Afghanistan will play their inaugural Test between June 14 and 18 in Bengaluru against India. The announcement was made after officials from both the BCCI and the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) met in Delhi on Tuesday. Never before has a Test match been played in India in the month of June.In December last year, the Indian board agreed to host Afghanistan’s debut Test. The match will be played one year after Afghanistan were inducted as a Full Member by the ICC – along with Ireland – in June 2017.Before the Test, Afghanistan will play a warm-up match, most likely a three-day game, the schedule for which will be announced later.Despite being a country with a history of conflict, Afghanistan have taken impressive strides across all levels in world cricket. They qualified to play their first-ever ODI World Cup in 2015 and are likely to be a strong contender at the 2019 World Cup Qualifiers in March. Although the national players have training bases overseas – in Delhi and the UAE – the ACB, with help from the ICC, has initiated development programmes at the grass-roots level over the past decade.According to Shafiqullah Stanikzai, the ACB chief executive officer, the BCCI has agreed to provide more exposure to Afghanistan players and also help out in the overall development of their cricket. “Our junior cricketers – from Under-17s to emerging sides to the A teams – will be having regular tours to India,” Stanikzai said. “In addition, the BCCI has said it will provide technical support, and merge Afghanistan in their education programmes – coaching, umpiring, curators, performance analysts, speicialised coaching – and help us wherever it can.”The BCCI has also approved the ACB’s request to have a second training base in India, in addition to the existing one in Greater Noida on the outskirts of Delhi. ACB officials are scheduled to carry out a recce of two more venues, both in northern India, before finalising their choice.Afghanistan will be the fourth team to play their maiden Test against India, following Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh.

Arsenal are weighing up their defensive options ahead of transfer deadline day, as Mikel Arteta prepares to add to his backline following the injury to Jurrien Timber.

The Dutchman was injured just 50 minutes into the Premier League season, leaving the Gunners short at the back once more, however, another potential replacement for the 22-year-old has emerged.

With just over three days left to do business in the transfer window, it’s expected to be a busy period of both incomings and outgoings at the Emirates.

Who could Arsenal sign this summer?

Taking into consideration the injury to Timber and the expected sale of Rob Holding, Arsenal could be two centre-backs short by the time the window is closed.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

According to FootballTransfers, a new target has been revealed in the form of Barcelona ace Eric Garcia.

The report claims that the Gunners are ‘working to sign’ the centre-back, who is said to fit the requirements wanted from Arteta to fill the gap left by Timber.

Considering Barcelona’s financial woes, it’s added that the Catalan giants would ‘prefer to sell’ the 22-year-old rather than loan him out, with FootballTransfers valuing him at €26.6m (£23m).

Earlier in the window, reports from Spain (via Football365) reported that Nou Camp president Joan Laporta was looking for around €20m (£17m).

How good is Eric Garcia?

Having learned the art of the game through the guidance of Pep Guardiola and the infamous La Masia set-up, Garcia’s footballing brain is one expected of a player moulded by such influences.

In 2017, the Spaniard departed the comforts of La Masia to endeavour a challenge in England, joining Manchester City’s academy at U18 level.

Four years and 19 Premier League appearances later, the defender ventured back to the Camp Nou, where he has since recorded 52 La Liga appearances for his boyhood club.

Now, the 22-year-old could be on course to add to his Premier League tally, with Arsenal’s interest presenting a potentially exciting move for the Gunners, who could hugely benefit from the youngster's arrival.

Having been hailed as a “monster” with an “elegant” streak to his game by scout Jacek Kulig, the Spaniard could replicate a fellow defensive signing that has proved to be a monumental hit at the Emirates.

William Saliba arrived in north London back in 2019 and journeyed through three loan spells before making a senior appearance for Arsenal in order to gain vital experience.

At 22, the Frenchman has asserted himself as one of Arteta’s most important players and one of the Premier League’s most impressive central defenders.

In capturing the talent of Garcia, the Spaniard could encapsulate the qualities and youthful spark of Saliba in a move that could be fundamental to the north Londoners’ title hopes.

