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Manchester United could be set to secure their ideal heir to interim manager Ralf Rangnick after being linked with a move for former RB Leipzig boss Jesse Marsch.

What’s the story?

According to The Times, Marsch is being lined up to join Rangnick’s backroom staff after his recent dismissal at the Red Bull Arena, opening up the possibility of him replacing his former mentor in the Old Trafford hot seat at the end of the season.

Chris Armas and Sascha Lense have already joined the ongoing revolution in the red half of Manchester, and the 63-year-old tactician is expected to bring in at least one more additional backroom staff member over the coming days.

Perfect Ralf Rangnick heir?

Marsch started his managerial career as Bob Bradley’s assistant for the American national team between 2010 and 2011 before being appointed as the New York Red Bulls boss in 2015 via spells at Montreal Impact and Princeton Tigers.

It was Rangnick who first employed the American at New York, while the now United manager also took him to Leipzig as his assistant for the 2018/19 season.

Rangnick’s influence over the 48-year-old’s career has been obvious then, and Marsch opened up on just how much inspiration he takes from his mentor to The Coaches’ Voice earlier this year.

“Ralf and I had very similar views about counter-pressing and transitions,” he said (as relayed by Metro) “Getting to know him then introduced me to a lot more detail in the game, and a deeper way of thinking about football.

“He has gone on to be a huge influence on me and my philosophy. It’s no surprise to me that so many successful coaches – such as Thomas Tuchel, Ralph Hasenhuttl, Jurgen Klopp and Julian Nagelsmann – have learned from Ralf.”

Marsch successfully stepped out of Rangnick’s shadow at Salzburg, losing just 17 out of his 94 games in charge, claiming two domestic doubles along the way.

His impressive exploits with Salzburg saw Celtic legend Packie Bonner laud him over the summer, claiming he is “in a Brendan Rodgers-mould,” but Marsch was unable to replicate his success in Leipzig.

After just eight wins from his 21 fixtures at the helm, the North American was dismissed, opening up the possibility of joining United.

Although large sections of the Red Devils supporters’ may have reservations over Marsch eventually replacing Rangnick in the dugout, the prospect of him working under his mentor’s watchful eye could be one that stimulates success.

With Rangnick expected to take up his two-year consultancy role in the summer, it may well be a combination that brings the streamlined setup United have lacked for many years.

And, in other news…Rangnick eyes move for “special” £47m maestro, he could be “extraordinary” for Man Utd

Everton could be on the verge of repeating their disastrous deal for Alex Iwobi after being linked with a transfer move for Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe.

What’s the story?

According to French outlet Jeunes Footeux (as relayed by SportWitness), the Toffees are one of several Premier League clubs interested in securing the 26-year-old’s signature, with Newcastle United and Crystal Palace also listed as potential suitors.

The report claims that the trio are hoping to conclude a short-term loan move including an option to buy Pepe at the end of the season rather than a direct transfer given his recent struggles and that the Gunners may not have any other choice than to accept those terms.

Marcel Brands must avoid

After arriving at Arsenal for a club-record £72m fee in the summer of 2019, Pepe has failed to live up to the expectations that his astronomical price tag understandably brought.

He made 31 Premier League appearances in his maiden campaign, featuring from the off on only 22 occasions and scoring just five goals along the way.

The Ivory Coast international did show shines of improvement last term, though. A healthy return of 16 goals and five assists in all competitions provided hope that Pepe could finally fulfil his potential, yet consistently impressive performances still eluded him.

One particularly frustrating display against Chelsea towards the end of 2020/21 earned criticism from BT Sport pundit Joe Cole, who lamented his work rate compared to teammate Bukayo Saka.

“He plays in fits and starts Pepe,” Cole said. “We’ve got a great angle up here and we were watching him, and he was so lacklustre. Compare him to Saka on the other side who was full of energy and was vibrant.

“Pepe was wandering, after 30 minutes we were questioning what he was on the pitch for, but he has got the quality and that’s why you pay £70m for him because he can do things like that. You just need to see it more often.”

And it appears Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was equally incensed with the versatile forward’s inconsistent showings.

In recent weeks, Pepe has found himself on the substitutes bench on a regular basis as the north London outfit have hit some good form, receiving just five minutes of top-flight action in their last three fixtures.

