Most batters would be satisfied with top-scoring in their first international match, especially if their team went on to win the game. Rubin Hermann, who made 45 in South Africa’s winning chase of 142 against Zimbabwe, was not.”I was a bit more irritated that I left 12 runs on the table before I could actually shake hands with the guys and say I’ll pull the stumps out and end this game,” Hermann said at the post-match conference. That was effectively my role – just to be there at the end. So I was disappointed I couldn’t do that but maybe I am just nitpicking. Probably anyone would have taken that. But I want to be a guy to win games for South Africa, and I should have been there at the end.”Related

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More irritated because he was actually asked if he was disappointed that he didn’t get a half-century in his maiden outing but, as has been the theme for South Africa on this tour, the landmark didn’t matter as much as collective cause. “It’s disappointing to fall five runs short of a milestone but that’s just an added bonus,” Hermann said. “It’s not a focus of mine to maybe have personal achievements in that regard.”His words echo those of stand-in Test captain Wiaan Mulder, who last week declared South Africa’s innings closed on 626 for 5 in the second Test. He was on 367*, 34 runs away from breaking Brian Lara’s world-record as the player with the highest individual Test score. Afterwards, Mulder explained that he felt the record should be, “left to the legends,” and he stuck to that line even when he revealed that Lara himself later told him he should have gone on to better Lara’s score of 400. Mulder’s broader explanation was about putting the team’s goals before his own and that seems to be the South African way under Shukri Conrad, who has taken over all formats.Hermann said he has “fit into the environment quite easily,” and understands exactly what is expected of him. “It’s a holistic picture coming from the Proteas all the way down to domestic cricketers, which made the step up a lot better, because I knew what I did to get me here was what they’re looking for,” he said. “It’s not a situation where you have to go and impress anyone, you just have to be yourself because they’ve selected you for you and because you fit the brand they want to play.”In Hermann, who finished fifth on the overall SA20 run-scorers’ list earlier this year, where he played for the Paarl Royals, South Africa are looking for an attacking top-order player who also has the ability to rebuild an innings. Hermann found himself doing that on occasion for the Royals, especially in situations where Lhuan-dre Pretorius did not come off and once Joe Root had left the campaign. His experience in that tournament helped him when he found himself called on with South Africa 17 for 2 against Zimbabwe and in need of stabilising.”I was quite fortunately, or unfortunately possibly, in that role quite a lot in SA20, so I’m quite comfortable playing that role. I really do enjoy the pressure situations where we have to take control of the game again, and I was glad I could do it again today,” he said. “I know if I just give myself a chance, I’ll catch up with my strike rates in any game.”Hermann had 17 runs from the first 20 balls he faced, which included a four and a six, but then went on to take a hat-trick of fours off Wellington Masakadza. He had 30 from 25 balls and finished on 45 from 37 balls, a strike-rate of 121.62. By the time he was dismissed, South Africa were two shots away from victory, which speaks to the way in which he changed the complexion of the innings. Instead of seeing himself as being under scrutiny to perform, he analysed the situation as an opportunity to show what he can do.”It’s an absolute pleasure and privilege. I don’t see any tournament or any innings I play now as pressure. Obviously there’s expectation, but expectation and pressure are two different things,” he said. “There’s always expectation to perform and obviously it’s just more highlighted here. “I’ve had a longer journey than most. I’m very thankful because it built certain characteristics in my game and maybe some mental resilience that will stand me in good stead. This is the first step. I hope there’s another couple more steps to go and I can have a decently long career playing for South Africa.”At 28, Hermann has been active in the South African domestic system for the last eight years and has played for three different teams – Northerns (and the Titans), Mpumalanga and North West. He had his breakthrough season with the Paarl Royals, where he averaged 41.62 and is now among the national plans as South Africa build towards the 2026 T20 World Cup.

The 2024 MLB playoffs are rapidly approaching. An exciting season that has seen many twists and turns is sure to produce a thrilling postseason. With that in mind, what follows is a look at the postseason schedule—specifically at when the World Series begins.

When does the 2024 World Series begin?

Game 1 of the 2024 World Series is scheduled to begin on Oct. 25, with the time to be determined. Game 2 is set to take place on Oct. 26, Game 3 is set for Oct. 28 and Game 4 will happen on Oct. 29. If necessary, Game 5 is scheduled for Oct. 30, Game 6 will happen on Nov. 1 and Game 7 would take place on Nov. 2.

