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The Red Devils have never been afraid to splash the cash, with their most elaborate additions in the Premier League era including both hits and misses

Manchester United spent £1 million for the first time in October 1980 when prising Garry Birtles away from Nottingham Forest and would go on to smash their transfer record on a regular basis until acquiring Paul Pogba from Juventus for £89m in 2016.

Not all of the deals done by one of the most decorated sides on the planet have provided value for money, but there have been more hits than misses.

The Red Devils have never been afraid to splash the cash, particularly after establishing themselves as a dominant force in English football under Sir Alex Ferguson, and GOAL is on hand to bring you a full run down of their most elaborate purchases during the Premier League era.

Getty ImagesRoy Keane | £3.75m | July 1993

United swooped in after learning that Keane had a deal in place to join Blackburn Rovers from Nottingham Forest, with the British transfer record broken when luring the Irish midfielder away from the City Ground.

Keane was still a rough diamond at that point, but Ferguson polished him into a global superstar that will forever hold a place in British football folklore.

The no-nonsense midfielder would become captain of the Red Devils and the standards he demanded of himself and those around him allowed seven Premier League titles, four FA Cups and a Champions League crown to be collected across 12 memorable years.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesAndy Cole | £7m | January 1995

A Premier League Golden Boot winner in 1993-94, Cole’s exploits in front of goal at Newcastle made him of obvious appeal to United as they began to take a stranglehold on English football.

He would go on to record 121 efforts for the Red Devils through 275 appearances, despite regularly facing questions of his finishing ability, with history made within weeks of his arrival at Old Trafford when he netted five times in one outing against Ipswich.

Cole could always be relied upon to do his bit for the collective cause, despite being an archetypal fox in the box, and was a key man during United’s historic run to Treble glory in 1998-99.

Getty ImagesJaap Stam | £10.75m | July 1998

The Dutch defender become an iconic figure at the Theatre of Dreams through just three seasons in England – one of which was decimated by an Achilles injury.

His brutal combination of power and pace allowed him to dominant opposition strikers, with his arrival from PSV proving to be one of the final pieces in the puzzle that allowed United to pretty much sweep the board on a trophy front in 1998-99.

An acrimonious departure for Lazio was made in 2001, with Ferguson later admitting that he made a mistake, but there will always be a place for him in the hearts and minds of United supporters that were fortunate enough to catch him in action.

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Getty ImagesDwight Yorke | £12.6m | August 1998

Shortly after breaking the bank to add Stam’s unique brand of steel to their defensive unit, United dug deep again when luring Trinidadian striker Yorke away from domestic rivals Aston Villa.

He proved to be a shrewd addition to the Red Devils’ ranks as a destructive partnership was forged alongside fellow frontman Cole – with Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer proving to be more than capable deputies.

Yorke also starred in the Treble-winning campaign of 1999, when he hit 29 goals across all competitions, and moved on after finding the target on 65 occasions in total through 152 appearances.

The Danish striker made it seven goals in his last six matches to fire Erik ten Hag's side to a narrow victory against a determined Luton

Rasmus Hojlund could not score in his first 14 Premier League games but is now truly on fire and his double was enough to give Manchester United a scrappy, barely deserved 2-1 win at Luton Town.

The Dane scored for the sixth league game in a row to give United the lead after just 40 seconds, staying alert to pounce on a Luton error and calmly round goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski. In the seventh minute he knocked in an Alejandro Garnacho strike into the net with his chest to put the visitors in full command.

United could not live up to their dream start, though, and Luton captain Carlton Morris halved the deficit while the Red Devils were lucky not to concede again before the break, while Casemiro was fortunate not to be sent off.

Luton continued to pile on the pressure and United failed to take their chances on the break, with Garnacho particularly wasteful. They had to ride out a nervy few minutes, helped by the unstoppable Jonny Evans, and eventually secured a fourth consecutive league victory, taking them within three points of fifth-placed Tottenham and five of Aston Villa in fourth.

