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More than any other location, Wembley perhaps marks the turbulent nature of Casemiro’s Manchester United stay best.

Indeed, in February 2023, United’s emerging talisman nodded home the opener as Erik ten Hag’s side went on to claim Carabao Cup glory, with the Brazilian proving to be the “cement” in the team that season, in the view of his manager.

Roughly 15 months later, however, and the ex-Real Madrid man merely watched on as the Red Devils shocked Manchester City to win the FA Cup, with the much-maligned Sofyan Amrabat acting as the midfield pillar on the day.

Confusion remains over just why Casemiro was absent, having initially been included in the matchday squad, before pulling out due to a reported tight hamstring.

Was he merely perturbed by being axed for Amrabat, or was there a genuine issue? Either way, that day – like the debacle at Selhurst Park a few weeks earlier – appeared to mark the beginning of the end for the veteran’s Old Trafford career.

Position

Player

GK

Andre Onana**

RB

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

CB

Raphael Varane

CB

Lisandro Martinez*

LB

Diogo Dalot*

DM

Sofyan Ambrat

DM

Kobbie Mainoo*

RW

Alejandro Garnacho

LW

Marcus Rashford

CF

Bruno Fernandes (C)*

CF

Scott McTominay

*Still at the club

** out on loan

Remarkably, with 2026 looming, the 33-year-old has defied the odds to recapture his starting berth under the Ruben Amorim regime, even if his long-term future remains murky.

Why Man Utd still need to let resurgent Casemiro leave

Had his legs given up on him, or did the midfielder merely give up on Ten Hag, with the five-time Champions League winner looking so out of sorts when deployed as a makeshift centre-back in that 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.

With Amorim in the door, the ageing talent has looked like a different player, it must be said, with the Portuguese coach among those seemingly surprised at the manner of his resurgence.

While Casemiro did start alongside Christian Eriksen for Amorim’s first game at Portman Road, he initially faded from view, having been “behind every midfielder, even Toby [Collyer]” at one stage, according to his manager.

A firm fixture of last season’s Europa League run, the £70m signing has since started 13 Premier League games in 2025/26, scoring key goals against Chelsea, Brighton and Nottingham Forest.

He is a man on the rise, but should that cloud the judgment of Amorim and INEOS? A player whom Sir Jim Ratcliffe pointed to as a problematic signing, prior to his arrival at Old Trafford, there must surely be a willingness to get such an expensive asset off the books.

On a reported £350k-per-week, it is difficult to see the merit in extending Casemiro’s deal, with just six months left to run on his current contract.

The suggestion is that INEOS will indeed look to let him leave for nothing, and for all his recent uptick, that should seemingly be the correct course of action, not least considering the midfield warrior will turn 34 in February.

That process of transitioning Casemiro out of the side could be made far easier too if Amorim looks to a forgotten United figure – and no, it’s not Manuel Ugarte.

Man Utd's forgotten star can replace Ugarte & Casemiro

Upon his move to Manchester in the summer of 2024, there was a sense that Ugarte would be the ready-made Casemiro replacement, emerging as something of a tackling machine during his stint at Sporting CP, albeit less so at Paris Saint-Germain.

18 months later, while he does still rank in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for tackles made per 90, as per FBref, the Uruguayan has drifted into the periphery, starting just two league games all season.

The subject of criticism from his manager at the end of last term, the 24-year-old is staring down the barrel of his own swift exit heading into 2026, amid reports he too could be let go either in January or next summer.

Again, the decision to allow him to leave in the New Year could be made far easier if Amorim does decide to reintegrate the aforementioned Collyer, with there a debate to be had over recalling the Englishman from his spell on loan at West Bromwich Albion.

Currently back in Manchester receiving treatment for a fresh injury, which could keep the 21-year-old sidelined for eight weeks, there could be merit in keeping the former Brighton and Hove Albion man on board when he is back to full fitness, not least considering the lack of midfield depth at Amorim’s disposal.

