Mushfiqur 99* headlines Bangladesh's strong start in second Test against Ireland

Mushfiqur Rahim remained unbeaten on 99, in his 100th Test, at the end of the first day of the second Test against Ireland in Mirpur. He kept the fans on their toes going into the second day, ready to become the 11th batter to reach a century in their 100th Test.Bangladesh finished on 292 for 4, with half-centuries from Mushfiqur and Mominul Haque, with Litton Das three runs away from one as well. Andy McBrine took all four wickets to fall, ending the day with figures of 4 for 82.The day, however, belonged to Mushfiqur, who was given a reception after toss in the morning. His family, and former Bangladesh captains, including Akram Khan and Habibul Bashar, were present on the occasion, with the BCB presenting him with several mementos.Related

  • Ceremonies, speeches, felicitation – Mushfiqur soaks the attention in landmark 100th Test

  • A walk down memory lane to Mushfiqur's Lord's origins

  • Who does Mushfiqur have the most Test hundreds against?

  • With endurance and resilience, Mushfiqur Rahim scales the summit

Mushfiqur, however, remained focus at the job in hand. He played tightly for the first 67 balls, as he tried to rebuild after Bangladesh lost three wickets in the first session. Mushfiqur struck his first boundary with an inside-out blow against Matthew Humphreys in the second session. His second boundary brought up his half-century, off the first ball of the third session.Mushfiqur struck another four later in the over, a sweep off Humphreys. He continued to bat calmly, even as a short ball from legspinner Gavin Hoey was dispatched for a boundary in the 73rd over. Another short delivery, this time from McBrine, got him into the nineties, brought up with a punch through the covers.Mushfiqur went through the nineties smoothly, taking a lot of singles towards the end of the day. He kept the small crowd on their feet as he needed three runs to reach his century in the last over of the day.Andy McBrine took all four wickets on the first day•Sportsfile/Getty Images

McBrine had given Ireland a great start in the Test, picking up the first three wickets in the morning session. Shadman Islam and Mahmudul Hasan had given the home side a sound start, adding 52 runs for the opening stand. The openers hit eight boundaries between them in a short span as they looked towards another big partnership, like in the Sylhet Test, where they had added 168. In Mirpur, though, Shadman was lbw to McBrine for 35, which ended the opening stand at 52.Mahmudul, who made 171 in the first Test, couldn’t quite follow up in this innings, falling lbw to a slider from McBrine. Ireland got the wicket through the review as Mahmudul made 34 off 86 balls.Offspinner McBrine then had the Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto with another slider, this one beating the left-hand batter on the back foot. With that, McBrine became the first Irish spinner to take three wickets in the first session of a Test match.Shanto’s wicket brought Mushfiqur to the crease, much to the appreciation of the Shere Bangla National Stadium faithful.Mushfiqur and Mominul calmed things down till the lunch break, before continuing with their steady partnership. Mominul survived two dropped catches on 23 and 49. First, Cade Carmichael dropped a skier, before Paul Stirling couldn’t hold on to a difficult chance at slip.Mominul’s luck, however, ran out after the tea break. He swept McBrine but the ball deflected off his bat and on to his boot, before Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie completed the catch. Mominul made 63 off 128 balls, with a single boundary.

Oval Invincibles rebrand as MI London as Hundred deal is finalised

Last of eight deals is concluded as Surrey and Reliance confirm partnership for 2026 onwards

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Dec-2025

Sam Billings lifts the trophy after Oval Invincibles’ third Men’s Hundred title•Matt Lewis/ECB via Getty Images

Oval Invincibles, the most successful franchise in the Hundred, will be rebranded as MI London from 2026 onwards, after Surrey and Reliance Industries Limited concluded their protracted negotiations in the wake of this year’s equity sale.The name change brings the men’s and women’s teams in line with the rest of the Ambani family’s Mumbai Indians stable which, in addition to its flagship team in the IPL, includes MI Cape Town in the SA20, MI Emirates in the ILT20, MI New York in Major League Cricket, and Mumbai Indians women’s team in the WPL.The announcement marks the last of the eight deals that emerged from the ECB’s sale of equity stakes in the Hundred earlier this year, and comes almost five months after the first six of these were tied up. Reliance secured a 49 per cent stake in Oval Invincibles, having valued the franchise at £123 million – the second most expensive behind the Lord’s-based London Spirit, at £295 million.The delay in the announcement reflects a reluctance at Surrey to relinquish a brand identity that had tied the teams to their home ground at the Kia Oval, and which had delivered five titles in as many years of the competition – with the women completing back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022, before the men sealed their third win in as many years this summer, in their victory over Trent Rockets at Lord’s.However, Surrey chairman Oli Slipper acknowledged the strength of the MI brand in confirming the team’s rebranding, with its haul of 13 titles across competitions in the 17 years, including five IPL titles and at least one in every other competition in which it has competed.Akash Ambani, Mumbai Indians co-owner, chats to Jordan Cox after Oval Invincibles’ victory in the Hundred final•Philip Brown/Getty Images

