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A significant update has now emerged regarding Kobbie Mainoo’s future at Manchester United, with a Champions League side pushing hard to sign him.

Mainoo’s stock has fallen over the past 12 months or so, having burst onto the scene at Old Trafford, and he is struggling for playing time this season.

Ruben Amorim has recently spoken honestly about the Englishman’s future, admitting that he rates him but also needs to keep other players happy.

“No, like a lot of guys, he wants to play more. I didn’t have a conversation with him before the window closed – I did this week. Because I don’t want Kobbie Mainoo thinking that I was having any conversation with him just to hold on to him. I don’t want that feeling.

“I believe a lot in Kobbie, but some of you think that Kobbie Mainoo is already done (the finished article). I think he can do so much better, he can improve a lot. I think for some guys it is enough (their talent), but for him it is not enough. Maybe it’s not fair, but I think I’m helping Kobbie Mainoo, and that’s it. He will have opportunities like the other guys.”

Mainoo has been linked with a move away from United in the January transfer window, and now a fresh update has emerged regarding his future.

Napoli in advanced talks to sign Mainoo

According to a new report from TEAMtalk, Mainoo’s representatives are in “advanced discussions” with Napoli over a loan move from Manchester United in January.

It is also stated that Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester City also “continue to monitor” the £45,000-a-week ace, but “Napoli’s wage pledge and option clause have vaulted them to pole position.”

It has been sad to see Mainoo fail to kick on at United, having looked such a special talent, but it simply appears as though Amorim doesn’t think he is right for his system.

That’s not to say that the Red Devils manager doesn’t consider him a talented footballer, however, with the 40-year-old lauding him back in September.

“Maybe it’s not fair, but I think I’m helping Kobbie Mainoo and that’s it. He will have opportunities like the other guys. If I feel during the week that he’s the best player to play, he’s going to play and I proved that already to every player here. I believe a lot in him. I have the same thing [opinion] that you have and that is a top, top player, but he can be so much better, so I’m focused on that.”

Related Endrick tells Real Madrid he wants January exit amid Man Utd interest

The Red Devils could have to face competition to land the coveted young star.

Posts BySean Markus Clifford Nov 4, 2025

A loan move to Napoli means that Mainoo’s United career isn’t over, giving fans some hope that he has a future, but as things stand, it is hard to see him becoming a key figure with Amorim at the helm.

Carrington's "best talent" is a big Sesko upgrade in the making at Man Utd

Newcastle squandered a wonderful opportunity to all-but seal their place in the Champions League knockout rounds after a late equaliser from Bayer Leverkusen meant the points were shared in an entertaining 2-2 draw at the BayArena. Anthony Gordon levelled the match from the penalty spot for Eddie Howe's side and substitute Lewis Miley headed them in front, but a late strike from Alejandro Grimaldi landed a point for the hosts.

Newcastle found themselves behind in the 13th minute after Leverkusen captain Robert Andrich’s header hit Bruno Guimaraes' backside and deflected past stranded goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, and there was a real scare just a few moments later after Malick Thiaw hauled down Bayer captain Patrik Schick on the edge of the area. Dutch referee Serdar Gozubuyuk initially pointed to the spot, but VAR informed him it was just outside the box and Thiaw will consider himself fortunate to only receive a yellow card in what was poor first-half from Howe’s side. 

There was a huge shift of momentum in the second-half, as Newcastle hounded and pressed the hosts, which paid dividends when Nick Woltemade – playing his first game back on home soil following his summer move to St James’ Park – caused Bayer keeper Mark Flekken to panic and haul down the striker to concede a penalty, which Gordon swept home with aplomb. That strike means Gordon is just the second Newcastle player to score five or more goals in a single season in the Champions League, alongside Alan Shearer in 2002-03. 

