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Tailenders Tom Andrews and Nathan Ellis rescued Hobart Hurricanes from 96 for 7, but 146 proved short in the end

Tristan Lavalette18-Jan-2023Emerging allrounder Aaron Hardie continued his breakout BBL season with a career best knock to lead Perth Scorchers past Hobart Hurricanes at the Optus Stadium.Chasing 147, Scorchers stuttered early before Hardie took control and combined with Josh Inglis in a 127-run partnership to overwhelm Hurricanes. Hardie finished 90 not out from 62 balls as Scorchers cruised to victory with 15 balls to spare.Scorchers remain locked in an intense battle for the top spot with arch-rival Sydney Sixers, while Hurricanes are stuck in a congested middle of the ladder.Hardie making No. 3 his ownHaving been on the fringes of Scorchers’ line-up in recent seasons, Hardie was tipped to make a big impact, and he duly delivered. He started the season with a half-century against Sixers batting at No. 6, but had to move up the order with the departures of Faf du Plessis and Adam Lyth.And Hardie has notched three half-centuries – all achieved while chasing – in five innings since his promotion. His belligerence and intimidating aura at the crease resembles injured team-mate Mitchell Marsh, who Hardie has effectively been able to replace.Related

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After Scorchers were in early trouble against Hurricanes, Hardie was composed early before flattening Hurricanes’ strong attack with a flurry of boundaries all around the wicket. So dominant was Hardie that he overshadowed the big-hitting Inglis, who hit 53 off 35 balls, and continued his strong season with a half-century marked by outrageous scoop shots.Dooley’s injury sours another impressive performanceLeft-arm spinner Patrick Dooley has been a revelation this season as underlined by his 16 wickets at a remarkable economy of just over six.Such have been his stellar performances that Dooley, who is a lawyer in his day job, was even bandied around as a left-field contender for Australia’s upcoming Test tour of India. His eye-catching bowling action and effervescent personality has made him something of a cult figure.Dooley was in the thick of the action early after he convinced skipper Matthew Wade to review a not-out lbw decision on Cameron Bancroft. It appeared fanciful at first glance, but Dooley was vindicated when replays showed that the ball had hit in line.He loomed as key but became hampered by an apparent groin injury. Dooley pushed ahead and bowled four overs on the trot even though he was clearly inconvenienced. He finished with superb figures of 1 for 20 off four overs, but Hurricanes will be sweating on his fitness as they fight for a finals’ berth.Lance Morris finished with figures of 2 for 21•Getty Images’Wild Thing’ Morris unleashedThere has been a lot of hype over Lance Morris, who is on the fringes of Australia’s Test team, and was even selected for the upcoming India tour. Able to hit speeds over 150kph, 24-year-old Morris is probably the fastest bowler in the country, nicknamed ‘Wild Thing’ in a nod to former Australia speedster Shaun Tait.But he has struggled in T20 cricket over the years, and has been in and out of Scorchers’ strong attack since returning from Test-squad duties against South Africa. Recalled and looking to carve out a spot ahead of the finals, Morris produced arguably his best performance in his short BBL career.With Jimi Hendrix’s famous ‘Wild Thing’ song reverberating around the ground, Morris lived up to his reputation with a fiery burst during the powerplay. On a fast surface – a contrast to the slower decks at the stadium earlier in the season – Morris bounced out hard-hitting opener Caleb Jewell before welcoming Wade with a brute of a short delivery.Something had to give between two firebrands, and Morris prevailed with a change of pace that rattled Wade, whose attempted flick down the leg side was brilliantly caught by wicketkeeper Inglis. Morris nearly claimed his first three-wicket haul in T20s when another hostile bouncer almost had Zak Crawley holing out to backward square. He finished with 2 for 21 from four overs, and it might just be enough to hold his place.Andrews, Ellis upstage the top orderHurricanes’ explosive batting order struggled to fire in warm conditions. Perth-bred Tim David threatened and smashed spinner Ashton Agar for a huge six before hitting powerfully straight to deep midwicket.In major trouble at 96 for 7, Hurricanes had an unexpected late rally through Tom Andrews and Nathan Ellis, who combined for a 44-run partnership.Sporting a century in first-class cricket, Andrews is clearly no mug with the bat, but had faced just one delivery in his previous two BBL games this season. He put the foot down during a 25-run power surge as Hurricanes grabbed late momentum. Andrews unexpectedly top-scored for Hurricanes with 27, while Ellis’ knock of 24 was his highest T20 score in his 50th innings.

