The Red Devils dominated the first decade of the new millennium, only to lose their way – but who have been their best performers?
Manchester United began the 21st century on the beaches of Brazil. They were there to compete in the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup and arrived as the official best team in the world after beating Palmeiras in the Inter-Continental Cup. In order to participate, they took the seismic decision to withdraw from the FA Cup, the competition they were the holders of.
A quarter of a century on, and United have restored their reputation in the FA Cup, which they won in May. The Club World Cup, however, is no longer their domain, and they were not even close to qualifying for FIFA's rebranded competition, which takes place next year.
That says a lot about how United have fallen as the century has progressed. The Red Devils won eight out of the first 14 league titles of the new millennium, but ever since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, they have been on a downward curve. They have finished outside of the top four more times than they have made it in and won just five major trophies. In the first half of the new century, they lifted 13.
It should be no real surprise, then, that a list of the best United players from the first 25 years of the 21st century draws heavily on the Ferguson era. Only performances since January 2000 count, so the likes of Denis Irwin, Jaap Stam and Teddy Sheringham fall short, even though they straddled both centuries.
But who has made it in, and who has failed to make the cut?
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25Antonio Valencia
When United sold Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for a then world-record fee of £80 million ($104m), not many fans expected that the club would look to Wigan Athletic for his replacement. Antonio Valencia sure was no Ronaldo, but he proved to be a solid and versatile club stalwart.
The Ecuadorian spent 10 years at Old Trafford, beginning as a right winger before switching to right-back. For years he spoke almost no English, but by the end of his career with United he was one of the most experienced players in the squad, captaining the team in the Europa League final and in his final season.
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24Darren Fletcher
When Ferguson learned that Darren Fletcher, aged 15 at the time, was considering leaving United for Newcastle, he launched a furious tirade at him down the phone, angering the player's mother, and then drove straight to Edinburgh to convince him to stay. Fletcher knew never to risk Ferguson's wrath again and stayed at United for the next 13 years.
He was the ultimate squad player but grew into an undisputable starter in the 2008-09 season, cruelly missing the Champions League final through suspension after diving into a tackle against Arsenal late in the semi-final despite the victory long-being secured. That moment epitomised Fletcher's selfless attitude.
A worse struggle came when he battled a debilitating stomach illness for around two years. The Scotland international kept fighting, as was his way, and was able to eventually continue his career. He has remained loyal to United since retiring, working as a technical director and assistant coach, while his twin sons currently play for the club's Under-18s.
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23Louis Saha
How good could Louis Saha have been were it not for the injuries? The Frenchman had a stunning debut for United against Southampton following a £12m ($15m) move from Fulham in January 2004, and scored seven goals in his first 10 starts.
Injuries interrupted his next season and he only scored twice, but once he returned to full fitness he showed his true value, notching 28 goals and 13 assists in the 2005-06 and 2006-07 campaigns combined.
Saha fired United to League Cup glory in 2006 with six goals in five games and played a big part in the Premier League success the following season. But more injuries meant he could not finish the campaign and severely disrupted his progress the following season, when he also had to compete with Carlos Tevez. Despite the constant setbacks, he averaged a goal every three games.
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22Dimitar Berbatov
Ferguson was so determined to make sure Manchester City did not sign Berbatov that he picked him up from the airport on transfer deadline day in 2008 and drove him straight to Old Trafford to complete the transfer from Tottenham. And the Bulgarian was an utter joy to watch.
He often seemed to play at walking pace and at times looked on a whole different level of class to his peers. As an example, early into his United career, Berbatov had the whole of Old Trafford eating out of his hand after an insane piece of skill against West Ham's hapless James Collins.
Berbatov had impressed without tearing up any trees in his first two seasons with United, but he really found his feet in his third, finishing as top scorer in the Premier League while leading the Red Devils to the 2010-11 title with 20 goals. However, he inexplicably did not even make the substitutes' bench for the Champions League final against Barcelona.
