Hamidullah Qadri staged one of the most memorable debuts in Championship history as, at 16, he bowled Derbyshire to their first Championship win for nearly two years

ESPNcricinfo staff and ECB Reporters Network29-Jun-2017
ScorecardHamidullah Qadri, at 16 the youngest Derbyshire debutant in a Championship game, staged a dream finale as he took five wickets to lead Derbyshire to their first four day win since beating Leicestershire in July 2015 – 710 days ago.On a turning Cardiff pitch, where the spinners bowled 57.3 of the 69.3 overs in the second innings, and took 9 wickets, Glamorgan batsmen struggled throughout.Qadri, born in Kandahar in Afghanistan, returned figures of 5 for 60 on debut, including the final wicket, to help dismiss Glamorgan for 172. It was their first championship victory since Derbyshire defeated Northamptonshire at Wantage Road and completed one of the most heartwarming stories in Championship history.The Millennium child – the first player from the 21st century to make a Championship appearance – had done the trick.Even in Wales, land of the story-tellers, they might manage a tale or two.His excellent figures reflected how well he bowled. Kim Barnett, the former Derbyshire captain who made a surprise reappearance as head coach at the start of the season, and renowned as a good judge of a young cricketer, certainly made the correct choice when he first saw him perform and pronounced he was “ready for the first team”.Qadri said: “It was an honour to be asked to lead the team off, especially as it was my debut and we hadn’t won for two years. I haven’t played on a turning pitch for some time, and I took every opportunity to back my skills. I know that I am good enough to play without fear, and I can’t wait for my next game.DerbyshireCCC

He is now looking forward to meeting Imran Tahir, one of the leading legspinners of the past decade, who joins Derbyshire for the remainder of the season.”He is world class, and he will be able to teach me a lot, although I must thank Jeevan Mendis, who was very supportive during the game, and it was fitting he took the final catch off my bowling in his last game of the club,” Qadri said. “I took the game in my stride, and,if selected, will look forward to the next game at Chesterfield, where I have taken 2 five fors.”Qadri, who plays for the Alvaston and Boulton club, where former Derbyshire batsman Steve Stubbings is the captain, was well supported by Mendis, the Sri Lankan allrounder in his farewell game, and the Derbyshire stalwart Wayne Madsen, an occasional off spinner who took two crucial wickets in mid-innings.Glamorgan had started the day on 0 for 1 and approached the start of the day with caution in the face of some tight bowing from the Derbyshire spinners.Only nine runs were added in 11.4 overs when the first wicket went down. Nightwatchman Timm van der Gugten was caught by an excellent running catch at midwicket by Luis Reece off Qadri.Owen Morgan was snaffled at slip and when Glamorgan’s leading run scorer Colin Ingram holed out at mid- on, the home team were struggling on 42 for 4.Nick Selman and Aneurin Donald consolidated,and added 50 for the fifth wicket, before Madsen, with the last ball of his first over, had Donald caught at short leg by Alex Hughes who had previously dropped three chances in that position: Derbyshire;s hopes flared again.Two overs later, Madsen took his second wicket when Selman,who made a patient 43 from 122 balls, was stumped down the leg side after the bowler had seen him advancing down the pitch.After Selman and Donald’s partnership, Glamorgan had recognised batsmen left, but Andrew Salter and Graham Wagg were both dismissed by Qadri. Salter was LBW sweeping, while Wagg was not happy to have been given out caught down the leg side, when replays suggested the ball came off his chest.Marchant De Lange threatened with a few lusty blows, before he was needlessly run out, and Chris Cooke, who never looked in any trouble, was left stranded on 39 not out, when Michael Hogan chipped Qadri to mid wicket. It was the perfect conclusion to one of the most remarkable debuts in the history of the Championship,

Australian cricket’s long and bitter pay dispute is over, paving the way for the Test tour of Bangladesh to proceed later this month

