All posts by h716a5.icu

West Indies target final hurrah

In a year when they have won the World T20, Women’s World T20 and the Under-19 World Cup titles, West Indies will hope to add another piece of silverware, even as Australia look to make their mark under Steven Smith

The Preview by Brydon Coverdale25-Jun-2016Match factsSunday, June 26
Start time 1300 local (1700 GMT)Big PictureAnd then there were two. This tri-series, played across three Caribbean countries – Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis, and Barbados – has spat out its bronze medallist, with South Africa heading home after failing to overcome West Indies on Friday. The final at Kensington Oval will be contested between Australia, the World Cup champions of last year, and West Indies, the hosts of this tournament and current World T20 champions, but a team that has had limited ODI success in recent years.To lift this trophy would be yet another welcome boost for West Indies in a year that has gladdened the hearts of Caribbean cricket fans. So far, 2016 has brought triumphs for West Indies in the World T20, the Women’s World T20 and the Under-19 World Cup. By comparison, this tri-series is small beer, but small beer is better than no beer. It would also be an encouraging sign for the leadership of Jason Holder (it was Darren Sammy who led West Indies to the World T20 title).For Australia, the No. 1 ODI side, winning a series such as this might be considered business as usual. But they still have much to play for. Only six of the XI who won the World Cup final are likely to play in this game, and stand-in coach Justin Langer noted that Steven Smith’s ODI side was now trying to make its own mark. “We’ve had great success in the past, but that means nothing, besides the fact that we have a great history and high expectation,” Langer said. “Some of the guys have played in World Cup finals, and that experience is vital, but some of the guys are still finding their way.”Form guideAustralia WLWLW (last five completed games most recent first)
West Indies WLLWLIn the spotlight Mitchell Starc’s immense value to Australia in one-day cricket should not be underestimated. Since the start of 2015, Australia have won 90% of ODIs in which he has played (18 wins from 20 completed games) and only 45% of ODIs in which he has been missing (5 wins from 11 games). He literally doubles Australia’s victory chances. Only twice in that time has Starc played in losses – against New Zealand in Auckland during the World Cup, when he claimed 6 for 28 and could hardly have done any more, and against England in Manchester last September when he had a rare bad day and went for 79 off 10 overs. He is also two wickets shy of becoming the fastest player in history to claim 100 ODI victims.Despite having made his ODI debut just two matches ago, Shannon Gabriel has already made an impact. His pace and bounce rattled the South Africa top order in their knockout match on Friday, his three early wickets leaving them at 28 for 3. Gabriel picked up a leg injury, though, and bowled only five overs before leaving the field for treatment. He did not bowl again in the game, and West Indies will hope Gabriel is fit for the final.Team newsAustralia’s batting order is settled and their main decision is whether to bring the young legspinner Adam Zampa back to add some variety to the attack. Zampa is Australia’s leading wicket-taker in the series and yet has not played the previous two matches after leaking runs against West Indies in the game prior to that. Scott Boland would be the man most likely to make way if Zampa comes in.”I dare say it’ll take a little bit of spin, so Adam Zampa certainly comes into consideration for the team,” captain Steven Smith said on the eve of the match. “I’d say he’s a pretty good chance. We’ll wait and see when we look at the wicket tomorrow, but I’d say he’s a fair chance to start.”Australia (probable): 1 Aaron Finch, 2 Usman Khawaja, 3 Steven Smith (capt), 4 George Bailey, 5 Glenn Maxwell, 6 Mitchell Marsh, 7 Matthew Wade (wk), 8 James Faulkner, 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh HazlewoodIf Gabriel is fit, West Indies will likely take in an unchanged XI. Holder was impressive in collecting 1 for 33 from 10 overs against South Africa, just three days after tweaking his hamstring during a match against Australia.West Indies (probable): 1 Andre Fletcher, 2 Johnson Charles, 3 Darren Bravo, 4 Marlon Samuels, 5 Denesh Ramdin (wk), 6 Kieron Pollard, 7 Jason Holder (capt), 8 Carlos Brathwaite, 9 Sunil Narine, 10 Sulieman Benn, 11 Shannon GabrielPitch and conditionsThe two completed matches at Kensington Oval this series have both produced first-innings totals in the 280s – on one occasion it was ample, on the other occasion it was overhauled. The forecast for Sunday is for fine weather and a top of 28 degrees centigrade.Stats and trivia Aside from a couple of tournaments against Associate nations, West Indies have not won an ODI tournament (as opposed to bilateral series) since the 2004 Champions Trophy The three leading wicket-takers in this tri-series are spinners, one from each team: Imran Tahir (13 wickets), Sunil Narine (11) and Adam Zampa (9)Quotes”This team is trying to put its own print on trying to be a great Australian cricket team. We’ve had great success in the past, but that means nothing.”

