Fast bowler to miss tours to Pakistan, New Zealand after problem picked up on routine scan
ESPNcricinfo staff06-Sep-2024
Mark Wood has been ruled out for the rest of 2024•AFP/Getty Images
Mark Wood, England’s fastest bowler, will miss the forthcoming Test tours of Pakistan and New Zealand, after being ruled out for the rest of the year due to a bone-stress injury to his right elbow.Wood was withdrawn from the ongoing Sri Lanka series as a precaution, after suffering a right thigh strain while bowling during the first Test at Old Trafford. However, he subsequently underwent what he had hoped was a routine elbow scan, after feeling discomfort in the joint, and admitted in an Instagram post that he had received some “pretty rubbish news”.”During what I thought was routine check on a previously troublesome elbow, I was shocked to learn I’ve got some bone stress in my right elbow,” Wood wrote.As a result, he will miss England’s final six Tests of the year, three each against Pakistan in October and New Zealand in December.He will continue to work closely with the ECB medical team in the meantime, with the aim of returning to full fitness by early 2025, in time for England’s white-ball tour of India and the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, which is scheduled to begin in February 2025.Wood’s surprise at his diagnosis comes in the wake of some of the fastest bowling of his international career. During the Trent Bridge Test against West Indies in July, he hit a top speed of 97.1mph in an electrifying performance that culminated in a broken forearm for Kevin Sinclair, and had his captain, Ben Stokes, predicting he would break the 100mph before his career is done.Though he went relatively under-rewarded in that performance, he closed out the series with 5 for 40 at Edgbaston, his first five-wicket haul in a home Test. However, he bowled just 18.2 overs across two innings against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford, before he was withdrawn from the action.”After the minor groin injury at Emirates Old Trafford, me and the medical team felt it was a good time to get my elbow looked at as it was a bit irritated,” Wood added in his Instagram post. “I’d put that down to the normal niggles every fast bowler gets and which I was playing through.”I’m especially surprised because I’ve been playing Test cricket and kept my speeds up.”I work incredibly hard on my fitness, putting in extra work with coaches and physios making this even more disappointing. However, I guess this is, ‘part of being a fast bowler’, like Stokesy says.”I will miss the rest of the year needing time to rest and build up, fully expecting to be back and firing in early 2025. I have been down this path before and will put in all the hard yards behind the scenes. I am very proud to represent my country and there is no better feeling. See you for some rockets in 2025!”In Wood’s absence, Olly Stone was recalled for last week’s Lord’s Test, his first Test since undergoing back surgery three years ago, with Josh Hull, the 20-year-old left-arm seamer, making his debut in the ongoing third Test at The Oval.
هنأ أحمد دياب، رئيس رابطة الأندية المصرية المحترفة، منتخب مصر بعد فوزه الثمين على نظيره إثيوبيا، أمس الجمعة، في تصفيات كأس العالم 2026.
وجاء الفوز بقيادة المدير الفني حسام حسن بهدفين دون رد، سجلهما محمد صلاح وعمر مرموش من ركلتي جزاء، ليقترب المنتخب المصري خطوة جديدة نحو حسم بطاقة التأهل إلى كأس العالم 2026.
وكتب أحمد دياب عبر صفحته الرسمية بموقع “فيس بوك”: “أتقدم بخالص التهنئة للمنتخب الوطني المصري لكرة القدم بعد فوزه المستحق على إثيوبيا وتصدره للمجموعة، ليصبح على بعد خطوة واحدة من التأهل لكأس العالم”.
طالع أيضًا | أيمن يونس: حسام حسن أدار مباراة مصر وإثيوبيا بنجاح.. لكن هناك مشكلة مُجبر عليها
وتابع: “أشيد بالأداء القوي والمتميز للاعبين، والجهد الكبير الذي بذله الجهاز الفني بقيادة حسام حسن، فهذا الفوز هو نتيجة للعمل الجاد والروح القتالية العالية”.
وأضاف: “أوجه تحية خاصة للجماهير المصرية الوفية التي دعمت المنتخب بقوة في الملعب، وكان دورها حاسمًا في تحقيق هذا الانتصار الهام”.