Chelsea have turned their attention towards Benfica's rising star Tomas Araujo having lost top transfer target Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid.

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Chelsea wanted Huijsen as new defenderBournemouth star heading to MadridBlues turn to AraujoFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Chelsea are prepared to invest in their backline and were leading the race to sign Bournemouth talent Huijsen, before Real Madrid entered and officially completed the transfer in a matter of days. In response to the setback, Chelsea have now reignited their interest in Benfica star Araujo, per a report from .

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Araujo has been one of the pillars of Benfica under the coaching of Bruno Lage, impressing with his performances both domestically and in the Champions League. Last summer, it was reported that the Blues made an approach for the Portuguese centre-back. The 23-year-old has an €80 million (£68m) release clause, but apparently Chelsea bid nowhere near the amount Benfica demanded. However, sources told that the Premier League heavyweights will make a €50m-€55m offer for Araujo. PSG and Liverpool are also in the race for the defender, per the same sources.

DID YOU KNOW?

Araujo is not the only player on Chelsea's radar. GOAL understands that the west Londoners are preparing a shock move for out-of-favour Madrid winger Rodrygo this summer. Formal talks between the two clubs are yet to take place, but Chelsea have already gotten in touch with the Brazilian's entourage.

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Chelsea will next take on Nottingham Forest in a crucial top-five Premier League encounter on Sunday, May 25, before locking horns against Real Betis in the Conference League final on Wednesday, May 28.

Things might be going wrong on the domestic front at the moment, but in the grand scheme of things, Mikel Arteta has transformed Arsenal during his tenure.

The former captain has taken a side that were ridiculed for being weak, easy to play through, and naive and has turned them into one of the toughest teams in the Premier League.

The North Londoners boasted the best defence in the competition last season and look likely to be the best in class again this year despite now being a distant second on points.

However, for all the improvements he’s made to the team, Arteta hasn’t been able to sign or develop a world-class centre-forward.

Worse yet, one of his former strikers is still going strong away from the Emirates and has even won comparisons to the sensational Alexander Isak.

Why Arsenal need a new nine

Now, the main reason Arsenal so desperately need a new number nine at this moment in time is the simple fact that, with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus out injured, they don’t have a central striker.

However, the primary reason they’ll still need one when those two return is that neither one is prolific enough nor intimidating enough to lead the line of a title-challenging side.

For example, before his injury, Jesus had racked up a middling haul of seven goals and two assists in 27 games, and while Havertz had done far better with 15 goals and five assists in 34 games, that’s still not quite good enough.

Their main rival last season, Manchester City, have an inhuman bagsman leading the line in Erling Haaland, who, despite being accused of having an ‘off year’, has racked up 28 goals and four assists in 38 games this year.

Likewise, Mo Salah, who is Liverpool’s main goal threat, has put the ball in the back of the net 32 times in 41 games this season and provided 22 assists for good measure.

Even Newcastle United, who are fighting for a European place, have a superstar striker leading the line in Isak, who has a tally of 22 goals and five assists in 31 games.

With a record like that, it’s no surprise that the former Real Sociedad ace has been consistently touted for a move to Arsenal, but frustratingly, a forward who left the club under Arteta has now been compared to the Swede.

The ex-Arsenal star compared to Isak

So, when it comes down to a former Arsenal striker who left under Arteta and could feasibly be compared to Isak, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to find out the player in question is Pierre Emerick Aubameyang.

