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It was obvious that Jose Mourinho was finished at Fenerbahce the moment the full-time whistle blew in last month's Champions League qualifier at Benfica. However, it also felt like his time at the top was over, too, because Mourinho no longer seemed quite so special.

During this year in Turkey, he had continued to court controversy like no other figure in football, but he failed to win a trophy, which is why Fenerbahce decided that the outspoken Portuguese was more trouble than he was worth and, thus, dismissed him on August 29 – two days after the 1-0 loss in Lisbon.

And yet less than three weeks after his sacking, Mourinho was asked to return to the Estadio da Luz, with Benfica president Rui Costa having come to the rather surprising conclusion that the best man to replace Bruno Lage was the coach he'd just outwitted to reach the Champions League proper.

Consequently, Mourinho is not only back at Benfica, he's also back where he belongs – at least as far he's concerned.

"I was lucky in my career to coach a lot of giants: Real Madrid, Inter, Manchester United and Chelsea. Benfica is also a giant and a giant club entails giant responsibilities, giant expectations – it's all giant," Mourinho told UEFA. "But it's the kind of challenge I need."

Whether it's the kind of challenge he can still overcome remains to be seen. Indeed, as the 62-year-old prepares to lead the Eagles out in Tuesday's Champions League clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, the scene of some of his most memorable triumphs, Mourinho is undeniably under pressure to prove that he can still cut it at the very highest level.

Getty Images Sport'What was done before doesn't count'

Mourinho has always claimed that while his enemies in the game can "steal everything" from him, nobody can take away the "story" he has created – and he's got a point.

The Portuguese is one of the most compelling characters in football history – and also one of its most successful. He really has seen and done it all, the only manager to have won all three current UEFA club competitions.

For all the accusations of arrogance levelled against him, one can hardly blame him, then, for considering the room full of trophies, medals and mementos that he has in his home as a kind of "museum". After all, when it comes to retelling the story of modern football, Mourinho's name will feature frequently.

However, he is absolutely adamant that he's not done yet, that there are still a few chapters to be written. "When you're still working," Mourinho says, "when you still have your ambitions, what was done before doesn't count."

It's a sentiment that explains why he jumped at the opportunity to make an immediate return to club football with Benfica. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportAn unquenchable fire

Mourinho himself thought that when he finally returned to work in his native Portugal, it would be to take charge of the national team. Even from the outside, it looked like the logical step – and particularly at this stage of his life, and his club career.

As a younger manager, Mourinho wasn't sure if he would always have the same fire burning inside him – but former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson once assured him that, for men like them, it never goes out. And Mourinho has found that to be the case.

After taking charge of his first Benfica match on September 20 – just under 25 years after his last – Mourinho realised that while the time had flown by, it had not changed his "nature", "passion", or "way of being".

And there can be no arguments on that front.

Getty Images SportA 'f*cking disgrace'

When Mourinho returned to Italy to take charge of Roma in 2021, 11 years after his treble triumph at Inter, he claimed that he was a changed man. He'd matured, he insisted, and no longer went looking for arguments.

However, in his very first press conference as Roma coach, he immediately opened fire on a wide range of targets, including Didier Deschamps, Antonio Conte and even Luke Shaw. Then, just over a month into his first season in the Italian capital, he received the first of his seven red cards with the Giallorossi.

During his two-and-a-half-year spell at the Stadio Olimpico, Mourinho showed that when it comes to firing up a fan base, he has few rivals, while he also led a success-starved club to back-to-back European finals.

He won the first, too, against Feyenoord, but after losing the second, to Sevilla, he waited around in the carpark at the Puskas Arena to launch a foul-mouthed tirade at the blameless officials.

The only "f*cking disgrace" in Budapest that night was Mourinho and it didn't really come as much of a surprise to see the Friedkin Family fire him after a rotten run of Roma form midway through the 2023-24 season.