The player whom Ten Hag made a beeline for during those FA Cup final celebrations, as he had done with Kobbie Mainoo in the Carabao Cup a year earlier, Collyer went on to make 13 first-team appearances last term, following his debut off the bench in the Community Shield loss to Man City.

Now, he may not be the glamorous, Mainoo-style ball player that United are also in need of, but what he does possess is a real engine and work ethic, with such athleticism distinctly lacking from the experienced pairing of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes.

Indeed, in the view of his former Brighton coach Mark Beard, he almost “plays like two men sometimes”, such is the ground he can cover, having been hailed as arguably the “best in the country” in that department at his age group.

Also noted as being “like a Kante” by Beard, Collyer showed flashes of that defensive nous last season, memorably producing a remarkable goalline clearance against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Of course, it hasn’t been a fruitful loan spell due to injury and a lack of game time, after starting just three Championship games for the Baggies, although when fit and available again, the two-footed talent could be deserving of a chance to stake his claim back in Amorim’s first-team set-up.

Ugarte, among the worst signings of modern times, just isn’t cutting it, while Casemiro is surely heading toward the climax of his United stay.

Collyer, albeit while a wildcard option, might just represent the perfect replacement to help nudge them out the door.

Best signing since Bruno: Man Utd star can be Amorim's "best player" again

Manchester United have another top-level talent on their hands alongside Bruno Fernandes.

ByEthan Lamb 2 days ago

Coach Sammy doesn’t want to “let the pitch play on our minds” while his Bangladesh counterpart felt it looked like a “normal Mirpur wicket”

Mohammad Isam17-Oct-2025Going by the reactions of both Phil Simmons and Darren Sammy, how exactly will the pitch at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium play?The Bangladesh and West Indies coaches wore curious smiles when they were asked about the pitch ahead of the first ODI. West Indies coach Sammy said he had “never seen anything like it before,” while his Bangladesh counterpart called it a “normal Mirpur wicket.”A sneak peek of the pitch, captured by one journalist, revealed a black surface – typical for this venue. Sammy said the West Indies players would have to assess the conditions before deciding on how they are going to approach batting here.Related

Bangladesh, West Indies prepare to do battle with puzzles to solve

“I’m not sure if we can replicate it; we’ve never seen anything like that before,” Sammy said. “I don’t know how to describe it. However, we will not let the pitch play on our minds. Wherever we go, the mantra remains the same: you still have to assess the conditions that you are faced with. And then once you’ve assessed it, you’ve got to decide what skill set is required to be successful, and then you back yourself in your delivery. And that’s where you add something to your game: ADD (Assess, Decide, Deliver).”Simmons suggested the pitch would bring some turn into the contest. “It looks like a normal Mirpur wicket,” he said. “So, it usually has some sort of turn in it, which is good.”Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons felt the lack of form of the top order had forced Mehidy Hasan Miraz to curb his attacking style•Randy BrooksWest Indies have brought a group of young batters into the ODI setup for this tour of Bangladesh. Only captain Shai Hope and Roston Chase have played in these conditions previously. Hope said he was sharing his knowledge with the rest of the group.”I am trying to share as much experience as I can,” Hope said. “When you play in foreign conditions, it’s very important as an experienced player or as a senior player in the team to share all the knowledge that you possibly can. In this situation, we all have a desire to do well for the West Indies, and it’s very important as a cricketer, especially as a batter, to come into these conditions and perform well.”So all the little learning that I would have gained from my previous trip – it’s about having those conversations with the remaining batters and trying to get the best out of each and every one of us.”At least West Indies have played in India recently. The home side, on the other hand, have a lot to worry about, especially with their batting line-up. There are only one or two automatic picks, as the likes of Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, and Jaker Ali have all struggled for form recently. The promising opener Tanzid Hasan even lost his place in the ODI side during the series against Afghanistan last week.Because of the lack of form of the top order, Bangladesh coach Simmons felt captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz has had to curb his strokeplay to ensure wickets are conserved. “Because of the start we’ve had, that’s the way he’s had to play – especially the one with him and Towhid Hridoy in that partnership [in the first ODI against Afghanistan].” he said. “He had to build it back. And that’s been the pace that we have to look at. In that situation, he had to play like that, but I’m sure in a different situation, he will play accordingly.”

