All posts by n8rngtd.top

He said that while KKR’s staff have been able to create a good environment in IPL 2025, he has missed Gambhir’s presence

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Apr-20252:46

Pujara: ‘Uncertain’ KKR not the force that they were in 2024

Harshit Rana, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fast bowler, has said that he is missing the “aura” and “thrill factor” that Gautam Gambhir brought to the franchise last year.KKR won the IPL 2024 title with Gambhir, their former captain, playing a prominent role in the coaching staff in his capacity as a ‘mentor’. He left the franchise when he took up his current role as India’s head coach last July, and was effectively replaced by Dwayne Bravo, who has the same job title.Abhishek Nayar has also returned to KKR this season after leaving his position as India’s batting coach, while Chandrakant Pandit remains their head coach.”The support staff is basically the same and even Nayar is back,” Harshit said. “But yeah there was a thrill factor that I miss a little – speaking just for myself, not anyone else. But it’s nothing like that. It’s all the same, Chandu [Pandit] sir, Nayar , Bravo. We are getting the kind of environment we want.”There have been changes of course since [Nayar] returned, because he has a very smart mind. He reads the game very well. And the Indian core of our team, he knows them very well. He only has helped develop them over many years. So, it helps us that he is back and it feels good.”Related

• Abhishek Nayar returns to KKR's backroom staff

Harshit, who was retained as an uncapped player ahead of November’s mega auction, has made his India debuts in all three international formats in the past six months, playing under Gambhir. He said that while KKR’s support staff have been able to create a good environment this year, he has missed Gambhir’s presence.When asked to elaborate on what Gambhir had brought to the dressing room, Harshit said: “I wasn’t talking about anything personal. But you also know, he has an aura in the way he carries the team forward. I was just talking about that.”Harshit is KKR’s joint-highest wicket-taker this season, with 11 in nine appearances. Born and raised in Delhi, he will be playing at what is normally his home ground on Tuesday night. He also confirmed that he is fit and available for selection after grazing his left elbow while attempting to take a catch during KKR’s no-result against Punjab Kings on Saturday.KKR sit seventh on the points table after nine matches with three wins, five defeats and a no-result, and must beat Delhi Capitals on Tuesday to keep any realistic playoff ambitions alive.

What will the PBKS and RCB line-ups look like, and where will the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 be won and lost?

ESPNcricinfo staff29-May-20252:31

An 18-year wait to end this season?

Are the top-two teams the right top-two teams?

Moody: Probably the two best teams consistently over this year’s IPL find themselves in the right positions of one and two, even though every team sort of had their struggles to attempt to get into those preferred slots of one and two. Both [are] in form. We’re in for an absolute cracking match.Abhinav: Punjab Kings are sort of rejuvenated under this new duo of Shreyas [Iyer] and [Ricky] Ponting. Ponting’s a serial winner while he played and took MI to the title [in IPL 2015] and DC to the playoffs – didn’t have a last couple of good years with Delhi. But Shreyas Iyer’s been exceptional as captain, and he deserves all the praise for taking Punjab to No. 1.RCB, again, I think their biggest conversation would have been: ‘okay, we have qualified, we need to qualify top two’. I think GT’s loss is RCB’s gain. Because if GT had won both, RCB would not have qualified [in the top two]. But I think RCB have done very, very well to get there, and both are very deserving.

What will the playing XIs/XIIs look like?

Moody: I don’t see that [Jamieson playing] changing, particularly given that [Ponting] has made that comment [about Jamieson being in PBKS’ plans]. And it makes perfect sense to give him a decent run before the all-important final. I was surprised, I must admit, that Jamieson got in ahead of Bartlett, given that Bartlett’s been part of the whole team set-up throughout the whole campaign and already played a few games, but Ricky Ponting and the gang there know exactly what’s happening within that squad better than what we do.Related

• Unstoppable and unsatisfied: how Punjab Kings marched into their first IPL playoffs in 11 years