Basically, once Mourinho stops winning games, it becomes difficult to justify either his tedious tactics or touchline tantrums – as Fenerbahce quickly discovered to their considerable cost.

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AFPA clever PR move from the president

Fenerbahce took a major gamble on Mourinho reproducing his old magic in Istanbul but it backfired badly. According to , sacking Mourinho and his coaching just over a year after hiring them will set the Super Lig side back more than €10 million (£8.7m/$11.7m).

So, why did Benfica feel that Mourinho was a risk worth taking?  Well, for starters, Mourinho's stock has fallen in recent years – meaning so, too, have his salary demands.

Rui Costa revealed that Mourinho will earn €3m (£2.6m) in the first season at Benfica, and €4m (£3.5m) in the second. These are obviously not insignificant sums of money but they are quite small for a man that was once considered the best manager in world football.

It's not just about money for Rui Costa either. Mourinho remains "a global brand", as he put it. "Jose's presence will spark interest and curiosity," the former Portugal international said. "Both Benfica and the league will benefit from his exposure."

Certainly, from Rui Costa's perspective, you really can't put a price on this kind of publicity – and particularly just a few weeks before a presidential election…

Tottenham Hotspur’s summer has been anything but quiet.

After a rollercoaster 2023/24 season that saw them lift the Europa League trophy while only narrowly avoiding relegation with a 17th-place league finish, the club’s leadership took the controversial decision to part ways with Ange Postecoglou.

In his place, Brentford’s Thomas Frank has been handed the reins, charged with overseeing a rebuild that balances European competition with the demands of the Premier League.

Key players have come and gone in recent months. Club legend Son Heung-min brought the curtain down on a decade of service, heading to LAFC, while West Ham’s Mohamed Kudus arrived in North London for £60m to inject fresh attacking quality.

More recently, Spurs have moved closer to finalising a big-money deal for Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, set to beat rivals Arsenal to his signature.

The 27-year-old England international is seen as a natural creative replacement after James Maddison was ruled out for the season with an ACL injury.

But Frank and the Spurs hierarchy know that one player alone cannot transform their attacking play.

Spurs eyeing La Liga star

Eze’s flair and invention will be vital, but Spurs remain determined to add further options before the window closes.

With Manchester City’s Savinho also linked, the North London club are actively scouring the market for players who can offer versatility, directness, and a final-third threat.

Among the names discussed internally, one winger in particular has emerged as a serious target.

According to reports from Spain, Tottenham are considering a move for Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo, with claims suggesting they are weighing up a €70m (£60m) bid to secure his signature.

The Japan international has become one of La Liga’s standout wide players in recent years, described by journalist Kiyan Sobhani as an “offensive menace.”

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Still only 24 years old, Kubo is tied down to Sociedad until 2029, but tensions between player and club have grown.

He has voiced frustration with president Jokin Aperribay’s management, publicly criticising the lack of squad investment and the absence of reinforcements needed to challenge for Champions League qualification.

His concerns were sharpened after Sociedad slumped to 11th last season, watching bitter Basque rivals Athletic Club celebrate a top-four finish. Despite this, manager Sergio Francisco has insisted that Kubo remains central to his plans.

Nevertheless, the winger is reportedly open to leaving and views the Premier League as the ideal next step in his career.

Interest from other Premier League sides – including West Ham and Everton – has been noted, but Spurs’ financial power and Champions League football give them an edge.

How Kubo and Eze could transform Spurs

Should Spurs complete the double swoop of Eze and Kubo, they would boast two of the most dynamic attacking midfielders in the league – players who thrive on creativity, dribbling, and unlocking defences.

Both possess the rare ability to make something out of nothing, and their numbers suggest they could be highly complementary in Frank’s system. Looking at their best seasons at club level, the data is telling.

Matches

36

Goals

5

Chances Created

45

Touches in opposition Box

129

Take-ons

75

Kubo averaged 4.32 progressive carries per 90 in 2022/23, compared to Eze’s 2.40 last season.