Martin O’Neill may reportedly have taken charge of his last game as Celtic’s interim manager, according to a significant new update that has emerged.

O’Neill is such a popular figure at Parkhead, with the 73-year-old bringing positivity back to the club after a frustrating end to Brendan Rodgers’ time in charge.

The Northern Irishman has addressed his future at Celtic in recent days, still pinching himself at making a return, but admitting he doesn’t know what the next step is.

“I have to go back down to London again, I’m going to go into a darkened room and come out on Thursday and think ‘has this really happened?’ So I should imagine at some stage or another during the course of the next week, whether it be tomorrow, whether it be Saturday or Sunday of next week, that somebody will let me know what’s happening.

“No, I genuinely don’t know. But if they make an announcement in, let’s say, in the next week or something about a new manager, I will take this fortnight and I was nearly going to say rather morbidly, to my grave, but hang about. Well you never know, but it’s been fantastic.”

O’Neill will ultimately know that he isn’t the long-term answer for Celtic, with his appointment only a short-term fix, and now a new update has emerged regarding his future.

O'Neill may be replaced at Celtic during international break

According to a fresh claim from Football Insider, O’Neill’s spell in charge of Celtic could reach its conclusion during the current international break.

A new “development” took place last weekend, with Columbus Crew boss Wilfried Nancy now one of the leading contenders to come in at Parkhead alongside Bodo/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen. It is stated that top target Nancy is now “available” and ready to join the Hoops straight away after his current club were knocked out of the MLS playoffs.

As mentioned, O’Neill won’t be expecting to get the Celtic job permanently, despite some good results in charge, but if he has managed his last game for the club, he will depart as popular as ever.

Shock Celtic manager frontrunner receives backing from Parkhead higher-up

The Bhoys may well now have found their preferred choice to succeed Martin O’Neill.

BySean Markus Clifford Nov 11, 2025

Ultimately, the Hoops have to make the right appointment to take the club in the right direction, and if they feel they have found the correct choice during the international break, an immediate change is needed.

Wilfried Nancy’s managerial record

Columbus Crew – MLS Cup winners (2023), Leagues Cup winners (2024)

Matches – 132 Wins – 71 Draws – 32 Losses – 33

CF Montreal – Canadian Championship winners (2021)

Matches – 79 Wins – 38 Draws – 16 Losses – 25

Nancy looks to be an interesting option currently, having won 109 out of 209 matches in management in North America, but the one main risk is that he hasn’t proven himself in Europe, unlike Knutsen with Bodo/Glimt.

Approach imminent: Manager with 209 wins to 70 losses excited by Celtic

Armando González made history for Chivas, becoming the club’s seventh player to win the Liga MX Golden Boot after finishing the Apertura 2025 with 12 goals – level with Toluca’s Paulinho and Atlético de San Luis’ Joao Pedro. The young striker credited Javier “Chicharito” Hernández as a key mentor during his breakout season and said his next dream is to lead Chivas to the title.

AFPArmando González finishes as joint top scorer

González closed out a memorable season by becoming the Liga MX Apertura 2025 Golden Boot winner, netting 12 goals to share the honor with Paulinho of Toluca and Joao Pedro of Atlético de San Luis. The 21-year-old forward ended a six-year drought for Chivas without having a top scorer and did so in style, scoring in the final match against Monterrey.

AdvertisementAFPCredits Chicharito for his advice and mentorship

González revealed Hernández played a pivotal role in his mental preparation for the final stretch of the tournament. 

“Javier told me not to worry about it – that if it happened, it happened, and if not, I should still be proud of what I’d accomplished,” González said. “He told me to enjoy it, to let things flow, because moments like these are special.”

AFPDenies rumors of locker-room tension

Amid recent rumors suggesting Hernández had caused friction in the dressing room, González firmly denied the speculation. 

“Everything that’s said about Javier and Chivas is false,” he stated. “I see him every day, and what he wants most is for the team to grow and for Chivas to be champions.”

