Chelsea are one of the most interesting teams in the Premier League at the moment, as their strategy is markedly different from that of their rivals in the traditional 'big six.'

The decision to spend enormous sums of money on highly-rated but relatively unproven youngsters is an incredibly high-risk move, and while it might still come good in the long term, it's not led to pleasant viewing for the fans this season.

The likes of Enzo Fernández, Cole Palmer, Mykhailo Mudryk and Moises Caicedo all arrived at the club with hefty price tags, and aside from Palmer, it would be hard to argue that any of them have lived up to their potential as of yet.

This situation is made all the more puzzling by the club's decision to sell so many of their talented youngsters in the past, such as Fikayo Tomori, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Marc Guehi.

However, there is one player the club released as a youngster that currently stands out as the worst decision of them all, especially as he's outperforming Caicedo this season and is now worth more.

Declan Rice's post-Chelsea career

Unsurprisingly, the player in question is former West Ham United captain and current Arsenal star Declan Rice.

The England international started his footballing journey with the west Londoners as a young boy, but at age 14, he was surprised with the news that his services were no longer wanted by the Blues, which Rice described as "extremely tough" to deal with as a youngster.

However, he was soon a part of West Ham's academy, and after working his way through the youth sides, he made his Premier League debut at 18 years old on 21 May 2017, against Burnley.

Just over three years later, with Mark Noble injured, David Moyes gave Rice the captain's armband in a league game for the first time, and he would wear it in 21 games the following season.

The Kingston upon Thames-born "controller", as talent scout Jacek Kulig described him, became the leading figure for the Irons as time went on, and by the time he finally left, he had made 245 appearances for the first team and helped them lift the Europa Conference League, leaving as a bonafide legend – even if some fans weren't best pleased with his choice of destination.

How Declan Rice compares to Moises Caicedo this season

When a player moves for as much money as Rice did in the summer – £105m – there is always a chance that they'll fail to live up to the expectations placed upon them, or worse still, flop altogether.

However, you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who would describe the 24-year-old's move to the Gunners as anything other than a success, as in his 33 appearances so far this season, he has been immense in his defensive duties, and he has chipped in with four goals and five assists to boot.

In comparison, Caicedo, who cost around £115m, has been anonymous in attack as he has failed to score a single goal and has provided just a single assist in his 30 appearances for the Blues.

However, with neither player being signed for their attacking output, how do their underlying numbers compare this season? Does the Ecuadorian international come out on top regarding passing or defending?

Well, unfortunately for Mauricio Pochettino, his record-breaking signing comes out on top in just one metric, passing accuracy, and even then, it's by just 0.9%, which is likely due to his tendency to make fewer passes per game.

Rice

Caicedo

8.91

5.16

1.97

0.48

90.4%

91.3%

2.36

1.89

1.48

0.91

3.71

3.28

1.70

1.24

0.79

1.29

0.61

0.75

1.14

1.08

In contrast, Arsenal's "dominator", as Kulig described him, comes out on top in every other relevant metric, including progressive passes and carries, shot-creating actions, interceptions + tackles, clearances and aerial duels and he is less likely to miscontrol the ball or be dispossessed as well.

Rice's superior underlying numbers are also represented in his valuation, as CIES Football Observatory values the Englishman at €100m, or about £86m. In comparison, they value Caicedo at just €60m, which is about £51m – or about £64m less than what he cost the club.

Chelsea must regret selling £58m flop who's now outscoring Cole Palmer

The experienced forward has been on fire this season.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Feb 15, 2024

Ultimately, the former Brighton & Hove Albion ace may still come good for the Blues, but as things stand, it's hard to disagree with former Blues star Frank Lebouef, who described the club's decision to release the Englishman all those years ago as a "huge, huge mistake."

In 2019, Pant has scored just one half-century across 21 appearances for India in white-ball games