Joelinton hobbled off in the 60th minute, to be replaced by Lewis Miley, who provided Newcastle’s second goal just 14 minutes after coming on after he bravely leapt high above the Leverkusen defence to nod home a fantastic cross from Gordon. Howe’s side pressed for a third and both Jacob Murphy and Gordon saw shots hit the post. The Magpies were left to rue those missed chances, though, as Leverkusen struck with two minutes remaining, a neat one-two on the edge of the box allowing Grimaldo to fire low past Ramsdale. 

The draw leaves Howe's side 12th in the table and hopeful of qualifying for the Champions League knockouts with PSV at home and Paris Saint-Germain away to come in the New Year.

GOAL rates Newcastle's players from the BayArena…

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence

Aaron Ramsdale (8/10):

Was called into action regularly all evening and did well to block the vast majority of the shots which came his way. Nothing he could do about Leverkusen's goal, the deflection completely flat-footed him. Will be disappointed the second goal managed to squirm underneath his body. 

Lewis Hall (7/10):

An excellent evening, was kept on his toes all evening and threw his body on the line towards the end of the match. 

Malick Thiaw (6/10):

Very lucky not to be shown a red card and concede a penalty midway through the first half, but his grab on Schick was just outside the box. 

Dan Burn (7/10):

A towering presence at the back, covered the miles and was called on to put in a some lung-busting runs to cover his defence when exposed. 

Tino Livramento (7/10):

A decent evening, didn't put a foot wrong. Steady, if not inspiring performance. 

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Bruno Guimaraes (7/10):

Awarded the own goal which came in the 13th minute, but he knew nothing about it as the ball ricocheted off his backside and past Ramsdale. Was full of running all evening. 

Sandro Tonali (6/10):

A subdued evening for the Italian, whose slip on the edge of the opposition box almost led to a second for Leverkusen. Was generally a composed presence in midfield. 

Joelinton (6/10):

Like many of his team-mates, he endured a quiet first-half, but looked keen to get on the ball after the break. But picked up a knock and was taken off on the hour. 

AFPAttack

Anthony Gordon (9/10):

Fired home the penalty will real confidence, calm in a clutch moment for his side. Andso unlucky to give his side the lead, but saw his low drive in cannon off the post. 

Harvey Barnes (7/10):

A bundle of energy all evening and looked determined to provide the moment of quality Newcastle were searching for. Hooked off in the 78th minute. 

Nick Woltemade (8/10):

Endured a difficult first-half, but it was his pressing early in the second which earned Newcastle their penalty. Had chances to score himself, but it wasn't his night. 

AFPSubs & Manager

Lewis Miley (8/10):

Brought on in the 60th minute, to replace Joelinton and was excellent in his work, covering acres in midfield and providing cover for defence. Huge beam spread across his face after heading home a superb cross from Gordon. 

Jacob Murphy (6/10):

Enjoyed plenty of the ball when he came on to replace Barnes in the 78th minute. 

Jacob Ramsey (N/A):

Brought on to replace Gordon in the dying seconds of the match. 

Yoane Wissa (N/A):

Was brought on in time added on, not enough time to influence the match. 

Eddie Howe (7/10):

Will be pleased with the way his team improved in the second-half, but frustrated they didn't kill off the match when they had the opportunities. 

Santos president Marcelo Teixeira has confirmed that renewing Neymar's contract is a major priority, days after the Brazil international admitted he was unsure where his future lies. The former Barcelona star returned to his boyhood team at the start of the year and helped them avoid what would have been an embarrassing relegation from Serie A, but his current deal is now set to expire.

• Neymar facing uncertain future at Santos

  Neymar has endured some difficult times since returning to boyhood club Santos, once again struggling with injuries after his spell in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Hilal was dogged by similar issues. The Brazilian club were staring at the possibility of relegation from the country's top division, but their talismanic attacker stepped up to inspire a crucial 3-0 victory over Cruzeiro, playing through the pain of a new meniscus injury in his knee to ensure they will remain in Serie A.

  However, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star immediately cast doubt over his short-term future. When asked what's next for him, Neymar responded: "I do not know, really. I don’t know. I need some days now, I need to rest, disconnect then decide my future. For sure my priority always goes to Santos."