Brydon Coverdale03-Aug-2017Australian cricket’s long and bitter pay dispute is over, paving the way for the Test tour of Bangladesh to proceed later this month.Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland and the Australian Cricketers’ Association CEO Alistair Nicholson announced the new agreement at a joint press conference in Melbourne on Thursday afternoon. The agreement ends a 10-month negotiation process that became bitter and acrimonious as Cricket Australia sought to dramatically alter the existing pay model by which players shared in the game’s revenue.Australia’s international cricketers and many domestic players have been unemployed since July 1, after CA and the ACA failed to agree on a new Memorandum of Understanding before the expiration of the existing deal. However, those players who were out of contract will be provided with back-pay when the full MoU is completed.The agreement means Australia can honour their upcoming international commitments, including the two-Test tour of Bangladesh, a limited-overs trip to India, and the home Ashes to follow this summer. Sutherland said it was “a great shame” that Australia A’s scheduled tour of South Africa did not proceed last month, but he was pleased that no other elite cricket series had been affected.Sutherland said the deal would allow all state and international cricketers to be contracted immediately, and would mean an increase in pay that ensures Australia’s international players will be the highest-paid of all team sports in the country. The agreement also includes what Nicholson described as “the biggest pay-rise in the history of women’s sport in Australia”.”Today’s agreement is the result of a sensible compromise from both parties,” Sutherland said. “From Cricket Australia’s point of view, we needed to modernise the pay model to provide us with more flexibility to deal with issues facing the game as they come up from time to time. In this regard, the under-funding of grassroots cricket and junior cricket is our highest strategic priority.”We also wanted to introduce a gender equity pay model for women’s cricketers, so that they can also pursue a career in cricket. The ACA and Cricket Australia are delighted to be genuine market leaders in Australian sport in this regard.”This process hasn’t been easy, and history will judge whether it was all worth it in the end. Neither side has got everything that we wanted out of these negotiations, but they shouldn’t be approached with a winner-takes-all mindset.”There’s no denying that the debate itself has at times been difficult and even acrimonious. Relationships within the game have been tested, and I know that’s been a bit of a turn-off for some fans. I think I can speak for Alistair when I say that both parties acknowledge and regret that, and now it’s very much up to us to put that behind us. In announcing this agreement, we’re restoring certainty and beginning to repair relationships, especially with the fans.”I’m very confident that by the time the first ball is bowled this summer, all of this will be well and truly behind us.”Details of the new agreement include: a modernised revenue-sharing formula by which the players will receive 27.5% of forecast revenue; an increase in female player payments from $7.5 million to $55.2 million; and an adjustment ledger that allows funding for grassroots cricket if revenues exceed $1.67 billion.”It’s a very different revenue share model to what was previously the case,” Sutherland said. “It’s been modernised to allow the game more flexibility. The guarantee of player payments is formed on a certain basis. We’ve talked about bringing women’s cricketers into the pay model for the first time. Beyond that, where revenues exceed a certain level of income, it allows the grassroots of the game to share in those surpluses as well.”The new agreement includes a significant rise in women player payments, from $7.5 million to $55.2 million•Getty ImagesNicholson said the players had fought hard to retain a revenue-sharing model because they believed it had worked well in the past.”To have retained the revenue-sharing model and increased the level we have and ensure that men, women, domestic and international players receive a fair share is great news for the players and for the game,” Nicholson said. “It’s right that all players, men and women, will be partners in the game because that’s a fair outcome. It ensures a game with all parties pulling in the same direction.”Success in this negotiation for the ACA was achieving revenue sharing for all players, gender equity, fair remuneration increases, greater input on scheduling and more grassroots investment. We have achieved those things, and on that basis, we recommend to the players that the deal be accepted.”The ACA president, former Test wicketkeeper Greg Dyer, said in a statement that the agreement was ground-breaking for Australian sport”One MOU for men and women, the maintenance of the partnership model, and record investments for grassroots cricket is what we wanted and it’s what has been achieved,” Dyer said. “The men and women have been rewarded for sticking together and for having the courage of their convictions. They have made history and created a legacy for generations of players to come.”In particular, I want to acknowledge the sacrifice of the Australia A team which demonstrated the depth of the resolve of the players to support each other. We also congratulate the players who have bravely made the case in the public domain. It will be important that they are respected for having the courage of their convictions.”There is also a reality to confront. Yes, we’ve arrived at a great place but the game must never again take this same route. The players did not choose this route and did not enjoy being on it. In fact, the players resented it deeply. This was not a fight the players started. The players defended themselves as is fair and as is their right.”The acrimonious nature of the negotiations leaves Australian cricket in need of significant bridge-building in the coming months and years to repair the damage caused to relationships within the game. Sutherland said he was hopeful that both parties could put the dispute behind them.”Time will tell on that,” Sutherland said. “I’d like to think that in many ways, it’s good sport and we can all shake hands at the end of it and move on. It’s been difficult at times for lots of people, and we’ve all been dragged into the middle of it in one way or another. The important thing is to look forward … I’m really confident that those relationships will be strong. It’s our job as administrators to support the Australian players and those in state associations as well.”