The young striker emphasized that personal accolades come second to the team’s objectives. 

“I’m happy to win the scoring title, but our main goal is to win the championship,” he said. “It’s not common for a Mexican player to win the Golden Boot, so it’s something to be proud of. This is just the beginning – I have to keep working hard every day.”

González also touched on his call-up to the Mexican national team for the upcoming friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay. 

“You always hope for the best. If it happens, I’ll give 1,000 percent for the national team,” he said.

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Getty Images SportPaulinho shares the Golden Boot

Meanwhile, Paulinho’s story added another layer of sportsmanship to the race for the scoring crown. During Toluca’s 2–0 win over América, the Portuguese forward – after earning a penalty in the 56th minute – surprised everyone by letting teammate Helinho take the kick that sealed the victory. 

“I took a hit to the head and didn’t feel 100 percent. I wasn’t going to risk the team’s win just for the Golden Boot,” Paulinho explained post-match, embodying the selflessness that defined Toluca’s championship run.

South Africa’s regular white-ball captains Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma will return to lead the T20I and ODI squads, respectively, for next month’s tour of Australia. Markram was rested from South Africa’s Test and T20I series in Zimbabwe while Bavuma missed the Zimbabwe Tests with a hamstring injury he sustained at the World Test Championship (WTC) final in June. Both skippers will have relatively full-strength squads available to them.Notably, the squad was announced a week before Patrick Moroney, the new convenor of selectors, starts work on August 1, which means this was the last squad that all-format Shukri Conrad picked independently.”It’s great to have our senior players back in the mix after their rest following the WTC Final,” Conrad said in a statement. “Their experience and quality add real value to the group as we continue to build a strong core in both formats. Every series from here on plays a part in shaping our squads for next year’s T20 World Cup and the 50-over World Cup at home in 2027.”Of South Africa’s regulars, Marco Jansen and David Miller are the only two not named. Jansen is recovering from surgery to his left thumb from an issue picked up at the WTC final, while Miller will be playing in the Hundred. He is expected to return for South Africa’s white-ball tour of England in September.South Africa’s squads for Australia tour•ESPNcricinfo Ltd

The rest of South Africa’s frontline attack, led by Kagiso Rabada in the seam department and Keshav Maharaj in the spin one, are all included. But Maharaj is not part of the T20I squad.Instead, left-arm spinners George Linde and Senuran Muthusamy, who are both currently in Zimbabwe, will play the T20Is alongside legspinner Nqaba Peter as South Africa assess their options for next year’s T20 World Cup. Tabraiz Shamsi, who opted out of a national contract last year, is not included in either squad. Conrad had indicated prior to the Zimbabwe series that he would speak to Shamsi to discuss his future.”Unfortunately, things got away from me, and I was never able to have that chat,” he said. “The spinners who have been selected have the inside track.”South Africa’s T20I playing group sees the return of Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs to the batting line-up, and the retention of Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Dewald Brevis, who are both in Zimbabwe. Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, Corbin Bosch and Kwena Maphaka make up the seamers, but Gerald Coetzee is not included.Rassie van der Dussen was not included in the ODI squad for Australia•Zimbabwe Cricket

“There are only so many quicks you can put in your team in terms of balance,” Conrad said. “The players who have been selected are ahead of Gerald in the pecking order. In the 50-over squad, I wanted to try and get as many allrounders in the squad. You cannot ignore what Corbin Bosch has done. Gerald sits behind him.”The ODI squad’s batting line-up has the four named above as well Matthew Breetzke and Tony de Zorzi. Wiaan Mulder provides an all-round option in Jansen’s absence. While Rassie van der Dussen, who has South Africa’s second-highest ODI average, is not included in the ODI squad, Conrad also conceded that he is “very much in contention for the T20 World Cup”.”He gives you the option of batting at the top and at No. 3, and he is a great in a leadership role. With the 50-over [team], because I’ve got time before 2027, it gives me the opportunity to blood new players and see how they develop.”

