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Manchester United will take on Arsenal this afternoon, and Ralf Rangnick has confirmed a huge triple boost to the team.

What’s the latest?

The Red Devils boss took to his pre-match press conference to reveal that Cristiano Ronaldo, Scott McTominay and Raphael Varane will be available for selection in the important clash at The Emirates this afternoon.

Rangnick told the press (via Manchester Evening News): “Scott McTominay will be back and fit to play, he has been training with us and he will train today, he will be available for the game, the same is true with Raphael Varane. Cristiano Ronaldo is available again, he’s been training with us.”

Supporters will be buzzing

This game against Arsenal is one of Man United’s last chances to put themselves in a position to secure Champions League football next season by securing a spot inside the top four, so supporters will be buzzing that three key players are returning.

Ronaldo’s return will be warmly welcomed by supporters, with the Portuguese striker the current top goalscorer for the club and an inevitable force within the struggling side. His impact this season, scoring 21 goals and contributing three assists, has been crucial.

Varane has struggled with fitness throughout his first season at Old Trafford, making 18 appearances in the Premier League so far, but there is no doubt his influence in the back-line alongside Harry Maguire will be valued against Arsenal today. And, with his experience, he could cause all sorts of problems for their attackers.

Finally, McTominay will return to action today following a foot injury which will be a relief to Rangnick following Pogba’s injury sustained at Anfield leaving him sidelined indefinitely, it will be highly likely due to the injury problems in midfield that he will be instantly reinstated into the starting eleven today.

If Man United can secure all three points at The Emirates, they can match Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur for points in the Premier League table before Spurs kick-off against Brentford this evening. And, if Antonio Conte’s side do go on to fall to defeat away from home, it would put Rangnick and his team in a great position to snatch the top-four spot.

AND in other news: Ralf must finally axe £180k-p/w Man United flop vs Arsenal, he’s “absolutely terrible”

Aaron Finch played scored a nerveless 93 off 60 balls as pre-tournament favourites Victoria overcame a spirited effort by Central Districts, to chase 166 with two balls to spare

The Bulletin by Nitin Sundar15-Sep-2010
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsThe pressure of a tight chase hardly showed on Aaron Finch•Associated PressAaron Finch scored a nerveless 93 off 60 balls as pre-tournament favourites Victoria overcame a spirited effort by Central Districts, to chase 166 with two balls to spare. Central Districts punched above their weight for a large part of the match, with their captain Jamie How scoring an equally memorable 77, but their bowlers wilted against Finch’s assault, which was aggressive and measured in equal parts.Central Districts had finished their innings on a high, How turning around a lacklustre beginning with a flurry of boundaries at the end. The pressure was on Victoria, desperate to live up to their pre-tournament billing. Their reply ran into rough weather early, Rob Quiney and Matthew Wade perishing before they could get off the blocks, raising visions of the failed chase against Warriors in their tournament opener. Finch, however, was reading from a different script.While David Hussey struggled to connect with the big hits, Finch kept Victoria ticking with some aggressive running and the odd four. Without taking risks, he stole four of the five boundaries that came in the six overs following Wade’s dismissal. A punch off George Worker through extra-cover in the 12th was followed by a mow off Kieran Noema-Barnett through midwicket to bring up his fifty in the 13th over, off 40 balls. Hussey’s fall in the next over once again gave Central Districts the upper hand, but Finch carried on as if nothing had happened.Fifty-seven were required off the last five, not your regular walk in the park, but Finch wore an air of calmness that belied the pressure of the situation. Worker was heaved over square-leg in the 16th over; Michael Mason was top-edged to fine-leg in the 17th. Andrew McDonald joined in the fun, cross-batting Mason over long off to reduce the equation to 36 off 18.Central Districts’ limitations were exposed towards the end, as Seth Rance struggled to land his yorkers. Finch tucked in with two boundaries towards fine-leg, before carting Mason inside-out for six more. Brad Patton dropped McDonald off the last ball of the 19th, more importantly conceding two runs and leaving Victoria needing 12 off the last over. The force was clearly with Victoria, and Finch sealed the deal, edging Doug Bracewell through third man before launching him out of the park to end the game.If Finch’s innings was an exercise in maintaining the momentum and staying in touch from start to finish, How’s knock showcased how to get used to the pace before exploding. Victoria had begun well, Peter Siddle striking twice in his opening over, coming back after seven-and-a-half months. Mathew Sinclair and Worker fell by the wayside after getting off to starts, leaving the innings rudderless at 83 for 4 in the 14th over.Luckily for them, How had managed to see off the attritional period and was primed for a late assault. He top-edged Siddle over third-man in the 15th over and followed it up next ball with a gorgeous pull into the midwicket stands. Bryce McGain was smashed down the ground for six more, and Dirk Nannes paddled to fine-leg as How warmed up for the final flourish.Brendon Diamanti set the tone, lofting the first ball of the 18th over over the long-off boundary before turning the strike to his captain. What followed was an exhibition of immaculate stroke-making as How picked his spots with precision. He drove the next two balls down the ground, and followed it up with a paddle-sweep and a tickle to third-man, all for fours. The last of those was above waist height and had to be rebowled. How cashed in, drilling the length offering over Hastings’ head as 28 came off the over.At that point it seemed Central Districts had done enough for their first win in the tournament. Finch, however did not flinch; even in the 17th over of the chase, when he was beaten outside the off stump, with the asking rate mounting out of control, he kept his cool. No wild, desperate swishes of the bat either – he simply popped a bubble in the gum he was chewing, and carried on. On this day, he could do no wrong. And he knew it.