واختتم: “أتمنى تحقيق حلم التأهل لكأس العالم في المباراة المقبلة أمام بوركينا فاسو يوم الثلاثاء، وأنا على ثقة كاملة في قدرة المنتخب على تحقيق هذا الإنجاز التاريخي وإسعاد الشعب المصري بأكمله”.
ويستعد منتخب مصر لمواجهة بوركينا فاسو يوم الثلاثاء 9 سبتمبر خارج أرضه، في مباراة قد تكون حاسمة نحو حسم بطاقة التأهل لكأس العالم.
By their own usual standards, it’s been a very quiet transfer window at Nottingham Forest so far – albeit while having reportedly completed the £10m capture of Botafogo striker, Igor Jesus.
During their first two seasons back in the Premier League, the Garibaldi signed 24 and then 11 more senior players, before just the ten additions were made last season.
NottinghamForest's Anthony Elanga celebrates scoring their second goal with Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ola Aina and Nicolas Dominguez
So now, with the confirmation of Jesus’ deal seemingly imminent, are they about to ramp up their transfer business even further?
Of course, following last season’s seventh-place finish, Nottingham Forest are preparing to feature in European competition for the first time since 1995/96, dumped out by Bayern Munich at the quarter-final stage of the UEFA Cup back then.
This time, Nuno Espírito Santo’s side are currently scheduled to feature in the Conference League, although they could be catapulted into the Europa League, if Crystal Palace are thrown out of the competition due to multi-club ownership rules.
Either way, they’re going to have exponentially more matches to content with, so will require a bigger squad, hence why a report by Turkish outlet Fanatik claims Forest are lining up a £13m offer for centre-back Arseniy Batagov, albeit with his club Trabzonspor holding out for closer to £17m.
The 23-year-old Ukrainian began his senior career at Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk, before joining Zorya Luhansk, making 63 appearances for them and catching the eye of Trabzonspor, who signed him for around £1.5m a year ago.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Batagov has earned international recognition too, starting all three of Ukraine’s matches at last summer’s Olympic Games, before also doing the same at last month’s U21 Euros, captaining his country against the Netherlands in Prešov.
So now, could he be on his way to the City Ground?
How Arseniy Batahov would improve Nottingham Forest
Despite their run to the FA Cup semi-finals, Nottingham Forest played just 44 matches across all competitions last season, while there is the potential for them to play 17 in Europe alone this time round, should they get all the way to the final, so more options will be required.
Ola Aina with Chris Wood for Nottingham Forest.
Fair to say, Nuno’s starting centre-backs remained settled throughout the campaign, as the table below outlines.
Nottingham Forest centre-back options PL 24/25
Statistics
Murillo
Nikola Milenković
Morato
Willy Boly
Appearances
36
37
26
6
Starts
36
37
6
1
Minutes
3,330
3,188
907
150
% of total mins
93.2%
97.4%
26.5%
4.4%
Club rank for mins
3rd
2nd
14th
21st
Statistics courtesy of FBref.com
In short, what the table emphasises is the fact that Nikola Milenković and Murillo played almost every minute of every game last season, which is understandable, given that Adrian Clarke of the Premier League argued that they were the best pairing in the division.
Morato, meantime, was primarily used alongside the aforementioned duo when Nuno switched to a back three, often in-game, while fourth-choice option Willy Boly saw 250 minutes fewer than James Ward-Prowse, despite the fact he returned to West Ham in January, underlining his lack of importance.
This time, however, Milenković and Murillo cannot start, potentially in excess of, 60 games, so a capable deputy will be required.
Well, Batahov appears to have the attributes to be that player, described as “quality” by Hayatımız Futbol, who also praise his “positioning” and “play-making ability” from the back. Like Murillo, the promising left-footer typically operates at left centre-back.
Meantime, he has also been labelled as Ukraine’s next ‘promising prodigy’, making 23 appearances for Trabzonspor this season, most notably starting May’s Türkiye Kupası Final against Galatasaray, as his side were beaten 3-0 in Gaziantep.
Batahov scored en route to the final against İskenderunspor, but his campaign was largely hampered by various injuries, although it says something about his quality that there is still Premier League interest in him.
Like Murillo, when he arrived from Corinthians for a reported £15m two summers ago after making just 27 appearances for the Brazilian side, not too much is known about Batahov.