T20I squad

Aiden Markram (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Rassie van der Dussen

ODI squad

Temba Bavuma (capt), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen

Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid are circling Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck, with the German defender’s contract talks at a standstill. Bild reports that Schlotterbeck, whose current deal runs until 2027, has rejected Dortmund’s latest offer and is demanding a wage closer to €14 million per year, a figure the Reds are reportedly ready to offer him next summer.

Liverpool still remain interested in Schlotterbeck

Liverpool’s interest in Schlotterbeck has once again reignited headlines, as Bild claims the Premier League side remains firmly in the mix despite Sky Germany's recent dismissal of their involvement. The 25-year-old has reportedly turned down Borussia Dortmund’s opening offer of €8 million plus bonuses, a figure significantly lower than what he feels reflects his value. With Bayern Munich and Real Madrid also keen, Schlotterbeck’s future at Signal Iduna Park is increasingly uncertain as Europe’s elite line up to test Dortmund’s resolve.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportDortmund unlikely to be able to offer Schlotterbeck's desired wages

Dortmund, historically a selling club, have made strides in recent years to keep their key players, but the wage gap remains stark. Even as Die Schwarzgelben look to offer Schlotterbeck an improved deal worth around €10 million annually, competing with Liverpool, Bayern, or Real Madrid, who can all comfortably reach the €14 million mark, is proving a tall order.

For Dortmund, the issue goes beyond money. The club’s strategy of developing and retaining domestic stars is being tested once more, as Schlotterbeck’s emergence as a cornerstone of Niko Kovac’s defence has made him indispensable. Seen internally as a potential future captain, his leadership and consistency have elevated him to one of the league’s top centre-backs. Losing him would not only create a defensive void but also disrupt the long-term project Dortmund are attempting to build.

At the same time, Bayern Munich’s looming presence complicates matters further. The German champions have long admired Schlotterbeck, and with Dayot Upamecano’s contract talks stalling due to hefty demands, they are once again exploring alternatives. Real Madrid’s inclusion in the chase adds a continental dimension, with Antonio Rudiger nearing the twilight of his career and Eder Militao still recovering full match sharpness, the Spanish giants see the left-footed German as an ideal long-term successor in their defensive rotation.

Schlotterbeck's rise sees him in demand next summer

Schlotterbeck’s reluctance to sign a new contract stems from both sporting ambition and financial reasoning. Having become a fan favourite since joining from Freiburg, he’s now among Dortmund’s most consistent performers. His ability to progress the ball and organise the backline has drawn praise across Europe, with statistics backing his rise as he is one of the Bundesliga’s top defenders in aerial duels won and successful passes under pressure this season.

Liverpool had initially stepped back from the race, with Sky Sports Germany suggesting the Reds cooled their pursuit despite failing to secure Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi. However, the situation in their defence, following an ACL injury to Giovanni Leoni and uncertainty around Ibrahima Konate’s future, has drawn them back. The Merseyside club, who are struggling this season, reportedly have the financial muscle to meet Schlotterbeck’s €14 million-a-year wage demand if the opportunity aligns with their long-term defensive plans.

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AFPDormund could allow sale in 2026 if contract extension talks halt

Borussia Dortmund now face a critical juncture in their negotiations. While they are determined not to lose Schlotterbeck in the short term, the growing interest from Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid has shifted the balance of power firmly toward the player. With his contract running until 2027, Dortmund retain leverage in the market, but their options are narrowing — either meet his €14 million expectation or risk seeing him run down his deal.

Internally, Dortmund’s management remains hopeful of finding a compromise before the winter transfer window opens, but Bild suggests that patience is wearing thin. If no agreement is reached, a summer sale in 2026 could become increasingly likely, especially if one of the European giants puts forth a compelling offer. For now, Schlotterbeck’s camp is said to be biding its time, aware that the next World Cup cycle could further enhance his value.

Manchester United are approaching post-Peter Schmeichel territory in their goalkeeping ranks, with that department having now seen so much upheaval over recent seasons.

Indeed, Andre Onana – now on loan at Turkish side Trabzonspor – has certainly shown shades of Fabian Barthez during his disastrous Old Trafford stint, arriving with a notable reputation, much like the Frenchman, albeit while ultimately departing as another error-strewn maverick.