Sruthi Ravindranath09-Nov-20190:56

Kumar Sangakkara analyses Rishabh Pant’s keeping technique

Rishabh Pant has been the topic of a lot of debate in recent times and Rohit Sharma, for one, feels the young wicketkeeper-batsman must be “allowed to do what he wants to do on the field” and be left alone.After criticism about his shot selection, Pant the wicketkeeper came under scrutiny after he fluffed a chance to stump Liton Das in the second T20I when he collected the ball marginally in front of the stumps, which resulted in the delivery being called a no-ball.”There’s a lot of talk happening about Rishabh Pant, every day, every minute,” Rohit said on the eve of the third T20I in Nagpur. “I just feel that he needs to be allowed to do what he wants to do on the field. And I would request everyone to just keep your eyes away from Rishabh Pant for a while.He is a young guy, probably 21-22 now, trying to make his mark in international cricket, every move he makes on the field, people start talking about it.”While that might be Rohit’s position on Pant, other senior members of the Indian team set-up haven’t shied away from speaking about the youngster in the recent past. Ravi Shastri had called for a “rap on the knuckles” for Pant for his reckless batting, Vikram Rathour had spoken about the importance of being fearless without being careless, and captain Virat Kohli had called on him to read situations better.”I think it’s not fair, I think we should just allow him to play his cricket, which he also actually wants. And yes, focus on him a lot more when he is doing good things also, not just the bad things,” Rohit said. “He has kept well, he is learning every game, and yes, he is just doing whatever the team management wants him (to do). He is a very fearless cricketer, and we want him to have that freedom. And if you guys just keep your eyes a little bit away from him, it will allow him to perform even better.”Since the start of the year, Pant has scored just one half-century across limited-overs internationals, making 195 runs in 12 matches at an average of 21.66 in T20Is and 188 runs in nine games at 23.50 in ODIs. He played all three formats in the West Indies in August, but though he was retained in the T20Is against South Africa, he was replaced by Wriddhiman Saha for the Tests.While former players including Yuvraj Singh have backed Pant, India’s selectors have also made it clear that they want to persist with him across formats.On being asked what would be his piece of advice to youngsters like Pant – and Shreyas Iyer – Rohit said: “Both of them (are) very talented, have great abilities in whatever they do, and yes, definitely the future of Indian cricket, for sure. And they have proved it whenever they have played for their franchise, domestic cricket. They are just trying to make their mark in international cricket.Rishabh Pant exchanges notes with Rohit Sharma in the nets•Getty Images

“All I would tell them is (to) just understand their game, which is very, very important in whatever format you play, and feeling confident about yourself is very important. I think they are working hard towards their game, and I don’t see any reason why they can’t get the results on the ground. They have everything that is required to be successful at the international level. They work really hard on their games and yes, at the same time they are learning also. They are very new to this set-up. They are learning every game and with experience in a year or two, you will see them batting differently.”All we want them to do is to just go out there and enjoy, and be fearless. That would be the message from my side. Because as a young player when you are coming into the side, that is what you look forward to, having that freedom from the management. That is what we are here to assure them, that ‘you have all the backing that you need, you have all the freedom that you need, so just go out there and express yourself’. That is when players like these give you the best performance.”Over to the bowling unit, and while India have been attempting to give more and more players a chance in the lead up to the T20 World Cup next year, not all of them have grabbed their chances yet. Khaleel Ahmed, for one.”This is the time for youngsters to learn. We always say that playing domestic cricket is important and learn more. Till you don’t play international cricket you won’t know where you stand as a bowler,” Rohit said. “I think this is a good challenge for our bowling group because you’re playing against an international team. They will always challenge you, batsmen will play shots and challenge you. You won’t know where is your bowling until you’re put under pressure. I think for these bowlers it’s a good time to know where they stand.”

West Ham United right-back Ben Johnson is out of contract at the end of the current season, which means that, as it stands, he'll be leaving as a free agent come 1 July.

Hammers sporting director Tim Steidten is pushing to keep him at the London Stadium, but members of the club hierarchy have expressed reluctance to hold further talks after seeing the Englishman reject two offers.

Johnson may still end up staying with the Irons, but at this stage, his team have a responsibility to start assessing potential replacements, and one candidate for the role has already emerged.

West Ham "checking out" exciting Santos

According to transfer insider Dean Jones, West Ham are one of the sides "checking out" Tiago Santos at Lille as interest in the youngster grows ahead of the summer transfer window. They're not the only Premier League side in the race, though, with Aston Villa and Spurs admirers too.

In an article for Sports Lens, Jones reports that Santos was expected to spend more time in France after his £5.5m move from Estoril last summer, but his progression up the football ladder may now be accelerated. There's a feeling that his price tag will "take off" if he's allowed to remain with the Ligue 1 club for too long.

West Ham have been keeping "a close eye" on talent in the French top tier and are impressed by Santos' "skill set and potential to push himself higher". They appear to be more sure on the Portuguese defender than Spurs, who may lean towards a more "versatile defender" instead.