• Giving up big names for big impact: RCB's reinvention pays off

Abhinav: I think so [Chahal will play]. I think they will play both the spinners [Harpreet Brar the other], because last year, that was one venue which surprised us all in terms of the degree of turn. New Chandigarh had a lot of assistance for spinners, and even Punjab Kings vs KKR, that was the game where Chahal did his magic and they ended up defending that low score. So he [Chahal] will be huge, especially in the context [of the game], and there’s also this little element of him having played for RCB.Moody: Thushara was brilliant in that last game, and… obviously we know what Hazlewood’s done and what his record stands for. So, you can guarantee he is coming into the side. Whether they opt for both those overseas players and look at either Romario Shepherd sitting out and playing another Indian batter, or Suyash [Sharma] might be one that steps aside.Abhinav: It’s a tough one. You’ve got to understand who gives you that extra option. So, in case of [Liam] Livingstone, what happens is if you’re playing both Thushara and Hazlewood, then maybe Livingstone is your spin option, and you can toy with the idea of having that impact sub. Then Romario Shepherd sits out, unfortunately. Have you got enough trust or faith in your players for another Indian batter to come in as a pure batter at No. 5 or 6? That’s the question. It’s a tough call.Moody: That [David’s absence] will be very much in the front of their mind. It’s very hard to judge Livingstone on one ball – we all know what he is capable of doing – and he hasn’t quite caught fire this season, but he’s played a lot of international cricket, played a lot of big games, so there’s no reason why he wouldn’t step up in the final.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

What should we expect from the New Chandigarh venue?

Abhinav: New Chandigarh is basically a venue where you don’t know what sort of pitches to expect. You’ve got a 111 and you’ve got a 219 at the same venue. So that is a very big difference between the kind of scores you see in New Chandigarh. I really hope it is a surface that is true and plays good cricket.

Picks for match-defining head-to-head contests?

Moody: I am quite looking forward to the Arshdeep Singh match-up against Phil Salt. I think that’s going to be intriguing because, to this point, Arshdeep’s got his measure, well and truly. He’s got him out four times for just 25 runs. So that is quite a significant difference.Abhinav: I’m going the other way. I’m going Josh Hazlewood – if he plays, and I think he will – up against Shreyas Iyer. Five innings, three outs, nine runs. Think he got him out in the World Cup game as well, at Chepauk.

Who goes through to the final from Qualifier 1?

Moody: I’ve got RCB’s nose just in front.Abhinav: And I’m going with Punjab.

There’s no place for Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi in the 16-man squad for the three T20Is

Mohammad Isam21-May-2025Sahibzada Farhan has been rewarded for his sterling form in the ongoing PSL 2025 with a recall to the Pakistan T20I side for the three-match series against Bangladesh later this month. Farhan is among eight changes to the side that toured New Zealand in March.Also returning to the side are Hasan Ali and Saim Ayub.Ayub was out of the national side since picking up an injury in South Africa in January during the Test series. He missed all the cricket between that series and the PSL, including the Champions Trophy, and makes his comeback despite average returns for Peshawar Zalmi – 174 runs in ten innings at an average of 17.40 and strike rate of 125.17.Hasan was in the team last in May 2024, and has now forced his way back with 15 wickets in the PSL for Karachi Kings, which places his joint-second with Abrar Ahmed and Jason Holder, and only behind Abbas Afridi, who has 17 wickets. Abbas, meanwhile, is one of the players to have been dropped.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Farhan pretty much forced the selectors to recall him after last playing a T20I in December last year. Playing for Islamabad United, he is currently the PSL’s top scorer with 394 runs at a strike rate of 154.50, and has hit a century and two half-centuries.Also back are Fakhar Zaman, Hussain Talat and Faheem Ashraf, apart from Mohammad Wasim and Naseem Shah, giving the side an experienced and solid appearance.However, there is no place for Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Babar and Rizwan were dropped from the T20I series in New Zealand earlier this year, when Salman Agha was unveiled as the new T20I captain. Afridi played the T20Is on that tour, but has now been left out.

Pakistan squad changes

IN – Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub
OUT – Abdul Samad, Jahandad Khan, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Omair Bin Yousuf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Usman Khan

Pakistan’s three-match series against Bangladesh is also going to be Mike Hesson’s first assignment as the Pakistan white-ball head coach after he joined them earlier this month.The three T20Is will be played on May 28 and 30, and June 1.