World Series Game Number

Scheduled Date

Game 1

October 25

Game 2

October 26

Game 3

October 28

Game 4

October 29

Game 5 (if necessary)

October 30

Game 6 (if necessary)

November 1

Game 7 (if necessary)

November 2

If the series goes to Game 6, it will mark the ninth time MLB's season has continued into November. The other years that has happened were 2001, 2009, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2021 and 2022.

When do the MLB playoffs start?

The MLB playoffs are set to begin on Oct. 1. That day will see four wild card games, all taking place at the higher-seeded team's home park. All four wild card series are best-of-three and will be decided over the next three days, with three games each in that time if necessary.

The third-ranked division winner in each league will host the final wild card team from that league, and the top two wild card teams in each league will face each other with the top seed as the host.

The division series will begin on Oct. 5, with all four of those series playing on the same day.

Finally, the National League Championship Series is set to begin on Oct. 13, with the American League Championship Series following on Oct. 14.

Who won the World Series last year?

The Texas Rangers won the 2023 World Series, taking home the title with a 4-1 series win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Shortstop Corey Seager earned World Series MVP honors.

The 119th edition of the World Series marked the first championship in Rangers franchise history. Texas had reached the Series two times previously, losing to the San Francisco Giants in 2010 and the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011.

At the start of the summer, the management had said Bumrah would play three Tests but with a series on the line, he could play a fourth

Sidharth Monga27-Jul-20253:12

‘Would they have walked off?’ – Gambhir on Stokes’ draw offer

India coach Gautam Gambhir has confirmed India have a whole quota of fit fast bowlers to select from for The Oval Test, which they need to win to level the series. Equally significantly, Gambhir didn’t rule out the possibility of Jasprit Bumrah playing a fourth Test after he had said he was good to play only three in the lead-up to the series.Bumrah, whose pace was down at Old Trafford, which could also have to do with a soft outfield and loose foot holes, has had time to put his feet up since before lunch on day four of this Test. The fifth and final Test begins on Thursday.India came into the third Test crippled with injuries to Arshdeep Singh (bowling hand) and Akash Deep (groin), and general fatigue for Mohammed Siraj. They had to call in reinforcements from India in Anshul Kamboj, who played ahead of Prasidh Krishna.Related

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“All the fast bowlers are fit,” Gambhir said after India’s 143-over batting effort to secure a draw at Old Trafford and stay alive in the series. “There are no injury concerns.”That also includes Bumrah, but his case is different. He is not playing only three Tests because of any injury, but instead for workload management purposes so that he prevents further injuries after his stress reaction earlier in the year. That stress reaction had kept him out for five months. Gambhir was asked if that workload prescription was still set in stone with a series still on the line.”We haven’t had any conversation around the combination for the last Test,” Gambhir replied. “No decision has been made on whether Jasprit Bumrah will play or not. Ultimately, whoever plays, they will try and do the job for the country.”2:09

Manjrekar: ‘Warriors’ keep sprouting for India when needed

Gambhir: ‘Absolutely up’ for series finaleGambhir said this India team was an inexperienced side and the results needed to be seen in that light. But he also said that reason doesn’t change the scoreline of the series. He also didn’t want to get carried away with the achievement of drawing at Old Trafford.”You are asking someone who only believes in results,” Gambhir said. “I’ve said that in the past as well, that I believe in results. We are still 2-1 down in the series. This is the Indian team. Yes there is inexperience but this is still the best Indian team right now. So for me, I think we are still down 2-1. And hopefully we can try and make it 2-2. That’s going to be a good achievement.”When you are put under pressure, and you end up batting five sessions, I think that’s great character. Anything that you do in these conditions, when you are put under pressure and you come out of those pressure moments, it is always a great feeling, and it just ends up giving a lot of confidence in the dressing room as well.”And I’m sure going into The Oval, we will be high on confidence, but we can’t take anything for granted. I think it’s going to be a new game, it’s going to be against a strong England side, and we absolutely will be up for it.”

We’ve had to wait a while, but Football Manager 2026 is finally on its way.

After a number of delays, the latest version of the iconic game will finally be released on 4 November and with it, will come a number of changes.

The changes indicate that the wait will prove more than worthwhile, with over 40 new roles coming to the game and the chance to prove that Ruben Amorim’s system really is the problem at Manchester United.

What’s more, if club football isn’t enough to seal your legacy in the dugout, then a road to glory with San Marino could now do the trick.

