Corinthians tem oito jogadores que já foram comandados por Mano Menezes

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Mano Menezes está de volta ao Corinthians! A última passagem do técnico pelo clube tinha sido encerrada em 2014. Mano retornou ao Timão após a demissão de Vanderlei Luxemburgo após o empate em 1 a 1 contra o Fortaleza pela partida de ida da semifinal da Copa Sul-Americana. De volta, o comandante terá velhos conhecidos no elenco.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansCorinthians acerta retorno de Mano Menezes, e técnico já comandará treinamentoCorinthians28/09/2023CorinthiansAlém de Tite e Mano, entenda os motivos que levaram à demissão de Luxemburgo no CorinthiansCorinthians28/09/2023

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Ao todo, oito jogadores do atual grupo corintiano já foram treinados por Mano Menezes. Dos oito, seis estavam presente na última passagem do treinador pelo Parque São Jorge. São eles: Cássio, Fagner, Fábio Santos, Gil, Renato Augusto e Ángel Romero. No caso de Renato Augusto, o meia também foi comandado pelo treinador na Seleção Brasileira.

Paulinho é outro jogador que já foi comandado por Mano no Corinthians. Ele esteve junto ao treinador por poucos meses em 2010, último ano da primeira passagem do técnico pelo Corinthians. Inclusive, foi o próprio Mano que sugeriu que o Timão contratasse Paulinho junto ao Bragantino.

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Já o uruguaio Bruno Méndez tem recordações de Mano Menezes em outro clube. O defensor trabalhou com o técnico gaúcho no ano passado, quando esteve emprestado ao Internacional. De 12 jogos no Inter com Mano, Méndez atuou em oito, sendo sete como titular.

OS ‘ROSTOS CONHECIDOS’ DE MANO MENEZES:

Cássio

O goleiro titular do Corinthians jogou com Mano Menezes no ano de 2014, estando presente em 35 dos 38 jogos do Corinthians no Brasileirão.

Bruno Méndez

O uruguaio Bruno Méndez tem recordações de Mano Menezes atuando pelo Internacional. De 12 jogos que fizeram juntos, Méndez atuou em oito, sendo sete como titular.

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Gil

Gil também jogou com Mano em 2014, o zagueiro atuou em 34 das 38 partidas do alvinegro no Brasileirão, marcando quatro gols e tomando seis cartões amarelos, e não contabilizou nenhuma expulsão.

Fábio Santos

Na última passagem do treinador pelos lados Alvinegros, Fábio Santos também estava presente, atuando em 35 das 38 partidas do Corinthians pelo Campeonato Brasileiro, o jogador marcou quatro gols, deu duas assistências, contabilizou cinco cartões amarelos e um cartão vermelho.

Fágner

O lateral retornava ao clube que o revelou para o futebol em 2014, a frente da equipe se encontrava Mano Menezes, e nas mãos do treinador Fágner atuou em 35 das 38 partidas do clube no Brasileiro, marcando dois gols, e levando ao todo oito cartões amarelos na competição.

Paulinho

Mano Menezes em 2010, pediu a contratação de Paulinho junto ao Bragantino, o volante fez sua estreia na eliminação corintiana da Libertadores naquele ano para o Flamengo, e no Brasileiro, sob o comando do treinador, atuou em cinco partidas e marcando um gol.

Renato Augusto

A sua relação com o treinador é bem boa, mesmo antes de ele vir para o Corinthians em 2014, ele convocava Renato para a Seleção no período em que esteve a frente da Canarinho, porém, sob o comando de Mano no Corinthians, Renato atuou em 30 das 38 partidas no Brasileiro, marcando um gol e distribuindo oito assistências, levando apenas um cartão amarelo na competição.

Ángel Romero

A pedido de Mano, vindo do Cerro Porteño em 2014, Romero caiu nas graças do treinador, atuando em 21 das 38 rodadas do clube no Brasileiro, marcando dois gols e levando apenas um cartão amarelo.

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تشكيل الأهلي أمام بتروجيت في الدوري المصري.. طاهر يقود الهجوم

أعلن الدنماركي ييس توروب المدير الفني لفريق الأهلي، عن تشكيل لاعبيه أمام بتروجيت في المباراة التي تجمع بينهما ضمن منافسات الدوري المصري.