While the two centre-backs are strong in their defensive duties, both players excel in areas relating to their distribution from the heart of defence.

As per FBref, last season Saliba averaged an assured pass completion rate of 91.0% per 90, as well as recording an average 3.69 progressive passes per 90.

Such numbers were similarly recorded by Garcia, who averaged a 90.9% pass completion rate and a mammoth 6.67 progressive passes per 90, showcasing the similarities in their playing styles.

Therefore, the Barcelona gem could be the perfect fit for Arteta’s set-up, as highlighted by his strengths lying in mirrored areas to the Spaniard’s favoured defender, making him the ideal candidate to install at the Emirates alongside another player of his mould, in the form of fan-favourite Saliba.

Journalist Wayne Veysey has shared some West Ham United transfer news as they may not be done despite the closure of this summer's window.

Who have West Ham signed this summer?

David Moyes and the Hammers hierarchy sealed some impressive deals over the latest transfer market, putting pen to paper on multi-million pounds moves for Edson Alvarez, James Ward-Prowse, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Ghana star Mohammed Kudus.

The quartet came in after they sold both star midfielder Declan Rice, who joined Arsenal for around £105 million, and striker Gianluca Scamacca to Atalanta.

So far, some have proven to be very shrewd additions, particularly Alvarez who put in a Man of the Match display against Luton Town on Friday night; subsequently attracting praise from members of the media.

However, it is arguably Kudus who is the most exciting of the lot, especially when factoring in his performances at both club and international level over the last 12 months.

“I’m delighted we’ve been able to bring Mohammed to West Ham United,” said the manager.

“He’s a terrific young talent, who has already shone at the very highest level for Ajax in the Champions League and made well over 150 senior appearances at the age of 23 – so it was no surprise to see so many top clubs chasing his signature this summer.

“The fact we’ve been able to attract a player of his undoubted quality to London Stadium shows the pull West Ham have now – the Board and Tim deserve huge credit for getting this one over the line.”

However, West Ham did ultimately fail to shore up some key areas of the squad; most notably in the striker area despite a late push for Paris-Saint Germain's Hugo Ekitike.

In some good news for the Irons, despite their summer business looking done before now, a report by journalist Veysey for Football Insider shares they could still go for a marksman.

Indeed, it is believed West Ham could now turn to signing a free-agent striker after "multiple potential summer window deals collapsed".

Despite extensive talks to bring in a centre-forward, they couldn't get one through the door, and could take to the free agent market for a solution.

Michail Antonio has started the season in fine form, but West Ham's extensive fixture schedule means they perhaps should consider bringing in another back-up alongside Danny Ings.

Who should West Ham sign?

We believe one good option could come in the form of ex-FC Porto star Moussa Marega, who recently became a free agent following his exit from Saudi side Al-Hilal.

The 32-year-old may well be an astute back-up to Antonio given his experience. Marega, during the best spell of his career, racked up 72 goals and 32 assists over 190 appearances for Porto (Transfermarkt).

Marega has actually been linked with a move to the London Stadium before, specifically back in 2019, when reports suggested that they were even close to signing him at one point.

The Malian could be a fairly solid alternative to the likes of Ings, with Moyes looking to contend in the Europa League whilst maintaining their excellent start to the new league season.

Despite the 222-run win, the defending champions are no longer in contention for the knockouts

