The Al-Nassr superstar tapped in the winner but it was Mendes who was the standout player as Portugal won in Munich to reach the Nations League final.

Portugal came from behind to beat Germany 2-1 in Munich on Wednesday night, earning a place in the UEFA Nations League final where they will play either France or Spain. Two goals in the space of five second-half minutes turned the game on its head, as veteran Cristiano Ronaldo tapped in the winner.

Germany came closest in the first 20 minutes, forcing Diogo Costa into two excellent saves, including a stunning stop down low to his left to tip Leon Goretzka's driven effort around the post.

Just a minute after half-time, Ronaldo stretched to reach Nuno Mendes' superb cross, but he could only divert the ball wide. Germany went up the other end, seconds later, to take the lead through Liverpool target Florian Wirtz, who met a clever ball from Joshua Kimmich with a smart header. VAR recommended a review, but the referee stood by his original decision.

After the hour, Francisco Conceicao came off the bench and equalised with a stunning, curling drive from range. And five minutes later, Ronaldo was on hand to give his nation the lead after excellent work from Nuno Mendes down the left.

Try as they might, Germany didn't create any clear-cut chances to equalise, although substitute Karim Adeyemi did strike the woodwork with an audacious effort. It is the first time in 25 years that Portugal have beaten their German counterparts.

GOAL rates Portugal's players from the Allianz Arena…

AFPGoalkeeper & Defence

Diogo Costa (7/10):

Good save to deny Pavlovic in the first half and followed it up with a world-class stop to deny Goretzka. Rarely troubled thereafter.

Joao Neves (6/10):

Played at right-back and did okay, pushing up when he could and showing his strength in the tackle. Subbed.

Ruben Dias (6/10):

Wirtz ghosted in behind him to score. He was perhaps distracted by an offside player, but the VAR review disagreed. Technically earned an assist as he passed the ball to Conceicao before his jinking dribble and long-range strike.

Goncalo Inacio (7/10):

Dominant in the air. Good distribution from centre-back, too, in a strong showing.

Nuno Mendes (8/10):

Exceptional on the ball at times, setting Neto away more than once. A brilliant cross for Ronaldo but he missed at the back post. Did set him up eventually after a surging run. Portugal's best player.

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Bernardo Silva (6/10):

More reserved than usual but was tasked with mucking in defensively and did so well. Not quite as slippery on the ball as at club level, but he barely gives it away.

Ruben Neves (6/10):

Picked up a booking. Took care of the ball well but didn't have a great deal of thrust to his game. Subbed.

Bruno Fernandes (7/10):

Took a knock in the first half. Shook it off well and was heavily involved throughout, both on and off the ball. He works so hard.

Getty Images SportAttack

Francisco Trinaco (4/10):

Struggled to get into the game. Didn't complete a dribble, and got absolutely no change out of Max Mittelstadt.

Cristiano Ronaldo (7/10):

Stretched every sinew to reach Mendes' cross but could only divert the ball wide. Scored on 68 minutes, tapping in his 137th international goal to give Portugal the lead. Even when he doesn't play brilliantly, he is inevitable.

Pedro Neto (6/10):

Ready to run at his full-back whenever he could but his end product was lacking. Subbed in the second half.

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Nelson Semedo (6/10):

On for Joao Neves. Barely noticeable, which is a compliment.

Francisco Conceicao (8/10):

Replaced Trincao and had an immediate impact, scoring a stunning long-range goal to bring Portugal level.

Vitinha (6/10):

On for Ruben Neves. Slotted well into midfield and shuttled up and down.

Diogo Jota (6/10):

Replaced Neto. Denied superbly by Marc-Andre ter Stegen in injury time.

Joao Palhinha (N/A):

On for Ronaldo late.

Roberto Martinez (7/10):

His subs changed the game. Conceicao came on to bring Portugal level, and from there, they looked like the only team capable of winning this tie. So it proved. A very strong night's work from the Portugal head coach.

MatériaMais Notícias

São Paulo e Igor Gomes estão longe de um final feliz na novela que envolve a renovação de contrato do meia, cujo vínculo vai até o fim de março do ano que vem. Sem acerto até o momento entre as partes, o LANCE! apurou que a diretoria tricolor admite nos bastidores vender o camisa 26 por qualquer oferta que aparecer no Morumbi, como foram de pelo menos reaver algum valor pelo jogador.