Pakistan squad for T20I series against Bangladesh

Salman Agha (capt), Shadab Khan (vice-capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Wasim, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub

Though the majority of the team's biggest stars have been given the tournament off, the Stars and Stripes will still be among the favourites

We're just days removed from the United States men's national team's Nations League triumph and two dominant wins over Mexico and Canada. Several USMNT stars will likely still be washing away the champagne smell and, yet, here we are, looking ahead to the next summer tournament.

Just six days after finishing off the Nations League in Las Vegas, the U.S. will kickstart the Gold Cup in Chicago. There's no rest during a CONCACAF summer, that's for sure. Still, the USMNT set to compete in this second summer tournament will be very different than the one that won the first. Gone are the likes of Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun and Weston McKennie, as this roster has just five holdovers from the Nations League team.

In place of the established stars, interim coach B.J. Callaghan is taking charge of a squad filled with young upstarts and veterans looking for one last push. From two-time World Cup veteran DeAndre Yedlin to teenagers like Cade Cowell, there's an interesting mix.

That mix, though, still could be good enough to win the Gold Cup, but it will be a challenge, much as it was in 2021 when the U.S. pulled off their first CONCACAF double. Doing so again will require several players to take leaps forward, although there are plenty capable of using this tournament as a springboard to bigger and better things.

With that said, here's a look at what to watch out for with the USMNT at the Gold Cup:

• Getty
  

  Turner (and Slonina) in goal

  The goalkeeper position is perhaps the most interesting one on the field for the U.S., as the goalkeeper of the present and the goalkeeper of the future have both been named to the squad.

  Matt Turner is sticking with the team after the Nations League triumph, and he likely isn't sticking around to sit on the bench. He is the USMNT's No.1, after all, and all signs point to him being starter for the meaningful games in this tournament.

  Still, it will be interesting to see if Gabriel Slonina gets any minutes, as the Chelsea youngster is also in the team after shining at the Under-20 World Cup. Slonina is widely seen as a superstar in the making and, after making his USMNT debut in January, it seems to be a matter of when, not if, he gets his crack at the No.1 spot.

  This summer may be a bit too soon for him, but it'll be a good experience, at least, learning under Turner and Sean Johnson, two World Cup veterans.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  Robinson's return to form

  With the full team, Miles Robinson very well could be the go-too starter. He was phenomenal against Mexico in the Nations League and, like Turner, is one of the holdovers from that squad.

  A devastating Achilles injury kept him out of the World Cup last fall, but Robinson is looking back to his old self. Still, getting reps in the Gold Cup will be good for him, especially as he continues to draw European interest.

  How many games can Robinson go? It remains to be seen. So far, the USMNT has taken it easy with him by limiting his minutes somewhat. We know that Robinson will play quality minutes at the Gold Cup, but the quantity is the mystery, especially considering the other veteran center-backs in the team.

  Look out for Jalen Neal, too, who could make an impact despite being one of the younger members of the squad.

• Getty
  

  Young full-backs making a push

  Of the full-backs in the squad just one, DeAndre Yedlin, has significant USMNT experience. John Tolkin, Bryan Reynolds and DeJuan Jones, meanwhile, are all players that are looking to make a rise up the depth chart, with all having the ability to play a key role this cycle.

  Tolkin is the youngest of the bunch, and it could be argued he has the highest ceiling. A standout in MLS with the New York Red Bulls, Tolkin is seen as a future European transfer, with many outside of North America already taking notice of his abilities.

  Reynolds, meanwhile, has three caps to his name and is back with the USMNT after having a difficult time with his own European adventure. His time with Roma has been a mess, but a loan to Westerlo in Belgium helped him regain some much-needed confidence ahead of the Gold Cup.

  And then there's Jones, the New England Revolution star. He's the oldest of this trio at 25, but he's looked solid in his two USMNT caps thus far. He'll battle with Tolkin for a spot on the left, while Reynolds and Yedlin will duke it out on the right-hand side.

  Left-back, in particular, is a position of interest for the USMNT, who have been looking for a back-up to Antonee Robinson for some time. Could it be Tolkin or Jones? We'll find out this summer.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  What's up with Aidan Morris?

  One of the more interesting inclusions and another dual-national battle the U.S. has won. Morris has drawn interest from Canada, and could be a key player for them. He, ultimately, opted for the U.S., though, saying: "I think my heart felt more comfortable and more shaped towards the U.S. than Canada. That’s no disrespect towards Canada, it’s just where I’ve grown up and something I’ve been working towards my whole life."

