Sofyan Amrabat has hailed Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes as a “real winner” and one of the best players he’s ever shared a dressing room with. The Moroccan midfielder, now at Real Betis, looked back fondly on his time at Old Trafford, singling out the Portuguese playmaker for his leadership, talent, and professionalism despite enduring his own difficult loan spell.

Fernandes receives huge praise

Amrabat, who spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Manchester United, has spoken glowingly about his former teammate Fernandes. The Moroccan international praised the United captain’s quality and mentality during an appearance on the YouTube show Bij Andy in de Auto, describing him as “truly fantastic” and “a real winner.” Amrabat’s comments come more than a year after leaving Old Trafford, where he made 30 appearances across all competitions before moving to Fenerbahce and later joining Real Betis.

The 28-year-old midfielder reflected positively on his short time in England despite an underwhelming individual campaign. He joined United on transfer deadline day from Fiorentina for a €10 million (£8.6m) loan fee under Erik ten Hag but was not retained permanently after the season ended. Still, Amrabat insisted he learned valuable lessons from his time at Old Trafford and particularly admired Fernandes’ professionalism and influence on the pitch.

His praise comes at a time when Fernandes continues to polarise opinion among fans and pundits. While his technical brilliance and attacking output are rarely questioned, his visible frustration and demanding leadership style have often been criticised.

AdvertisementAFPAmrabat lavishes praise on Portuguese

Speaking on Dutch YouTube show Bij Andy in de Auto, Amrabat said: “It was really quite something. United is still a truly massive club in every way.”

“He’s a truly great player, truly top-notch. Is he my best teammate ever? I’ve played with a lot of good players, and I don’t want to discredit anyone, but he was truly fantastic. He was also a good guy, very helpful, and a real winner.”

Amrabat’s heartfelt comments underline the respect Fernandes commands within the dressing room, even among those who only shared it briefly. His words offer a different perspective to the public narrative around Fernandes, focusing on his leadership and human qualities rather than the occasional emotional displays that draw criticism. For Amrabat, who has played in multiple leagues and represented Morocco at the World Cup, such praise carries considerable weight.

Transformative Fernandes

Fernandes’ impact on Manchester United since joining from Sporting CP in January 2020 has been transformative. The Portuguese international has amassed 299 appearances, scoring 100 goals and providing 87 assists across all competitions. Operating as the team’s creative lynchpin, Fernandes has been directly involved in nearly every major attacking sequence during his tenure, combining technical precision with an unrelenting competitive edge. His influence extends beyond statistics. Fernandes has lifted both the EFL Cup and FA Cup while also claiming multiple Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year awards, a testament to his importance and consistency.

His leadership qualities, however, often split opinion — some view his visible frustration and vocal demands as signs of passion and accountability, while others see them as signs of poor temperament. Regardless, his productivity and durability have been indispensable, making him one of United’s most impactful midfielders of the modern era.

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Fernandes continues to serve as Manchester United’s on-field leader under Ruben Amorim, who has built his system around the Portuguese playmaker’s vision and work rate. The midfielder remains integral to United’s attacking blueprint, orchestrating transitions and dictating tempo in key matches. Despite occasional scrutiny over his temperament, Amorim and his coaching staff have publicly supported their captain, describing him as “an example of professionalism and intensity.”

As for Amrabat, his journey has taken him from Old Trafford to Real Betis, where he is attempting to rebuild his form and reputation after mixed spells in England and Turkey.

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was spotted close to a trophy-laden manager recently, and the tactician is now reportedly open to talks over replacing Ange Postecoglou at the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest consider Ange Postecoglou replacements after poor start

Postecoglou’s tenure at Forest has been nothing short of a nightmare so far, putting the Australian’s future at the club under intense scrutiny.

Appointed with the aim of instilling a vibrant, attacking style, Postecoglou instead finds himself navigating a storm of poor results, mounting criticism, and growing fan unrest just weeks into his reign.

Since taking charge, Postecoglou has become the first permanent Forest manager in over a century to go six games without a win. His side have struggled to translate his high-intensity, possession-based philosophy into results, often appearing disjointed and lacking cohesion on the pitch.