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+ Confira as notas dadas pela equipe do L! ao São Paulo na derrota para o Flamengo pelo Campeonato Brasileiro

A informação vem após uma semana intensa de notícias envolvendo o nome de Igor Gomes. Durante a semana, foi ventilado que o meia pediu um valor alto para renovar seu vínculo com o Tricolor. Depois, conforme o L! publicou, o Botafogo, que já ofertara uma quantia pelo atleta antes do Brasileirão, revelou que esperará até outubro para fazer uma proposta de contrato.

A partir de outubro, Gomes pode assinar um pré-contrato com quem quiser. Em razão disso, a reportagem apurou que os empresários do jogador foram avisados por dirigentes pode trazer ao Morumbi ofertas pela liberação antecipada do meia. Um esquema semelhante ao feito pelo clube com o atacante Jonas Toró, liberado para defender o Panathinaikos, da Grécia, em troca da manutenção de 30% dos direitos econômicos pelo São Paulo.

Gomes deixou o campo vaiado na derrota por 2 a 0 para o Flamengo em pleno Morumbi, no sábado (6). Nos vestiários após a partida, o técnico Rogério Ceni defendeu seu camisa 26, uma das peças de confiança no elenco.

– São jogadores que no ano passado salvaram a equipe de de um descenso e que colaboram da melhor maneira possível. Eu não acho que o torcedor tem má vontade. Ele vem aí, botando 40, 50 mil pessoas por jogo. E eu acho que no momento que você está perdendo uma partida, somente jogadores que fazem gol não estão arriscados a serem vaiados. As pessoas têm uma ligação maior com eles – disse o treinador.

Segundo o comandante tricolor, fatores externos, incluindo as especulações em torno do nome de Igor Gomes, ajudam na avaliação negativa feita pelo torcedor.

– Eles são meninos, fazem um bom trabalho e ajudam a gente da melhor maneira possível. Podem passar por situações como eu falei já em outras entrevistas aqui. Às vezes não está em um grande momento, mas acho que é um cara que deixou tudo pelo clube. Há muita influência psicológica. Dizem “ah, o Igor Gomes quer ganhar o salário não sei o quê…” Desculpa, eu nem sei quanto é o salário. Nem sei se isso é fato ou não – comentou o treinador.

– É claro que o torcedor gosta mais do Calleri, do Luciano… eles têm gols né? Jogam de nove. É normal. Às vezes (o torcedor) sente que o jogador também faz um grande jogo, é normal. E isso faz parte da vida. Eu já saí vaiado de alguns jogos, faz parte quando você s expõe publicamente, quando aparecem algumas notícias… – completou Ceni.

Ceni ainda adota o tom professoral e indica o que se fazer para Gomes e outras crias de Cotia criticadas pela torcida, como meia Rodrigo Nestor, deem a volta por cima.

– O importante é que eles tenham cabeça boa, não desistam. Nós não vamos desistir de ninguém até o final do ano, principalmente os jogadores que encerrarem o ano aqui, se não sair mais ninguém por alguma proposta – finalizou.

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> Conheça o novo aplicativo de resultados do LANCE!

Tournament to run from October 5 to November 19; semi-finals on November 15 and 16 in Mumbai and Kolkata, final in Ahmedabad

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jun-2023

The 2023 men’s ODI World Cup will begin on October 5 in Ahmedabad, and matches will be held across ten venues, and culminate in the final – also in Ahmedabad – on November 19. The semi-finals will be held in Mumbai and Kolkata on November 15 and 16.The 45 league matches and the three knockouts will be played in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Dharamsala, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai and Pune over a span of 46 days. The two semi-finals and the final will all have reserve days. There are six day league matches in the tournament, which will start at 10:30 am IST. All other matches will be day-night games starting at 2:00 pm IST.The ICC has confirmed that if India qualify for the semi-finals, that game will be held in Mumbai, unless their opposition is Pakistan, in which case the game will be played in Kolkata.Related