  Neymar finished the 2025 season with eight goals and one assist in 20 league games as he started to feature on a more consistent basis for the first time since the 2022-23 campaign, his last in France with Paris Saint-Germain.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Club president reveals latest on contract talks

  While Neymar is unsure where his future lies, those at the boardroom level seem set in their belief that he should extend his contract.

  Teixeira said: "Renewing Neymar's contract is a priority for Santos right now. Everything depends on the budget. We have a budget that is based on what we can spend. We are talking and negotiating in search of a common ground, adapting Neymar's current contract to 2026.

  "There is good intention on his part, on the part of NR [the company that manages the striker's career], and on the part of Santos. That's already a good start. We need this adjustment to lead to a positive financial outcome for both sides.

  "We are in talks regarding some contract renewals, especially Neymar's, and we are very confident. Neymar's project is also aimed at next year's World Cup, and we are in this dialogue to ensure he stays."

• Neymar's World Cup dream in the balance

  Neymar has previously featured in three World Cups for Brazil. He was their shining light in 2014, scoring four goals before suffering a tournament-ending injury. The Selecao were later eliminated by Germany in the semi-finals with a crushing 7-1 defeat. He then scored two goals apiece at the 2018 and 2022 showpieces, but Brazil were eliminated at the quarter-final stage in both competitions.

  Now 33 years of age, Neymar is undoubtedly past his best, with recent injuries robbing him of his renowned agility and pace. He will hope to be part of Brazil's squad for the 2026 tournament, especially given that the only piece of silverware he has won at international level remains the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, but he has not played for his country since 2023. National team manager Carlo Ancelotti also has plenty of other options in wide positions to choose from, including Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Estevao, Matheus Cunha, Joao Pedro and Raphinha just to name a handful.

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  What comes next for Neymar?

  For now, all eyes will be on Neymar's current injury situation, with the forward set to undergo minor surgery on his knee issue. It's been reported that the legendary Brazilian attacker will soon see a 'miracle doctor', a physiotherapist by the name of Eduardo Santos, in the hope of regaining full fitness in quick time before the World Cup rolls around.

  Ancelotti recently revealed he will refuse to call up players who aren't 100% fit and claimed he doesn't "owe anyone a debt" when it comes to his Brazil squad selection for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, but did say Neymar would make the cut if he "deserves" it.

Manchester City are expected to be active in the market over the near future and could now beat rivals Manchester United to sign a teenage sensation who has excelled at the Under-17 World Cup.

Pep Guardiola will hope his side can strike up a bid to claim the Premier League title this season. However, they suffered a setback on the road to potential glory after falling to a defeat against Newcastle United on Saturday evening.

Harvey Barnes’ double cancelled out Ruben Dias’ equaliser at St James’ Park, albeit the Citizens were off colour in front of goal and were made to rue their missed chances, something Guardiola pointed out when speaking after the match.

He said: “Newcastle is a top side, top players, top manager, so unfortunately tonight we could not make the momentum that we had. It was an entertaining game, we both had chances, and then there was a momentum shift, and ultimately we couldn’t win.”

Ultimately, there is plenty of football still to be played and twists will occur before the Premier League title race starts to take a clear course. Still, Manchester City are now sitting adrift of Arsenal and Chelsea, which is something that needs to give over the next few weeks.

Man City’s upcoming fixtures – all competitions

Bayer Leverkusen (H)

Champions League

Leeds United (H)

Premier League

Fulham (A)

Premier League

Sunderland (H)

Premier League

Real Madrid (A)

Champions League

Nico O’Reilly’s emergence into the Citizens’ first-team and Matheus Nunes slotting in at right-back show that solutions are there to be stumbled upon for Guardiola, though you get the feeling January will be an important month to conclude meaningful business.

While bringing in senior players will be the priority, there may also be a focus on acquiring stars of the future at the Etihad Stadium amid recent developments.