In his pomp, the Gabonese international, who Bukayo Saka once dubbed a “legend,” was a lean-mean-scoring machine for the Gunners, racking up a sensational haul of 92 goals and 20 assists in just 162 games and became the fastest player in the club’s history to reach 50 Premier League goals.

However, after losing form and falling out with the manager, he joined Barcelona for free in February 2022.

While he did reasonably well for six months, he joined Chelsea the following campaign, where he seriously struggled, and ended up joining Marseille just a year later.

Fortunately, he rediscovered his form in a big way on the French Riviera, and in just 51 appearances last season, he scored 30 goals and provided 11 assists, which earned him another move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah, where he has racked up 13 goals and two assists in 23 games.

Over the last year or so, such an impressive revival has seen him likened to the unreal Isak.

The comparison stems from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one, and in this instance, has concluded that the Swedish star is the fifth most similar forward to the former Gunner across the last 365 days.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.79

0.77

Non-Penalty G+As

0.72

0.72

Shots on Target

1.61

1.44

Expected Assists

0.15

0.11

Passes into the Penalty Area

0.93

0.84

Goal-Creating Actions

0.48

0.40

Now this is based primarily on last season, and the best way to see where this comparison has come from is to look at the underlying metrics in which the pair ranked closely, including, but not limited to, actual and expected non-penalty goals plus assists, shots on target, expected assists, passes into the penalty area and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, hindsight is a wonderful thing, and Aubameyang probably had to leave the club for Arteta to carry on his project to bring Arsenal back to the top.

Still, we can’t help imagining how much better this team would be with someone like him leading the line.

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Mikel Merino must be given time away from playing as a striker for Arsenal.

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Chelsea are now involved in a four-way transfer race to sign a “outstanding” Premier League striker, with Enzo Maresca keen to bring in a forward capable of challenging for Nicolas Jackson’s starting spot, according to a report.

Blues stepping up striker pursuit

The Blues have been left short on options at striker over the past few weeks, with Jackson and Marc Guiu both sidelined due to injuries, which has meant Pedro Neto has been given the nod in the unfamiliar role of centre-forward.

As such, Maresca has now started to step up his pursuit of a new striker ahead of the summer transfer window, and there is believed to be strong interest in Lille striker Jonathan David, who will be available on a free transfer at the end of the campaign.

Strasbourg’s Emanuel Emegha is one of the lesser-known targets, and the west Londoners’ relationship with the French club could give them the edge in negotiations for the striker, who is also wanted by Everton, West Ham United and Aston Villa.

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2 ByDominic Lund Mar 17, 2025

Newcastle Unitred’s Alexander Isak, on the other hand, is one of the most sought-after strikers in world football, and Chelsea are expected to enter talks to sign the Sweden international, who could command a fee of £120m.

However, Isak is not the only Premier League striker on the shortlist, with a report from The Boot Room revealing the Blues are now keen on signing Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro.

Pedro could be brought in to challenge for Jackson’s starting spot, but he will not come cheap, with reports from elsewhere stating Brighton value the Brazilian at £100m.

There may also be fierce competition from within the Premier League, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle United said to be keen on a deal.

"Outstanding" Pedro starring for Brighton

The 23-year-old is Brighton’s top scorer this season, netting eight goals in 23 appearances in the Premier League, during which time he has also displayed his ability to set up his teammates, providing six assists.

Creating chances is one of the Brazil international’s finest qualities, and he ranks very highly on a number of other key attacking metrics over the past year compared to his positional peers.

Progressive passes

3.56 (94th percentile)

Progressive carries

3.41 (94th percentile)

Assists

0.27 (89th percentile)

Successful take-ons

1.49 (89th percentile)

Shot-creating actions

3.37 (89th percentile)

Having also been lauded as “outstanding” by analyst Chris Kearney, the Brighton star is clearly a top forward, but the only concern will be the fact he is not exactly the most prolific in front of goal.