The Indian spinner wants technology to help spot and penalise batsmen straying outside his crease
ESPNcricinfo staff28-Jul-2020
BCCI
R Ashwin has revived the discussion around non-strikers backing up before the ball has been bowled, suggesting that technology be used to spot and penalise the errant batsmen, by either disallowing the runs scored off the ball in question, or giving the bowler a “free ball”.Ashwin went on to explain – on Twitter – how non-strikers, by backing up, could give their team an advantage as they could put a better batsman on strike. He said penalising the batsman could address the “grave disparity” between bat and ball in what he called an “increasingly tough” environment for the bowlers. “Just hope that technology will see if a batsmen is backing up before the bowler bowls a ball and disallow the runs of that ball every time the batter does so!!Thus, parity will be restored as far as the front line is concerned #noball #dontbackup,” Ashwin started off tweeting. “Many of you will not be able to see the grave disaparity here, so let me take some time out to clarify to the best of my abilities. If the non striker backs up 2 feet and manages to come back for a 2, he will put the same batsmen on strike for the next ball.”Putting the same batsmen on strike might cost me a 4 or a 6 from the next ball and eventually cost me 7 more runs instead of may be a 1 and a dot ball possibility at a different batsmen. The same will mean massively for a batter wanting to get off strike even in a test match.”It is time to restore the balance in what is an increasingly tough environement for the bowlers. #thefrontcrease #belongs to #bothparties @bhogleharsha we can use the same tech that we are proposing for a no ball check 120 balls in a T 20 game.”This came after the ICC announced that TV umpires would watch front-foot no-balls in ODIs during the World Cup Super League, which starts July 30 with the first England v Ireland game in Southampton.The debate has divided opinion afresh since last year, when in an IPL game, Ashwin, the Kings XI Punjab captain at the time, ran out Rajasthan Royals’ Jos Buttler at the non-striker’s end without delivering the ball. The dismissal sparked off the old debate, with the MCC first deeming the dismissal “legal” and a day later calling it against “the spirit of cricket” because Ashwin had “paused too long” before taking the bails off.ALSO READ: Simon Taufel: Ashwin’s Buttler run-out had nothing to do with spirit of cricketWhen Twitter users disagreed with Ashwin for asking for alternate penalties, Ashwin replied: “Make the run invalid of that ball or give the bowler a free ball the next one.”Instead of Disallowing the run, may be the bowler can get a free ball the very next one where the batsmen has backed up. Some fairness to start off may be.”While Ashwin did not clearly define what he meant by “free ball”, it could mean a bowling version of a free hit – no runs allowed, but the batsman can be dismissed.
يستعد فريق المصري البورسعيدي، لخوض مواجهة قوية ومرتقبة، أمام نظيره بلاك بولز الموزمبيقي، التي تقام بينهما ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية.
ويحل المصري ضيفاً على بلاك بولز، على استاد دو زيمبيتو الوطني بالعاصمة الموزمبيقية مابوتو، في إطار مواجهات الجولة الثانية لمسابقة دور المجموعات للبطولة القارية.
وافتتح المصري البورسعيدي بقيادة علي ماهر، مشواره الإفريقي بالفوز على إنيمبا النيجيري في الجولة الأولى من مباريات دور المجموعات بهدفين دون رد.
طالع أيضاً.. كولر: الأهلي لديه فترة كافية للاستعداد لكأس العالم.. وتحدثت مع اللاعبين في أمر هام
ويتواجد فريقا المصري وبلاك بولز في المجموعة الرابعة من بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية، بجوار الزمالك وإنيمبا النيجيري.
ويتصدر المصري ترتيب المجموعة الرابعة، برصيد 3 نقاط، ويتساوى معه الزمالك صاحب المركز الثاني بنفس عدد النقاط، بينما يأتي بلاك بولز بالمركز الثالث بدون نقاط. موعد مباراة المصري وبلاك بولز في كأس الكونفدرالية
من المنتظر أن تنطلق المباراة اليوم الأحد، في تمام الساعة التاسعة مساءَ بتوقيت القاهرة، العاشرة بتوقيت السعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة المصري وبلاك بولز اليوم
تُنقل المباراة عبر فضائية beIN Sports HD 7.
ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنــــا.
Tottenham have already begun discussions over multiple exits with a move for one "world-class" striker "on the cards", according to a report this week.
Spurs set for summer overhaul as Ange calls for "drastic" change
Reliable Spurs source Paul O'Keefe recently shared news that the club are open to offers for over a dozen members of Ange Postecoglou's squad this summer, coming after the Lilywhites head coach pleaded for "drastic" change.
Tottenham could re-sign £30 million player who Dele Alli called fantastic
Daniel Levy let him go years ago.
ByEmilio Galantini May 10, 2024
It's been a regrettable end to the Premier League season for Spurs, who all but have to settle for a Europa League place as Aston Villa take cruise control in the race for fourth and Champions League qualification next term.
Unai Emery's side hold the mathematical advantage and could secure fourth in their next two games, regardless of what else happens in north London. The north Londoners have tasted bitter defeat in four of their last five top flight matches, including a few drubbings, and it highlights the work which still has to be done on Postecoglou's team.
"We need change. Change has to happen," Postecoglou said on his Spurs team. "You can’t want to alter your course and expect the same people are going to be on that.
"It’s just not going to happen. We’ve had two windows and we’ve had some development of players, for sure, but when I say we’ve still got a long way to go, that’s what I’m talking about.
Liverpool 4-2 Tottenham
Chelsea 2-0 Tottenham
Tottenham 2-3 Arsenal
Newcastle 4-0 Tottenham
Tottenham 3-1 Crystal Palace
"It’s impossible to say you’re going to have drastic change and yet expect everyone to be on that journey. It’s not for the want of trying. It’s just that we’re going to play a certain way, we’re going to train a certain way and we’re going to have a certain mindset. And that’s not for everyone."
In terms of who could leave, we can take a pretty good guess when it comes to the 12 players mentioned by O'Keefe. Bryan Gil, Giovani Lo Celso, Troy Parrott, Joe Rodon, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Richarlison, Tanguy Ndombele, Sergio Reguilon, Japhet Tanganga, Manor Solomon and Djed Spence are the players linked with Tottenham exits ahead of this summer, with all being mentioned at least once by media sources.
More recently, some reports have claimed that Tottenham are also open to offers for both Emerson Royal and Yves Bissouma, so it appears barely anybody is safe.
Tottenham begin exit discussions as deal for Ivan Toney possible
Now, according to Football Insider, Tottenham have already begun discussions over multiple summer exit moves. Chairman Daniel Levy is seeking ways to bolster summer funds and trim the squad down, especially as a deal for Brentford striker Ivan Toney is "on the cards".
The "world-class" striker could cost as much as £50 million, but he could be worth that amount given Postecoglou's need for a new number nine to replace Harry Kane. Toney scored 20 league goals last season before his ban for alleged gambling breaches, so there is little question he'd strengthen Spurs.
Nesta sexta-feira (18), o atacante Eder, do São Paulo, falou sobre o início do clube no Brasileirão. O jogador falou sobre o empate contra a Chapecoense na última quarta-feira (16) e comentou, também sobre o clima no vestiário.
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Na quarta rodada do Brasileirão, o Tricolor empatou por 1 a 1 com a Chape, em casa. Jogando de forma muito ofensiva, os planos do treinador Hernán Crespo foram atrapalhados pela expulsão de Rodrigo Nestor, que mudou o rumo da partida, que até então era dominada pelo São Paulo.
Para o centroavante, a expulsão foi o fato determinante do jogo e, segundo ele, o time adversário teve sorte no gol marcado.
