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If this is to be the end of Bruno Fernandes at Manchester United, it would mark a sorry way to go out.

The architect of the club’s surge to the Europa League final, having scored six goals in the knockout stage alone, the Portuguese playmaker couldn’t repeat those heroics on the big stage, having put in a surprisingly muted display in Bilbao.

A defeated captain in a European showpiece for the second time – having led the team out in the absence of Harry Maguire in 2021 – the 30-year-old was far from at his best, epitomised by his two errant passes in the build-up to Brennan Johnson’s crucial strike on Wednesday night.

Speaking after that dismal 1-0 defeat, the United skipper outlined that he would be forced to accept it if the club did decide to cash in on him this summer, with The Telegraph’s James Ducker relaying that Saudi side Al-Hilal are “eager to sign” the midfielder.

As Fernandes admitted himself earlier this year, he had turned down an “offer” from elsewhere before signing a new extension last summer, with it yet to be seen if he will continue to remain the centrepiece of Ruben Amorim’s side.

Should a surprise exit occur or not, it is clear that the Red Devils are in desperate need of more players of his ilk, with that search seemingly already underway.

Man Utd's search for a Bruno Fernandes successor

While things may have been different in Bilbao, Fernandes has stood apart as the major success story of the past decade or so, having registered 98 goals and 86 assists in all competitions in just over five years.

The former Sporting CP star is a real creative spark, particularly when operating as a number ten, with the same perhaps true of departing Lyon starlet, Rayan Cherki, a player whom United know all about following their meeting in the Europa League earlier this year.

According to journalist Patrick Berger, there were even talks held with the player’s representatives following that quarter-final clash, with United said to hold a “strong interest” in the Frenchman.

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

The suggestion is that the Red Devils are competing with Borussia Dortmund for the 21-year-old’s signature, with it having already been revealed that Cherki will be leaving the Ligue 1 side at the end of the season.

Reportedly available for around £25m, as per prior reports, the in-demand talent – who is not said to be a “priority target” for Liverpool – could represent a real bargain addition for INEOS this summer.

Why Rayan Cherki could be the next Bruno Fernandes

Fernandes may be the captain of a sinking ship in some regard, but that should not take away too greatly from the remarkable impact he has had over the past five years, often carrying the creative and goalscoring burden on his own at times.

Currently leading the way for goals and assists again at Old Trafford this season, the “creative machine” – as hailed by Manchester City counterpart, Kevin De Bruyne – has so often taken centre-stage. He is a man who relishes the limelight.

That is a quality that Cherki appears to share, with the silky sensation notably netting in fine fashion against Amorim’s men at Old Trafford, having rifled the ball home past a helpless Andre Onana – just a week on from scoring at the death in the first leg.

Described as a “future Ballon d’Or winner” by The Athletic’s Alex Barker, the youngster has replicated Fernandes in showcasing his impact both creatively and in getting goals himself, having scored 11 times and contributed 22 assists in 44 games in 202425.

That includes a return of eight goals and 11 assists in the French top-flight, with the United skipper, for instance, recording a similar return of eight goals and nine assists in the Premier League.

Games

30

35

Goals

8

8

Goal frequency

257min

367min

Big chances missed

1

10

Assists

11

9

Big chances created

22

15

Key passes*

2.5

2.5

Pass accuracy*

84%

81%

Successful dribbles*

1.6

0.8

Possession lost*

14.5

18.3

As indicated above, Cherki is also something of a ‘creative machine’ himself, having provided 22 big chances in Ligue 1, alongside averaging 2.5 key passes per game. Fernandes, as shown, averages 2.5 key passes per game in England’s top tier, albeit while creating ‘just’ 15 big chances.

That willingness to make something happen may lead to the odd erratic pass – as their possession lost record illustrates – but the two men both share that ability to unlock a defence with a moment of magic, or turn a game in an instant.