Pedro places in just the 19th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90, given that he clearly thrives in other aspects of the game, so it may be unwise for Chelsea to shell out £100m on a striker who does not guarantee goals.

Gus Atkinson claims a maiden five-for to underline Surrey’s strength in depth

Alan Gardner04-May-2023No team had made 300 against Surrey this season, and that record threatened to stretch into a seventh consecutive innings at Chelmsford. Essex were coasting towards uncharted territory at tea on the first day, 204 for 3 and with Tom Westley, the captain, and Matt Critchley ensconced in an unbroken hundred stand, only for a clatter of wickets to leave the scoreboard reading 245 for 8, and cries of “C’mon the ‘rey” drifting across the county ground.In the end, the home side pocketed their second batting point fairly comfortably, thanks to an enterprising partnership of 62 in 12 overs between Simon Harmer and Sam Cook. Both benefited from misses in the field – Harmer put down by Rory Burns at slip on 5, while Kemar Roach at fine leg completely failed to pick up a top-edged hook when Cook had 8 – and Surrey were left to repent at leisure before Gus Atkinson returned to cap a fine display with his maiden first-class five-wicket haul.By then Essex had carved out a position from which they could hope to remain competitive. Alastair Cook has endured a lean start to the season but produced a first half-century, and his efforts were matched by Westley and Critchley; but after toiling through the afternoon Surrey girded themselves in the manner of champions. Their response, on what looks a dry surface, against Harmer, who had men crowding the bat in his one over before stumps, could determine whether they maintain their position at the top of Division One after the conclusion of this round.These two counties have won four of the last five Championship titles, and this fixture featured 13 players with international experience. There might not have the attendant fanfare of Steven Smith’s debut for Sussex at New Road, but Sean Abbott bowling to Dan Lawrence offered up a proto-Ashes duel (even if both are some way off being selected at this stage) while Ben Foakes produced a reminder of what England would miss were he overlooked behind the stumps – even as Jonny Bairstow was doing his best a few hundred miles to the north to state a convincing case for why the selectors should do just that.Surrey, whose motto might be “never knowingly under-resourced”, were able to leave out their leading wicket-taker, Dan Worrall, and still produce the sort of concerted bowling performance that eventually found a way through the cracks in Essex’s batting. And despite the presence of Abbott and Roach, their most-impressive performer was Atkinson, the 25-year-old playing his first match of the season.His best figures in any format for Surrey included the prize wicket of Cook, that venerable warhorse of Ashes summers past, as well as both Essex tail-end miscreants to finish with fine figures of 6 for 68. There was also an important contribution from the returning Will Jacks, whose flighted offbreak was responsible for ending Essex’s fourth-wicket stand at 114, Critchley’s outside edge snapped up one-handed by a flying Burns in one of the better moments of Surrey fielding. Foakes, immaculate as ever, claimed five catches behind the stumps.The morning began with Essex opting to bat, the home XI bolstered by returns for Lawrence and Sam Cook after injury. Surrey omitted Worrall as part of the planned rotation of their seamers, while Jacks made his first appearance since suffering a hip injury while on England duty that scuppered his chances of playing in a maiden IPL.Essex’s openers negotiated the early exchanges without too many alarms, although Cook did enjoy an early let off – Jamie Smith failing to latch on to a sliced drive off Abbott that looped tantalisingly towards backward point when he had made 13. Cook’s front foot was soon lunging forward, Hungry Hippos-style, to clump the ball through cover as he went past 50 for the 193rd time in this, his 21st season as a first-class cricketer. He was dropped again shortly after, Ollie Pope only able to get a hand on a diving chance at second slip.Atkinson had been the bowler to end a 62-run opening stand, finding lift and movement from back of a length with just his second ball to have Nick Browne taken at third slip, and he produced an even better one-two combination to see off Cook. Having switched to round the wicket, Atkinson jagged one past the outside edge, missing the top of off stump by a whisker, then brought his next ball back to graze the inside edge – Foakes completing the dismissal with an athletic leg-side take.A third wicket went down straight after lunch, Abbott curving one past Lawrence’s outside edge for another Foakes catch – although whether the ball came off bat or thigh pad was less clear. Essex’s fourth-wicket pair then settled into a steady rhythm as the pendulum swung back towards the hosts. There was even the chance for fans of the home side to enjoy the glovework of Foakes, an Essex boy who has gone on to greater things with Surrey, who acrobatically held on to an in-dipping Roach yorker that beat Westley all ends up only to miss leg stump.The grumbles began after Critchley and Westley departed in consecutive overs, and may have increased a notch when Michael Pepper was caught behind attempting to reverse-sweep Jacks, having made 6 off six balls with one scoring shot. A collapse of 5 for 27 undid some of the hard work but few teams will tangle with Surrey this season and emerge completely unscathed.