Man City keen to sign Under-17 World Cup star Mohamed Zongo

According to Africa Foot, Man City are keen to sign Tenakourou Academy star Mohamed Zongo, who is also on the radar of Manchester United, Villarreal and Anderlecht after giving an excellent account of himself at the Under-17 World Cup.

On the biggest stage within his age group, the 15-year-old registered two goals and three assists from an attacking midfield role, and the Citizens have now initiated talks alongside the trio mentioned.

Labelled “magic” by Under-23 football scout Antonio Mango, he may become the next exciting gem in a long line at Manchester City, though no club has reached an agreement after his exploits at the youth World Cup.

Either way, beating Manchester United to his signature would be a signal of intent by Manchester City as they build for the future at the Etihad Stadium.

Man City & Pep now keen on Real Madrid star with Erling Haaland swap possible

After sacking Liam Manning, Norwich City have reportedly conducted an interview with former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Gary O’Neil and set a managerial deadline.

The Canaries made the decision to sack Manning after 15 Championship games in charge. The former Bristol City manager arrived off the back of an excellent campaign with the Robins, in which they secured a playoff place, but was unable to replicate that form in charge of Norwich.

Instead of the top six, the Canaries have found themselves in the bottom two courtesy of Manning and only above Sheffield Wednesday, who were hit with a 12-point deduction after entering administration.

After two wins in 15 league games, Manning’s tenure suddenly makes former manager Johannes Hoff Thorup’s time at the club look rather promising, on reflection. Whether there’s some regret that those at Carrow Road didn’t give the latter more time is up for debate, however.

Sporting director Ben Knapper released a statement after sacking Manning, telling fans that they “tried absolutely everything possible” to turn things around under the former Bristol City boss.

Meanwhile, the search for a new manager is very much underway with reports going as far as to claim that the Canaries have already interviewed two candidates for the job.

Norwich interview Gary O'Neil

As reported by The Telegraph’s John Percy, Norwich have now interviewed O’Neil for their vacant managerial role and are keen to make an official appointment in the next 10 days.

The ex-Premeir League manager was recently linked with a second stint at Wolverhampton Wanderers, but turned his former club down. Now, he could be on his way to Carrow Road.

Former Blackburn Rovers manager Jon Dahl Tomasson has also reportedly been interviewed, but O’Neil’s Premier League experience should make him Norwich’s number one choice.

Dubbed “fantastic” by former Wolves winger Jordan Graham during his time in the Midlands, O’Neil has all the credentials needed to finally turn things around at Norwich, who sit four points adrift of safety in the Championship.

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In Sandro Tonali, Newcastle United are enjoying the rise of a truly special player. Walk around the city and ask fans for their opinion of the Italian maestro, and many would say he is the very best they have witnessed at St. James’ Park.

It’s just one masterclass after another. Tottenham Hotspur couldn’t cope on Wednesday evening, dumped out of the Carabao Cup following Tonali’s brilliant midfield performance.

Eddie Howe engineered a covert contractual renewal when the star was serving a suspension for betting breaches, and so the Magpies need not worry about their central talisman playing elsewhere any time soon.

But Tonali alone cannot uphold the midfield, and it looks like change is afoot in the engine room, with United gearing up to sign a new central midfielder.

Newcastle angling for new midfielder

Joelinton has been a stalwart at Newcastle for many years, but the 29-year-old has come under fire at times already this season, with his questionable performances leaving some, such as blogger Thomas Hammond, to question whether this is “the start of the end” for the powerful Brazilian, who seems the weak link in this evolving midfield.

The emergence of Lewis Miley certainly suggests Joelinton’s place in the starting line-up is not as secure as it once was, and the continued question marks over Joe Willock’s long-term future in the Newcastle midfield add fuel to the fire.

Well, given that Howe is determined to re-sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, it does seem the cabinet could be set for a reshuffle.

As per Spanish sources, Newcastle are rivalling the mighty Real Madrid for the Three Lions star, who has been valued as high as £120m by Evangelos Marinakis. Technical director Ross Wilson will know he needs to act swiftly.