Arsenal 3-0 Forest

Premier League

Swansea 3-2 Forest

Carabao Cup

Burnley 1-1 Forest

Premier League

Real Betis 2-2 Forest

Europa League

Forest 0-1 Sunderland

Premier League

Forest 2-3 FC Midtjylland

Europa League

Newcastle 2-0 Forest

Premier League

Defensive frailties have been brutally exposed, and the team has conceded goals at an alarming rate, compounding the pressure on a manager desperate to turn things around.

Fans openly chanted for his dismissal when Forest fell to a shock 3-2 defeat at home to FC Midtjylland in the Europa League, with many questioning the club’s decision to appoint him.

Postecoglou, if he is sacked inside the next 10 days, could become the shortest-reigning manager in Premier League history — breaking former Charlton Athletic boss Les Reed’s record — who was shown his P45 after just 41 days in the 2006/2007 season.

It may not be during this international break after all, according to reliable media sources like Fabrizio Romano, but Sky Sports have reported that Marinakis isn’t afraid to be ruthless and pull the trigger if Postecoglou doesn’t turn things around quickly.

Should the club decide to part ways with Postecoglou, a shortlist of replacement candidates is already emerging in the media.

Leading the pack among rumored successors is Fulham’s Marco Silva. The Portuguese is respected for his experience navigating the Premier League with limited resources, and Silva also boasts a good relationship with Marinakis following their successful period at Olympiacos together.

Silva is a long-term target for Forest, so this is apparently one to keep an eye on, while Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is also a “prime candidate” to replace Postecoglou, according to TEAMtalk.

There is another option too — former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.

Rafael Benitez open to Nottingham Forest managerial talks

The Spaniard, who guided Liverpool to a Champions League title in 2005, also won La Liga twice at Valencia and led Chelsea to a Europa League triumph 12 years ago.

Benitez also boasts a Coppa Italia, Italian Super Cup, FA Cup, UEFA Cup, Club World Cup, Community Shield and UEFA Super Cup on his illustrious CV, with the 65-year-old’s last job in management coming at Celta Vigo in 2024.

He hasn’t coached in England since leaving his lacklustre spell at Everton in 2022, but the tactician’s undoubted experience could be appealing to the Tricky Trees.

Benitez was spotted in “close proximity” to Marinakis during Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Olympiacos in the Champions League last week, and a report from GiveMeSport has now shared an update on the prospect of his potential move to Forest.

Clubs

Tenure

Matches in charge

Titles/achievements

Real Valladolid

1995-96

25

Osasuna

1996

9

Extremadura

1997-99

92

Segunda promotion

Tenerife

2000-01

46

Segunda promotion

Valencia

2001-04

162

La Liga X2

UEFA Cup

Liverpool

2004-12

350

Champions League

FA Cup

UEFA Super Cup

Internazionale

2010

25

FIFA Club World Cup

Supercoppa Italiana

Chelsea

2012-13

48

Europa League

Napoli

2013-15

112

Coppa Italia

Supercoppa Italiana

Real Madrid

2015-16

25

Newcastle United

2016-19

146

EFL Championship

Dalian Professional

2019-21

38

Everton

2021-22

22

Celta de Vigo

2023-24

33

GMS report that Benitez would entertain an approach to manage Forest, as he’s keen to manage in the Premier League again, and the former Newcastle boss is under genuine consideration as an option.

Known for his tactical discipline and ability to organize teams defensively, Benitez could help to stabilize a struggling Forest side. His proven track record of guiding teams through relegation battles and achieving promotion — like he did during his spell at Newcastle — shows that he can thrive under pressure.

However, his inactivity lately is perhaps a cause for concern, especially given the increasing demands and pressure on managers to succeed.

For all the concerns surrounding Newcastle United’s lack of cutting edge this season, their defence has remained reassuringly reliable.

Eddie Howe’s side may still be searching for rhythm in attack, but defensively they’ve been among the Premier League’s most resolute outfits.

They’ve kept six clean sheets already this campaign and boast the second-lowest expected goals conceded (4.9) in the division, behind only Arsenal.

That solidity has been essential in keeping Newcastle within touching distance of the top four, particularly given their Champions League commitments.

Malick Thiaw, signed from AC Milan, has seamlessly filled the void left by Fabian Schär’s injury, forging a composed, ball-playing partnership with Sven Botman at the heart of defence.

Calm on the ball and dominant in duels, the German has been one of Newcastle’s most consistent performers so far.