Leeds: Allardyce Must Kickstart £70k-p/w "Non-Entity"

Leeds United's desperate bid for survival hangs predominantly in the hands of Sam Allardyce, but his work in reigniting the players within this struggling outfit will be equally as key.

His tactical decisions are only as good as the 11 men on the pitch seeking to enact them, and even then their key assets need to show enough character to push on and ignite their scoring impetus.

Similar to how Raphinha carried them last season, scoring 11 in the league, and how moments like Jack Harrison's winner at Brentford pushed them over the line, it requires people willing to take a risk in search of the ultimate reward for a side battling relegation: safety.

Whilst Rodrigo boasts that maverick factor, as their top scorer with double the tally of his nearest competitor, the Spaniard cannot do it alone. With Patrick Bamford not to be trusted, especially after his miss against Leicester City, the opportunity is there for another striking hero to step up alongside the 32-year-old.

Despite a tough start to life at Elland Road, should Allardyce sink his claws into him properly, Georginio Rutter could be the most unlikely of heroes if he can kickstart his career with three games to go.

How has Georginio Rutter played this season?

Having signed for a club-record fee in January, heads turned as Jesse Marsch unloaded £35m on an unproven 20-year-old forward with little track record of scoring the goals they were in search of.

Also handed a £70k-per-week deal and expected to have an instant impact, the weight of such fiscal responsibility has understandably hampered the young Frenchman. As such, the now-21-year-old is yet to record a goal contribution across his 12 senior games in English football; albeit, he has suffered from limited opportunities in the league, with just one start.

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For all this negativity, which arguably culminated in him being branded a "non-entity" by LeedsLive journalist Beren Cross, the forward still has that special something that makes him capable of the truly spectacular.

When compared to other forwards in Europe, it quickly becomes clear that Rutter excels as a creative influence when driving with the ball at his feet, rather than a sole goal threat. As such, he ranks in the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90, as well as the top 9% for progressive carries per 90, largely due to his time at Hoffenheim, via FBref.

Allardyce could perhaps hand this young marksman a free role beside Rodrigo, in the hopes that his dynamism and trickery can draw space away from the true goalscoring threat.

Should his career finally be kickstarted in a role that actually suits him, the Yorkshire giants would surely gain a fine return on such a huge investment should he guide them to safety, given how lucrative Premier League status is financially.

Eranga's bowling action ruled illegal

On the same day that Sri Lanka fast bowler Shaminda Eranga was hospitalised in Ireland, he was also suspended from bowing in international cricket

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Jun-20160:59

Eranga’s bowling action ruled illegal

On the same day that Sri Lanka fast bowler Shaminda Eranga was hospitalised for experiencing an elevated heartbeat, he was also suspended from bowling in international cricket for an illegal action.Eranga had been reported for a suspect action after the second Test against England at Chester-le-Street in May. He was evaluated at Loughborough on June 6 and results showed his elbow exceeded the permitted 15 degrees of flex in all of his deliveries.The ICC allows a bowler suspected of an illegal action to continue playing international cricket until the results of biomechanical testing on his bowling action are released. Hence, Eranga was able to take part in the third Test against England at Lord’s. He opened the bowling in both innings and picked up a match haul of 4 for 152.Now, however, Eranga cannot bowl for his country until he gets his action approved by an ICC-accredited testing centre. This comes as a blow to Sri Lanka, who have already lost Dhammika Prasad and Dushmantha Chameera to injury. With Eranga unavailable, Sri Lanka have three specialist seam bowlers, to go with two seam-bowling allrounders, to play England in the ODI series due to begin in Nottingham on Tuesday.Eranga can continue playing domestic cricket in his home country, with the permission of Sri Lanka Cricket.

Newcastle Eyeing Summer Move For Exciting 18-Year-Old

Newcastle United are interested in signing Fenerbahce teenager Arda Guler during the summer transfer window, a new report has claimed.

How big a prospect is Guler?

The Magpies have had a season to treasure for date, exceeding expectations and now looking likely to seal a top-four finish in the Premier League. That would see Champions League football return to St James' Park, in what is such an exciting time for the club.

