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Manchester United are now reportedly working on replacing Ruben Amorim with one Premier League manager now emerging as an early frontrunner.

Gary Neville: Amorim "complicated" Wolves draw

Man United’s 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers would have felt all too predictable for those inside Old Trafford on Tuesday night. For many, it came as a shock. Wolves picked up just their third point of the season, after all. For onwatching fans, as the Red Devils reverted back to their 3-4-2-1 system, it was an all too familiar feeling.

It seemed as though Amorim had finally cracked the code when he admitted the necessity of a system change with the current crop of players at his disposal, but it was back to square one against Wolves.

Like many, Gary Neville was left baffled by the change and said on his Sky Sports podcast: “He doesn’t need to say ‘I haven’t changed because of the media’ because then he’s telling us basically that the media is in his head.

“The reason he’s had to change is because the performance levels with the 3-4-3 have been so poor and the results have been appalling.

“When I see that we go back [to three at the back] after five minutes tonight and I’m thinking, no, Ruben, why have you done that?

“The manager has to look at that and think, I got that wrong. I complicated it.”

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INEOS have continued to back their man, but there’s no denying the embarrassment of Man United’s struggles against a Wolves side destined for relegation at Old Trafford.

It has done nothing for the pressure on Amorim to turn a permanent corner and reports are now claiming that INEOS are working on finding his replacement.

Man United working on Oliver Glasner move

According to Caught Offside, INEOS are now working on a move to appoint Oliver Glasner to replace Amorim and have discussed the Crystal Palace manager internally.

An early frontrunner to land the job, Glasner is on course to become a free agent in the summer when his current Crystal Palace contract expires and there are currently no signs that he’ll be signing an extension in South London.

But would Glasner solve Man United’s problems? INEOS reportedly see the Austrian as a safe pair of hands, yet his system uses the same formation as Amorim’s.

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Dubbed “fantastic” by Clinton Morrison, Glasner has preferred to use a 3-4-2-1 at Crystal Palace and whilst he has shown his ability to adapt at other clubs, questions will be asked if Man United turn towards another back three manager.

2026 will be a crucial year for Amorim’s tenure. He’s been backed in the transfer market and has the trust of INEOS, but that won’t last forever if results such as the draw against Wolves continue to arrive.

	Michael Clarke will help Ricky Ponting carry the leadership load after being named as Australia’s new vice-captain© Getty Images

Michael Clarke has been named as Australia’s new vice-captain following the retirement of Adam Gilchrist. Clarke, who turns 27 on Wednesday, was handed the role for the upcoming Test and ODI tours of the West Indies and his appointment is a strong indication he will be groomed to eventually take over the top job from Ricky Ponting.Clarke was given captaincy experience in Australia’s two Twenty20 internationals this season, against New Zealand and India, and the team comfortably won both games. The promotion completes an outstanding 18 months for Clarke, who was initially overlooked for the first Ashes Test in 2006-07 until an injury to Shane Watson opened up a middle-order vacancy.It also capped off an exciting few days after Clarke proposed to his model girlfriend Lara Bingle in the United States. “This will be a week I remember for the rest of my life,” Clarke told the . “I only arrived home on Monday and had a fantastic holiday where I had some special times in New York, where we were engaged.”And now I’ve had this news – I’ve been given the chance to become vice-captain of Australia, which is fantastic and something I’m really looking forward to. I think all young players dream of playing for Australia and every kid aspires to one day becoming vice-captain or captain – I certainly did.”The chairman of selectors, Andrew Hilditch, said it was an easy decision to make Clarke the deputy to Ponting. “With Adam Gilchrist retiring after a stellar Australian career we have identified the need to look towards the future,” Hilditch said.”While we had some very strong candidates within the current team, including those of the calibre of Michael Hussey, we had no hesitation in recommending Michael Clarke for the position. We were thrilled with his performances as captain during the two Twenty20 international games this summer and believe he has outstanding leadership credentials.”In addition to replacing Gilchrist as vice-captain, Clarke is also one of several options who could be considered as Matthew Hayden’s new opening partner in one-day internationals. However, James Hopes was tested in the role during the CB Series and might be the team’s initial preference, while the Western Australia top-order batsman Shaun Marsh could also be considered having been named for his first ODI tour.