“We’re pleased to have reached an agreement with the Reliance team over our partnership in the Hundred franchise team,” Slipper said. “Reliance bring a significant depth of cricket and business expertise and have had great success with their franchise teams in India and around the world – there’s no doubt that they are here to win. They are passionate cricket people and together we will continue the success of our two teams.”We have worked very closely with Reliance over the name of the new team and believe that MI London will give us the best opportunity to build the fanbase at home and across the world. We also believe that the team brand will help to grow the commercial value of our franchise, in turn boosting investment into the long-term sustainable growth of Surrey and of cricket in our community.”Mrs Nita M. Ambani, co-owner of Mumbai Indians, said: “We are delighted to welcome MI London into the #OneFamily and take the MI legacy to new frontiers. London holds a special place in the heart of cricket, and we are honoured to be part of its rich heritage. Together with Surrey, we look forward to nurturing young talent, engaging diverse communities, and uniting fans through their shared love of the game.”Mr Akash Ambani added: “We are happy to welcome MI London into the #OneFamily, marking a new chapter in our journey of uniting cricket fans, nurturing talent, and growing the game across continents. The Invincibles’ winning record and spirit of excellence perfectly embody the MI ethos of passion, resilience, and teamwork. Building on our shared passion for cricket, we look forward to collaborating with our partners at Surrey CCC and building on the legacy of The Hundred’s most successful team.”The eight partnerships combined represent a valuation for the teams of over £975 million, with over £500 million is now set to be invested into English and Welsh cricket. This includes a £50 million commitment to grassroots cricket, with the remainder set to be distributed to professional counties.Vikram Banerjee, Managing Director, The Hundred, said: “It’s an exciting moment to now have all eight deals complete. The world-leading partners we now have on board will help us take The Hundred to the next level and establish it as the unmissable summer event.”We’re already working closely together as we aim to make the 2026 season of The Hundred the best yet. It’s also an important moment for the whole of the game in England and Wales, unlocking significant investment to support the game at every level.”

Noman Ali makes spinroads into South Africa's resistance

The spinner picked up four of the six SA wickets to fall after Pakistan were dismissed for 378