– Sempre quando vai somando pontos na classificação, ajuda. É lógico que em casa, com a Chapecoense, a gente queria a vitória, mas, como falei, houve a expulsão (do Nestor). No segundo tempo, o time voltou bem, linhas curtas, tentando o contra-ataque. O gol deles foi um pouco sorte, porque desviou na perna, passou por cima do Volpi e tirou ele da jogada – disse Eder à ‘SPFCTV’
Com um começo ruim no campeonato, conquistando somente dois pontos nas primeiras quatro rodadas, o atacante garantiu que o ambiente interno do clube é positivo e que os jogadores seguem motivados. Eder se mostrou confiante na recuperação da equipe no torneio.
– Mas, vamos continuar trabalhando, sempre positivo no vestiário, entre nós. Conseguimos ser campeões paulistas, passamos de fase na Libertadores, na Copa do Brasil, e com certeza vamos ter tempo para nos recuperar no Brasileirão. Lógico que a gente nunca entra em campo para perder, não foi o que a gente queria, mas vamos ter tempo para recuperar – concluiu.
O São Paulo entra em campo novamente no próximo domingo (20), diante do Santos, na Vila Belmiro. O confronto é válido pela quinta rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro e a bola rola a partir das 18h15.
Contra o seu rival, o Tricolor espera conquistar sua primeira vitória no torneio. Até o momento, a equipe acumula dois empates e duas derrotas.
Kyle Jamieson, the uncapped Auckland pace bowler, has been called into New Zealand’s Test squad as a replacement for the injured Lockie Ferguson.Jamieson, 24, is tall pace bowler and useful lower-order batsman who played for New Zealand A earlier in the season against England.Although he only has five wickets in three first-class matches this season, his overall record is 72 at 27.93 and his height, with the potential to extract bounce from Australian wickets, has helped earn his call-up.”It’s an exciting opportunity for Kyle who has impressed in the Plunket Shield domestic four-day competition,” New Zealand coach Gary Stead said. “We’ve also been really encouraged by his progress in the NZC winter camps and his performances for New Zealand A.”Standing at over two metres tall he obviously gets good bounce and brings something different to our other pace bowlers.”Describing himself as “a bit tall and a bit gangly maybe”, Jamieson said he received the call from selector Gavin Larsen as he was gearing up for a nets session as part of his preparation for Auckland’s game against Canterbury in the T20 Super Smash.”It was a pretty special moment,” he said, adding, “it was pretty hard to concentrate [on his training]” after the call, and that the prospect of making a debut in Australia’s backyard is at once daunting and exciting. “I think it’s a great, challenging stuff, but I think most kids growing up would say that a Boxing Day test against the Aussie’s would be pretty special.”He admitted to “never ever [having] set foot [in Victoria] outside the Melbourne airport,” and that he has not received any indication of playing at the MCG or the SCG for the third Test.”Whether I play or not, basically just to be a sponge and soak up the atmosphere and just the whole trip itself and just learning off some of those world-class guys in that squad,” he said.His height – “a gift from my parents” – is an advantage he is hoping “to make the most of” to get healthy bounce on the Australian tracks. “It’s just about doing your role for the team and I guess whatever that looks like for me, I’m happy to do that,” he said. “So whether that’s bowling full, or it’s bowling wide or it’s whatever it is.”Jamieson will play in the Super Smash match against Canterbury Kings on Tuesday before heading to Melbourne to link up with the squad on Wednesday to prepare for the Boxing Day Test.Ferguson, who made his Test debut in Perth, has been ruled out for up to six weeks after suffering a calf strain on the opening day.”We’re all absolutely gutted for Lockie,” Stead said. “He’d worked really hard to earn his Test debut and to have it cruelly halted by injury was truly unlucky. He’ll return home to begin his recovery with an eye to India’s tour of New Zealand starting in late January.”On Monday, Stead admitted that they would not be able to find a like-for-like replacement for Ferguson’s pace. “I can’t promise you that I can pluck out guys that can bowl 150kph from New Zealand and bring them over here because I’m not sure we necessarily have them that are fit and available. We’ll consider everything we’ve got but there’s still some positives for us that we can go to Melbourne with and work out how to put Australia under pressure.New Zealand head to Melbourne with a number of issues to resolve as they aim to bounce back from the 296-run defeat in Perth. Jeet Raval’s poor form continued with scores of 1 and 1 while Mitchell Santner went wicketless through 41 overs and conceded 3.56 runs per over.They have two days of match practice against a Victoria XI on December 20 and 22 – split over three days with a training day in the middle – before the second Test when those who weren’t part of the XI in Perth will get their chance.That will likely include Trent Boult who is on track to return for Melbourne after it was decided he was too much of a risk to play in Perth as he recovered from his side strain.Tom Blundell, who is the reserve wicketkeeper on the tour but also the spare batsman, would be the player to replace Raval if he was dropped – leading to a potential reshuffle of the batting order – while legspinner Todd Astle could put pressure on Santner.