After a dire first half of the season, the hunt for Champions League football is truly on. GOAL rates Man United's players from Kenilworth Road…

Getty Goalkeeper & Defence

Andre Onana (6/10):

Could have done more to put Morris off. His footwork helped slow the game down and ease the pressure.

Diogo Dalot (5/10):

Couldn't cope with Alfie Doughty for large spells and messed up a potential one-on-one with Thomas Kaminski.

Harry Maguire (5/10):

A bit of a wobbly performance. Late to numerous tackles and could have been booked long before he finally saw yellow. Taken off at half-time as a precaution.

Raphael Varane (8/10):

A highly effective last wall of defence, making block after block after Luton breached midfield and the flanks.

Luke Shaw (6/10):

Had some nice passages of play and put out numerous fires, including getting a booking for a meaty challenge. Taken off before half-time amid fears of another injury.

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Kobbie Mainoo (8/10):

A class act. His nimble footwork helped United play their way out of Luton's aggressive press and he also read the game superbly.

Casemiro (5/10):

Very fortunate not to earn another booking for taking out Barkley, with Erik ten Hag sensibly removing him at half-time. Despite his struggles against Barkley, he sparked the move for the first goal with a punt downfield, which Hojlund capitalised on.

Bruno Fernandes (5/10):

Made plenty of sloppy passes but worked hard to contain Luton late on and made a vital block to prevent Gabriel Osho from levelling.

GettyAttack

Alejandro Garnacho (4/10):

Made lots of bad decisions, above all when he bungled his attempt to dribble around Kaminski. At least he got an assist.

Rasmus Hojlund (9/10):

That's seven goals in six matches for the Dane, who is starting to look like the true heir to Ruud van Nistelrooy – United's last proper 'fox in the box'. He showed awareness and composure for his early goal and cheekiness for his second. Also held the ball up superbly.

Marcus Rashford (5/10):

Some promising moments but overall a disappointment. Should have released Garnacho far earlier in the first half but made amends with a dream pass, which the Argentina international squandered.

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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Victor Lindelof (6/10):

Did better deputising at left-back than last week at Villa but still picked up a yellow card.

Scott McTominay (6/10):

Brought on at half-time and held the ball up well while working hard in defence.

Jonny Evans (8/10):

Outstanding when he came on, heading and booting away every ball that came his way. Also showed impressive stamina to storm forward in the last minute.

Sofyan Amrabat (N/A):

Brought on in the 86th minute to shore up the defence and see out the win.

Erik ten Hag (6/10):

His substitutes made sense and averted potential red cards but the way his side had to cling on for so much of the second half should concern him.

Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo gave his Instagram followers a sneak peak of his strict training regime with a video of his gruelling workout.

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Ronaldo in insane shape for 38Currently on break from SPL actionBut hitting the gym with gruelling workoutWHAT HAPPENED?

The Saudi Pro League is currently on a break due to the upcoming 2023 Asian Cup, but that hasn't stopped the Portugal superstar from putting in the hours at the gym. Ronaldo has been known for his commitment to maintaining his incredible physique throughout his career, with the latest evidence coming in his recent Instagram story. In it, the 38-year-old could be seen working out topless using gymnastic rings, in what looked a gruelling workout.

AdvertisementWHAT RONALDO POSTEDIG:cristianoIG:cristianoGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Ronaldo is undoubtedly in insane shape for a 38-year-old. It shows that his high standards have never dropped despite stepping down a level to play in the Saudi Pro League over a year ago. This was shown by another stellar calendar year for the Al-Nassr and Portugal star, who topped the globe's scoring charts for 2023 with an incredible 54 goals to his name for club and country.

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Getty/GOALWHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?

Training will no doubt continue at the Ronaldo abode as he gears up for a return to Pro League action in mid-February. Before that, though, the Portuguese talisman will face eternal rial Lionel Messi in an eagerly-anticipated friendly contest on February 1.