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Jan-2018Alick Athanaze pulls one away•IDI/GettyDefending champions West Indies prevailed over Kenya in a one-sided contest in Lincoln, registering a 222-run win – their first in three games this tournament – courtesy Alick Athanaze’s unbeaten 116, and a combined nine wickets between Bhaskar Yadram and Jeavor Royal. Despite the two points, West Indies are no longer in contention for a knockout berth as hosts New Zealand and South Africa lead them on the points table.West Indies got off to a solid start after opting to bat, thanks to a quickfire fifty from Kimani Melius (60 off 45). His opening partner Keagan Simmons’ dismissal in the 15th over, however, led to the side losing their top three for four runs within the space of eight deliveries. Kenya, on their part, failed to capitalise on the quick wickets, allowing Athanaze and Kirstan Kallicharan to hoist West Indies to 150 via a 68-run partnership. While Athanaze motored on, having struck an unbeaten 76 in the previous game, the lower-order duo of Royal and Nyeem Young chipped in with 24 and 57 respectively to help their side finish on 318 for 7. Aveet Desai, the pick of the Kenya bowlers, finished with figures of 3 for 54.Subsequently, it took West Indies all of 24.4 overs to skittle the Kenya line-up with left-arm spinner Royal taking 4 for 25 in his 7.4 overs and Yadram ending with 5 for 18 from his seven overs. Only three of the Kenya batsmen mustered double-digit scores, with opener Aman Gandhi top-scoring with 37.

He says the upcoming T20Is against South Africa will be a vital series for him and also talks about failing the yo-yo test which he cleared recently to make a comeback

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Feb-2018

Suresh Raina, the middle-order batsman selected in India’s squad for the T20Is against South Africa, believes the upcoming matches will be a vital series for him as he makes an international comeback after over a year. For the long run, Raina also set his eyes on the 50-over World Cup next year, saying regular performances across the next few months could help him come back into India’s ODI team.In an interview with , Raina was asked if the T20s against South Africa would be a “do-or-die series” for him and he said: “Definitely. It feels like I’ve been selected to the Indian team for the first time. I have worked hard for the past two years, so when I saw my India jersey I felt a bit emotional that I got the jersey after quite a while. Like you said, the three games will be quite important. I have done well in whatever opportunities I have got [recently].”These T20 matches are important, then Bangladesh [T20 tri-series] and then IPL. Fifty-overs does need experience – it makes a lot of difference. Because this position is such, that you’ll come to bat when the team is in trouble.”Raina also specified that his preferred position in the team would be Nos. 4 or 5, slots which, Raina felt, will allow India’s left-hand right-hand combination to thrive.”If given a choice, I can do best at No. 4 or No. 5,” he stated. “There are five fielders inside these days, so a left-hand, right-hand combination is very useful these days. If I do well in these three games, then I’m certain I can make an ODI return too.”Raina, who made his ODI and T20I debuts in 2005 and 2006, was a consistent member of India’s limited-overs teams until he was dropped for the Australia tour in December 2015 following a string of low scores. He was kept out of India’s tour of the USA in 2016 – for matches against West Indies – before making a brief return next year. In January 2017, he scored 34, 7 and 63 in three home T20Is against England but then missed subsequent matches in the same format in the West Indies and Sri Lanka, and at home against Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Raina said that his morale was “down” when he was dropped, but he picked himself up soon after in a bid to return to the international squad.”I was quite down because I wasn’t playing,” Raina said. “Plus, I wasn’t sure why I wasn’t playing. I had made a fifty [53] against South Africa, but after that nothing happened. I thought to myself, ‘I’m not giving up, [I] want to play for the country, and [I] want to play with all my heart.”Raina put down his failing of a yo-yo test – during New Zealand’s tour of India – to too much game time at that point.”See, in the middle I was playing a lot,” Raina explained on why he failed the test back then. “Virat [Kohli] had set some parameters, and when I did the yo-yo test at the NCA 10 days ago, my speed was among the top five or six. I’ve always been fit, and I am fit now, but sometimes one needs time to recover.”Over the past domestic season, Raina finished as the sixth-highest run-scorer at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy – India’s domestic T20 tournament – with 314 runs in nine matches at a strike-rate of 146, including knocks of 126*, 61 and 56 against Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Baroda.Raina was also keen to position himself as a player who could play multiple roles by bowling a few overs, something he did consistently in ODIs from 2011 to 2015. “I am also prepared to bowl three-four overs,” he said. “My shoulder is solid too. You see, you need to chip in, bowl well, field well, so that the captain feels ‘yeah, this fellow is a utility player at No. 4-5′”.Raina also suggested MS Dhoni should take the No. 4 slot to help the inexperienced middle order, a problem they have been struggling with in ODIs.”You see Dhoni batting below, he should come up and bat more so that he gets more time to settle,” Raina said. “Now that Yuvraj [Singh] and I aren’t there, he should come and play above, so that those playing below him will also get experienced. If MS is batting on top, then he’ll keep the run rate high. If Mahi bats at No. 4, then all those below him will gain priceless experience.”Earlier, Yuvraj would hit fours and sixes at No. 4, then I’d come at No. 5, and Mahi would finish at No. 6 – so our roles were settled thanks to [former coach] Gary Kirsten.”