So, with the tactics board at the ready, which of course is set up in 4-2-3-1 gegenpress, we’ve taken a look at five changes coming to Football Manager 2026.

5

Official FIFA tournaments

Forget taking the summer off on FM26, because the World Cup is calling.

For the first time ever, Football Manager will have official FIFA tournaments in a revamped international management module. The partnership will allow licensed graphics and leave players with the decision to make regarding international teams.

Will you finally bring football home for the England men’s side? Or will you pull off the impossible by getting San Marino to the World Cup and, dare it be said, much, much more?

4

The introduction of women's football

The women’s game has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, so much so that England have benefitted from winning the Euros and bringing football home.

Big steps have included broadcast deals to finally add further funding to the game and a number of games at the likes of Anfield and The Emirates. At long last, these players are beginning to receive the respect that they have deserved for some time.

Now, Football Manager has taken a big step after confirming that women’s football will be introduced for the first time in FM26. They confirmed that their database will consist of more than 36,000 players and a further 5,000 non-players alongside 14 playable leagues. 2026 really is the year to become the next Emma Hayes.

3

New tactical visualiser

At long last, players won’t have to wait until they’re 3-0 down within 30 minutes against a bottom-half side to realise that their system is not working. On FM26, players will be able to use the new tactical visualiser to see how their system will play out on the pitch.

It will divide the pitch into three vertical zones (defensive, middle and attacking third) and by clicking on any of the nine grids, players will be able to see how their teams move as the ball travels across the pitch both in and out of possession.

For example, when utilising an inside wing-back, players will be able to see that they move into a traditional wing-back position in the defensive third, drift inside in the midfield third and continue their central movements to support when in the attacking third.

2

Premier League license

Back in June last year, the Premier League and Sports Interactive signed a multi-year licensing deal to bring official logos, kits and player photos to Football Manager. Now, over a year later, players are finally set to benefit.

The agreement should give the game a fresh new look and add that extra bit of realism. Winning the Premier League will now feel even more glorious with the official trophy awaiting to add to your list of achievements.

1

Over 40 new roles

As if there weren’t enough bold ideas to choose from, FM26 will feature over 40 new roles. The ability to use both in and out of possession systems should bring a tactical evolution for many players rather than just the one, more limited role.

It’s been a long two-year wait, but the thought of finally having a midfielder to cover overlapping fullbacks may just make it all worthwhile. See you in the World Cup final, San Marino…

Nottingham Forest are now eyeing a £87m striker, who has already scored eight goals this season, with Evangelos Marinakis clearly looking to make a statement of intent.

Forest eyeing new striker despite Dyche reunion with Chris Wood

Sean Dyche is well-known to be an admirer of Chris Wood, having spent a successful period working with the New Zealander at Burnley, and the new Forest boss was left disappointed when the striker exited Turf Moor in 2022.

Dyche said: “It wasn’t a perfect scenario to lose a player who’s done very well for us and for himself as well. He’s a good player. He’s been quieter this season but you look at the record for us, you look at what he’s achieved as an individual.”

The former Burnley manager is likely to be excited by the prospect of working with Wood again, given that the striker was very impressive right across the 2024-25 campaign, chipping in with 20 goals in 36 Premier League goals as the Tricky Trees qualified for Europe.

However, considering the New Zealand international is now 33-years-old, it is probably time to start thinking about long-term replacements, and Marinakis clearly means business, with the Europa League side setting their sights on an exciting young striker.

That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Nottingham Forest are now eyeing a move for FC Porto star Samu Omorodion, who has also attracted the attention of Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Newcastle United.

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Indeed, Omorodion has caught the eye of a number of England’s top clubs, but he is likely to command a huge transfer fee, with Porto unwilling to compromise on the €100m (£87m) release clause included in his contract.

Forest have sent scouts to watch the 21-year-old in action on a number of occasions in recent weeks, and there is every sign that he could be a fantastic addition to Dyche’s squad…

"Powerhouse" Omorodion would be statement signing for Forest

It has been far from an ideal start to the campaign for the Tricky Trees, who may find themselves in a relegation battle if there is not a major turnaround in results, so it would be a real statement of intent if they were able to sign the Porto striker.

Scout Ben Mattinson has suggested the Spain international has the potential to play at the highest level, waxing lyrical about his key attributes a little under one year ago.

Since then, the young Spaniard has continued to impress, chipping in with eight goals in his opening 10 matches for Porto this season.