That said, this wildcard move, in the mould of Murillo’s capture, could lead to a repeat success, as the Ukrainian certainly has the potential to improve and become a star, just as his potential future teammate has done at the City Ground.
Nottingham Forest now ready to make £21m offer for "superb" midfielder
The Tricky Trees are now prepared to make an opening bid for a midfielder, having recently made contact over a potential deal.
Rohit penned a heartfelt letter to the outgoing head coach days after India’s T20 World Cup win
ESPNcricinfo staff09-Jul-2024
Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid were India’s captain and coach since late 2021•Associated Press
Rohit Sharma has penned an emotional letter to outgoing India head coach Rahul Dravid, expressing gratitude for his humility and ability to make players comfortable.”Dear Rahul , I have been trying to find the right words to properly express my feelings on this but I’m not sure I ever will so here’s my attempt,” Rohit wrote on Instagram.”Since my childhood days I have looked up to you just like billions of others but I was lucky enough to get to work with you this closely. You are an absolute stalwart of this game but you left all of your accolades and achievements at the door and walked in as our coach and came on a level where we all felt comfortable enough to say just about anything to you. That is your gift, your humility and your love for this game even after all this time. I have learnt so much from you and every memory will be cherished.”
Rohit made his international debut – in an ODI against Ireland – under Dravid’s captaincy. The pair combined as captain and coach to end India’s ICC title-drought by winning the T20 World Cup 2024. They won the competition undefeated, after coming close in the ODI World Cup at home last year, when they lost to Australia in the final. The tournament in the West Indies and USA ended Dravid’s near three-year stint as India’s head coach.”My wife refers to you as my work wife and I’m lucky to get to call you that too,” Rohit wrote. “This was the only thing missing from your arsenal and I’m so happy that we got to achieve it together. Rahul it has been an absolute privilege to get to call you my confidant, my coach and my friend.”After India’s win in Bridgetown, Dravid had recalled Rohit’s phone call after the World Cup final last year – when his initial two-year term ended – asking him to continue till the T20 World Cup 2024. Dravid’s successor is expected to be named soon.
Tottenham Hotspur are in the market for another proven winger to complement Thomas Frank’s current squad, following Timo Werner’s return to parent club RB Leipzig and reports that Son Heung-min may have played his last competitive game for Spurs.
Tottenham to pay asking price for Brazil international after Barcelona call
They’re “best placed” to do a deal.
ByEmilio Galantini Jun 19, 2025
Despite a fairly promising first six months in north London, Werner ultimately proved to be a flop after chairman Daniel Levy decided to extend his loan spell by a further season, with former boss Ange Postecoglou publicly criticising the German for lacklustre displays.
“He wasn’t playing anywhere near the level he should,” said Postecoglou after Spurs’ draw with Rangers in the Europa League.
Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025
Average match rating
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
“When you’ve got 18-year-olds [playing], it’s not acceptable to me and I said that to Timo. He’s a senior German international.
“The moment we’re in right now, it’s not like we’ve got many options. I need everyone to at least be going out there trying to give the best of themselves. His performance in the first half wasn’t acceptable.”
With the ex-Chelsea forward ending his brief Spurs stay, Frank could be left even more short in the wide area if Son does leave N17 after 10 years.
Tottenham Hotspur'sSonHeung-minreacts
Saudi sides are expressing a keen interest in the South Korean star, and the Lilywhites may well decide that now is the right time to cash-in on him, taking into account his age and the fact he’s about to enter the final 12 months of his deal.
Spurs did seal a permanent deal for Mathys Tel, who put pen to paper on a £30 million move from Bayern Munich, but the club cannot afford to leave their new manager short of attacking options given their status as a Champions League club next term.
They’ve been linked with a host of big-name forwards in the last week, including Man City’s Jack Grealish, Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Frank’s former star at Brentford, Bryan Mbeumo.
All of these players are likely to command a marquee price tag, alongside fellow reported target Mohammed Kudus.
Mohammed Kudus celebrates for West Ham
The West Ham winger has an £85 million release clause in his contract, which becomes active in July, but Graham Potter’s side could sell for around £65 million.