"Complete" Santos has already announced himself

Santos, who's now a Portugal under-21 international after making his debut in September, has played 28 games for Lille so far in all competitions. He's currently enjoying a joint-season-best run of five straight league starts, and has begun 10 of the last 12 overall, so his value to the team is clearly growing.

Latest West Ham United injury news, return dates and suspensions

FFC keeps you up to date with all the latest West Ham United news involving injuries and suspensions.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 10, 2024

After opening his account for the club with a "special" strike in a 2-0 win over Lyon in late November, he got on the scoresheet again in a remarkable 12-0 win over Martinique champions Golden Lion in the French Cup last month.

Ligue 1 – most fouls drawn 23/24
Rank	Player	Club	Tot.
1	Teji Savanier	Montpellier	54
2	Tiago Santos	Lille	50
3	Dilane Bakwa	Strasbourg	49
4	Romain Faivre	Lorient	47
5	Romain Del Castillo	Brest	44

Described as a "complete" full-back by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Santos combines effective chance creation (he's in the 71st percentile for expected assisted goals among right-backs) with an enthusiastic approach to defending (he's in the 80th percentile for tackles).

His standout attribute, however, is his dribbling – he ranks 10th in the league for successful take-ons with 39 and only one player, Montpellier's Teji Savanier, has drawn more fouls. A tricky little player, he could be a smart long-term addition for David Moyes or indeed whichever manager is in the hotseat next season.

West Bromwich Albion continue to look like a dark horse in the Championship promotion race, slowly but surely building momentum with four wins picked up from their last six games in the league.

That means Carlos Corberan's men are solid in their playoff spot, with the likes of Okay Yokuslu starring in the middle of the park as a reliable anchor for the Baggies when the matches have become more tense.

The Turkish midfielder would assist Tom Fellows' opener against Bristol City last time out, the dependable Baggies number 35 proving to be still be a shrewd acquisition on a free transfer.

Whilst Yokuslu's worth to the West Brom cause continues to increase in terms of output and monetary value, one former flashy buy for the second-tier promotion chasers has seen his own transfer value take a tumble to below that of the 30-year-old's.

Matheus Pereira's record at West Brom

Matheus Pereira would take the Hawthorns by storm during an impactful two-season stay with West Brom, managing to be a ray of light during the Baggies' dreadful 2020/21 campaign in the Premier League alongside setting the second tier ablaze.

He would leave West Brom with 20 goals and 26 assists next to his name from 77 games, with 17 of those coming even whilst his West Midlands outfit ended up finishing in a pitiful 19th spot in the top flight.

It felt somewhat inevitable that the Brazilian midfielder, who was described as an "incredible" talent by one of his former coaches, Nate Weiss during the peak of his West Brom powers, would move on to bigger and better things especially in the wake of his side's relegation therefore.

Valerien Ismael would be the Baggies manager that signed off on Pereira's big move to Al-Hilal, with West Brom more than happy to oblige in the end when the mega-rich Saudi Arabian club forked out a reported £16m to land him.

West Brom will now know it was even more of a correct decision to let their former £8m man move on when glancing at his value in 2024, with this estimated worth now – according to Football Transfers – putting him below Yokuslu who the Baggies once purchased for £0.

Matheus Pereira's transfer value in 2024

Residing in his native Brazil currently out on loan at Cruzeiro, the 27-year-old midfielder comes in at a worth of just €2.2M (£1.8m) which is some decline from his bumper Al-Hilal fee.

It's not as if Pereira is struggling either despite this drop-off, with the Cruzeiro number ten amassing five assists from just ten games this year back in South America.

It could well be a testament more to how crucial Yokuslu has become for Corberan's men over Pereira losing his way, with his worth now boosted up to €3.5m (£2.99m) after only joining for free last season.

The Turkish midfielder isn't alone in seeing his value rise drastically in the Baggies camp, with Brandon Thomas-Asante also boasting a huge increase from €0.3m (£256k) to now being worth more than Pereira at €3.4m (£2.90m).

Yokuslu will strive to continue being an asset for this team as they eye up a promotion to the Premier League, whilst ex-West Brom star Pereira will wonder where he'll end up next in his nomadic career after his time in Brazil is over.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou is "likely" to go and sign a Champions League-winning forward on a permanent deal in the summer, according to a report this week.

Lange making Spurs transfer plans as he targets attackers

A lot of the rumours concerning Spurs' transfer activity have revolved around possible new attacking additions.

Tottenham player out injured until mid-April after sustaining foot fracture

He won’t be available for the foreseeable.

