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Authoritative displays in Lilac Hill warm-up have ended the speculation leading into Perth Test

Vithushan Ehantharajah16-Nov-2025The debate as to who will bat No.3 for England in the first Ashes Test has been all but settled with Ollie Pope’s standout performance in the warm-up match against England Lions locking up his familiar spot for Friday’s opener in Perth.Scores of 100 and 90 saw Pope emerge from Lilac Hills in credit, hurdling the challenge put forward by Jacob Bethell, who scored 3 and 70. Named in the England side for the warm-up match while Bethell was carded three for the Lions, Pope was comfortably the best batter on show across both innings. He looked more composed, and authoritative, even if this match was a far cry from the intensity the tourists will experience at the Optus Stadium from November 21.It effectively ended what has been months of speculation over Pope’s place in the side for the start of this Australia tour. Initial doubts were triggered by Bethell’s form at the back end of the summer, including a maiden professional century in an ODI against South Africa. They then gained momentum when Pope was ditched as Test vice-captain for Harry Brook. “I respect the decision they’ve made,” Pope said. “If they think that’s the right thing for the team going forward, and obviously Brooky captaining the one-day stuff and the T20 stuff as well, then that’s absolutely fine by me and I respect the decision they’ve made.”Perhaps spurred on further by the loss of an official leadership role, Pope reinforced his reliability on the eve of the biggest Ashes series in generations. Along with an accomplished body of work at No.3 – averaging 41.60 from 57 innings since the promotion up the order, while scoring eight of his nine career centuries – he feels confident this week has ended speculation, in his favour.”I hope so,” Pope said, when asked if he had ended the debate. “I’ve got so used to those conversations being had (about the No.3 position). I don’t go looking for them but it’s pretty hard to avoid sometimes. I’m so used to seeing it, I’ve just learned to focus on my game.Related

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“I’m just trying to become a better player each time I step out and that’s all I can do. Fingers crossed to get the nod, but all the trust is in those guys and I respect the decision they make.”Pope revealed he had made a few technical tweaks which he was workshopping this week, though was unwilling to disclose what they were ahead of the series. However, he did acknowledge the challenge posed by Bethell had narrowed his focus.Both have been pitted against one another since Bethell impressed on his maiden tour of New Zealand in 2024. That opportunity was ultimately provided by Pope, who ceded the No.3 position so he could bat lower and keep wicket after an injury to Jordan Cox in the lead-up to the series, with Jamie Smith on paternity leave.It was a selfless act from Pope that, in hindsight, looked a grave error. But he believes dealing with the extra scrutiny and fighting for his place will serve him well. Amid the huge clamour for Bethell to start against India last summer, Pope struck 106 in his first innings of the series. “It’s been good for me that I’ve learnt that, under the most pressure, I’ve been able to deliver, especially in that Headingley Test. I know that I can learn how to deal with that and get the best out of myself at times.”Everyone wants to be the first name on the team sheet, that’s pretty clear. But at the same time we’re playing international sport. I’ve got to remind myself of that at times – there’s always going to be someone on your heel if you haven’t quite scored the volume of runs that you would have liked.”I’ll try and use the pressure I’m under to get the best out of myself. I think I’m a far better player than I was the last time I came out to Australia. I’ve got those experiences behind me and I know how I want to go about it. So fingers crossed that I can deliver with a lot of runs.”In truth, Pope only really had one way to go after that last tour. A torturous 2021-22 campaign saw him average 11.16 from six innings. He played the first two Tests before being axed, only to be brought back for the last match in Hobart, which Australia won to confirm a 4-0 hammering.Can Pope make this tour count? Time will tell, but the signs are promising. He has faith in the batting improvements he is keeping close to his chest, and, for the first time in a year, has certainty over his place. He may also enjoy the liberation of not having to wonder if he might have to captain, in the event Stokes gets injured, having done so five times in the space of 12 months. Whatever happens, he is raring to go again.”Everyone is just so excited for it,” he said. “There’s obviously a lot of chat from the media, everywhere you look it’s Ashes, and for us it is enjoy that, enjoy the experience of it. But let’s just remember what’s made us a real good side over the last few years, and hopefully if I do get the nod on Friday, then it’s going to be an amazing series to be a part of.”