Described as “one of the worst goalkeepers” in the club’s history by Nemanja Matic ahead of the first-leg Europa League tie with Lyon last season – a game in which Onana made two notable errors – the 29-year-old failed to convince right from the outset.

First impressions are vital, with the Cameroonian’s first taste of Old Trafford seeing him caught out by an outrageous long-range effort in the pre-season clash with Lens in that summer of 2023. That was a sign of things to come.

While United were arguably right to send David De Gea on his way, recent evidence would suggest they settled on the wrong replacement. Can new man Senne Lammens fare any better?

Why Man Utd have signed Senne Lammens

The £17m signing from Royal Antwerp will have to wait to make his Red Devils debut, with Ruben Amorim confirming that Altay Bayindir will retain his place in the sticks for the Manchester derby, despite enduring a shaky start to the new campaign.

Such a decision may have alarm bells ringing already, not least amid claims that Amorim was focused on signing Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez instead, only for the financial package of that deal to prove prohibitive.

There may be a sense that the former Sporting CP boss doesn’t quite have the faith in his young new arrival as yet. Alternatively, perhaps he is merely protecting the Belgian from what would likely be a tiresome comparison with new Manchester City stopper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, at the opposite end.

Either way, at just 23, Lammens represents a player of potential rather than a ready-made, proven solution, with 2024/25 having actually been his first as a first-choice option at senior level.

What a season it was, however, with BBC Sport’s Umir Irfan noting that ‘of all goalkeepers in Europe’s top ten leagues last season, Lammens ranked first for total saves made (173) with a 77.4% save percentage.’

As per FBref too, he ranks in the top 1% of his peers for crosses stopped, in the top 7% for penalties saved and in the top 9% for save percentage. With a goals prevented record of 14.8 to boot, this is arguably a player of young De Gea quality.

That being said, his route to regular football in Manchester will not be a straightforward one – and not just because of the presence of Bayindir…

Why Radek Vitek could be the actual Onana replacement

It would be a surprise for Lammens not to have usurped the Turkish international by the end of this season, with the former Fenerbahce man so regularly underwhelming in a United shirt – his opening day calamity against Arsenal a perfect case in point.

When 2026/27 rolls around, however, there will be renewed competition amid the expected return of Radek Vitek from his loan spell at Bristol City, with the Czech giant already earning rave reviews at Ashton Gate.

The 6 foot 6 starlet – who has been part of United’s academy set-up since 2020 – made 18 appearances for Accrington Stanley at the end of the 2023/24 season, before joining Austrian side Blau-Weiss Linz last term.

That season-long loan saw the 21-year-old concede just 35 goals in 26 starts in the Bundesliga, keeping six clean sheets in that time and making just a solitary error leading to a shot. There were no errors leading to a goal, as per Sofascore.

Such fine form has been replicated in his early days in the Championship, with Vitek kicking things off with a commanding debut display in the thumping 4-1 win over Sheffield United.

That was followed by “another top performance” in the 0-0 draw with Charlton Athletic, as per the Daily Mail’s Nathan Salt, with the United correspondent even suggesting that his “value is about to rocket this season”.

With high points that include his standout save to deny Oli McBurnie against Hull City, Vitek is very much making the most of this chance to shine in England’s second tier, with a more prominent role back at United perhaps on the cards later down the line.

Having signed a new deal prior to joining the Robins on loan, MEN’s Samuel Luckhurst has made the point that academy players who seal a loan to the Championship are often viewed as players who can one day make an impact in United’s first team. Just look at the rise of Amad following his stellar season at Sunderland.

And so, while another experienced option might well be considered next summer, alongside the possibility of Lammens cementing that position for himself, United can be safe in the knowledge that they potentially have the perfect Onana replacement already in-house.

Former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch has questioned Reds boss Arne Slot's tactics after the Premier League champions lost 1-0 at Galatasaray in the Champions League in midweek, their second consecutive defeat after going down in stoppage time against Crystal Palace. Slot opted to start Mohamed Salah on the bench in a series of mistakes Crouch cited by the Dutchman, who has faced little scrutiny so far in his tenure having won the league title in his first season in charge.

