Wayne Rooney named the best midfielder out of Gerrard, Scholes and Lampard

Whilst England are lucky to have the likes of Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Phil Foden to choose from at the heart of their midfield these days, it wasn’t so long ago that Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Paul Scholes were all available in the engine room.

The current generation is special, but England’s last ‘golden generation’ still arguably had the most talent at their disposal in pursuit of a first honour since the 1966 World Cup.

It wasn’t just in midfield that the Three Lions were spoilt for talent. It’s a squad which also featured Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen, David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand and John Terry. And the list could go on.

Many have had their say as to why England were dumped out of the 2002 World Cup and then on penalties against Portugal at Euro 2004, including Lampard. The former England and Chelsea midfielder told reporters: “I think at times, we [the Golden Generation] were too rigid. I talk from my own personal experience of playing at World Cups against teams that were not at our level.

“I’m not talking about France and Italy, more teams like Ecuador, who were keeping the ball in midfield because they were outnumbering us in the centre of the park. The things that maybe me and Stevie [Steven Gerrard] were used to doing where we had numbers, now we are just trying to cover space and you get a bit mentally done with it in the game wondering why this is happening.”

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ByRoss Kilvington Mar 20, 2025

Outnumbered or not, there’s no denying the quality that England particularly had in the middle of the park. But finding the right balance between Lampard, Gerrard and Scholes often proved to be The Three Lions’ biggest problem, and that sparked a midfield debate which has rumbled on for decades since.

Rooney named Gerrard as his greatest ever England teammate

Having played with all three at international level and Scholes with Manchester United too, Rooney should be an expert in the age-old England midfield debate, and he delivered his official verdict to The Overlap in 2024.

Whilst praising all three, Rooney went on to reiterate that Scholes could not achieve what Gerrard did in a Liverpool side which often struggled to compete with the very top honours: “All were world-class players. Stevie could come to Manchester United and be a top player and do what Scholes could do. But I don’t think Scholes could do what Stevie did at Liverpool.”

Appearances

504

611

499

Goals

121

177

107

Assists

97

116

61

League titles

0

3

11

The numbers certainly don’t help to end the debate after Rooney’s verdict, but what they do highlight is England’s clear failure with all three at their disposal in a golden generation.

USA look to thwart England's charge towards semi-finals

USA will want to take down another Full Member nation in what is likely to be their last game at the World Cup

Alan Gardner22-Jun-20241:23

Do England need Jacks for better balance?

Match detailsUSA vs England
Barbados, June 23, 10.30am local timeBig picture – Can USA upset calculations?If this is the end of the road for USA’s memorable T20 World Cup 2024 journey – they could still squeak into the semi-finals, but the odds are very much against them – then what a stage on which to bow out, facing up to the defending champions with one last chance to cause an upset.England and USA have met at both football and rugby World Cups but this will be their first cricketing encounter of the modern age. Jos Buttler’s side have endured a choppy campaign so far, winning three and losing two to go with a no result in their opening match at Kensington Oval. But they return to Barbados knowing that a convincing performance will go a long way to ensuring their title defence continues into the knockouts.Related

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What do South Africa, England and West Indies need to do?

