Aramco Team Series: Leona Maguire takes two-shot lead into final round as Team Hall and Team Nadaud head to London play-off | Golf News

Aramco Team Series: Leona Maguire takes two-shot lead into final round as Team Hall and Team Nadaud head to London play-off | Golf News


Ireland’s Leona Maguire will take a two-shot lead into the final round of the Aramco Team Series individual event in London, with two teams heading to a play-off.

Maguire added a second round of 72 to her opening 66 at Centurion Club to reach eight under par, with Solheim Cup team-mate Georgia Hall her nearest challenger on six under following a second successive 70.

After making a bogey on her first hole of the day, the 10th, Maguire responded with a birdie on the 13th, only to give the shot straight back on the next.

Birdies on the third and sixth ensured Maguire remained on top of the leaderboard as Hall suffered a poor finish to her round, the world No 38 racing to the turn in 31 but coming home in 39 after dropped shots on the seventh and eighth.

Team Nadaud and Team Hall finished tied at the top of the leaderboard at the conclusion of the 36-hole team event which means, with both teams level on 24 under par, they will play off for victory at Centurion Club at the end of the third round on Friday afternoon.

Team Hall is made up of Hall and Hannah Burke alongside Morocco’s Lina Belmati and amateur Shane Hart-Jones, while Team Nadaud includes Nastasia Nadaud, Czechia’s Kristyna Napoleaova, Spain’s Mireia Prat and amateur George Brooksbank.

Highlights from the first day of the Aramco Team Series London from the Centurion Club

“It is really windy out there; it’s probably a two to three club wind in places,” said Maguire.

“It’s getting swirly in between the trees as well. You really have to commit to your shots. It’s a tough test out there, you have to take advantage of those par-fives and par is a really good score on quite a few holes out there.

Image:
Leona Maguire is bidding for a wire-to-wire victory at Centurion Club

“It’s almost playing a little bit linksy. The course is drying out, it’s getting firm and fast, and quite strong wind. It was swirling in places, so you’re just trying to hit a few punchy shots that I probably haven’t used in a while. It was definitely a welcome back to European golf. It’s a good test and I enjoyed it.”

Watch the Aramco Team Series event in London live on Sky Sports. Live coverage continues Friday from 12.30pm on Sky Sports Mix, the red button on Sky Sports Golf and – for free on the Sky Sports Golf YouTube channel. Stream the Ladies European Tour and more with NOW.

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Hollie Doyle’s blog: City Of Troy to ace Coral-Eclipse rivals at Sandown on Saturday | Racing News

Hollie Doyle’s blog: City Of Troy to ace Coral-Eclipse rivals at Sandown on Saturday | Racing News


Hollie Doyle is reunited with star stayer Trueshan at Sandown on Friday before travelling to France for some big chances for boss Archie Watson over the weekend.

Forecast rain a positive for Trueshan

After missing out on a run in the Ascot Gold Cup for the fourth year in a row due to unsuitable ground, my star stayer Trueshan will hopefully be reappearing at Sandown on Friday.

He is among the leading contenders for the Listed Coral Marathon (4.50) over 2m, with underfoot conditions currently described as good and the forecast heavy rain in his favour.

It could develop into a head-to-head between myself and my husband Tom [Marquand], who rides the other leading contender in Quickthorn. Hughie Morrison’s seven-year-old sprung a surprise in the Goodwood Cup last season but trailed in behind us in the Sagaro Stakes at Ascot in May and hasn’t run since.

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Trueshan is raring to go after being a non-runner at Royal Ascot

If he gets his favoured conditions on a track he has run well at before, I’ll be disappointed if Trueshan doesn’t get his season back on track en route to bigger assignments later in the year.

Watson colt faces Listed test

It will be very much home from home in France on Saturday when I take on five other British raiders in the Listed Prix Yacowlef (2.32) at Deauville.

I ride Archie Watson’s promising two-year-old Weissmuller, who is still a maiden after two starts but ran a big race to be fourth in the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Six of the seven runners are from our country, including the Richard Hughes-trained Aviation Time who finished just ahead of Weissmuller at Ascot.