Therefore, it appears as though his days at the Emirates Stadium are numbered, but Everton’s hierarchy would be wise to stay away from the infuriating if talented £140,000-per-week Ivorian.

Marcel Brands has already been embarrassed by Arsenal in two previous transfer dealings with the capital club, first when he paid £20m for an ageing Theo Walcott, and then when he splashed big money to bring Iwobi to Goodison Park.

The two wingers both failed to have the desired impact following their switch to Merseyside, and Brands must avoid making the same mistake for a third time in just three years.

And, in other news…Signed for £7.1m, sold for £30m: Brands pulled off EFC masterclass with 32 y/o monster

Sam Johnstone has been tipped as the “perfect” successor to Hugo Lloris at Tottenham Hotspur…

What’s the word?

The West Brom goalkeeper was linked to the north London outfit throughout the summer but it now appears he’s back on Spurs’ radar.

According to Football Insider, the Lilywhites have ‘set their sights’ on the 28-year-old shot-stopper, with club scouts watching him in action before the international break.

And now former Sheffield United glovesman Paddy Kenny has described him as the ideal man to replace Nuno Santo’s current no.1.

“I reckon he would be a perfect replacement for Lloris,” he told Football Insider.

“Sam has been unreal at West Brom. I thought he was fantastic last season for a team that got relegated.

“He is from the Man United academy so he has got a brilliant pedigree. So he would be a top signing and a big loss for West Brom.”

Bye-bye Lloris?

With the 34-year-old out of contract at the end of the current campaign, there may not be a better time to find his replacement than now and Johnstone is a very solid option, indeed.

Despite suffering relegation at the Baggies last term, the 6 foot 4 colossus was still amongst the top ‘keepers in the English top-flight, which is why he earned a place in Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2020.

As per FBRef, no goalkeeper made more saves (161) than Johnstone in 2020/21, having faced an average of 6.16 attempts on target per 90 minutes. By comparison, Lloris made only 111 saves.

It is why ex-Albion boss Sam Allardyce dubbed him “one of the best” during their attempts to stave off relegation and why his former Villa boss Steve Bruce lauded him as a “diamond” during their time together.

Talk over a potential new deal has remained quiet, so there’s a good chance that Nuno will be looking for a new no.1 in the coming windows and it probably is the right time to move on from the long-serving Mauricio Pochettino favourite, even if he’s the captain.

The France international has endured his fair share of mistakes over the last few years, leading to scathing criticism.

For example, after Spurs’ FA Cup exit to Everton earlier this year, Lloris was slammed for having “lettuce wrists” and was said to be the main “weak link of Jose Mourinho’s side, as per talkSPORT’s Trevor Sinclair and Jason Cundy.

Valued at just £7.2m by Transfermarkt and thought to be earning only £32.5k-per-week at the Hawthorns, Johnstone could be a very shrewd steal from Lilywhites sporting director Fabio Paratici and co.

He too is out of contract in the summer, so it may be a massive bargain too.

It’s time for Nuno to stamp his own mark down in north London and that can begin with a major change between the sticks.

AND in other news, Levy could land Spurs’ next Michael Dawson in 6 ft 5 “Rolls-Royce” likened to Maguire…

With six goals scored and none conceded in their two previous games against Arsenal in the Premier League and FC Porto in the Champions League, Liverpool are in a good position to take on Southampton at Anfield in their next league match at the weekend.

On the chalkboard

In terms of which players Jurgen Klopp could select in his starting XI to take on the Saints, one player that should definitely be in the team on this occasion that didn’t start in midweek is Jordan Henderson.

Despite not starting the match against Porto on Wednesday night, Henderson still managed to impress in the 27 minutes of action he got in the second half after he replaced goalscorer Thiago Alcantara.

During his cameo, Henderson managed to highlight what a useful midfield option he is for the Reds in an attacking and defensive regard.

As well as providing the assist for Mohamed Salah’s goal, Henderson managed to complete 17 passes with one cross and long ball and even have one shot at goal.

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Henderson also managed to help his side keep a clean sheet on the day by winning five of the six duels he was involved in and complete two tackles, ultimately earning himself an overall match rating of 7.3/10 from SofaScore, which is higher than the likes of Tyler Morton and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who started the match managed to get.