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The long-awaited, and much-delayed, World Cup schedule was finally released by the ICC and BCCI at an event in Mumbai on Tuesday, just 100 days before the start of the tournament. In comparison, the fixtures for the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales and the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand were released more than 12 months in advance.The format will be the same as it was in 2019, with ten teams playing each other once in the league phase and the top four qualifying for the semi-finals. India qualified for the event as hosts, while Afghanistan, Australia, England, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa made it by finishing in the top eight of the 2020-2023 World Cup Super League. The remaining two teams will be identified at the ongoing World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe, which is being contested by Sri Lanka, West Indies, Ireland, Nepal, Netherlands, Oman, Scotland, UAE, USA and Zimbabwe.Before the tournament begins, the teams will play warm-ups in Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram and Guwahati between September 29 and October 3.India to play at nine of the ten venues in league stage, Pakistan in fiveThe 2023 World Cup begins with a rematch between the 2019 finalists – New Zealand taking on England – while hosts India open their campaign against Australia on October 8 in Chennai.India then play Afghanistan in Delhi on October 11; Pakistan in Ahmedabad on October 15; Bangladesh in Pune on October 19; New Zealand in Dharamsala on October 22; England in Lucknow on October 29; a qualifier in Mumbai on November 2; South Africa in Kolkata on November 5; and another qualifier in Bengaluru on November 11, which is the penultimate day of the league stage. India travel the most among the ten teams, playing at nine of the ten venues during the league phase. Their warm-up games are against England in Guwahati on September 30 and against a qualifier in Thiruvananthapuram on October 3.While most other teams play their nine league matches across most of the ten venues – Australia, for example, are playing at eight venues – Pakistan are playing in only five cities: Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata. The league phase concludes on November 12, with England playing Pakistan in Kolkata and Australia taking on Bangladesh in Pune.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

After the tournament opener against England, New Zealand play three matches in the south of India – against a qualifier in Hyderabad on October 9, Bangladesh in Chennai on October 14, and Afghanistan in Chennai on October 18 – before travelling far north to play two matches in Dharamsala, against India on October 22 and Australia on October 28. Their last three league matches are against South Africa in Pune on November 1; Pakistan in Bengaluru on November 4; and the other qualifier in Bengaluru on November 9. New Zealand’s warm-up games are against Pakistan in Hyderabad on September 29 and South Africa in Thiruvananthapuram on October 2.South Africa begin their campaign in the north of India, playing a qualifier in Delhi on October 8, and then play Australia in Lucknow on October 13, and the other qualifier in Dharamsala on October 17. They then travel west to Mumbai to play England on October 21 and Bangladesh on October 24, after which they head south to take on Pakistan in Chennai on October 27. Their last three league games are against New Zealand in Pune (western India) on November 1, against India in Kolkata (eastern India) on November 5, and against Afghanistan in Ahmedabad (western India) on November 10. South Africa’s first warm-up game is against Afghanistan in Thiruvananthapuram on September 29 before playing New Zealand at the same venue on October 2.Bangladesh’s World Cup starts with two games in Dharamsala – against Afghanistan on October 7 and England on October 10. They then play New Zealand in Bangalore on October 14, India in Pune on October 19, South Africa in Mumbai on October 24, before heading east to Kolkata to play a qualifier on October 28 and Pakistan on October 31. Their last two league games are against the other qualifier in Delhi on November 6, and against Australia in Pune on November 12. Bangladesh’s warm-ups are in Guwahati, against a qualifier on September 29 and England on October 2.At their third successive World Cup, Afghanistan start against Bangladesh in Dharamsala on October 7, and stay on it north India to play India and England in Delhi on October 11 and 14, then go south to play New Zealand and Pakistan in Chennai on October 18 and 23, before travelling to Pune to play a qualifier on October 30. Their last three league games are against the other qualifier in Lucknow on November 3, Australia in Mumbai on November 7 and South Africa in Ahmedabad on November 10. Afghanistan’s warm-ups are against South Africa in Thiruvananthapuram on September 29 and a qualifier on October 3 in Guwahati.

Tottenham Hotspur may have to brace for the departure of an “incredible” player this summer, with a number of clubs lining up for his signature amid tensions in the dressing room.

Tottenham's summer transfer plans

The type of summer transfer window Tottenham will have is largely dependent on how they finish the campaign, with a Europa League triumph likely to put them in a good position to attract some top players, given that it means Champions League football will on offer next season.

Spurs are particularly keen on strengthening in attacking areas, with a deal to sign Lazio forward Gustaf Isaksen now advancing, while they are also looking to sign a new striker, and moves are now being made to sign Lille’s Jonathan David.