Sean Ervine made the best of a placid Canterbury pitch to ease Hampshire into the driving seat on the opening day of their Championship Division Two clash with Kent

Press Association15-Aug-2014
ScorecardSean Ervine’s unbeaten 75 helped resurrect the Hampshire innings•Getty ImagesSean Ervine made the best of a placid Canterbury pitch to ease Hampshire into the driving seat on the opening day of their Championship Division Two clash with Kent.The 31-year-old Zimbabwean scored an unbeaten 75 from 110 balls to resurrect a Hampshire innings that, at 187 for 5, had threatened to seriously underachieve. With Chris Wood adding 61 from No. 8, the visitors recovered to reach 343 for 7 at the close.Kent marked the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I by using a 1914 half crown for the toss, which Hampshire won and chose to bat first. On a docile wicket the visiting opening pair of Jimmy Adams and Michael Carberry suffered little or no consternation in posting 71 for the first wicket.Carberry steered a couple of his seven boundaries down through third man off thick edges, but otherwise looked untroubled until the introduction of offspinner Adam Riley, who struck with his fourth ball. Looking to whip a length delivery through midwicket, Carberry missed and was sent packing lbw for 39 but, despite a short break for rain, Hampshire were still sitting pretty at lunch on 90 for 1.Kent regrouped in the interval and, with the first ball after the break, Mitch Claydon found the inside edge of Adams to dismiss the left-hander to an athletic take by wicketkeeper Sam Billings – the first of his four catches.Kent made further mid-session progress when Doug Bollinger had James Vince caught at the wicket when attempting a back-foot force then Will Smith, having reached a 108-ball 50 with eight fours, played around one from Riley to go leg-before. Without addition to the total Liam Dawson nicked another catch to Billings to make it 187 for 5 but Ervine, resolute and punishing when anything short was on offer, stroked six boundaries on his way to a 59-ball 50.Soon after posting their first batting bonus point Adam Wheater feathered one off Bollinger to give Billings another top catch and leave Kent believing they might polish the innings off in good time. Ervine had other ideas however, and he dug in together with Wood to add a workmanlike 124 for the seventh wicket inside 28.3 overs.Wood hit six fours in his 74-ball half-century in a responsible stay in tandem with Ervine that left Kent wondering where their next wicket may come from.It was veteran Darren Stevens who finally proved to be Kent’s partnership breaker having Wood snaffled at slip by Ben Harmison to bring in Matt Coles – the former Kent allrounder – to face the handful of nervy deliveries before the close. Though Coles failed to get off the mark, he survived through to stumps with Ervine to send their side into day two of the 163rd Canterbury Cricket Week fixture with power to add.

JP Duminy is “highly unlikely” to recover from a knee injury in time to take any part in South Africa’s three-Test series against West Indies, according to South Africa coach Russell Domingo