Nitish Kumar Reddy complained of back stiffness which has impacted his recovery and mobility; Shivam Dube is in the XI for the first T20I

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Oct-2025

Fast-bowling allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy’s return to action has been set back by neck spasms, which has “impacted his recovery and mobility”, according to a BCCI update on Wednesday morning.Reddy, 22, had sustained a left quadriceps injury during the second ODI against Australia on October 23. He missed the following ODI in Sydney, which India won by nine wickets to cut down the series margin to 2-1.India are already without their premier allrounder Hardik Pandya, who is recovering from a quadriceps injury of his own. Without Hardik, India have looked unbalanced, but the good news for them is that Shivam Dube, the other seam-bowling allrounder in the touring party, is fit and was picked in the XI for the first T20I in Canberra after being sidelined from the opening round of the Ranji Trophy with back stiffness.Reddy has had a difficult time with injuries, especially this year. In July, he had been ruled out of the fourth and fifth Tests in England with a knee injury. He had suffered the injury while training in the gym before hurting his quadriceps in Australia.He has played 15 internationals for India so far, since making his debut in the Perth Test in November 2024.In the first T20I in Canberra, India picked three spinners in Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel, sticking to their successful template from the Asia Cup, which they won in late September.

Pakistan fast bowler suffered the same penalty as India captain Suryakumar Yadav

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Sep-2025

Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has been found guilty of breaching the ICC code of conduct during the Super Four game against India in the Asia Cup on September 21. Rauf was fined 30% of his match fee by ICC match referee Richie Richardson.It is understood that Pakistan batter Sahibzada Farhan was not fined and let off with a warning by Richardson on Friday.During an ill-tempered game in Dubai, Rauf was seen responding to heckling from Indian fans by signalling 6-0 with his hands and making gestures depicting the downing of aircraft, in an apparent reference to the military conflict between India and Pakistan in May this year. Farhan had celebrated his fifty by mimicking a gunshot.India captain Suryakumar Yadav was also fined 30% after being found guilty of breaching the ICC code of conduct for making comments that alluded to the military conflict after the group game against Pakistan on September 14. India had appealed against the verdict.The PCB had filed a complaint against Suryakumar, while the BCCI had done the same against Rauf and Farhan. All three players had pleaded not guilty to the charges, which necessitated hearings with Richardson.There was heightened tension between India and Pakistan during their group game on September 14, with India refusing to shake hands with Pakistan at the toss and after the game, which India won by seven wickets. In the Super Four match between the sides, there were a number of confrontations between Pakistan’s bowlers and India’s openers. Abhishek Sharma later accused Pakistan of “coming at us for no reason”.The two teams are set to play each other for the third time in the tournament, in the Asia Cup final in Dubai on Sunday.

Since INOES took over the club, Manchester United have not been afraid to make some major sales in the transfer market. Be it academy players or big-money stars leaving for less than they cost, Ruben Amorim’s squad has a new look.

Perhaps the biggest name to leave, albeit only on loan, was Marcus Rashford. He is thriving at Barcelona, where he has 15 goal involvements in just 16 games. The likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Antony were moved on permanently over the summer too.

It will be fascinating to see who leaves over the next few transfer windows. If United are looking to cash in on stars who don’t fit Amorim’s system, Diogo Dalot could be on that list.

Dalot's limits in Amorim's system

It has not been easy for Dalot to adapt to Amorim’s infamous 3-4-2-1 system. The Portuguese is a right-back by trade, but can operate on the opposite side, too. This means the Red Devils boss has relied on him playing as a wing-back.

In principle, this is fine, but the wing-backs in United’s current system are essentially wingers. Often, they are the furthest players forward when attacking, which is why traditional full-backs like Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazroui have struggled more than wingers like Amad.

Dalot certainly fits into this category. The 26-year-old has played 45 times under his countryman at Old Trafford, with every single one of those appearances coming as a wing-back. To break that down further, 22 have come on the right, and the other 23 on the left, so it is an almost equal split.

Certainly, the United number 2 has left a little to be desired creatively. He’s only scored and assisted seven goals, with his strike against Lyon in the famous 5-4 Europa League win an example of how high he can get as a wing-back.

Whatever Dalot’s future is at United due to his suitability for the system, there is another player who should be taking his leave before too long.