Liverpool are in for a potentially busy transfer deadline day with several transfers possibly materialising, according to reliable journalist Neil Jones.

The Lowdown: Productive January at Anfield

The Reds have had an excellent January both on and off the pitch, shining without Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita around and winning all their Premier League games.

Furthermore, Luis Diaz has arrived as a big-money signing from Porto, with the Colombian set to make Liverpool’s attack even more potent.

It could be that plenty of transfer business is conducted at Anfield on deadline day, both in terms of incomings and outgoings.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375258″]

The Latest: Jones gives key update

Taking to Twitter on Monday morning, Jones claimed that Fabio Carvalho could still join from Fulham, while the likes of Neco Williams, Nat Phillips, Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi could head the other way.

He outlined: “Plenty happening at Liverpool on #deadlineday. Talks ongoing over Fabio Carvalho from Fulham – would be loaned back until summer if signed. Bournemouth likely to get Neco Williams on loan, Nat Phillips future still TBC. Minamino wants to stay, possible Origi bids?”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-19/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Lots of positives

It is great to see Liverpool looking so busy in the transfer market, especially following some fairly barren recent windows, leading to criticism of FSG from some fans.

Carvalho could be a superb long-term signing if he makes the move, having scored seven goals and registered four assists in the Championship this season, potentially being a Harvey Elliott-like addition in midfield as the Reds potentially raid Fulham again.

Meanwhile, the largely inactive Williams would benefit from a loan spell elsewhere, and receiving good money for fringe players in Phillips, Minamino and Origi is a no-brainer, should the right offer come along. None of those look set to be stalwarts of the future at Anfield.

In other news, some Liverpool fans are happy after an update on one player emerged. Read more here.

Following on from the recent sacking of Rafa Benitez as Everton manager, the hunt is now on for the Merseyside club to appoint a new boss that can steady the ship and end the current season on a strong note.

One name that has been mentioned with the position is current Belgium manager Roberto Martinez, who has previously had a stint managing Everton a few years ago.

However, it seems as though a potential return to Goodison Park for the Spaniard may not be on the cards just yet.

What’s the latest?

According to a recent Twitter post from journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Belgian FA are not keen on allowing Martinez to leave his current role and join Everton as they apparently want him to stay to coach the international team through the upcoming World Cup in Qatar later this year.

Romano also added in his post that there is “no full agreement yet” between Martinez and Everton on a potential contract, “as things stand.”

