):

Helped unsettle the Blades' defence even if he did not directly contribute to the win.

Ethan Wheatley (N/A):

Made his senior debut in added time the day after inspiring the Under-18s to cup glory against Manchester City. Got involved in the action and wasn't far from scoring.

Sofyan Amrabat (N/A):

Brought on in added-time.

Erik ten Hag (5/10):

His changes helped win the game,although Fernandes was the real reason. It's a mystery why he keeps starting Antony.

She followed her dominant 96 with 3 for 14 to hand Pakistan a 146-run loss in the first ever women’s ODI at the Dubai International Stadium

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Feb-2019Deandra Dottin did the star turn for West Indies in the Super Over•Getty ImagesDeandra Dottin demolished Pakistan in the first ever women’s ODI to be played at the Dubai International Stadium, with a dominant 96 and 3 for 14. Her all-round brilliance handed Pakistan a 146-run drubbing and West Indies two championship points.West Indies secured the victory after Pakistan lost 9 for 24 to be dismissed for 70 in their chase of 217. Javeria Khan had stood in as captain in place of Bismah Maroof who was rested after she was hit on the jaw while attempting to catch the ball on the eve of the game.Dottin’s disdainful all-round show followed a productive T20I series in which she struck 158 runs and took three wickets. On Thursday, after West Indies had laboured to 25 for 1 in the Powerplay, she bailed her side out of trouble. Dottin’s opening partner Kycia Knight, though, was bowled for an 18-ball duck in the sixth over by Sana Mir.Dottin, however, found able assistance from the returning captain Stafanie Taylor, who had opted out of the T20I series in Karachi that West Indies won 2-1. They brought up the team fifty in the 22nd over, and then in the next over, Dottin cut loose to smash Umaima Sohail for 11 runs.The pair put on a 146-run stand, West Indies’ fifth highest in ODIs. They attacked offspinner Nida Dar and left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu in the 37th and 38th overs, before medium-pacer Kainat Imtiaz had Taylor holing out to Sidra Ameen in the 40th over for an enterprising 97-ball 58, her first international fifty in nearly a year.Dottin muscled eight fours and two sixes in her 139-ball knock, but was denied a hundred by Imtiaz, who ended with 3 for 49. After Dottin’s departure, contrasting cameos from Shermaine Campbelle (26* off 30 balls) and Chinelle Henry (18* off 9 balls) hauled West Indies past 200.In reply, Pakistan folded for 70 in 29.5 overs. After they lost Sidra Ameen for a duck in the second over, Nahida Khan, the other opener, top-scored with a 47-ball 23. However, she had to retire hurt after being hit on the visor of her helmet. Soon after, Dottin bowled the No. 4 batsman Sohail for a golden duck, in the 17th over, triggering a full-blown collapse. With Aimen Anwar opting not to bat after sustaining a hamstring injury during West Indies’ innings, Pakistan’s chase had a premature end.Like Dottin, Afy Fletcher contributed handsomely in scripting Pakistan’s downfall, picking up 3 for 17 in 8.5 overs.

It hasn't been the best of weeks for Arsenal, as the Gunners followed up their 1-0 away loss to Aston Villa in the Premier League with an uninspiring 1-1 draw away to PSV Eindhoven in their final Champions League group game of the season.

Mikel Arteta's men were already guaranteed to go through top of their group heading into the game, and the Spaniard made changes to his side reflecting that, but the performance was still well below par.

The north Londoners actually took the lead through Eddie Nketiah in the first half, but they were second-best for much of the game, with the fullbacks Jakub Kiwior and Cedric Soares looking particularly average – at best.

The Portuguese right-back was making his first start in over a year, and despite not putting in a truly woeful performance, it really is time that he moved on and never pulls on the red and white of Arsenal again.

Cedric Soraes's game in numbers

The former Southampton man was chosen to start ahead of Ben White on Tuesday night to give the Englishman some much-needed rest ahead of a compact and intense Christmas schedule that'll see the Gunners take on Liverpool twice, Brighton & Hove Albion, West Ham United and Fulham.

Unfortunately for the former Seagulls' defender, he was called into action in the 62nd minute as his team looked for a winner while putting in quite the shift to keep the Dutch side from doing the same.

Soares certainly wasn't abysmal on the night, getting a 6/10 for his performance from the Evening Standard's Simon Collings, but he did nothing notable or worthy of another start in the team.

If anything, 6/10 could be generous, as he managed to lose 100% of his duels on the night, which is unforgivable for a defender, regardless of how attacking-oriented they are.

In fact, he was poor in that regard as well, registering 0.14 expected assists and a passing accuracy of just 69%.

62

0.14

2

11

2 (0)

69%

3 (0)

Ultimately, the "defensive liability", as described by journalist Mike White, did little to disprove this tag as PSV's equalising goal actually came from his side, proving it's time to take him out of the team for good.

Ben White must play at right-back going forward

There are two players in the Arsenal squad – three if you include Jurrien Timber – that could and should come in to replace Soares, but considering Takehiro Tomiyasu is injured, White is the best man for the job, and his body of work from last season proves that.

Furthermore, when PSV made the trip to north London for the first game of the Champions League, the Englishman was the Gunners' starting right-back, and he had an exceptional game.

Arsenal's "star man" vs PSV just proved a big point to Mikel Arteta

One Arsenal star proved he’s in need of more minutes after a 1-1 Champions League draw.

ByMatt Dawson Dec 13, 2023

The "underrated" defender, as described by Michael Owen, played the full 90, registering 0.57 expected assists, making four clearances, losing possession just four times, and even succeeding in 100% of his dribbles.

93

0.57

4

1

4

97%

2 (2)

2 (2)

1

At the end of the day, the Gunners are blessed with an array of immensely talented full-backs – when fit, that is – and there just isn't a place for Soares in the team anymore, so it is time to say goodbye and sell him in the Winter.

With rumours that he could be shown the door in January – with just six months left on his existing deal – an exit seemingly lies in store.