This demonstrates Kubo’s tendency to drive the ball forward aggressively from wide areas, while Eze excels in advancing possession through passing.

He averaged 3.37 progressive passes per 90, significantly higher than Kubo’s 2.99.

Together, they could provide balance: one primarily advancing with the ball at his feet, the other through vision and distribution.

Passing efficiency is similar, with Kubo completing 71% and Eze 74.2%, while both ranked highly in terms of creating danger.

Eze’s 4.69 shot-creating actions per 90 underline his playmaking pedigree, while Kubo produced a healthy 3.55.

In terms of dribbling, both are capable: Eze attempted 2.33 successful take-ons per 90, slightly above Kubo’s 1.81, but the Japan international had more overall carries (31.0 vs. 29.2) and more touches in the attacking third (27.2 vs. 20.7).

In other words, while Eze is more of a central orchestrator who combines creativity with goal threat – as shown by his 14 goals and 11 assists last season – Kubo offers relentless forward momentum from the wings, stretching defences and providing service into the box.

Between them, they could supply a constant stream of chances to Richarlison and Solanke, while also chipping in with goals themselves.

Comparisons have already been made between Eze and a young Dele Alli – a player once valued at £90m for his blend of skill, vision, and goalscoring instincts.

The financial outlay would be significant, but with Champions League football secured and the club eager to back Frank, there is a clear sense of ambition.

In a summer that began with disappointment over Postecoglou’s dismissal, Spurs are now building momentum.

If they can land both Eze and Kubo, Tottenham’s supporters may soon find themselves watching one of the most exciting attacking duos in Europe – a partnership capable of reviving the magic that once made the Lilywhites a feared force in the final third.

He's a dream for Kudus: Spurs open talks to sign "exceptional" £26m PL star

Tottenham Hotspur have shown an interest in a star who could be a dream for Mohammed Kudus.

1 ByDan Emery Aug 18, 2025

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed Friday that Lionel Messi is fully fit and ready to feature against Charlotte FC this weekend as MLS resumes following the international break. The Miami manager confirmed that Messi trained with the first team following his return from World Cup qualification duty with Argentina.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Messi trains with Miami

  “Leo is doing well. He trained with us all week and he’ll be available for the game against Charlotte,” said Mascherano in his pre-match news conference. 

  The trip to Bank of America Stadium will be Miami’s first MLS outing since the FIFA window and their defeat in the Leagues Cup final to the Seattle Sounders.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Squad concerns

  The Argentine coach will, however, be without several key players. Luis Suárez is serving a three-game suspension for an incident in the Leagues Cup final, while Fafa Picault, David Ruiz, Allen Obando, and Baltasar Rodríguez are all sidelined.

  “If there’s one thing I’ve learned this season, it’s how to adapt,” Mascherano said. “We’ll be missing Fafa, David, and Luis because of suspension, and Baltasar is unlikely to make it as well. But that opens up opportunities for others to step in and prove their value.”

• Getty Images Sport
  

  A tough test

  Charlotte come into the match in red-hot form, riding an eight-game winning streak that has propelled them into the top spots of the Eastern Conference. They currently sit four points ahead of Miami.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Leagues Cup rematch ahead

  It’s a busy week ahead for the Herons. After Saturday’s trip to Charlotte, Inter Miami will host the Seattle Sounders on Tuesday in a Leagues Cup final rematch, followed by a clash with D.C. United on Saturday, Sept. 20.

A frustrating wait over the Gabba’s future has prompted a joint plea for a new 2032 Olympic stadium from tenants Queensland Cricket and AFL club Brisbane Lions.A letter has been sent by the sporting bodies to Premier David Crisafulli urging him to reconsider his new stadium ban, backing a proposed AU$3.4 billion Victoria Park venue as the Brisbane Games centrepiece.They now want to meet with the premier to discuss the Gabba’s future, seeking assurances over a venue plan to ensure both sports will survive and “doesn’t send us broke”.Related

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• Is this the end for the Gabba?