Once the summer window rolls around, Newcastle will be expected to make serious inroads in the transfer market, bringing in a number of new faces. Improved squad depth is paramount, especially if they are in the Champions League, so additions all over the pitch are required.

While established players will no doubt arrive at St James' in the coming months, it is also important that the Magpies continue to plan for the future, looking to bring in young and emerging talent. That's where Guler comes into play, with a recent report linking him with a summer move to Newcastle.

Fenerbahce starlet Arda Guler.

Could Newcastle seal signing of Guler?

The rumour is refusing to go away, with Fotomac [via Sport Witness] claiming there is "great insistence" from the Magpies to sign the 18-year-old this summer. In fact, they have "increased the interest" in the midfielder and are "pushing" for him more than any other club. They also "close to making the strongest bid", so all things indicate that he could be on his way to the Premier League.

Guler could be a hugely exciting signing by Newcastle at the end of the season, not necessarily coming in as an immediate starter, but a long-term acquisition with a high ceiling. He has scored four goals in eight Turkish Super Lig starts for Fenerbahce this season, while at international level, he has already got two caps to his name for Turkey.

He has been dubbed the "Turkish Messi", which says all you need to know about Guler's potential, and former Arsenal and Germany star Mesut Ozil has said he can become a "world star" in the future.

Such high praise only further shows why Newcastle are seemingly so interested in acquiring the Fenerbahce starlet's signature this summer, and he is someone who has the ability to be a future hero for the Magpies, should he reach his potential. His current deal runs until 2025, and while they may have to spend a hefty sum to get him, he could end up being worth so much more.

Sibley stars on T20 debut to sink Hampshire

Dominic Sibley starred with bat and ball as Surrey moved to the top of the NatWest T20 Blast South Group by thrashing Hampshire by 80 runs at a packed Kia Oval

ECB Reporters Network09-Jun-2016
ScorecardDominic Sibley starred with bat and ball on his T20 debut•Getty ImagesDominic Sibley starred with bat and ball as Surrey moved to the top of the NatWest T20 Blast South Group by thrashing Hampshire by 80 runs at a packed Kia Oval.Sibley, a 20-year-old making his T20 debut, took 2 for 33 after scoring a fine 67 in a second-wicket stand of 114 in 10 overs with Kumar Sangakkara, whose 72 off only 35 balls featured two sixes, nine fours and a balmy evening’s most memorable strokeplay.Surrey’s 188 for 5 proved too much for Hampshire, who were already struggling at 38 for 4 after the initial six-over powerplay and eventually subsided to 108 all out. Zafar Ansari hastened Hampshire’s demise by dismissing Will Smith and Darren Sammy in successive balls at the end of the ninth over.There was no Shahid Afridi for Hampshire, either, with the Pakistan T20 specialist pulling out of the game through illness. Surrey, though, hardly needed any contribution from their own second overseas player, West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, who was making his debut for the club and only delivered four balls right at the end of the game – one of them a no-ball bouncer.It was Surrey’s third win in four group games but, for Hampshire, it was a fourth defeat from five matches and quarter-final qualification already looks a difficult task for them as they bid for a record seventh successive appearance at Finals Day.Despite this match starting soon after the opening day’s play between England and Sri Lanka ended at Lord’s, six miles to the north across the Thames, a crowd of almost 17,000 turned up – with a few spectators no doubt managing to attend the two matches. Either way, the fact that around 45,000 people watched international and county cricket in London on the same day proves the continuing popularity of the game at both levels.Jimmy Adams uppercut the third ball of Hampshire’s reply for six over backward point but dragged Sam Curran’s next ball on to his stumps and Adam Wheater departed for 8 when he was bowled trying to make room to hit a leg break from Sibley square on the offside.Sibley had figures of 2-0-9-1 after bowling the second and fourth overs, and both the fifth and sixth overs brought further Hampshire wickets as Sean Ervine edged a drive behind off Ravi Rampaul and Liam Dawson was also out for 1, bowled as he heaved at Tom Curran.Ansari reduced Hampshire to 52 for 6 by having Smith held in the deep and Sammy caught by keeper Ben Foakes for a first ball duck, and when Sibley returned to the attack he had Lewis McManus caught at deep square leg for 41 one ball after being struck for six.After that, there were some defiant blows from Gareth Andrew in a 22-ball 31, ended by an athletic leaping boundary catch by Bravo, celebrated by an impromptu jig facing that section of the crowd, before Bravo followed that up by having Ryan Stevenson caught behind with his second ball and last man Tino Best held at mid off from his fourth ball.Jason Roy fell for 9 in the fourth over of the game, caught at mid-off from a leading edge as he aimed something violent at Sammy’s medium pace.Surrey’s innings was soon galloping along, however, as Sangakkara and Sibley matched each other stroke for stroke until the great Sri Lankan surged ahead to reach his half-century first from a mere 24 balls.Sibley soon followed his partner to the landmark, from 35 balls, and his fifty included sixes flicked over mid-wicket off an Andrew over costing 16 and lofted straight against Dawson’s left-arm spin.Sangakkara, who earlier clubbed Smith’s off-breaks for six, slog-swept Sammy for his second maximum before, later in the same 14th over, mis-hitting to long on.Bravo edged Stevenson to the keeper after making only 3, and Sibley’s fine innings ended in the 17th over when he was held on the ropes attempting to swing fast bowler Best beyond the mid-wicket boundary.Tom Curran fell cheaply to Stevenson, but the seamer – also making his T20 debut – conceded two legside sixes in the 20th over with Ansari clearing long on and Rory Burns producing a superb pick-up over mid-wicket as 16 runs came from the final six balls of the innings.Hampshire’s players wore black armbands in memory of Hamza Ali, who made a first-class appearance for the county earlier this season and who has tragically drowned at the age of 20.