A novice or maiden would be a formality for my boy, so Archie and connections clearly think highly of him to keep him at this level, and I’m looking forward to riding him for the first time.

Havana Ball chases another Listed prize

I’ll be staying in France for several rides on Sunday, including aboard Archie’s Havana Ball in the Listed Prix Amandine (3.40) at Deauville. She won a similar race in Germany for Luke Morris in May and must have every chance of gaining more valuable black type.

I’m also hoping to ride stable companion Saint Lawrence in the Group 3 Prix De Ris-Orangis (4.15). He’s not been in the same sort of form that saw him win the Wokingham last year before his third in the Group 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest, but he will have conditions to his liking.

Troy has Eclipse at his mercy

Aidan O’Brien has a great record in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown, and he looks likely to be celebrating his eighth win in the race with the exciting City Of Troy.

The Derby hero faces seven rivals in the Group 1 and will have to underperform badly to be beaten, even though he tackles 10f for the first time.

I’d love to see Roger Teal’s Dancing Gemini run a big race, but he must take a giant step forward to cause an upset. He was well behind Ballydoyle’s star at Epsom and, even though he may be better suited by the shorter trip, is 11lb wrong at the weights.

Hollie Doyle was speaking to Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft.

Granit Xhaka starring for Switzerland and Leverkusen: How the former Arsenal midfielder became world class | Football News

Granit Xhaka starring for Switzerland and Leverkusen: How the former Arsenal midfielder became world class | Football News


The official player of the match against Hungary and Germany, Granit Xhaka was also described as “the best player on the pitch” by Roy Keane in Switzerland’s 2-0 win over Italy in the round of 16. He is having an extraordinary Euro 2024.

England await in the last eight and, with concerns over an injury, it is no exaggeration to suggest that Switzerland’s hopes may hang on Xhaka’s fitness. There is much at stake. He could be one more big performance away from being the player of this tournament.

For English audiences, those who recall Xhaka being booed from the field by his own supporters when an Arsenal player in 2019, all this requires a bit of mental recalibration. He has morphed into one of the best midfielders in the world in these past two years.

Image:
Xhaka was the player of the match in Switzerland’s win over Hungary

“My bags were packed. The passports were out,” he later revealed when discussing that day against Crystal Palace that resulted in him being stripped of the Arsenal captaincy. Instead, he stayed and became a driving force in the club’s revival under Mikel Arteta.

This past season, Xhaka won the double with Bayer Leverkusen, surely the outstanding accomplishment in European football in 2024. At 31 years old, the boy famously trusted with his parents’ house keys as a kid has finally grown up. A late bloomer, after all.

Arteta began the process. Xhaka had won back the crowd long before he departed, scoring twice in his final appearance for the club and being serenaded from the field. Reimagined as a No 8 on the left of midfield, it better suited the strengths of his game.

The Arsenal coach recognised that while the statuesque Xhaka has the physique to dominate midfield, he is at his best with the ball at his feet in the attacking half of the field rather than focusing on shutting down the opposition when his team are without it.

At Euro 2024, only Toni Kroos and Joshua Kimmich have completed more passes in the final third. And Xhaka has been doing it for Switzerland not the highly fancied host nation. If that sample is small, consider that he has been doing it all year for Leverkusen.

Granit Xhaka's passing stats for Bayer Leverkusen in the 2023/24 Bundesliga season
Image:
Xhaka’s passing stats for Bayer Leverkusen in the 2023/24 Bundesliga season

Xhaka heaped praise on Xabi Alonso after Bayer Leverkusen won the title

Xhaka was the catalyst for Xabi Alonso’s remarkable side when in possession. Not only did he complete more passes than any other player in the Bundesliga last season but he also topped those charts in the opposition half and the final third of the pitch as well.

Nobody played more accurate forward passes than Xhaka, 708 of them, moving Leverkusen into the final third on a league-high 440 occasions. His influence on his side is illustrated by the fact that he featured in more pass sequences than anyone else too.