Mr Crisafulli threw out Labor’s Olympic venue plan after winning the October 26 election, with an independent body set to launch a 100-day review and provide a new 2032 blueprint.However the Liberal National Party leader has repeatedly ruled out building a new Olympic stadium.Queensland Cricket and the Brisbane Lions are unfazed, saying they hope “common sense will prevail” when they speak with the premier after enduring an anxious wait over the Gabba’s future.”We’re hoping to meet with the new premier and his team over the next couple of weeks,” Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson told reporters on Friday.”[It is] just really to talk about what our expectations are but I guess more the frustrations that we have had over the last 18 months.”The Gabba was initially set to be knocked down and rebuilt for AU$2.7 billion under the Labor government for the 2032 Games before that was scrapped amid a backlash over rising costs.It was then set for a $600 million Olympic facelift under Labor before plans went back to square one under the new LNP government.Mr Svenson said “everything is on the table” for their government talks but backed the proposed 55,000-capacity Victoria Park stadium pitch.An independent Olympic venue review earlier this year claimed the Gabba would reach the end of its life in 2030 and was in “poor condition”.Uncertainty over the ageing facility’s future has ensured the Gabba is scrambling to host prestige international cricket matches as Australia’s No. 5 ranked Test venue.Mr Svenson said Queensland Cricket and the Lions wanted a decision on the Gabba’s fate sooner rather than later so they could plan for the future.Both sporting codes would need to find another home venue if the Gabba is revamped or replaced, with Queensland Cricket alone facing up to AU$40 million in displacement costs.”If displacement is back on the table we actually need to have that conversation with the government,” Mr Svenson said. “If this place gets knocked down and rebuilt where do the Lions play, where does Australian cricket play? It’s important for us to have certainty that it doesn’t send us broke.”Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie on Friday said he had not seen the letter but was “happy to look into it”.However, he backed its 100-day review, sticking with the government’s “no new stadium” mantra.

West Ham United have now submitted an enquiry over a deal to sign one of England’s hottest rising stars, who is expected to cost over £40m this summer, according to a report.

West Ham set sights on new midfielder

In truth, West Ham may have to strengthen in a number of different positions if they are to kick on next season, having collected just 43 points in the 2024-25 campaign, resulting in a 14th-placed finish, but there is a real desire to bring in a new midfielder.

Indeed, the Hammers have identified a number of targets in midfield over the past week, with it most recently being revealed they are leading the race to sign Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika, despite rival interest from fellow Premier League side Everton.

Target

Current club

Potential cost

Raphael Onyedika

Club Brugge

£25.5m

Yunus Musah

AC Milan

£21m

Mario Stroeykens

Anderlecht

£17m

Stroeykens differs a little from the other targets, given that the Belgian is attack-minded, predominantly featuring in an advanced role for Anderlecht last season, and the Irons also have their eye on a similar type of player from within the Premier League.

That is according to a report from The Boot Room, which states West Ham have now submitted an enquiry over a deal for Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, having been closely monitoring the Englishman’s situation at Anfield.

There could well be fierce competition for Elliott’s signature, however, with nearly half of the Premier League submitting enquiries of their own, including Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, who are set to take part in next season’s Champions League.

RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund headline the interest from abroad, with Jurgen Klopp pushing to sign his former player, and the Reds are willing to cash-in on the attacking midfielder if they receive an offer of more than £40m.

"Phenomenal" Elliott leads England U21s to Euros glory

England retained their U21 European Championships title courtesy of a 3-2 victory against Germany on Saturday night, and the Liverpool maestro played a major role in the triumph, scoring a total of five goals throughout the tournament.

However, the 22-year-old didn’t play anywhere near as significant a role in Liverpool’s Premier League title triumph last season, picking up just one goal and two assists after featuring sporadically throughout the campaign.

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As such, the Englishman may need to move on this summer, and his performances for his country suggest he could be capable of making a real impact elsewhere, so it is exciting news that West Ham are in the mix for his signature.