رد نادي دريمز الغاني على الاتهامات التي خرجت خلال الساعات القليلة الماضية بأنهم أكثر فريق في بلدهم يستخدم السحر للفوز بالمباريات قبل مواجهة الزمالك في إياب نصف نهائي كأس الكونفدرالية.

ويحل الزمالك ضيفًا على دريمز يوم، الأحد المقبل، في تمام الساعة الرابعة عصرًا بتوقيت “القاهرة”، وكانت مباراة الذهاب قد انتهت في القاهرة بالتعادل السلبي.

وخرجت بعض التقارير الصحفية منذ ساعات أن هناك تحذيرات من جانب الإعلام الغاني بشان استخدام دريمز للسحر للفوز بالمباريات.

اقرأ أيضًا.. تطورات إصابة فتوح وموقفه من مباراة الزمالك ودريمز بالكونفدرالية

وتواصل “btolat.com” مع نائب رئيس نادي دريمز، برنس عبد الحميد، للرد على هذه الاتهامات، وقال: “نحن مسلمون، نحن أبعد ما يكون عن استخدام السحر”.

وأضاف: “الإسلام ينهي عن استخدام السحر بالفعل، إذا كان سيؤذي شخص آخر فهذا ممنوع وهو ما نؤمن به بالفعل”.

وتابع: “بعض الإعلاميين الغانيين يحاولون تشويه سمعة هذا النادي الذي حقق نتائج رائعة في فترة صغيرة، نحن تأسسنا قبل 14 عامًا فقط”.

وأضاف: “نحن نؤمن بالله ولو أننا تأهلنا إلى نصف النهائي لمواجهة الزمالك فهذا من فضله بكل تأكيد”.

واستمر: “على الزمالك عدم الخوف، إذا كانوا يؤمنوا بالله عز وجل، عليهم أن يتوقفوا عن هذا الحديث”.

وواصل تصريحاته: “لقد بدأنا هذه الرحلة في كأس الكونفدرالية وكلنا ثقة في الله، وسنحاول إنهاءها بكل قوة”.

وعن بيان النادي بحشد الجماهير للحضور المجاني أمام الزمالك: “هذا يحدث للمرة الأولى، وهذا يؤكد على أهمية المباراة، نحن نادٍ طموح ولدينا أهداف نريد تحقيقها”.