Yet, just as things were settling, Howe has been hit with significant defensive injuries.

Both Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall – the club’s two starting full-backs – have suffered setbacks that will sideline them for an extended period.

Their absence leaves Newcastle light in wide defensive areas, forcing a reshuffle that may test the depth of the squad during a congested autumn fixture list.

For a side competing on multiple fronts, rotation is vital.

But with natural full-backs out and makeshift options stepping in, the coming weeks will reveal whether Newcastle’s defensive solidity can withstand the strain.

Hall and Burn's success at Newcastle

Few players symbolise Newcastle’s progress under Howe more than Hall.

Still only 19, the left-back has made the position his own since arriving from Chelsea, blending energy with composure in possession.

His overlapping runs and delivery from wide areas have been key to Newcastle’s attacking transitions, while defensively, his pace allows the team to hold a high line.

However, Hall’s hamstring injury – which Howe has confirmed “won’t be short-term” – is a major blow.

It leaves Newcastle without their first-choice full-back during a period when they face high-pressing, counter-attacking sides both domestically and in Europe.

In his absence, Dan Burn has been tasked with filling the void.

The 6 foot 7 defender has long been a fan favourite for his commitment and leadership, but left-back is far from his natural role.

Burn’s experience and aerial dominance make him a solid stopgap, yet his lack of recovery pace can be exposed, particularly when facing quick, direct wingers.

One-on-one duels and balls played in behind remain areas of weakness.

Howe’s tactical adjustments have tried to compensate, with Botman often covering wider to protect Burn.

But upcoming fixtures present new challenges.

Newcastle’s next league outing sees them travel to Brighton, where Yankuba Minteh’s speed and trickery could test Burn’s positional awareness.

Stronger sides than Nottingham Forest – who rarely exploited the left channel in Newcastle’s last league match – will certainly target this imbalance.

There’s also the question of whether Newcastle could turn to the free-agent market for temporary cover.

While Howe is reluctant to disrupt squad chemistry, the defensive injuries are stretching his options thin.

With both full-backs unavailable and Champions League fixtures piling up, the pressure is mounting for a new solution – perhaps one that already exists within the club’s own ranks.

Newcastle's academy left-back solution

Enter Leo Shahar, the 18-year-old full-back who many within Newcastle’s academy believe is ready to make the leap.

A natural right-back who is also comfortable on the left, Shahar joined from Wolves last year after a decade in their youth system, where he was regarded as one of the most technically gifted defenders of his age group.

Since arriving at St James’ Park, he has quietly impressed at youth level.

Shahar has already made four Premier League 2 appearances this season and featured twice in the UEFA Youth League, scoring once.

Leo Shahar – 2025/26

Premier League 2

4 appearances

299 minutes

UEFA Youth League

2 appearances

180 minutes

Source: FBref

His consistency and versatility have earned him a growing reputation, and his development was rewarded when he made his first-team debut in pre-season against Atlético Madrid.

Internationally, Shahar’s rise has been just as rapid.

Having represented England across multiple youth levels, he made his under-19 debut in September, capping off a year of steady progress.

Youth coach Thomas Hammond has described him as a “promising talent,” words that suggest he may soon be trusted with senior minutes.

Tactically, Shahar fits the modern mould Howe demands from his full-backs: quick, comfortable in tight spaces, and adept at playing out from the back.

His natural balance on either side of the pitch could be invaluable as injuries continue to bite.

And unlike Burn, he offers the pace and agility to handle one-on-one duels – an attribute that Newcastle have missed in Hall’s absence.

With Newcastle set for a gruelling run that includes Champions League clashes and key Premier League fixtures, Howe may have little choice but to dip into his academy talent.

It’s a risk, but one with potential reward. Giving Shahar his chance now could accelerate his development while easing the load on an injury-hit squad.

Newcastle’s long-term vision under Howe has always been about building sustainably – blending elite signings with homegrown talent capable of stepping up when needed.

Leo Shahar might just be the next example of that philosophy in action.

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Posts ByWill Miller Oct 10, 2025

Nottingham Forest have made a frustrating start to life under Ange Postecoglou, albeit they will feel hard done by after a controversial defeat to Sunderland on Saturday evening.