Not just Dalot: Big-money flop must leave Man Utd

INEOS have certainly worked hard in the transfer market, cashing in on players who either aren’t good enough for the club or are not a good fit for Amoirm’s system. However, their work is not done yet.

One of the names who could be top of the sales list at Old Trafford is Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte. Their number 25 has yet to find his best form at Old Trafford since his big-money £42m move last summer.

His time as a Red Devils player has been incredibly disappointing, given the price United paid. He’s played 55 times for the club so far, even chipping in with two goals and five assists, but has looked off the pace in the Premier League.

One of the biggest issues with Ugarte is his lack of technical ability on the ball. The former Sporting CP star, who played under Amorim in Portugal, does not excel at progressing the ball forward, which is a real drawback to his game.

The numbers are there to support that theory as well. In the Premier League last season, Ugarte averaged just 3.08 progressive passes per 90 minutes, ranking him in the 18th percentile for midfielders.

Off the ball, he can be an effective ball-winner, but is rash, and committed 2.07 fouls each game last term.

Passes completed

45.88

46th

Key passes

0.5

13th

Passes into final third

2.97

36th

Passes into penalty area

0.45

20th

Progressive passes

3.08

18th

There are certainly lots of negatives to Ugarte’s game. He is certainly ineffective on the ball, and at times, can be too lightweight without it, leading him to recklessly dive in.

It feels like he is yet to win over the fans, with Red Devils social media presence Alex Turk calling him “embarrassing” earlier this season.

With these things in mind, it would not be a surprise if United looked to cash in on the midfielder. They may not recoup much of the £50m fee, but would at least save on his £120k per week wages. In any case, they would be able to strengthen in midfield with a more progressive player.

Man Utd flop who looks "miles off it" is in danger of being the new Antony

This Manchester United flop is in danger of becoming the next Antony.

1 ByKelan Sarson Nov 10, 2025

Birmingham 149 for 8 (Kalis 51, Robbins 4-29) beat Somerset 127 for 9 (Wellington 33, Baker 3-32) by 22 runsSterre Kalis registered an assured half-century as Birmingham beat Somerset by 22 runs at Taunton’s Cooper Associates Ground to improve their prospects of qualifying for the knockout stages of the women’s Vitality Blast competition.The Dutch international top-scored with 51 from 41 balls, struck six fours and dominated a profitable stand of 63 in 9.1 overs with Katie George for the fourth wicket as the visitors raised 149 for 8. George contributed 28 and Laura Harris made a brisk 29, while Mollie Robbins returned career-best figures of 4 for 29 to keep Somerset in the hunt.But west country ambition unraveled in the face of incisive bowling from Warwickshire’s spinners, Hannah Baker, Phoebe Brett and Millie Taylor sharing seven wickets as the home side came up short on 127 for 8. Amanda-Jade Wellington mustered middle-order resistance in a defiant innings of 33, but Somerset never looked like recovering from the wreckage of 62 for 6 at halfway.Victory moved Warwickshire above The Blaze and into second place behind leaders Surrey, while Somerset remain rooted to the foot of the table after suffering a ninth defeat in 11 matches in the short format.Robbins gave Somerset the best possible start, claiming two wickets in the opening over, Meg Austin falling lbw to the first delivery and Amu Surenkumar playing on four balls later as Warwickshire listed to 4 for 2 after winning the toss.Davina Perrin responded to adversity by plundering a quartet of fours at the expense of Olivia Barnes, while Kalis also played positively in a progressive third wicket stand of 38 from 25 balls. But Robbins switched ends and promptly terminated the partnership, Perrin driving to mid-off and departing for a 13-ball 20 with the score 42 for 3 in the sixth.Despite the loss of early wickets, Warwickshire continued to score at better than seven an over as new batter George adopted the role of chief support to Kalis, who proved adept at putting away the bad ball. Wellington and Alex Griffiths restricted the flow of boundaries during the middle overs, but Kalis overcame any frustration to raise an assured half century from 38 balls. The 50 partnership occupied 47 deliveries and the stand was worth 63 when Kalis gave Chloe Skelton the charge and was stumped by Jess Hazell.Having contributed a useful 28 from 29 balls, George fell to the returning Robbins, sending a top edge to short fine leg as the visitors slipped to 115 for 5 in the 16th. When Wellington had Nat Wraith held at point in the next over, Warwickshire had lost three wickets in 12 balls and were in danger of falling short. Thereafter, the visitors were indebted to Harris, whose forthright approach yielded four fours and a six in a quickfire innings of 29 from 13 balls, which served to carry them to a competitive total.Requiring the reassurance of a decent start, Somerset instead lost skipper Niamh Holland and Ruby Davis to Brett’s offbreaks in the first and fourth overs respectively. Bex Odgers had scored 21 off 25 balls when she offered a sharp return catch to Baker, at which point the home side were 43 for 3 in the seventh and already under pressure.Somerset were heavily dependent upon experienced campaigner Fran Wilson, but the former England batter was needlessly run out for 17 by Perrin’s superb pick-up-and-throw from cover with the score 44 for 4. That soon became 49 for 5, Jess Hazell chipping to mid-on as Baker made further inroads.Taylor produced a startling delivery to bowl Griffiths as spin continued to pay handsome dividends for Warwickshire. Wellington led a revival of sorts, accruing five boundaries in a stand of 35 for the seventh wicket with Skelton, but when the Australian was stumped off the bowling of Baker with 53 still needed from 26 balls, the game was effectively up for Somerset.