Asela Gunaratne will play no further part in the India tour, after suffering a serious fracture in his left thumb. Doctors have advised Gunaratne will be out of action for at least six to eight weeks following reconstructive surgery in Colombo on Tuesday night. SLC confirmed there was no chance of a return in the ODI or T20 legs of the tour either.”It is a sad one – just below his thumb there are about three pieces of bone,” SLC cricket manager Asanka Gurusinha said. “It is pretty serious. As soon as we saw the x-ray, we realised it was serious, so we sent him to Colombo.”He had picked up the injury in the 14th over of the first morning. Fielding at second slip to the bowling of Lahiru Kumara, Gunaratne dived to his left to intercept an edge off Shikhar Dhawan’s bat, only for the ball to hit him on the end of the thumb. The catch was dropped, and Gunaratne immediately clutched his hand in pain. Soon after, he left the ground clutching his wrist.The loss of Gunaratne is a substantial blow to Sri Lanka. Not only does his slow bowling bring balance to the side, he is also in good batting form, having hit a crucial 80 not out in a record fourth-innings chase against Zimbabwe last week.”We lost Asela as both batsman and bowler,” Gurusinha said. “He is a fighter, and he has been scoring a lot of runs. Losing him is going to put lot of pressure on us.”Dhawan, who was reprieved on 31 went on to hit 190 off 168 balls, setting India on track to 399 for 3 by stumps.

Newcastle United could make a surprise swoop for Wolverhampton Wanderers full-back Hugo Bueno this summer; however, they wouldn't pay over the odds for the Spaniard, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Is Hugo Bueno going to Newcastle United?

According to Football Insider, Bueno has appeared on a shortlist of potential left-back targets at St James' Park this summer as Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe looks to strengthen the left-hand side of his backline.

The Wolves defender is viewed as a potential signing alongside Southampton ace Tino Livramento; however, no official bid has been submitted for the Vigo-born 20-year-old.

As per the same outlet, Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney is a leading candidate to strengthen the left-back berth at the Magpies this off-season amid competition from Premier League champions Manchester City to sign the Scotland international.

Newcastle United have Matt Targett and Dan Burn as their options at left-back at present, though Eddie Howe is keen to add another body to the positional area ahead of 2023/24 getting underway.

Bueno was utilised as a rotational squad option for his current employers last term and registered one assist for Wolves in 23 senior appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Sofascore detail that Bueno showed no fear in dispossessing his marker over the course of the campaign, as the youngster successfully won 1.6 tackles per match in the Premier League across 2022/23.

Speaking to Football FanCast, transfer insider Jones thinks that any move from Newcastle United to try and land Bueno would come as a bit of a shock at St James' Park; nevertheless, he doesn't think it would be outwith the realms of possibility.

Jones told FFC: "Obviously, links with Hugo Bueno, it would be a bit of a surprise if they make a sneaky signing like that one, that no one has been really predicting before. Now, again, it comes down to value. I just think Newcastle don't want to be spending £30 million on full-backs, that money could be invested in areas of the team that make a bigger difference to them next season."

Who else could Newcastle United snap up this window?

Newcastle United boss Howe looks like he isn't finished yet in the market following the signings of Sandro Tonali from AC Milan and Yakuba Minteh from Odense BK earlier in the window, as per Transfermarkt.

Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes looks to be the next arrival to enter the fold at St James' Park, as he is expected to join from Sky Bet Championship side Leicester City for a fee in the region of £38 million, according to The Guardian.

Football Insider claim that the Magpies have opened talks over a deal for AS Monaco defender Axel Disasi, who has already reached a verbal agreement over personal terms with the North East giants.

The report states a left-back, central defender and wide forward are on the agenda for Newcastle United as they look to complete their business in the summer transfer window in plenty of time ahead of the Premier League season coming to life.

West Ham United have yet to make a signing so far during the summer transfer window, but with the sale of Declan Rice giving David Moyes a war chest of £105m, this will surely change in the coming weeks.

The Irons are already close to securing the signature of Manchester City youngster Carlos Borges, and he could be Moyes first summer deal.

Are West Ham United close to signing Carlos Borges?