Victory will put them on four points, and a margin of more than ten runs (batting first) will ensure their net run-rate goes above that of South Africa, who then take on West Indies in the final Group 2 game later on Sunday.England’s cushion comes from their convincing win over the other co-hosts West Indies at the start of the Super Eight, and Buttler remained upbeat after his side lost a close game to South Africa in St Lucia. England have rarely been at their best over the last three weeks in the Caribbean but there have been signs that their game is coming together at the right time for a tilt at becoming the first team to successfully defend the T20 World Cup trophy.Before they get that far, they must avoid a mishap against a USA side that burned brightly at the start of the tournament but has looked to be running low on gas after three defeats in a row against Full Member oppositions. Their success has already put the names of Aaron Jones, Monank Patel and Saurabh Netravalkar in lights. If they can summon one final effort and become the latest former colony to put one over on the mother country, it will add another sprinkle of Hollywood stardust to cricket’s American adventure.Form guideUSA LLLWW
England LWWWLLiam Livingstone nearly took England home against South Africa•ICC/Getty ImagesIn the spotlight – Aaron Jones and Liam LivingstoneAaron Jones’ six over midwicket to seal a rousing opening-night win over Canada was the shot that was heard around the World Cup. He followed up a career-defining 94 not out by helping secure the tie that eventually led to USA’s Super Over victory over Pakistan, but has found the going tougher since then, with scores of 11, 0 and 11. Taking on the captaincy, in the absence of the injured Monank, has added to his burden. But he has another chance to impress at a ground where he played in four first-class matches for Barbados during his time in West Indies’ domestic system.An innings of 33 off 17 balls in a losing cause might not sound much, but could it turn out to be the spark Liam Livingstone needed? Livingstone’s attempt to get England over the line against South Africa, helping to revive their chase while adding 78 for the fifth wicket alongside Harry Brook, was only the second time he has scored more than 30 in 22 T20 innings this year. His power when taking down Ottneil Baartman at the death was a reminder of what he can do, and suggested that he may be ready to repay England’s faith that he remains the answer in the finisher role.2:19

Stuart Law: ‘If we’re not winning, we’re learning’

Team news – England unlikely to make any changesUSA have been without Monank since their group-stage win over Pakistan, but head coach Stuart Law suggested he was close to returning from a shoulder injury. “He’s getting better, we’re constantly assessing him,” Law said after the defeat to West Indies on Friday. “Unfortunately, he nearly made it for this one. So, we’re constantly assessing it.”USA (probable): 1 Steven Taylor, 2 Andries Gous (wk), 3 Nitish Kumar, 4 Aaron Jones (capt), 5 Corey Anderson, 6 Shayan Jahangir, 7 Harmeet Singh, 8 Nosthush Kenjinge, 9 Shadley van Schalkwyk, 10 Ali Khan, 11 Saurabh NetravalkarEngland may be unchanged for the third match running, having apparently settled on Jonny Bairstow at No. 3 and Sam Curran as the extra bowling/left-hand batter option. Chris Jordan could replace Mark Wood to add further depth to the batting.England (probable): 1 Phil Salt, 2 Jos Buttler (capt & wk), 3 Jonny Bairstow, 4 Moeen Ali, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Liam Livingstone, 7 Sam Curran, 8 Chris Jordan/Mark Wood, 9 Jofra Archer, 10 Adil Rashid 11 Reece TopleyPitch and conditionsKensington Oval is one of only two venues at this World Cup to have seen a 200-plus score, but generally, the pitches have been on the tacky side. The forecast for Sunday has improved although there is still a chance of rainfall interrupting proceedings.Stats and trivia This will be the first meeting between England and USA with full international status in any format England have played 13 completed T20Is in Bridgetown, winning six (including the 2010 T20 World Cup final) and losing seven Sam Curran needs one more wicket to reach 50 in T20IsQuotes”We’ve just got to win the game. We haven’t played them before so it’ll be a good challenge and we’re looking forward to it. The games come thick and fast now so we’ve got to dust ourselves down and go again. We’ve had a great win against the West Indies, a great game today which was a shame not to win but we’re still in it and looking ahead to the next one.”

“I think every match we play, obviously, representing the country is important. So, we’ll definitely go hard against England and try to finish well. Obviously, we can’t advance to the next round. But as I say, I think every match you play for your country is important. So, we’re definitely going to try to win the game for sure.”

Talks opened: Man Utd making moves to sign "fantastic" £25m prime target

Manchester United have opened talks over the signing of a “fantastic” player, who is now a prime target, and they are making significant moves to get a deal done, according to a report.