Smith, who turned 36 last week, stayed away from cricket for three months till very recently

Andrew McGlashan08-Jun-20252:58

Finch: Australia’s batting gives them the edge over SA

Some players were at the IPL. Others were in county cricket. Those at home trained in Brisbane. Steven Smith, meanwhile, spent time in New York and picked up a bat for the first time in three months just a few days ago. Then he promptly walked out of his first net session and told head coach Andrew McDonald: “Can we play tomorrow, I’m ready to go.”The Australia set-up allows players to tailor preparation to what they want and when you’ve scored over 10,000 Test runs you can be trusted to know what’s best. But for a batting obsessive like Smith, not picking up the willow for so long still went against the grain as they didn’t see the light of day while he was in America where he worked extensively on a fitness regime with a new personal trainer. Smith, who turned 36 last week, said he probably hasn’t been as strong since 2014 and that improved mobility in his hips could aid him in the slips.”I’d normally have a bat laying around the house somewhere and just pick it up and do a bit of shadow batting and stuff,” he said. “But I made a conscious decision to try and just let it go for a while. It was good.Related

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“I hadn’t hit a ball since I missed a full toss off Mohammed Shami in the Champions Trophy. Fortunately, everything sort of clicked into place immediately. I feel like I’m moving really well, I feel strong and just ready to get into it now.”Normally how it works is my first hit’s good, my second hit’s awful, and then I’d get better from there. But both hits were just really good and I was like, hopefully it doesn’t turn around now and I don’t have to spend hours in the nets the next couple of days.”It helps that Smith excels batting in England where he has a Test average of 55.00. In the 2023 World Test Championship final against India he made 121. At Lord’s, his average is 58.33 and in his last Test at the ground he made a century.Smith noted the extra bounce that was on offer from the centre wicket at Beckenham where Australia had their initial training block – “almost felt like we were playing at Perth stadium,” he said – and expecting something a little different when preparations shift to Lord’s on Sunday.”I play a lot of back foot shots here, I don’t tend to get too far forward to the ball. I try and score really square of the wicket,” he said. “It kind of just suits me in a way. Hopefully can kick off where I left off the last couple of Tests that we played [in Sri Lanka].”After his century at Lord’s in the 2023 Ashes, Smith went 23 innings until the next, the longest wait of his career, which included his brief time as an opener. Then he went on a surge against India and Sri Lanka with four centuries in eight innings with some of his best batting since the golden 2019 Ashes in England. He admitted that the Adelaide Test against India last year, which preceded that return to form, was a rare moment where he felt the scrutiny.”I feel like I’ve been in the team for a while and I haven’t felt under a great deal of pressure,” he said. “Maybe a little bit after Adelaide last year was the most I’ve felt. And maybe [that’s] why I came out the next game and was really, really hungry to get a good score in Brisbane. But that was external talk and things cross my desk all the time. People send me things that people are saying. So I don’t know, maybe something clicked in me and I wanted to get back to the position of being a bit more comfortable again.”Smith scored 110 and 34 the last time he played at Lord’s•PA Images via Getty ImagesBy then, Smith had already started taking a less-is-more approach to training, something that was further crystalised by a conversation with Michael Hussey early in that same India series.”We’re a bit older, we’ve hit a lot of balls,” he said. “It’s about having that mental side as switched on as it can be for the big moments. And you don’t want to use up all your energy in the nets. There’s a fine balance, of course. I’m someone that needs to feel really prepared. And I don’t