Last week, The Manchester Evening News claimed that West Ham were working on a deal to sign the teenage prospect this summer, with Moyes paying £14m to secure his signature.

A recent update on the move has been delivered by ExWHUemployee on The West Ham Way Patreon (via The West Ham Way), saying: “The Carlos Borges transfer is very close to being agreed with Manchester City now and hopefully can all be finalised soon.

“The main stumbling block appeared to be the buy back clause.

“Manchester City have inserted these clauses into contracts of previous youngsters they have sold such as Romeo Lavia to Southampton. Other clubs have also used these strategies too such as Chelsea with Tino Livramento again to Southampton and Tammy Abraham to Roma.

“It is thought that Borges buy back clause will be around £40m which is a decent figure considering we are due to sign him for around £14m.”

What could Carlos Borges offer West Ham?

The left-winger has scored an impressive total of 55 goals in just 79 matches during his spell in the City youth teams, displaying his keen eye for goal and this could give West Ham a goal-scoring boost from a wide position.

Across three appearances in the Football League Trophy last term, Borges was outstanding. He scored four times, averaged 1.7 key passes per game while grabbing an assist and created one big chance. This suggests that not only does he have a clear ruthless nature in front of goal, but the youngster can create chances for others.

Journalist Tom Young waxed lyrical about Borges last year, saying: “Carlos Borges is the real deal. Get this man training with Erling and Julian as soon as possible. The sky is the limit.”

On the surface, Moyes looks like he has a player who could go straight into the first team judging by his recent statistics; however he could well be an ideal heir for Said Benrahma.

The Algerian winger enjoyed a mixed campaign during 2022/23, ranking third for goals scored (six) in the Premier League and second for big chances created (five), however he ranked eighth for overall Sofascore match rating (6.86) and if Borges arrived, there could be a battle for the left-wing spot.

Despite not playing a senior game for City, Borges clearly did enough last term for the U21 side to warrant game time in the top flight, registering a staggering 32 goal contributions – 21 goals and 11 assists – across just 24 matches in the Premier League 2.

Although the 27-year-old has three years left on his current West Ham deal, the imminent arrival of Borges will have him looking over his shoulder and there is no reason why the Portuguese sensation cant be an ideal long-term heir for Benrahma.

Durham are hoping to complete the signing of Imad Wasim as an overseas player in the NatWest T20 Blast

George Dobell14-Jul-2017

Durham are hoping to complete the signing of Imad Wasim as an overseas player in the NatWest T20 Blast. Imad, who is currently rated as the best T20 bowler in international cricket, will join for five matches before departing for the Caribbean Premier League.Imad, who was born in Swansea, made his international debut in 2015 and was recently a member of the Pakistan team that won the Champions Trophy, playing in every game at the tournament.He has impressed with his left-arm spin in the Pakistan Super League, as well as during stints at the CPL, and will bring something extra to a thin Durham squad, who have lost two from two in the competition so far. Tom Latham, their main overseas signing, is currently out of action with a foot injury.Imad’s signing is subject to him receiving a work permit.

Tottenham Hotspur continue to be linked with one defensive reinforcement in particular, who would likely hinder rather than help in bolstering Ange Postecoglou's squad for the coming campaign…

Has Clement Lenglet gone to Tottenham Hotspur?

That's according to the Spanish publication Sport, who suggest that the Lilywhites have made decisive steps towards signing Barcelona centre-back and former loanee Clement Lenglet permanently.

It is said that they continue to work on a deal for the Frenchman, despite his questionable displays last term that led to such a woeful year for the club.

The Catalonian giants seem keen to offload their expensive flop, but their €15m (£13m) valuation represents a disparity between the two sides.

However, they are coming closer to an agreement, with his departure expected in just over a week.

How good is Clement Lenglet?

Considering how proactive their new manager has been this window in reshaping the club, it would be a surprise to see him return to Lenglet in particular, given his short but tumultuous history in north London.