Man Utd's summer rebuild now underway

The Europa League final defeat against Tottenham Hotspur once again underlined the need for Ruben Amorim to have a mass clear-out this summer, and the manager’s rebuild has now commenced, with Matheus Cunha becoming the first player to sign on the dotted line.

However, in order to re-shape his squad more significantly, Amorim may have to sanction some departures, and the manager was seen visibly laughing when questioned about Alejandro Garnacho’s future, amid widespread links to other clubs.

Andre Onana is another player who could be in the firing line, having failed to adapt to life in the Premier League, with Lyon’s Nemanja Matic famously dubbing him “one of the worst keepers in Manchester United history” back in April.

As such, United have been looking at replacements for Onana, and they are now stepping up their pursuit of AS Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar, opening talks over a deal for the 25-year-old in the past week.

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The Red Devils are looking to seal a deal for an “incredible” player…

1

By
Dominic Lund

Jun 3, 2025

That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states the Red Devils are now making significant moves to sign Svilar, who could be a low-cost replacement for Onana, with Roma likely to hold out for a fee of around £21m – £25m.

AS Roma'sMileSvilar

The Serbian would be keen on a move to Old Trafford, but there could be fierce competition for his signature, with Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Newcastle United and AS Monaco all monitoring the goalkeeper’s situation in Italy.

"Fantastic" Svilar now prime target for Man Utd

The Belgium-born shot-stopper is said to have been identified as a prime target for Man United this summer, and it is clear to see why, having averaged a very impressive save percentage and clean sheet percentage over the past year, when compared to other goalkeepers.

Mile Svilar Statistics

Average per 90

Save percentage

77.9% (94th percentile)

Goals against

0.96 (92nd percentile)

Clean sheet percentage

38% (86th percentile)

Not only that, but former manager Claudio Ranieri lauded the Serbia international for his performances during the 2024-25 campaign, saying: “Mile is having a fantastic season.

​​​​​​

“When a goalkeeper is not very busy and is suddenly called into action, showing readiness at all times like Mile does, then it means that he is truly a great goalkeeper.”

It is clear that Onana will need to be replaced this summer, having performed very poorly over the past year, and Svilar could be a savvy signing at just £21m, freeing up funds to strengthen other areas of the squad.

Everton now confident in their bid to sign forward with £34m release clause

Everton chiefs are now confident in their bid to sign a “menacing” forward who has a £34 million release clause, according to a new report.

David Moyes wants midfield reinforcements at Everton

Heading into the new stadium, it is clear to see that David Moyes is keen to put together a squad at Everton that can look up the table rather than over their shoulder. The Toffees are unlikely to have lots of money to spend this summer as like everyone else they dance around PSR, but Moyes will have no intentions of another relegation scrap.

Everton in race with West Ham to sign midfielder who can leave for £25m

Everton are now involved in a Premier League race to sign an experienced international midfielder.

ByBrett Worthington Jun 26, 2025

Strengthening his midfield appears to be high on the list, and that can be shown with their latest transfer targets. According to talkSPORT, Everton have returned to Wilfred Ndidi as a potential target this summer. The midfielder could cost Everton as little as £9 million, due to a release clause that has now been activated due to Leicester City suffering relegation.

Leicester City's WilfredNdidiin action with AFC Bournemouth's Marcus Tavernier

As well as looking at Ndidi, the Toffees have reportedly registered their interest in signing James McAtee from Manchester City. The attacking midfielder is expected to leave the Etihad due to his lack of game time last season, and he could be available for around £25 million.

There is now a new name on their midfield list, and that is Raphael Onyedika from Club Brugge. Everton are said to be in pole position to sign him, with Club Brugge looking to get £25 million for his services.

Everton confident in their bid to sign Thierno Barry

But as much as Moyes wants a new midfielder, that may have to wait, as the Toffees focus on securing their top striker target. According to TBR Football, Everton are now ready to accelerate talks to sign Thierno Barry from Villarreal.