Firdose Moonda13-Dec-2014JP Duminy is “highly unlikely” to recover from a knee injury in time to take any part in South Africa’s three-Test series against West Indies, which will effectively allow Alviro Petersen to keep his place at the top of the order for now. That was the news South Africa coach Russell Domingo delivered as the Test squad gathered to begin preparations ahead of the only incoming international tour of the season.The setback in Duminy’s rehabilitation will open up a spot at No.7 in the batting line-up, which will likely be filled by Stiaan van Zyl, the Cobras’ No.3. Van Zyl was told during South Africa’s winter tours of Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe that he was in line to take up a position in the top two. With van Zyl now in line for a reasonable run lower down in the order, it is unlikely Petersen will face pressure from him just yet.Although Domingo described Duminy’s treatment as “going fine at the moment”, he explained that it was “probably going to take a little longer than anticipated” and with the World Cup two months away, it was important to manage Duminy carefully.”It’s a tough one because Test cricket is the ultimate and if guys are available, they want to be playing,” Domingo said. “But we also have got to realise that the World Cup is a big tournament and JP is a big player for us in that format as he is in every format. We need to assess where he is in the next week or two.”Van Zyl will only be confirmed Duminy’s replacement once Domingo meets with the national selectors but the South African coach called him a “frontrunner” to play in the series. “He has got a good technique. He plays the short ball really well and he is a guy who knows how to get runs,” Domingo said. “A lot of the runs he has got have been big hundreds. Players who make those type of big performances, it’s difficult to teach, they just know how to do that. He is one of those guys who knows how to do that.”Van Zyl was the top run-scorer in last season’s first-class competition and scored three centuries. In two of those, he went beyond 150, scoring 164 and 167 respectively. This summer, the Cobras have not played any first-class cricket yet but van Zyl turned out for his provincial side, Western Province, in the first week of December and scored 62 and 104 to underline his ability of spending time at the crease.That ability has also put pressure on Petersen, who hasn’t managed much of the same. Petersen has not scored a Test century in 23 innings and Domingo said the opener knows he is under scrutiny. “He will be the first to admit that he has got a lot of starts. In his last 20 innings, he has got nine scores over 20. He has got himself in and then managed to find ways to get himself out. He knows as a top-order batter he needs to get big runs. He will be the first to admit that he has maybe thrown away one or two starts and hasn’t quite cashed in but he is a quality player.”Domingo is not ready to give up on Petersen just yet and expects that he could come good over the next three matches. “I believe there is a big score around the corner for him. Technically he seems to be playing really nicely,” he said. “And he seems to thrive when he has got a point to prove, when people are trying to write him off. I don’t think he needs too much motivation. I know there a lot of questions about his selection but to me, he has been a good performer for South Africa over a period of time. All players go through slumps.”There is also the difficult in replacing Petersen if van Zyl is otherwise occupied. Of the current crop, Rilee Rossouw is one of only a few candidates but Domingo said South Africa are not in a rush to blood new players.”You don’t want to be giving Test caps away. Guys have got to earn the right to play Test cricket because it is the pinnacle of our sport,” he said. “You don’t want to be making wholesale changes to your Test side. You want to be getting in one or two new faces every series, now and then but not as a recurring thing. If you do make changes, it’s got to be one or two here and there, where you can give a player an opportunity to find his feet in the format because it’s not easy to just come in and make an impact in international cricket. You’ve got to be willing to give that player an extended run. It’s not that easy to just slot in new players at every opportunity. You have to find the right time and right place.”A series against West Indies, especially ahead of next year’s high-profile contests with India and England, would appear to be an ideal opportunity to expose new talent but, in a lean Test year for South Africa, Domingo said it is not. South Africa have only played six Tests in 2014 and will play only three this summer. The first nine months of 2015 are also bare, with only a tour to Bangladesh in the program.The lack of Test matches for the world’s No.1 team means that every time they play, they want to show their dominance and that has left Domingo anxious, even as they take on the No.8 ranked West Indies.”We know West Indies will be desperate to do well in Test cricket,” he said. “We shouldn’t look too far back because the last tour here they won the first Test. I am actually a bit nervous starting this Test series because we haven’t played a lot of Test cricket over the last couple of months and we are still trying to find the right combinations and the right personnel after the loss of guys like Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis. We are a little bit nervous about the West Indies side because we probably don’t know it much.”Winning ICC silverware has been South Africa’s focus for the last six months and will be for the next four but Domingo is grateful for a small break from ODIs: “It gives us a little bit of time away from the white ball to re-energise that side of our game.”

The opening match of IPL 2016 will be played in Mumbai on April 9 as scheduled after the Bombay High Court adjourned a matter related to the hosting of matches in the drought-hit state of Maharashtra

Raunak Kapoor07-Apr-20162:03

‘BCCI can breathe a sigh of relief till the next hearing’

