All posts by h716a5.icu

Manchester United fans watched water gushing through the leaky roof of Old Trafford during their clash with Arsenal.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Old Trafford's terrible condition exposed once againFans found water gushing through leaky stadium roofsMan Utd went down 1-0 against Arsenal on SundayWHAT HAPPENED?

As Sunday's Premier League clash between United and Arsenal approached full-time, fans were left bemused watching water leaking through the roofs of Old Trafford amid torrential downpours. The hosts went down 1-0 courtesy of a first-half strike from Leandro Trossard.

AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIPGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Concerns were raised over the poor condition of Old Trafford's infrastructure earlier in the season. However, the club hierarchy concluded that renovation works could not be commenced while the season was still ongoing.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

The Red Devils, who are eighth in the league at the moment, will be next seen in action on Wednesday as they take on Newcastle United at home.

With IPL rules only allowing replacements for injured players, Chennai have to do without one for David Willey

Saurabh Somani in Chennai30-Mar-2019Scott Kuggeleijn, the New Zealand bowling allrounder, will replace Lungi Ngidi in Chennai Super Kings’ squad for IPL 2019. Kuggeleijn will strengthen the Super Kings overseas contingent, which was hit first by Ngidi’s withdrawal through injury, and then by David Willey opting out because of personal reasons.In the IPL, replacements can only be sought for players who are injured, meaning Super Kings can’t get anyone to make up for Willey’s absence.”We can’t replace David Willey, and David’s got a personal issue at home that he’s dealing with. We’ve supported him and we’ll continue to support him, contrary to some of the statements that have come out,” Stephen Fleming, the Chennai Super Kings coach, said at M Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai a day before the team’s match against Rajasthan Royals.”We can’t replace David Willey no matter what happens, so it’s just about us supporting him and his family as they go through some issues at home. So that’s the end of the story.”

We haven’t got a tall, bounce bowler that Ngidi was. Kuggeleijn has got pace and the velocity, which is something differentSTEPHEN FLEMING

But Ngidi, who had opted out with a side strain, has now been replaced by Kuggeleijn, perhaps not as accomplished a bowler, but a better batting option in the lower middle-order.”For Lungi, we’ve been a bit more selective. It’s obviously a different level of replacement player based on price, and we’ve gone with Scott Kuggeleijn, who’s a New Zealand international who bowls quick and bats well,” Fleming explained. “So we’ve looked for an allrounder, who has good pace and good variations. He’ll be joining us next week.”Kuggeleijn made his T20I debut during India’s tour of New Zealand in February, and has played four T20Is and two ODIs to date.Though his international career is still young, it hasn’t been without controversy, with protests by spectators at stadia during the India series – the 27-year-old had faced charges of rape in 2015, but was found not guilty two years ago.In his brief time on the international stage, Kuggeleijn has proven himself to be a powerful striker of the ball down the order and has bowled at brisk pace. He had middling returns in New Zealand’s Super Smash, the domestic T20 league, playing for runners-up Northern Districts. He took 13 wickets in nine games, giving up runs at 8.14 per over. He didn’t have much to do with the bat, facing only 20 balls across six innings – four of which he remained not out in.For Super Kings, Kuggeleijn will be the only overseas quick, though he isn’t a like-for-like replacement for Ngidi. Fleming, however, said he was satisfied with the strength of the Super Kings pace attack.”We value all the players in the squad,” Fleming said. “We’ve got some good talent. Mohit Sharma is yet to play and he’s getting back from a fitness injury. We haven’t got a tall, bounce bowler that Ngidi was. Kuggeleijn has got pace and the velocity, which is something different.”The way the pitch is going here (in Chennai) and the way our spinners are playing, I don’t think pace is necessarily the key. The bounce is probably what interests us more. But you can’t be everything, and we certainly back the players we’ve got. That’s why we don’t make hasty decisions about what type of player we want. We think we’ve got enough cover, and players that are in form waiting for an opportunity.”

Robert Taylor contributed to both goals as Inter Miami downed the Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 on the road Saturday evening.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Messi, Suarez and Busquets miss matchRobert Taylor lights spark on the roadMiami defeat Vancouver 2-1Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowUSA Today ImagesTELL ME MORE

Without Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets in the traveling squad to Canada, Inter Miami pulled off a miraculous win on the road.

Robert Taylor opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a lovely curling effort, with the Fin helping double their lead in the 55th minute with a delicious assist to Leonardo Campana.