“He has had a huge impact on the team since day one,” says Alonso, adding simply: “If you have good midfielders, you play better.” Leverkusen’s sporting director Simon Rolfes sees it much the same. “He is an exceptional player. He sets the tempo for our team.”

Watch Xhaka’s stunning strike for Bayer Leverkusen against Werder Bremen

In his own words, Xhaka was signed to “stabilise this young team”. – to be Alonso’s eyes and ears on the pitch. He is already taking his coaching badges. And while he stops short of seeing himself as a father figure, his importance to club and country is obvious.

Rolfes refers to his influence “on and off the field” – something that Switzerland coach Murat Yakin had in mind when calling him “top class” and a “role model” following his standout performance against Germany, in which they were just minutes from victory.

DFB-Pokal, Season 2023/2024, Final 1.FC Kaiserslautern - Bayer 04 Leverkusen Granit Xhaka scores the goal to make it 1-0 versus goalkeeper Julian Krahl
Image:
Xhaka scored the only goal of the game in the cup final against Kaiserslautern

Leverkusen's Granit Xhaka lifts the trophy after the German Soccer Cup final match between 1. FC Kaiserslautern and Bayer Leverkusen at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
Image:
Xhaka lifts the trophy as Bayer Leverkusen completed the double in Berlin

What happens next? Switzerland have reached the quarter-final of a major tournament on four occasions but never gone further. If history repeats, Xhaka can return to his club with head held high, proud of his summer efforts. And yet, there is another scenario.

Vinicius Junior is odds-on favourite to win the Ballon d’Or with Jude Bellingham next in the betting. Kylian Mbappe and Toni Kroos are the other contenders and international silverware for any of the four this summer would put them in pole position for the award.

But if it is Switzerland, now three wins from history and in the more inviting half of this Euro 2024 draw, then can any of football’s superstars truly claim to have had a better season than Xhaka? Unlikely glory with Leverkusen and now starring for his country.

It was Xhaka who scored the only goal in the German Cup Final in Berlin to complete the double. If Switzerland somehow find their way back to the Olympiastadion next weekend, this season of all seasons for Granit Xhaka could have a sensational ending.

Sir Mark Cavendish makes cycling history at Tour de France with record-breaking 35th stage win

Sir Mark Cavendish makes cycling history at Tour de France with record-breaking 35th stage win


Sir Mark Cavendish has won a record-breaking 35th career Tour de France stage win with victory on stage five in Saint-Vulbas.

Three years after matching Eddy Merckx on 34 during the 2021 Tour, Cavendish moved clear of the Belgian to stand alone in Tour history.

The 39-year-old came off the wheel of Fabio Jakobsen in the finale and had the power to hold off Jasper Philipsen.

Cavendish’s Astana-Qazaqstan bossed the front of the peloton for much of the final 30km of the 177km stage from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne but in the finale the Manxman used his years of experience to surf the wheels before powering clear of his rivals.

He left behind his lead-out man Michael Morkov and moved behind Philipsen and then Jakobsen, before spying space on the left-hand side of the road and bursting clear.

“I’m in a little bit of disbelief,” Cavendish said. “I put a big gamble on this year to make sure we were here, at the Tour de France. It’s a big gamble for my boss [Astana Qazaqstan team manager Alexander Vinokourov] and the team to do. You have to go all-in. And we’ve done it.

Image:
Cavendish breaks the record previously held jointly with Belgian legend Eddy Merckx

“How we built the team, what we’ve done with equipment, every little detail has been put towards specifically today. We didn’t nail it as a team as we wanted to do. But the boys improvised and got me in the best position and I was able to win.”

How Cavendish bounced back to make history

Cavendish postponed his planned retirement after crashing out of last year’s Tour, with his Astana-Qazaqstan team going all-in on ‘Project 35’ ahead of this year’s race.

His victory comes just four days after Cavendish struggled mightily in the heat of a punishing opening stage out of Florence, vomiting on the bike in concerning scenes, and two days after he missed the opportunity to contest stage three after being caught behind a late crash in Turin.

Cavendish’s four stage wins in 2021 counted as one of sport’s great comeback stories, his first victories at the Tour in five years after a period of time marked by illness and injury which contributed to a diagnosis of depression.

