As Manchester United continue their push for Champions League qualification and further silverware, a key figure for the Red Devils yet again this season has been Bruno Fernandes, with the Portugal international proving truly influential in the centre of the park.

The 28-year-old – who signed for the Red Devils back in January 2020 – has arguably had his "best" campaign yet since arriving in Manchester, according to journalist Samuel Luckhurst, notably offering the versatility and willingness to feature in a variety of roles for his side, including on the flanks.

Something of an everpresent during his time at Old Trafford – having remarkably missed just one game through injury or illness over the last three years – the former Sporting CP man has again been a mainstay in midfield this term, starting 47 games in all competitions to date.

The playmaking sensation has racked up a stellar haul of 22 goal involvements across all fronts in that time, with it no doubt unsurprising that Erik ten Hag has followed in the footsteps of the likes of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick in making the one-time Udinese ace his main man.

There will, however, be concern with regard to the over-reliance on Fernandes in that playmaking berth, with the only other senior alternative in that position, Donny van de Beek, having failed to score or register an assist this term, prior to his season-curtailing injury.

As such, Ten Hag could have potentially identified a dream heir or competitor to Fernandes in the form of Feyenoord captain, Orkun Kokcu, with The Mirror having reported that United sent scouts to watch the Turkey international – who could be the subject of a £31m offer from Benfica – in action of late.

Would Kokcu be a good signing for Man United?

Much like United's stand-in skipper – who has been "leading the team" according to Ten Hag – Kokcu is also a "true leader" in his current home, as per talent scout Jacek Kulig, with the 22-year-old having taken on the armband despite his relative youth.

The Netherlands-born maestro – who can operate in a central midfield or attacking midfield berth – has also enjoyed a standout campaign for the Eredivisie title hopefuls, providing 12 goals and four assists in 38 games across all fronts.

Clearly a player who can make the difference in the final third, like Fernandes, the 5 foot 9 gem also shares the Portuguese's creative prowess having created nine big chances and averaged 2.8 key passes per game in 26 league games this season, while the United man has created 21 big chances and averaged 3.0 key passes from his 28 top-flight outings.

Kokcu also clearly possesses that knack for sparking attacks for his side from deep as he has averaged 11.85 progressive passes per 90 over the past 365 days, with that actually far better than what even Fernandes has achieved (6.71).

That standout metric is an illustration of just what a coup it could be if Ten Hag is to utilise his Dutch connections to sign the 20-cap ace from Rotterdam, with it looking as if the youngster could be a dream successor to United's number eight.

Some of South Africa’s international players will be unavailable for at least the first half of the domestic 20-over competition, which will impact CSA’s ability to grow the profile of the tournament

Firdose Moonda07-Jun-2016

Some of South Africa’s international players will be unavailable for at least the first half of the domestic 20-over competition, which will impact CSA’s ability to grow the profile of the tournament. The fixtures of the Ram Slam T20 Challenge were announced on Tuesday and the tournament is scheduled to run from November 12 to December 16, which overlaps with the Test team’s tour to Australia that ends on November 28.This means international players, including Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada, will only feature peripherally in the tournament, despite CSA’s desire to have their big names available for as much of the competition as possible. Such was South Africa’s desire to try and promote their shortest format like India, Australia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, West Indies and England have done, that they moved a Test in Sri Lanka’s tour of South Africa from mid-December to mid-January to free up the holiday period for Ram Slam T20. Although they have achieved that, the first 18 matches of the 32-game tournament will take place with the Test team playing fixtures in Hobart and Adelaide.South Africa’s 20-over competition has struggled to gain the same glamour as some of its counterparts for two reasons. Chiefly, it has not attracted enough international stars, not even from South Africa, and this will only change in the second half of the event this year. The tournament has also been unable to contract too many big names as the declining Rand is an unattractive currency, and the timing of the tournament is awkward for many players. In some years, it clashed with the Big Bash League. In a few seasons, it has clashed with Test fixtures in other countries.The competition has retained its sponsor for now. Courier company RAM were reviewing their backing of the tournament after last season’s competition was marred by match-fixing allegations which saw Gulam Bodi banned for 20 years for attempting to manipulate matches. CSA insists Bodi did not succeed. The investigation into the allegations has not reached its conclusion with the South African board still expected to name other players it intends to sanction.The rest of South Africa’s domestic season will take place as normal, beginning with the four-day competition that is split into two rounds of five matches each. The one-day cup will be played in a single block in February and March, when the national side will be in New Zealand, which also makes them unavailable for those games.The second-tier semi-professional tournament still includes Namibia and will be played as three-day and one-day fixtures but the 20-over tournament has fallen away in favour of the season-opening Africa Cup. Now in its second edition, the Africa Cup is played over four weekends with the table-topping team from each pool advancing to a finals weekend. All teams play only three matches and it also includes teams from Zimbabwe, Namibia and Kenya.

Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad, who had been left out of the side’s training camp on disciplinary grounds at the start of May, was omitted from 22-man preliminary squad for the England tour in July-August as well. ESPNcricinfo understands that Shehzad was left out on disciplinary grounds again, despite being the leading run-getter in the 50-over Pakistan Cup with 372 runs at an average of 74.40, including a century and three fifties.The selectors picked the probables mainly from the ongoing boot camp at the Pakistan Military Academy in Abbottabad. After that camp, the selected players will report for a skills camp between May 20 and June 5.Mohammad Hafeez, who had missed the training camp because of a knee injury, and legspinner Yasir Shah who was undergoing rehabilitation for a knee injury of his own, found places in the list of probables.Hafeez underwent a medical test on Wednesday, which will determine his availability for the four-match Test series. Sami Aslam, Shan Masood and Khurram Manzoor were the other openers to be picked. Yasir, meanwhile, is expected to be fit in a week.The selection committee, headed by Inzamam-ul-Haq, called up two uncapped Karachi batsmen – Asif Zakir and Akbar-ur-Rehman. Asif had scored 791 runs in 10 first-class matches in 2015-16 at an average of 56.50, while Akbar-ur-Rehman made 761 runs in 10 first-class games at 58.53.Left-handed batsman Fawad Alam, who was picked in the squad for the England series in the UAE in 2015-16, was left out despite topping the fitness tests – he was joint top with Mohammad Rizwan and Masood. Instead, batsman Iftikhar Ahmed, who could bowl offspin, has been picked. Iftikhar, who is uncapped in Tests, had made his ODI debut against England last year.Inzamam said that Alam’s name was discussed, but Iftikhar got the nod because of his all-round ability. “We did consider him [Alam] for the selection, but we have a packed middle order with Younis Khan, Misbah, Asad Shafiq, and we have an option of Iftikhar Ahmed who can bowl offspin from which we can have an edge against left-hand batsmen.”Sarfaraz Ahmed, whose fitness has been a major talking point, also made the cut despite a poor showing in the fitness tests, with Rizwan as a back-up option. Zulfiqar Babar was the second specialist spinner in the squad, and Wahab Riaz, who is playing county cricket for Essex, was also named. Given Wahab is already in England, he will miss the skills camp but join the squad directly in England should he make the final squad. Mohammad Amir, Rahat Ali, Imran Khan, Sohail Khan, Junaid Khan and Ehsan Adil are the other seam-bowling options.Inzamam admitted that Pakistan were struggling to find genuine allrounders. “Since Abdul Razzaq and Azhar Mahmood, we haven’t found a real allrounder who can come and can maintain the balance of the team. But still we can make an XI without an allrounder,” he said.The list of 22 players will be trimmed to 16 next month.The selectors also named the final squad for the A team’s tour of England for the tri-series also involving the hosts and Sri Lanka A. Opener Sharjeel Khan, seam-bowling allrounder Bilawal Bhatti, and left-arm spinning allrounder Mohammad Nawaz made the cut. The players chosen for the A squad will also attend the skills camp with the Test probables.Batsman Haris Sohail and left-arm spinner Imad Wasim were left out of both squads because of injuries.Pakistan’s probables for the England tour
Openers: Mohammad Hafeez (subject to fitness), Sami Aslam, Shan Masood, Khurram Manzoor
Middle-order batsmen: Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Misbah ul Haq, Asad Shafiq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Asif Zakir, Akbar-ur-Rehman
Seamers: Mohammad Amir, Rahat Ali, Imran Khan, Sohail Khan, Junaid Khan, Ehsan Adil, Wahab Riaz
Spinners: Yasir Shah (subject to fitness), Zulfiqar Babar
Wicketkeepers: Sarfraz Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan
Pakistan A players for the tri-series
Openers: Sharjeel Khan, Farukh Zaman, Jahid Ali
Middle-order batsmen: Saud Shakil, Babar Azam, Umer Siddique, Abdur Rehman Muzammil
Allrounders: Mohammad Nawaz
Seamers: Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas, Azeez Ullah, Bilawal Bhatti
Spinners: Mohammad Asghar, Shadab Khan