The opening match of IPL 2016 will be played in Mumbai on April 9 as scheduled after the Bombay High Court adjourned a matter related to the hosting of matches in the drought-hit state of Maharashtra. While hearing a Public Interest Litigation on Wednesday and Thursday, the High Court had sought an explanation from the BCCI and the three state associations on why water should be “wasted” on IPL matches in Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur following a severe state-wide drought in recent months. The matter will next be heard on April 12.While the division bench, comprising Justices VM Kanade and MS Karnik, has not yet passed an order, it has asked the Maharashtra government and Mumbai’s civic body, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, to file replies outlining plans to address the issue of water shortage in the state. The court has also asked for a report on how the water suppliers for organisations like the BCCI are getting water from. The Advocate General’s office, appearing on behalf of the state, contended that 21,000 litres of water were sanctioned to the Wankhede Stadium for use per day, 0.00058% of the water utilised by city of Mumbai.”We don’t care about a tournament like the IPL. Their interests are purely commercial and to mint money,” the court said on Thursday. “But just because they can pay for water tankers providing water at a premium rate, while others can’t afford it, means there is a problem that the state has failed to identify and address.”The state authorities must, therefore, find out where the BCCI’s water suppliers get their water from. That is not the BCCI’s prerogative, it is the state’s.”While the court stressed on the accountability of civic agencies, it also criticised the arguments made by the BCCI counsel in response to the PIL filed by Loksatta Movement, a Hyderabad-based NGO, which had demanded relocation of IPL matches from Maharashtra. The board’s senior counsel, Rafique Dada, said that less water was used at the grounds during the IPL in comparison to preparations for an international match.”For international matches, there is a requirement for pitches to be watered 48 hours prior to the match, but for IPL matches, it is just watered twice a day on the day of the match.” Dada submitted. “Therefore, if taken to its logical conclusion, there is less water used during the IPL than otherwise.”Dada added that apart from watering pitches, the remaining usage of water was “routine” by the standards of “all international stadia for its day-to-day maintenance”. He also argued that prohibiting such day-to-day maintenance would lead pitches and grounds of international standards to “die a natural death”.In response, Justice Kanade observed: “We were expecting you (the board) to show some consideration or at least submit that you will consider using the water for the tournament responsibly. But here you are almost suggesting that grounds and pitches are more important than people who are dying without water in the state.”Arshil Shah, who represented the petitioners, insisted the court pass an interim order to stop the IPL matches in Maharashtra until the report from the state and civic agencies is submitted. The court rejected the suggestion. “Let the report be submitted, if it shows that moving the matches out of the state will help address the water drought situation, then we shall consider,” the bench said.The judges also stated that despite the timing of the PIL, the issue of a state-wide drought cannot be ignored: “We agree that the timing of the Petitioner just days before the start of the tournament shows they may not have the best intentions at heart, but the larger issue of a state-wide drought cannot be ignored.”Overall Maharashtra is scheduled to host 20 matches in the ninth edition of the IPL. Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai will host eight matches, including the tournament opener on April 9 and the final on May 29. Nine matches have been allotted to the Maharashtra Cricket Association stadium in Pune, including the Eliminator on May 25 and Qualifier 2 on May 27, while three matches will be played at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur, designated as home games for Kings XI Punjab.

Raphael Varane is being linked with a January move to Bayern Munich and could follow Harry Kane out of the Premier League.

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Bayern Munich consider Raphael VaranePermanent deal an 'interesting' optionDefender out of favour at Man UtdWHAT HAPPENED?

Manchester United defender Varane is reported to be the subject of 'internal discussions' at Bayern Munich as the January transfer window nears. Sky Sports Germany's Florian Plettenberg suggests the Bundesliga champions are put off because of a £14.9 million ($18.6m) salary, but still consider the Frenchman an 'interesting' option and will continue to monitor his situation. A loan is not thought to be on the table and a proposed transfer fee would be up to £26.3m ($32.9m)

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Varane joined Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's United to much fanfare in the summer of 2021, paraded on the Old Trafford pitch before the opening Premier League game of the season against Leeds. But the four-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid has often struggled with injuries since moving to England and in recent months has fallen out of favour with current manager Erik ten Hag. Indeed, Varane has only started one Premier League game – the home defeat to Crystal Palace – since going off injured at half-time against Nottingham Forest back in August. Ten Hag has preferred Harry Maguire and even Jonny Evans at times this season.

DID YOU KNOW?

Kingsley Coman and Dayot Upamecano are the existing French players in the Bayern squad, while Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard left the Allianz Arena in summer. French stars also account for three modern Bayern legends in Franck Ribery, Bixente Lizarazu and Willy Sagnol.

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WHAT NEXT FOR VARANE?