Villarreal's Thierno Barry

The Toffees’ interest in Barry emerged at the very start of the summer transfer window, but they have had to be patient when it comes to a transfer, as the forward has been away with France at the U21 Championships, only knocked out by Germany on Wednesday.

Despite interest from other teams across Europe, The Friedkin Group are confident they can sign Barry this summer. The forward’s representatives have already held talks with the Premier League side, and he is now open to the move. The fact that Barry has a £34 million release clause makes the deal easier to do, but the Toffees may even end up paying slightly more than that if they do the deal in installments.

Apps

35

Starts

25

Goals

11

xG

12.41

Total shots per game

2.1

Big chances missed

15

Chance conversion

15%

Assists

4

Big chances created

7

Barry, who has been dubbed “menacing” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, joined Villarreal in August 2024, and in his first full season, the striker scored 11 goals in 35 La Liga appearances.

His presence and ability to find the net have made him a target for Everton, who lacked a serious presence at the top end of the pitch last season and now look set to lose Dominic Calvert-Lewin at the end of this month.

Man Utd enter talks to sell £250,000-a-week England star to Juventus

Manchester United have started talks with a big club over the sale of a “world-class” Red Devils player, according to a new update from Sky journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.

Several struggling attackers could leave Man Utd

Wholesale changes are needed in Ruben Amorim’s attack in the summer transfer window, both in terms of signings coming in and current players moving on, following a dismal 2024/25 season at Old Trafford.

Jadon Sancho was loaned out to Chelsea last summer, following an underwhelming three years in a United shirt, while Marcus Rashford and Antony also departed on a temporary basis midway through the campaign, joining Aston Villa and Real Betis respectively.

Meanwhile, Rasmus Hojlund experienced a hugely taxing period leading the line for the Red Devils, scoring just four goals in 32 Premier League appearances, while Joshua Zirkzee didn’t exactly set the world alight after completing a move from Bologna.

For that reason, it’s no surprise that a host of attacking players have been linked with a move to United this summer, with Matheus Cunha already arriving from Wolves. Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo and Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike are reportedly being considered, with the former looking likely to come in.

Man Utd in talks to sell Jadon Sancho

According to Sky journalist Gianluca Di Marzio [via Sport Witness], Manchester United have entered talks with Juventus over the sale of Sancho in the last few hours. The Serie A giants are said to have “intervened” in Friday, looking to beat Napoli to the signing of the 25-year-old, having had a long-time interest in him.

Chelsea's JadonSanchocelebrates scoring their third goal

Believed to be on more than £250,000-a-week, Sancho has been an undoubted disappointment for United, also struggling to impress at Chelsea, only starting half of the Blues’ league matches last term (19) and bagging only four assists in 31 outings in the competition overall.

For that reason, it does make sense for the Red Devils to part ways with the Englishman permanently, even though Lucien Favre has waxed lyrical over him in the past.

“Jadon’s a world-class player, no question about that – but you have to remember he’s only 19 years old. It’s hard to be outstanding in every game.”

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ByEthan Lamb Jun 20, 2025

Sadly, Sancho simply hasn’t backed up his early-career hype when he was at Borussia Dortmund, and at 25, there is a feeling that he will never reach his vast potential that existed at that point.

United need to sign attackers who can consistently perform and produce end product on a weekly basis, and Sancho has shown for long enough now that he can’t be that player in the Premier League.

Borussia Dortmund

158

53

67

Man Utd

83

12

6

Chelsea

41

5

10

A move to Serie A could benefit him however, in terms of the pace and physicality of the league not being as intense as the English game, with United using the funds received for the winger on a summer upgrade.