Leeds United have targeted a new international midfielder this summer and he appears to be keen on an Elland Road move, according to a promising update from journalist Ben Jacobs.

Will Leeds challenge for promotion?

The Whites found themselves relegated from the Premier League last season, having endured a tough campaign that saw them get through three different managers in Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce.

It meant that they have returned to the Championship for the first time since the 2019/20 season, and they are arguably seen as one of the favourites to secure promotion back to the top flight.

For that to happen, further signings could be needed before the summer transfer window comes to a close, with the addition of Joel Piroe from Swansea City a very exciting piece of business, among others.

Will Leeds sign Glen Kamara?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jacobs claimed that Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara, who has allegedly agreed terms with Leeds, prefers the idea of moving to the Whites this summer instead of staying put at Ibrox for another season.

He has been strongly linked with a switch to Elland Road and reports have claimed that a £5.5m deal was close, with Jacobs believing a transfer could be a "very decent deal".

"With Glen Kamara, that one also has some substance to it as well, in the region of £5m, which could be a bargain. I think the player would prefer the move to Leeds over staying at Rangers.

"There has been a little bit of interest from Middlesbrough as well, so there are a few Championship clubs in the mix, but at the time of recording this, nothing is necessarily done with Kamara yet."

Bringing in Kamara late on in the transfer window could be great business by Leeds, with the 27-year-old someone who has been such a key man for Rangers down the years.

He has made 193 appearances for the Scottish Premiership giants, anchoring the midfield expertly, and there is also the small matter of winning 52 caps for Finland. He won the league title with the Gers back in 2020/21, and tasted Scottish Cup glory the following campaign, and he would bring a wealth of quality and experience in the middle of the park at Elland Park.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

At 27, Kamara is primed to come in and hit the ground running, not being daunted by playing for such a big club, given Rangers' reputation throughout history, and he could take Leeds' midfield up a level in the same way Piroe will in attack, having enjoyed an 89.4% pass completion rate in the Scottish Premiership last season.

The Finn has also been hailed as both "fantastic" and "excellent" by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard in the past, during their time together at Ibrox as player and manager respectively, which further highlights the pedigree he possesses as a footballer.

كشف سيف فاروق جعفر لاعب فريق الكرة بـ الزمالك تفاصيل رحيله عن القلعة البيضاء والانتقال إلى بيراميدز، موضحًا حقيقة تلقيه عرضًا من الأهلي خلال الموسم الماضي.

وقال سيف جعفر في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة اون تايم سبورتس: “أنا زملكاوي بدون فصال، لكن في ظروف خارجة عن إرادتي اضطرتني للرحيل عن النادي، ولكني عدت وإن شاء الله أموت نفسي مع الفريق”.

وأكمل: “صعدت مع فيريرا وظهرت بشكل مميز، وتعرضت لإصابة بكسر مضاعف والموسم بالنسبة لي انتهى، وأنا حاولت التواجد مع الفريق، وكنت أتدرب مع الفريق ويدي مكسورة”.

وأردف: “فيريرا في الموسم الماضي كان يريد خروجي للإعارة إلى بيراميدز، ولم تتم الأمور، وفي يناير أرادوا أيضًا رحيلي، وبعد رحيل إمام عاشور لعبت وتمسكت بالفرصة وقدمت أداء مميزًا”.