Moreover, Football Insider have followed reports with the claim that Liverpool and Manchester United have both placed the 22-year-old at the top of their lists.

Why Howe wants Elliot Anderson back at SJP

In the summer of 2024, Newcastle were being pressured by the Premier League’s PSR parameters, and sold two top talents – Anderson and Yankuba Minteh – to divisional rivals, easing away from financial bother.

Anderson signed for Nottingham Forest in a deal worth around £35m, and he’s only gone from strength to strength at the City Ground, with analyst Ben Mattinson hailing him as a “powerhouse” of a “midfield warrior”.

Indeed, you need only look at the metrics to see how he has evolved in his short time in red, with the current campaign seeing him take so many touches of the ball, creating and defending and leading by example.

He is the complete number eight, and in this, just like Tonali, who is now considered “the best midfielder in the Premier League” by English legend Paul Scholes.

Anderson isn’t there – yet. However, he is earlier in his development and surely on track to rival the likes of Tonali if he continues to add strings to his bow.

Now part of Thomas Tuchel’s England set-up, Anderson is finding a home alongside the more adventurous Declan Rice. Perhaps Bruno Guimaraes could serve as this type of partner, with Tonali elegantly keeping things moving from the side.

This is all to say that Anderson could be a stunning addition to Howe’s team, and maybe even come to surpass Tonali down the line.

Pulling him back over to Tyneside won’t be easy, but Howe has already shown his hand, speaking of his desire to bring the talent back home in a press conference last month, and must now hope that Anderson is swayed toward the nostalgia of returning to his boyhood club.

In any case, that aside, Newcastle might actually be able to canvass the most compelling proposal to the English talent.

New Tonali: Newcastle's 8/10 ace has been an "incredible piece of business"

Newcastle have proved their skill in the transfer market once again this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Oct 30, 2025

Wolves have made an enquiry for Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira, with executive chairman Jeff Shi receiving a reply.

Wolves to “take time” in new manager search

The Old Gold parted ways with Vitor Pereira on Sunday following their eighth Premier League defeat of the season and are no further down the line in regards appointing a long-term replacement.

David Ornstein has revealed that Wolves didn’t begin the process for a new manager until Pereira was sacked after the 3-0 loss at Fulham, despite their struggles all season.

“I think they wanted to give Vitor Pereira as long as possible. And therefore, they didn’t start a process to replace him before he was actually sacked.

“Once he was, the work began in earnest, or maybe Saturday night after the Fulham defeat, into Sunday, phone calls were starting to be made to express interest in a number of candidates, including Gary O’Neil.”

It looked as if Gary O’Neil was going to return to Molineux, however, he walked away from talks to leave the club at square one.

Under-21s head coach, James Collins, and under-18s head coach, Richard Walker, are in interim charge ahead of Saturday’s trip to Chelsea.

Sam Allardyce keen on taking Molineux job but reveals what Wolves are after

Veteran manager Sam Allardyce could potentially make a dramatic return to Premier League management.

ByJames O'Reilly Nov 5, 2025

It has been claimed that Wolves “want to take time” to find the right man after O’Neil’s move fell through and Rob Edwards distanced himself from the vacancy.

A leadership group involving Shi and Matt Jackson are involved in the managerial process, whereas Wolves are also being influenced by Jorge Mendes in the background.

The new Nuno Santo: "World-class" manager wants to hold talks with Wolves

Now, a new name has emerged with Wolves even making contact over a deal.

Wolves make Abel Ferreira approach

According to reports from ESPN Brazil, Wolves have made an enquiry over a move for Palmeiras boss Ferreira.

The Portuguese manager was wanted by Nottingham Forest following Nuno Espirito Santo’s exit and was also linked with Chelsea back in 2023.

However, following the latest move from Molineux chiefs, Ferreira has rejected Wolves’ offer as he is focused on the CONMEBOL Libertadores final and the Brazilian Championship with Palmeiras.