Even since those wins three years ago, Cavendish has endured more difficulty, only signing a last-minute deal with Astana-Qazaqstan ahead of the 2023 season after the collapse of another move, then seeing last year’s Tour end abruptly on stage eight.

Cavendish’s wife Peta and their children were waiting at the team bus and joined in exuberant celebrations.

Britain's sprinter Mark Cavendish celebrates after winning a record 35th Tour de France stage win to break the record of Belgian legend Eddy Merckx during during the fifth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 177.4 kilometers (110.2 miles) with start in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne and finish in Saint-Vulbas, France, Wednesday, July 3, 2024. (Thomas Samson/Pool Photo via AP)
Image:
Cavendish celebrated with his family immediately after his victory

His first Tour stage win came in 2008 on stage five, Cholet to Châteauroux and was quickly followed by three more wins in that year’s edition. Since then, Cavendish has continued to rack up wins over a total of 10 Tour de Frances.

Cavendish ‘one of our greatest sportsmen’

Great Britain Cycling Team Performance Director, Stephen Park CBE, said: “On behalf of British Cycling I would like to congratulate Sir Mark on a truly outstanding achievement.

“It goes without saying that Mark is one of the greatest British riders of all time, and to cap off his final season of racing with another victory at the sport’s biggest race is a fitting final chapter in a glittering career.

“We have been proud to support Mark from his early days on the Great Britain Cycling Team academy to his final Tour de France, and this is an incredibly special day for the coaches, support staff, fellow riders and fans who have all played a role in his journey.

“Mark’s long and storied career, his passion for the sport and his tenacious pursuit for excellence make him a real inspiration for the next generation of bike riders looking to follow in his footsteps.

“He is one of our country’s truly great sportsmen and sporting personalities, and it has been a privilege to have watched him reign supreme for all these years.”

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Sky Sports Golf podcast: Marcel Siem on Italian Open win, major hopes and push for the world’s top 50 | Golf News

Sky Sports Golf podcast: Marcel Siem on Italian Open win, major hopes and push for the world’s top 50 | Golf News


Six-time DP World Tour winner Marcel Siem has put his “massive” party for Italian Open victory on hold to focus on his push towards the world’s top 50 over the coming weeks.

Siem marked his fourth event back from hip surgery by defeating Tom McKibbin in a dramatic play-off on Sunday at Adriatic Golf Club Cervia, his second DP World Tour title in as many seasons.

The German has never posted a major top-10 and last reached the world’s top 50 in 2013, although Siem – who received 450 congratulatory WhatsApp messages for his Italian win – wants to build on his latest DP World Tour success.

Italian Open winner, Marcel Siem tells the Sky Sports Golf Podcast he was up until 4am after winning the tournament replying to messages of congratulations he had received.

“The big plan is to perform better in the big events now, which I have not achieved ever in my life,” Siem told the Sky Sports Golf podcast.

“The Rolex events, the majors, the big ones – that is the only way to get into the top 50 in the world, get into the Ryder Cup and qualify for The Masters.

“That is my big goal going to the Scottish Open and The Open. I will not throw this away with partying anymore. I have three or four weeks off after The Open and this will be party time, trust me – massively, but these three weeks I’ll be working hard.”

The German makes an immediate return to action at the BMW International Open on home soil, live on Sky Sports, then features in the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open before taking time to celebrate his Italian title.

Highlights from day four of the Italian Open from Ravenna, Italy.

“It’s going to be massively busy but I’m just going to try and wide the wave,” Siem added. “There’s so much to play more.

“The European Swing finishes this week and still have a chance to win that, winning two in the row…all these things are on a plate right now.

Speaking on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast, Marcel Siem explains how confident he feels when competing in playoffs after winning a decider against Tom McKibbin to claim the Italian Open.

“I’m trying to give it all, go with the flow and celebrate with the spectators. Let’s make a golf party, not an alcohol party.”

The bonus podcast edition sees host Josh Antmann talk to Siem about his Italian Open win, the emotions over the closing holes and some of the past doubts about his future in the game, plus much more!