It is for no reason that teammate and ex-Arsenal man Ainsley Maitland-Niles has hailed Cherki as the “best natural talent” he’s ever seen, while going on to describe the forward as a “wizard on the ball”.

Much like Fernandes has done for so long, United are in need of someone else to conjure up some magic in Manchester. The Lyon diamond certainly seems to fit the bill.

The new Van Nistelrooy: Man Utd make approach for £55m Delap alternative

Man Utd are desperate to sign a new centre-forward this summer, with Liam Delap just one target to have emerged.

ByRobbie Walls May 20, 2025

Liverpool are basking in the glory of clinching the Premier League title and could now put forward an offer for an elite midfielder to bolster their engine room, per reports.

Liverpool look to build on claiming Premier League title

Summer is around the corner and Arne Slot likely won’t be hanging around as he seeks to build a dynasty at Anfield that keeps his side at the top of the English football pyramid.

Everyone associated with the Reds will carry immense pride when looking back on their Premier League title victory, but standing still isn’t an option for FSG and company, who are likely to face a rejuvenated set of divisional rivals in 2025/26.

Looking to make a mark in the market, Liverpool could land Genoa midfielder Morten Frendrup for little over £25 million after the Serie A outfit decided to put the Denmark international up for sale.

Stuttgart star Angelo Stiller is also on Slot’s radar, lending credence to the idea that strengthening the engine room is a key priority for the Dutchman in his mission to balance both their domestic and European exploits.

Momentum is an important quantity in football and something Liverpool will be desperate to maintain, though refreshing a squad is sometimes necesarry to ensure hunger doesn’t wane during the second year of a project.

Liverpool’s minimalistic transfer approach in 2024/25

Federico Chiesa

Arrived from Juventus

Giorgi Mamardashvili

Arrived from Valencia (loaned back)

Inriguingly, Slot chose to go with the options already at his disposal, bar Federico Chiesa, upon his arrival. His bravery to stick with a tried and tested bunch proved to be a masterstroke, but there is always room for further enhancement.

With that said, Liverpool are now preparing an offer for one of Europe’s most well-known midfielders in a pursuit that could make headlines across Europe.

Liverpool prepare to submit offer for Frenkie de Jong

Per reports in Spain, Liverpool are preparing to submit an offer just over the £34 million mark for Frenkie de Jong in light of his uncertain situation at Barcelona.

The La Liga giants are said to be open to a sale in light of their economic circumstances, which has alerted the Reds alongside Arsenal and Manchester City.

Man City set to fend off Liverpool hijack and win race for £73k-a-week star

They have been working on a deal since January.

ByHenry Jackson May 3, 2025

Slot values De Jong’s fluidity in possession and potential to anchor the midfield with Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister highly, and the fact he is out of contract in Catalonia come 2026 may hasten the process. Labelled “incredible” by Marc Casado, the former Ajax man has registered two goals and two assists in 40 appearances across all competitions this campaign.

Reported to earn £310,000 per week at Barcelona, De Jong is an experienced operator with experience of thriving at the highest level, making him a logical target for Liverpool should he fancy the prospect of a new challenge.

Ultimately, his current employers’ finances may dictate how this story develops, but it is definitely one to keep an eye on in light of Slot’s growing Dutch contingent of players at Anfield.

As an ever-aggressive opener, he has given his side an advantage to capitalise on more often than not

Ian Chappell17-Dec-2023Yet again David Warner, by amassing a scintillating century, has proved his immense worth to the Australian cricket team as an aggressive match-winning opener. He will be sorely missed by the Australian Test team when he retires after the SCG match of this series.There are varying opinions on him announcing his preference for an SCG send-off. I prefer the former great Australian allrounder Keith Miller’s version. Miller wanted to retire while people asked “Why did you?” rather than “Why don’t you?”Warner could have been following the example set by Steve Waugh in 2003-04 of having a season-long send-off. Protracted farewells like that can make cricket decisions difficult for members of the players’ own team. Damien Martyn found that out in the Gabba Test in that 2003-04 series against India, sacrificing his wicket when a mix-up led to the prospect of Waugh being run-out. It can also test the resolve of the selectors if the upcoming retiree endures a bad start to the season.Related