want to leave any stone unturned in my preparation so that when I go to the middle, I’m ready to play.”But I’ve also got to realise that the older you get, the mental side I think probably wears a little bit thinner on you. And you’ve got to try and be in the best space you can be in the middle to bat for long periods of time. Sometimes I might get the balance wrong. But when you’re hitting the ball well, you can sort of do what you want in terms of your preparation in a way. You can just let it be and trust that when you get to the middle, it’s all going to be okay.”There continues to be intrigue over how the closing chapter of Smith’s storied career will play out. He has retired from ODI cricket to create space for more T20 leagues – he could play two MLC games between the WTC final and Australia’s first Test in West Indies – and reiterated his desire to feature in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. After the South Africa decider, Australia’s next visit to England for Test cricket is the 2027 Ashes, part of a bumper year that also includes five Tests in India.”I’m definitely not looking that far ahead,” he said. “I’m kind of taking it day by day. While I’m enjoying it, while I’m batting nicely and feeling like I’m contributing to the team, I’m pretty happy. But that [2027] is a while away.”Which all means this could be Smith’s last Test appearance at Lord’s. “I think it’s probably, outside of Sydney, my favourite ground to play at,” he said. “The history, the surface itself. It always takes a few balls just to get used to that slope. One end you feel like you’re standing really tall, the other end you feel like you’re falling over a little bit. But the ball races away, both up the hill and down the hill.”And then the lunch is fabulous. They always say it’s a great place to miss out so you can enjoy your lunch. Fortunately, or unfortunately, the last few years I’ve done really well there, so I haven’t been able to cash in on that.”If Smith has to forego a big lunch again, that could spell bad news for South Africa.

MatériaMais Notícias

Tendo nomes como Khellven e Madson para a lateral direita, o Athletico-PR segue observando o mercado onde Bruno Peres deve ser a mais nova contratação do Furacão visando o restante da temporada.

De acordo com informações que foram inicialmente veiculadas pela jornalista Nadja Mauad e confirmadas pelo Futebol Latino/LANCE!, existe um acordo verbal para o atleta de 33 anos de idade retornar ao Brasil depois de quatro anos após sua última passagem. Com isso, restariam somente os exames médicos e a assinatura contratual para a efetivação do negócio.

>Assista aos jogos do seu clube do coração com aquela gelada! Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00

A última equipe de Bruno foi o Trabzonspor-TUR, entre julho de 2021 e o último mês de abril, período onde o atleta rescindiu seu vínculo e estava livre no mercado. Ao todo, foram 46 partidas com um gol e duas assistências em sua passagem pela Turquia.

Formado no Audax-SP, Bruno Peres passou por Bragantino e Guarani antes de ‘explodir’ no futebol brasileiro defendendo o Santos. Depois, defendeu Roma e Torino antes da primeira volta ao Brasil onde jogou com as camisas de São Paulo e Sport entre 2018 e 2019. Desde então, chegou a jogar por duas temporadas novamente na Roma antes do Trabzonspor.

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MatériaMais Notícias

Autor de um dos gols do Palmeiras na vitória sobre o Fortaleza, no sábado (22), pelo Campeonato Brasileiro, o meia Richard Ríos usou as redes sociais para dedicar o tento ao ex-companheiro de clube Giovani, vendido ao Al-Sadd, do Qatar.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasWeverton evita traçar metas para o Palmeiras na temporada: ‘Não sabemos nem se estaremos vivos no fim do ano’Palmeiras23/07/2023Futebol InternacionalEx-Palmeiras, Gabriel Veron completa um ano no Porto, de PortugalFutebol Internacional23/07/2023PalmeirasPróximos jogos do Palmeiras: onde assistir ao vivo, datas, horários e calendárioPalmeiras10/10/2023

– Tudo vai estar bem, (você) vai voltar mais forte. Esse gol é para você, meu irmão – escreveu o volante em publicação no Instagram.