Celtic’s "Blood And Thunder" Star Could Miss Rest Of Season

Celtic defender Alistair Johnston could miss the remainder of the 2022/23 Scottish Premiership season with an ankle injury, according to reports.

What's the latest injury news on Johnston?

The Hoops right-back only arrived in Glasgow from Montreal back in January, but during his 18 appearances to date, has flourished under the leadership of Ange Postecoglou having already become his top-performing defensive player at Parkhead.

The Canadian international, however, sustained an ankle injury during the 1-0 Scottish Cup victory over Rangers last weekend and was spotted in a boot on crutches following the conclusion of the game which will have no doubt caused plenty of concern among supporters.

The Australian boss revealed after the game that he was unsure of the specific extent of the 24-year-old’s problem but admitted that it was likely to be “significant” having needed to be substituted, and an unfortunate in-depth update on his situation has now emerged.

According to Daily Record Sport, Johnston is set to be ruled out of action for “three to four weeks”, with a best and worst case scenario in place dependent on how he “reacts to treatment”. The Bhoys star will definitely be unavailable for the potential title-decider vs Hearts on Sunday and there’s a chance that he “could miss” the “bulk” of the four remaining league games of the campaign after that, but he is expected to be “pushing” to return for the Scottish Cup final vs Inverness on June 3.

Celtic defender Alistair Johnston.

Will Johnston's absence be a blow for Celtic?

Celtic have Cameron Carter-Vickers also ruled out for the rest of the season to undergo surgery, and Johnston could be set to follow in his footsteps so it’ll definitely be a blow for Postecoglou to have to end the term without two of his best defenders.

The Vancouver native, who is renowned for putting in “blood and thunder” performances according to journalist Chris Smith, was averaging 1.8 tackles and 1.2 key passes per league game prior to his absence, via WhoScored, but is also capable of contributing to his side’s efforts in the final third.

He has posted three goal contributions (two assists and one goal) since joining and has whipped a total of 36 crosses into the box so is always looking to create chances for his attacking teammates when bursting down the flank, therefore, it will be a massive boost when he stages his comeback.

Man United Well-Placed To Sign 25 y/o Defender

Manchester United are reportedly well-placed to sign AS Monaco defender Axel Disasi this summer.

What’s the latest news on Man United and Disasi?

The Red Devils look set to be busy in the transfer market ahead of Erik ten Hag’s second season in charge, with a new midfielder and forward also on the wishlist.

The club could also be under new ownership, and there has been plenty of speculation over a move for Disasi. Reports have suggested that the Red Devils are in pole position to sign the France international, who has been described as a "complete" defender by talent scout Jacek Kulig, and a further update has now emerged.

Sport Witness relayed an update from L’Equipe in the last 48 hours regarding Disasi, claiming that the Red Devils could be on the search to replace Harry Maguire after ‘some rather dire performances at the back of late’, with the defender, on £200,000-a-week, linked with a move to top-four rivals Newcastle.