Australia will miss David Warner's aggression and match-winning ability

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A deranged fearlessness

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Love him or loathe him, it's time to appreciate David Warner

Or Warner might have been following the example set by Greg Chappell in 1983-84. Chappell announced before the final Test against Pakistan at the SCGNot only does an aggressive opener make life easier for his side, the opposing captain is also wary against him, particularly with field placings

However, Warner’s value to his team doesn’t just start and finish with his aggressive batting. As we saw in Australia’s recently achieved 50-over World Cup victory, his brilliant outfielding is an enormous asset in a team’s success.There is also his catching. He’s not the best slip fielder at Test level, as Australia are fortunate to have had a number of brilliant specialists, but he’s competent.All of that says why Warner will be a hard man to replace in Australia’s Test side. The selectors’ choice will be difficult and currently there is no one on the horizon who is even close to Warner’s value to the team.Warner has been a polarising figure in the Australian side and much of the love-hate relationship stems from the part he played in the controversial 2018 sandpaper affair in Cape Town. If he does expose his version of events in a book following his ultimate retirement, it will make for extremely interesting reading. It also ensures there will be a lot of very nervous people around Australian cricket awaiting any revelations.Whether you love or hate Warner, you should never underestimate his value to Australian cricket. Warner is a rare gem and Australia have been lucky to have his services in a long and distinguished career.

ESPNcricinfo’s staff picked their Test, ODI, T20 and women’s teams of the year. Do they resemble yours?