The big challenge for Varane in the short-term is to win back his place at Manchester United. There are six weeks until the January transfer window opens, but the Red Devils letting him go at this point would risk leaving them short defensively in the second half of the season.

The Al-Nassr superstar did what he does best on Friday, scoring twice to secure Roberto Martinez's side's place in Germany next summer

Portugal sealed their qualification for Euro 2024 with their 3-2 win over Slovakia on Friday, but they didn't exactly have it all their own way in a thrilling encounter.

Goncalo Ramos scored a header from a superb Bruno Fernandes cross to open the scoring, before Cristiano Ronaldo notched from the penalty spot after a penalty was awarded for handball. Ronaldo should have added his second and his country's third before half-time, but he somehow missed an open goal from six yards out.

Slovakia pulled a goal back with conditions worsening due to heavy rain, as David Hancko's long-range shot was deflected into the bottom corner by Antonio Silva. Ronaldo, though, hit back just three minutes later, tapping in another exceptional Fernandes cross at the back post.

Stanislav Lobotka scored a wonderful goal to reduce the arrears again, sending a dipping, 25-yard effort into the top corner, although Portugal managed to hold out and seal a precious win. The Euros now beckon.

GOAL rates Portugal's players from Estadio do Dragao…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Diogo Costa (5/10):

Beaten all ends up by Hancko's deflected strike and could not get close to Lobotka's unbelievable goal.

Joao Cancelo (5/10):

Some superb work down the right flank but his end product left something to be desired. Summed that up with a slaloming run ending with a wild effort.

Ruben Dias (6/10):

A leader at the back, constantly organising. Made some good tackles and was never beaten in the air, although Lobotka's goal came from his position.

Antonio Silva (6/10):

Stood up well to Slovakia's aerial threat. Unlucky to see his attempted block send Hancko's shot into the bottom corner.

Diogo Dalot (6/10):

Barely drove up the flank, instead opting to pass as opposed to running. Never beaten down his side, though.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Joao Palhinha (6/10):

Swept up behind Silva and Fernandes. A composed operator that keeps the midfield ticking. Unfortunate to be booked for a fantastic challenge in midfield. Subbed late on.

Bernardo Silva (6/10):

Some very clever interplay in midfield. Continually played the ball forward, always having his head up. Subbed late on.

Bruno Fernandes (7/10):

Superb cross for Ramos' header and added another when assisting Ronaldo's second, and Portugal's third. Somehow missed a header of his own from four yards that would have capped a great performance.

Getty ImagesAttack

Cristiano Ronaldo (7/10):

Scored his 124th goal for his country from the penalty spot. Somehow missed with the goal gaping on the stroke of half-time but made up for it with his second, tapping in Fernandes' cross.

Goncalo Ramos (7/10):

Scored an excellent header from Fernandes' cross. Hit the post as well and ran Slovakia ragged at times.

Rafael Leao (6/10):

His cross won Portugal's penalty. Got down the left flank continually but struggled to create himself a goalscoring chance.

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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Joao Felix (6/10):

Replaced Leao. Had a big chance late on but could not quite reach Fernandes' superb cross.

Ruben Neves (6/10):

On late on.

Otavio (6/10):

Came on with minutes left.

Diogo Jota (5/10):

Replaced Ramos late on. Should have scored late on but saw two shots well saved by Martin Dubravka.

Roberto Martinez (6/10):

Not as comfortable as he would have liked, but Martinez got his key selections right, and can now start preparing for the Euros.