ByEmilio Galantini Mar 14, 2024

Reliable media sources claim that Tottenham want to make a winger their "major" signing of the summer window, leading to interest in both Wolves star Pedro Neto and Crystal Palace ace Eberechi Eze.

There are some suggestions that Spurs are keen on a new striker to replace Harry Kane, despite the fine form of Richarlison when the Brazilian is fit and available.

He's bagged an incredible nine goals in his last ten league appearances for the north Londoners, so Richarlison could perhaps feel hard done by there. However, with months remaining until the summer window opens, technical director Johan Lange's transfer plans could still change.

Son Heung-min

14

Richarlison

10

Dejan Kulusevski

6

Brennan Johnson

4

Cristian Romero

4

Whichever position Spurs end up reinforcing later in the year, reports suggest that supporters could expect at least one addition further forward – whether that be an outright number nine or wide player.

Interesting names are consistently emerging on Lange's radar, like Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams, who is also attracting interest from Arsenal and Chelsea amid claims his contract includes a £43 million release clause.

There is also the small matter of in-form January loan signing, Timo Werner, who has really impressed since arriving from RB Leipzig. Werner's bagged two goals and two assists in his last seven league appearances under Postecoglou, and appears almost tailor-made for the Australian's system.

The German's endured a few years to forget, ultimately failing to become the prolific goalscorer Chelsea wanted when he signed for them in 2020. After making a move back to Leipzig, Werner wasn't able to rediscover his very best goalscoring form, but we're now seeing real glimpses of his attacking potential in north London.

Spurs boss Ange "likely" to sign Werner permanently this summer

The 28-year-old's temporary Spurs contract includes a £15 million buy option, and a report by GiveMeSport indicates that Postecoglou is personally "likely" to trigger the £15m clause and sign Werner permanently.

Lange, speaking on Tottenham's official social media, suggested that the club are already that impressed with the Champions League-winning forward.

“I think Timo [Werner] is an offensive player who has a massive experience from top level football," said Lange. "The Bundesliga, the Premier League, the Champions League and of course with the German national team.

“He’s also a player who, for most of his career, has played in a style not too dissimilar to ours which means his level of adaptation period could be relatively short and it has been good to see him already effecting games quite early on.”

Glasgow Rangers sent a big statement of intent out on Wednesday evening as they refused to buckle against Kilmarnock, despite trailing 1-0 at the interval in their Premiership clash.

Philippe Clement obviously delivered a stern team talk to his players as they emerged from the tunnel brewing with confidence.

James Tavernier and Tom Lawrence scored during a four-minute spell early in the second period, while the comeback proves that the Gers are showing wonderful fighting spirit at the moment and look almost unbeatable.

Several players were underwhelming, however, with Borna Barisic being the notable name to deliver a dismal performance in what was a vital clash.

Borna Barisic’s game in numbers vs Kilmarnock

There is no doubt the defender has been a fine stalwart for the club, yet with just a few months left on his contract, might his display in midweek see him replaced at left-back?

Barisic was making just his third league start of 2024 against the Rugby Park outfit, but he looked way off the pace during the first half.

Accurate passes

18

Touches

43

Possession lost

16

Total duels won

2

Key passes

0

Indeed, the 31-year-old lost possession a staggering 16 times in 45 minutes, while completing just 69% of his attempted passes, delivering only two accurate crosses and winning zero ground duels – deserving of his 4/10 match rating, as per Glasgow World.

It was a performance which could have seen the Gers concede more than just one goal during the first half and Clement swiftly took him off for Ridvan Yilmaz, which turned out to be the correct decision.

Against Motherwell tomorrow, the Turkish defender has to be unleashed at left-back, no doubt about it.

Ridvan Yilmaz’s season in numbers

It may have taken him a long time to get here, but Yilmaz looks ready to become the first-choice left-back in the squad.

The £5m arrival in 2022 has certainly impressed in recent months under the Belgian manager, and he settled things down once he came on for Barisic in midweek.

Not only has he scored and registered an assist in the Premiership this term, but the 22-year-old has also created five big chances, averages 1.6 key passes per game and delivers 1.6 accurate crosses per game, indicating that he could replace Barisic’s attacking output while offering better defensive stability.

He has won 3.5 total duels along with being dribbled past on only 0.6 occasions per match and these stats will clearly only get better the more he plays.

Rangers Review journalist Joshua Barrie claimed Yilmaz “has been one of the most improved players under Philippe Clement” and, judging by his statistics and recent displays, this statement is spot on.