Nottingham Forest lose out in tight contest with Sunderland

Balancing commitments domestically and in the Europa League, the Tricky Trees found themselves on the end of a narrow loss to Sunderland at the City Ground on Saturday courtesy of Omar Alderete’s first-half winner.

Admittedly, Nottingham Forest were the dominant side against the Black Cats and created far more on the day. However, Postecoglou has been left with plenty to ponder after making it five games without a win since taking charge.

Hovering just above the relegation slots in the Premier League, the Australian boss made it clear that his side are on the right trajectory despite losing out on a frustrating day in the East Midlands.

He told BBC Sport: “It was one of those evenings where we should’ve got the outcome we wanted. We had enough chances to certainly win the game.

“We conceded a really poor goal, albeit from a poor decision from the official, but after that we had enough chances to win the game. We are in a cycle at the moment where we are getting every outcome out of the game except the win – and that is the most important thing.”

While Nottingham Forest are producing encouraging signs, football is ultimately about winning and supporters will feel that points are an infinitely better outcome than performance, albeit the latter may suggest their long-term future under Postecoglou is looking bright.

Even with that in mind, it would be remiss not to delve into some of the refereeing controversies on show at the City Ground, something that individuals within their camp feel contributed to their defeat.

Neco Williams fumes at officials as Sunderland defeat Nottingham Forest

Speaking after the match on Sky Sports, Neco Williams made it clear that he feels Sunderland’s goal should’ve been ruled out for two reasons, claiming the Black Cats were awarded an unjust free-kick and that he was fouled in the build-up to Alderete’s decisive effort.

The £65,000-a-week full-back also made clear that he has ‘never seen’ such a decision made to award a free-kick during his career, indicating how furious he was at the controversial indicent.

He stated, cited via BBC Sport: “It’s a tough one to take. It was a game where we just didn’t finish off our chances. We created many chances but just couldn’t put it to bed.

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ByTom Cunningham Sep 25, 2025

“We should have defended the free-kick better but, at the same time, I’ve never seen a referee give one of those free-kicks before in all my time of playing football.

“There was contact, so he got it wrong, and for the goal I was held back. He had two arms around my waist and that played a key factor in their goal. It is two poor decisions, especially by the referee and then the people on VAR.”

In truth, the Welsh international may have a point as he was visibly tugged back in an attempt to stop the ball, albeit supporters will never know if he would’ve covered the ground needed to intercept the situation at hand.

Either way, Nottingham Forest will rue missing a whole host of missed chances, which is something they will hope to use as fuel for their upcoming Europa League encounter against FC Midtjylland on Thursday.

تفاعلت جماهير فريق ليفربول مع أداء النجم المصري محمد صلاح بعد مشاركته في مباراة يوم الثلاثاء، في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، ضد خصمه فريق ريال مدريد.

واستضاف ملعب “الأنفيلد” مباراة فريقي ليفربول وريال مدريد، في الجولة الرابعة من مرحلة الدوري من دوري أبطال أوروبا، موسم 2025/26، حيث فاز الريدز بهدف دون رد.

وشارك النجم المصري في مباراة ليفربول بأكملها ضد ريال مدريد، ولكنه لم يستطع التألق سواء عن طريق التسجيل أو الصناعة، ولكنه قدم أداءً جيدًا. ملخص لمسات محمد صلاح في مباراة ليفربول وريال مدريد

وكعادتها، تفاعلت جماهير ليفربول مع أداء محمد صلاح في مباراة ريال مدريد، وذلك عبر موقع إكس، على النحو التالي:

“جماهير ليفربول في الملعب لا تصدق ما شاهدوه للتو من محمد صلاح، مو الساحر جعل ريال مدريد يبدو وكأنه فريق من دوري الأحد!”.

📸 Liverpool fans in the stadium cannot believe what they just watched from Mohamed Salah…

Mo the magician made Real Madrid look like a Sunday league side! pic.twitter.com/8U9Ebvfp0J — Salah Updates (@SalahUpdates) November 4, 2025

“لقد عاد أعظم لاعب على الإطلاق”.

MY GOAT IS BACK 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 — 👑 (@MizoLFC) November 4, 2025

“أداء لا يصدق على الإطلاق، محمد صلاح سيطر على المباراة حقًا!”.