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Wimbledon: Katie Boulter sets up all-British clash with Harriet Dart after surviving first-round scare against Tatjana Maria | Tennis News

Wimbledon: Katie Boulter sets up all-British clash with Harriet Dart after surviving first-round scare against Tatjana Maria | Tennis News


Katie Boulter weathered an early storm as she produced an impressive first-set comeback to overcome Tatjana Maria and tee up a second-round meeting with fellow Brit Harriet Dart at Wimbledon. 

It proved to be just about as gruelling and physically demanding a first-round test as Boulter could have imagined as the British No 1 battled to a 7-6 7-5 win over two hours and seven minutes.

Boulter had looked in trouble in the opening exchanges as she trailed 3-0 and then 4-1 in the first set before rallying to clinch it on a tie-break.

Any hopes of running away with things in the second set were swiftly dashed by a resilient Maria, who for all of her craft and industry could not deny a driven Boulter from edging ahead.

“I know she made the semi-finals here a couple of years ago, I can completely see why, she’s so tough to play,” said Boulter in her post-match interview.

“I’m looking forward to the ice bath, can’t say I’ve said that before. She’s very tricky, but I know if I can get through that one it will set me up well.

“She’s such an established player and made me work so hard.”

Maria’s rangy shot selection and slice talents, coupled with 28 unforced Boulter errors, made for a rocky first set for the home favourite, who recovered emphatically to drag her opponent to a tie-break where she would hold her nerve to clinch the opener.

The world No 63 threatened again when she broke Boulter in the opening game of the second set, before the latter hit back immediately after the pair had reached deuce on four occasions.

Eventually Boulter’s class would tell in the latter stages of the set, a thumping forehand putting her 6-5 up before she sealed the victory with a stunning backhand down the line.

Awaiting her is an all-British clash with Dart, who earlier in the day had beaten China’s Zhuoxuan Bai 6-4 6-0.

“Playing a Brit in the UK on grass is never easy, I’m expecting a battle,” added Boulter.

“We’ve played a few times before, but for me it’s about playing the ball and not the person.

“We’re Billie Jean King Cup mates on the court, I have to try forget that and focus on the tennis.”

Defending champion Vondrousova knocked out

Image:
Marketa Vondrousova suffered a shock first-round exit

Reigning champion Marketa Vondrousova suffered a shock first-round exit as she was beaten in straight sets by Jessica Bouzas Maneiro on Centre Court.

Vondrousova returned to SW19 having beaten Ons Jabeur in last year’s final to become the first unseeded player to win the women’s singles tournament.

Her defence lasted just 67 minutes as she struggled to deal with an inspired Bouzas Maneiro, with the world No 83 coming through 6-4 6-2 in perhaps the biggest victory of her career.

It means Vondrousova becomes just the second defending women’s champion to exit in the first round, defeat coming on the back of a hip injury.

“It is one of the most important moments of my life,” said 21-year-old Bouzas Maneiro. “I’m surprised with myself to be honest.

“The atmosphere was so nice, so elegant, it feels like I was at home, I don’t know why.”

Swiatek cruises through

Iga Swiatek safely negotiated a potential first-round banana skin by beating fellow Grand Slam champion Sofia Kenin 6-3 6-4.

The Polish top seed has yet to find her comfort zone on grass, having never reached a final on the surface, but any hopes of slowly finding her feet were dashed after the draw pitted her against the player who toppled Coco Gauff in the 2023 opening round.

Both players struggled with their serve during the early exchanges, with the first four games featuring nine break points and with both dropping serve.

Swiatek did not let that wobble stop her from taking a 3-1 lead and, after a forehand cross-court winner bagged her the first set, the four-time French Open champion sealed her 20th consecutive win on her first match point.

Jessica Pegula opened the day with an emphatic 6-2 6-0 victory over fellow American Ashlyn Krueger, before Elena Rybakina was in similarly ruthless form with a 6-3 6-1 win over Elena-Gabriela Ruse.

What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?