A two-time Brazil league winner with his current employers, Ferreira plays a 4-2-3-1 manager and has won 6-0 on four separate occasions.

Wins

361

Draws

149

Losses

154

Goals scored

1,093

Goals conceded

652

Points per game

1.86

Two of those came with Palmeiras and the other two in Portugal when he was in charge of Braga, and as can be seen, the 46-year-old has plenty of managerial experience at a relatively young age.

Unfortunately for Shi and co, a move to Wolves for Ferreira doesn’t look like it is on the cards in 2025, leaving Wolves to look elsewhere once again.

Sam Konstas is fully aware he faces a “massive” run of Sheffield Shield matches early in the season if he is to retain his Test place for the start of the Ashes but is focused on shutting out much of the talk and trusting his inner circle.Konstas endured a torrid series against West Indies where he made 50 runs in six innings albeit in challenging conditions where the top orders of both teams found life tough. They were his first Tests since bursting into the side against India last season, but he is now back in the pack as far as selection goes to face England in November.He has resumed training with New South Wales having taken a break after the tour and will return to playing on the four-day leg of the Australia A tour of India next month. That trip has a longer lens from the selectors – Australia have a five-Test tour in early 2027 – so while runs won’t hurt Konstas’ shorter-term ambitions, of most relevance will be what he’s able to do in the early rounds of the Shield in October.Related

• Green set to bowl in Shield cricket, will 'wait and see' if he's at No. 3 in the Ashes

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• Webster happy to scrap for Ashes spot with Green's return to bowling on track

“It’s massive, it’s going to be a big four games and I expect that,” Konstas said on the day a new four-year deal with Sydney Thunder in the BBL was announced that will keep him at the club until 2029. “But for me, [it’s about] just being in the present moment, don’t get too fixated about the outcome and just be very process-driven in those games. Not getting too fazed about what other people say, and obviously have that inner circle that I trust.”For me it’s just trying to best prepare, and then obviously trusting what I think is right in that current moment,” Konstas added. “It was my first time playing in the West Indies, and first time facing those bowlers. They bowled well and hopefully I can build from that experience.”Adopting the right mindset, training hard, not leaving any regrets. For me, that’s the big thing, just the way I prepare, and especially with the people that I trust, having honest conversations with them when necessary and leaving it to that.”Jack Edwards, the New South Wales captain who will also be part of the Australia A tour, has been training alongside Konstas in recent weeks”He definitely doesn’t hold onto it [the tour] for too long,” Edwards told ESPNcricinfo. “It’s great to have him around. He’s working extremely hard at his game as he always does, hitting a mountain of balls…such a young man, he’s definitely going to have a long career for Australia.”Konstas spoke of leaning on Steven Smith and David Warner, his captain at Thunder, for advice. “I’m very lucky to be working with the best in the world,” he said.Picked for Australia after just 11 first-class matches, it’s been acknowledged by the coaching staff that Konstas has been doing a lot of his developing at the top level although there is a belief in the set-up that the setbacks in West Indies won’t do long-term harm.”I’m still learning about my game and finding what works in different conditions,” he said. “Understanding the situations, when to soak up pressure [and] when to attack the game.”That’s where Warner has been a valuable sounding board for him. “I just like his mindset, to be honest,” Konstas said. “He takes the game on and he’s very aggressive. He’s always trying to dictate terms in the way he likes to.”Still only 19 – he turns 20 early in October – Konstas is trying to keep a level head. “As an athlete, you’re going to go through failures and successes, but I tell you, build from those failures and become a better person and cricketer.”