Fans will be relieved

During his time in charge of the Toffees between June 2013 and May 2016, the Spaniard took charge of 143 games across all competitions, winning 62, drawing 37 and losing 44 along the way.

Given how there were some fan protests against Martinez during the latter stages of his spell at Everton, it will be a relief to plenty of supporters that a potential return to Goodison is being halted in its tracks by his current employers.

With this in mind, it would be a surprise if Martinez would be open to a move back to Everton after the grief he got as well, especially with a World Cup with Belgium on the horizon where the Red Devils are very much one of the contenders to go all the way.

After all, it would be a rather remarkable decision to leave that behind and head to mediocrity in Merseyside instead.

With this update from Romano in mind, it would be worth Everton moving on from the possibility of hiring Martinez again if he isn’t likely to leave his current position with Belgium and looking at other potential targets who are better suited to the role in order to get their season back on track.

However, for the time being, until they get a new permanent manager, Everton could be forced to give Duncan Ferguson the reins on a temporary basis in the same way he did before Carlo Ancelotti took over back in December 2019.

That feels like a decision that will delight fans in comparison, given his previous association with the Toffees.

In other news: Sky Sports journalist reveals favourites for the job

Many Sunderland fans have been left fuming over some transfer news that has emerged on Josh Hawkes.

As per the official website of the Stadium of Light faithful, the midfield player has now signed for Tranmere Rovers on a permanent deal, seeking more first team football.

He had only made two senior appearances for Lee Johnson’s team this season before moving on loan to Tranmere, where he scored one goal and made a further three assists (Transfermarkt), and now joins them permanently.

Having done well at Hartlepool United and at youth level for the Black Cats, scoring 27 times and supplying eight assists before this campaign (Transfermarkt), some SAFC supporters did not want to see the 22-year-old leave.

Journalist and Sunderland fan Josh Bunting claimed that it is ‘frustrating’ as Hawkes was the player that he was ‘excited about the most’.

Sunderland fans on Hawkes transfer news

These Black cats fumed as the transfer news was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it is a ‘weird’ move:

“Surprising and hugely disappointing decision from @SunderlandAFC”

Credit: @RokerPark150705

“Think we could regret this one”

Credit: @Lennonspringett

“Weird choice thought he was promising”

Credit: @markbussey14

“Better than Diamond … big mistake”

Credit: @Baybeface87

“Hate this, absolutely stupid selling a promising young player again, it’s getting stupid now Sunderland”

Credit: @Jack76943

“Would’ve kept him tbh”

Credit: @safctom

In other news, find out who Sunderland’s three worst players were against Portsmouth here!

Australia’s coach Tim Nielsen is excited by the prospect of Steven Smith being let loose on Test cricket this month in the absence of the injured Nathan Hauritz

Brydon Coverdale02-Jul-2010Australia’s coach Tim Nielsen is excited by the prospect of Steven Smith being let loose on Test cricket this month in the absence of the injured Nathan Hauritz. Smith is almost certain to make his debut at Lord’s against Pakistan and although there is debate over whether his bowling is up to Test standard, he undoubtedly brings an x-factor to the side.Despite his youth Smith, 21, has displayed his self-belief during the one-day series, including when he tried a reverse slog-sweep off Tim Bresnan in the 50th over at The Oval on Wednesday. It didn’t work, but it’s that sort of confidence that confidence in both his batting and his bowling that has impressed Nielsen and reassures him that the allrounder is ready for Test cricket.”He really adds a buzz to our group,” Nielsen said. “It’s going to be really good to see him in the Test match squad and playing Test match cricket in a couple of weeks time.”The big thing with him is his willingness to continually throw the ball up there and get them to drive. If he gets smacked back over his head for six, he’s not frightened to try and land it in the rough again. That’s a skill or a confidence that doesn’t come along easily whether you’re 30 or 20.”That’s the positive thing, that we see all the confidence in him running around in the field and playing reverse sweeps, but the real confidence is that under pressure he’s still willing to do the things that count to have a chance of success. That’s pretty important for us.”The most likely scenario is that Smith will bat at No. 8 in the Tests against Pakistan and act as the leading spinner, although his batting is arguably the stronger part of his game. Phillip Hughes was the last Australian Test debutant to create such a sense of anticipation, and while he started with a bang in South Africa, his form slumped and he was dropped during last year’s Ashes.It’s a scenario the Australians don’t want to repeat with Smith, but they are also mindful that such young men have long futures in the game and any experience at this stage should be a positive. Nielsen said they didn’t want to place too much pressure on Smith and the best strategy would be to let him play his natural game rather than altering it for five-day cricket.”We’ve got to be careful,” Nielsen said. “He’s been around the group for verging on six months now, which is good for us. He’s been to the Test match series in New Zealand, he’s been through an Australian summer, he’s been here now.”The way it’s pointing, he’ll more than likely get a chance to play some cricket in the next couple of weeks with the Test matches. That’s really positive, but we’ve just got to let him learn and let him play and enjoy all the stuff he does.”Smith has collected five wickets at 26.60 during the one-day series and he has played a couple of very useful innings. At first-class level, his batting average of 56.22 is the standout against his bowling mark of 48.84, although he did take 7 for 64 in his most recent first-class appearance.