Crystal Palace have received an approach from the agents of Bayern Munich defender Noussair Mazraoui to let them know that he will be available this summer, according to reports.

What's the latest on Mazraoui's future?

The Premier League outfit have Nathaniel Clyne and Joel Ward as their current options at right-back, but with the pair both out of contract at the end of the season, Roy Hodgson will need to enter the market to find suitable replacements should they not extend their stay.

The Moroccan international only arrived at the Allianz Arena in July 2022 on a free transfer from Ajax so still has another three years remaining on his deal.

However, having made just six Bayern league starts before their game against Mainz today, he is significantly low down in the pecking order.

Should the 25-year-old want to receive more regular game time and nail down a starting place next season, he could therefore be tempted to look elsewhere during the upcoming window, and should that be the case, he wouldn’t be short of a potential suitor at Selhurst Park.

According to 90min, Crystal Palace, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Wolves, Arsenal and West Ham United have all been “alerted” to Mazraoui’s potential availability and are expected to be “kept informed” of how his transfer situation unfolds at Bayern. Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid have additionally been “told” that he might be on the lookout for his next destination this summer.

Would Mazraoui be a good signing for Palace?

Crystal Palace have previously been linked with another move for Aaron Wan-Bissaka whose future at United is uncertain, and whilst Mazraoui isn’t as high-profile of a name as the Red Devils right-back, he would be a fantastic acquisition for Hodgson should he sign on the dotted line.

The Adidas-sponsored gem has won over 12 tackles from 17 players challenged this season so is strong in the defensive aspect of his game but is also capable of contributing to efforts at the opposite end of the pitch with 48 goal contributions (26 assists and 22 goals) to his name in over 258 career appearances.

Hailed a “superb” player by football expert Alex Barker, the £135k-per-week full-back will know what it takes to be successful having got his hands on seven senior trophies since bursting onto the professional scene so he would be able to pass on his winning mentality to the rest of the squad at Selhurst Park.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board have named former India batsman Lalchand Rajput as the new head coach of their national team

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Jun-2016

The Afghanistan Cricket Board has named former India batsman Lalchand Rajput as the new head coach of their national team. He takes over the position vacated by former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq in April 2016 and his first assignment is a tour of Scotland, Ireland and the Netherlands in July and August.According to ACB chief executive Shaiqullah Stanikzai, Rajput was chosen ahead of former Pakistan batsman Mohammad Yousuf, former South Africa batsman Herschelle Gibbs and former West Indies fast bowler Corey Collymore. The three of them had applied through their agents while Rajput’s name was recommended by the BCCI.Previous coaching experience and administrative work had given Rajput an edge. He was in charge of the Indian team when they won World T20 in 2007 and for the controversial tour to Australia in 2007-08. Following his retirement after a 17-year playing career, he served as joint honourary secretary of the Mumbai Cricket Association.Rajput is in line for a two-year contract, but that decision would be finalised after the upcoming tour of Europe. Afghanistan play seven ODIs against Scotland and Ireland, and an Intercontinental Cup match against Netherlands.”I am excited to work again with an international team,” Rajput told ESPNcricinfo. “The challenge is to get Afghanistan into the top 10. They also don’t have the Test status and so our goal would be to work towards achieving that in the long term.”It is learnt that the ACB had been in talks with former Sri Lanka fast bowler Chaminda Vaas, but they fell through.Rajput has played two Tests and four ODIs for India, to go along with his 110 matches and 7988 runs in first-class cricket. He has also coached his state side Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy and in the Indian Premier League. Rajput has had successful stints at the helm of India Under-19 and A teams. He was also among the final contenders to take over as India’s full-time head coach. But with Anil Kumble’s appointment on Thursday, Rajput was free to take up the ACB’s offer.