The 2-0 lead was squandered late, though, after a reckless Tomas Aviles conceded a penalty kick in the 72nd minute. Whitecaps midfielder Ryan Gauld scored from the spot to earn a goal back, but the Herons' defense was resilient to close things out.

AdvertisementGetty Images DID YOU KNOW?

This was the first match in 2024 that all three of Messi, Suarez and Busquets sat out. The trio of ex-Barcelona stars have been crucial to the Heron's form of late, so getting a result on Saturday was brilliant for the South Beach club.

Getty ImagesTHE MVP

Robert Taylor:

The Finnish international had a fantastic evening on the wing, wreaking havoc for the Vancouver defense. He linked up well with the midfield in transitional play and tracked back when he was asked to. His assist on their second goal was a brilliant moment, but his true shining play came in the first half when he scored an outrageous effort for the Herons with this curling strike.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

USA Today ImagesTHE BIG LOSER

Vancouver fans:

The Herons left their superstars at home, and it caused chaos in the buildup to the match. So much that the Whitecaps had to issue an absurd statement offering deals on concessions, future tickets and their apologies due to the ticket prices of the match and the expectation that the three would at least travel.

It's not every day you get to watch the world's greatest player in person, and these fans were not thrilled to see the Argentine and his friends stay home.

Bummer.

Allrounder’s 98 not out sets up comprehensive 36-run victory over Midlands rivals

ECB Reporters Network06-May-2019Leicestershire 340 (Taylor 98*, Ackermann 74, Dearden 69) beat Warwickshire 304 (Yates 66, Taylor 3-58) by 36 runs
All-rounder Tom Taylor made a career-best unbeaten 98, took three wickets, effected a run-out and held on to two fine catches as Leicestershire ended their Royal London Cup campaign with victory over Warwickshire.Foxes’ skipper Colin Ackermann chose to bat after winning the toss, and although triallist George Munsey went quickly, bowled off the inside edge by Oliver Hannon-Dalby, fellow opener Harry Dearden took full advantage of a series of wide and over-pitched deliveries, hitting eleven boundaries, almost all through the off side, in going to a half-century off just 34 balls.Warwickshire captain Jeetan Patel turned to spin to slow the scoring rate, and was rewarded when Alex Thomson deceived Mark Cosgrove with an arm-ball that hurried inside a defensive push to hit the left-hander’s leg stump.Patel himself then produced the delivery of the day, straightening the ball past Dearden’s outside edge to remove the left-hander’s off stump, and Warwickshire continued to make inroads, first when Lewis Hill lifted a short ball from Craig Miles high into the hands of third man, and then when Ateeq Javid was run out by Miles at the non-striker’s end after being sent back by a late call from Ackermann.Ackermann himself looked set to register what would have been his third century in the competition this season, but on 74 skied an attempt to hit Patel through the off-side, and was caught by Will Rhodes at backward point.At 222 for 6 the Foxes’ innings was in danger of petering out, but with spinners Thomson and Patel having bowled their allotted spells, Taylor ensured the momentum did not falter, launching into the seamers and hitting eight fours in going to a half-century off 34 balls.The 24-year-old received good support from Ben Mike and then Callum Parkinson as he passed his previous List A best of 59, and then charged towards three figures. With Taylor on 98 however, Hannon-Dalby deflected his straight drive on to the stumps at the non-striker’s end, running out Parkinson, and in the following over Mohammad Abbas could not get his bat on a full, straight delivery from George Panayi, leaving Taylor stranded.Warwickshire’s response began promisingly, openers Ed Pollock and Dom Sibley hitting 70 off the first ten overs before Sibley, back on his stumps, was leg before to a full, in-swinging delivery from left arm seamer Klein.Pollock hit seven fours and a six in going to his first half-century of the season in 47 balls before being bowled by left-arm spinner Parkinson, pushing forward to a nicely flighted delivery that went on to hit off stump, and Will Rhodes holed out to Taylor at long-off off the part-time off-spin of Javid.The key dismissal, however, was that of Rob Yates, who was batting with impressive maturity and assurance on debut for Warwickshire, and had gone to 66 when he turned for a tight second run and found his path inadvertently blocked by bowler Ben Mike. Dodging around Mike cost the 19-year-old Yates a vital moment and his dive to beat Taylor’s throw was unsuccessful.Thereafter there was a good effort from Liam Banks, and Craig Miles and Patel hit out bravely in the final overs, but scoreboard pressure told, and an excellent catch above his head on the midwicket boundary to dismiss Miles completed Taylor’s outstanding day.