Former New Zealand batsman Nathan Astle feels that captain Daniel Vettori should step down as a national selector because it might create a sense of insecurity among his team-mates

Cricinfo staff31-May-2010Former New Zealand batsman Nathan Astle feels captain Daniel Vettori should step down as a national selector because that responsibility could create a sense of insecurity among his team-mates. Astle fears the team spirit may be affected if the captain has a major say in selection, and added that if Vettori gave up that role, it would allow him to focus on his job as the team’s leading strike bowler, and captain.”He’s capable but deep down I think it is too much to take on. Being captain means you take on a certain role and while he should definitely have an input, he shouldn’t be a selector,” Astle told the . “You want your team-mates to be able to discuss things. Players won’t do that if they think it might hinder their selection.”Former New Zealand wicketkeeper Warren Lees was also concerned that Vettori’s role as a spinner may become redundant if he puts the team’s concerns before his own. Vettori is currently the second-highest wicket-taker for New Zealand, behind Richard Hadlee, with 325 wickets. “If he’s a good captain, there’s a risk he won’t get the most out of himself as a bowler because he’ll spend the whole time thinking of others,” Lees said. “He might need to be more selfish.”The former players also discussed another vital member of the New Zealand side, Brendon McCullum, whose dual role as a wicketkeeper-batsman in all forms of the game has been debated of late. McCullum, who gave up the gloves in Twenty20 internationals to focus on batting alone, isn’t sure whether he will follow suit in Tests and ODIs. He said he would take a decision in the coming months on the best way to preserve himself for New Zealand.Astle felt McCullum should give up keeping because New Zealand needed him as a batsman to shore up an inexperienced batting order. “Giving up the keeping should allow him more time to work on his batting. From what I’ve seen, it’s not that he doesn’t want to do it but it’s more of a physical thing and he’s looking for longevity in the game,” Astle said. “I think some people have been too quick to judge.”Lees, however, felt New Zealand couldn’t afford to lose him as a keeper. “We don’t know how bad his back is. I was surprised coach Mark Greatbatch did not originally know about that,” he said. “We are a weak team and need Brendon keeping to have the balance to beat the best in world.”Former New Zealand fast bowler, Danny Morrison, now a commentator, spoke out on the team’s recent performance. He felt the senior batsmen weren’t putting their hands up enough, going by New Zealand’s performance in the ICC World Twenty20 in the Caribbean and in Florida, where they were bowled out for 81 in a Twenty20 against Sri Lanka.”I think more onus needs to go on McCullum, [Ross] Taylor and [Jesse] Ryder as a core group of senior batsmen, who have a responsibility to perform. There was a glaring lack of runs in the Caribbean and it wasn’t good enough.”Shane Bond’s retirement from all forms has weakened the bowling attack, and Morrison called for the youngsters to fill the breach quickly. “It’s time young guys stepped up because big Daryl [Tuffey] and Chris [Martin] haven’t got long left at the top. They’re still useful, especially in New Zealand conditions with their pace and bounce, but aren’t getting it through at real pace. Brent Arnel is a prospect. He looks like he’s modelled himself on Shane Bond with a nice action and small delivery stride,” Morrison said.”I also saw Corey Anderson up close at the Hong Kong Sixes last year, albeit off a shorter run-up. He had a strong, powerful action with a top speed of over 140km/h. Andy McKay gets it through too.”