A decision on Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman’s availability for his stint with Sussex will be taken after two weeks, once the bowler completes rehabilitation in Dhaka for his right hamstring and ankle injuries, which he suffered during his debut IPL season.In March, Sussex had announced that Mustafizur would be their second overseas player and participate in the NatWest T20 Blast and the Royal London One-Day Cup. The Bangladesh bowler was scheduled to join the Sussex squad at the end of the IPL but had been eager for a break after playing 16 matches for his franchise, Sunrisers Hyderabad. Mustafizur, who was the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the tournament, was also named the emerging player of IPL 2016 and missed only one game in the tournament.Mustafizur’s rehabilitation began on Thursday and Bangladesh’s physiotherapist Bayjidul Islam said the focus of the first week was on fitness and not cricket training. ESPNcricinfo learned that Mustafizur will be assessed again after eight days while his rehabilitation will extend for two weeks.”We will take a decision on him when we see his improvement,” Bayjidul said. “For the first week I don’t see any possibility of him taking the field. We are working on his hamstring and ankle injuries. He has recovered from the shoulder and side strain.”Bayjidul and Bangladesh trainer Mario Villavarayen rechecked Mustafizur’s physical condition. There was slight concern about the bowler’s weight but Bayjidul said he was happy with the current measurements.Mustafizur has struggled with injuries this year. A shoulder injury during a T20I against Zimbabwe in February ruled him out of the inaugural Pakistan Super League. He played only three matches in the Asia Cup before a side strain ended his participation in the tournament.Sussex have played three games in the NatWest T20 Blast so far and are placed second in the South Group points table after two wins. The team, however, lost both their Royal London One-Day Cup matches, with the next game on June 12 against Middlesex.

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Feyenoord attacker Santiago Gimenez during the summer transfer window.

How is Gimenez playing this season?

The 21-year-old is enjoying an extremely fruitful season for the Dutch giants, producing consistently influential performances in the Eredivisie and the Europa League. He has scored 10 times in just 15 league starts, while in Europe, he has netted five times in seven outings – with only two of those being starts.

Gimenez's performances don't seem to be going unnoticed, with Crystal Palace one of the sides linked with making a move for him this summer. It certainly looks as though a Premier League switch could be on the cards, with United now also getting a mention.

Could youngster seal United move?

According to W Deportes [via Sport Witness], the Red Devils are the "most interested team" when it comes to Gimenez ahead of a possible move to Old Trafford. They have sent scouts to watch him in action several times and are believed to have made the "first contact" with his representatives.

He has a "clause close to €20m", and with doubts over Wout Weghorst and Anthony Martial's long-term futures, he could be seen as a superior option to come in and bolster United's attacking options.

Gimenez could be such an exciting signing for the Red Devils this summer, as despite not necessarily coming in as a guaranteed starter – the hope is that Harry Kane or Victor Osimhen may arrive, too – he may be viewed as a long-term prospect who can be an important squad player from the off.

His goalscoring record this season is testament to his potential, with 18 in all competitions marking a great return for Feyenoord. Meanwhile, he also has two strikes in nine caps for Mexico despite his tender years. We think it is essential that Erik ten Hag buys young players as well as those in their late 20s or even 30s, such as Raphael Varane, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, in order to build for the future at Old Trafford.

Gimenez could be an ideal addition in that respect, hopefully coming in and having an even greater impact than his compatriot Javier Hernandez did, with the Mexican bagging 59 goals in 157 outings for United.

At 21, he still has so much improving to do as a player, and he could go through the gears faster by having top-quality players around him.