Having been lauded as “phenomenal” by journalist David Lynch, Elliott could be a fantastic addition to Graham Potter’s squad, and the fact he has Premier League experience could make the England U21 star a preferable option to Stroeykens, who is unproven outside Belgium.

With no chance of dew, their spinners and their swing bowlers can really shine

Sidharth Monga19-Jun-20241:55

Flower: Afghanistan’s openers should attack India

The punchline when day-night cricket first started was “big boys play in the night”. Nearly five decades later, at a T20 World Cup, the big boys from India are playing all their games in the morning. Afghanistan come into this crucial Super Eight match having played all their four league matches in the night. That, though, is not a disadvantage. In fact, their coach Jonathan Trott said they prefer playing in the morning. They quite fancy themselves as the big boys.”I think day games actually suit us better,” Trott said. “So, quite excited to play India in a day game. Obviously, they’re a very, very good side in the day. Obviously one of the favourites and with being favourites obviously it has added pressure for India, and hopefully we can come in obviously perceived as underdogs but in my mind very much not underdogs and fully prepared and ready for the battle that confronts us tomorrow, which I’m very excited about.”Part of the reason Afghanistan fancy themselves during the day is their bowling attack. Their spinners are world-class, and in Fazalhaq Farooqi, they have a swing bowler in the mould of Bhuvneshwar Kumar. These are exactly the kind of bowlers that can do without any threat of dew.Related

Trott: 'To play at this level with their upbringing – it's truly mind-blowing'

Afghanistan's bowlers will ask questions, and India's batters must answer them

“I think when you’ve got the spinners with the experience of T20 cricket, like we have, I think you would obviously say that’s one of our strengths, but yet one of our seamers is a leading wicket-taker in the tournament,” Trott said. “We’ve seen, certainly over the last couple of years, a more rounded side with regards to the ball and on conditions. So, if it swings and seams, we can take wickets; if it spins, hopefully, we can take wickets as well.”However, Trott did say the spinners can’t relax just because there won’t be dew. “If it’s going to spin, it’ll probably help us,” Trott said. “If it doesn’t spin, we’ve got to bowl well as spinners. Spinners can’t just rely on spin to be able to take wickets and pressure. So that goes for both sides, I’m sure. And India have got some good spinners themselves. So, it’s going to be a good contest.”Afghanistan might be surprise entrants into the Super Eight, having come through ahead of New Zealand, but they command respect from their opponents. “If you just look at their squad,” India’s coach Rahul Dravid said, “they might not have a lot of international experience as in the other formats of the game, but a lot of their players do play in a lot of T20 leagues, more than in fact some of our players do. They are sort of well-travelled cricketers, especially in the T20 circuit, T20 league, a lot of them. They are very prominent members of their IPL teams, other teams as well. So, certainly in this format they are not a team to be taken lightly. They are deservedly in the Super Eight, and we will not treat them any differently than any other team that we expect to play in the Super Eight.”

Thomas Frank’s appointment at Tottenham Hotspur has started a new era at the football club, looking to build on the progress made by Ange Postecoglou.

The Aussie won the Europa League in his final game in charge, securing their place in the Champions League and handing the supporters a memorable night at the end of a dismal season.

Such a decision to sack him may have appeared harsh, but it now hands the former Brentford boss the opportunity to create new history for the club in North London.

With the summer transfer window once again open for sides to make new additions, the hierarchy have already wasted no time in targeting moves to hand him with the tools he desires.

Numerous areas of the pitch are in need of investment to help provide quality and depth in key areas, especially if they are to be competitive in the Premier League and Europe.

The latest in Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

After Frank’s arrival, winger Bryan Mbeumo has been largely touted with a move to follow his former manager across the capital to join Spurs this window.

However, if they are to land the 25-year-old’s signature, they will have to fend off interest from Manchester United, with the Red Devils seemingly in pole position at present.