They stated on Disasi that he is certain to leave Monaco this summer, with United well-placed to secure a transfer. Talks were held with the player’s representatives a month ago, with a fee in the region of €35m-€45m possibly enough to get a deal over the line.

axel-disasi-monaco-premier-league-newcastle-transfers

Is Disasi an upgrade on Maguire?

Maguire has struggled in recent weeks and was labelled as a walking disaster by Samuel Lukchurst against Nottingham Forest earlier this month.

Statistically, the 30-year-old has been United’s 14th-best player in the Premier League this season and as per WhoScored, Disasi has outperformed the Englishman during the current campaign for overall match rating as well as tackles, interceptions and clearances per 90.

Disasi also appears to be at the peak of his powers at the age of 25, holding a career-high €25m Transfermarkt valuation, showing how he could be a shrewd replacement for Maguire.

The 6 foot 2 colossus would also bring a goalscoring threat to United after scoring 12 times in 123 games for Monaco, with five of those coming in 2022/23, more than Maguire’s seven in 172 in Manchester, and it looks as if an Old Trafford transfer may well be gathering pace.

Man Utd: £33k-p/w "Monster" Could Terrorise Eric Dier

Manchester United will be seeking to pile the pressure onto Tottenham Hotspur by adding another embarrassing defeat to their recent results.

With a new man in the dugout, as Daniel Levy scrambles for something to ease his issues, there is little expected to change in the four days since their 6-1 mauling at the hands of Newcastle United now that Ryan Mason is in charge.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils have just booked their place in a second cup final of the season and will seek to solidify their spot in the top four with a win today against the vulnerable hosts.

The returning Spurs team will surely be greeted with disdain from the home support after such a performance, in which the players were forced to reimburse fans who had travelled. They were defensively anonymous, and whether it was down to the formation or not, the attitude throughout the whole squad was so toxic.

Of those who started for the Lilywhites, few stood out quite like Eric Dier for being a defensive liability. His 5.9 rating gave way to a 75% pass accuracy, as the versatile dud made just two tackles, via Sofascore.

manchester-united-brighton-fa-cup

However, that is not a new development, with the 29-year-old having played 358 games for the club, despite pundit Frank McAvennie claiming he was "awful" and "not good enough" back in 2021.

It seems the England defender remains around the starting squad regardless of form, so Erik ten Hag could seek to exploit this glaring weakness by unleashing the hulking Wout Weghorst on the Spurs liability.

How has Wout Weghorst played this season?

Having spent 120 minutes battling for a first goal that never came, it was not a day for the strikers on the weekend at Wembley. A 19-minute cameo for the Dutch forward only really allowed him to take a penalty in the shootout, which he scored, however, he always captures the imagination for his immense work rate despite his 6 foot 6 frame.

This combination of tireless pressing, which actually have led to him being branded a "pressing monster" by journalist Scott Saunders, alongside his unique physique will give Dier a huge headache tonight. The England international looks shaky at the best of times, but seldom has he come up against such a physical marvel who won't give him a moment's peace.

In turn, this will afford the creative assets around him space to pose the real danger, with Weghorst keen but often unable to get on the end of such chances.

Despite scoring only twice in a Red shirt, Ten Hag remains faithful to the £33k-per-week ace, outlining the positives his main marksman brings: "I think he has intelligence from positions, he is a very good anticipator.

“Of course I tell him to [help] linking up there, which he is also doing as a high striker. But in that position, [he is] linking up and getting in front of the goal when crosses are coming in. As for the rest, there is the defending part which he is also very good [at]."

Seeking to bully Dier into submission in the same way Alexander Isak did last weekend, but again with that touch of class that will knit everything together, Weghorst will hope to spearhead another embarrassing loss for the hosts tonight.

Everton Submit Enquiry To Sign £26m Adidas-Sponsored Tank

Everton have made contact to enquire about a deal to bring Juventus defender Federico Gatti to Goodison Park, according to reports.

What's the latest on Gatti to Everton?

Sean Dyche already has six centre-back options at his disposal, but Yerry Mina and loanee Conor Coady will both be out of contract at the end of the season, so replacements of some form will likely be needed in that department.

Italy international Gatti arrived at the Allianz Stadium back in January 2022, but has only made 15 appearances under Massimiliano Allegri and is significantly out of favour. Therefore, he could be looking for a move elsewhere during the upcoming window.