Somerset failed in their concerted bid to beat Yorkshire on the final day of their Specsavers’ County Championship game at the County Ground, Taunton

ECB Reporters Network18-May-2016
ScorecardTim Groenewald gave Somerset a chance of victory•Getty ImagesSomerset failed in their concerted bid to beat Yorkshire on the final day of their Specsavers’ County Championship game at the County Ground, Taunton.Despite dominating the game for the majority of the four days, Chris Rogers’ side came up short in the final session as Yorkshire held on to their unbeaten start to the Division One campaign. However, the loss of 19 overs in the day, to rain, might just have been the difference between winning for the first time this season, and yet another drawn gameResuming their first innings on 306 for 9, Yorkshire were quickly bowled out for 311 when Jamie Overton bowled Steven Patterson for 32. It might have been an early setback, but Patterson and Jack Brooks had certainly done their bit for the cause. In adding 74 for the 10th wicket, the pair had not only taken up valuable time, but had added valuable runs too.Somerset, as expected, enforced the follow-on and bowled particularly well with the new ball.Bowling coach Jason Kerr had highlighted the need for early wickets, at the end of day three, and though Adam Lyth and Alex Lees batted with due care and attention, prior to lunch, the afternoon session brought its reward.Bowling ‘not good enough’ – Gillespie

Yorkshire head coach Jason Gillespie
“I won’t beat about the bush, we were outplayed by Somerset, without a doubt. But I am pleased that we were able to dig in and save the game. I felt that each player took responsibility and we go home having not lost the game. Our bowling was not good enough and we accept that. The thing we cant forget is that we havent lost a game of cricket despite being outplayed.”
Somerset captain Chris Rogers
“That is the best we have played this season, so far. On a very tough wicket to bowl on, we did fantastically well and nearly stole a win against the reigning champions. Let’s face it, had it not have been for the weather in the last two games, we would have probably won both matches.”

Lyth, who has scored over 800 runs at the County Ground in his last seven matches, was first to go, bowled by Overton when playing back to a short ball that kept low.Will Rhodes followed at 45 for 2 – caught at short leg by Tom Abell off the bowling of Jack Leach, and four runs later, Lees, who had scored only 11 off 97 balls, was bowled by Overton when offering no shot.The tea interval provided Yorkshire with some respite, but when Andrew Gale was caught by Leach off the bowling of Tim Groenewald at 69 for 4, Yorkshire were facing an anxious final two hours.Overton, whose spell on Monday had been described as ‘world class’ by Kerr, continued to bowl with real purpose. His third wicket came in the 53rd over when Gary Ballance carelessly flicked the 22-year-old bowler to Leach at square leg.At that stage, a victory for Somerset looks a distinct possibility. However, Jack Leaning and Liam Plunkett held out in the final hour and Yorkshire left for the long trip home with their unbeaten record still intact. When the captains shook hands shortly before six o’clock, Yorkshire had reached 141 for 6.Overton, Lewis Gregory and Groenewald continued to bowl well, without any good fortune, after tea, and director of cricket Matthew Maynard will be delighted with that as the side prepares for the T20 season, which for them kicks off on Friday against Kent, at Canterbury.Still, who knows what might have been had the inclement weather not have intervened.

Chelsea return to Premier League action on Wednesday night as they take on Brentford at Stamford Bridge, and Frank Lampard should unleash Raheem Sterling in the hope that he can inspire the Blues to a rare win.

The west London outfit have lost all four games since Lampard returned as interim manager and with Mauricio Pochettino's appointment likely to be confirmed in the coming days, the Blues legend could soon find himself looking for another job after failing to turn Chelsea's fortunes around since taking over from Graham Potter.

Brentford pose a real threat of making it five defeats from five for Chelsea on Wednesday given their credentials under the impressive Thomas Frank, with a European finish still on the cards for the Bees if they can finish the season strongly.

However, the form book does not look good for Brentford either right now and Lampard could exploit their defensive vulnerabilities by unleashing Sterling on the left wing against 20-year-old right-back Aaron Hickey.

Should Sterling start for Chelsea against Brentford?