John Textor has reportedly offered Cristiano Ronaldo a stake in Crystal Palace in an attempt to lure him to Botafogo for the Club World Cup.

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Ronaldo set to leave Al-NassrPalace owner offers stake at clubWants him to join his Botafogo for CWCFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to R7 journalist Jorge Nicola, Palace majority owner Textor has offered Ronaldo a percentage of the shares in his Eagle Football group – which controls Botafogo, Lyon, RWD Molenbeek, and FC Florida – and a significant percentage of 2025 FA Cup winners Palace. Botafogo are in this summer's Club World Cup, and if the 40-year-old signs for them, he could play in the competition.

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Ronaldo shocked the footballing world when he hinted that his "chapter" at Al-Nassr was over. A host of clubs are now clamoring for his signature, and though it is not certain where the Portugal international will head next, he has no intention to retire just yet.

DID YOU KNOW?

Textor's strategy has been tried before. For example, Al-Nassr reportedly tried to extend Ronaldo's contract, which expires at the end of June, by offering him a five per cent stake in the Saudi Pro League team, along with a bumper salary increase.

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Before Ronaldo can play for another club side, the veteran will be preparing for Portugal's Nations League semi-final against Germany on June 4 – with the final against Spain or France taking place four days later.

Tottenham Hotspur are now closely monitoring a £43m “leader” ahead of a potential summer transfer swoop, but there may be competition for his signature from a number of their Premier League rivals, according to a report.

Spurs pursuing new striker this summer

Dominic Solanke has enjoyed a solid, if not spectacular, debut season with Tottenham, scoring 11 goals in all competitions, in a campaign which has been hindered by numerous injury setbacks.

However, Spurs’ lack of depth in the striker department has caused problems, with Richarlison spending the majority of the season on the sidelines, while Mathys Tel is yet to make a real impact since arriving on loan from Bayern Munich in January.

As such, it appears as though Ange Postecoglou’s side could be keen on bringing in a new striker in the summer transfer window, and they are now prepared to make a ‘super bid’ to sign Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres.

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The Lilywhites are also in active talks over a deal for Lille’s Jonathan David, who is set to be available on a free transfer, but there may be fierce competition for the forward’s signature, with Arsenal and Manchester United in the race.

According to a report from Viola News, Tottenham are also battling their Premier League rivals for Fiorentina striker Moise Kean, who they are now closely monitoring ahead of a potential summer swoop.

Arsenal, Aston Villa and Chelsea are also named as potential suitors for the striker, whose stock has risen considerably this season, most recently impressing by scoring a brace for national side Italy against Germany.

Kean is protected by a €52m (£43m) release clause in his contract with the Serie A side, but in light of his impressive performances, there is a feeling his true value could be much higher.

Kean could now be entering his prime

The Italy striker has been inconsistent throughout his career, displaying some impressive signs with his goal return for Paris Saint-Germain in the 2020-21 campaign, but struggling to make an impact at Goodison Park during his time with Everton.

However, the 25-year-old could now be entering his prime, given the level of his displays this season, netting 20 goals for Fiorentina in all competitions, including a remarkable strike against Genoa last month.