  That's good news for the USMNT, as the 21-year-old midfielder has been playing well in MLS. He's the youngest player in league history to start an MLS Cup, having helped lift the Columbus Crew to the 2020 title, and he's only grown as a midfielder since then. A defensive-minded option, Morris could be an answer at the senior level, where there isn't really a backup in Tyler Adams' mold.

  This is a good tryout for him to prove he can be that guy, and perhaps more, in the years to come.

Arsene Wenger takes charge of one last game at Old Trafford with the Gunners on Sunday, and there have been plenty of memorable ones in the past

• Getty
  

  1March 1998 – Overmars’ scream-inducing Old Trafford winner

  Going into the game, champions United led Arsenal by nine points but having played an extra three games. Arsene Wenger, in his first full season at Highbury, knew his side would be landing a significant blow were they to win on Manchester soil.

  And with 10 minutes remaining Marc Overmars slid home a now iconic goal, producing scenes of raw emotion in the away end as Arsenal fans began to believe a first title in seven years was within their grasp.

  “If they win their games in hand they will go ahead of us, but they’ll start dropping points towards the end of the season, there’s no question about that,” Sir Alex Ferguson claimed afterwards.

  Ferguson was wrong. The win at Old Trafford was the second of 10 straight successes for the Gunners, who would wrap up a first title under Wenger with two games to spare.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  2April 1999 – Giggs' wonder goal

  It might be easier to list the things this iconic FA Cup semi-final replay didn't have! David Beckham scored first but the pendulum seemed to have swung to Arsenal when Dennis Bergkamp equalised and Roy Keane was then sent off for a foul on Overmars.

  In the dying seconds, Phil Neville brought down Ray Parlour for a penalty, prompting some United fans to head for the exits. But Peter Schmeichel brilliantly saved Bergkamp’s spot-kick to send the game into extra time.

  Then came THAT Ryan Giggs goal as the Welsh wizard beat Patrick Vieira, Lee Dixon, Martin Keown and Tony Adams on a wonderful run before striking high past David Seaman and whipping off his shirt in frenzied jubilation.

• Getty
  

  3August 1999 – Keane at the double at Highbury

  Freddie Ljungberg’s opening goal was just a taster in this clash as the growing disregard between the two clubs reared its head.

  Keane broke through a gap to equalise, but moments later was involved in a flashpoint with Vieira in which the United skipper kicked out after playing a pass and the Frenchman responded with a head-butt. Jaap Stam then grabbed Vieira by the throat as both sets of players flooded in.

  After referee Graham Poll decided no cards were warranted, Keane pounced on a deflected Giggs shot to net the winner, but there would still be time for late controversy as Keown’s apparent injury-time equaliser was ruled out for an infringement on Raimond van der Gouw.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  4May 2002 – Wiltord wins the league in Manchester

  Their Old Trafford victory in 1998 had felt like a league winner because of the momentum swing but four years on Arsenal would become champions for certain with another memorable 1-0 win.

  In a game that was typically bad-tempered at times, with Phil Neville perhaps lucky to stay on the pitch after a particularly bad challenge on Sylvain Wiltord, it always felt like Arsene Wenger’s side were going to find the winner.

  It came on 56 minutes, as Mikael Silvestre’s loose pass allowed Wiltord to break and play in Ljungberg. The Swede’s shot could only be parried by Fabien Barthez, and the French front man became the toast of north London by sliding home the rebound.

Several well-known players have exploited approaches from other teams to renegotiate terms with their respective clubs

Using interest from elsewhere as a tool to secure a better wage packet at their parent club has become more common for players in recent times. And while there is an air of moral questionability around it, the main observation is that it is a tactic that often bears fruit.

Some stars do not hesitate to go straight to the powers that be to negotiate improved deals, while others barely have to lift a finger as their clubs move swiftly to tie them down to extended contracts to avoid departures and fan anger.

Below, Goal has put together a list of big names who were handed a golden ticket by their management.

• Getty Images
  

  Steven Gerrard

  Year: 2005
  Under contract with: Liverpool
  Courted by: Chelsea

  Not long after the turn of the century, Chelsea tried to lure Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard to London.