Leeds United look to be on an upward trajectory following a difficult campaign last year and Daniel Farke has now received some "excellent news" that will boost his side in the hunt for promotion, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Leeds United look for new arrivals…

New arrivals are usually the appeal of any transfer window for supporters, who will undoubtedly be excited to see which players are on the market and in search of a new challenge. Leeds haven't managed to add anyone to the ranks this month as of yet; nevertheless, this hasn't stopped rumours circulating from far and wide concerning the Championship outfit.

EFL Championship done deals: Every January 2024 transfer

As the January transfer window closes, FFC has you covered for every in and out involving your club in the EFL Championship.

ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

West Ham United defender Ben Johnson continues to be linked with a move to Yorkshire and journalist Dean Jones has indicated that there could be some substance to recent claims stating Farke is keen to bring him in, as he told GIVEMESPORT: "From a Leeds perspective, it really does seem like they are going after a few players that have specific experience and traits. Ben Johnson, from West Ham, is attainable and could be the one."

Bournemouth attacking midfielder David Brooks is a name doing the rounds in media circles and could be an additional reinforcement for the Whites as they look to find star quality this month, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook. In all likelihood, the Wales international could move over the next few weeks on a loan basis as he aims to get back to full stride following his incredible road to recovery from illness.

Now, transfer guru Romano has issued an exciting update involving an existing Leeds player in a massive boost for everyone connected with the club.

Fabrizio Romano buzzes over Archie Gray update

Taking to social media platform X, Romano has shared and reacted to some "excellent news" that youngster Archie Gray has put pen to paper on a new deal at the club that will see him remain at Elland Road until the summer of 2028.

Previously tied to the club he came through at until 2025, the 17-year-old has given Farke and company some much-needed security regarding his future following prolonged interest in his services last year from the likes of Liverpool, Everton and Crystal Palace.

Making a sustained breakthrough at Leeds United this campaign, the Durham-born midfielder has made 28 appearances in all competitions, registering one assist in his time on the pitch (Gray statistics – Transfermarkt).

Archie Gray's key statistics in 2023/24 – Championship (Sofascore)

Accurate passes per game

29.9 (84%)

Balls recovered per game

5.4

Tackles per game

2.1

Expected assists

0.71

Average match rating

6.78/10

Thorp Arch has produced some brilliant talent over the years so Gray looks to be the next one off the conveyor belt, and the club can now demand a massive fee if any suitors come calling.

When Leeds signed Djed Spence on loan from Tottenham Hotspur last summer, the initial plan was for him to stay at Elland Road for the entirety of the season. However, early in the January transfer window, the decision was taken to cut the loan short and send him back to North London early.

Manager Daniel Farke appeared to hint that disciplinary concerns were at play when asked about the matter in a press conference, implying that he'd fallen short of "expectations" when it came to "professionalism" and "workload". While he may feel that parting with Spence will be good for the atmosphere within the camp in that respect, he does still need to find a replacement at full-back for the remainder of the campaign to ensure he's not caught short.

It appears that Neco Williams at Nottingham Forest has been identified as a potential solution. Williams made his first-team breakthrough at Liverpool, but after a six-month spell on loan at Fulham in the first half of 2022, he made a permanent switch to Forest for around £17m.

He's racked up 49 games for the club so far, including 13 this season, and was finding game time hard to come by before Steve Cooper was sacked. Williams started just three Premier League games, and appeared in eight, under his compatriot, but has been involved in all three of Nuno's matches, starting one.

Phil Hay update on Neco Williams interest

Speaking on The Square Ball Podcast, journalist Phil Hay says "a few people have been telling" him that Leeds "like" Williams, but he stressed that it would be a tricky deal to execute. That's because, right now, it doesn't look like "there is any scope for Forest letting him out", with Williams seemingly "well in the plans of Nuno".

Williams may well have grown frustrated with his lack of opportunities so far this season, and that may mean he's open to the possibility of dropping down a tier to play more regularly. To further smooth things over on the player side, Leeds already have a relationship with his agents, who represent Crysencio Summerville. The challenge comes in convincing Forest.