Italy manager Luciano Spalletti described the effort as a “Cristiano Ronaldo-type goal”, while he also received high praise from Fiorentina boss Raffaele Palladino, who said: “Moise is doing a great job for the team; he’s our striker and a leader, not just in possession.”

Kean was far from impressive during his previous spell in the Premier League, but his performances for club and country this season indicate he could deserve a second chance.

“Make the payments bit more even across Test cricket to attract players from different countries”

PTI19-May-2023Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting feels the International Cricket Council (ICC) has a role to play in ensuring that players from smaller Test-playing nations are paid well in Test cricket.Ponting cited the example of West Indies players who tend to choose franchise cricket over international duty for financial reasons.In an event organised by the ICC ahead of the World Test Championship final between India and Australia at the Oval from June 7, Ponting was asked about youngsters wanting to play the five-day game in an era of T20 leagues. “That question has a different answer in different countries,” Ponting said. “It has becoming increasingly difficult to groom the youngsters in the Caribbean for instance who want to chase the dream of playing Test cricket.”Their payment system in the Caribbean compared to some of the franchise leagues, it doesn’t match up and Sri Lanka will be the same and Bangladesh will be the same.”Ponting said talks are on within the ICC to address the issue. “It is not the case in India, England and Australia. You are paid well to play Test cricket for your country and most aspire to play the Test match game. There is a role to play for the ICC here.”…make the payments bit more even across international Test cricket to attract players from these different countries who want to play for their country.””It is something that has been spoken about at a very high level at the ICC to help that but in India the feeling I get is that most of these youngsters aspire to wear the baggy blue cap and the same in in Australia.”

Christian Eriksen says he wants to take on a new challenge and leave England after his contract expired at Manchester United.

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Eriksen spent three seasons at UnitedMade his name in previous stint with TottenhamWrexham linked with shock transferFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Departing United midfielder Eriksen says he is keen to leave England for a fresh challenge. The Danish midfielder will become a free agent once his deal at Old Trafford expires and he has spent the majority of his career in the Premier League, having first arrived in 2013 when he signed for Tottenham and later returned to the country with Brentford.

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The 33-year-old was a bit-part player during his final months at United and has been linked with moves back to Denmark, former club Ajax and even Wrexham, who will be in the Championship next season. However, it looks like Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney may not get their man as the midfielder wants to leave the United Kingdom.

WHAT ERIKSEN SAID

Eriksen told TV 2 Sport: "I got it sent to me from someone who asked if I should return to OB. My good agent has also been out and about saying that I shouldn't. It's the football rumor mill. I hope no one has put money on it happening now, because then they'll lose.

"Right now there is nothing. There is interest all around, but there is nothing that I am close to signing. My focus will be to play international matches and then have a good summer holiday. Then we will see how long the holiday will be.

"I would rather get away from the Premier League. I feel I have had my turn in the Premier League, so I am looking outside the English borders.

"It's been a great place for me and my family, and we've been there for many years. When I moved from Tottenham to Inter, it wasn't the plan for me to go back to England. I've been there for three and a half years again since then, so you can never say never, but the priority is for me to leave."

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DID YOU KNOW?

Eriksen bowed out at United with a goal on his farewell appearance in the 2-0 victory over Aston Villa, tucking away a penalty. However, he was not present in Ruben Amorim's squad for the post-season tour of Asia.

Patience is not often a popular thing in football, yet Manchester United have seen its merits in recent times, not least with the rise of a certain Amad Diallo.

The deal to sign the Atalanta teenager was initially announced back in October 2020, prior to his eventual arrival in January 2021, albeit with it having arguably taken until this season for that £19m addition to bear fruit.

Having been on the periphery under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, before spending time out on loan at Rangers and Sunderland, the Ivorian remained a bit-part player under Erik ten Hag, even despite his FA Cup heroics against Liverpool last term.

It has taken the arrival of Ruben Amorim for the 22-year-old’s stock to truly soar, with the wing wizard already registering more goal involvements under the Portuguese than he did under any other previous United boss.