Omorodion may have the ability to take Forest’s attack to the next level, so it is exciting news they are in the race for his signature, but it could be difficult to get a deal done unless Dyche’s side start improving their league position.

أكد أحمد فتحي لاعب منتخب مصر الأسبق، على أهمية فوز الأهلي في مباراة اليوم أمام الزمالك والتتويج بلقب كأس السوبر المصري.

وحقق فريق الأهلي الفوز على نظيره الزمالك، بهدفين دون رد، أحرزهما أشرف بن شرقي ومروان عطية، ليتوج الأحمر ببطولة كأس السوبر المصري للمرة الخامسة على التوالي.  طالع | سجل أبطال كأس السوبر المصري عقب تتويج الأهلي باللقب الـ16 على حساب الزمالك

وقال أحمد فتحي في تصريحات عبر قناة “أبو ظبي” الرياضية: “فوز الأهلي جاء في توقيت مناسب، خاصة أن الفريق كان مضغوطًا خلال الفترة الماضية، وكان من الضروري أن يركز في هذه البطولة”.

وتابع: “توروب من المدربين المميزين، ونجح في تغيير شكل الأداء داخل الملعب بشكل واضح”.

وواصل: “ديانج رغم غيابه الطويل، كان من أفضل اللاعبين في المباراة، والفوز مستحق لـ الاهلي، سواء للإدارة أو اللاعبين أو للمدرب الرائع”.

وأتم: “كان لا بد أن يحقق الفريق هذا اللقب، خاصة مع اقتراب المباريات المقبلة في إفريقيا والدوري، التي تحتاج إلى تركيز كبير”.

After India conceded 500 for the first time in over ten years outside Asia and the West Indies, the bowling coach Morne Morkel was not sure he had answers for many questions – dropping pace of the bowlers, use of Shardul Thakur as the bowling allrounder, delayed injection of Washington Sundar into the attack – but one thing he was certain of: that India have been making selections looking for batting cover.Morkel was asked repeatedly about the repeated exclusion of Kuldeep Yadav, a unique strike bowler who has not played a single Test on this tour. “I think it’s finding when he comes in, how we can find balance and how we can get that batting line-up to be a little bit longer and stronger,” Morkel said. “We’ve seen in the past that we’ve lost wickets in clumps. Kuldeep is world class and he’s bowling really well at the moment, so we’re trying our best to find ways for him to get in. But unfortunately, with that, just to balance with batting throws it out a little bit.”Morkel was asked again why India were being so defensive. “I do think at the end of the day you need runs on the board, and for us obviously giving that a little bit of extra batting protection, wanting to get totals of 400-plus,” he said. “You need it against England, especially the way they play, their brand of cricket.Related

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“But to be honest, the wicket so far has been dry and it’s actually spun a little bit. So that brings Washington into the game. It brings Jaddu [Jadeja] into the game. So Kuldeep, we are trying to find a way for him, but it is just more that consistent runs from our top six that we want so that we can bring a guy like Kuldeep in.”Morkel was asked why the side doesn’t think that playing proper strike bowlers also reduces the batters’ burden by winning them matches with fewer runs. “There’s always an option of going in with quicks and picking your six best bat,” Morkel said. “All those discussions we have had or we do discuss. But I think so far in this match, the last two Test matches, the guys who have played have done a good job in terms of spin bowling. We were ever so close to winning that Test match at Lord’s. We had a great Test match at Edgbaston. So I think so far we’ve played good cricket, good cricket bar yesterday’s bowling performance.”That does bring one to the question of why India couldn’t create as much jeopardy as England did after three Tests of looking like a potentially better bowling unit. Morkel felt that India went searching too much on day two, which is when they ended up bowling too straight and leaked runs. He said they were better with their areas on the third day, but they needed more energy on the ball. He was asked about the drop in the pace of the whole unit.”That’s something that we’re trying to get our heads around,” Morkel said. “On a surface where it gets a little bit flat, you need a little bit of energy behind the ball. I think that’s definitely one of the factors for us so far in our bowling innings. Just getting that little bit of extra zip off the wicket to create the opportunities for caught behind and lbw.Washington Sundar made an immediate impact after being introduced into the attack rather late•Getty Images