Matt Roller02-Jan-2022New Zealand may have finished the year as world champions in Tests and runners up at the T20 World Cup, but only two players from that team feature in ESPNcricinfo’s XIs of the year. Kyle Jamieson, the only one to hold his place from our Test team of 2020, boosts the Test bowling pack, while Glenn Phillips shores up the T20 middle order.ESPNcricinfo LtdRohit Sharma, who made contrasting hundreds against England at Chepauk and The Oval, was the heaviest-scoring opener of the year. His opening partner in our Test XI, Dimuth Karunaratne, was only four runs behind, having made hundreds against South Africa, Bangladesh (twice) and West Indies.At Nos. 3 and 4 are Marnus Labuschagne, the new world leader in the ICC’s Test rankings, and Joe Root, the man he knocked off the top on that table. Root, also the captain of our Test XI, hit six Test hundreds in 2021 and broke Michael Vaughan’s record for most runs in a calendar year by an Englishman. Fawad Alam, who continued his fine run for Pakistan since his overdue Test recall with three hundreds, comes in next.Rishabh Pant’s heroics in Australia and in India’s home series against England earn him the gloves.R Ashwin couldn’t get a game for India in England but still finishes 2021 as the year’s leading wicket-taker. He is our lone spinner, with Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Ollie Robinson forming the pace quartet alongside Jamieson.ESPNcricinfo LtdPaul Stirling was the leading ODI run scorer in 2021 after starting the year with three hundreds in five innings in Abu Dhabi. He opens the batting with Fakhar Zaman, whose Pakistan captain Babar Azam also takes the reins of our team from No. 3.Rassie van der Dussen slots in at No. 4, having shown off his versatility and his boundary-hitting ability against the quicks. Bangladesh stalwarts Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim complete the middle order.Next up is Sri Lanka leggie Wanindu Hasaranga, who did not reach the same heights he did in T20 cricket in the 50-over version of the game, but still made three punchy fifties with the bat and bowled with control. The top two wicket-takers of the year, Sri Lanka quick Dushmantha Chameera, extracting good bounce and regularly hitting speeds of 90mph or more, and Ireland offspinner Simi Singh, bowling at 3.67 runs and over, also make it to the ODI team.Completing the attack are seamers Mustafizur Rahman, who was formidable at home in Bangladesh, and Josh Little, who confirmed his status as Ireland’s most promising young quick for a generation.ESPNcricinfo LtdPakistan’s record-breaking opening pair, Babar and Mohammad Rizwan, were the obvious choices as captain and wicketkeeper of our men’s T20 side respectively, while Moeen Ali’s all-round exploits for Birmingham Phoenix, Chennai Super Kings and England were enough for him to edge out Mitchell Marsh in a tight battle for the No. 3 spot.Glenn Maxwell had a lean T20 World Cup but was so dominant against spin in the IPL, transcending difficult conditions in the UAE, that he makes our side at No. 4, while Phillips and Liam Livingstone also got plenty of votes, having ended 2021 as the year’s leading T20 six-hitters.Hasaranga was the leading wicket-taker at the World Cup. His googly proved near-impossible to pick, and he conceded a fraction over a run a ball across year. After his superb displays for Australia in their title-winning campaign, Adam Zampa is hard done by to miss out but he is unfortunate that he plays in the same era as Rashid Khan, whose unerring brilliance is often taken for granted: Rashid was the year’s leading wicket-taker by a significant margin and gets in as our second spinner.Afridi and Mustafizur both make the cut after impressing with the new ball and at the death respectively, and Royal Challengers Bangalore seamer Harshal Patel, the IPL’s leading wicket-taker, edges Josh Hazlewood, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi and Avesh Khan to the final bowling spot.ESPNcricinfo LtdOur women’s XI this year is a combined white-ball side; performances and stats from ODIs, T20Is, the WBBL and the Hundred were considered.Australia played fewer games than usual in 2021 but Beth Mooney’s superb form for Perth Scorchers in their WBBL-winning season made her a popular choice at the top of the order alongside England’s Tammy Beaumont, who started the year with three consecutive ODI half-centuries against New Zealand and ended it with 102 against the same opposition.Lizelle Lee, the leading ODI run scorer for the year, slots in at No. 3, pushing Smriti Mandhana, who supplemented her India form with strong seasons in the Hundred and the WBBL, down to No. 4.England captain Heather Knight had a prolific year and takes her place in the middle order, where she is joined by allrounders Marizanne Kapp – Player of the Match in both the Hundred and WBBL final – and Hayley Matthews, who seemed to be back near her best, particularly with the ball, after a quiet few years.Amanda-Jade Wellington did not make an appearance for Australia but was the standout legspinner in both the Hundred and the WBBL, reaching the final in both competitions. She forms the spin attack along with left-armer Sophie Ecclestone and offspinner Anisa Mohammed, the leading ODI wicket-taker of the year.The speed in our women’s XI comes via Shabnim Ismail, who bowled with characteristic pace and aggression for South Africa and Oval Invincibles. She shares the seam-bowling workload with compatriot Kapp after Darcie Brown, Tash Farrant and Kate Cross were edged out by Ecclestone.More in our look back at 2021

The Yankees made a move to fortify their pitching staff Thursday, signing veteran righty Paul Blackburn to a major league deal, per a team announcement.

Blackburn, 31, was designated for assignment by the Mets earlier this month, and has made seven pitching appearances, including four starts, in 2025. He struggled during his time with the Mets, leading to his release. This season, he owns a 6.85 ERA with 18 strikeouts and 18 earned runs in 23 2/3 innings.

The right-hander was an All-Star as recently as 2022, when he pitched for the Athletics. That year, Blackburn had a 4.28 ERA with 89 strikeouts and 30 walks across 21 outings.

In a corresponding move after signing and activating Blackburn to the active roster, the Yankees optioned right-handed pitcher Allan Winans to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Blackburn is in his ninth MLB season, and the Yankees will be the third team he's played for in his career. He's made a total of 93 appearances and 86 starts in the league, and owns a 4.96 ERA.