Danyal Rasool13-Oct-2025
After day one of Pakistan’s home template went according to plan, the second day made sure it faithfully followed the same script. South Africa bravely resisted Pakistan’s spinners for exactly 50 overs, but that was all they could take. South Africa then lost 4 for 26 in 62 balls as Noman Ali scythed through South Africa’s middle order, upending a game that appeared to be heading towards a one-innings shootout.After a productive morning for Senuran Muthusamy, who took a six-wicket haul, saw Pakistan dismissed for 378, South Africa had done their best not to allow Pakistan’s spinners to blow them away early doors. Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton saw off the new ball, building a stable opening partnership that inched towards fifty by the 12th over. But Noman, and spin in general, was always a threat. Markram ensured an umpiring decision was overturned when Rod Tucker deemed him to have nicked off to Rizwan, but two balls later, Noman served up another flighted delivery that spun away, and on that occasion it took Markram’s outside edge with it.On Sunday, Simon Harmer spoke of the importance of not losing wickets in clusters, and with Rickelton, Mulder hung around to add 35 for the second wicket. But an expansive smear towards midwicket was uncalled for and with Noman finding turn away from the right-hander, the ball kissed the outside edge into Rizwan’s grateful hands.The incoming Tony de Zorzi’s innings could be split into two phases, one of extreme good fortunue following by superb temperament. Hasan Ali toyed with his outside edge the first over, though two of those deflections found their way through a gap in the slips to the boundary and set him on his way. From the other end, he nearly chipped one straight to Noman, and as tea neared, he looked especially vulnerable.Rickelton, though, showed a mix of patience and clinical efficiency. He found a way to be solid, if not comfortable, against the spin when they landed their lengths, while still squeezing out runs with regularity. Rickelton, whose last innings against Pakistan yielded 259 in Cape Town, has now seen 47% of his career Test runs come in his last two innings vs Pakistan. The tea break came and went as South Africa began to establish a position resembling parity, a gorgeous straight six and four off Noman after a quiet passage indicating Rickelton’s growing comfort.But with an hour of play left, South Africa remained vulnerable. A year ago in Multan, England had raced away to 211 for 2, only to be picked apart by Sajid Khan to finish the day at 226 for 6. In the 51st over, Salman Agha drew Rickelton’s outside edge, with Babar at first slip getting low to complete a stunning one-handed reflex catch to break the stand six short of 100.Pakistan then went on the prowl. Noman took Tristan Stubbs’ outside edge in near-identical circumstances to Markram’s dismissal earlier before a rattled Dewald Brevis chipped his first ball straight to short midwicket to give Sajid Khan his first wicket. South Africa were in damage control mode, but Noman found a way to inflict another hammer blow when Kyle Verreyenne tried to sweep a straight delivery, only to be caught dead in front.Senuran Muthusamy bagged career-best figures of 6 for 117•Associated PressSouth Africa’s saving grace was de Zorzi had now moved from his tentative phase to one of extreme command. He had seen the disintegration from the other end without allowing himself to be discomfited by it, keeping the runs ticking along while reassuring Muthusamy, who looked deft enough to see off the dying overs. Off the penultimate ball of the day, de Zorzi saw one that was dragged short and whipped it through midwicket, still focused on putting the poor balls away.In the morning, Muthusamy had sliced through Pakistan’s lower order in the second half of the first session to wrap up the hosts’ innings for 378. The left-arm spinner took three wickets in an over, on his way to a career-best figures of 6 for 117, as Pakistan lost their last five wickets for 16 runs. But much of the job Pakistan were tasked with completing overnight was taken care of by Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha, whose partnership stretched to 163 before the wickets began to fall. South Africa were left to face an awkward four overs before lunch, but they did so without harm.After being cautious, Agha got things running with a sweep for four behind square, before lifting Harmer over the sightscreen. With limited apparent danger from the spin, Pakistan looked set to march to and beyond 400, a mark both sides had appeared to consider as borderline impregnable on a surface that would deteriorate fast. By now, Harmer had been lifted by Agha for another six and Muthuswamy for four more as he motored towards three figures.But the wickets came all of a sudden. Extra turn and bounce kissed the shoulder of Rizwan’s bat as the wicketkeeper took a catch to finally break the sixth-wicket stand. The incoming Noman was cleaned up after Muthusamy bowled a delivery Noman himself would have been proud of, giving it air before it whistled past the outside edge and into off stump. For the second time in the innings, he would go two in two after Sajid was coaxed into a defensive prod that took the edge and towards Markram at slip.Agha and Shaheen Afridi dug in for the next half hour before the latter’s bellicose nature got the better of him. He danced down the track and hacked at the ball, only to see Muthusawmy make a mess of his stumps behind him. It left Agha in danger of being stranded a few runs from his century, and he tried to rush to the milestone, taking on Prenelan Subrayen. He smeared across the line to allow Muthusamy take a comfortable catch on the boundary, leaving him seven runs short, just as Imam-ul-Haq had been yesterday.The final 15 overs of the day, though, will reassure Pakistan they do not want for runs on this continually deteriorating surface.

Could cost £0: West Ham now plotting 2026 move to sign "superb" versatile star

West Ham United are now plotting a 2026 move to sign Quinten Timber, according to reports, with the Dutchman set to become available as a free agent when next summer arrives.

Those at the London Stadium would have breathed an almighty sigh of relief when Nuno Espirito Santo’s side defeated Newcastle United last week. The Hammers have looked on a one-way course towards the Championship all season, but victory over the Magpies should give Nuno’s tenure lift off at last.

This Saturday’s clash against Burnley is now West Ham’s most important game of the campaign so far. Victory would see them move level on points with the Clarets and potentially just outside the relegation zone on goal difference. Within the space of two weeks, the Hammers’ season could be handed a major lifeline.

Ahead of the relegation six-pointer, Nuno provided early team news and updates on both Niclas Fullkrug and Konstantinos Mavrapanos, who could be making a return sooner rather than later.

The West Ham boss also took the time to praise young midfielder Freddie Potts, who has been one of few bright sparks at the club this season, saying: “He played really really good. He had a fantastic match.