It’s been the same story for Henderson in the Premier League this season as well with an average of 1.4 key passes per game and 1.4 tackles per game under his belt.

With this in mind and the fact that he managed to have a rest by not playing the whole game, Henderson, who has been labelled an “athletic” player by former Reds captain Steven Gerrard, should definitely be in the starting XI to face Southampton, who he could absolutely terrify with his attacking prowess, defensive capabilities and ability to control the tempo of a game.

Looking beyond the Southampton clash, if Liverpool can keep the £18m-rated midfielder fit and playing regularly throughout the rest of the season, he will undoubtedly play a big part in their push for the Premier League title.

In other news: Fewer touches than Alisson: Liverpool dud who won just 35% duels wasted his big chance – opinion

A round-up of all the games on the opening day of the 2009-10 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy

Cricinfo staff10-Oct-2009Group ADanish Kaneria began the first-class season with 5 for 72•AFPFourteen wickets fell on day one at the United Bank Limited Sports Complex, with Sui Southern Gas Corporation fast bowler Sohail Khan wrecking Pakistan Customs with 6 for 34. Customs decision to bat came a cropper and they were all out for 85 in 37.3 overs against a revved-up attack. Sohail sliced through the top and middle orders and was well assisted by Dilawar Khan, who grabbed 4 for 13 in 8.3 overs. However, SSGC had problems of their own against Mansoor Ahmed, who took three. In 43 overs, SSGC reached 83 for 4.The ball dominated bat on the opening day at the National Bank of Pakistan Sports Complex. Danish Kaneria and Abdur Rehman, at one stage spinning partners for Pakistan, shared eight wickets to keep Karachi Whites to 190, after which Habib Bank finished the day 52 for 2. Apart from the opener Mohammad Ali’s 66 and an unbeaten 49 from Mohammad Hasan there were no meaningful contributions. Kaneria took 5 for 72 and Rehman 3 for 50. Imran Farhat, who recently quit the unofficial ICL, was on 35 at the close.Polar opposite scenes at the National Stadium, where Khan Research Laboratories scored 262 for 3 on day one. Azhar Ali scored 108 from 246 balls and the captain Mohammad Wasim was eying a century of his own by the time stumps were taken, batting on 84. For Pakistan International Airlines there were two successful wicket-takers, Anwar Ali and Tahir Khan.Put in to bat, Lahore Shalimar finished the first day’s play at the Gaddafi Stadium on 232 for 8. It was slow going, with the National Bank of Pakistan bowlers keeping tabs on the batsmen. The opener Ahmed Dar (63) and No. 4 Sohail Idrees (62) were the only pair to go past 50; Mohammad Asif, back at the domestic level and given first use of the new ball, took 3 for 30 from 14 overs.Sui Northern Gas Corporation bowled out Water and Power Development Authority for 215 at the Iqbal Stadium. WAPDA lost early wickets against Asad Ali and Saad Altaf, and neither Imran Ali nor Yasir Shah allowed much room to fight back. Bilal Khilji top-scored with 48 and the captain Naved-ul-Hasan weighed in with 36. Before stumps, Kashif Raza bowled Naeemuddin.Group BThe medium-pacer Arun Lal led helped give Quetta a good first day’s play against hosts Abbottabad at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium. Lal, bowling first-change, took the first four wickets to fall, including a hat-trick with Abbottabad’s score at 48 for 1. The opener Ghulam Mohammad stuck on to score 85 from 158 balls but that was the biggest score by some distance as Abbottabad were dismissed for 251. In three overs before stumps Quetta’s openers added eight.A series of half-centuries spread across their innings lifted Islamabad to 425 for 8 against Hyderabad at the Diamond Cricket Club.The visiting team opted to field and had a long day in the field, with three of the top four batsmen crossing 50. Raheel Majeed (48) was the first to go after adding 111 with Umair Khan (67), after which Fayyaz Ahmed (78) and Zohaib Ahmed (63) got stuck in. Hanif-ur-Rahman and Aqeel Anjum took three wickets each but there was further frustration for Hyderabad as the captain Rauf Akbar scored an unbeaten 63 from No. 9 and added 61 with Shehzad Azam, not out on 21.Zulfiqar Babar’s five wickets vindicated Multan’s decision to field at the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground. In 28.1 overs of slow left-arm spin, Babar took 5 for 84 to bowl Lahore Ravi out for 207. There were no half-centuries in the scorecard. Multan’s opening pair batted together for seven overs before the close.Sialkot enjoyed a good opening day at the Jinnah Stadium, spurred on by Bilawal Bhatti’s career-best 5 for 48. Bhatti grabbed five in a row to help dismiss Faisalabad for 136, after which the hosts lost two wickets en route to 98 by stumps. Majid Jahangir, the opener, was batting on 48 from 70 balls.