Blackburn will likely pitch out of the bullpen in the Bronx, and he'll join a bullpen consisting of Luke Weaver, David Bednar, Camilo Doval, Mark Leiter Jr., Tim Hill and Yerry De los Santos.

IPL mini auctions have had record paydays for overseas players in the past, and Cameron Green could take that trend forward come December 16.Green has been tipped to become the most expensive buy at the upcoming IPL auction because both Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who have the highest purses (INR 64.3 crore and INR 43.4 crore respectively), are expected to put in strong bids for the allrounder.In 2023, Mitchell Starc was bought by KKR for INR 24.75 crore, minutes after Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) acquired Pat Cummins for 20.5 crore, making him the first player to breach the INR 20-crore mark at an IPL auction. Those overshadowed the INR 18.5 crore Punjab Kings (PBKS) had bid for Sam Curran in the previous mini auction in 2023.Related

• IPL 2026 auction – who will be at the heart of the big bidding wars?

• FAQs – The when, where, who and how much of the IPL 2026 auction

• IPL 2026 auction – De Kock added in 359-player shortlist, Green part of first set

• Green in line for IPL payday; Maxwell, Moeen opt out

At the 2023 auction, Green became the second-most expensive buy when Mumbai Indians (MI) had bought him at INR 17.5 crore. MI went on to trade Green to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) a year later for the same price. In his two IPL seasons so far, in 2023 and 2024, Green has played 29 matches, scoring 707 runs at a strike rate of 153.70.He has listed himself at the maximum base price of INR 2 crore for the latest auction.While he could become a millionaire again, it won’t cross INR 20 crore, since the maximum fee cannot exceed INR 18 crore. This will apply even if the bid is higher than that number.That is because of the new “maximum fee” rule that the IPL brought in last year to address the collective concern of franchises that some overseas players were registering exclusively at mini auctions to exploit the supply-demand imbalance. Consequently, the IPL put in the maximum-fee rule where the overseas player cannot be paid more than INR 18 crore, which was the highest slab for franchises retaining players ahead of the 2025 mega auction.Cameron Green winds up for a big hit•BCCI

If the bid exceeded the INR 18-crore mark, the additional money, the IPL said, would be utilised by the BCCI for player welfare. In a note to franchises last year, the IPL said: “Any overseas player’s auction fee at small auction will be lower than the highest retention price [of INR 18 crore] and the highest auction price at the big auction. In case the highest auction price at the big auction is INR 20 crore, then INR 18 crore will be the cap. If the highest auction price at big auction is INR 16 crore, then the cap will be INR 16 crore.”The rule in place going forward is that the auction for the player will continue as normal till the player is sold, and the final auction amount will be charged to the auction purse. “The incremental amount over INR 16 or 18 crore, as the case may be, will be deposited with BCCI. The incremental amount deposited with BCCI will be utilised towards players’ welfare.”The maximum-fee rule, though, will not be applicable to Indian players, who will get the actual bid money, which will be deducted from franchise purse.A total of 77 slots are available to be filled at the auction including 31 for overseas players. There are 16 capped Indian players in the longlist, which will be pruned once franchises submit their final wishlist to the IPL by December 5.

MatériaMais Notícias

Preterido pela diretoria do Santos após o término do Campeonato Paulista, Morelos pode receber uma sequência como titular pela primeira vez desde que foi contratado pelo clube, em setembro do ano passado.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasSantosSantos tem estreia garantida, mas duas baixas confirmadas para enfrentar o AmazonasSantos07/05/2024SantosCarille exala sinceridade e manda recado para titular do SantosSantos07/05/2024SantosGol anulado do Santos contra o Guarani gera revolta em dirigente; vejaSantos06/05/2024

➡️A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta!