Absolutely incredible performance, Mohamed Salah truly dominated the match! — Yana (@YanaHeat) November 4, 2025

“محمد صلاح يحتاج إلى لمسات أكثر في منطقة الجزاء”.

He needs more touches in penalty box — James harperlfc (@Belawu4) November 4, 2025

“محمد صلاح، يا له من لاعب!”.

Mohamed Salah by the way. WOW what a player — John (@JM2FC) November 4, 2025

“أفضل مباراة له على الإطلاق ذلك الموسم”.

His best game this season by a mile, that Carreras dude is good tho — ຸ (@aligxni) November 4, 2025

“لقد عاد إلى مستواه الحقيقي”.

He coming back to his real form — Moneski Dc (@officialmoneski) November 4, 2025

“طريقة صلاح في إرهاب مدافعي ريال مدريد في الشوط الثاني كانت رائعة”.

The way Salah was terrorising Real Madrid defenders in the second half was a beauty to see. Lol — Olorogun (@DavidMOlorogun) November 4, 2025

Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou is under mounting pressure as the Tricky Trees consider potential replacements for him just 29 days into the Australian’s tenure, and ruthless owner Evangelos Marinakis has his eyes on a few interesting options.

Nottingham Forest doing due-diligence on new managers after poor Postecoglou start

As is the norm when managers are facing an uncertain future, Forest are believed to be doing their due-diligence on possible replacements for Postecoglou if they do decide to pull the plug.

The former Tottenham boss, who helped to end Spurs’ 17-year wait for a major trophy in May, could be shown his P45 once again at Forest – just under a month after Marinakis appointed the tactician to replace fan favourite Nuno Espírito Santo.

Marinakis personally opted to hire Postecoglou for his attacking style, in a deviation from Nuno’s pragmatic, counter-attacking approach, and is still privately desperate for it to work out (Ben Jacobs).

However, other reports claim that the Greek billionaire is privately furious with Forest’s state of affairs on the pitch right now, with TEAMtalk stating that Postecoglou is “on the verge” of being sacked by Forest after a barren first seven games in charge.

Arsenal 3-0 Forest

Premier League

Swansea 3-2 Forest

Carabao Cup

Burnley 1-1 Forest

Premier League

Real Betis 2-2 Forest

Europa League

Forest 0-1 Sunderland

Premier League

Forest 2-3 FC Midtjylland

Europa League

Newcastle 2-0 Forest

Premier League

If Postecoglou is let go in the next 12 days, he will become the shortest-reigning Premier League boss in the competition’s history – breaking Les Reed’s record – who was sacked by Charlton Athletic after just 41 days in 2006.

In terms of who could succeed the 60-year-old, a few intriguing names have been linked already, none more so than Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner.

Glasner, who just watched his side’s impressive 19-game unbeaten run come to an end thanks to Jack Grealish’s added-time winner for Everton, would undoubtedly be the best candidate.

The Austrian guided Palace to their first ever major trophy earlier this year, defeating Man City 1-0 in the FA Cup final at Wembley, and this booked them a spot in the Europa League — only for Forest to take the Eagles’ place due to a UEFA ruling.

His Selhurst Park contract is due to expire at the end of this season with no signs of a renewal so far, potentially opening the door for Marinakis, with Glasner emerging as a prime candidate to replace Postecoglou at Forest.

Fulham’s Marco Silva is in an identical contract situation, and the Portuguese doesn’t seem too content in West London, having publicly swiped at the club’s lack of transfer activity.

Nottingham Forest really want Marco Silva amid good Marinakis relationship

Silva, who guided Olympiacos to a Greek Super League title in 2016, worked with Marinakis during his time there and the duo still have a good relationship now.

That is according to talkSPORT, who report that Silva is very high on Forest’s wanted list if they decide to push Postecoglou out of the door.

The 48-year-old guided Fulham to a Championship title and subsequent promotion to the Premier League, keeping them there ever since, and the Whites briefly contended for Europe last season only to fall short at the last hurdle.

Silva achieved this despite working with very limited resources, and he appears to be keen on remaining in England after rejecting “several lucrative offers” from Saudi Arabia.

The tactician has also earned praise from elite peers, like Pep Guardiola, who praised his work at Fulham back in 2024.