Tottenham initiate talks to sign West Ham star Mohammed Kudus
That is according to GOAL, who also report that Tottenham have “initiated” talks with West Ham over signing Kudus.
Frank’s side have apparently told the Hammers that they’re keen on striking a deal for the Ghanaian, but both clubs haven’t dealt with eachother when it comes to transfers since Scott Parker’s move to Spurs in 2011.
Both clubs most commonly refuse to do business, and for this reason, it is believed that West Ham would much rather Kudus join Chelsea instead, who are also keen on the African winger.
There is also some negotiating left to do, as Daniel Levy only wants to pay £50 million for Kudus as things stand, so they’re some way short of West Ham’s current asking price.
Only Man City’s Jeremy Doku completed more successful take-ons per 90 in the Premier League than Kudus last season, highlighting his devastating dribbling ability, with the former Ajax star also attempting more shots at goal than Dominic Solanke on average (WhoScored).
He would be a truly excellent addition, but Levy will still need to invest significantly here.
Former England fast bowler is currently club president at Gloucestershire
ESPNcricinfo staff21-Jun-2024
David “Syd” Lawrence was made Gloucestershire president in 2022•Gloucestershire CCC
David “Syd” Lawrence, the former Gloucestershire and England fast bowler, has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).A powerfully built fast bowler, Lawrence played five Tests for England as well as making 280 appearances for Gloucestershire, during which he took 625 wickets for the club. In 2022, he became Gloucestershire’s first black president.His diagnosis, announced by the club on Friday, makes him the latest in a line of sportspeople affected by MND, closely following the death of former rugby league player Rob Burrow from the disease earlier this month.Will Brown, Gloucestershire’s outgoing chief executive, said: “Everyone at the club is devastated to hear of the news from David Lawrence and his MND diagnosis.”David is an icon of the game, a club legend and a trailblazer as the first British-born Black player to play for England. More than that he is the best of people, kind, loving, considerate and an inspiration to all of us here at Gloucestershire.”Working with him since he has been club president has been both an awesome and humbling experience – he has opened doors we didn’t even know were there, helped us learn and become a friend to so many of us. That friendship is a very special thing and one I know we all cherish.”I know I speak for everyone associated with the club in sending all our love to David, Gaynor [Lawrence’s wife] and all of their family and friends.”Lawrence played five Tests and one ODI for England between 1988 and 1992, but suffered what was effectively a career-ending injury aged 28 when he fractured his kneecap as he ran in to bowl against New Zealand in Wellington.He attempted a comeback five years later, playing four first-class games for Gloucestershire before retiring, but he continued to stay fit and took up competitive bodybuilding in later life.In 2021, he spoke about his experience of racism at Gloucestershire, for which the club offered an unreserved apology. He has since been involved with delivering the African-Caribbean Engagement Programme in Bristol.Ian Thomas, managing director of member services at the Professional Cricketers’ Association, said: “The PCA is in deep shock at the tragic news David Lawrence has recently received. David has been an inspiration throughout his cricket and post-cricket career and we have no doubt he will continue to fight and show his determination to fight MND.”The PCA and the Professional Cricketers’ Trust, the players’ charity, will be here for David and importantly, his family, offering the best possible support.”
What a big summer it is going to be for Leeds United.
Daniel Farke’s side are hoping to defy the odds and avoid relegation in the Premier League, something that has become notoriously more difficult over the past few seasons. In the last couple of campaigns, all six previously promoted sides were relegated.
So, it will have to be an odds-defying campaign for the Whites, who were the team to beat in the second tier last season. They won the Championship, picking up 100 points and losing just four games. Farke will be hoping to count on his players to step up even more in 2025/26.
Leeds United manager DanielFarkebefore the match
However, they will be active in the transfer market too. In fact, they are stepping up their hunt for a midfielder to help upgrade their options in the middle of the park.
Leeds' hunt for a midfielder
Farke already has some talented midfielders at his disposal, including Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev. So, to strengthen in that area, and potentially upgrade on the likes of Brenden Aaronson, would be a huge statement of intent.
According to a report from the Yorkshire Evening Post, the Whites have ‘included’ Noah Sadiki on their shortlist to beef up the midfield this summer.