وتابع :”بعد ذلك لظروف خارجة عن إرادتي لم أكن أشارك، ولم يكن هناك ترحيب بي داخل النادي، وتم تصدير صورة عني بأنني خائن للنادي رغم أنني كنت أريد التواجد، وآخر 6 أشهر في عقدي تحدثت مع المسؤولين عن رغبتي في الاستمرار، لكن مرة يردون ومرة لا، أنا آخر واحد من الناس رحل بنفس طريقة النجوم التي رحلت”.

وأضاف: “كان لدي عروض بعيداً عن بيراميدز، وكان هناك عرض من خلال أحد الأشخاص داخل الأهلي، لكن كان صعبا لأنني أنتمي للزمالك وألعب في النادي منذ 15 سنة، وأحب أن أشكر مسؤولي بيراميدز، منذ أن علموا بأنني متاح رغم معرفتهم برغبتي في البقاء في الزمالك، لكنهم فتحوا الباب لانضمامي، وبعد قرار العودة للزمالك لم يقفوا ضد رغبتي”.

وأردف: “استفدت في بيراميدز بشكل كبير، رغم أنني لم أشارك كثيرًا لوجهة نظر المدير الفني، لكن كل اللاعبين في بيراميدز كبار واستفدت منهم”.

وواصل سيف: “الزمالك بيتي ولا أستطيع التأخر عنه، وعندما حدث كلام لعودتي قلت أوافق بدون شروط، المجلس الحالي كان على علم بما حدث معي أثناء رحيلي، وأشكرهم على موقفهم معي وثقتهم بي، وإن شاء الله الفترة القادمة أموت نفسي لأتواجد في الفريق وأشرفهم لأنهم راهنوا عليّ”.

طالع | الشباب والرياضة تعلن التقدم بملف لاستضافة مباراة السوبر الإفريقي بين الأهلي والزمالك

وأشار: “أنا أعدت جزء كبير من عقدي لـ بيراميدز من أجل العودة لنادي الزمالك، حبًا في النادي والجماهير التي صنعتني، في فترة من الفترات الصورة لم تكن واضحة، وتم تشويه صورتي، أنا آخر واحد يشترط على الزمالك، وعندما عدت وقعت على بياض”.

وزاد: “عندما تكون في مكان تحبه وتحب جماهيره لا توجد مشكلة في التوقيع على بياض، وإن شاء الله أحصل على حقي من خلال أدائي في الملعب وأصالح الجماهير، والجمهور هو العامل رقم واحد في الفريق، لا أنسى الجمهور عندما يأتي خلفنا في كل مكان حتى والفريق سيء، هم من يعطون الحياة للفريق”.

وأتم: “لم أخف من جمهور الزمالك عندما عدت، لأنني كنت اراهن على عدم تصديقهم لما تردد عني، خاصة وأن هذا الأمر سبق وحدث مع لاعبين آخرين رحلوا بنفس الصورة، وأنا ألعب الكرة لأنني أحبها، وفعلًا أعشق النادي (بحس إني عيان لو مش في الزمالك)”.

Tottenham Hotspur's start to the season has been nothing short of exceptional, with the doom and gloom that previously surrounded the club having been well and truly expunged by the upbeat and all-action philosophy that Ange Postecoglou has brought.

Although fans are likely aware that such form will not last forever, there are actually things on the horizon that are set to strengthen the Lilywhites rather than dent their feel-good factor. One of those is the return of Rodrigo Bentancur.

When will Rodrigo Bentancur be fit?

As one of the few stars of last campaign, Bentancur's injury came at a terrible time for Antonio Conte, who was seemingly losing his patience with each passing game week.

So, to see one of his key acquisitions struck down for the foreseeable future must have been supremely frustrating for the 54-year-old, who would be sacked just one month later.

Fast-forward from the innocuous challenge that led to the rupture of his ACL, and the Uruguay international still remains out of action today, but with his return date set at around November.