From his dazzling displays at the Etihad and Anfield, to his crucial hat-trick against bottom side Southampton, the £120k-per-week sensation had been the shining light of 2024/25, prior to suffering his cruel injury setback last month.

Manager

Games

Goals

Assists

Erik ten Hag

24

3

3

Ruben Amorim

20

6

5

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

8

1

1

Ruud van Nistelrooy

4

2

1

Ralf Rangnick

1

0

0

Michael Carrick

0

0

0

Total

57

12

9

Regardless of the halt to his impact, Amad looks like a genuine star at Old Trafford. The question remains, why didn’t Ten Hag see it?

How Amad earned his big chance at United

Not every player can follow the Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo route by thrusting themselves straight into the limelight in their teenage years, with the pair notably scoring in last season’s FA Cup final under Ten Hag.

For others, the path to becoming a first-team regular is not quite as smooth, a fact that has also played out elsewhere. Take William Saliba, for example, with the Frenchman signed by Arsenal in 2019, before ultimately making his debut for the Gunners in 2022.

Now part of the “best [centre-back] partnership in Europe”, according to Martin Keown, the 24-year-old – and the north London side – have flourished following that gradual progression. The same could now be true of Amad.

Indeed, the diminutive forward spent the tail-end of 2021/22 in Glasgow, before moving to the Stadium of Light for the following campaign, with that drop into the Championship seeing the youngster score 14 times in what was a breakthrough year.

Frustratingly, an injury sustained on the summer tour of 2023 hampered his involvement back at United at the start of the next season, although even upon his return to action, he was utilised sparingly by Ten Hag, despite netting against Liverpool in March.

After signing off 2023/24 with a notable strike against Newcastle United, Amad was then the star of pre-season after scoring against both Rangers and Real Betis, although after starting the new campaign in the side, he swiftly faded from view.

Since netting a brace against PAOK under Ruud van Nistelrooy – as well as assisting Marcus Rashford in Amorim’s first game in charge – he simply hasn’t looked back, however, taking his chance with both hands and swiftly overtaking the likes of Antony in the process.

The Ten Hag favourite who now needs to be sold

What makes the slow rise of Amad all the more headscratching is that Ten Hag and co were so keen to favour others above him, with Antony having been the go-to man on the right flank under the Dutchman’s watch.

Signed for £86m in the summer of 2022, the Brazilian was almost doomed to fail from the outset amid the sizeable nature of the price tag, particularly considering that United had been quoted around £25m during Solskjaer’s time at the helm.

After a strong start that included three goals in his first three Premier League outings, the polarising winger struggled to maintain that early impact, albeit while notching notable strikes in the Europa League against both Betis and Barcelona.

Antony’s stock plummeted even further in 2023/24 as it took until January to register his first goal away at Newport County, with the only real highlight of that campaign having been his well-taken strike against Liverpool in that 4-3 thriller.

A player who boasts just 12 goals and five assists for United in 96 games in total, the 24-year-old was arguably undeserving of the continued favouritism shown toward him, albeit with ex-coach Benni McCarthy revealing that Ten Hag viewed him to be “better” than the likes of Amad in that wide berth.

That view has already come back to bite Ten Hag considering that Amad has already eclipsed Antony’s goals and assist total from just 57 United games, having contributed 12 goals and nine assists to date.

Journalist Samuel Luckhurst even quipped earlier in the campaign that Amad was playing “like a man suitably insulted by the suggestion Antony should play ahead of him because of his training form”, with Ten Hag having revealed that was the reason why Antony was introduced off the bench ahead of the Ivorian against Fenerbahce.

Having since seen what the one-time Atalanta starlet can do when handed a consistent run of game time, the former Ajax boss may be regretting his handling of the youngster.

As for Antony, having now shown glimpses on loan in Spain – with eight goals and assists in 11 games for Betis – Amorim and co must capitalise on that recent resurgence to find a suitable buyer for him this summer.

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