O filho do goleiro Bruno e de Eliza Samudio, Bruninho, de 11 anos, se questiona sobre o assassinato da mãe, em 2010, e se sente culpado pelo crime cometido pelo pai. É o que conta Sônia Samudio, mãe de Eliza e detentora da guarda do garoto, que diz que ele quer confrontar o pai pessoalmente.
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Ao jornal ‘Extra’, a avó disse que só permitirá o encontro quando o pré-adolescente tiver o tamanho para olhar Bruno ‘nos olhos.’
-ia desses, ele me questionou sobre a morte da mãe porque se sente culpado pelo crime. Nunca tinha visto ele se revoltar ou ficar tão abalado. Vi meu neto socar o colchão dele com força… Disse que ele não é culpado de nada. O único culpado nessa história é o pai. Pela primeira vez ele manifestou a vontade de conhecer Bruno. Mas diz que esse dia só vai chegar quando puder estar na mesma altura que ele, para olhá-lo nos olhos – disse Sônia.
Sônia relata ainda que Bruno nunca pagou pensão alimentícia e que o garoto é sustentado pelo dinheiro do avô, que trabalha como tapeceiro.
– O processo de pensão alimentícia foi aberto quando minha filha ainda estava viva. Até hoje, Bruno não depositou um centavo para o filho. Nenhum oficial de Justiça consegue citá-lo. O curioso que até eu tenho o endereço dele e o judiciário não… Tentei receber para meu neto o auxílio reclusão que os filhos de preso têm direito e isso também foi negado. Todos os direitos do Bruninho foram violados desde antes de seu nascimento – contou.
Por fim, ela relata que o menino que tem 1,65 de altura e calça 41, sonha em ser goleiro, assim como seu progenitor, é são-paulino, assim como a mãe – e fã do ídolo tricolor Rogério Ceni.
– Ninguém sabe, mas a Eliza foi goleira na escola também. Desde os 8 anos, ela era apaixonada por futebol, sonhava jogar profissionalmente e conhecer seu ídolo, Rogério Ceni, que também é o do meu neto. Eu reneguei muito essa vontade dele ser goleiro. Mas não posso interferir no que ele quer e tem aptidão. Até tentei o karatê. Ele é faixa laranja. Mas o futebol fala mais alto. Ele é são-paulino como a mãe – concluiu.