Com uma lesão na coxa esquerda, Julio Furch ficará afastado por tempo indeterminado e não tem prazo de retorno para reforçar o Santos na Série B. Assim, Morelos irá disputar posição com Willian Bigode, que retornou de lesão e ganhou minutos contra o Guarani.

➡️ Tudo sobre o Peixe agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance! Santos

Tanto a diretoria quanto a comissão técnica do Santos não ficaram satisfeitas com o desempenho apresentado por Morelos durante a disputa do Paulistão. Após o vice-campeonato para o Palmeiras, o Peixe topou negociá-lo, mas encontrou dificuldades no mercado para vendê-lo. O jogador balançou as redes contra o Guarani, mas escutou de Carille que pode render mais.

continua após a publicidade

Morelos chegou ao Santos em 2023, como uma das maiores contratações da temporada. Ele tem vínculo até agosto do ano que vem e aceitou redução salarial para seguir no Peixe, mesmo com uma cláusula contratual que facilitava sua saída em caso de rebaixamento no Brasileirão. A cada gol marcado pelo atacante, ele tem direito a um bônus de R$10 mil, previsto em contrato.

➡️ Veja tabela com datas e horários de todos os jogos da Sul-Americana

Tudo sobre

Alfredo MorelosSantos

Tottenham Hotspur have not been good enough this season, and it’s clear that Thomas Frank needs to find a solution both in regard to results and the excitement factor that has been lacking.

Having lost each of their past three matches in all competitions, including the miserable home loss against Fulham on Saturday evening in the Premier League, a response is sorely needed, but Newcastle United at St. James’ Park has hardly been a happy hunting ground for the Lilywhites in recent years.

Frank’s tactics have yet to click together, but the players also need to take responsibility for their shoddy showings, with Pedro Porro among the guilty members to have flattered to deceive all term.

Pedro Porro's Spurs form this season

Porro, 26, is one of the most talented right-backs in Europe. He has played 126 matches for Tottenham, scoring 11 goals and supplying 23 assists.

The Spaniard’s gloomy, incensed demeanour at full-time on Saturday was indicative of the wider malaise at the club, but he surely must hold his hands up and acknowledge that he wasn’t good enough, with Sofascore recording that he found the mark with only three of 16 attempted crosses, losing eight of 11 duels and being caught out numerous times.

It was, frankly, a pitiful first-half performance, with Porro utterly toothless in his creative role and more than susceptible against the rampant Samuel Chukwueze and beaten far too easily in the build-up to Kenny Tete’s opening goal after just a few minutes.

He was hardly the only one to hang his head in shame, though, with his counterpart on the left serving up an equally frustrating performance.

Spurs defender is now becoming a liability

At his best, Destiny Udogie is a machine. Ferociously athletic, fleet-footed on the ball and attuned in crucial defence phases, he took the Lilywhites faithful’s breath away when he charged the left side of Postecoglou’s system during the halycon days of 2023/24, before things went wrong.

Indeed, when he burst onto the scene as a teenager under Postecoglou’s wing, journalist Hunter Godson remarked that he was “sickeningly good” and would get into “nearly every team in the world already”.

Such was his power and pace and balance down the left lane that he was considered by Clinton Morrison on BBC Sport to be “the best left-back” in the country during that first foray into English football.

But it might be fair to say that Udogie has yet to raise his game in the Premier League. Sure, he’s been unfortunate with injuries, but this is now his third season in English football and he is no longer an up-and-coming prospect but a talented member of the first team who is expected to provide an outlet while protecting his box.

Destiny Udogie in the Premier League

Stats (per 90)

23/24

25/26

Goals scored

0.08

0.00

Assists

0.11

0.17

Shot-creating actions

2.15

2.25

Touches

66.81

69.71

Pass completion (%)

85.8

85.0

Progressive passes

5.83

5.72

Progressive carries

3.12

3.47

Successful take-ons

0.90

0.52

Ball recoveries

6.36

5.72

Tackles + interceptions

3.95

2.43

Clearances

3.01

Aerials won

0.83

0.69

Data via FBref

It may take a moment to look at the various elements of Udogie’s game, but it’s worth a closer inspection, with Udogie yet to raise his creative levels and indeed provide greater security at the back.