وتقام المباراة بين الأهلي وبتروجيت على أرضية استاد الكلية الحربية، ضمن لقاءات الجولة الـ12 من الدوري المصري.

ويحتل الأهلي المركز الثاني بجدول ترتيب الدوري، من الفوز بـ6 مباريات والتعادل 3 مرات بجانب هزيمة وحيدة حتى الآن خلال مشواره في الدوري المصري.

طالع | بدلاء الأهلي أمام بتروجيت في الدوري المصري 

ويحتل بتروجيت المركز الرابع عشر في جدول ترتيب الدوري، بعدما حصد 14 نقطة، من الفوز بـ3 لقاءات والتعادل في 5 مواجهات وتلقى هزيمتين. تشكيل الأهلي اليوم أمام بتروجيت في الدوري المصري

في حراسة المرمى: محمد الشناوي.

في خط الدفاع: محمد هاني، ياسر إبراهيم، ياسين مرعي، محمد شكري.

في خط الوسط: آليو ديانج، محمد علي بن رمضان، محمود حسن تريزيجيه.

في خط الهجوم: طاهر محمد طاهر، أشرف بن شرقي، أحمد سيد زيزو.

Liverpool struck gold on star whose value has risen £35m since Klopp left

Many people thought that Liverpool’s transition from life under Jurgen Klopp to their new era under Arne Slot would be a tough obstacle to navigate. However, that was not the case, given that the Reds stormed the Premier League in the Dutchman’s first season at the helm at Anfield.

In the end, it was a landslide victory for the Merseysiders, who finished on 84 points, ten points clear of second-place Arsenal. They also scored more goals than any other side, finding the back of the net 86 times throughout the course of the season.

In what was a memorable first campaign for Slot, there were some real standout players for the Reds.

Liverpool’s standout players in 24/25

Of course, the key to Liverpool winning the title last season was Mohamed Salah. The 33-year-old won the Golden Boot by some distance, scoring 29 times and assisting a further 18 in the 38 top-flight games.

In terms of attacking output, the now-departed Luis Diaz scored 13 times and assisted seven in the top flight, and Cody Gakpo bagged ten goals and set up five more.

Behind Salah, they were Liverpool’s most dangerous attackers.

Naturally, the Reds were strong at the back last season, with Alisson and Virgil van Dijk two key components to Slot’s title-winning success. However, Ibrahima Konate was “the best defender in the Premier League” according to former Chelsea and Arsenal centre-back William Gallas.

The 25-year-old, who signed for Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021, played 31 games in the top flight, forming a near-unbreachable partnership with Van Dijk. Konate even chipped in with one goal and two assists.

It was not just the likes of Salah, Gakpo and Konate who were the star men for Liverpool last season. One man in midfield really stood out, putting in consistently excellent performances week in, week out.

How Gravenberch's value has soared under Slot

Despite a transfer window in 2025 where Liverpool spent hundreds of millions of pounds, much of the squad that won the title last season was built by Klopp. Slot certainly landed on a formula that was able to secure the league with a squad that was, ultimately, not his.

One of those key players last term was Ajax academy graduate Ryan Gravenberch. The 23-year-old formed a hard-working midfield alongside the likes of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, sitting as a lone number six in front of the back four.

His importance to Slot’s side is clear to see when you look at the number of games he played last term. Gravenberch featured in 49 matches across competitions, with 37 of those games coming in the Premier League.

Described as a “special” midfielder by football scout Antonio Mango, the former Ajax star excels at carrying the ball through the lines. That is a self-professed skill of his, with the Dutchman explaining that when he can “break through the lines and open up in the play, I really enjoy that”, as the clip below shows.

His underlying numbers from last term show just how well-rounded the 23-year-old is as a number six.

For example, he averaged 14.4 forward passes and won 5.5 duels on average per 90 minutes, showing two different sides of him as a midfielder.

Gravenberch – 24/25 PL stats

Stat

Per 90

Season total

Forward passes

14.4

505

Take-ons completed

1.1

37

Duels won

5.3

184

Interceptions

1.8

60

Ball recoveries

5.5

193

Stats from Squawka

With all this in mind, it might not be a surprise to learn that Gravenberch’s value has shot up since Slot guided Liverpool to the title, as per Transfermarkt. When Klopp departed Anfield at the end of 2024, he was worth just £30m, having started just 21 games under the German the year prior.