BSNL raised hopes of an upset win over Air India Blue before rain intervened

Cricinfo staff01-Sep-2009Match abandoned
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were outJoginder Singh, playing his first BCCI-recognised match, and captaining BSNL against a much stronger Air India Red, almost had a dream night before it literally rained on his party. Joginder’s late hitting provided impetus to a good start provided by Arindam Das, Biswa Mohapatra and Varun Kumar, before he took a wicket with his first ball in List A cricket. Incessant rain, though, meant BSNL could not make further inroads and only 2.5 overs of Air India innings were possible. The two teams will share two points each for the match.Before Joginder came in to bat, Das, the stodgy Bengal opener, was solid in getting his highest List A score, and Mohapatra, who last played a List A game in 2007, and Varun Kumar (last List A game in 2004-05) were forceful around him, helping BSNL to a competitive total. Varun, too, got a career-best 49.It was an unconventional start to the 2009-10 domestic season, with Joginder walking out for the toss with Yuvraj Singh. Put in on a slow track, BSNL overcame a slow start, at first through Mohapatra’s exploitation of fielding restrictions. From 10 for 0 in five overs, BSNL moved to 70 in 13 overs, with Mohapatra targeting left-arm-spinner Ankeet Chavan, whose first two overs went for 25. By the time Mohapatra got out for a run-a-ball 41, Das had moved to 25 off 38.In Varun, Das found Mohapatra-like company, and he didn’t feel the need to take any risks. Yuvraj brought on his spinners to try and slow down proceedings, a ploy that worked for a while with offspinner Ajit Chandila and Yuvraj exercising some control. The next 11 overs produced just 35 runs, but then Varun cut loose. Chavan, again, was at the receiving end, going for 11 in his third over. Das, too, picked up the pace as the two kept turning over the strike with ease. Chandila, who went for 13 in his first five, was welcomed back with a four and a six by Das and Varun.Varun was denied a maiden fifty when he came back for a second run in the 33rd over, but the two had added 90 in less than 20 overs to set the innings up for a big finish. That assault was to be delayed as Das missed out on a maiden century, leaving BSNL at 188 for 3 in the 39th over, also the first over of the batting Powerplay.Joginder, though, made sure that the Powerplay was made to count, hitting three sixes in his 24-ball 27, and helping BSNL take 42 in the Powerplay. But 17-year-old left-arm seamer Saurabh Netravalkar and Mun Mangela, the right-arm medium-pacer, made a good comeback, making the big hits hard to come by. They altered their lengths and pace smartly, and kept taking regular wickets in the final few overs, as BSNL – 235 for 3 in 44.5 overs – could manage to add only 23 in the last five.Read the reports from the other matches of day one of the Corporate Trophy here.

New Zealand, dogged by injury throughout the Champions Trophy, received the biggest blow on the eve of the final when Daniel Vettori was forced out of the game with a hamstring injury

Osman Samiuddin in Centurion05-Oct-2009New Zealand, dogged by injury throughout the Champions Trophy, received the biggest blow on the eve of the final when Daniel Vettori, their captain and leading performer through the tournament, was forced out of the game with a hamstring injury.New Zealand, severely depleted already, will miss Vettori’s left-arm spin on a pitch that is expected to take turn, as well as his assured presence in the lower middle order. The value of Vettori’s allround performance – 3 for 43 and a vital 41 off 42 balls in a nervy run-chase – was fully seen in their semi-final win against Pakistan.Vettori is New Zealand’s leading wicket-taker in the tournament with seven and leads their batting averages. Such were the expected conditions in Centurion, Vettori had hinted on the eve of the final that New Zealand might consider playing two spinners; as a result of the injury, Jeetan Patel was named in the starting line-up as the only spinner.New Zealand’s run to the final has been made all the more credible, given the injury list they have built up. Before Vettori, at various stages in the tournament, they have lost key players in Jacob Oram, Jesse Ryder and Daryl Tuffey. Ian Butler missed the first game with an intestinal infection and Grant Elliott has played the last two games with a thumb injury.In his absence, Brendon McCullum took over to lead the side for only the second time in ODIs. His first match as captain also came earlier this year, against India in March.