“His actions were accurate, and he balanced the team in the middle of the park. He’s played a lot of games on loan, and he is a good option for us. We’re here to help him improve.”

West Ham have a 16-year-old goal crazy star who could be their next Potts

The promising academy star could be another Potts for West Ham United and Nuno.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 6, 2025

The academy graduate looks like the future of West Ham’s midfield and could yet be joined by Dutch talent Timber in 2026.

West Ham plotting move to sign Timber

According to reports in Spain, West Ham are now plotting a move to sign Quinten Timber – the twin brother of Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber – in 2026. The defender’s contract is on course to expire at Feyenoord in the summer, handing the Hammers and others in the Premier League the chance to land a bargain deal should they please.

Meanwhile, if they want to land the Dutchman before the summer, then Feyenoord could reportedly accept a deal worth around just €20m (£17m) in what would be an undeniable bargain.

Described as a “superb signing” by scout Jacek Kulig in 2023, Feyenoord could now lose Timber for free when the summer arrives. West Ham, meanwhile, could land a player who can play defensive midfield, attacking midfield and centre-back.

West Ham flop looks finished after Potts emergence

Liam Livingstone blitz gets Birmingham Phoenix off the mark

Phoenix captain hits 4-6-6-6-4 off Rashid Khan as Invincibles lose unbeaten record

ECB Media12-Aug-2025

Liam Livingstone took Rashid Khan down•Matt Lewis/ECB via Getty Images

A brilliant unbeaten 69 from Liam Livingstone saw Birmingham Phoenix chase down Oval Invincibles’ total of 180 for 8 with two balls to spare in a tense finish in the men’s Hundred competition at Edgbaston.South African Donovan Ferreira blazed a spectacular 63 from 29 balls for Invincibles but was upstaged by the Phoenix skipper who hit five sixes in his match-winning 27-ball innings.Inserted by the home side, Invincibles lost Will Jacks second ball and reached 31 for 2 after the 25-ball powerplay. The score quickly became 34 for 3 after the loss of Sam Curran before the Invincibles recovered through Jordan Cox and Sam Billings to reach 70 for 3 at halfway, though lost Billings soon after.Enter Ferreira, who started positively, depositing Tim Southee for a maximum over wide long-on to bring up Invincibles’ 100 after 65 balls.Cox fell for 44, but Ferreira continued unperturbed, reaching his half-century off 24 deliveries with another huge six. Invincibles finished strong, the penultimate set from Mousley conceding 25, including two sixes and two lots of five wides, while Rashid Khan (16) contributed two maximums of his own as Invincibles closed on 180 for 8.The Phoenix run chase started slowly, Aussie left-armer Jason Behrendorff bowling the first 10 balls straight through and conceding just five. Saqib Mahmood then took the big wicket of Ben Duckett with his third ball, but Will Smeed wrestled some of the initiative back with back-to-back sixes.Smeed (51 off 29) was bowled by Nathan Sower one ball after reaching his fifty to see the score 91 for 3, Jacob Bethell then went 20 runs later. But Livingstone responded by smashing Khan for 26 in a set and combined with Mousley to leave three needed from five.Mahmood then removed Mousley and Louis Kimber with successive balls, but Benny Howell drove the hat-trick ball through cover to secure the win.Livingstone, the Meerkat Match Hero, said: “We needed it, it’s been a bit of a disappointing start to the tournament. It’s nice to lead from the front and hopefully that gives the boys a bit of momentum and a bit of confidence.”I was trying to be there at the end, it’s something I haven’t done a lot of in my career, so it was in the back of my mind, but we still needed to take some risks.”It’s massive. There’s no hiding in this competition. If you lose a couple of games, you’re right up against it. Hopefully this gives us a bit of confidence going forward, it’s an incredible win from where we were. It’s nice to be on the board and get that first win.”