From now on, he must be the regular starting left-back, regardless of competition, and this consistent run will finally allow him to live up to his £5m transfer fee.

Motherwell will be tough opposition for the Gers tomorrow afternoon, especially as they ran Celtic close last weekend, but the confidence gained from the impressive win at Rugby Park should see them secure another three points in the league.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

If Rangers win their remaining ten matches, they will be crowned champions. No easy feat by any margin, but that is the goal they will have set themselves between now and May.

Video footage in West Indies’ third ODI against Afghanistan showed him using his thumbnail to scratch the ball

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Nov-2019West Indies batsman Nicholas Pooran has been banned from four T20Is after being found guilty of attempting to change the condition of the ball during West Indies’ third ODI against Afghanistan on Monday.Pooran admitted the charge, which deals with a breach of level 3 of the ICC’s Code of Conduct, and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Chris Broad. He had violated Article 2.14 of the code, which relates to “changing the condition of the ball” after video footage showed him scratching the surface of the ball with his thumbnail.Pooran will now miss West Indies’ three-match T20I series against Afghanistan and the first game of their subsequent three-match series against India. He will also have five demerit points added to his record. The earliest he will be available to play for West Indies is the second T20I against India, on December 8 in Thiruvananthapuram.The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Bismillah Shinwari and Ahmed Durrani and third umpire Ahmed Pakteen as well as fourth umpire Izatullah Safi.Calling his act “an extreme error in judgement”, Pooran said he accepted the penalty while promising this incident was a one-off.”I want to issue a sincere apology to my teammates, supporters and the Afghanistan team for what transpired on the field of play on Monday in Lucknow,” Pooran said in a statement issued by Cricket West Indies. “I recognise that I made an extreme error in judgement and I fully accept the ICC penalty. I want to assure everyone that this is an isolated incident and it will not be repeated. I promise to learn from this and come back stronger and wiser.”West Indies had completed a 3-0 sweep against Afghanistan in the ODIs, winning the third game by five wickets with eight balls to spare. Pooran had a successful series with the bat, and was the Man of the Match in the second game for smashing 67 off 50 balls. He was likely to have kept wickets for West Indies in the T20Is, but they have Denesh Ramdin in the squad as back-up, and the 34-year-old will now get to add to his 68 T20I caps, the last of which came a year ago, in November 2018.

William Gallas believes England's Euro 2024 hero, Ollie Watkins, could be the perfect summer signing for Arsenal.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Watkins emerged as the super sub for EnglandScored a sensational 90th-minute winner against NetherlandsGallas urged Arsenal to sign WatkinsWHAT HAPPENED?

Watkins' performances at Euro 2024 have been nothing short of spectacular. The 28-year-old forward etched his name into the hearts of England fans with a last-gasp winner in a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Netherlands, propelling the Three Lions into their second consecutive European Championship final, where they will face Spain. His clutch goal exemplified his knack for rising to the occasion, making him a standout player in the tournament.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Watkins' domestic form has been equally impressive. He scored 19 goals and set up another 13 in the Premier League, to fire Aston Villa into the Champions League for the first time since the 1982/83 season. Recognising his value, Aston Villa secured Watkins' future with a new five-year contract early last season. This move not only rewarded his stellar performances but also safeguarded his market value, now estimated at a staggering €100 million (£85.7 million).

WHAT GALLAS SAID

Gallas has made a compelling case for Arsenal to pursue Watkins.

"For Arsenal, I like Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins," Gallas remarked in an interview with

"He has the pace you need to have as a striker and with a player like Martin Odegaard in behind him it would just be magnificent, think of all the assists. It’s so difficult to defend against players like Ollie Watkins because he’s so clever with his runs, with Odegaard they would do so much damage. If I was at Arsenal I’d choose him."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

DID YOU KNOW?

Watkins' affinity for Arsenal runs deep. The striker grew up as a passionate supporter of the club, a sentiment shared by his family. His goal in Aston Villa's 2-0 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates last season was bittersweet, as it severely dented the Gunners' hopes of clinching their first Premier League title since 2004. Watkins admitted that his grandad and uncle, both loyal Arsenal fans, would not have been pleased with his decisive strike against their beloved team.