Now, his value has risen by 116% under his countryman. The ex-Bayern Munich midfielder is valued at £65m, over double his value just over a year ago. That is a real testament to how well he has performed.

Slot winning the league with a Klopp-built squad at the first time of asking was certainly impressive, and Gravenberch is certainly a success story. His huge increase in value certainly shows that.

Signed for £5m, sold for 450% more: Liverpool hit gold with the original Wirtz

Liverpool’s original version of Wirtz was sold for a healthy profit.

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Man Utd hatch plan to sign £120m star in Sancho swap deal, Amorim's pushing

Manchester United have now hatched a plan to sign an “exceptional” £120m star in a swap deal for Jadon Sancho, with Ruben Amorim pushing INEOS to get a deal done, according to a report.

Man Utd still keen to strengthen in several areas

With their Premier League opener against Arsenal a matter of days away, Man United still remain keen on strengthening in several key areas, and Gary Neville believes his former side’s most important task will be to bring in a new goalkeeper.

Neville is relatively encouraged by the additions Amorim has made up to this point, but added: “If they get a goalkeeper, I think that they could get into the top six, but a lot of things have to go on.”

Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma has recently entered the frame as one of the Red Devils’ main targets, but it remains to be seen whether they are able to sign the Italian, given that they are now planning to break the bank on a midfielder…

Bigger talent than Baleba: INEOS chasing "phenomenal" £100m CM for Man Utd

Manchester United are making another huge move in the transfer market this summer.

1 ByEthan Lamb Aug 13, 2025

Indeed, Man United are expected to make a huge bid for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, but they have also hatched a plan to secure the central midfielder’s signature in a different way.

That is according to a report from The Independent, which states Man United would be willing to use Sancho as a makeweight in negotiations with Brighton, although it is deemed unlikely that the Seagulls will be tempted by a deal of that nature.

Instead, owner Tony Bloom is holding out for the huge sum of £120m, and INEOS are now actively trying to figure out a way of orchestrating the deal, amid pressure from Amorim.

The United boss is said to be pushing for the club’s hierarchy to bring in Baleba, with the manager keen on a new midfielder to fit the team together, and the Brighton star has the best profile of any player on the shortlist.

"Exceptional" Baleba very keen on Old Trafford move

With the defensive midfielder thought to be very keen on joining Amorim’s side, the move could be a formality if United are able to agree a suitable fee with Brighton, although they are driving a very hard bargain with the £120m asking price.

That said, there are some signs the Cameroon international could be worth the huge outlay, having performed extremely well on some key defensive metrics over the past year compared to other midfielders.

Statistic

Average per 90

Interceptions

1.56 (90th percentile)

Blocks

1.59 (85th percentile)

Tackles

2.67 (79th percentile)

Lauded as “exceptional” by scout Ben Mattinson, the 21-year-old is also Premier League proven, which is crucial, given that previous signings, such as Rasmus Hojlund, have failed to adapt to life in England after joining for huge transfer fees.

It seems unlikely that a swap deal for Sancho will be possible, but it is exciting news that Amorim is pushing to get a deal for Baleba over the line.

What an insane goal! Fans can’t believe Joan Garcia disaster as Real Oviedo stun Barcelona by scoring from 40 yards to take the lead in La Liga clash

Barcelona star Joan Garcia has come under fire on social media after his costly mistake was instantly punished by Alberto Reina's stunning 40-yard strike for lowly Real Oviedo. The goalkeeper was drawn out of his box by a long ball over the top and just when it looked like he had dealt with the danger, his wayward pass was pounced upon by the Oviedo midfielder to give them a 1-0 lead.

Garcia makes costly mistake for Barcelona

After Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford twice went close for Barca, Raphinha hit the post, and Ronald Araujo was well denied by Oviedo stopper Aaron Escandell, the hosts – who were in the relegation zone – took the lead in remarkable fashion. Reina scored a goal of the season contender with a long-range strike in the 33rd minute as he made Garcia pay for his sloppiness at the back. And fans on social media didn't hold back in mocking the summer signing.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportFans tear into Garcia after error

@fran_navarr0 wrote on X: "Joan García is an outstanding goalkeeper, but with his feet, he plays worse than me. XXL blunder going out so far to gift it, and Oviedo doesn’t forgive, 1-0."