'Still want to play Test cricket' – Rahane unfazed by silence from selectors

“I tried to have conversations with the selectors, but things [like that are] as a player I cannot control,” he said in an interview with Sky Sports

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Jul-2025Ajinkya Rahane, 37, hasn’t played a Test in two years now, but has reiterated his “hunger and passion” for the game and red-ball cricket, even though he has “got no response” from the selectors.”I still want to play Test cricket,” Rahane, currently in London, told Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton in an interview with Sky Sports. “I’m really passionate about playing Test cricket. I’m enjoying my cricket at the moment.”I’m here just for a few days. I carried my trainers and my training clothes so that I can keep myself fit. Our domestic season is starting, so preparations have just begun.”When asked about the challenges of making a comeback, particularly with the team management placing greater emphasis on younger players following the Test retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Rahane said his focus remains on “controllable things.”New captain Shubman Gill has taken over Kohli’s No. 4 spot, with vice-captain Rishabh Pant slotting in at No. 5. Of the old guard, KL Rahul appears to be the only one still firmly in the selectors’ plans. Despite the stiff competition, Rahane remains unfazed, reaffirming his dedication to domestic cricket as he works toward a comeback.Since losing his Test spot, Rahane has led Mumbai in two straight Ranji Trophy seasons, winning their 42nd title in 2023-24, while they finished runners-up in 2024-25. He was also part of Mumbai’s title-winning Syed Mushtaq Ali (T20) squad.Rahane hit 467 runs in 14 innings at an average of 35.92 in the 2024-25 Ranji season, with one fifty and a hundred. He was the highest run-getter for Kolkata Knight Riders during a disappointing IPL 2025, where they finished eighth out of ten teams. Rahane hit 390 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 147.27.”For me, it’s all about focusing on the controllable things,” Rahane said. “Frankly, I tried to have conversations with the selectors, but things [like that are] as a player I cannot control. I got no response. As a player all I can do is keep playing cricket, keep enjoying the game, give my best each and every time. I love playing Test cricket, love playing red-ball, it’s a passion. The love for the game keeps me going.”

Phil Hay didn't rate him: Leeds were rinsed by "non-existent" flop

Leeds United were willing to splash the cash to back Daniel Farke in the summer transfer window to bolster the squad for a season in the Premier League.

Whilst they may not have brought in the winger, Harry Wilson, that they wanted on deadline day, the Whites did add to the manager’s options in several key positions across the pitch.

Their work in the summer window has helped them earn eight points from their first seven Premier League matches. A very respectable return for a newly-promoted outfit.

Ranking Leeds United's summer signings

The Championship champions brought in ten new signings to improve the squad in the summer, and we have ranked them based on how they have looked so far.

We have gone for Noah Okafor in first place because the winger has scored two Premier League goals already and looks like he could be a real difference-maker in the final third, which could be the difference between being relegated and staying up.

Ranking Leeds United’s summer signings

Rank

Signing

1

Noah Okafor

2

Anton Stach

3

Gabriel Gudmundsson

4

Sean Longstaff

5

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

6

Lukas Nmecha

7

Lucas Perri

8

James Justin

9

Jaka Bijol

10

Sebastiaan Bornauw

Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw, and James Justin are all in the bottom three because they have played 18 minutes of Premier League football between them.

Sean Longstaff, Gabriel Gudmundsson, and Anton Stach have been regular starters and established themselves in the XI fairly quickly, hence their rankings, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin still has a bit to prove with one goal and eight ‘big chances’ missed in all competitions, per Sofascore.

Whilst it remains to be seen how these signings will be remembered in the future, we can review how some of the club’s signings performed when they were last promoted to the Premier League.

The Whites splashed the cash to break their transfer record to sign Rodrigo for Marcelo Bielsa in the summer of 2020, and the transfer did not go exactly to plan.

How much money Leeds United lost on Rodrigo

Leeds reportedly paid a fee of £27m to sign the Spain international to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch, but he failed to provide consistent quality in the final third.

Rodrigo scored seven goals and provided two assists in 27 Premier League matches in the 2020/21 campaign, before a return of six goals and one assist in 31 games in the 2021/22 season, per Sofascore.

At the end of that second season, journalist Phil Hay said: “My criticism more and more is that the impact of that investment just hasn’t been felt. Not enough of their signings have made a difference.

“Even on Wednesday, watching Rodrigo against Chelsea, I still can’t work out what he is. Where does he really fit in and is he ever going to work. That’s a £27million player.”

The reporter could not work out where the left-footed forward would fit in, and it was fair to question his contributions after 13 goals in two seasons as a £27m club-record signing.

In that 2021/22 campaign, pundit and former player Michael Dawson also claimed that he was “hiding” and “non-existent” in a clash with Southampton in October 2021, which shows that pundits and journalists alike were unimpressed with his performances.

Rodrigo scored 13 goals in the 2022/23 campaign, as Leeds were relegated from the Premier League, and eventually left the club to join Al-Rayyan for a fee of just £3m.