Find out all the ways to watch tennis on Sky Sports, including the US Open, ATP and WTA tours

In the run-up to the final Grand Slam of 2024 – the US Open – you can watch all of the biggest tennis stars in action live on Sky Sports as they compete across the hard-court season.

  • Hamburg Open (ATP 500) 15-21 July
  • Newport Hall of Fame Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
  • Swiss Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
  • Bastad Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
  • Palermo Ladies Open (WTA 250) 15-21 July
  • Hungarian Grand Prix (WTA 250) 15-21 July
  • Prague Open (WTA 250) 21-26 July

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Wimbledon: Novak Djokovic eases to first-round victory over Vit Kopriva to kickstart campaign | Tennis News

Wimbledon: Novak Djokovic eases to first-round victory over Vit Kopriva to kickstart campaign | Tennis News


Novak Djokovic was untroubled as he breezed past Vit Kopriva in straight sets to book his spot in the second round at Wimbledon. 

The seven-time Wimbledon champion kickstarted his pursuit of title No 8 at the All England Club with a comprehensive 6-1 6-2 6-2 victory over Kopriva in one hour and 58 minutes on Centre Court.

Djokovic had entered the tournament nursing a knee injury picked up at the French Open last month which required surgery, but looked largely undeterred in his movement despite sporting a knee strap.

The Serb returns to SW19 having been denied victory by Carlos Alcaraz in last year’s final.

Image:
Djokovic played wearing a knee strap, having undergone surgery three-and-a-half weeks ago

The 37-year-old’s serve and forehand hitting were at a level Czech Kopriva struggled to match, as the world No 462 was swept aside.

Speaking afterwards, Djokovic said he was delighted with how his knee felt, having undergone a remarkable recovery to start running and hitting balls less than three weeks after surgery.

“It was very good. I’m very pleased with the way I felt on the court,” he said.

“Obviously coming into Wimbledon this year was a bit of a different circumstance for me because of the knee, I didn’t know how everything would unfold on the court.

“I’m extremely glad the way I felt and the way I played. I tried to really focus on the game and not think too much about the knee.

Novak Djokovic got off to the perfect start at Wimbledon
Image:
The Serb is looking to win his eighth Wimbledon title

“Everything I could possibly do, I’ve done with my team in order to give myself a chance.

“If it was for any other tournament I probably wouldn’t risk it or rush it as much, I just love Wimbledon and love coming back here.

“I want to thank my doctor for doing such a good surgery. I’ve always tried to do everything to avoid surgery, I’ve only ever had one before now on my elbow.

“I’ve been fortunate comparing myself to other 37-year-olds in our sport. I wish Andy Murray all the best, it’s a huge shame.”

What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?

Find out all the ways to watch tennis on Sky Sports, including the US Open, ATP and WTA tours

In the run-up to the final Grand Slam of 2024 – the US Open – you can watch all of the biggest tennis stars in action live on Sky Sports as they compete across the hard-court season.

  • Hamburg Open (ATP 500) 15-21 July
  • Newport Hall of Fame Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
  • Swiss Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
  • Bastad Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
  • Palermo Ladies Open (WTA 250) 15-21 July
  • Hungarian Grand Prix (WTA 250) 15-21 July
  • Prague Open (WTA 250) 21-26 July

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Matthijs de Ligt: Bayern Munich defender keen on move to Man Utd | Football News

Matthijs de Ligt: Bayern Munich defender keen on move to Man Utd | Football News


Matthijs de Ligt is keen to move to Manchester United, amid interest from the club, according to Sky in Germany.

United have held initial talks with Bayern Munich to explore the conditions of a potential deal for the Netherlands international.

Erik ten Hag, who coached De Ligt at Ajax, wants the 24-year-old as part of his squad at Old Trafford next season.

Sky in Germany have also reported that Bayern’s valuation is €50m (£42.4m), plus add-ons.

United retain an interest in England defender Jarrad Branthwaite but will only go back in for the player if Everton are willing to come down in their asking price.

It’s understood Everton do not want, or need, to sell.

The best moments of Mathijs de Ligt’s time at Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga

Evans in talks with Man Utd over new one-year deal

Meanwhile, Talks are ongoing between Manchester United and defender Jonny Evans over a new one-year contract.