England prospect James Taylor just missed out on a century as Leicestershire racked up 303 for five after being put in to bat by Northamptonshire on the opening day of the season at Grace Road

09-Apr-2010 Leicestershire 303 for 5 v NorthamptonshireScorecardEngland prospect James Taylor just missed out on a century as Leicestershireracked up 303 for 5 after being put in to bat by Northamptonshire on theopening day of the season at Grace Road.The 20-year-old led the home side’s recovery after seamer Jack Brooks snappedup two early wickets to give Northants a flying start. Taylor shared half-century partnerships with Matt Boyce and Joshua Cobb to turn the innings around before being bowled by Lee Daggett for 88. Tom New and Wayne White also posted half-centuries and by the closeLeicestershire had moved into a commanding position on a pitch offering somehelp to the seam bowlers.There were certainly signs of moisture in it when Leicestershire’s new captain,former England and Yorkshire star Matthew Hoggard, lost the toss and hisopposite number Nicky Boje decided to bowl first. After 10 overs it looked a good decision with Brooks and David Lucas giving Leicestershire’s openers a torrid time. Will Jefferson, making his debut after joining Leicestershire from Nottinghamshire, was first to go. With the score on 15 in the fourth over he edged a delivery from Brooks that kept low through towicketkeeper Paul Harrison.Brooks struck again 10 runs later, this time finding the edge of Paul Nixon’s bat with a delivery that lifted providing David Sales with a catch in the slips. But from that point on the day belonged to Leicestershire as their array of promising youngsters took control.Taylor, whose record-breaking exploits last season, earned him an England Lionscall-up last winter, was once more the pick of the bunch. He again showed why he is catching the eye of the selectors with another exciting knock that included 14 sweetly-timed boundaries. He survived one sharp chance to Vishal Tripathi fielding at short leg to left-arm spinner Boje but after that gave another fine exhibition of controlled batting.A century looked there for the taking until he inexplicably lost patience and attempting a big drive at a ball from Daggett dragged it back into his stumps. It was a disappointing end to Taylor’s innings but Leicestershire were encouraged by excellent efforts from Boyce, Cobb, New and White.Boyce batted impressively to make 47 before edging a catch to the wicketkeeper while Cobb, after an attractive 27, was bowled off an inside edge by Lucas. New and White then provided a bright and breezy end to the day for the home side, sharing an unbroken stand of 110. New reached his half-century off 81 balls with eight boundaries and White was even faster taking just 59 balls and hitting nine fours. Even more encouraging for the home side was that they had taken three batting points in the opening game compared to last season when it took them four matches to pick up the same number of batting points.

Defeats against India have put Afghanistan and South Africa in sudden-death mode going into their floodlit clash in Barbados on Wednesday