@Jnr_Marcelo12 posted: "What a nice assist from Joan Garcia. Kudos."

@al__varo77 commented: "The most funniest goal I’ve ever seen. Real Oviedo takes the lead."

@a_derll put: "But what will even make you shoot from this point. Real Oviedo what are you cooking?" and @Ebon_808 added: "Joan Garcia hype lasted 5 games."

Barcelona under pressure to catch rivals Real Madrid

Going into this game at Carlos Tartiere Stadium on Thursday night, Barcelona's bitter rivals Real Madrid held a five-point cushion over Hansi Flick's side, although they have played an extra game. The defending La Liga champions cannot afford to let Los Blancos get too far ahead in this title race, particularly with Xabi Alonso's team looking so potent this season. The Blaugrana will hope Garcia's errors this term are few and far between.

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AFPBusy period for Barcelona continues

Barcelona are set to play three times in less than a week. After this match with Oviedo, they host Real Sociedad in the Spanish top-flight on Sunday evening. Then, they entertain Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain on October 1, before travelling to Sevilla four days later. This could be an exhausting stretch for the Catalan outfit.

Golden Boot battle with Lionel Messi feels ‘surreal’ to MLS rival Sam Surridge as ex-Nottingham Forest striker takes inspiration from Inter Miami superstars

Sam Surridge admits that it feels “surreal” to be involved in an MLS Golden Boot battle with Argentine GOAT Lionel Messi. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is maintaining remarkable individual standards at Inter Miami, but former Nottingham Forest striker Surridge is keeping pace with the South American superstar when it comes to prolific strike rates in 2025.

Surridge moved to MLS in same summer as Messi

Surridge made his way to the United States a matter of days after Messi accepted a call from Manchester United and England legend David Beckham. They have been plying their respective trades in MLS since the summer of 2023.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowAdvertisementGettyHow many goals have Messi & Surridge scored?

Messi helped to down Surridge and Nashville in the Leagues Cup final shortly after his arrival in South Florida, with Supporters’ Shield and MVP honours being savoured since then. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward has 30 goals to his name this season – with 22 of those being recorded in MLS action.

Why Messi remains one of the best in the business

Surridge has found the target on 21 occasions, telling of rubbing shoulders with a member of the global elite: “Being in a race with Messi is special for me. It is a bit surreal.

“Messi could end up scoring however many goals in a game, and I can’t control that. I focus on what I can do. It's also great that he's doing well because it's almost like me against him in a way, but there's still some others in the race to get the Golden Boot.”

Surridge added on Messi still being one of the best in the business: “Yes, he is, 100%. Him and (Cristiano) Ronaldo. Messi is not just doing it in MLS, he’s still doing it internationally. It’s only a couple of years ago, he won the Ballon d’Or whilst playing in Miami. It's great for the league that he's here.”

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GettySuarez also used as a source of inspiration

It is not just Messi that Surridge looks to for inspiration, with the 27-year-old adding on Inter Miami’s vastly-experienced No.9 Luis Suarez: “I've always looked up to him. Suarez is a great player, someone I always would watch on YouTube, watch his movement, watch how he can create chances for himself.

“He doesn't move as well as he used to, but these players, they always try and find an extra yard. He's still got that fire.”

'Didn't seem like he was returning from injury' – Bengal captain on Shami

Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla likened Shami’s red-hot return to a fairy-tale

Shashank Kishore14-Nov-2024

Mohammed Shami bagged a four-for on Ranji return•PTI

Three-hundred-and-sixty days after he last played competitive cricket at last year’s World Cup final in Ahmedabad, Mohammed Shami took the field for an official game on Wednesday, at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.On Thursday, the second day of the ongoing fifth round of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, Shami piqued significant interest, after going wicketless across ten overs on the opening day. Was he fully fit? Was his ankle troubling him? Was he bowling within himself? Was he able to bowl with full intensity?He may have cleared some of those doubts after returning figures of 4 for 54 to help Bengal take a sizeable 61-run lead against Madhya Pradesh that they stretched to 231 with five wickets still remaining by stumps. With the match not televised or streamed, you couldn’t have said if Shami was bowling with the intensity he’s known to unless you were at the venue. But those within the Bengal camp couldn’t be happier.Related