And if that doesn’t work either, you’re better off building a death ray and hoping it will somehow fly with ICC regulations

Alan Gardner28-Oct-20251:51

Mithali: Australia ‘less invincible’ than they used to be

There are some problems that have left humanity stumped for the longest of time. To the list that includes cold fusion, Fermat’s Last Theorem and why toast always lands buttered-side down, we can add another: how to beat Australia Women in an ODI?There is a working hypothesis that it can be done, but the results are almost impossible to reproduce in laboratory conditions. Over the last five-and-a-bit years, Australia have played 58 times in the format, and won 52 of them. Go back further, to the start of the 2017 World Cup, and the figure is P87 W78, which includes their world-record winning streak of 26 ODIs in a row.Such is their level of dominance that it even puts the Australia Men’s team of the 2000s in the shade. To take a random sample, between the start of the 2003 World Cup (which they won) and the end of the 2007 World Cup (which they won), Ricky Ponting’s side played 136 ODIs, winning 102 and losing 28.Related

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Very impressive, but a win/loss ratio of 9.750 it isn’t.For this Australia Women’s team, defeat is a once-a-year event – and they’ve already had their one scheduled blip for 2025.The losses are cosmic outliers, little more than confirmation of the randomness of the universe. They either come via Spandex-tight margins – three runs, two wickets, two wickets – or require inspirational performances from the opposition’s talisman: Harmanpreet Kaur in Derby; Nat Sciver-Brunt in Taunton; Marizanne Kapp in North Sydney; Smriti Mandhana in New Chandigarh.In World Cups, the permutations become even more head-scratchingly confounding. Since their defeat in the semi-final of the 2017 edition, Australia have won 15 ODI World Cup games on the bounce. They waltzed through the tournament unbeaten in 2022, and are on track to do so again after six wins from seven in the group stage.The one side to escape during that run was Sri Lanka, who abandoned science and invoked the unquenchable thirst of the Colombo rain gods. That or they capitalised on some truly abysmal scheduling during the monsoon, but it amounts to the same thing.Is there any stopping the Australian juggernaut at this World Cup?•ICC/Getty Images

Stopping the irresistible force

Back in the dark ages, learned folk spent much of their time trying to discover a substance that could turn base metal into gold. You would too, right? If it were in any way real. For the alchemists of antiquity, read the analysts of today anxiously flicking through their data points whenever Australia occupy the opposition dressing room.Signs of weakness are few and far between. When they slipped to 76 for 7 in their group game against Pakistan, one of the great World Cup upsets was in the offing. Instead, Beth Mooney – who looks, and plays, like she could be one of Bradman’s Invincibles – made a granite-hewn hundred as part of a century stand for the ninth wicket. Australia ended up winning by 107 runs.

“Time and again, teams have scrapped and sweated over the magic formula that will help them get one over on the canary-yellow juggernaut. Almost without exception, every time they hold their discovery up to the light it turns out to be fool’s gold”

India might have felt pretty pleased with themselves after posting 330 (at the time their highest-ever World Cup total) in Visakhapatnam; Alyssa Healy responded with a searing 142 off 107 balls to set up a three-wicket win. England must have thought they were in with a sniff when reducing Australia to 68 for 4 chasing 245; Annabel Sutherland and Ash Gardner disabused them of this notion with an unbroken 180-run stand.The England game finished with Gardner blocking balls in order to try and get Sutherland to her hundred, which is a pretty brutal summation of where it had got to as a contest.Time and again, teams have scrapped and sweated over the magic formula that will help them get one over on the canary-yellow juggernaut. Almost without exception, every time they hold their discovery up to the light, it turns out to be fool’s gold.Ellyse Perry and Kim Garth walk off after Australia sealed the highest chase in women’s ODI history•Getty Images

Can a new champion emerge?