Jamal Musiala is finally back on the grass after spending three and a half months on the sidelines with a fractured fibula and dislocated ankle suffered against Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup. The Bayern Munich prodigy has now taken his first major step toward full recovery. Smiling, confident and motivated, Musiala is “taking it step by step” as he returns to training.

• Musiala hits the ground running after freaky injury

  The week was already filled with good news for the Bavarian fans and to top it off, Bayern have confirmed the return of Musiala to training. After months of rehab and controlled physiotherapy, the Germany international returned to the Sabener Strasse training pitch, marking his first outdoor session since his brutal injury in July. The club’s social media captured the emotional moment with Musiala jogging lightly, then breaking into a grin as he stretched under the sky.

  “It was great for me to be back on the pitch. It felt fantastic,” said the 22-year-old midfielder, beaming. “And the most important thing: my foot felt good.”

  His return follows a long recovery period after undergoing surgery for a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula. Thursday’s light running and coordination work with Bayern fitness coach Simon Martinello marked what Musiala described as “a very big step.”

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• Getty Images
  

  The long road to recovery for Musiala

  Since the July setback against PSG, Musiala has followed a methodical recovery plan under Bayern’s medical and conditioning team. From regaining motion to building strength, each phase was tracked closely. “My first jump a few weeks ago, then my first run on the Alter-G, now on the pitch. Every week, you take a new step forward,” he shared.

  His focus now is gradual progression by regaining speed, balance, and confidence before kicking the ball. “It’s always step by step. You don’t want to do anything too quickly. When I come back, I want to be at 100 per cent, at a good level. That’s why we’re taking our time,” said the midfielder as he emphasises patience over pressure.

  Behind the calm determination lies Bayern’s carefully managed rehab strategy. The club aims to have Musiala back in competitive shape by late 2025, without risking setbacks. His recovery has mirrored that of team-mate Alphonso Davies, who is also returning from an ACL injury sustained earlier this year.

• Musiala appreciates Bayern and his teammates support

  Musiala’s comeback has been strengthened by the camaraderie around him. Davies, who himself knows the grind of long-term recovery, joined him on the pitch during his individual session. “Phonzy supported me,” Musiala said with a smile. “The team, the fans, you can see we’re all one big family. The support definitely helps. It gives us extra motivation that the fans miss Phonzy, me and all our injured players.”

  That sense of unity has defined Bayern’s atmosphere through a difficult injury phase. Beyond Davies and Musiala, Hiroki Ito also remains in recovery after a metatarsal fracture. Despite the setbacks, the energy at Bayern's training facility remains positive with the sight of Musiala running again serving as a symbolic lift for the squad.

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  Taking it step-by-step

  Musiala’s return is a reminder of Bayern’s faith in its young stars. His journey has been steady, guided by patience and precision. With every stride, the anticipation builds while the Allianz Arena faithful await the moment when number 10 glides across the pitch once more.

  The German international’s mindset reflects maturity beyond his years. He’s not in a rush, knowing that recovery is not just physical but mental. “I just want to come back at the right time and help the team again,” he said. With Musiala back, and Davies and Ito nearing their returns, the club can look forward to a fully reinvigorated squad.

MatériaMais Notícias

A torcida do Botafogo  não escondeu sua indignação com o resultado da equipe na noite desta segunda-feira (2). Após o empate em 1 a 1 com o Goiás, os botafoguenses soltaram um coro de “Burro! Burro” para o treinador.

No decorrer da partida, outro episódio sinalizara a bronca da torcida com as atitudes do treinador. Diante do fraco primeiro tempo, a torcida pediu “Tiquinho! Tiquinho!”. Lage havia optado por Diego Costa como titular para o setor ofensivo.

+ Garanta a sua vaga no curso que formou craques como Pet, Dante e Léo Moura! Cupom: LANCE1000

Enquanto se encaminhava para o vestiário, o treinador reagiu aos gritos de “burro batendo palmas para os torcedores. Houve um contraste em relação à conduta da torcida. Após Lage ter descido para o vestiário, os torcedores aplaudiram os jogadores botafoguenses. Sob seu comando, a equipe saiu de campo sem vencer pelo quarto jogo seguido no Brasileirão.

O Botafogo volta a campo no domingo (8), quando encara o Fluminense, em clássico no Maracanã.