Ranji round 5, day 4: Shahbaz, Shami star as Bengal clinch thriller

Ranji round 5, day 3: Kamboj takes perfect 10; Shardul shines for Mumbai

Shami '100%' pain free, but wants to play domestic cricket before Australia tour

Ranji round 5, day 2: Shami impresses with four-for on comeback

ESPNcricinfo understands Bengal were advised to tread caution in handling Shami’s workload and not give him long spells. And every move of his over the last two days was keenly watched by Nitin Patel, head of the Centre of Excellence’s medical panel. Patel and his team have been asked to send a report to the national selectors and the team management after the match.Anustup Majumdar, the Bengal captain, revealed how Shami had been “desperate to return” after a long injury layoff. On Wednesday, when Shami asked him for the ball with a partnership brewing between Rajat Patidar and Subranshu Senapati, Majumdar couldn’t turn his back.Having bowled a first spell that read 4-0-16-0, Shami was brought back to have a crack late in the day. He bowled until close of play in a spell that read 6-1-18-0. It made Majumdar believe Shami wasn’t bowling like someone coming back from a year-long injury layoff.”It seemed like a big partnership was happening, but Shami asked me for the ball and said he wanted to bowl a new spell from the following over,” Majumdar told ESPNcricinfo. “He has proven how desperate he was to return to the field. It didn’t seem to me that he was returning from an injury.”A short snippet of Shami’s spell released by the BCCI showed him bowling off his usual run-up, hooping the ball around and troubling both the inside and outside edges. Three of his four wickets were bowled.

Shubham Sharma, the captain, chopped on, while Saransh Jain was squared up and bowled by away late movement. Kumar Kartikeya was out nicking behind to an away-swinger, while Kulwant Khejroliya, the No. 11, was bowled playing down the wrong line. In all, MP lose 9 for 61 after cruising at 106 for 1.”Someone has come back after one year and has bowled 19 overs and taken so many wickets… what’s there to say,” Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla said. “He came into the match without doing any match simulation. Can you imagine? But obviously if he plays more, he will get better.””He bowled one six-over spell and one five-over spell. Players who bowl in the IPL don’t even know how to bowl more than four overs. He bowled the sort of spells fast bowlers are expected to. I have never seen a fast bowler come back so strongly after one year away. What he did today is like a fairy-tale.”With the Ranji Trophy giving way to the white-ball leg of India’s domestic season over the next couple of months, Shami won’t have any more competitive red-ball fixtures to prove his match readiness. Only time will tell if Shami will be on the plane to Australia to feature in a three-day warm-up fixture against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra between the first and second Test.

Leicester City now want to sign 35-cap England star who may join for free

Leicester City may be on the hunt for a new manager, but that doesn’t mean they have put a pause on recruiting players with pre-season now underway.

Leicester City's hunt for a new manager

Ruud van Nistelrooy was relieved of his duties at Leicester City nine weeks after their relegation from the Premier League, which has put the cat among the pigeons regarding who his successor will be at the King Power Stadium.

Chris Wilder and Sean Dyche have been mentioned in connection with the role, though the chaotic nature of events at the Foxes hasn’t impressed former player Matt Piper.

Leicester City's Wilfred Ndidi celebrates.

He stated: “Flip-flopping around from different managers, different journeymen, just reeks of what we’ve all been pointing fingers at the club for. It all seems a little bit unprofessional, not well planned out and scraping the barrel. No candidates really on that list that you’re really excited about or I’m certainly not anyway.”

Certainly, there is an understandable level of dissatisfaction from supporters heading into this season and questions are there to be asked about the process that led to Van Nistelrooy’s future being decided so late on in the grand scheme of things.

Nevertheless, recruitment must go on in the East Midlands, and Leicester could pounce for free agent Jack Kingdon if enough of their budget is put aside to thrash out a deal.

Leicester City’s 2025/26 start

Sheffield Wednesday (H)

Championship

Huddersfield Town (A)

EFL Cup

Preston North End (A)

Championship

Charlton Athletic (A)

Championship

Birmingham City (H)

Championship

Retaining key stars or assets for the future will also be important. However, 16-year-old Louis Page has rejected a professional contract at the Foxes, which will need to be looked at.