However, he’s not the only one. Indeed, they are said to have ‘identified’ Strasbourg midfielder Habib Diarra ‘as a potential midfield addition’. The Senegal international is a player ‘they believe will be Premier League quality’ ahead of next season.
It would appear that this a move firmly in the works now with Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett further revealing on Tuesday that the Elland Road outfit have lodged a bid of £21m to sign Diarra.
Why Diarra would be a good signing
If Leeds were to sign Diarra this summer, they would be adding a “complete midfielder” to the squad. At least, that is how football analyst Ben Mattinson described the Senegal international, implying he can play all over midfield.
Habib Diarra for Strasbourg against PSG.
That “Swiss Army Knife” type profile would surely work well in Farke’s midfield, and give him plenty of tactical flexibility. Diarra is both a goalscorer and creator, finding the back of the net four times and registering five assists for Strasbourg last season.
Impressively, the 21-year-old, who is already the Strasbourg captain after coming through their academy, scored on the international stage for Senegal against England one week ago. He showed good intelligence to curve his run behind the Three Lions defence, carrying the ball into the six-yard box and slotting home from a narrow angle.
Diarra could be the perfect upgrade in the Leeds midfield for Aaronson. The USA international has previously struggled in the Premier League.
He has made 36 appearances in the top flight of England, mainly operating as a number 10 and a right-winger, but has just four goals and assists to his name.
Despite scoring nine times and registering two assists in 46 Championship games last season, there have been doubts about Aaronson’s scalability to the top flight. The Whites’ former goalkeeper, Paul Robinson, told Football Insider he is “nowhere near Premier League level”.
So, if they do bring Diarra in as his replacement, the numbers on FBref suggest it’d be a good move. Not only did he average more goals and assists per 90 minutes than Aaronson, with 0.34 compared to 0.28, but his off-the-ball work was better, too. Diarra’s 3.45 ball recoveries each game trumped Aaronson’s tally of 3.09.
Diarra and Aaronson key stats compared
Stat (per 90)
Diarra
Aaronson
Goals and assists
0.34
0.38
Progressive passes
4.44
4.05
Passes into final third
2.45
2.13
Interceptions
0.50
0.20
Ball recoveries
3.45
3.09
Stats from FBref
If Leeds can agree a deal to sign Diarra somewhere around the £21m mark, it would be a fantastic piece of business. They are signing a leader and an international-class midfielder, capable of playing numerous roles.
Habib Diarra in action for Strasbourg
As far as an upgrade on Aaronson goes, time will tell, but the stats are there to suggest this is the dream move for the Yorkshire club this summer.
Big Aaronson upgrade: Leeds close to agreeing deal for £30m "magician"
Leeds are confident that they will sign this star, and he would be a big upgrade on Brenden Aaronson.
Aston Villa have a busy couple of weeks ahead amid their need to ensure they don’t overstep the FFP mark and one of their star men is now being lined up for a move ato Manchester United.
Aston Villa's balancing act in light of PSR
Profit and Sustainability Rules have become a contentious topic for fans who don’t support one of the traditional ‘Big Six’ clubs. However, they have become a frustrating reality that everyone now has to abide by.
Unfortunately, Aston Villa are now at risk of breaching regulations after recording £202.6 million in pre-tax losses over the past two years, which is the most out of anyone in the Premier League.
Aston Villa manager UnaiEmeryduring the press conference
Losing a maximum of £105 million over three consecutive years is the limit for top-flight clubs, which has created plenty of speculation regarding potential sales to bridge the gap.
BBC Sport columnist Fara Williams has named Jacob Ramsey as a player Aston Villa could sell to make ends meet, as she said: “It does feel like Aston Villa will have to sell some key players this summer if they are to bring others in and keep within PSR regulations.
“There has been a lot of rumours around it and I believe Jacob Ramsey was a name being mentioned who, as a homegrown player, they would make more money from.”
Aston Villa make offer to sign Serie A champion who’s now tempted by move
The Villans could tempt the defender into a move.
2 ByTom Cunningham Jun 11, 2025
The Villans have also passed on signing Marcus Rashford permanently, prioritising Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho as a more affordable alternative.
Nevertheless, the feeling around the West Midlands is one that Aston Villa must sell before they can buy, and Unai Emery could now have a dilemma on his hands following recent developments.