Having been brought in on a one-year loan by Antonio Conte, the 28-year-old played under three different managers across that one season, and admittedly disappointed throughout.

His 6.65 average rating in the Premier League emphasises this, as he failed to live up to the classy ball-playing billing that likely spurred Barcelona to spend £31.7m to tempt him from Sevilla.

This rating was exacerbated through several facets, but mainly just an inability to compete with the physicality of English football. Journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke had predicted such an eventuality, as he wrote in June 2022:

"The criticism is made of Lenglet that he lacks the speed and agility of a modern centre-back and that he may struggle with the physicality of the Premier League."

With just one clean sheet to his name across his 24 league appearances, even though he posted somewhat admirable figures for clearances per game (2.6) and pass accuracy (87%), it is clear that his involvement came at the detriment of the solidity of the team, via Sofascore.

It should have come as no surprise though, as the season prior in LaLiga he posted an equally-disappointing 6.67 average rating, this time seeing his interceptions per game drop to 0.6, and his clearances per game to 0.9, also per Sofascore.

The very start of that campaign had seen him lambasted too, with CBS Sports journalist Jonathan Johnson noting:

"Lenglet. A complete & utter liability of a defender."

Should Spurs once again seek to purchase outcasts from the Nou Camp, they could risk repeating their failed 2021 move when they brought in Emerson Royal.

The stature of a club of their size often lends to the over-inflated prices that their sales can bring, and that was certainly the case with the Brazilian full-back, who moved for an initial £25.8m fee.

He has since gone on to play 77 times for the north London outfit, hardly setting the world alight.

Billed as an all-action wing-back capable of spearheading a system reliant on this role, his first league campaign saw the 24-year-old maintain a 6.88 average rating, scoring just once and assisting another one.

He would fare a little better the year following, increasing his goal contributions to three in the most recent term, via Sofascore.

Such underperformance has rightly led to criticism, with journalist Josh Bunting pulling no punches in his scathing assessment of the move that went beyond just his offensive deficiencies:

"Emerson Royal just isn’t good enough at all, he’s not Premier League quality whatsoever. Dreadful performance again today, decision making and just general football intelligence is simply dreadful. Maybe the worst player to play for Tottenham in my lifetime and I mean that".

Such abject failure should worry Postecoglou, and perhaps warn him that although Lenglet might appear to be a fine cut-price option to bolster his backline, he could instead end up repeating old mistakes and tying down another dud on a lucrative long-term deal.

Brentford goalkeeper David Raya is eyeing a move to Arsenal this summer as negotiations to join Bayern Munich hit a standstill, according to reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Who will Arsenal sign next?

It's been a very busy summer at the Emirates Stadium as both manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu work behind-the-scenes to strengthen key areas of the squad.

Arsenal, much to the delight of their fanbase, have already completed a trio of marquee deals for Germany international winger Kai Havertz, star midfielder Declan Rice and versatile defender Jurrien Timber.

Havertz put pen to paper on a £65 million move from Chelsea and Timber joined for around £38 million from Ajax, while ex-West Ham star Rice sealed his transfer to Arsenal for a club-record £105 million.

Rice will strengthen Arteta's midfield to no end, with Arteta hailing his serious quality just after his side announced the capture.

“We’re really happy that Declan is joining us," said Arteta.

"He is a player with tremendous ability, who has been performing at a high level in the Premier League and for England for a number of seasons now. Declan is bringing undoubted quality to the club and he is an exceptional talent who has the potential to be very successful here.

“Declan has great experience in the Premier League at only 24 years old. He has captained a very good West Ham team and as we all saw, he recently lifted a European trophy. The responsibility and role he has taken on has been very impressive and we are really excited that he is joining us.”

It has been mooted that Arsenal will be focusing on player sales for the foreseeable, especially after spending over £200 million so far, but surprise reports in the last two days claim they've now entered the market for a new goalkeeper.