“But yeah, I mean to look at the workloads of guys like Siraj and those sort of guys, they’ve had heavy workloads. Anshul [Kamboj]’s first Test match so far, and it’s important for us to grow and develop a nice fast-bowling unit. So not too much to judge on that. Also, a heavier sort of outfield. But in terms of commitment and effort that the guys have put in, I don’t think we can fault that. It’s just a good point you made. You need a little bit of energy on the ball on good surfaces where the ball at times is not doing as much.”Kamboj, the debutant who bowled in the late 120kphs, was picked practically straight off the flight ahead of Prasidh Krishna, who has been with the squad and played the first two Tests. “The discussion going into the Test match was somebody, a bowler that can bowl volume, one guy to bowl overs. Somebody who can ask questions at the stumps, off stump, an accurate sort of bowler. And Anshul, I think I’m sure at domestic level has done that. He’s done really well on the India A tour here, and he was a guy whose name’s been in the mix for a long time, and they gave him the opportunity for that.”About the lack of bowling for Thakur, Morkel said: “A bit of a tough fit when you have four seamers. When you’re going at five runs and over, I think as a captain, you want to bring strike bowlers back to try and take the wickets. Unfortunately, it happened for Shadul in that first Test match as well.”Washington was the last bowler used and he took two wickets and brought some control. “Shubman just made the call in there to stick a little bit longer with the seam options,” Morkel said. “I think in the first couple of days we saw the ball moving around and seaming around and pace on the ball was the way to go and then when we got the opportunity to bowl, we missed our length. So did we bowl enough good balls to say that we need to go to spin straightaway? I don’t think so. And I think when he got the opportunity today with ball in hand, Washi did a great job for us.”

MatériaMais Notícias

O Tribunal de Justiça do Paraná (TJ-PR) suspendeu a liminar que autorizava o Athletico a cobrar os direitos de transmissão das rádios em jogos realizados na casa do clube.

+ A sua carreira no futebol pode começar hoje. Garanta a sua vaga no curso Gestor de Futebol e capacite-se!

A decisão desfavorável ao Furacão aconteceu após a Associação Brasileira de Emissoras e Rádio e Televisão (ABERT) e a Associação das Emissoras de Radiofusão do Paraná (AERP) questionarem a resolução da 7ª Câmara Cível do TJ-PR, estipulada em julho deste ano, que liberava a equipe paranaense cobrar as emissoras.

Durante o período (julho até o momento), o Athletico não usou o direito de lucrar em partidas como mandante. Mario Celso Petraglia, presidente do clube, só definirá a forma de cobrança e valores se receber uma decisão definitiva e favorável à instituição na justiça.

Liverpool have lost four games on the spin in the Premier League and their latest setback came under controversial circumstances at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Arne Slot’s side slipped to another damaging defeat on Saturday night after being beaten 3-2 by Brentford, adding to recent defeats against Manchester United, Chelsea and Crystal Palace.

The defending Premier League champions are now sat seventh in the table, seven points behind leaders Arsenal, and Wayne Rooney has concerns about the leadership within the team.

“Three or four weeks ago no one saw this coming. It has hit them quick, it’s hit them hard and I think they’re struggling to find a way out of it,” the former England and Manchester United striker said on his podcast this weekend.

“This is a time where the manager, the leaders in the team need to figure it out very quickly. (Virgil) Van Dijk and (Mohamed) Salah signed new deals, but I don’t think they’ve really lead that team this season, with performances and body language.

“Body language tells you a lot and I think we are seeing slightly different body language from the two of them. They are the top two players in that team. If their body language isn’t right that affects everyone else.

“If I was a Liverpool fan or the manager that would be a big concern for me.”

Move over Salah: Slot's 5/10 Liverpool star is the new Jordan Henderson

Liverpool’s crisis deepened as they were condemned to a fourth successive Premier League defeat at Brentford.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 26, 2025 Hooper praised for role in Liverpool penalty decision

Van Dijk was furious about the decision to award Brentford a penalty for his challenge on Dango Ouattara during the second half, a call that was made by back-up referee Tim Robinson after Simon Hooper had to be replaced due to an injury.

Hooper had his own controversy to deal with in the first half however, neglecting to award Liverpool a penalty after Nathan Collins tangled with Cody Gakpo.

The incident has now been reviewed by former PGMOL referee Dermot Gallagher, who labelled the decision “marvellous”.

“When you look, Nathan Collins plants his foot, he does no more, he doesn’t make a challenge, I think Gakpo anticipates the challenge, it doesn’t come and he goes over, it’s not a foul,” he said on Sky Sports’ ref review show.

He continued: “I think Simon Hooper has done really marvellous there. Because it does look a penalty, there’s no doubt it looks a penalty… you look at the replay and you see it’s so different. But Simon Hooper has one look, makes one decision, gets it right.”