Canada and Kenya will both be seeking their first victories of the Intercontinental Cup campaign when the tournament resumes in King City on Friday

Cricinfo staff13-Aug-2009Canada and Kenya will both be seeking their first victories of their Intercontinental Cup campaigns when the tournament resumes in King City on Friday. Kenya are currently bottom of the table after a draw against Ireland, while Canada are in fourth having lost and drawn their first two matches.Canada, though, came extremely close to victory in their previous outing against Netherlands when rain on the final day allowed the Dutch to hold on with eight wickets down at Rotterdam.Pubudu Dassanayake, the Canada coach, said the near-miss was a disappointment but the form of some of his key players leaves him hopeful of another strong showing. Sunil Dhaniram hit 144 against Netherlands while Umar Bhatti and Sandeep Jyoti also impressed.”It was disappointing not to come away with full points from that game and certainly there were areas we could have done better but what it did was give us confidence,” said Dassanayake. “We now go into the Kenya game knowing we can win and we will be going all out to do just that.”Last year the team was a bit unsettled but now there is a good feeling of stability about us. There are still areas for improvement but we are definitely heading in the right direction.”Canada are without the experienced trio of John Davison, Geoff Barnett and Ian Billcliff which gives an opportunity to three of the Under-19 team that won the Americas Championship. The most eye-catching selection is 15-year-old Nitesh Kumar who Dassanayake said is “one of the best batsmen I have ever seen at that age” and he could bat in the middle order.For Kenya there will be pressure on the experienced Steve Tikolo, Collins Obuya and Thomas Odoyo while 19-year-old Seren Waters is expected to open the batting. Maurice Ouma leads the side and is likely to take the gloves in place of the dropped Kennedy Otieno.Canada Ashish Bagai (capt), Umar Bhatti, Qaiser Ali, Rustam Bhatti, Rizwan Cheema, Khurram Chohan, Sunil Dhaniram, Jimmy Hansara, Sandeep Jyoti, Shaheed Keshvani, Nitesh Kumar, Hiral Patel, Abdool Samad, Henry Osinde, Zameer Zahir.Kenya Maurice Ouma (capt), Jimmy Kamande, Alex Obanda, Steve Tikolo, Collins Obuya, Thomas Odoyo, Nehemiah Odhiambo, Lameck Onyango, Peter Ongondo, Hiren Varaiya, Rakep Patel, Elijah Otieno, Seren Waters, David Obuya, Alfred Luseno.

Arsenal splashed out £24 million for the services of goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale during the summer transfer window. That fee could be set to rise to £30 million – but the early signs indicate that is money well spent.

The Englishman has been very impressive this season for the Gunners and his impact is one of the reasons why the North London club have been able to turn their form around and march up the table.

Ramsdale has been able to dislodge Bernd Leno as the number one keeper at Arsenal. His performances so far this season are unlikely to change that pecking order any time soon. The new Gunners shot stopper has kept five clean sheets from his last eight matches between the sticks.

In Arsenal’s next Premier League assignment, Ramsdale will need to be at his best again. The Gunners are the outsiders in the Liverpool v Arsenal betting for the game at Anfield. It is likely to be a game the in-form keeper is relishing.

Arsenal should continue to be one of the popular Premier League betting tips this season. Arteta has been able to not only survive a period where his job was under threat, he has got the Gunners moving in the right direction. They will now be targeting a return to Europe.

Ramsdale Should Get Better With Age

Although the goalkeeping position was not the obvious area that Arsenal needed to improve in the summer, supporters will be delighted that Ramsdale is now at the club. He may fill the role between the goalposts for many years to come as he is likely to keep on improving.

Some of Arsenal’s best keepers over the course of history have excelled, and in some cases been at their best, in their 30s. With more experience of the highest level, Ramsdale could go on to become of the best keepers in Europe.