Ange Postecoglou has also had issues at the opposite end of the pitch this season, with Archie Gray being handed a lot of game time due to the scale of the injury crisis in defence, which suggests a new centre-back may be needed this summer.

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The need to sign a new centre-back may also be exacerbated by a potential departure, with a report stating Real Madrid are now expected to make a huge bid for Cristian Romero, whose future in north London is uncertain.

There has now been a new update on Romero’s future Tottenham future, with a report from Spain revealing he is being targeted by Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, and his departure is now becoming increasingly likely.

The centre-back is said to have criticised the Spurs medical staff, which has caused tensions in the dressing room, while he is also disappointed by the lack of additions to the squad, and their poor performance in the Premier League.

As such, Postecoglou may be tasked with bringing in a replacement this summer, with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi being deemed the most suitable option.

"Incredible" Romero could be huge loss

Since arriving at Tottenham for a fee of £42m, the defender has been a key player, and he has continued to perform well across a number of key metrics over the past year, despite his side’s struggles in the Premier League.

Statistic

Average per 90

Tackles

2.10 (88th percentile)

Aerials won

3.14 (90th percentile)

Non-penalty goals

0.08 (83rd percentile)

Not only that, but the Argentina international has received high praise from the media throughout his time in north London, with Alasdair Gold once lauding him as “incredible.”

That said, the 26-year-old will have just two years left on his contract by the summer, and if he has no desire to commit to new terms, Tottenham should cash-in, rather than letting him run his deal down.

There have been suggestions Spurs would be willing to sanction a departure for £60m, which would allow them to make a tidy profit, while also providing the funds to bring in another top centre-back.

To the outside world, it looks like Lauren Filer has burst on to the scene, bowling with raw pace and taking two wickets so far on her international debut – in an Ashes Test at Trent Bridge, no less.But it was time spent over winter remodelling her action which has helped lead to this point, working intensively with Matt Mason, England’s fast bowling coach, and Jack Brooks, the veteran Somerset seamer.”They spoke together and it was all about my load up,” Filer, the 22-year-old Western Storm quick, said. “My timing was all wrong. So it was trying to load up at the same time to get my timing right basically, in simpler terms. It’s helped a lot.”I think it looks a lot different. It didn’t take me too long, it took me probably a couple of weeks to get used to it, but a lot of people have noticed it and said how weird it looks, saying they I think I’m hiding a variation, but I’m not.Related

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“It’s good for me because it makes me feel comfortable and I’m less likely to get injured as well. So for me, it’s really great and then other people notice it as well, which is nice to hear.”The new approach is also helping her to bowl even faster, too. Upon being selected, Jon Lewis, the England head coach, and captain Heather Knight had described her as being among the fastest bowlers in the country. Filer was clocked at 76 mph/123kph during the opening day of the Test, which swung this way and that to be pretty evenly poised at the close.”I know that I’ve definitely put on a few yards,” Filer added. “It’s almost easier to bowl quicker as well. I feel like last year I had to really try and it did hurt whereas now it feels I’m having a really good flow.”Filer ended a rain-interrupted day with 2 for 65, including the wicket of the vastly experienced Ellyse Perry, caught at gully for 99.Filer thought she had a wicket with her first ball in international cricket when umpire Sue Redfern gave Perry out lbw on 10. But Perry immediately called for a review, which confirmed that she had hit the ball onto her pad. Filer’s second ball beat Perry for pace, and, with her 18th delivery, she had formidable Australia opener Beth Mooney out for 33 with a 74mph/119kph delivery that climbed on her and took an edge before flying to Kate Cross at gully.”I was a bit shocked,” Filer said of learning she had earned her maiden senior cap. “I’m not usually lost for words but I didn’t really know what to say to Lewy [Lewis] when he told me.”It’s weird. I don’t think it sank in until I was on the pitch. So I didn’t feel too bad until probably about five minutes before and five minutes on the pitch. Once I fielded my first ball I think I settled down a bit, but it was definitely a bit nerve wracking at the start.”That’s a great start and that’s what I want to do as well, so I’m very happy. It’s a bit of a surreal experience, but it was a really good day, I’m a bit tired now but I really, really enjoyed it.”Filer almost had a first-ball wicket before Ellyse Perry reviewed•Getty Images