Emiliano Martinez in talks with Man Utd
Now, according to reports via CaughtOffside, Emiliano Martinez is in talks over a move to Manchester United and may be a sacrificial lamb for Aston Villa amid their current PSR state of limbo, and he is thought to be open to the idea of moving to Old Trafford.
Emiliano Martinez in action for Argentina.
Due to the Red Devils’ status as a domestic rival, the Villans are reportedly demanding a fee north of £40 million to sell the World Cup-winning stopper this summer, who has been identified as a successor to Andre Onana under Ruben Amorim.
Emiliano Martinez in 2024/25 – Premier League (Fotmob)
Appearances
37
Goals conceded
45
Clean sheets
8
Penalties saved from penalties faced
1/2
Labelled “magnificent” by Alan Shearer, Martinez now appears primed for a move elsewhere, begging the question of who could replace the Argentina international between the sticks.
Going off recent times, OGC Nice stopper Marcin Bulka is a prominent target for Aston Villa, illustrating that Emery may have his eyes on a younger alternative in the event he is left searching for new blood.
Either way, Martinez has been a brilliant servant in the West Midlands and would be sorely missed, even if his departure feels like the best source of action for all parties involved.
Ruben Amorim declared on the Old Trafford turf, following the final day victory over Aston Villa, that the “good days are coming” for Manchester United – a statement that appeared fanciful considering the club’s 15th place Premier League finish and Europa League final heartbreak.
The Portuguese coach has talked the talk during a turbulent first six months in Manchester, but can he actually walk the walk?
What is clear is that the 40-year-old is in dire need of reinforcements if he is to make a success of it at the club, with that fact having seemingly sparked a hectic and exciting start to the window for the Red Devils.
Much to the fury of rival supporters, United have already poached Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo looking set to follow – two moves that have heightened hope regarding those future ‘good days’.
If a drastic improvement is to be made next season and beyond, however, those deals must surely be the tip of the iceberg. This is the time to rip it up and start again, following a wretched decade of recruitment.
Manchester United co owner JimRatcliffewith technical director Jason Wilcox
With that in mind, here’s a look at how Amorim’s starting lineup could potentially look next season, if all goes to plan on the transfer front for newly crowned director of football, Jason Wilcox…
1 GK – Vanja Milinkovic-Savic
Whether Andre Onana could have done better or not to keep out Brennan Johnson’s deflected effort in Bilbao could be debated long into the night. What is evident is that United reached the showpiece in spite of the Cameroon stopper, not because of him.
Indeed, the 29-year-old – who has been touted for a departure this summer – made five errors leading to a goal in the Premier League and Europa League in total, having hardly inspired any confidence at all since his £47.2m switch from Inter in 2023.
Enter, Vanja Milinkovic-Savic. Once on the books at United as a teenager, before swiftly departing after failing to earn a work permit, the 6 foot 6 Serbian has been heavily linked with a return to Old Trafford. With just a year left on his deal at Torino, reports have suggested he could cost just €20m (£17m).
The 28-year-old conceded just 42 goals in 37 Serie A games last season, while ranking in the top 7% of goalkeepers in Europe’s top five leagues for save percentage. Sign him up.
2 RCB – Leny Yoro
After an injury-hit start to life in England, Leny Yoro truly came into his own in the final months of the season, notably scoring his first goal for the club away in Lyon.
Still only 19 and with a penchant for surging forward from deep, a player Rio Ferdinand dubbed “the best in the world” at that age could well kick on again next term as a mainstay of the backline.
3 CB – Harry Maguire
Stripped of the captaincy by Erik ten Hag in 2023, amid talk of a move to West Ham United, the subsequent redemption arc of Harry Maguire has been a joy to behold – a moment epitomised by his last-gasp winner at home to Lyon.
Described as “perfect” for a back three by Amorim, the 32-year-old – who will soon enter the last year of his contract – deserves to be a consistent figure in the backline once again.
Fitness permitting, of course.
4 LCB – Lisandro Martinez
Speaking of fitness, while Lisandro Martinez remains sidelined with an ACL injury, the World Cup winner is surely a shoo-in to start at left centre-back, having begun to come into his own in 2025, before his cruel setback.