Lauren Down back on NZC's central-contracts list

Batter Lauren Down is set to return to New Zealand Cricket’s list of contracted women players. She was one of 17 players to be offered a central contract for 2024-25. Down had declined the contract offer last season while on a maternity break, but was named in the ODI squad to tour England later this month.Down, who has played 28 ODIs and 13 T20Is, last represented New Zealand in an ODI against Bangladesh in December 2022.The 2024-25 contracting period begins on August 1, with the players having until June 17 to accept the offer.Also named in the contracts list was wicketkeeper-batter Polly Inglis, who received the offer for the first time. Inglis got 103 runs for New Zealand A in three one-dayers against England A at home in March, as the hosts won the series 2-1. Before that, she hit 324 runs – the second-most – in NZC’s Women’s One-Day Competition, the domestic 50-over tournament for women.Related

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New Zealand women’s head coach Ben Sawyer said: “We’ve landed on a strong list of 17 names that we think are going to play an important part over the next 12 months… A big part of the selection process this year was looking at who could take part in the 2025 ODI World Cup.”Among the centrally-contracted players from 2023-24, the ones to miss out are wicketkeeper-batter Bernadine Bezuidenhout – who has retired from international cricket – and batter Kate Anderson, who wasn’t given an offer.

New Zealand Women central contract offers for 2024-25

Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Sophie Devine, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Polly Inglis, Hayley Jensen, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Amelia Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe and Lea Tahuhu

Man Utd set to axe Andre Onana without selling him as they close in on £6m deal

Manchester United have plenty of decisions to make this summer and Andre Onana’s future at Old Trafford may now have taken another twist, according to a report.

Andre Onana's Manchester United future uncertain

On the face of it, Onana is a name that divides opinion across the Red Devils’ support and his inconsistent performances last campaign won’t have won any favour among the undecided.

The Cameroon international conceded 65 times in 50 appearances across all competitions, and a string of high-profile errors have led Manchester United to look at the likes of Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez as a potential replacement.

Shedding light on the rumours, ex-Premier League scout Mick Brown stated: “Man United have made it clear they would like to sign Martinez. They’ll take whatever they can get for Onana, and then they’ll make contact with Aston Villa and see if they can get a deal over the line.

“He’s seen as a huge upgrade on Onana so they’re prepared to take a hit to get things moving. If Man United could swap Onana for Martinez tomorrow, they’d jump at it. Martinez is in his 30s now, but he’s a very capable goalkeeper and they’re not concerned about that.

Intriguingly, Manchester United have also been given the green light to pursue Porto stopper Diogo Costa, lending credence to the notion that they could be set for a change between the sticks this summer.

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ByEthan Lamb Jun 28, 2025

Plenty of names may enter the hat to replace Onana if he is moved on, though it remains to be seen how events develop over the next few weeks.

That said, the Red Devils could now have their house in order on that front as Ruben Amorim tries to sort out his goalkeeping situation.

Man Utd could loan out Onana with John Victor lined up

According to The Sun, Manchester United could loan out Andre Onana this summer and sign Botafogo’s John Victor as a replacement for as little as £6 million.

In the case of Onana, Monaco are said to have asked the question over a temporary move, but his £120,000 per week wages have proved to be a stumbling block. The Red Devils would prefer to conduct a deal with a European club over a Premier League rival.

Andre Onana vs John Victor – who is a better fit for Manchester United?

Andre Onana – Premier League

Save percentage

67.2%

Goals conceded

44

Clean sheets

9

Pass accuracy

69.8%

Penalties faced/saved

1/4

John Victor – Brazilian Serie A

Save percentage

81.1%

Goals conceded

7

Clean sheets

6

Pass accuracy

79.4%

Penalties faced/saved

0/0

Victor may have a smaller sample size than Onana, but purely for demonstrative purposes, his statistics do stand up to scrutiny when evaluating the consistency levels needed for a Manchester United goalkeeper to succeed at Old Trafford.

Keeping ten clean sheets in 29 appearances across all competitions this season, he could be the man to succeed the Cameroon international, even if there will be difficulties to overcome in sanctioning his exit.

Fabrizio Romano: Arsenal seal "next signing" with underrated star set to join

Arsenal are extremely busy behind-the-scenes as they look to reinforce Mikel Arteta’s squad with proven quality, and it is believed yet another player has been given permission to join them by his club.