Either way, there may finally be some positivity for Leicester fans to get their teeth into amid reports involving their pursuit of a high-profile England international.

Leicester City keen to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

According to Haber Turk, Leicester City are keen on bringing Besiktas midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to the King Power and his current employers are happy to offload him this summer.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The Turkish giants could move to terminate his contract, leaving the former Liverpool man free to leave for nothing, though Premier League newcomers Burnley are also in hot pursuit of the 31-year-old.

Leicester City may now approach 4-4-1-1 boss who has coached 322 PL matches

Ruud van Nistelrooy could find himself ousted at the King Power Stadium.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Jun 5, 2025

Earning 35 caps for England in his pomp, Oxlade-Chamberlain scored once in 20 appearances for Besiktas last term, struggling to break into their side regularly due to a string of injury issues.

It remains to be seen whether he would be willing to drop to the Championship, but his affordability will definitely appeal to those in the corridors of power at the Foxes.

Once labelled “brilliant” by Paul Merson, Oxlade-Chamberlain still has more to give at a high level. Nevertheless, his wage demands will need to be factored in should Leicester press ahead in negotiations, as he currently earns £69,000-a-week with Besiktas.

PCB confident Lahore and Karachi stadiums will be ready before Champions Trophy

The PCB is confident that Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and the National Stadium in Karachi will be ready in time to host the Champions Trophy next year, though ongoing work could continue to impact their bilateral commitments this season, including the Test against England in Karachi.The board has already moved the second Test against Bangladesh, originally scheduled in Karachi, to Rawalpindi. Speaking to reporters on Monday in Lahore, Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chairman, acknowledged that “matches [during the season] may move back and forth but the main target is that these stadiums are ready before the Champions Trophy”.England play their second of the three Tests in Karachi, from October 15-19. In announcing the switch of Bangladesh’s Test to Rawalpindi on Sunday, the PCB did not exactly nail down Karachi as a venue for England.Related

  • Gaddafi redevelopment picks up pace as Champions Trophy nears

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  • Pakistan vs Bangladesh Test moved from Karachi to Rawalpindi

“At this stage, we will not like to speculate on the hosting of the second Test in Karachi from 15-19 October and will continue to work closely with the architects and construction experts on the safe and secure hosting of the match, while keeping the England and Wales Cricket Board updated,” the statement said.The fluidity of the situation is evident in how the switch in venues for Bangladesh occurred. Two days after posting ticket prices online, the PCB announced the Karachi Test would be played behind closed doors with no spectators. Then on Sunday they announced they were moving it to Rawalpindi, because they wanted to ensure the renovation work went on uninterrupted and that hosting a game while such major work was being undertaken could have an impact on the game.Naqvi confirmed on Monday the reasons for the move. “Our calculation was that we could do matches without crowds, but various security institutions and the police said that even if there are people working inside, you shouldn’t host a match.”That talk with journalists has led to some reports that Naqvi implied a change in venues or dates for the Champions Trophy from the draft schedule the PCB has submitted to the ICC. In a statement on Tuesday the PCB emphatically denied that was the case.”During the media talk, which is available on the PCB’s official YouTube channel, the PCB chair clearly stated that the redevelopment and redesign of the three designated stadia would be completed on schedule, ensuring readiness to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The PCB chair also mentioned that while some domestic matches may need to be shifted to facilitate uninterrupted construction work, this in no way pertains to the ICC Champions Trophy, which remains a priority for the PCB as a premier eight-team international event.”During that media talk, Naqvi did point to the pressing need for this renovation work. “Our stadiums and those abroad, there is a massive difference,” he said. “In no way were our stadiums international-standard stadiums. None of our stadiums could qualify internationally. Not the seats, not bathrooms, and a view that looks like you are watching from 500 metres away. If I want to stay in a 1980 model then great, but the world has gone far ahead.”Naqvi pointed out that while both stadiums in Lahore and Karachi are eventually undergoing total upgrades, partial renovation between now and early next year will mean they are ready in time for the Champions Trophy.”Right now we have five months,” he said. “In that time, definitely the two enclosures on either side [in the Gaddafi stadium] and the main building [will be ready], that is the focus for now.”The stadiums will be totally upgraded. Not just this but we plan to have a new stadium in Islamabad, in Abbottabad, we want to work on that as well. A few stadiums that we don’t operate – we’ve written to the local authorities that either you upgrade it or hand it to us so we can host domestic and even international cricket there. These stadiums will be 100% upgraded but in the next five months, the target we have, we hope to complete that.”The New York stadium [for the T20 World Cup] was completed in the last 10-15 days. We will be ready well before that timeline.”