The scorer of crucial goals away to Fulham and Liverpool, the 27-year-old is a ball-playing warrior when fit and firing.
Ayden Heaven may be the long-term solution, although Martinez surely has to start when back in contention again.
5 RWB – Amad
Amad Diallo
Is he a wing-back or a number ten? That much remains to be seen, although if the evolution of Amorim’s 3-4-3 set-up is to occur, a more attack-minded presence, like Amad, is needed in at least one of those wide berths.
The diminutive livewire ranked alongside Bruno Fernandes as the shining light of 2024/25, having ended with 21 goals and assists in all competitions.
Amad’s Man Utd record by coach
Manager
Games
Goals
Assists
Erik ten Hag
24
3
3
Ruben Amorim
27
8
8
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
8
1
1
Ruud van Nistelrooy
4
2
1
Ralf Rangnick
1
0
0
Michael Carrick
0
0
0
Total
64
14
12
Stats via Transfermarkt
Tied down to a contract until 2030, the 22-year-old could be the face of a new era in Manchester – not least with friend and teammate, Alejandro Garnacho, looking set for an exit.
6 CM – Bruno Fernandes (C)
The heart and soul of Manchester United, talismanic skipper Bruno Fernandes has shunned the Saudi riches to stay put next season, having rounded off last term by sweeping the club’s end-of-season awards. And rightly so.
While there is a curiosity over just what this team would look like without him – as well as his actual suitability for a starting berth in this system – the Portugal star simply has to remain the centrepiece of the side.
As Amorim admitted earlier this year, he is “one of the best players in the world”. You don’t find those so easily…
7 CM – Douglas Luiz
Douglas Luiz for Juventus.
The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell has noted that United are seeking an ‘athletic number eight’ this summer. Douglas Luiz – who was linked with a move last month – certainly fits the bill.
A player of proven Premier League quality – having even been hailed as “better than [Declan] Rice” in some quarters – the former Aston Villa man needs rescuing from his Juventus hell, having started just six games last term following his £42m switch last summer.
While it has not been made clear how much the Brazilian would be available for, perhaps an astute loan offer could be in order, as Wilcox and co still seek to comply with PSR restrictions.
8 LWB – Pervis Estupinan
The Red Devils did already prise Patrick Dorgu from Lecce in January, yet at just 20 years old, the Dane is far from the finished article, having notably looked ‘out of his depth’ in the 1-0 loss to Spurs – according to journalist Samuel Luckhurst.
In Brighton’s Pervis Estupinan, United could then find a perfect upgrade in that wing-back role amid links to the 27-year-old, a player whom Fabian Hurzeler has hailed as “one of the best left-backs in the Premier League”.
The need for players of top-flight quality is evident, with the £38m-rated Seagulls defender another who fits the bill.
9 RAM – Bryan Mbeumo
Brentford's BryanMbeumolooks dejected after the match
Speaking of Premier League quality, what a signing it would be if Mbeumo does make his way to Manchester, with the Cameroon international seemingly preferring a move to Old Trafford, despite interest from Champions League sides Arsenal, Newcastle and Spurs.
Fresh off the back of scoring 20 league goals for Brentford, the 25-year-old would surely enhance Amorim’s floundering forward line, with no United player even reaching double figures for goals in the top-flight last season.
While negotiations continue over a potential fee for the versatile winger, if a deal is to be agreed, it would be yet another statement one for the INEOS regime.
10 LAM – Matheus Cunha
Wolverhampton Wanderers' MatheusCunhacelebrates after Rodrigo Gomes scores
Speaking of statements, already in the door is the aforementioned Cunha, with the Brazilian – like the man above – seemingly unperturbed by United’s lack of European football next season.
With 15 league goals of his own in 2024/25 – having scored 12 the previous campaign – the 26-year-old is another proven, albeit maverick talent who could re-energise Amorim’s attack, with echoes of a certain Eric Cantona already emerging.
Much work would need to be done to reach those heights, of course, yet this deal should hopefully prove to be another transformational one.
Going into the final day, it is very much all to play for if you’re an Aston Villa supporter.
Last Friday night, the Villans beat Tottenham 2-0 at Villa Park, thanks to second-half goals from Ezri Konsa and then Boubacar Kamara.