A coach not quite sacked, a raft of player withdrawals, a typically chaotic nexus between cricket administration and government: all scenarios not uncommon when it comes to the endlessly fascinating story of Sri Lankan cricket. And yet amid all these 2019 misadventures there have been remarkable, even transcendent moments: A Test series win in South Africa, a stunning World Cup match win over England at Headingley, and then an even more stupefying Twenty20 clean sweep of Pakistan in Pakistan even after the aforementioned pull out of senior players.Now, with their resilience so vividly demonstrated, the Sri Lankans have arrived in Australia and linked back with their captain. Lasith Malinga added his own personal contribution to a year of memorable moments by not only defending a mere eight runs in the IPL final, but going on to take four wickets in four balls as against New Zealand in Kandy, the second such achievement of his dizzying international career.Malinga’s experience, drawn from well over a decade in the game, will be a more than useful addition to the group, alongside the strong credentials of Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera and Niroshan Dickwella, to name three. “It’s a good opportunity for me to share my knowledge and experience with the young players,” Malinga said.”I can’t play much more cricket, the next few months and maybe in the World Cup. I want to give my best for the young players because they don’t have much experience like me, playing franchise cricket, IPL, Big Bash, everything else. Sri Lanka also are regenerating our cricket team, the young players need experience, they need guidance so that’s why it is important to play this tournament.Recalling his successful shut out of Chennai Super Kings for Mumbai Indians in the IPL final, Malinga said a sequence of five balls slung down at better than 140kph, followed by a closing slower ball to nail an lbw and seal a one-run win, was a good example of the sorts of stratagems he can either deliver himself or advise his team about.”Any bowler who has played 10-15 years they have experience,” he said. “According to that we can use our variation and tactical part, that’s more important than the power. These days I try to use my tactical and variations according to the game situation. In pressure situations we have to get the correct decision and decide what we want to do. That’s the thing with gaining experience over my career.”Asked about Steve Smith and David Warner, returning to international cricket on home soil for the first time since their Newlands bans, Malinga suggested contrasting approaches – patience against Smith, but a more aggressive search for Warner’s wicket. “No particular plan but we know how good he is. I’ve played with him in the IPL and against him,” Malinga said of Smith. “We want to stick with our basics, not think much about the opposition, stick to our basic cricket and that’s very important I feel in the T20 game.”In the IPL, [Warner] was the highest run-getter in thus tournament. We know how good the T20 format is for him and we know in the last couple of months he didn’t get much runs, but still we know he can damage the opposition in any situation. That’s why we are looking forward to him – if we can bowl one good ball for him, that’s the challenge for all our bowlers to get him.”Having been on the losing end of a Sri Lankan steal of a T20I against Australia at Geelong in 2017, Australia’s captain Aaron Finch was wary. “They’ve got some seriously dangerous players. I think when you look at Kusal Perera, Dickwella, these guys, they hit all around the ground and they’re aggressive, they take the game on, so you have to be at your best,” he said. “When you set out you have your really clear plans, but that can change so quick.”Because they’re so inventive, they move around the crease a lot, you have to really think on your feet as a bowler and as a captain. That’s going to be really important in this series to hopefully get some wickets in the Power Play and try to put some pressure on the middle order that probably isn’t as experienced as their top couple. they’re a very dangerous side and they’ve shown they can beat anyone in any conditions when they get it right.”They’re a world class side, and led by Malinga as well, who’s played so much T20 cricket. He’s really structured in the way he wants his bowlers to bowl and brings all his experience and all his guidance to their young tearaway quick attack as well. So it’s going to be an exciting series. Their spinners posed problems to us in the past, particularly in the subcontinent, so hopefully we can start the series off really well.”
Toni Kroos came away with a positive perspective about Germany's Euro 2024 campaign despite his playing career ending in heartbreak against Spain.
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Kroos made Germany return for Euro 2024
Midfielder's career ended with semi-final loss
Veteran reflected on his experience
WHAT HAPPENED?
Kroos announced before the tournament that he would retire from the game after Euro 2024. Having already ended his club career with a La Liga and Champions League double at Real Madrid, he hoped to guide Germany to European domination on home soil after Julian Nagelsmann brought him back into the fold.
His team's journey ended at the quarter-final stage on Saturday, though, as Germany were beaten 2-1 after extra-time against Spain. Despite the heartbreak, though, he expressed pride in the national team after their performances.
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WHAT KROOS SAID
He wrote in an Instagram post: "[September 29, 2023]: my phone rang. Caller: Julian Nagelsmann Request: return to national team. First thought in my mind: I'm not stupid! First thought in my heart: fuck yeah! The heart decided to know.