Another name has entered the frame within the attacking department in recent days, with Rennes star Arnaud Kalimuendo firmly on their radar, according to French outlet L’Equipe.

Their report claims that the Lilywhites have been in talks with the Ligue 1 outfit over a deal for the 23-year-old, who’s scored 18 times across all competitions in 2024/25.

It also states that he’s valued at around the €25m (£21.3m) mark, but will face competition for his signature, with sides in Spain and Germany also wanting a move for the 23-year-old this summer.

Why Spurs’ latest target could be Frank’s next Wissa

As previously mentioned, Mbeumo was a key part of Frank’s success at Brentford, but striker Yoane Wissa also thrived under his guidance and reached levels never seen in his career before.

The DR Congo forward made 35 appearances in the league last time around, registering a total of 19 goals and four assists, forming an excellent partnership with the Cameroonian.

Like his current teammate, he’s been linked with a move to join Spurs this window, potentially following the manager in moving to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

However, they’re not alone in their hunt, with Nottingham Forest once again emerging in the race after having an offer rejected for him back in January.

If Frank is unable to land a reunion with Wissa, he should pursue a move for Kalimuendo, with the Frenchman having all the tools to be a threat in the Premier League.

The Rennes ace, who’s been labelled “one of the most prolific” stars by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has registered a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate, backing up the claim made about him.

He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted and registered a higher take-on success rate – handing Frank the all-round option he’ll need in North London.

Arnaud Kalimuendo

Stade Rennais

33

17

Hugo Ekitiké

Eintracht Frankfurt

33

15

Emanuel Emegha

Strasbourg

27

14

Benjamin Sesko

RB Leipzig

33

13

Mika Biereth

Monaco

16

13

Liam Delap

Ipswich Town

37

12

Thierno Barry

Villarreal

35

11

Joao Pedro

Brighton

27

10

Kalimuendo’s dominance doesn’t stop there, also registering more carries into the final third and more passes into the opposition area per 90, handing the attackers around him the chance to thrive too.

Whilst Wissa may appear to be a solid option given his time under the manager at the GTEC, a move for the Frenchman could allow the boss to land his next attacking star.

If he can transfer his skillset across to England, it would be a superb signing, having the potential to explode into an elite level talent given his tender age.

He's more exciting than Tel: Spurs now confident of signing £70m "monster"

The outrageously talented attacker will be incredible for Spurs.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 17, 2025

It should be all done and dusted, shouldn’t it? With this Manchester United side, however, there is a nagging feeling that anything could happen on Thursday evening, ahead of their Europa League semi-final, second-leg clash with Athletic Bilbao.

Following last week’s remarkable 3-0 win away from home at San Mames, United return to Old Trafford with what appears to be an unassailable lead, having seemingly already placed one foot in the Bilbao showpiece later this month.

And yet, having notably shipped four against Lyon on home soil last month – with two of those goals coming against ten men – there remains a sense of anxiety regarding Ruben Amorim’s side. Will they shoot themselves in the foot at such a crucial point in the season?

Having almost thrown in the towel on the Premier League front, following a 16th top-flight defeat of the campaign away to Brentford at the weekend, the Red Devils simply can’t afford to end 2024/25 empty-handed.

Booking a place in the Europa League final is of paramount importance – Amorim must get his starting lineup correct…

Man Utd team news vs Bilbao

There is an element of two steps forward, one step back, with regard to United’s injury woes, having gradually begun to near full strength in recent weeks, only to subsequently suffer a handful of notable setbacks.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Indeed, the Premier League strugglers have been able to welcome back the likes of Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw and Amad Diallo of late, albeit while having lost the typically reliable, Diogo Dalot, for what looks to be the rest of the campaign.

That blow has been followed by concerns surrounding summer signing, Matthijs de Ligt, with the Dutchman having been forced off against the Bees on Sunday afternoon, after only making his return as a substitute against Bilbao last week.