South Africa recorded their first ever women’s T20 victory over England to level the three-match series at 1-1

Firdose Moonda at Newlands19-Feb-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsDane van Niekerk marshaled South Africa’s chase with 63 from 43 balls•Getty ImagesSouth Africa recorded their first ever women’s T20 victory over England to level the three-match series at 1-1. In a rain-interrupted innings, South Africa, anchored by Dane van Niekerk’s second successive fifty, held their nerve and paced their chase well to ensure Sunday’s fixture will be a decider.After England defended 147 in Paarl a day ago, they would have thought they had enough when they crept over that total at Newlands. Sarah Taylor formed the spine of the innings, as she did in the first match, but she also had greater support. She shared in a 61-run second-wicket stand with Charlotte Edwards and a 63-run fourth-wicket partnership with Heather Knight but South Africa, helped by wayward bowling and clumsy fielding from England, were not overawed.Van Niekerk, who was dropped on 6 and 22, set the tone when she dispatched a loosener from Anya Shrubsole and then punished Danielle Hazell, who erred in length. She was almost run out, too, when Trisha Chetty sent her back even though she had advanced more than halfway down the wicket from the non-striker’s end. The throw from Hazell came in at the striker’s end instead but quick work from Taylor ensured Chetty was out.If van Niekerk was shaken by it, she did not show any signs and struck the first six of the innings with a slog sweep. She hit the ball with power and fine placement and beat short third man with a delicate lap to enter the 40s. Her fifty came via a pull off the 34th ball she faced. That shot also took South Africa halfway to the target.They were well placed on 80 for 1 after 10 overs and England could not pull them back. Jenny Gunn was punished for width but, just as South Africa seemed to get away, Rebecca Grundy struck. She beat van Niekerk, who had come down the track, and Taylor whipped the bails off.The first rains fell at the end of that over but South Africa, at 108 for 2, were well ahead on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern and Marizanne Kapp had already showed her intent to finish things off fast with two furious pulls.The delay was short and Mignon du Preez and Kapp kept South Africa above the required rate, so that when the second interruption happened, four over and two balls later, South Africa were still ahead despite Kapp’s dismissal. More rain followed and the players did not get back on but South Africa’s batsmen had earned their first win over England after 14 attempts.It was just reward for their more disciplined effort with the ball than England, which started when South Africa made an early breakthrough, Tammy Beaumont caught at slip. That brought together England’s most experienced pair, Edwards and Taylor. The latter immediately picked the right bowler to begin showing her class against, taking two fours off Marabata Klaas’ first four balls, before Edwards added a third to get England going.From there, Edwards was the aggressor. She was strong through the covers and against the full delivery but could not assert herself against the spin. She only faced one ball from van Niekerk before trying a reverse sweep against Suné Luus only to be bowled. Two overs later Luus took a good catch of her own bowling to send Amy Jones on her way and South Africa had created some pressure.They gave away just one boundary between the 10th and 14th over and should have had Taylor out too but the chance to long-off was put down. With six overs to go, England were stumbling on 92 for 3 but Taylor was still there.Her fifty came off 44 balls, picking up a Luus full toss and sending it over cow corner. Heather Knight took that as the cue to get going and danced down the track to hit Luus in the same area, but for six. Taylor showed off the reverse-sweep and Knight the slog sweep before Ismail ended their stand when she had Knight caught at deep midwicket.Two runs-outs in the final over, including Taylor, kept England below 160 and South Africa had done enough to make history.

Dutch giants PSV are lining up another American addition to their ranks, with Miles Robinson wanted in Eindhoven as he prepares to leave MLS.

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Defender about to hit free agencyReady to explore options in EuropeInternational team-mates in EindhovenWHAT HAPPENED?

The United States international will see his contract at Atlanta United expire on December 31, allowing him to drop into the free agent pool. The 26-year-old defender is expected to explore options outside of his homeland when mulling over his next move.

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It could be that he heads to the Netherlands to link up with USMNT colleagues Malik Tillman, Ricardo Pepi and Sergino Dest, with PSV’s director of football Earnie Stewart admitting to readying an approach for Robinson.

WHAT THEY SAID

The former U.S. star has told of the speculation suggesting that Robinson could be heading to Europe: “He has been on our list for a while, along with a number of others, so that is correct. There has been contact, but not only with him. I have contact with several players, because that is my job. He can play well with space in his back. I also saw with the United States national team that you don’t just pass him by.”

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Robinson has been with Atlanta United since 2018. He has earned 27 caps with the USMNT, with seven of those coming in 2023 after missing the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar due to an unfortunate pre-tournament injury.