Sterling's move from Manchester City last summer has so far not paid off, as he boasts just four goals and two assists in 22 Premier League appearances for his new side, averaging a disappointing 6.65 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

However, only Kai Havertz has more goal contributions in the top flight than the England international and he is certainly not alone in struggling in the final third, as the Blues have mustered just 30 goals in the top flight so far this campaign; the fifth-worst in the division.

The experienced winger ranks fifth for shots, fifth for key passes and sixth for dribbles per game in Chelsea's squad so can certainly be relied upon to be a threat down the left-hand side, and perhaps the £325k-per-week ace just needs a run of consistent games in order to rediscover the sort of form he showed on a regular basis at City and Liverpool.

Last season saw him manage 13 goals and six assists under Pep Guardiola in City's title-winning campaign, and Chelsea just need to find a way of getting the best out of him at Stamford Bridge, as there is no doubt that he can be a world-class winger on his day, with Tony Cascarino singing his praises on talkSPORT last season.

He said: “Raheem Sterling has just been frightening. The year he has had since the Euros – he was brilliant then.

“This season, I thought, when they signed Jack Grealish I thought Raheem might be a bit part player in this City team but he’s become an absolute permanent fixture. Left or right, he is ripping people apart."

If Sterling is given space to run at Hickey, who has struggled in his first season at Brentford with a 6.44 average rating from WhoScored, then he could prove the difference in Chelsea picking up a positive result on Wednesday.

As such, Lampard must ensure that he gets the nod after starting on the bench against Real Madrid.

Surrey can ease their relegation fears with victory against the bottom club Hampshire and Rory Burns and Dominic Sibley ensured that first-day runs were not in short supply

ECB Reporters Network17-Jul-2016
ScorecardRory Burns made his first century of the season•PA Photos

Rory Burns, the Surrey opening batsman, struck his first century of the season as the visitors made light work on a flat track at the Ageas Bowl.Burns, who became the 2,000th Surrey player to reach three figures in first-class cricket, looked at ease during his 144 ball stay before knocking his 17th boundary to take him to three figures.Hampshire, who toiled for nearly two thirds of the day, finally had something to cheer about in the evening as they pegged the away side back somewhat with a handful of wickets.The early stages of this match was always going to rely heavily on who won the toss, with the track looking impeccably hard and flat.
Gareth Batty, just as predictably, refused the offer of bowling first before winning the coin flip – the skipper has yet to lose a toss this season.Burns, with the equally unimpeachable Dominic Sibley, saw off the first session with ease – the pair already up to 72 in the opening hour, Hampshire already being forced to use all four seamers.Burns quickly moved past 4,500 runs for his first-class career, before reaching his 25th format fifty at an almost run a ball 54 deliveries.
He continued to cash in after lunch to climb to three figure, playing the aggressor to Sibley’s watchful style, in 144 balls.Sibley, who passed his half century in almost same amount of time it took Burns to reach a ton, 141 balls, was waiting patiently for the poor ball to come along.The partnership appeared impenetrable with seemingly every option exhausted – before Mason Crane produced a corker to see off Burns 10 balls before tea.The young leg spinner pitching one outside off stump and back of a length to the left hander to turn back to cramp Burns up for space – edging low to Sean Ervine at first slip.Crane continued his troubling turners to get Zafar Ansari before he had got going – tempting the al-rounder down the track before Lewis McManus smartly swivelled and stumped.Soon after the new ball was taken, which was the first thing to cause Sibley a sweat in his heavy cable knit jumper.Reaching 99, the only other time he has a Championship century was on his debut when he bagged a record 242, he was bowled by a Gareth Berg delivery which moved back off the seam to crunch into the off stump.Berg, who finished the day the pick of the bowlers with two for 47, then had a short and tempered battle with Jason Roy – the bowler, after missing the outside edge twice and having an lbw shout turned down, finally got his man leg before.Quietly, as the wickets tumbled around him, Australian international Aaron Finch teed off in entertaining fashion – pilfering a quick 50 before the close to stand overnight on 56, his team on top at 332 for 4.