Thankfully, Amorim revealed that the former Bayern Munich man’s injury is “not a big issue”, although the 25-year-old won’t be involved against Ernesto Valverde’s side this evening, thus leaving Amorim relatively short on depth considering that Lisandro Martinez remains a long-term absentee, while January arrival Ayden Heaven is also currently out of action.

With it looking unlikely that the former Sporting CP boss would unleash 20-year-old academy star, Tyler Fredricson, for a game of such huge importance, there is a selection dilemma to be solved for that final centre-back berth, alongside Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro.

Equally, the absence of Dalot has also left Amorim with something to ponder at wing-back…

How Man Utd's defence should look against Bilbao

With Yoro and Maguire almost nailed on to start, fitness permitting, the final centre-back berth will likely be fought out by Victor Lindelof and Shaw – two options that both present something of a risk.

In the case of Lindelof, the 30-year-old Swede looked shaky in last week’s meeting in the Basque Country, despite producing a vital goalline clearance, while as for Shaw, the long-serving Englishman has endured a torrid return to action in recent weeks.

Introduced off the bench against Lyon, the 29-year-old notably bundled into Dalot for the visitors’ third goal, before subsequently giving away a penalty in extra-time, prior to being bailed out by United’s grandstand finish.

While he did play the full 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth, Shaw was then hooked at the break against Thomas Frank’s men last time out, having scored an own goal amid a dismal 2/10 display as skipper.

Deploying the left-footer at centre-back would then be of real concern, as it would if he were to line up at left wing-back. That berth appears to be up for grabs, with teenager Harry Amass putting in his ‘weakest performance by a distance’ at the weekend, as per Manchester Evening News journalist, Samuel Luckhurst.

The obvious pick would be to select Patrick Dorgu on that side, with Noussair Mazraoui on the opposite flank, although the young Dane has struggled of late, with Luckhurst remarking that he ‘defended dozily’ for Kevin Schade’s header against the Bees.

While that 45-minute outing did see Dorgu line up on the right, even in his usual left-wing back berth he has toiled in recent games, with the trip to Bilbao seeing him lose possession on 12 occasions, as per Sofascore.

There could then be the option of deploying the aforementioned Amad in a new role on the left, with the Ivorian having stepped up his return with a stunning strike in stoppage time on Sunday.

Largely deployed as a number ten or at right-wing back, the natural left-footer could represent a wildcard replacement for Dorgu on the left flank instead, with Mazraoui retained as a more orthodox option on the right.

While it may seem a risk to make such a change in a game of huge magnitude, the 22-year-old “wizard” – as hailed by journalist James Copley – has the energy and exuberance to pose a real threat down that flank, thus forcing the lively Inaki Williams to track back more frequently.

Among those in his position in the Europa League this season, Amad notably ranks in the top 3% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref, thus illustrating his ability to carry the ball forward from deep in a wing-back role.

Equally, his creditable work ethic also ensures that he represents a real asset defensively too, as showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 19% for tackles made per 90.

Having seen Amass and Dorgu struggle of late, with the experienced Shaw also looking out of sorts at left centre-back or wing-back, Amorim should certainly consider making such a change.

This is yet another vital game in United’s wretched season, and Amad simply has to start, one way or another.

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Manchester United could be allowed to land a new talisman who could supercharge their overhaul this summer.

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Victoria vs New South Wales

A match of two significant storylines and plenty others of interest. Sam Konstas bounced back from a first-innings duck, where he again fell to Scott Boland, to make a well-constructed half-century the second time around. But just when something more substantial was in the offing, he chopped on against Todd Murphy during a period where the game turned back in Victoria’s favour.Related

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• Abbott first to be subbed out under new Sheffield Shield injury rule

• Boland: 'I've got my own internal motivations'