We at ESPNcricinfo decided to take up the challenge, too. After crunching the numbers, consulting the experts and triangulating every possible weakness, we came up with this devastating statistic: since the start of 2024, between overs ten and 20, Australia have lost the third-most wickets among all teams (33). At this World Cup, the tally reads nine, behind only South Africa and Pakistan.Read it again and weep, sisters.Okay, you’re saying you need more? Well, Ellyse Perry is averaging 24.50 for the tournament. Not so flashy, eh. Similarly, new-ball stalwart Kim Garth has only taken four wickets in five matches – three of which came during Pakistan’s capitulation. And in the field, they produced a distinctly un-Aussie performance when shelling six chances against Bangladesh (although, yes, they still went on to win by ten wickets).In case it wasn’t already clear, for the three other teams still in with a theoretical chance of winning this World Cup, the omens are not good. But for those of you who made it this far, here’s our three-point plan to stopping Australia from winning this World Cup:Be India. Handy news for Australia’s semi-final opponents. India’s record of four ODI wins over Australia in the last ten years is as good as anyone’s – and, crucially, that includes being the last side to actually beat them at a World Cup. They are the host nation, they are captained by the hero of Derby, and they ran Australia the closest in the group stage.Make sure someone scores a hundred. Preferably a big one, like Harmanpreet’s Derby piece de resistance. Since the start of the 2017 World Cup, 13 individual centuries have been scored against Australia; three times in a winning cause. That’s nearly a 25% chance, people! Although Sciver-Brunt (four hundreds, including 148 not out in the 2022 World Cup final, only one of which came in a victory) can tell you first-hand, it’s no guarantee.Beware the legspinner. Alana King is very good, as figures of 7 for 18 – the first seven-wicket haul at Women’s World Cups – in her last outing attest. Top tip: go back and look at the footage of how South Africa played her. Then do the opposite.If none of the above works, then you’re best off building a death ray and hoping that will somehow fly with the ICC playing regulations. Good luck!

Former Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has left his role as head of loans and pathways after six months in the role at Old Trafford. At 37, Evans decided to hang up his boots after his second spell as a player with the Red Devils came to an end last summer. In his first period at Old Trafford, Evans won the Premier League, Champions League, League Cup and Club World Cup.

Evans leaves Man Utd role

According to of , Evans has left his role as Manchester United's head of loans and pathways, a job he took only six months back, following his retirement from professional football at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.

The report adds that Evans left his job to spend more time with his family and his departure was mutually agreed upon with the Red Devils. Evans made 241 appearances for United after coming through their academy. The centre-back won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Club World Cup, the FA Cup and two League Cups with the Premier League giants. 

Other than his two spells at Old Trafford, Evans also played in the Premier League for West Brom and Leicester City and had enjoyed two loan spells at Sunderland. He also won 107 caps for the Northern Ireland national team.

AdvertisementAFPWhat were Evans' duties at Old Trafford?

After officially announcing that he had hung up his boots, Evans returned to his boyhood club almost immediately after leaving them as a player as he accepted the role of head of loans and pathways. The 37-year-old's job saw him work closely with United's director of football Jason Wilcox to enhance the progress of young players and help them become ready for the first team.

After accepting the role, Evans had said: "I want to officially announce my retirement from my playing career, not with sadness, but with pride, gratitude and excitement for the next chapter ahead. I’ll be forever indebted to the managers, coaches, staff and, of course, my team-mates, that I have had the privilege of working alongside throughout my 20 years in professional football. I am looking forward to working with the next generation of talented players to support them to reach their potential. Having had experience of loans myself, I know the crucial role that they can play within a player’s development."

Wrexham were linked with Evans

In April, Wrexham were keen on a move for the experienced defender, who was supposed to leave Old Trafford after his second spell at the club following the expiry of his contract. However, no such move materialised as the Red Dragons never formally approached the player, who later announced his retirement.

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Getty Images SportWill Evans return to Man Utd in future?

While there has been no indication from Evans' side that he would come back to Old Trafford in future, his former team-mate Wes Brown had backed him to become United manager someday. Earlier this season, Brown said: "Could Jonny Evans be a future Manchester United manager? It’s happened before with Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick and Ruud van Nistelrooy getting chances. He has a calmness about him and he has been a great servant to the club and a fantastic professional. If he wants to go into management then he will give it everything and I’d love to see it. Giggs, Carrick and Ruud have been in the hotseat, sometimes it just takes a bit of luck and it will be a dream for all United players that go into management."