The former Bournemouth and Sheffield United man is a player who may also be a future Arsenal captain. He shows a lot of passion on the field and has done a great job organising the backline in front of him this season.

England Role Up For Grabs Ahead Of World Cup

With Ramsdale impressing in the latest Premier League campaign, his performances would not have gone unnoticed by England boss Gareth Southgate. The Arsenal number one will be pushing for the starting position with the national team ahead of the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

Ramsdale was part of the England squad for Euro 2020 but he did not feature at that tournament. He is still waiting to make his debut for his country but that may not be far away.

There is strong competition for the gloves with England as Jordan Pickford always seems to do well when he wears the national team jersey. The Everton man impressed at Euro 2020 as his performances were excellent.

Ramsdale and Pickford will be giving everything for their respective clubs to earn that starting spot at the 2022 World Cup. England go into that competition as one of the strong contenders to lift the trophy.

The challenge for Ramsdale now will be to maintain the high standards he has set at Arsenal. If he continues at the level he is producing, it could be a great season for him and the Gunners.

Plays of the Day for the Super Eights match between Sri Lanka and Ireland at Lord’s

George Binoy at Lord's14-Jun-2009Tough player of the day
Niall O’Brien had turned his ankle during the group game against Bangladesh and missed playing against India. He aggravated it again today when he set off for a single from the non-striker’s end and stopped suddenly to turn back. His ankle buckled and he slipped to the ground. Despite the pain he scrambled back to his crease and made his ground before the throw came in. O’Brien continued batting after the physio attended to him, hobbling between the wickets during an innings that kept Ireland’s hopes of an upset alive.Unorthodox shot of the day
Niall comes across as a tough cricketer and a cheeky one too. He was in pain but that didn’t prevent him from playing audacious shots against Sri Lanka’s most dangerous bowlers. He wasn’t content with merely reverse-sweeping Ajantha Mendis, he reverse-pulled him and the ball nearly carried all the way for six. He attempted the high-risk shot against the wiles of Muttiah Muralitharan as well but got only a single.Missed opportunity of the day
It’s not often that a minnow has the opportunity to bowl out a stronger side but Ireland had that chance today. They had Sri Lanka on 140 for 9 with one ball to play. Mendis hit it high in the air towards long-off, Kevin O’Brien saw the chance and sprinted in from the boundary. He could have played safe and conceded only a single by fielding the ball but he dived full length in an attempt to take the catch. The ball fell short and bounced past him towards the boundary. Had he caught it, Alex Cusack would have become only the second bowler to take a five-for in Twenty20 internationals after Umar Gul’s effort at The Oval. Cusack finished with 4 for 18.Edgy starter of the day
Tillakaratne Dilshan is a bundle of energy. He’s always up to something: moving around the crease, scooping the ball over the wicketkeeper, or running frantically between the wickets. Today he was so keen to get going he was nearly run out off the first ball but the fielder at square leg mis-fielded. Not wanting to waste any more time, Dilshan pulled the next one but the ball went straight up in the air and landed in Niall’s gloves.Early scare of the day
Shortly after Dilshan’s wicket, Niall took a sharp catch to get rid of Kumar Sangakkara. Sri Lanka were 14 for 2 and their score of 28 after six overs was the second lowest Powerplay aggregate of the tournament, after England’s 25 against South Africa. Enter Mahela Jayawardene who scored 21 out of the 27 runs Sri Lanka made in the next two overs with a combination of deft touches and powerful shots.First six of the day …
… wasn’t hit until the third ball of the eleventh over. Jayawardene moved dangerously across his stumps to the medium-pace of Cusack, got down on one knee, and swept the ball over the backward square leg boundary, where it was caught by a person in the crowd. There was little power in the stroke, just pure timing.Expected delivery of the day
Two consecutive yorkers from Lasith Malinga had scorched past the defences of Trent Johnston and Andre Botha and crashed into the stumps. Sangakkara did not bring in any extra catchers for the hat-trick ball. In fact he barely changed the field at all. Cusack knew what was coming at him and braced himself. And when Malinga’s third consecutive yorker arrived, homing on to the base of middle and leg stump, Cusack was able to edge the ball past his stumps.