• Swepson's career-best outing charges Queensland to big win

Konstas’ second innings included a scoop over the slips for six off Boland alongside some nicely controlled batting. However, with just one round of Shield matches remaining before the Test squad is selected, it feels as though he is struggling to make the cut. “[Konstas] is a baby cricketer in terms of experience as a number of batters in the game are on both sides,” NSW coach Greg Shipperd said. “There’s a lot of learning to be done and he’s learned a couple of lessons today.”If Pat Cummins is ruled out of the first Test, there is little doubt Boland will slot straight in. He became Victoria’s match-winner when he claimed the last five wickets to transform unusually expensive figures. Boland wasn’t quite at his best but has tuned up nicely in the first two games of the season. If the Perth pitch is anything like the one for the ODI against India, he could be a mighty handful.Meanwhile, Nathan Lyon continued his build towards the Ashes with 31 overs in the match, although with games having been pace-bowler dominated it will be interesting to see whether he now wants all four Shield matches before the opening Test.Sean Abbott became the first player to be subbed out under Cricket Australia’s new trial when he split his webbing, but it shouldn’t impact his Ashes prospects.It wasn’t a great game for two experienced batters hoping for another chance in Test cricket. Kurtis Patterson made 5 and 1 while Marcus Harris fell for 4 and a hard-working 20. Fergus O’Neill did all he could to keep his name in the conversation of back-up quicks with 5 for 26 in the first innings.Back to his best: Marnus Labuschagne keeps churning out the runs•Getty ImagesSouth Australia vs Queensland

Barring injury, it’s impossible to see a world where Marnus Labuschagne isn’t playing the first Test. He piled up a supreme 159 at Adelaide Oval to make it four centuries across formats this season. However, the debate rumbles on about whether he will bat No. 3 or open.Speaking to during the first ODI, having been called up following Cameron Green’s injury, he insisted he was happy to bat anywhere, but did note that first drop had been his spot.”It’s always nice when you’re scoring runs,” Labuschagne said. “You probably walk a bit taller, you’ve got that confidence, and it’s probably a nice reminder for yourself after struggling for a couple of years that you’ve still got it. It doesn’t matter how good you are or how many runs you’ve scored, when you don’t score runs for a while, those doubts creep in.”Usman Khawaja played neatly for 46 in the first innings before falling cheaply in the second. He may play one more game before the first Test, where all eyes will be on how he starts the series. Michael Neser, meanwhile, put in another big shift to suggest he’s well placed to provide support if the attack requires it.Mitchell Swepson has drifted down the spin pecking order in the last couple of years, but he bowled superbly to suggest he could still play a role when conditions allow. He barely put a foot wrong across 60 overs of expertly controlled legspin to finish with a career-best 10 for 159 in the match. Spin has played a major part in the two games at Adelaide Oval, which will be a day Test this year.Alex Carey, who played this round of Shield cricket ahead of the first ODI against India, picked out mid-off cheaply in the first innings but looked in decent order when making 43 in the second, although his dismissal early on the final day all but ensured Queensland’s victory. Jason Sangha, who has been back in the Australia A mix, made twin fifties but will need hundreds to bang the door down. Nathan McSweeney will rue not building on two starts.Jake Weatherald’s aggressive 94 was a timely performance•Getty ImagesTasmania vs Western Australia

One of the great Shield games could have included one of the more significant early-season performances. Jake Weatherald made 94 off 99 balls in conditions where runs were hard to come by. It was the sort of momentum-seizing innings that will certainly have been noted. One of the debates around Australia’s opening combination is what style of player partners Khawaja.”I was really impressed with Jake’s innings in Tassie this week,” chair of selectors George Bailey said. “Again, it was reasonably low-scoring in that first innings and I just thought the method and the decisiveness around the way he wanted to play and then the execution of that was really pleasing.”There could be a huge game ahead for Weatherald in the next round when Tasmania face Victoria at Junction Oval. That match should also see the return of Beau Webster from an ankle injury.The Hobart thriller did not include much else of immediate Ashes relevance. Matt Kelly is the early leader of the pack among the bowlers with 16 wickets at 12.37 but will likely be one of those players who fall short of higher honours.