  It is said that the Scouser gave serious thought to the move, having already won the Champions League with the Reds but continued to find Premier League glory elusive.

  In the end, following a group of fans burning a Gerrard jersey near Liverpool's training centre, the former England international backtracked.

  His loyalty was rewarded with a contract extension and a reported wage bump up to around £130,000 per week ($170,000).

  In the aftermath, Stevie G claimed it was never his intention to leave. Whether you want to believe that or not is entirely up to you.

Advertisement

• Francesco Totti

  Year: 2005
  Under contract with: Roma
  Courted by: Real Madrid

  Francesco Totti is an icon in Rome, there can be no disputing that.

  The fact that he spent his entire career in the Eternal City provides the simple explanation required to understand the legendary status he enjoys in the Italian capital.

  However, the Giallorossi hit a wobble during Totti's peak years and the striker was close to moving on to pastures new: Real Madrid.

  Attracted by the opportunity to be named the next Galactico and having been consistently courted by Florentino Perez, the Italian was eventually convinced by his family and the Roma president to stay put.

• Getty
  

  Luis Suarez

  Year: 2013
  Under contract with: Liverpool
  Courted by: Arsenal

  In the summer of 2013, it became apparent that Arsenal were keen to sign an in-form Luis Suarez from Liverpool.

  Mere days before the end of the transfer window, a deal looked to have been struck and 'El Pistolero' was preparing to be labelled a traitor on Merseyside.

  After a long chat with Brendan Rodgers, however, the Uruguayan changed his mind and stayed at Anfield.

  Months later, Suarez was handed a new contract with a lucrative salary of £200,000 per week ($265,000), which at the time was a new record for the Reds.

  That hefty wage pack, however, would not be enough to stop him joining Barcelona after the World Cup in Brazil.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  Sergio Ramos

  Year: 2015
  Under contract with: Real Madrid
  Courted by: Manchester United

  Louis van Gaal was desperate to sign some on-field leaders during his time at Manchester United and who better than Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos? Ramos was the Dutch manager's priority and discussions were opened between the two parties.

  At the time, Madrid were going through a transitional season and Zinedine Zidane had not yet taken the reins. Ramos weighed up the pros and cons and eventually decided the best thing to do was stay put.

  That decision may well have been helped along by Florentino Perez, however, who handed the centre-back a shiny new five-year contract worth €50 million (£42m/$56m).

Mourinho has a history of falling out with high-profile players at clubs he has managed with his on-again, off-again rift with Pogba resurfacing

Jose Mourinho as a manager and as a person is as abrasive as they get in the world of football, with his trophy-winning legacy at  the likes of Chelsea, Inter and Porto inseparable from the often sensational and spectacular ways in which he has fallen out with others

That personality has played against him in the past, like when the Special One was forced out of Real Madrid several clashes with key members of the squad.

Mourinho is also known for his infamous third season 'implosions', in which his time at a club goes pear-shaped after his second year.

Along the way, he has fallen in and out with players in instances that have become high-profile, from accusing Cristiano Ronaldo of having too large an ego and dismissing young talents Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne.

Goal has rounded up Mourinho's past bust-ups with his own players from past to present, bringing you all you need to know.

• Getty
  

  Paul Pogba – Manchester United

  Despite having the summer of a lifetime and lifting the World Cup with France, Pogba's start to the Premier League season wasn't as smooth sailing – clashing several times with his manager.

  Pogba's form for France hadn't been the same for Man United, with the midfielder dropping cryptic messages in the press about the uncertainty over his future and hints about Mourinho's unruly treatment of the player.

  The relationship between the two took yet another rocky turn after Mourinho gave a team talk stating that Pogba would never again captain the side following the French international's criticism over the coach not adopting enough of an attacking style on the pitch.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  Mohamed Salah – Chelsea

  The Egyptian superstar is one of a few "the one who got away" stories involving Mourinho, after the two worked together at Chelsea but failed to really hit it off.

  Salah made just 13 Premier League appearances for Chelsea the course of almost two seasons and was considered a 'flop', with the Portuguese failing to figure out a way to deploy the forward effectively.

  But now, of course, the Egyptian has made his way to Anfield, illuminating the Premier League with his breakout debut season that saw him score 46 goals in all competition, breaking numerous records in the process – as well as Mourinho's heart.