This means, having won eight of their last nine Premier League games, Unai Emery’s team sit sixth, outside the coveted Champions League spots by virtue of goal difference.
Nevertheless, they could still gatecrash the top five with victory over Manchester United on Sunday, if just one of Chelsea fail to win at Nottingham Forest, Newcastle fail to beat Everton or Manchester City lose at Fulham comes to pass simultaneously.
Those bedecked in claret and blue heading to Old Trafford on Sunday will need their transistor radios at the ready, but could this turn out to be a final Villa appearance for one of the club’s most beloved figures?
The latest on Emi Martínez's Villa future
According to widespread reports, including from Mick Brown of Football Insider, goalkeeper Emi Martínez is expected to leave Aston Villa this summer.
Speaking on the Guardian Football Weekly podcast, Dan Bardell says “it looks like he’s going to go”, which he believes will be a “huge loss”, describing the Argentine World Cup winner as “irreplaceable”, while acknowledging that Villa have to sell a key player before 30 June to comply with Profitability and Sustainability Rules.
Numerous clubs are interested in his services.
Jacob Tanswell and Gregg Evans of the Athletic note Saudi Pro League ‘interest’, reports in Argentina note that Manchester United have ‘made an offer’, while Eduardo Burgos Rodríguez of AS claims that Atlético Madrid have begun ‘informal inquiries’.
Since arriving from Arsenal for £20m in 2020, Martínez has made 211 appearances for the Claret and Blue Army, becoming an undisputed fans’ favourite, also picking up back-to-back Yashin Trophies at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, being named the best goalkeeper in the world.
However, with the 32-year-old seemingly set to depart, could Villa actually recruit an upgrade?
Aston Villa's target to replace Martínez
According to a report by Birmingham Live, Aston Villa are ‘interested’ in signing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García.
James McNicholas and David Ornstein of The Athletic document that Arsenal are also in the running to sign the 24-year-old Spaniard, who has a €25m (around £21m) release clause.
According to a report in Spain, this will plummet down to just £12.6m, if Blanquiazules are relegated on the final day of the La Liga season come Saturday evening.
How García could actually improve Aston Villa
Given this interest, could García actually be an upgrade on Martínez? Well, let’s assess the numbers to find out.
Emi Martínez vs Joan García 2024/25 comparison
Statistics
Martínez
García
Appearances
52
37
Minutes
4,590
3,330
Clean sheets
15
7
Goals conceded
61
51
Saves
146
136
Save %
71.6%
75%
Penalty saved %
33.3%
33.3%
Post-shot xG – goals conceded
+4
+7.1
Opposition crosses faced
605
655
% of crosses stopped
11.2%
9.3%
Pass completion %
79.3%
71.5%
Errors leading to an opposition shot
8
4
Average Sofascore Rating
7.25
7.37
Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt, FBref.com and SofaScore
As the table outlines, Martínez and García’s statistics are broadly very similar this season, which is certainly impressive from the Spaniard’s point-of-view, considering his team are hovering just above the La Liga relegation zone.
García’s save percentage is impressive, but the statistic that stands out the most is his post-shot xG – goals allowed figure of +7.1, which means he ranks tenth across all of Europe’s top five leagues, or fourth if you remove Ligue 1 from the equation, behind only Nikola Vasilj (St. Pauli), Mile Svilar (Roma) and Finn Dahmen (Augsburg).
For context, Martínez is down in 104th when it comes to the same metric.
Analyst Ben Mattinson labels García “one of the highest potential goalkeepers in the world right now”, elsewhere praising his “cross claiming” and “composure on the ball”, assertions that are supported by the data.
Meantime, Sive Vishwa of Breaking the Lines backs him to become ‘one of the best goalkeepers’ of his generation, while Fintan O’Reilly of Total Football Analysis believes García has been the ‘all-round best performing young goalkeeper’ across Europe this season.
So, as much as Villa supporters adore Martínez, if they’re able to replace him with a highly-rated shot-stopper, who is six years his junior, for a bargain fee, from a business point of view, this does make sense doesn’t it?
Aston Villa in pole position after talks to sign "powerful" 18 y/o sensation