West Indies face absence of star player as they seek to avoid whitewash across formats

Valkerie Baynes04-Jun-2025

Hayley Matthews was player of the series in the T20Is•Getty Images

Hayley Matthews is in doubt for the third and final match of West Indies’ tour of England with a shoulder injury which kept her out of the second ODI in Leicester.Matthews will see a specialist in London on Thursday for the left shoulder problem which she aggravated during a fall in the field during the first ODI in Derby last Friday.”She’s going to London tomorrow morning, so we’ll know more then,” Shane Deitz, West Indies Women’s head coach, said after his side’s 143-run defeat in Leicester on Wednesday night. “Hopefully we’ll get some good news tomorrow.”England could sweep the entire tour with a win in Saturday’s third and final ODI in Taunton after winning the first by 108 runs and securing the T20I series 3-0.Matthews was the player of the series for the T20Is despite her side not winning a game. She was the leading run-scorer overall with 177 at an average of 88.50 and strike rate of 137.20, including an unbeaten century in the series opener at Canterbury. She complemented her innings of 71 in the third match at Chelmsford by taking 3 for 32 with the ball.She shared a 91-run stand in Derby with opening partner Qiana Joseph, who scored 62 after struggling for runs through the T20I series and who was also missing from the second ODI through illness. Deitz, however, was more hopeful of Joseph returning in Taunton.”I was hoping she’d be okay today, but she got on the team bus and looked terrible so we sent her back to bed,” Deitz said. “Hopefully she’ll come good in a couple of days. She played really good the other day. She’s getting better as time goes on in the team so fingers crossed. I’m pretty sure she’ll be right for the next game.”Related

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Amy Jones: 'Setting the tone is a cool responsibility'

Jones, Beaumont make back-to-back centuries as England seal 2-0 lead

Realeanna Grimmond, the 20-year-old allrounder, flourished on ODI debut with a 72-ball 53 to top-score for her side while opening alongside regular No.3 Zaida James in the absence of both openers.”She’s an up-and-coming talent and I’m really proud of her,” Deitz said of Grimmond. “That’s the confidence she needed to go through the scenarios of being out in the middle against the best players in the world and feeling that you belong – and she’s definitely proved that she does belong. Now it’s about keeping the work ethic up and improving on different areas of her game over time. She’s going to have a really long, good, successful career ahead of her if she does all the right things.”Jannillea Glasgow added an eye-catching 44 off 24 in just her fifth ODI and first appearance in the format on this tour.But the valiant efforts of West Indies’ youngsters couldn’t match a 202-run partnership between Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont, who both scored back-to-back centuries.Having put on a stand worth 222 in Derby, Jones bettered her innings of 122 there – her maiden international century – with 129 off just 98 balls and Beaumont followed her 107 with 106.Beaumont’s latest knock, from 109 balls, came as she battled a heavy cold.Of Jones, who has been her opening partner at The Blaze during this year’s domestic 50-over competition, Beaumont said: “I’m so proud of her backing up that first century at Derby, to do it again today and in even better style, I think. For her to actually take that lead role there and look after me, as well as go and play like that, was just outstanding.”We complement each other so well. The height difference, it means we hit different lengths in different areas. You’d have to ask the bowlers, but I think it makes it quite difficult to bowl to as a pair.On her illness, Beaumont added: “It’s just a cold going through the camp, but I’m proud of how I managed it mentally and kept finding a second and third wind at times. I actually sent a message off saying, ‘if you want me to get on with it, let me know, but I’m struggling to hit it out the ring at the minute.’ Then I found a bit of gas from somewhere.”After Jones was the first England wicket to fall, Emma Lamb added a 45-ball 55, while a neat cameo of 31 off 19 from Sophia Dunkley pushed the hosts past the 350-mark. In reaching 366 for 6, England fell just 12 runs shy of their highest ODI total, 378 for 5 against Pakistan at Worcester in 2016.