While it certainly would have been a soft penalty, Liverpool fans will be incensed by Gallagher’s claims that Collins “doesn’t make a challenge”, but they can have little complaints about the final score.

Brentford were just the latest team to walk away with a higher expected goals rate than the Reds, and Arne Slot’s side are being outfought on a weekly basis, which will be the most worrying aspect of the current rut for owners FSG, who pumped huge funds into the Dutchman’s squad this summer.

Whether conversations begin about the manager’s future may be determined by their fixtures prior to the November international break, as they face Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Real Madrid and Man City in the next four.

Sunderland haven’t travelled to Old Trafford in Premier League action since Boxing Day in 2016, but that is soon to change this Saturday as Regis Le Bris’ plucky Black Cats make the trip down to Manchester United, eager to maintain their electric start to life back in the top-flight this season.

History does dictate that the Wearside outfit will struggle to pick up a result, having last won at the Theatre of Dreams in 2014 courtesy of a Sebastian Larsson winner.

Staggeringly, that is the only three points they have picked up in Manchester – with Manchester City also added to the equation – from their last 29 away clashes in the capital of the North.

Still, poor stretches of form like this are meant to be broken, and with Sunderland already picking up three league wins this season after promotion, Le Bris’ men will not be written off at all on Saturday.

Another interesting narrative to throw into the mix is the potential return of Amad Diallo for Ruben Amorim’s hot-and-cold hosts, with the Ivorian a beloved former loanee at the Stadium of Light, who very much used his formative Black Cats experience as a springboard to greater success.

Amad's Sunderland reunion

Before delving deeper into Amad’s injury situation ahead of the showdown on the weekend, it only feels right – from a Sunderland perspective – to reminisce about his terrific displays on Wearside.

Indeed, in total, the 23-year-old attacker bagged a stunning 14 strikes donning Sunderland red and white, with journalist James Copley glowingly labelling the slick forward as a “wizard” for his constantly entertaining displays.

Therefore, Sunderland will know all too well the damage he could cause if he is selected to start this weekend, with the FA Cup-winning winger already one assist down this season.

Reports do suggest that Amad could be back fit to reunite with his former loan employers, having re-entered training recently for Amorim and Co.

Amad’s split-second ability to conjure up a moment of immense quality could be a potential difference-maker that hands Amorim’s side a much-needed win, but Le Bris will be confident he has his very own version of the dynamic Ivorian in one promising youngster.

Sunderland's new version of Amad

Sunderland have a whole host of exciting attackers on their books, with Wilson Isidor already up to three goals for the Black Cats in the Premier League, on top of Enzo Le Fee also possessing that same Amad-like quality to impress in a flash with an audacious skill here and there.

Yet, it’s not the ex-Lorient man being lauded as Le Bris’ very own Amad. Rather, it’s 20-year-old attacker Chemsdine Talbi, who will hope he can grow into what the 23-year-old has turned into at the Red Devils by transforming into a recognised Premier League-calibre forward.

Already, much like Amad showed in spades at the Stadium of Light, it’s clear that the Moroccan is a raw talent destined for the top, having arrived in England this summer from former side Club Brugge with seven goals and five assists under his belt for the Belgian Pro League outfit, with three of those goal contributions even coming in the Champions League.

Scout Antonio Mango went as far as to label Talbi as “electric” off the back of his blistering performances in Belgium, with his direct and quick approach often seeing him leave defenders for dead, which is very much similar to Amad’s gung-ho approach in the Championship for Sunderland.

The worry will be that Talbi has just one assist to show for his promising displays so far at the Stadium of Light, but – unlike Amad’s one-season story – Sunderland have time on their side to get the very best out of their rapid number seven, with Le Bris already stating that the 20-year-old needs “time” and “support” to live up to his hype.

However, there is no time like the present to leave your mark, with a first goal for the club at Old Trafford a fitting place to get off the mark, particularly if Amad gets the nod to start.

1. Rigg

18

45

4 + 1

2. Bellingham

20

43

4 + 3

3. Watson

19

22

3 + 0

If Sunderland’s track record with youngsters is anything to go by – when looking at the table above – they could have a real gem on their hands, as a permanent Amad-style presence is potentially unearthed.

Not Xhaka: Sunderland's "remarkable" star looks like their best signing

Sunderland sealed the best signing of their summer when landing this remarkable star.

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