Ricky Ponting: It was a win, not a “kill” © Getty Images

Reality bites
Even in the heavy defeat to New Zealand, Ireland were in the game for more than 40 overs. Here, that’s about as long as they lasted, and Michael Hussey’s disdainful slap over midwicket finished things off before lunch could be laid out.New tricks for old master
Glenn McGrath was always renowned for nagging accuracy while pitching the ball just short of a length. Unlike a Waqar Younis or a Brett Lee, the yorker was never his forte. But in the evening of his career, he summoned up a superb inswinging one to flummox Jeremy Bray and set up the rout.What might have been
In a dream world, Trent Johnston might have worn the baggy green [or gold in this case]. When confronted by McGrath, a fellow New South Welshman, he produced a peachy drive past mid-on that sent the Irish fans into raptures. The innings, like the Irish challenge, didn’t last, but it was an image to freeze for posterity in the Johnston home.Doing a Freddie
Johnston had his moment with the ball as well, getting some late movement off the pitch to end Adam Gilchrist’s destructive cameo. Taking the cue from Andrew Flintoff and other English bowlers, he’d gone round the wicket. The celebratory chicken dance was very much his own though.Irish luck runs out
The leprechauns were out in force and the calendar did say the 13th, but it certainly wasn’t unlucky for Australia. Ricky Ponting won the toss on a pitch where most would have bowled, and even the inside edges didn’t go Ireland’s way. The crowd could only console themselves with the thought that there were beaches nearby.Winning, not entertainment
One of the commentators on the radio asked Damien Fleming, who represented Australia at the World Cup in 1996 and ’99, whether the large crowd would have got more value for money if Australia had batted. There was a brief pause, and then Fleming said: “They’re here to win a game.” It summed up the Australian approach, and might throw some light on why they haven’t experienced defeat in the World Cup this century.A kill or a win?
At the press conference, an Australian journalist asked Ponting and McGrath if the players got any enjoyment from “a kill like that”. Ponting smirked for a second before saying: “Win. For us, it was another win in a World Cup game.” Given earlier events in the tournament, some words are best avoided.

Yuvraj Singh injured himself while masterminding the run-chase © Getty Images

Yuvraj Singh’s chances of being fit for the first Test against England have been put into doubt after pulling a hamstring during his match-winning hundred in the final one-dayer at Karachi.Rahul Dravid, the India captain, said Yuvraj’s hamstring was “[a] bit of a worry” while adding that they would be advised of the severity of the injury within 48 hours. The first Test against England starts at Nagpur on March 1.Yuvraj suffered the injury when he was on 82; struggling to complete a single, he limped to the crease and called for immediate treatment. John Gloster, India’s physiotherapist, treated Yuvraj but he was in no position to carry on without a runner. He completed his century, still visibly in pain, and hobbled off the field in some discomfort.”We’ve strapped it up and iced it,” said Dravid. “We will need anywhere between 24 and 48 hours to know how sore it is. But I have to admit it’s a bit of a worry.” Greg Chappell, India’s coach, echoed Dravid’s worries. We won’t really know for another couple of days but I’d say he’s going to miss a few games,” said Chappell. “I would think he must be in serious doubt for the first Test.”India’s squad for the Test series against England is to be announced in four days’ time.

Matthew Maynard: will leave Glamorgan at the end of the season after 21 years© Getty Images

Matthew Maynard has confirmed that he will retire from county cricket at the end of the 2005 domestic season – his 21st for Glamorgan. Maynard’s retirement will allow him to focus on coaching duties with England: he took over as assistant coach to England’s one-day squad in September 2004, a position he will continue to undertake this summer.”I’ve fallen out of love with the training,” Maynard admitted. “You’ve got to keep certain standards. I’ve worked hard on fitness over the years, but time has run its course.”Maynard, 39, captained Glamorgan to success in the county championship in 1997, and played for England at Test level in four matches. He also played 14 one-day internationals.His coaching commitments mean that he will be unavailable for his county for some matches this season, which is also his benefit year, as he will take five weeks out to be with the international side.Maynard will miss the Twenty20 competition, a few championship matches and a national league match.Maynard’s stint as England assistant coach got off to a flyer, as England routed Zimbabwe 4-0. But then came a setback, as South Africa romped to a convincing 4-1 victory.