The 36-year-old made 23 Premier League appearances for United last season – the most of any centre-half at the club.

The Northern Irishman re-joined United on a one-year deal last summer.

Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth reveals Manchester United are linked with PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who only joined the French champions last summer. Plus, more updates about targets such as Joshua Zirkzee, Jarrad Branthwaite and Jonathan David

Man Utd fixtures: Liverpool to visit Old Trafford in first month

Manchester United will start their 2024/25 Premier League season with a home fixture against Fulham, live on Sky Sports, and face Liverpool in the opening month of the season.

The opening game of the new campaign will be played on Friday August 16, with kick-off at 8pm.

United then travel to Brighton before their first big derby of the season at home to Liverpool with the game currently scheduled for Saturday August 31.

The reverse fixture will be played at the start of 2025 with a trip to Anfield on January 4.

Fans will have to wait until December for the first Manchester derby of the season, away at Manchester City on December 14. The reverse fixture at Old Trafford will be played on April 5.

Boxing Day will see Man Utd travel to Wolves, and they will finish the 2024/25 campaign at home to Aston Villa on May 25.

The best goals Manchester United scored in the 2023/24 Premier League season

When does the summer transfer window open and close?

The 2024 summer transfer window in the Premier League and Scottish Premiership is officially open.

The window will close on August 30 at 11pm UK time in England and at 11.30pm in Scotland.

The Premier League and Scottish Premiership brought forward Deadline Day to link up with the other major leagues in Europe. The closing dates were set following discussions with the leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.

Archie Vaughan: Michael Vaughan’s son earns first England U19s call-up for Sri Lanka two-Test series | Cricket News

Archie Vaughan: Michael Vaughan’s son earns first England U19s call-up for Sri Lanka two-Test series | Cricket News



Archie Vaughan has been named in the England U19 squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka.

The son of former England captain Michael Vaughan, who plays county cricket for Somerset, impressed last month in action for the Young Lions Invitational XI against the U19s.

On that occasion, the 18-year-old batter was on the opposite team to Rocky Flintoff, son of his father’s former England team-mate Andrew Flintoff, and cracked 85 from 83 balls.

Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff’s 16-year-old son Rocky reached his maiden second XI century for Lancashire against Warwickshire at Edgbaston. (Credit: Lancashire Cricket)

However, Flintoff’s 106 helped England to a two-wicket win in the 50-over contest after the Young Lions were dismissed for 288.

Vaughan and Flintoff, who recently signed contracts with Somerset and Lancashire respectively, are among 14 players vying to be involved in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Wormsley next week.

Also included in the squad are Farhan Ahmed, the brother of current England spinner Rehan Ahmed, and former England international Joe Denly’s nephew Jaydn Denly.

The side is captained for the first time by Warwickshire’s Hamza Shaikh, who has skippered his county’s Second XI and is a part of the FCC Select XI which plays the West Indies in a three-day warm-up match at Beckenham ahead of their Test series against England’s senior men’s team.

The apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree in Freddie Flintoff’s household, with son Rocky smashing bowlers for a series of sixes in a match for Lancashire second XI! (Credit: Lancashire Cricket)

England U19 squad to face Sri Lanka

Hamza Shaikh (Warwickshire, captain) Farhan Ahmed (Nottinghamshire), Charlie Barnard (Lancashire), Jack Carney (unattached), Jaydn Denly (Kent), Rocky Flintoff (Lancashire), Kesh Fonseka (Lancashire), Alex French (Surrey), Alex Green (Leicestershire), Eddie Jack (Hampshire), Freddie McCann (Nottinghamshire), Harry Moore (Derbyshire), Noah Thain (Essex), Archie Vaughan (Somerset).

England vs Sri Lanka Test series fixtures

July 8-11: First Test, Wormsley.

July 16-19: Second Test, Cheltenham.

Watch the first Test between England and West Indies, at Lord’s, live on Sky Sports Cricket from 10am on Wednesday July 10 (11am first ball). The series then continues at Trent Bridge (July 18-22) before the final game at Edgbaston (July 26-30)

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