Should Postecoglou manage to maintain their form until then, welcoming back the former Juventus maestro could provide that extra firepower and energy from the engine room to truly take their season to the next level.

After all, the Australian had noted: "He’s definitely keen. And it’ll be great to get him back because his contribution when he first came to the club was outstanding. In many respects he’ll be like another new signing for us, which is great, but we won’t rush it."

Joining alongside Dejan Kulusevski for just £20m, the 26-year-old only really seemed to hit his stride during the 2022/23 term, with his five goals and two assists proving vital across his 18 Premier League appearances.

Despite missing a huge chunk of the campaign, his tally was only bettered by Harry Kane and Heung-min Son from within the Spurs squad, with Statman Dave highlighting one "monster" of a performance back in September 2022.

As such, his 7.21 average rating made him their second-highest-rated player, further buoyed by his 85% pass accuracy, 0.6 key passes and 2.5 tackles per game, via Sofascore. The hope will be that his return to the side could prove pivotal in maintaining their impressive form, with his relationship with James Maddison sure to be key.

How good is James Maddison?

The former Leicester City star has taken to life in north London with ease after his £40m move, swiftly becoming one of Postecoglou's most important figures.

With two goals and two assists in just four games, he is deservedly their highest-rated player in the league, and as such has earned praise from pundit Joe Cole: "The more I think about it he could be the best signing of the summer. I am so excited for him, especially the way Ange plays."

Given the former Celtic tactician has often operated with two number eights within his system, who help to both spearhead the press and uphold their attack, perhaps Bentancur's return could see him take this spot alongside Maddison as the perfect combination both physically and technically.

Highest-rated players in Premier League

Average Rating

Rodri (Manchester City)

8.20

Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

8.10

James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur)

8.07

Heung-min Son (Tottenham Hotspur)

7.95

Joachim Andersen (Crystal Palace)

7.85

All stats via Sofascore

After all, clearly his defensive credentials are at the necessary level, and his 6 foot 2 frame helps to make him a unique profile compared to the silky 26-year-old magician.

The only downside would be to push Pape Sarr out of the starting side, who too has enjoyed a fine start to the term.

However, at 20 years old, he still has plenty of growing to do despite having posted a 7.40 average rating in the league, upheld by one goal, one assist, one key pass and 4.3 ball recoveries per game, via Sofascore.

At the very least it will be an enthralling watch to see who comes out on top in the battle for this midfield spot, if the Senegalese star is to maintain his form until Bentancur's return.

Leeds United have agreed personal terms to sign Glasgow Rangers defensive midfielder Glen Kamara, and a fresh report has provided an update on talks between the clubs.

Where is Glen Kamara originally from?

Kamara was born in Tampere, Finland, but has spent his entire career in the United Kingdom. He joined Arsenal's academy first, after which he graduated and moved north to Dundee FC and now Rangers in search of first-team football, and he's emerged this summer as a target for Daniel Farke in LS11.

After The Daily Mail Transfer Confidential's initial claim that the Whites were considering an offer for the 27-year-old, the pursuit temporarily quietened down, but Graham Smyth recently reported that he was back “on the radar” as a result of Tyler Adams completing his permanent switch to Bournemouth.

Since then, TEAMtalk have revealed that the 49ers, Middlesbrough and Coventry have all held talks regarding a swoop for the central talisman, though with technical director Gretar Steinsson the chief pushing the hardest to secure his services, the player appears to have made his decision on his favoured destination out of the three teams in the Championship.

Are Leeds signing Glen Kamara?

According to Football Insider, Leeds have “agreed terms” with Kamara after a "breakthrough" in discussions. The two clubs are set to continue “talks” over the designated fee, but it’s believed that his price tag has been set at £5.5m.

The Light Blues have “given the green light” for their veteran to move onto new pastures before the end of the window, therefore, he is “not expected to play for the club again”.

The Whites target, who wasn’t training with the first team at the start of the season, was also missing from his squad for their 2-2 Champions League play-off draw against PSV Eindhoven, so this is one that could develop quickly in the coming days.