Williams would be perfect for Leeds

Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold has called Williams an "amazing talent" who "will have a bright future no matter what", and perhaps the best demonstration of that came when he got a taste of the Championship with Fulham. As the table below shows, he ranked inside the league's top six defenders (minimum ten games played) for completed dribbles, accurate final-third passes, accurate crosses and shots per game

Successful dribbles

1.36

6th

Accurate final-third passes

13.21

3rd

Accurate crosses

1.21

6th

Total shots

1.36

1st

He was a potent offensive threat in the full-back positions and someone who's also capable of the spectacular – one of his four direct goal contributions for the Cottagers was a goal-of-the-month nominated strike against Swansea.

This, then, would be a perfect signing for promotion-chasing Leeds given that Williams has proven how effective he can be in the second tier. They may, however, have to see how things pan out for Williams over the course of this month, and hope for a late change of heart from his club.

Former RFEF president Luis Rubiales reportedly tried to send UEFA funds the way of Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique during the COVID pandemic.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Rubiales spoke with Messi and Pique during pandemicPlayers concerned about finances due to pay cutsDiscussions also involved UEFA president Aleksander CeferinWHAT HAPPENED?

Rubiales held video conferences with UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and Barcelona stars Messi and Pique over a period of three months to discuss the possibility of diverting funds to players affected financially by the pandemic in 2020, according to . It was proposed that four percent of broadcasting rights for UEFA matches could be used to help players who had been forced to take pay-cuts because of the pandemic. Messi is said to have highlighted the need for confidentiality during the talks as he feared a backlash if the discussions ever came to light.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The pandemic saw football cancelled across the globe due to lockdown measures and many players take salary reductions. Messi confirmed at the time that Barcelona players would take 70% paycuts in a bid to help the club cut losses due to the pandemic. reports that leaked messages and audio have revealed Rubiales suggested redirecting funds to players whose salaries had been affected to Ceferin. The four men then held a four-hour video call to discuss the issue and subsequently exchanged several messages.

WHAT WAS SAID

As reported by , Rubiales allegedly told Ceferin: "I say it is important for us to have Messi and the rest with us. There is no need to spend money. We just change where the funds go."

Rubiales also suggested Pique and Messi send a signed Barcelona shirt to Ceferin "as a token of gratitude".

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT HAPPENED NEXT

The conversations between Rubiales and the Barcelona stars took place during April and May of 2020, with the Catalan giants finally returning to action in La Liga in June. However, Barcelona ended the financial year by announcing financial losses of €97 million (£88m/$114m) due to COVID, while Messi ended up leaving the club a year later for PSG as they could not afford to hand the superstar a new contract.

West Indies have lost to Bangladesh in both league games. Can they turn their fortunes in the grand finale?

The Preview by Mohammad Isam16-May-2019Big picture
Two big questions will be answered when Bangladesh take on West Indies in the tri-series final in Malahide on Friday. Can they win a tournament final, potentially without Shakib Al Hasan, who suffered a side strain in the previous game? Can West Indies beat Bangladesh’s consistency and resist their fightback from crucial positions?West Indies’ inability to get past Bangladesh in the league phase has been down to two factors. The Bangladesh bowlers have cut down their scoring as soon as the ball has gotten softer, and West Indies’ lack of discipline with the ball in the aftermath of a breakthrough.Add to it their fielding woes that has left Jason Holder fuming at times, like when Mohammad Mithun was reprieved despite being stranded halfway down the pitch at a vital moment. They also haven’t bowled to full potential in the Powerplays, especially against Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar.In the big finale, West Indies will now hope they don’t have to run into spin twins Shakib and Mehidy Hasan, who have effectively slowed down their scoring in the two games they’ve played in the league phase. Shai Hope has slipped to an anchor’s role, but the form Darren Bravo and the rest of the middle order will concern them. Bangladesh will want to expose this aspect of their game again, apart from also wanting Mithun, Sabbir Rahman to join the batting bandwagon.Form guide
West Indies: LWLWW (Last five completed matches, most recent first)
Bangladesh: WWWLLIn the spotlight
Shai Hope has been West Indies’ most consistent batsman in the last 12 months. He averages 72.06 in 20 matches during this period. In this tri-series, he has carried on that good form. He has three hundreds in his last eight outings against Bangladesh. Getting him out early will set the tone for them again.Mushfiqur Rahim batting at No. 4 ensures Bangladesh either build on a solid platform or arrest a wobble quickly. This series, he’s had scores of 35, 63 and 32 not out. He would however also be the first to tell you that he should have scored more in the last two games.Team news
A back injury has kept John Campbell away from the action since his 179 against Ireland in the series opener. West Indies are likely to bring back Shannon Gabriel in place of Raymon Reifer.West Indies (probable): 1 Sunil Ambris, 2 Shai Hope (wk), 3 Darren Bravo, 4 Roston Chase, 5 Jonathan Carter, 6 Jason Holder (capt), 7 Fabian Allen, 8 Ashley Nurse, 9 Kemar Roach, 10 Sheldon Cottrell, 11 Shannon GabrielIf they are thinking of a playing XI without Shakib – a decision on him will be taken on match day – Bangladesh have to make at least two adjustments. They would need a No 3, for which perhaps Liton Das may be the temporary answer. Soumya Sarkar and Sabbir Rahman may have to bowl more as Mahmudullah has a shoulder injury. Abu Jayed’s five-wicket haul also poses a different kind of selection headache for the team management.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Soumya Sarkar, 3 Liton Das/Shakib Al Hasan, 4 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5 Mohammad Mithun, 6 Mahmudullah, 7 Sabbir Rahman, 8 Mohamad Saifuddin, 9 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 10 Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), 11 Mustafizur RahmanPitch and conditions
In the last five ODIs in Malahide, the average score batting first has been 259. Overall, only five out of 15 times have side won batting first. The weather meanwhile seems clear with a hint of rain in the forecast in the evening.Stats and trivia The last time West Indies won a series involving three or more teams was in Canada in 2008. Against Full Member nations, their last such triumph was at the Champions Trophy in 2004. During Bangladesh’s previous outing, Mushfiqur became the fifth wicketkeeper to reach 5000 ODI runs.