This shows that the Whites had a howler with the signing of the Spaniard because he was criticised by pundits and journalists in his first two seasons at the club, scored goals in a season that the team struggled in, and then left for £24m less than what he was signed for.

The new Phillips: Leeds star has made effortless transition to PL life

This Leeds United star has made an effortless transition to the Premier League in the same way that Kalvin Phillips did.

ByDan Emery Oct 7, 2025

It was a signing that did not prove to be value for money in the long run, and Farke and the 49ers will be hoping that none of this summer’s transfers are remembered as poorly as this one.

Diogo Dalot sends tongue-in-cheek message to Man Utd fan refusing to get haircut until Red Devils win five games in a row as Liverpool victory makes it two on the bounce

Manchester United star Diogo Dalot has responded to viral fan Frank Ilett – known as TheUnitedStrand – who vowed not to get a haircut until the Red Devils win five games in a row. After United’s back-to-back victories over Sunderland and Liverpool, the Portugal full-back playfully admitted the team hopes to “give him that haircut” with three more consecutive victories needed.

Man Utd fan's 'five-win challenge' nearing end?

Dalot has weighed in on the now-famous challenge taken up by long-time United supporter Ilett, who promised not to cut his hair until the Red Devils won five matches on the bounce. The fan’s pledge, made in October 2024, went viral as United continued to struggle for consistency under then-new manager Ruben Amorim. Before this week, the team had failed to string together even two league wins.

However, a recent upturn in form has reignited Ilett’s hopes of a long-overdue haircut. Amorim’s side followed up a 2-0 home victory over Sunderland before the international break with a dramatic 2-1 win away to Liverpool — their first back-to-back Premier League triumphs under the Portuguese boss. The result, sealed by a late Harry Maguire header, set social media buzzing with fans joking that Ilett might finally see the inside of a barber’s shop.

Following the win, United’s official TikTok account joined in the fun, replying to one of Ilett’s viral videos with the message: “We have an encouraging update.”

AdvertisementGetty Images SportDalot hopes Ilett gets haircut soon

Speaking to after the match, Dalot couldn’t hide his amusement when asked about Ilett’s unusual vow. “Let’s see! Hope we can give him that haircut!” the Portuguese full-back said with a smile.

Dalot then turned his focus to maintaining consistency after a mixed start to the season. “But we have to go game by game. Obviously, we know this is a very difficult league, we have tough games and, of course, we have to go after that consistency that we have lacked because we have already shown in the past that we can compete against any team in the world.”

The 25-year-old Portugal international added: “We get to the big games, we get to have good performances. Now it’s trying to make it happen every game. We now have the next game at home and that’s what’s important to us.” His comments struck a balance between humour and determination, underlining the squad’s desire to build on a promising run.

Ilett’s challenge invited abuse last month at Old Trafford

Ilett, a lifelong United supporter, first made headlines last year when he declared he would not get a haircut until the club won five games in a row. In January, Ilett nearly reached his goal when United won three in succession, only for a defeat to Crystal Palace to end the streak and with it, his hopes of a haircut. Despite that setback, he remained committed to the challenge, insisting it was meant to “spread positivity” among fans during difficult times. His lighthearted defiance even continued through an unfortunate altercation at Old Trafford last month when he was confronted by a fellow supporter during a Chelsea match – an incident he later described as “weird but isolated”.

Now, with United seemingly turning a corner under Amorim, Ilett’s patience could finally pay off. Their recent wins have revived optimism around Old Trafford, as players like Maguire and Dalot have stepped up amid renewed defensive stability and spirit. While a long way remains before five straight victories are achieved, Ilett’s growing hair has become a quirky rallying point for fans yearning for consistency — and perhaps even a new lucky charm for the team’s fortunes.

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Instagram/XIlett wants a Man Utd player to give him the haircut:

The Red Devils host Brighton on Saturday, followed by tricky away fixtures against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur a week later. Three wins from those matches would extend their streak to five and fulfil Ilett’s promise over a year after it began. Ilett has already joked that “the perfect ending would be one of the players to cut it at Old Trafford”.

However, for Amorim and his players, the focus remains firmly on performances. After months of inconsistency, back-to-back victories have given supporters and players alike a sense of renewed purpose.