Perry, who helped Australia recover from 83 for 2 and close the day on 328 for 7, was impressed.”I had a really great tussle with Filer the whole time, I thought she was extremely impressive today on debut and brought the game alive at different points,” Perry said. “That ball [dismissal] just had my measure, which is which is totally fine. But I really enjoyed today to be out there and to be a part of it.”Sophie Ecclestone, the ICC’s No. 1-ranked bowler in both white-ball formats, who is only two years older than Filer but 110 matches more experienced at this level, made life easier for her seam-bowling team-mates, sending down a mammoth 28-over spell – which took in the lunch break and a 90-minute rain interruption – with her left-arm spin, and capturing three wickets, including Alyssa Healy for a second-ball duck.”She’s a bit of a bowling machine,” Filer said. “Bowling for two hours, that’s pretty impressive. I’ve never really seen anyone do that before, but she is still standing and she’s going strong.”It’s great that she can kind of tie up an end and that she’s consistent and we can rely on her. It’s a big, big role to fill and she does it so well. It makes the other bowlers at the other end feel comfortable doing what they’re doing because I know that she’ll go for nothing. So if I go for a for a couple of boundaries she’s got my back at the other end, that’s really good.”With the second new ball just five overs old, Filer could well be called into action early on the second day, but she was relishing the prospect.”Now with the new ball we’re definitely going to attack tomorrow morning,” she said. “It’s probably evenly poised at the moment.”

A big European club are thought to be planning to table an offer for a “brilliant” Rangers player this summer, according to a fresh update regarding his future at Ibrox.

Rangers into Europa League quarter-finals

Barry Ferguson’s side edged their way into the quarter-finals of the Europa League on Thursday night, following an extremely tense evening for all concerned at Ibrox.

Rangers may have taken a 3-1 lead with them into their home clash with Fenerbahce, but Jose Mourinho’s team won 2-0 inside 90 minutes, taking the game into extra-time, arguably looking the most likely to win it at that point.

In the end, a penalty shootout was required to separate the victory, with Jack Butland proving to be the Gers’ hero, making two important saves as Ferguson’s men battled they way into the quarters.

Next up for Rangers in the competition are Athletic Bilbao, which promises to be another tough two-legged tie – there is also the small matter of Celtic at Parkhead in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday – and a potentially mouthwatering semi-final meeting with Manchester United could await after that.

Sevilla planning offer for "brilliant" Rangers ace

According to Vamos Mi Sevilla [via Sport Witness], Sevilla are planning an £8.3m bid for Rangers striker Hamza Igamane – the serial European winners have won the UEFA Cup/Europa League five times since the 2013/14 season.

Africa Foot claim that the La Liga side are concerned about the Gers’ asking price for one of their star attackers, however, with the club demanding £20m for his services instead.

Losing Igamane for anything close to Sevilla’s bid in the summer window would be a massive blow for Rangers, and something that would cause plenty of dissatisfaction among the fanbase, so the Gers simply have to drive bids up towards the top number of £20m.

The Moroccan has scored nine goals in 18 Scottish Premiership starts this season, not to mention finding the net four times in as many appearances in the Europa League. He has many admirers, not least Derek Ferguson.

The lure of joining a club of Sevilla’s European pedigree could be big for Igamane, which will be a concern, but ultimately, 49ers Enterprises must play hardball when they come in and only entertain offers that match the asking price.

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Ideally, though, the 22-year-old will decide that his long-term future belongs at Rangers anyway, meaning he leads the line for the Scottish giants for many years to come.

PSG president sent a pointed message to Kylian Mbappe and claims Luis Enrique said they would win the Champions League before facing Arsenal.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Al-Khelaifi mocks Mbappe
• PSG won Champions League after Frenchman's exit
• President hits back at 'farmer's league' jibes

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser al-Khelaifi sent Kylian Mbappe a subtle dig after his side finally ended their long hunt for a first ever Champions League title at the end of last month. The Ligue 1 giants thrashed Inter 5-0 in the final, with their success coming after Mbappe left to sign for Real Madrid last year.

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• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ligue 1 has been criticised for being the weakest of Europe's top five leagues, having not provided a Champions League winner before PSG since 1993, when Marseille beat AC Milan in Munich. However, Luis Enrique's side beat a number of Premier League sides as they came out on top in Europe and Al-Khelaifi has made sure fans and pundits won't forget it with his most recent comments, also revealing his manager told him PSG would claim the silverware long before the final.