The move continues significant recent behind-the-scenes changes at Queensland following the resignation of CEO Max Walters earlier this month

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Jun-2019Former Queensland captain Chris Simpson has been appointed the new Cricket Queensland chairman after Sal Vasta stepped down to continue significant upheaval at the state.It is understood that the Bulls Masters, a group formed of former Queensland players Jimmy Maher, Ian Healy, Andy Bichel, Martin Kent and Michael Kasprowicz, pushed hard for the change. The influence of the group has grown since it was formed in 2010 and they are now a corporate sponsor of Queensland Cricket.The deputy chairman, Ian Mitchell, will also leave his post with former Australia pace bowler Kirsten Pike taking the role.Vasta’s departure continues the major recent behind-the-scenes changes at Queensland following the resignation of CEO Max Walters earlier this month.”Queensland Cricket is in an exciting phase of growth and success, which is credit to the hard work and dedication of our employees and volunteers across the state. I am pleased to leave the role as Chair at the right time with our game in a positive position and a bright future ahead,” Vasta said.Simpson said: “Sal has led cricket in Queensland with distinction during his tenure and we thank him for his contribution as Chairman. Under Sal’s leadership the current QC strategy was established with a purpose to deliver outstanding life experiences for Queensland communities anywhere, anytime. The foundations for this vision are set and Queensland Cricket is now able to continue delivering our strategy.”Kasprowicz, currently a non-executive director with Cricket Australia, is one of the favourites to be the new CEO along with another former Queensland seamer Greg Rowell.

Atlanta United coach Gonzalo Pineda has explained how his side were able to contain Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in a 3-1 victory over Inter Miami.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Superstar forwards in South FloridaHave troubled plenty of opponentsKept relatively quiet in 3-1 defeatWHAT HAPPENED?

Completely shutting out a couple of superstar forwards is always going to be an almost impossible task, but the obvious threat that they pose can be reined in. Atlanta made a decent job of keeping Messi and Suarez under wraps at Chase Stadium.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowAdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi did hit the back of the net, but his 11th goal of the 2024 campaign proved to be little more than a consolation for the Herons – who saw their 10-match unbeaten run in MLS competition brought to a shuddering halt.

WHAT PINEDA SAID

Pineda told reporters afterwards of how he set his side up to frustrate Messi and Suarez, while limiting their impact on proceedings: “I think understanding that Messi and Suarez were going to be on top, I wanted to have always a three vs two against them. The players did amazing in terms of those times. There were different difficult moments in the game where we didn’t read them or they were using balls in the build-up, but then we were always a good base of three players defending so that was also part of the why, because I wanted to be protected in the middle of the field in transition moments.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT?

With the rest of MLS being shown that Messi and Suarez can be kept relatively quiet, Inter Miami may have to start tinkering with their tactical approach. They do, however, have enough firepower at their disposal to suggest that any defensive lock can be picked when performing at their full potential.