The Preview by Siddhartha Talya05-May-2010Match FactsWednesday, May 5, Bridgetown
Start time 1700 (2100 GMT)The Big PictureAfghanistan have never faced a bowler as quick as Dale Steyn•AFPDefeats against India have put Afghanistan and South Africa in sudden-death mode going into their floodlit clash in Barbados on Wednesday. Left to rue lapses in the field and a delayed surge with wickets in hand in St Lucia, South Africa now have an opportunity to set things right with a clinical performance and progress into the Super Eights.The conditions in Bridgetown, generally supportive of fast bowling, should encourage their seam-strong attack against an opposition whose weakness against the short ball was exposed by Ashish Nehra. Afghanistan impressed in small doses, but with just two batsmen reaching double-figures in a score of 115 they had little to fight for against the Indian batting line-up.Afghanistan’s struggles off the field, and their success against the odds on it, have contributed to a general eagerness among cricket fans to see them do well. In a tougher scenario, against a determined South Africa in a must-win game, they have another chance to win hearts, and they would want to do that with a more collective effort.Form guide (most recent first)Afghanistan: LWLWW
South Africa: LWLLWWatch out for…Dale Steyn: He was the best among South Africa’s bowlers against India, but didn’t use the bouncer too often. Expect no sympathy against an inexperienced Afghanistan, who have not faced pace as quick as what they will tomorrow.Shapoor Zadran: He bowled two overs for just six runs against India with good rhythm, getting the ball to move away and beating the Indian batsmen on occasion with his left-arm seamers. Containment seems to be his strength – he has an economy rate of 6.52 in Twenty20 internationals – but he’ll want to improve his wickets tally of just three in seven games.Team newsLoots Bosman struggled to get going against India, and South Africa may think of replacing him with Herschelle Gibbs at the top. Rory Kleinveldt proved expensive, conceding 40 in his last two overs; Juan Theron, with a reputation of being a good death-overs bowler, could take his place.South Africa (possible): 1 Jacques Kallis, 2 Herschelle Gibbs/Loots Bosman, 3 Graeme Smith (capt), 4 AB de Villiers, 5 Albie Morkel, 6 JP Duminy, 7 Mark Boucher (wk), 8 Roelof van der Merwe/Johan Botha, 9 Juan Theron/Rory Kleinveldt, 10 Dale Steyn, 11 Morne Morkel.Afghanistan: (possible) 1 Karim Sadiq, 2 Noor Ali, 3 Mohammad Shahzad (wk), 4 Nowroz Mangal (capt), 5 Asghar Stanikzai, 6 Mohammad Nabi, 7 Raees Ahmadzai, 8 Samiullah Shenwari, 9 Hamid Hassan, 10 Shapoor Zadran, 11 Dawlat Ahmadzai.Pitch and conditionsThis is the second of the three floodlit games scheduled for this tournament. Barbados has traditionally boasted the quickest tracks in the Caribbean, and the batsmen can expect the ball to nip around as well as gain the extra bounce. There are scattered showers forecast for the day.Stats and trivia Albie Morkel has hit the most sixes – 23 – for South Africa in Twenty20 internationals. Noor Ali leads the fours tally for Afghanistan with 15.The Kensington Oval in Barbados will be hosting its first floodlit game. Before Wednesday, the venue had hosted just one Twenty20 international, a truncated fixture between West Indies and Australia won by the hosts.Quotes”They have no fear and they have nothing to lose, which makes them dangerous.”
Graeme Smith is not taking Afghanistan lightly.

A fine innings from the teenage opener Stafanie Taylor aided West Indies women wrap up the three-game Twenty20 series over Sri Lanka at St Mary’s Park

Cricinfo staff24-Apr-2010
Scorecard
A fine innings from the teenage opener Stafanie Taylor aided West Indies wrap up the three-game Twenty20 series over Sri Lanka at St Mary’s Park. Taylor’s unbeaten 54 from 45 deliveries was just the reply West Indies needed in their nervous pursuit of a target of 121 and she sealed the affair with three wickets remaining. This was West Indies’ second successive win after they took the first Twenty20 and they now have an unassailable lead in the series which is a build-up to next week’s ICC World Twenty20.It wasn’t all that rosy, especially after the home side slipped to a disastrous 25 for 5, but Taylor, 18, forged two successful partnerships to get West Indies home. She put on 4 for the sixth wicket with Shanel Daley (19 off 21 balls) and 51 from 41 balls with her captain Merissa Aguilleira, a partnership which sealed the match. Aguilleira made 26 from 23 balls. Taylor’s unbeaten innings earned her a second Man-of-the-Match award after she hit 50 in the first game.Earlier, Sri Lanka had been kept to 120 for 9 after they won the toss and batted, with the offspinner Anisa Mohammed netting 4 for 26. She accounted for the middle and lower orders after Dedunu DaSilva (36) and Chamari Attapttu (17) added 58 for the first wicket.