It had recently been reported that the Toffees and Premier League rivals West Ham United were both contemplating making an offer for the 24-year-old, who is valued at €30m (£26m) by Juventus, and it sounds like the Everton hierarchy have taken the next official step towards completing a deal.

According to Tutto Juve (via Sport Witness), Everton have now “asked for information” on Gatti to discover his availability ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. However, Juventus have “no intention” of letting the centre-back leave as it stands, and it’s stated that it would take an “indecent proposal” to even make them consider a change of heart. The Old Lady would indeed require the aforementioned £26m to sanction his sale, but it’s claimed that the Merseyside outfit may only “offer around €10m”, which is a figure that they would be highly unlikely to sell for.

Italy defender Federico Gatti.

Should Everton splash the cash on Gatti?

Everton won’t yet know their summer budget as that’s all really dependent on whether they are able to maintain their Premier League status, but should they be able to afford him, Gatti has to be a player that they target to shore up the backline.

Standing at 6 foot 5, the defender clearly adds a strong physical presence to the heart of the defence and currently averages 3.4 clearances and 1.8 aerial wins per league game, as per WhoScored.

The Adidas-sponsored star can also be a threat at the opposite end of the pitch having posted 11 goal contributions (nine goals and two assists) in 108 career appearances which is an impressive return for a player that operates in his position. Meanwhile, with Champions League experience also under his belt, we think he would be the perfect fit to put pen to paper at Goodison Park.

Man Utd Could Land Yorke 2.0 in £70m-rated Star

Manchester United are seemingly set to bolster their centre-forward ranks this summer, with manager Erik ten Hag likely to be craving a long-term solution in that role, following years of stop-gap signings such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani, Cristiano Ronaldo and – more recently – Wout Weghorst.

The acquisition of the latter man has only further showcased the need for a new, reliable goalscoring option to lead the attack, with the towering Dutchman having scored just twice for the club to date following his January arrival.

While the former Ajax boss has also suggested that United play their "best football" with current number nine, Anthony Martial on the field, the Frenchman is among those who could well be allowed to leave this summer, having been hampered by injury yet again this term.

Although the name on everybody's lips at present is that of England captain and Tottenham Hotspur talisman, Harry Kane, recent reports in Spain have suggested that Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins could also be a possible target, with the 27-year-old having been on a real hot streak of late after bagging 11 goals in his last 12 Premier League games.

The former Brentford man has undoubtedly been in red-hot form since Unai Emery's arrival at Villa Park earlier in the campaign, with that glut of goals sparking suggestions that the Englishman could command a sizeable fee this summer, as journalist Pete O'Rourke told Football FanCast that the marksman's price tag could be around £70m.

Would Watkins be a good signing for Man United?

The hope would be that the in-form Watkins would be able to emulate the success of another striker to trade the Villans for Old Trafford in the form of Dwight Yorke, with the prolific ace having been snapped up by Sir Alex Ferguson and co on a £12m deal in the summer of 1998.

Having proven himself more than capable of making the difference in the Premier League during his time in the Midlands – after bagging 80 goals in 255 games in all competitions for the club – the Trinidad and Tobago international was able to continue that golden touch at the Theatre of Dreams, having made an instant impact in his debut campaign at the club.

The now-retired ace would prove instrumental in United's remarkable treble success in that 1998/99 season, having bagged 29 goals and provided 19 assists in 52 games in all competitions, forming part of a mouthwatering centre-forward pool involving Andy Cole, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Teddy Sheringham.

That stunning first season with the Red Devils helped to solidify Yorke's cult status at the club, with the enigmatic talent ultimately departing Manchester in 2002, after having scored 66 goals in 152 games across all fronts.

Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins

While Watkins may not be expected to help lead a charge towards a treble next term under Ten Hag, the 5 foot 11 speedster – who has reached double figures for league goals in each of the last three seasons – could well follow in Yorke's footsteps in making a smooth transition from Villa to United.

The one-time Exeter City ace has also showcased his class at Old Trafford this season after netting in the League Cup clash back in November, having burst clear of Harry Maguire before expertly dinking the ball over the onrushing Martin Dubravka.

As analyst Michael Lahoud noted, the dynamic marksman simply left the United skipper "exposed" due to his ability to run in behind and stretch the defence, with such characteristics likely to be appealing to Ten Hag and co.

With the case of signing Yorke having been such an overwhelming success, it could prove another transfer masterclass with the addition of Watkins.

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