How much is Glen Kamara worth?

Rangers only paid Dundee £50k for Kamara, and whilst he won’t come anywhere near this cheap considering that he still has another two years remaining on his contract, Leeds should definitely spend the £5.5m that his club north of the border want to receive for him.

The StormSportsX client, who’s sponsored by Nike, last season recorded an 89.4% pass success rate which was higher than any of the regular starters managed in the top-flight, via WhoScored, highlighting his calmness and composure on the ball which would be an upgrade on the current options available to Farke.

Read The Latest Leeds Transfer News HERE…

Michael Beale’s 5 foot 11 star, who has the versatility to operate in six different positions over the grass, is also capable of contributing to efforts in the final third having posted 20 goal contributions (11 assists and nine goals) during his time at the club, so he’s an extremely well-rounded individual.

The Teddy Bears’ “monster”, as dubbed by his former manager Steven Gerrard, has even experienced plenty of success having previously won the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup, alongside being named Finland’s Football of the Year for 2022.

The Whites are set to complete the signing of Joel Piroe from Swansea City this weekend, as per Fabrizio Romano, and it appears as though Kamara could be the next exciting signing to follow the Dutchman through the doors at Elland Road.

It is never quiet at Manchester United, with the international break having brought with it further controversy for the Old Trafford outfit amid what has already been a turbulent start to the campaign.

The previous weeks and months have seen a prospective sale of the club by the Glazer family fail to pan out, with the Red Devils also coming under fire amid reports of an initial plan to bring Mason Greenwood back into the fold – only for the Englishman to subsequently move on loan to Getafe.

More recently, struggling winger Jadon Sancho hit back at manager Erik ten Hag on Twitter following criticism of his training ground displays in the build-up to the defeat to Arsenal, while fellow forward Antony – who was signed on an £86m deal from Ajax last summer – is now facing a spell away from the first-team, amid worrying allegations of alleged assault and domestic abuse.

Who can replace Antony at Man United?

With it unclear as to if and when the Brazilian will return to Ten Hag's set-up, the Dutchman will have to make do without a player who has been a firm favourite of his in recent times, with the 23-year-old having started all four Premier League games this season.

Although the former Sao Paulo man has not exactly impressed in a United shirt to date, with only eight goals and three assists in 48 appearances in all competitions, it will still leave Ten Hag with something of a headache in that right-wing berth.

While there is an argument to be made that Alejandro Garnacho could be shifted over to that side, there will also be calls for 21-year-old, Facundo Pellistri to fill that void, with the Uruguayan having looked "scintillating" when he has featured in recent times – as per writer Alex Turk.

That being said, the diminutive talent has not exactly been Ten Hag's go-to man in the past with just 12 senior appearances for the club to date across the last three years or so, with it perhaps also wise to consider academy starlet, Omari Forson for that vacant role on the flanks.

Who is Omari Forson?

The 19-year-old notably hit the headlines in pre-season after being withdrawn in just the 36th minute in the defeat to Borussia Dortmund, with Ten Hag making the decision to substitute the teenager following his altercation with Julian Ryerson – a flare-up that the United boss hinted could have been a red card in a normal, competitive fixture.

Despite that obvious low, the fact that the England youth international was able to feature so prominently over the summer is a testament to his "outstanding" talent – as described by Everton youth coach Keith Southern – with big things expected of a player who has dazzled in the youth ranks of late.

The fleet-footed youngster – who can operate on either wing – notably enjoyed an "excellent" 2022/23 campaign, according to journalist Steven Railston, after scoring nine goals and providing three assists in just 25 games in all competitions.

While yet to make his first-team bow, Forson does now boast an overall tally of ten goals and five assists in just 31 appearances for United's U21 squad, with that an impressive return considering he only turned 19 back in July.

Evidently a real threat in the final third, the emerging prospect could represent a more natural replacement for Antony than Pellistri as a left-footer who likes to cut in from the right, with it set to be no surprise if Ten Hag does look his way over the coming weeks and months.