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka desperate to make England impression as he prepares for Thomas Tuchel link-up

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is desperate to impress Thomas Tuchel as he earned his England call-up ahead of the upcoming international matches. Tuchel announced his 24-member Three Lions roster on Friday as he left out several top players, including Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham, Manchester City's Phil Foden and City loanee Jack Grealish, who has regained his form after joining Everton on loan.

  • Saka desperate to impress Tuchel

    Saka has represented England in just one game since Tuchel took charge of the national team in January this year. The Arsenal star missed the March and September matches due to a hamstring injury, but has now returned to action for the Gunners and has also earned a Three Lions call-up. The winger is determined to catch the head coach's eye with consistent performances in their upcoming international friendly against Wales, followed by a World Cup qualifier against Latvia, five days later.    

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    "I’ve missed a lot of fixtures under Thomas Tuchel"

    Speaking to reporters ahead of his link-up with Tuchel, Saka said: "I’m really happy to be back playing for England. I’ve missed a lot of fixtures under Thomas Tuchel, which I’m not happy with, a lot of them due to injuries. I’m really happy that I get a chance to come back to St George’s Park and train with the team, play with the team. I’m looking forward to it."  

  • Saka regaining form

    After being hit by yet another injury setback at the start of the 2025-26 campaign, Saka is slowly picking up form as he scored in the Gunners' latest victory over West Ham at the Emirates Stadium this weekend. He has now three goals in seven appearances across all competitions.  

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    Saka scored on his 200th Premier League appearance

    The match against the Hammers was Saka's 200th Premier League appearance for the Gunners, as he became only the second player in history, after Arsenal icon Thierry Henry, to score in the landmark game.  

منها تحديد منافس منتخب مصر.. إعلان مواعيد التصفيات المؤهلة إلى كأس العرب 2025

أعلن الاتحاد العربي لكرة القدم، مواعيد مباريات التصفيات المؤهلة إلى بطولة كأس العرب 2025، ومنها مباراة تحديد منافس منتخب مصر.

وتقام بطولة كأس العرب في قطر، في نسختها الثانية، وتبدأ في 1 ديسمبر وتختتم بالنهائي في 18 ديسمبر.

ويتواجد على رأس قائمة المنتخبات المشاركة، منتخب مصر، وسيقوده جهاز فني بقيادة حلمي طولان ومعه أحمد حسن مديرًا للمنتخب وعصام الحضري مدربًا للحراس، وذلك بقرار من اتحاد الكرة المصري، بعد رفض حسام حسن المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر خوض البطولة في وقت الاستعداد لـ كأس أمم إفريقيا بالمغرب.

ويشارك في بطولة كأس العرب، 16 فريقًا بداية من دور المجموعات للبطولة، حيث تأهل 9 منتخبات، ويتبقى 7، سيتم حسمهم من مباريات التصفيات التي تقام يومي 25 و26 نوفمبر من مباراة واحدة، الفائز سيتواجد في دور المجموعات.

وأسفرت قرعة كأس العرب، عن تواجد منتخب مصر في المجموعة الثالثة، بجانب الأردن والإمارات والفائز من المباراة التأهيلية بين الكويت وموريتانيا.

طالع | نتائج قرعة كأس العرب 2025.. تعرف على المجموعات بالكامل مواعيد مباريات التصفيات المؤهلة إلي كأس العرب 2025

موريتانيا ضد الكويت، الساعة 4 بتوقيت السعودية وقطر، 5 بتوقيت مصر، يوم الثلاثاء 25 نوفمبر.

سوريا ضد جنوب السودان، الساعة 7 بتوقيت السعودية وقطر، 8 بتوقيت مصر، يوم الثلاثاء 25 نوفمبر.

فلسطين ضد ليبيا، الساعة 7 بتوقيت السعودية وقطر، 8 بتوقيت مصر، يوم الثلاثاء 25 نوفمبر.

عمان ضد الصومال، الساعة 4 بتوقيت السعودية وقطر، 5 بتوقيت مصر، يوم الأربعاء 26 نوفمبر.

البحرين ضد جبيوتي، الساعة 4 بتوقيت السعودية وقطر، 5 بتوقيت مصر، يوم الأربعاء 26 نوفمبر.

السودان ضد لبنان، الساعة 7 بتوقيت السعودية وقطر، 8 بتوقيت مصر، يوم الأربعاء 26 نوفمبر.

جزر القمر ضد اليمن، الساعة 7 بتوقيت السعودية وقطر، 8 بتوقيت مصر، يوم الأربعاء 26 نوفمبر.

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