He'd be perfect with Mbeumo: Man Utd enter talks to sign £52m forward

Manchester United appear to be making huge strides in their move to land Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo after a second offer was made in recent days.

The Cameroonian has been one of the club’s key targets over the course of this window, as boss Ruben Amorim looks to improve his frontline at Old Trafford.

Such interest is hardly a surprise given his form in the Premier League this campaign, netting 20 times in his 38 appearances – the best return of his professional career to date.

It’s been reported that the latest bid is in the region of £60m for the 25-year-old, but it remains to be seen if such an offer will be accepted, with the player himself wanting the move this window.

However, even if Mbeumo does complete a switch to join the Red Devils this summer, it appears as though he won’t be the last attacking addition, with numerous other names still on their radar.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer

A striker has been high up on United’s radar, with Juventus star Dušan Vlahović the latest name mentioned over a potential switch to join Amorim’s side.

Viktor Gyokeres has been another player hugely linked with the Red Devils, recently stating his desire to leave current side Sporting CP ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

However, another name has remerged on their shortlist, with Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku again a key target, after previously registering interest last summer, according to L’Equipe.

They claim that United have entered talks with Enzo Maresca’s side over a deal for the Frenchman forward, who cost a staggering £52m back in the summer of 2023.

It also states that current Red Devils star Alejandro Garnacho could be used to lower the fee in any deal with the Argentine expected to depart throughout the off-season.

Why United’s £52m target could be perfect alongside Mbeumo

As previously mentioned, a deal for Mbeumo appears to be heading in the right direction, with his goal tally showcasing the talent he possesses within the final third.

Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts

However, should he move to United this summer, it’s unclear which position he will regularly feature in, having operated in the right-wing position at the GTEC this season.

The 25-year-old has also started in a central role when needed, something which he will likely do on a regular basis at Old Trafford considering Amorim operates with a 3-4-2-1 system which uses two central attacking midfielders.

His versatility could be key to any future success endured by the club in the near future, but he could also strike up a key partnership with fellow potential addition Nkunku.

The 27-year-old has struggled for minutes with the Blues this campaign, starting just nine times in the league but still posting a respectable tally of three goals and two assists.

He’s capable of playing as a central striker, or even as a number 10, but he will likely operate in the former, with the Cameroonian handing him the ammunition from a deeper role.

The Chelsea star, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, has averaged 1.1 shots on target per 90 this campaign, putting 44% of his efforts on target, subsequently able to provide the needed threat the side have lacked.

Christopher Nkunku’s PL stats for Chelsea (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

27

Goals & assists

5

Shots on target per 90

1.1

Pass accuracy

90%

Shot-on-target accuracy

44%

Key passes made

1.4

Aerials won

42%

Stats via FBref

He will certainly be bolstered in the final third by Mbeumo’s creativity, with the Cameroonian registering 3.7 progressive passes per 90, having the tools to hand those in front of him with key opportunities.

Nkunku’s talents don’t end there, also posting a superb tally of 90% of passes completed, with 1.4 of his passes per game being defined as key passes, subsequently able to return the favour to Mbeumo.

He may not be the tallest centre-forward, but he’s managed to win 42% of the aerials he’s entered, having the tools to get on the end of crosses provided by Mbeumo, who ranks in the top 9% of attackers in the division for such a category.

The prospect of the pair linking up together at Old Trafford is certainly an exciting one, having the chance to lead the club back up the table throughout 2025/26.

Whilst it’s unclear how advanced a deal for Nkunku is, he has proven that he’s capable of being a success in the Premier League, subsequently weakening a rival in the process.

A better move than Ekitike: Man Utd preparing bid for "top-class" £44m ST

Manchester United appear top be making more moves for a striker ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jun 23, 2025

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