Two nail-biting final-day finishes might just have made up for one washout in the second round of the Plunket Shield. HEYMDIS (Here’s everything you missed doing important stuff):Conway to goThere was a touch of the pristine about the 334th ball that Devon Conway faced at Basin Reserve. There was a short step forward, his trigger movement, and then a simple little punch with a very straight bat. The ball sped away down the ground and so did he. By the time he stopped, the crowd was on its feet and he was saluting them, hands and helmet aloft, a triple-centurion. “It was very special, a goosebump moment for me,” he told . Later, he would move past the legendary Bert Sutcliffe to claim the record for most runs scored in a first-class game in New Zealand. So, naturally, there was a bit of buzz around the guy. “He’s got a huge future, I think,” Ross Taylor told the media on Wednesday. “The leading domestic player last year. I hadn’t seen him bat until we had a few warm-up games a couple of weeks ago. He looks like a very compact and exciting player. Anyone to get a triple century, regardless of where it is, especially on a green-seamer at the Basin, it all bodes well.”So can the Black Caps rest easy knowing they have a ready-made replacement for Rosco in the wings? The question had to be asked and Taylor stuck his tongue in his cheek to answer, “Hopefully he’s got a few years to wait then.”Ground control to Major TomRomance is in the air for Tom Latham.In September, there was this. And in October, there was this. His 18th first-class century came at the ground where he struck an unbeaten 264 against Sri Lanka and followed it up with a 177 against Bangladesh. That’s 665 runs from his last three knocks at the Basin. He’s certain to face the England Test team with a spring in his step now. And to think this game began with a top-order collapse – Wellington were 29 for 3 before the Con artist took control.More joy for bowlersLegspinner Todd Astle became the first bowler from Canterbury to pick up 300 first-class wickets, and on the opposite side, left-arm spinner Malcolm Nofal (4 for 100) was absolutely vital to Wellington’s victory even as it seemed the game might go the other way.ALSO READ: Michael becomes the fourth generation Sneddon in first-class cricketCanterbury did not give up, even when they were 232 for 8 chasing 358 with Mark Henry (43 off 40), Will Williams (36 off 90) and Andrew Hazeldine (36 off 50) dragging the total up above 300. But a tantalising 45 runs away from their target, last man Ed Nuttall fell and the game was done. Left-arm for the win (almost)Northern Districts had fallen way behind in their first innings – 169 runs was a massive deficit – but they did have just the right bowlers to play catch up.In Trent Boult, they had the perfect new-ball weapon and he took out four of the top five Central Districts batsmen, including first-innings centurion George Worker for only 4. And in Neil Wagner, they had the perfect old-ball weapon and he picked up a five-wicket haul to potentially set up a Halloween miracle.And it was well on the cards too, with Bharat Popli leading the chase. The No. 3 batsman made 87 off 202 balls, taking the score to 259 for 4, only 115 runs away from victory and 41 overs left to get them. But Central Districts are the reigning domestic champions for a reason. They took out the main threat and then scared up a collapse. Northern Districts gave up their last six wickets for a mere 40 runs with part-timer Brad Schmulian picking up 4 for 34 in 16.3 overs. He only ever had four first-class wickets before this game.

Jadon Sancho is set for a fresh start at Manchester United as Erik ten Hag has put aside his long-running feud with the English winger.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Sancho had a public fallout with Ten Hag
• Was subsequently frozen from first team squad
• Pair ready to mend their relationship

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 24-year-old winger was thought to be on the verge of leaving United after a tumultuous period that saw him loaned to Borussia Dortmund for the second half of last season. Sancho was excluded from the first-team squad in September after a public fall out with Ten Hag. The United boss had claimed that Sancho’s training performances were below par, which Sancho vehemently denied on social media. The England international's refusal to apologise for his public comments led to his banishment from the first-team group, and he was forced to train alone before moving back to Dortmund in January.

Advertisement

• @ManUtd
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  However, Sancho has rejoined first-team training at United following a series of candid discussions at their Carrington training ground last week. These talks have seemingly resolved the tension that had built up between Sancho and Ten Hag, allowing both parties to move forward as the new season approaches.

• WHAT TEN HAG SAID

  Ten Hag remained cautious about discussing Sancho’s long-term future at the club, but revealed that the pair have mended their relationship.

  "As we said, we draw the line. Manchester United need good players and Jadon is a good player. We have drawn that line and we move on," Ten Hag remarked, signalling a fresh chapter for the winger.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  During his loan spell at Borussia Dortmund, Sancho managed to rekindle some of his best form. He scored three goals and provided an equal number of assists in 21 appearances across all competitions, helping them reach the Champions League final. However, the Bundesliga club have not submitted a formal bid for the English forward, and have already assigned Sancho's No. 10 shirt to Julian Brandt, which indicates that they have closed their doors for a possible permanent transfer.