• WHAT AL-KHELAIFI SAID

  He told Qatari channel Al-Kass Sport: "It's easier to score goals in La Liga than in Ligue 1. Luis Enrique proudly represented Ligue 1 and defended it against Premier League fans who called it the 'farmer's league'. We ended up beating Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal in the Champions League this season.

  "Nobody thought we would win the title. We approached the Champions League step by step. The match at Anfield gave us confidence.

  "Luis Enrique told me before the match against Arsenal that we would win the Champions League. I was delighted with every goal in the final; I could hardly believe the 5-0 victory against Inter. This club has become a source of pride for Qatar and France around the world. After this incredible achievement, the club is now profitable."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  PSG previously came closest to lifting the Champions League trophy in 2020, when they were runners-up to Bayern Munich after Kingsley Coman struck the winner against his former club.

Manchester United have struggled in the transfer market as of late, overspending massively on players who ultimately haven’t been at the level required for the Premier League.

Casemiro is one player that springs immediately to mind, costing a mammoth £70m from Spanish giants Real Madrid in the summer of 2022, with the Brazilian unable to provide the impact he would’ve wanted.

The 33-year-old has only started 13 league matches out of a possible 29, highlighting the lack of faith boss Ruben Amorim has in him to change the game in a positive manner.

His contract doesn’t expire until the summer of 2026, still having another year left until the hierarchy can move him on without having to pay out the rest of his deal – unless a side decides to purchase him this summer.

It’s safe to say the deal for the experienced talent has been a failure, with the manager needing to replicate similar deals in the future given the success of one signing.

Patrick Dorgu’s stats since joining United in January

Left-back Patrick Dorgu joined United in a £30m deal back in January, looking to finally end the torment endured in such a position over the last few years.

Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have been the senior options in recent years, but both have massively struggled with injuries, restricting their first-team action at Old Trafford.

However, the Dane has wasted no time in impressing in the North West, winning 2.4 tackles per 90 along with 9.3 duels won across his first three Premier League outings.

The 20-year-old had also won an average of 4.1 fouls per 90, whilst also averaging 2.8 touches in the opposition area per game – having a real positive impact at both ends of the pitch.

Given his tender age, he’s only going to improve further, but despite his big-money move to Manchester, he’s still valued less than one other first-team member who’s thrived since Amorim’s appointment.

The United player who’s worth more than Dorgu

Since the arrival of the 40-year-old back in November, numerous players have staked their claim for a regular starting role, taking their performance levels up a notch under Amorim.

Bruno Fernandes has always been the most influential player in the current first-team, but the Portuguese international has excelled in recent outings, notching five goals and two assists in his last three outings for the Red Devils.

Winger Amad Diallo was another player who could be put into that category, nailing his starting place down in the first-team, before his recent ankle injury ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.

The Ivorian has had to bide his time at United, being sent on multiple loan spells to the likes of Sunderland and Rangers, before having his opportunity to shine this season.

Amad, who’s previously been labelled “sensational” by journalist Daniel Hussey, has registered 11 combined goals and assists since the former Sporting CP boss took the reins, starring on the right-hand side of his 3-4-2-1 system.

Arguably his best moments of the season came against local rivals Manchester City, scoring the winning goal at the Etihad, whilst also netting a hat-trick over Southampton back in January.

Games played

22

Goals & assists

12

Pass accuracy

85%

Chances created

2.2

Successful dribbles

2.1

Shots taken

2.3

Tackles won

79%

As a result of his consistent showings before his ankle issue, the 22-year-old has seen a sharp increase in his market value, now worth £33.5m according to Transfermarkt.

His subsequent value is higher than that of full-back Dorgu, who’s only valued at £21m just a couple of months after his own big-money move to the club.

It’s evident, given the performance levels and age of the aforementioned talents, that they will be the stars of United for many years to come, hopefully leading the side back to Premier League success.

If the club are to return to their previous heights, Amorim desperately needs to replicate such business and identify players like Dorgu and Amad to push the Red Devils back in the right direction.

Man Utd thought they had their new Beckham, but Ten Hag sold him for £9m

Manchester United certainly made a mistake selling a player who could’ve been their next David Beckham.