New sporting director Andrea Berta’s arrival has motivated plenty of excitement and anticipation among supporters for this summer window, with the Italian known to spin many plates at a time in pursuit of his preferred transfer targets.

Mikel Arteta personally wants Arsenal to sign £94m forward this summer

They know the costs of what would be a marquee deal.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 25, 2025

Berta’s track record at former club Atlético Madrid also makes him stand out as a proven replacement for ex-director Edu Gaspar, and the 53-year-old has already made a solid start to his tenure at the Emirates with a couple of completed deals.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

After months of talks, Berta has put the finishing touches on Arsenal’s move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, with the Gunners set to pay £56 million for him. This is slightly above his release clause, but the fee will be paid in installments, with Zubimendi recently finalising his move to N5.

Arsenal also triggered Kepa Arrizabalaga’s £5 million release clause to make him Berta’s second summer arrival after Zubimendi (Fabrizio Romano), securing a solid and experienced back-up option for David Raya.

Brentford captain Christian Norgaard was linked earlier this week, as claims started to emerge that Arsenal were considering a shock move for the 31-year-old to replace Thomas Partey, and that deal has seriously intensified in the last 24 hours.

Following accelerated talks with Brentford, they’ve now agreed a deal worth an initial £10 million, plus an additional £5 million in potential add-ons (BBC), and the Denmark international is set to become Berta’s third signing of the window.

Christian Norgaard permitted for Arsenal medical after deal agreed

As per trusted transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Norgaard has now been “authorized” to undergo his medical at Arsenal after a deal was agreed for the Scandinavian, so barring any physical complications, the midfielder will be Arsenal’s “next” completed deal.

With Partey set to leave as a free agent after June 30, Norgaard comes in as a like-for-like stand-in for the Ghanaian, and one who boasts similar attributes as a Premier League proven defensive midfield anchor.

Berta has moved swiftly to ensure that Arteta won’t be left short in the midfield department, and Norgaard has long been praised as a player who “goes under the radar” with his consistent performances.

“Norgaard is a better player than a lot of people give him credit for,” said former top-level scout Mick Brown to Football Insider recently.

“So interest from clubs like Arsenal might come as a shock, but he would be a good option for them. He’s a very consistent performer who goes under the radar a lot of the time, and that’s what these clubs are looking for, a solid, consistent player.”

Essex middle order fights back after Ollie Robinson's 198

Unbeaten stand of 129 between Paul Walter and Matt Critchley keeps hosts afloat following Durham’s 587

ECB Reporters Network24-Jun-2024

Ollie Robinson underlined his Test credentials with a new career-best score•Getty Images