• Arne Slot questioned over tactics as Liverpool lose in Istanbul

  Liverpool were defeated by a single goal in Istanbul, a first-half Victor Osimhen penalty converted after Dominik Szoboszlai was adjudged to have fouled Baris Alper Yilmaz with a trailing arm in the box. Crouch has labelled Slot’s tactical decisions as “strange” in the defeat.

  The Reds had 16 shots and 66% possession but were thwarted by the Turkish champions, leading to questions over some of the decisions made by the Dutch head coach – Jeremie Frimpong, usually a right-back by trade, started on the wing ahead of the rested Salah, who came on in the second half alongside Alexander Isak, Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley. The struggles of Florian Wirtz also continued, as the £116million ($156m) signing flattered to deceive again.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  Crouch questions Slot's decisions in Galatasaray defeat

  Peter Crouch was speaking exclusively to Paddy Power. He said: "Arne Slot made some mistakes in the Galatasaray game. Salah very rarely sits on the bench, playing Frimpong higher up, Szoboszlai at right back. It did feel a bit strange, the tactics. That’s the first time I’ve thought the manager got it wrong there. But other than that, I don’t think anyone is firing quite yet – Arsenal, City, Liverpool, Chelsea – everyone’s faltered.”

• Changes do not pay off as Liverpool defeated again

  It can be argued that the Reds underestimated their opponents, particularly considering their near-faultless run to first place in the league phase of last year’s Champions League. But this encounter would not prove as straightforward, as the deafening atmosphere was to the advantage of the buoyant home side. It would be Osimhen who won the game, a striker who has often been linked with a move to the Premier League but now plies his trade with Galatasaray instead.

  Crouch’s comments reflect a fact which Slot himself may be quick to admit, that he did not necessarily get things right on the night or give his side the best opportunity to win the game. The fact that he rung the changes early in the second period suggested that he felt players he had left on the bench may have had a better chance of getting his side back into the contest. Such a conundrum may, ultimately, end up becoming more commonplace following the club’s summer spending, with nearly £250m ($336m) worth of talent sat on the bench while players in the starting XI faltered. It has been suggested by Jamie Carragher that the club may even miss a man who left in Trent Alexander-Arnold.

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• (C)Getty Images
  

  Wirtz will come good – Crouch

  Crouch would defend Florian Wirtz, though, claiming the 22-year-old Germany international will “come good” and should be given a chance to settle into life on Merseyside.

  Crouch said: "Wirtz is a player, I think he's a class act. We're looking at him through 100-million-pound glasses. If he came through the youth team, we would be saying ‘oh what a fantastic, talented player.’ But if you cost £100 million, you need to hit the ground running, and that quite clearly hasn't happened. I had a difficult time when I didn’t score for ages, and I know the fans will stick by him. I genuinely do think he'll come good. I don't think anyone's created more chances than Wirtz this season. So the stats are there, once people start putting them away, or he starts them putting away, the confidence will grow and I think things will really go for him. He reminds me, in some ways, of Coutinho as someone who scored goals and he just needs a bit more luck."

In his first match back as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain, MS Dhoni was given out lbw to Sunil Narine in the game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and that’s led to a debate.Dhoni was given out on the field by umpire Chris Gaffaney when the delivery from Narine turned into the batter after pitching outside off and hit him on the front pad in front of the stumps. Dhoni reviewed it immediately and the third umpire, Vinod Seshan, took some time before reaching his decision.In the replays that were shown on the broadcast, there was a murmur on UltraEdge when the ball passed the inside edge, but it wasn’t a sharp spike, which usually confirms the edge. Seshan went through multiple split-screen replays, with the front-on angle next to a square-leg angle. Seshan was checking if there was a gap between bat and pad, and finally said, “Yes, satisfied. It’s not bat. No bat involved.” Next came the ball-tracking projection, which showed the ball going on to hit leg stump, which meant the on-field decision was upheld.