The new law will be integrated into the playing conditions this month and into the MCC’s Laws in October 2026

Nagraj Gollapudi13-Jun-2025The spectacular boundary catches taken by Michael Neser and Tom Banton – with an assist from Matt Renshaw – in the Big Bash League (BBL) will not be legal under the updated law regarding boundary catches that is set to become operational later this month.As per the updated law, which will be integrated into the ICC’s playing conditions this month and then into the MCC’s laws in October 2026, a fielder who is airborne can only touch the ball once beyond the boundary and will need to come back inside the field for the catch to be called fair. The “bunny hop” that Neser pulled off – palming the ball up as a second contact while airborne outside the boundary but also landing outside – will no longer be legal.During BBL 2023, Neser, playing for Brisbane Heat, was chasing a lofted drive at wide long-off from Sydney Sixers’ Jordan Silk. Neser caught the ball with both hands but his momentum took him over the rope. Neser, attuned to the Boundary Law, tossed the ball up initially while airborne, landed outside the boundary, jumped again, and palmed the ball back into the field with both feet in the air before hopping back into the playing field to finish the catch. Silk was ruled out, and he walked back shaking his head.Neser said he was inspired by fellow Heat player Renshaw’s effort to catch Hobart Hurricanes’ Matthew Wade during BBL 2020 at the Gabba. Responding to a powerful lofted stroke from Wade, Renshaw ran to his left towards wide long-on and caught the ball a yard inside the boundary line. He then lost his balance and skipped over the rope but before that he lobbed that ball up. Realising the ball would land outside the boundary line, he skipped again to spike the ball back into play for Banton to complete the catch, while he himself landed outside the boundary line.ESPNcricinfo LtdThe fairness of both catches was debated widely and there were strong calls on both occasions to tweak the existing law, which was last updated in 2010. As per Law 19.5.2, the fielder’s last contact with the ground before they first touch the ball must be within the boundary (this part of the law will remain in the new iteration). As things currently stand, the fielder cannot touch the ball and the ground outside the boundary at the same time. If the fielder meets those criteria and completes the catch, the catch is legal.Earlier this year, however, the ICC cricket committee asked the MCC, the custodians of the laws, to review the law in question and the two bodies have worked together on the new version. An MCC note, which was sent to member boards by the ICC, said that while the existing rule had “led to some spectacular” fielding, it had also created room for “some unusual-looking catches that, to the majority of the cricketing public, feel unfair”.Describing the Neser catch, the MCC said, the Heat fielder “bunny hopped” before completing the catch “inside” the boundary. While it fulfilled the law, the note said it “felt like the fielder had – quite literally – gone too far”.Matt Renshaw provided a spectacular assist to Tom Banton to dismiss Matthew Wade during BBL 2020•Getty ImagesWhile there have been suggestions, including from players such as Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, to dial back to the law to what it was before 2010, the MCC said doing that was “probably too draconian”. Before 2010, if a fielder stepped outside the boundary after their first contact with the ball, they needed to have touched the ground inside the boundary again before making any subsequent contact. According to the MCC, that would “rule out some spectacular fielding that feels like it is now fully part of the game. Examples include catches from Harleen Deol (vs England in 2021) and Alex Hales (in BBL 2020), where the fielders don’t reground themselves inside the boundary before taking the catch, but land inside the boundary to complete it.”By way of a “solution”, the MCC has said that if a fielder goes outside the boundary and jumps up to make a subsequent contact with the ball, they must land within the field of play; otherwise a boundary will be scored. “Multiple touches” outside the boundary will no longer be allowed, as was the case when Neser caught Silk, the MCC note said.Related

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“MCC has devised a new wording where the ‘bunny hop’ wholly beyond the boundary is removed, but these catches where the fielder pushes the ball up from inside the boundary, steps outside and then dives back in to catch the ball, are permitted.”Our solution has been to limit any fielder who has gone outside the boundary to touching the ball while airborne only once, and then, having done so, to be wholly grounded within the boundary for the rest of the duration of that delivery.”The same would apply in the case of relay catches. The fielder who has touched the ball outside the boundary would need to jump back inside the field, even if the catch is completed by a team-mate. “Even if the ball is parried – to another fielder or inside the field of play – if the fielder lands outside the boundary, or subsequently steps outside, then a boundary will be scored. For clarity, that means the fielder gets one chance, and one chance only, to touch the ball having jumped from outside the boundary. After that point, the boundary becomes a hard line – and any time they touch the ground in that delivery, whatever else happens, they must be inside.”While the ICC playing conditions will be updated as early as the new WTC cycle, which starts with Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh on June 17 in Galle, the law itself will take effect from October 2026, when the next round of changes will come into play.