This is echoed by renowned reporter Romano, who has taken to Twitter with his own news on their fresh links to Raya of Brentford.

"David Raya prefers Arsenal move over Bayern," wrote the journalist.

"Deal depends on clubs now but Arsenal expected to bid soon in order to accelerate talks.

"Negotiations with Bayern are currently off after loan offered in the morning — not what player/Brentford wanted."

How good is David Raya?

The Spaniard, according to WhoScored, stood out as one of Brentford's best-performing players per 90 in the top flight last season.

Raya also featured over more league minutes than any other player in Thomas Frank's squad, playing every single game for them over 2022/2023 (WhoScored).

Speaking after the 27-year-old received his first ever call-up to the Spain squad last year, Frank also hailed his shot-stopper's "very aggressive" style of play.

"You can't have a strong mentality if you don't have any setbacks," said Frank.

"I know setbacks are different to a lot of people, but his clear and obvious abilities in terms of playing with his feet, high position, very aggressive in terms of his positioning and going for crosses, he definitely deserves this."

If Arsenal do in fact seal a deal for Raya, he could come in as a very capable contender for the Gunners number one spot with current first choice Aaron Ramsdale.

Manchester United have identified Atalanta starlet Rasmus Hojlund as a leading candidate to solve their centre-forward woes and there has now been a significant update regarding the club's pursuit of the promising Dane…

What's the latest on Hojlund to Man United?

With a fee having seemingly been agreed with Inter Milan for the signing of Andre Onana, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed that United are also readying an offer for Hojlund, with the Bergamo-based outfit set to demand around €70m (£60m) for the 20-year-old striker.

Writing on Twitter, the respected insider revealed: "Manchester United are preparing their opening bid for Rasmus Højlund! Told personal terms are 100% agreed. He wants United. Atalanta told United they don’t want 3 players offered in the deal after initial talks. Asking price around €65/70m. Next step: official bid."

Fellow journalist David Ornstein has also claimed that personal terms have been agreed with the former Sturm Graz ace, albeit with Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain also in the running for the youngster's signature.

How many goals has Rasmus Hojlund scored?

There is undeniably a real buzz surrounding the 6 foot 3 marksman at present, with the in-demand ace having notably been likened to fellow Scandinavian star Erling Haaland in recent times, while also being dubbed "scary quick" by journalist Sacha Pisani due to his searing pace on the counter.

For all that excitement, there must also be a sense of trepidation at the prospect of United forking out a rather hefty fee for a player who has scored fewer goals in his senior career thus far than Haaland managed in a single season last term at Manchester City (52), with the six-cap Denmark international having scored 27 club goals across his time at Copenhagen, Sturm Graz and at Atalanta.

For his current side, the highly-rated speedster hardly set the world alight last term after bagging ten goals in all competitions for the Serie A outfit, with that perhaps why the Red Devils were previously said to have baulked at his prior €100m (£86m) asking price.

That was the fee which Erik ten Hag and co forked out in order to snap up Antony from Ajax last summer, with there perhaps concern that Hojlund could prove to be another expensive gamble for the Old Trafford outfit, as the Brazilian has been to date.

Despite having prior experience of working under Ten Hag in Amsterdam, the 23-year-old trickster endured a difficult debut season in English football after scoring just four goals and providing only two assists in 25 Premier League games.

For a player with such a sizeable transfer fee, fans and pundits alike are likely to have expected more from the mercurial winger, with the pressure now on for Antony to truly make his mark in his second season at the club.

With United no doubt eager to see an end to their decade-long wait for the title, investing so heavily in another relatively unproven talent like Hojlund may not be the answer in the short-term, at least, in that pursuit of glory.

That's not to say that the pacy left-footer – and Antony – can't come good after enduring a bedding in period at the Theatre of Dreams, yet if it is immediate success that Ten Hag is craving, then it remains to be seen if Hojlund is the man to lead that charge.