• Getty
  

  Romelu Lukaku – Chelsea

  Mourinho has never had a great record in developing young talent, and didn't give much of a chance to the then 19-year-old Lukaku at Chelsea, who eventually moved to Everton.

  There was never a rift between the two during their time at Stamford Bridge, however, and Lukaku's clearly proven his worth to the manager after Mourinho shelled out  £75m to purchase the forward from Everton for Manchester United in 2017.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  Kevin De Bruyne – Chelsea

  Kevin De Bruyne is another Mourinho success story during their time at Chelsea, with the Belgian midfielder being so frustrated at not being given ample playing time that he transferred to Wolfsburg.

  After three years in the Bundesliga, the midfielder returned to the Premier League to join Manchester City, where he has emerged as one of the most pivotal members of the title-winning team under Pep Guardiola.

United's England stars shone as the Lionesses brought football 'home' – now their target is to bring Champions League football to this club

A new Women's Super League season, but the same question: Can Manchester United break into the Champions League places?!

It's something that's been asked ever since the Red Devils came to the top table and finished fourth in their first campaign. If anyone is to break the stronghold that Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City have on that top three, it feels like it will be United.

However, after being one point from doing so in 2020-21, Casey Stoney's last season in charge before her move to the United States, they were five points off third last time out.

Has their summer window been good enough to bridge the gap? We're about to find out.

• Getty
  

  The Squad

  There are some real star names in this Manchester United team, most notably the dynamic duo of Alessia Russo and Ella Toone as well as goalkeeper Mary Earps, all three playing huge roles in England winning the Euros this past summer.

  Head coach Marc Skinner brought in another Lioness, Nikita Parris, this summer, too. Parris was electric at Manchester City – becoming the WSL's all-time top goal-scorer aged 24. She left to join Lyon, won the Champions League, but then didn't get much game time at Arsenal. She'll be more motivated than ever to return to her top level at United.

  She's not the only promising transfer. Maya Le Tissier, ranked at No.7 in last year's NXGN list, and France international Aissatou Tounkara are excellent signings to bolster the defence, and the fact they have kept hold of Spain right-back Ona Batlle is huge.

  However, Jackie Groenen's departure to Paris Saint-Germain after the English window shut has raised questions and put a damper on a good transfer market for the club.

  Groenen's contract was due to expire next summer and United have managed to get a good fee for her instead of allowing her to leave for free, but the creativity in midfield suffers with her leaving. It's that area of the pitch where most of the concerns lay. Can Skinner get the balance right with the options he has?

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  The Hopes

  There is one clear aim for United and it is Champions League football.

  Last season, they took points from Arsenal and Manchester City and, on the final day of the season as Chelsea went out to win the title, led the Blues twice. It's clear that they are closing the gap to the top teams and they need to continue in that vein to get the results needed to replace one of them in the top three.

  Their pre-season schedule was organised well to build on that. United went to France to face two top sides in PSG and Bayern Munich, beating the former.

  Those results count for nothing, though, and it's about applying what was learned there and last year to the big games when the WSL kicks off.

  Whether they can finally secure European football could be crucial if they want to retain some of their best players, too. Batlle, who is constantly linked with Barcelona, and Russo, who will have attracted lots of attention with her Euros performances, are both in the final year of their contracts.

• Getty
  

  The Fears

  There would be nothing more frustrating for the club and its fans than another fourth placed finish. It could result in the loss of some key players and would raise questions of whether or not enough steps forward are being taken.

  A decision has to be made on whether or not to activate the extra year option in Skinner's contract, too, so it feels crucial for his position at the club for this target to be met – or significant progress towards it to be made, at least.

  Do they have enough in midfield to create and also protect the defence? Can the new forwards in the squad step up to ensure the goal-scoring burden isn't all on Russo and Toone? Can Earps carry her world-beating form from the Euros into this season?

  Those questions will need to be answered correctly for them to finish in that top three.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  The Hero

  Alessia Russo? Ella Toone? Mary Earps? Take your pick.

  All three were sensational as England won the Euros this summer. Russo scored four goals from the bench, including the one voted best of the tournament. Toone netted to stop Spain beating England in the quarters and she opened the scoring in style in the final. Earps made saves that blew everyone away, in absolutely huge moments.