Essex 249 for 4 (Walter 80*, Critchley 51*, Potts 2-65) trail Durham 587 (Robinson 198, Lees 113, Ackermann 73, Critchley 4-158) by 338 runsPaul Walter and Matt Critchley dug Essex out of trouble on day two of their Vitality County Championship run-fest with Durham.Durham’s fast bowling attack had restricted the hosts to 120 for 4 in response to 587, but Walter struck 80 not out and Critchley unbeaten 51. The duo put on 129 for the fifth wicket to close the day on 249 for four.Earlier, Ollie Robinson had done his England Test hopes no harm with a flawless 198 as Durham secured maximum batting points in their title charge.Durham, resuming on 445 for 4, continued to drown Essex’s attack in runs – as they smashed 142 runs in 26 morning overs before they were bowled out – with maximum batting points pocketed.Robinson completed his 150 with the third ball of the day – the last four of his nine career centuries have exceeded the milestone.The former Kent man simply picked up where he had left off on day one, scoring runs at ease and refusing to allow the bowlers to build any pressure.He passed his previous best of 171 – collected against Lancashire in May – and looked set for 200 before trying to force a cut shot but only edged behind. He was given a generous applause by the crowd on his return to the dressing room.Otherwise, Critchley and Simon Harmer plugged away with semi-regular wickets amongst the flow of runs.Harmer and bat-pad Nick Browne combined to dismiss Colin Ackermann and Bas de Leede, with the South African later bowling former team-mate Peter Siddle. The off-spinner returned 4 for 188, the most runs he had conceded in a Championship innings.To go with Robinson, Critchley also snaffled Ben Raine and Matt Potts. Essex’s spinners joining for figures of eight for 346 with Durham bowled out for 587 – the 15th highest score at Chelmsford.After an energy-sapping 122 overs in the field, the hosts were lethargic with the bat. Browne had already survived being dropped at second slip on 12 when he tickled Potts behind in the sixth over.Dean Elgar oozed elegance with seven fours in 40, in a 51-run stand with Tom Westley, but edge Siddle to first slip before Westley was leg before to Raine. Jordan Cox got a start but also fell before making a telling contribution – bowled by a jag backer from the energetic Potts. It left Essex 120 for 4 and starting to worry about the follow-on target.But Critchley mimicked Alex Lees’ controlling style, while Walter was closer to Robinson’s aggression, to resuscitate the innings with a century partnership.Walter was imperious in his decision-making, whether it was slog sweeping for six, clipping off his legs, touching to third or flashing outside off stump. The maximum took him to 2,000 first class runs before his half-century came up in 63 balls.Walter and Critchley – whose fifty came in 111 deliveries – were unbreakable in the evening session, as Essex finally found a foothold in the match, but remain 188 runs shy of the follow-on.

INEOS submit "new" £60m+ Man Utd offer to sign star likened to De Bruyne

Looking to finally seal their second signing of the summer, INEOS have now reportedly submitted a “new” £60m+ offer for Manchester United to sign an attacking reinforcement who has been likened to Kevin De Bruyne.

INEOS keen to get Man Utd deals done by pre-season

Having already welcomed Matheus Cunha to get their summer plans off to the perfect start, Manchester United are now targeting a number of further much-needed reinforcements. And INEOS want things wrapped up fairly quickly ahead of the next campaign. According to Simon Stone of BBC Sport, Manchester United are trying to get their business done by the time that pre-season commences on 7 July.

He'd be unplayable with Cunha: Man Utd make enquiry to sign £50m "superstar"

Man United have wanted to sign this “superstar” forward for a while.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 24, 2025

That gives those at Old Trafford around two weeks to seal any further business and assemble a squad capable of instant improvement under Ruben Amorim next season. It, therefore, comes as little surprise to see the rumours already coming thick and fast as to who the Red Devils could welcome in the next fortnight.

One of the most prominent names on that front has been Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez. The Argentine shot-stopper could be among those shown the door in the Midlands as Villa attempt to comply with PSR rules and Manchester United are reportedly lying in wait.

A World Cup winner and one of the more experienced Premier League goalkeepers these days, there’s no doubt that Martinez would be an instant upgrade on Onana. But he’s not the only one who could arrive in the next two weeks after INEOS reportedly submitted a new bid to sign an impressive attacking reinforcement.

Man Utd submit "new" £60m+ Mbeumo offer

According to Fabrizio Romano, INEOS have submitted a “new” £60m+ offer to sign Bryan Mbeumo for Manchester United this summer. The player is reportedly prioritising a move to Old Trafford this summer and talks are ongoing with Brentford as all parties attempt to reach an agreement for his signature.

Alongside Cunha, Mbeumo could finally transform United’s attack, which often struggled when forced to rely on the likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee last season.

Whilst both players were struggling for the Red Devils, Cunha and Mbeumo were thriving for Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brentford with the latter particularly standing out – scoring 20 Premier League goals.

Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts

Mbeumo earned high praise as a result and has even been likened to Manchester City legend and recent Napoli signing De Bruyne by Football Transfers.

The Brentford star won’t come cheap but all signs point towards a player who would finally live up to the hype at Old Trafford.

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