ByEthan Lamb Mar 21, 2025

تحدث البرتغالي ديكو، المدير الرياضي لبرشلونة عن لامين يامال، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي وأفضل مدرب تدرب تحت قيادته.

وأجرى الرتغالي حوارًا مع الأسطورة البرازيلية روماريو، من خلال البرنامج الذي يقدمه “وجهًا لوجه”، كشف فيه عن طموحاته مع تكوين الفريق الأول لكرة القدم.

ونقلت صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية التصريحات التي أدلى بها ديكو وقال عن أهم مهام عمله: “اهتمامي وتركيزي دومًا يكون على الفريق أكثر من اللاعبين وحدهم”.

اقرأ أيضًا | بعد فاتي ولينجليت.. لاعب جديد يستعد للرحيل عن برشلونة

وعن لامين يامال أكمل: “لامين ظاهرة لا تقارن، أن يكون الأفضل في العالم فهذا يعتمد على مستواه، سينافس ريال مدريد على البطولات مع برشلونة في السنوات القليلة القادمة، وهو في أفضل مكان للمنافسة سواء مع النادي أو منتخب إسبانيا والذي اعتبره الأقوى في العالم”.

وأردف: “بداية لامين تشبه إلى حد كبير بدايات نيمار، لقد ساعدته الحياة على النضج كما هو الآن، الآن لديه مسؤوليات أكثر كلاعب لكنه مازال صغيرًا، في سن الثلاثين سيفعل ما يتوجب عليه في هذا السن”.

وعن أفضل مدرب لعب تحت قيادته قال: “بالنسبة لي كان مورينيو أفضل مدرب عملت معه على الإطلاق، إنه مدرب ممتاز وعملت معه لسنوات، في ذلك الوقت كان ثوريًا كان يفعل أشياءً في التدريب تصيب الخصوم بالإرباك”.

The former USMNT star took issue with Pulisic's approach to criticism, backed Mauricio Pochettino's comments that "It’s about the team"

Donovan stressed national team prioritizationSays team success outweighs personal achievementsUSMNT beat Trinidad and Tobago 5-0 in Gold CupGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED

Christian Pulisic's controversial decision to skip the Gold Cup – and the subsquent back-and-forth over his public comments about offering to play in a pair of USMNT friendlies, and coach Maurico Pochettino's terse response – has swirled over the national team in recent days and weeks.

Former national team star Landon Donovan said that the controversy will not simply fade away, even as the USMNT opened the Gold Cup with a 5-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago and prepare to play Saudi Arabia.

“One thing he said – and I’m paraphrasing this – ‘I know that when I come back and score, people will forget about all of this,' " Donovan said on his Unfiltered Soccer podcast with Tim Howard, referring to Pulisic. "I thought in my head – and this was backed up by Pochettino at the time – 'I think you’re missing the point. The point is not about you coming back and scoring, the point is you prioritizing your national team, being a part of your national team and wanting to win.'

"Forget about scoring – nobody cares if you score, we want this team to not suffer. Then Pochettino backed it up in his press conference. He said a million times, ‘It’s about we, it’s not about I. It’s about the team.' He kept saying it over and over. [Pulisic] is obviously taking it personally, and I understand why he is. But that’s not the point."

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT TIM HOWARD SAID

Howard, the former Everton goalkeeper, said that he hopes the other players are supporting each other, and believes that the USMNT can have success in the Gold Cup group stage.

“Tyler Adams talked about the outside noise not filtering in – the outside noise is absolutely filtering in to that dressing room,” Howard said. “And what I like about this result is – or my hope is – this team is rallying around each other on the inside. 'Forget those guys who talk on the microphones, forget those guys who aren’t here, this is us. This is this group and this is our time, and this is all we’ve got.'

“So my hope is they went out and did the business, got the goals – because goals were there – kept a clean sheet, they kept it really tight. But I’m imagining very similar results against Saudi Arabia and Haiti. I don’t buy into the concept that these teams are that much better, I don’t. But they’re handling business."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The USMNT beat Trinidad and Tobago, with Malik Tilmann scoring a brace. The win puts Pochettino’s side at the top of Group D despite Saudi Arabia beating Haiti 1-0.

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Getty Images SportWHAT’S NEXT?

The US Men’s national team will face Saudi Arabia in their next game in the Gold Cup group stages on Thursday in Austin, Texas.