+ Clique aqui e veja como apostar no Brasileirão

+ Confira os jogos e classificação resultados do Brasileirão-23 na tabela do LANCE!

O momento não poderia deixar de ser mais oportuno. Logo em sua estreia pelo clube árabe, Giovani sofreu uma lesão de ligamento cruzado e cartilagem.Deve ficar um bom tempo afastado dos gramados.

O gol de Richard Ríos abriu o placar para o Palmeiras na partida contra o Fortaleza. Ainda no primeiro tempo, o Verdão sofreu o empate, mas conseguiu a vitória depois que Raphael Veiga e Breno Lopes balançaram as redes na reta final do embate.

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أعلنت رابطة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز اليوم الأربعاء، عن أفضل لاعب في المسابقة المحلية خلال هذا الأسبوع، والذي شهد منافسة قوية، حيث لعبت قمة مانشستر يونايتد وليفربول على ملعب “أنفيلد”.

وحقق مانشستر يونايتد الانتصار على ليفربول بهدفين مقابل هدف، يوم الأحد الماضي، حيث شهدت المباراة إثارة كبيرة وسجل هاري ماجواير هدف انتصار الشياطين الحمر في النهاية.

وحصل ماجواير على جائزة أفضل لاعب في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز عن الجولة الثامنة، وذلك بعد مستواه الرائع أمام ليفربول وتسجيله لهدف انتصار مانشستر يونايتد.

طالع.. قائمة ريال مدريد لمباراة يوفنتوس في دوري أبطال أوروبا.. عودة مصاب

ماجواير تفوق على كل من جيان فيليب ماتيتا، مهاجم كريستال بالاس، وبوكايو ساكا، نجم آرسنال، وريس جيمس، قائد تشيلسي، ونوردي موكيلي، مدافع سندرلاند، وبيدرو نيتو، جناح تشيلسي، وإيلي جونيور كروبي، لاعب بورنموث، ليحصل على الجائزة.

ولعب ماجواير مباراة مانشستر يونايتد وليفربول بشكل أساسي، وساهم بشكل رئيسي في تألق دفاع الشياطين الحمر وسط هجمات أصحاب الأرض.

وتقاسم جائزة لاعب الأسبوع في الدوري الإنجليزي العديد من النجوم خلال الأسابيع الماضية، مثل إيرلينج هالاند، نجم هجوم مانشستر سيتي، ومويسيس كايسيدو، متوسط ميدان نادي تشيلسي، ودومينيك سوبوسلاي وريان جرافنبرخ، ثنائي ليفربول.

Antony's Manchester United team-mates reportedly had doubts about the winger's ability and concerns were raised over his conduct towards Carrington staff. The Brazilian swapped Ajax for the Red Devils in a whopping £85 million ($115m) deal in 2022 and joined Real Betis this summer for £63.8m ($86m) less than that. Now, more grumblings about the 25-year-old are coming out of the woodwork.

Man Utd overrated Antony

In 96 appearances for United, Antony scored just 12 goals and added five assists. Compare that to his numbers at Betis, nine goals and five assists in 28 games, and you get a very different picture. According to The Sun, it is said that Brighton valued the then-Ajax man at £25m ($34m) and the Red Devils were 'sceptical' about the Dutch team's £60m ($81m) asking price. But convincing losses to Brighton and Brentford sent the club into 'panic mode' and the rest is history.

AdvertisementGettyConcerns over Antony's ability and attitude

The report adds that Antony never really won over his fellow United players and many questioned his ability and how he treated canteen staff at the club's training ground. Most of his 'allies' were said to be among the Latin contingent in the dressing room. 

Real Betis value Antony more

Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini has explained how he got the best out of Antony. 

"Our style is more creative and Antony is a creative player, so he feels important. That changes your mindset as a player," he said.

Team-mate Giovani Lo Celso added: "It’s not been an easy summer for him as we  know how English clubs behave in these situations. They won’t let you train, things get difficult. But every time he touches the ball there’s this feeling of danger, so it’s great. It’s very contagious as well. I’m glad he’s back."

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Getty Images SportAntony to come up against Premier League opposition

Antony, who helped Betis reach last season's Conference League final before losing to Chelsea, is likely to feature for the Spanish team when they take on Ange Postecoglou's Nottingham Forest in the Europa League on Wednesday night.