"My first thought this morning 7/6/2024: I'm glad I did. Despite all the sadness and emptiness since the whistle yesterday. I've seen more and more in the team than she has shown in recent years. But I didn't expect that it is possible in such a short time to have a really realistic chance at the title and to be up to date with the best again! That’s why I’m very proud of what this team did! And that can be all of Germany again. A special thanks to you out there who made this home [European Championship] a special one. We have seen you, experienced and felt you! On a personal level, I would like to thank you for a really very special warmth and affection over the last weeks. This was very special. And finally a request: Now that Germany has won back its beloved child: don't let it go! The path of this team continues. And it helps brutally if you stand by her even in bad phases! Because one thing I can assure you: this is a group of great people who do everything they can to succeed!"
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Early in the match against Spain, Kroos' heavy challenge injured Spain and Barcelona midfielder Pedri, who had to be substituted after eight minutes and has since been ruled out of the rest of the tournament.
Kroos ended his message with an apology to the 21-year-old, saying: "I would also like to say something very important: I apologise and get well soon to Pedri! Obviously it wasn't my intention to hurt you. I hope you get better quickly and all the best. You're a great player."
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WHAT NEXT?
Germany will regroup after their defeat against La Roja as they look to improve for the 2026 World Cup. They will head into that tournament without Kroos as the 34-year-old enters life after football following his retirement.
It is no secret that Nottingham Forest have deployed a scattergun approach in the transfer market since their promotion back to the top flight ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
Since winning the Championship play-offs under then boss Steve Cooper, the Reds have made an astonishing 34 new signings, with many being unsuccessful.
Emmanuel Dennis was one of the most expensive, arriving at the City Ground in a deal rising up to £20m from Watford. The Nigerian striker only made 25 appearances for Forest in all competitions, scoring twice before falling down the pecking order behind the likes of compatriot Taiwo Awoniyi before returning to Vicarage Road on loan this January.
However, not all the Reds' signings since promotion have been a disaster, with Murillo proving to be a shrewd addition after his summer move from Corinthians.
The 21-year-old is the latest of a flurry of Brazilians to arrive on Trentside, following the arrivals of players such as Gustavo Scarpa, Danilo, Felipe and Renan Lodi in previous transfer windows.
Murillo was an unknown quantity to many Forest fans before his arrival, but his performances in the Garibaldi Red have proven how crucial he is to Espírito Santo's side. Despite competition from fellow Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers, Forest won the race for the defender, with the club forking out £15m for his signature.
Upon his arrival in Nottingham, Murillo had to bide his time before impacting the Forest first-team, with former boss Cooper stating that he wanted to "get the programme right" for the youngster before handing him his Premier League debut.
Murillo
Murillo eventually made his debut against Brentford on the 1st of October 2023, five weeks after his arrival. His debut prompted a deserved run of games within the starting lineup, with Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp dubbing the centre-back an "unbelievable" talent after his Man of the Match display against Crystal Palace.
Murillo's current market value
Since his impressive first few outings for the club, the youngster has become a crucial asset in the Reds' backline, starting every game in the league and cup since.
Murillo's exceptional form is reflected by the fact he ranks in the top 1% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for successful take-ons per 90. The Brazilian has impressed with his ability to carry the ball out from the back, helping to transition from defence into attack quickly. The 21-year-old averages 1.02 progressive carries per game, with his mazy run against Crystal Palace a brilliant example of his quality.
The club-record signing of Morgan Gibbs-White for £42.5m in August 2022 certainly raised eyebrows, but the English youngster has proven to be worth every penny – with the former Wolves man being subject to interest from sides such as Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.
However, the emergence of Murillo during his short stint at the City Ground could see him be sold for more than Gibbs-White in the future due to the lack of top-quality young left-sided central defenders.
Whilst his transfer value has only increased from £15m to £18m, as per Transfermarkt, since his summer transfer, the 21-year-old is now Forest's fifth highest-valued player after Ibrahim Sangare, Danilo, Gibbs-White and Awoniyi.
Should any side want to lure the Brazilian away from the City Ground in the coming months, it would certainly take a bid of over £50m, breaking the club's record sale after the departure of Brennan Johnson to Tottenham during the previous summer window.