In fact, as per Sofascore, he has only completed 30% of his dribbles and won half of his duels in the Premier League this year.

This remains a talented full-back with the capacity to perform as one of the best in the division, but Udogie is not pulling his weight right now, and it’s clear to see that Frank’s system is being hindered by the lackadaisical performances of Udogie and Porro, two wide players who are considered among the most talented in the country, if not the continent.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 1, 2025

Former MLB pitcher Brian Matusz, who passed away on January 6, died from a suspected drug overdose, according to a report from the Phoenix Police Department that was obtained by . Matusz, who was 37, spent the majority of his eight-year career with the Baltimore Orioles.

According to the report, Matusz's mother Elizabeth went to his house to check on him. When there was no answer at the door, she entered the residence through a bathroom window and discovered Brian laying on his back on a couch in an upstairs room. Matusz was cold to the touch with a white substance in his mouth, and drug paraphernalia in the form of a lighter, a straw and a small piece of aluminum foil were discovered on the floor near his right hand.

The Phoenix Police Department said there were no apparent injuries, trauma or signs of foul play.

Matusz, who had a history of substance abuse, was advised to seek the help of a mental health professional after he was taken to the emergency room two days before his death. The reason for the visit was redacted in the report. Matusz's mother told police that he made comments like "there is nothing left for me" and that he used to "have it all."

After a standout career at the University of San Diego, Matusz, the fourth overall pick in the 2008 MLB draft, became a full-time starter in his second season in the big leagues, tossing 175 2/3 innings for Baltimore in 2010. During his career as both a reliever and a starter, he, somewhat famously, became known for his effectiveness against Hall of Famer David Ortiz, whom he held to a .138 batting average in his career. In 280 games, Matusz recorded a 4.92 ERA.

Gill went past 50 for the fourth time in the series as he and Rahul helped India recover from two early wickets

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Jul-2025

KL Rahul and Shubman Gill had a good partnership after two early wickets•Associated Press

Tea Shubman Gill and KL Rahul weathered a testing spell from England’s bowlers to produce a wicketless middle session on day four in Manchester, but it was perhaps the only thing that went India’s way after Ben Stokes’ century carried his team to a total of 669 and a lead of 311. Then Chris Woakes struck twice in the first over before India could score any runs to create incredible drama.India went to tea at 86 for 2, still 225 runs behind. They could easily have lost their captain for 46 had Liam Dawson been able to hold on to a tough catch at gully but Gill made the most of that generosity to continue his run-spree. He went past Virat Kohli’s 655 runs against England in 2016 and is chasing down Sunil Gavaskar’s record of most runs as an Indian captain in a Test series (732).Stokes did not bring himself to bowl any of the 29 overs so far, a sign of perhaps the workload he has already taken on. He is playing back to back Tests. He picked up a five-for in the first innings and backed it up with a century – a rare feat among players and even rarer among captains. In scoring 141, he broke a spell of 35 innings without a hundred and earned himself a spot among the best allrounders in the history of cricket. There were, prior to his efforts at Old Trafford, only two with 7000 runs and 200 wickets – Garry Sobers and Jacques Kallis.England’s innings reached incredible heights – 669 was their fifth-highest total in Tests – and it ended with 15 minutes for their bowlers to target India before lunch. Woakes produced a beauty from around the wicket to trap Yashasvi Jaiswal for a duck – angled in, seaming away, taking the leading edge to first slip. Then Sai Sudharsan made a mistake born out of spending 157 overs in the field, fatigue resulting in him misjudging a ball that was short and wide. In the end, he ended up getting caught at second slip trying to play the leave.