  It felt like each of these players reached new levels during the Euros and now their task is to bring that quality back to United to help them achieve their goals.

  Along with Parris, having experienced what it is like to win such a title under massive pressure, what they can bring to the team from a mental perspective could be just what they need to get over the line, too.

The Spaniard was one of the stars of the show as Real Madrid illustrated their strength in depth up front by routing Celtic 5-1 at the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid cruised past Celtic in a 5-1 thrashing to seal top spot in Champions League Group F.

A bright start in the opening minutes for Celtic was swiftly quashed when Moritz Jenz gave away a penalty for handball after five minutes, allowing Luka Modric to fire Real in front.

It was 2-0 after 21 minutes when Celtic were again punished for a handball inside the box, this time Matthew O'Riley having handled the ball and Rodrygo scoring from the spot.

Celtic didn't lie down despite the circumstances and were given a chance to get themselves back into the game after half an hour when the referee pointed to the spot for a third time.

Josip Juranovic's effort was batted away by Thibaut Courtois a sequence of events that summarised Celtic's evening and overall Champions League campaign rather well.

And as Celtic began to fade, Real upped the ante once again, with Vinicius Junior tapping in a low cross at the front post for 4-0. Ancelotti then ushered in the changes as The Bhoys fell away, with Federico Valverde stealing the show with a magnificent strike for 5-0.

Jota ensured visiting fans left with at least one positive, wrapping an inch-perfect free-kick into the top corner as a late consolation.

After a blip against RB Leipzig last week, this was the perfect response from the defending champions. Don't take them lightly; they've got all the quality and football heritage you could ever need to cruise towards another Champions League crown.

• Getty
  

  The Winners

  Luka Modric:

  The man is the definition of 'ageing like a fine wine', isn't he? Modric never, ever looks stretched in possession, nor does he ever look leggy or uncomfortable. Everything he does, he does with grace and extreme ease. Playing against him must be beautiful and nightmarish in equal proportions. One of the greatest of all time. It's as simple as that.

  Marco Asensio:

  Redemption season for the Spaniard is well and truly on. After bursting onto the scene in his youth, the water became somewhat murky for Asensio at Real and his exit has been discussed with immense regularity. He's been determined to force his way back into the side in Madrid, though, and proved his quality again here.

  Replacing Benzema in the attacking trident is no easy task, and while he doesn't offer anywhere near the same quality and profile as the Frenchman, he brings his own abilities to the table. Taking his chance with a concentrated performance, he deserved a goal. And what a delightful strike it was.

  Federico Valverde:

  There was a time when Valverde was very much a diamond in the rough. All action, a big bundle of energy that admittedly needed serious refining. And how that refinement is showing now.

  Granted, playing within one of the greatest midfield rosters ever certainly helps, but the Uruguayan deserves serious credit for how he's nailed down the vacant spot left behind by Casemiro. He's added a maturity to his game as well as the obvious flair and technical finesse. Superb.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  The Losers

  Celtic's penalty luck:

  The Bhoys and spot-kicks. Like oil and water. While the second penalty they conceded here was perhaps a little harsh, O'Riley's hand was in an outstretched position and in today's game, you can't dispute it. 'Seen them given' is the term that comes to mind.

  But as if their luck couldn't get any worse, they couldn't find the back of the net from a spot-kick of their own, just as they were handed a way back into the game on a silver platter.

  The handball rule:

  Another week, another bout of confusion over handball. We don't blame you if you've given up in trying to understand it, at this point.

  Let's assess. The first penalty awarded against Jenz is understandable: the arm is extended, it's a little clumsy and the shot – albeit a poor one – is on target. Probably has to be given.

  But the decision against O'Riley? Well, contentious to say the least. The 21-year-old's arm is tucked close to his body, raised for balance, and he's turning it away from the ball. There is simply nowhere else for it to go with the way he was moving. The shot that struck it was also heading off target.

  And to put the icing on the cake – not that the lawmakers deserve one – it was O'Riley who was booked and not Jenz. Make it make sense.

  Eden Hazard:

  Again, not involved and again, not missed. Hazard to Real Madrid looks like the worst transfer of all time more and more with each passing week.

  Before we start, Celtic were poor and have been poor in Europe. This was a game Real should've dominated. But that still doesn't bode well for Hazard, who cannot stay fit or even impact games on the occasion that he is.

  Instead, Los Blancos' front line has already moved on from him, prioritising youth and the comeback story of Asensio. What a bleak few years for the Belgian.

• Real Madrid ratings: Defence

  Thibaut Courtois (6/10): Stood tall when called into action. Would've been very easy to switch off and allow the visitors a cheap goal, but Courtois wasn't having that. Got a hand to Jota's free-kick, but the Celtic man deserves the credit.

  Dani Carvajal (7/10): A performance which showed his experience. Well-positioned and gave Celtic very little to work with.

  Eder Militao (8/10): Never looked too troubled, but did his job. Made important blocks, provided energy and kept things calm.

  David Alaba (7/10): Always comfortable in possession and helped out Mendy where he could.

  Ferland Mendy (5/10): Any joy that Celtic did get in possession seemed to come down the left flank. Mendy was often outnumbered, but also didn't enjoy a composed game. Can have no complaints about the penalty he gave away; nowhere near the ball.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  Midfield

  Toni Kroos (6/10): Occupied the deepest role of the midfield three, often dropping between the centre backs to keep control of proceedings.

  Luka Modric (8/10): This man is timeless. Weight of pass, range of pass, positioning, technical ability – he ticks all of the boxes. An early goal set the tone for a joyous performance.

  Federico Valverde (8/10): While the two experienced heads keep things ticking, Valverde provides the energy. But on top of that, he now also provides a consistent quality on the ball, playing swift passes and bursting beyond the lines of play. Capped it off with a thunderous strike.

There was to be no miracle at the Bernabeu as Jurgen Klopp's side failed to break down Los Blancos before conceding a late goal to Karim Benzema

Liverpool are out of the Champions League after a 6-2 aggregate defeat to Real Madrid in the last 16.

Trailing 5-2 from the first leg three weeks ago, the Reds battled hard but were unable to make any inroads into the deficit, and instead succumbed to a 1-0 loss thanks to Karim Benzema's late strike.

Jurgen Klopp's side had first-half chances through Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo, but it is the holders and 14-time winners who progress to the quarter-finals, and in deserved fashion too.

GOAL rates Liverpool players from Santiago Bernabeu…

• Getty
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Alisson Becker (9/10):

  Two superb first-half saves to deny Vinicius and Camavinga, and another after the break to thwart Valverde. No chance with the goal.

  Trent Alexander-Arnold (5/10):

  Run ragged by Vinicius, who was just too quick and sharp. Much happier when attacking, with some incisive passes, but won't want to face Real again any time soon. Dreadful late corner.

  Ibrahima Konate (6/10):

  Held his nerve well in the last line and used his speed and strength against Vinicius & Co.

  Virgil van Dijk (6/10):

  Defended well under pressure for the most part and played some great diagonals. Goal was scruffy.

  Andy Robertson (5/10):

  Unable to get forward much and got away with a poor giveaway for Valverde's chance.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  Midfield

  Fabinho (5/10):

  The odd wayward pass and seemed to slow down in the second half.

  James Milner (5/10):

  As game and as committed as we'd expect, but was asked to do far too much in a two-man midfield.

• Getty
  

  Attack

  Mohamed Salah (5/10):

  Had some joy against Nacho early on, but wasted a great chance to set up Nunez for a big opportunity and faded fast.

  Cody Gakpo (6/10):

  Charged with linking midfield and attack, he was neat enough without really threatening a goal.

  Diogo Jota (5/10):

  Scuffed a first-half chance and was untidy too often with his passing. No shock when he was replaced by Firmino.

  Darwin Nunez (6/10):

  Lively and positive. Surprisingly taken off early.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  Subs & Manager

  Roberto Firmino (6/10):

  One gorgeous flick to Salah aside, not much.

  Harvey Elliott (6/10):

  Neat and tidy.

  Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (5/10):

  Brought back in from the cold as the game petered out.

  Fabio Carvalho (N/A):

  On in stoppage time.

  Kostas Tsimikas (N/A):

  On for the last seconds. Booked.

  Jurgen Klopp (5/10):

  Hamstrung in his starting selection, but Nunez sub was a weird one.