Jacques Kallis: fourth consecutive hundred © Getty Images

Jacques Kallis was quick to share the credit with his team-mates Graeme Smith and Herschelle Gibbs, after his fourth century in as many Tests had carried South Africa to an impregnable total of 604 for 6. It was only the second time in Test history that a team has made more than 500 in four consecutive matches.”The guys [Smith and Gibbs] set up a platform for us, and even though the ball moved around a lot, it allowed us to play a few shots,” said Kallis. “There is still something in the pitch and with the new ball, if you get it in the right places, then there is some lateral movement.”When you come in and there is 300 on the board, then it does make it a bit easier,” admitted Kallis. “There is less pressure on you but you are still there to score the runs. I am very proud of what I have done and it is something that I will remember for a very long time. The chanting from the crowd was fantastic and the players really like it. Centurion always seem to be a good knowledgeable crowd and they help me through the more difficult periods.Both Kallis and his team were keenly aware of the records that were tumbling in the course of his innings. “The captain did ask me if I wanted to carry on, but I told him that the team comes first and he should do what he feels best for the team. I have always believed that is the best ethic and it has been the team ethic for a while now.”It was the right decision,” added Kallis. “We believe that we can bowl them out twice for less than 600 and that is why we declared. We will need to use the new ball early and open a few doors. That would encourage the bowlers throughout the day.”Their bowling attack is not that weak, we have played very well. There are a lot weaker attacks in world cricket at the moment. We have had a little bit of luck and the fielding has not helped them much.Kallis put his phenomenal run of scoring down to that most fickle of attributes – good fortune. “I have been a bit luckier that the others,” he said. “But at times you have to ride your luck and the bounce of the ball has gone my way. I have also worked hard on technical things and mental preparations. I have been working on my focus before every ball and maybe this is different to what others have done. My fitness has also improved with the new fitness trainer keeping us on our toes and we are fitter now than any other team I have seen for South Africa. That also plays a big part as far as stamina and concentration goes.”The pitch still has something in it,” said Kallis, by way of justifying Brian Lara’s decision to bowl first. “You never quite felt that you were in. You could not play shots with freedom and ease and had to be careful on most shots. There is certainly still a lot in there for the bowlers and I think it is a good Test pitch.”It will be nice to bowl on this pitch. I am sure it will swing but will have to wait and see. I don’t think it will deteriorate, it might get a bit flatter with time, especially if the sun comes out. If it stays overcast then it will swing as it will maintain its moisture.There was some disappointment among the fans that Andre Nel, who was about to get married, did not get a chance to bowl at the end of the day. “Andre was so nervous at the end that I don’t think he would have hit the pitch. We did give him a nice send-off though, good luck to him. We poured a beer down his throat to try to calm his nerves. It is an odd decision to get married during a Test. It must be a first. If I had to get married during a Test then cricket would be the last thing on my mind.”One of our main goals is to close the gap on the Australian team. We are very aware where they are and where we are. As far as the batting goes we want to compete with them, get as good as they are and ultimately better than them. It is something that we are working towards in two years’ time and eyeing out that series. It will be a huge series for us. At the moment I think we are very close to them.”

In what appeared to be an attempt to break the spirit of the foot-sore WestIndians, Sri Lanka’s batsmen ground on remorselessly on the fourth day of theGalle Test, to set-up an opportunity for their spinners to press for victoryon the final day.Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya finally called the innings to close on590-9 after Hashan Tillakaratne had completed his eighth Test century andthe West Indian players had been forced to endure just over 14 hours in thefield.The old fashioned “wear them out then knock them out” strategy then producedits first casualty when a weary Chris Gayle was caught at mid-off whilsttrying to drive an innocuous looking delivery from Chaminda Vaas.Daren Ganga and Ramnaresh Sarwan held their together their concentration till the umpires finally called off play, with the West Indies 9-1, still 133 runs in arrears.West Indies coach Roger Harper was upbeat at the close, pointing out thatthe team had scored over 400 in the first innings and were confidant ofbatting out the final day on a pitch that has not deterioratedsignificantly.Sri Lankan coach Dav Whatmore described it as “a tremendous effort by thebatsmen to overhaul the West Indies total” but the tourists could have beenput under greater pressure if the batsmen been more industrious earlier inthe day.Starting the day on 343-3, they struggled to score freely in the first twosessions, as the West Indies employed deep-set fields and bowled tighterthan they had done on Thursday and Wednesday. Sri Lanka scored 69 in themorning and 94 in afternoon before raising the tempo slightly in evening,but still only cobbled together 247 runs in 92.4 overs.Sanath Jayasuriya admitted that they had got “a little bit stuck” butinsisted that the intention had always been to gather a lead of around 150.”We wanted to try and make sure that we didn’t have to bat again,” heexplained. “Unfortunately we lost Russel (Arnold) and Kumar (Sangakkara), asthey are the players who can score freely. At the end of the day I am happy.We managed to get a 140 run lead got one wicket before the close.”It will be difficult tomorrow, as batsmen can still score runs on thiswicket,” he warned. “Getting out Carl Hooper and Brian Lara will be the keyto victory.”Sri Lanka were indeed handicapped by the early loss of Russel Arnold, whowas trapped leg-before by Dinanath Ramnarine for 33 in the fourth over ofthe day. He had the ability to push the run-rate and without him therun-scoring mantle was passed onto the team’s grafters.Kumar Sangakkara’s 140, which last for eight hours and 48 minutes, was anepic display of concentration and patience, but he struggled on the fourthmorning and should have been caught off his very first scoring shot by ChrisGayle at first slip. In the end, he managed only 14 runs in 107 minutesbefore he was run out after a mix-up with Tillakaratne.Tillakaratne and Thilan Samaraweera, playing his second Test innings aftermaking a century on his debut, then chipped away at the lead.After lunch the innings came to a virtual standstill as 22 runs were scoredin 12 overs during a grim passage of play. At one stage the pair went 36overs without hitting a boundary.When Tillakaratne lofted Neil McGarrell straight down the ground to bring uphis fifty, and finally overhaul the West Indies first innings total, the pairstarted to show greater urgency.The partnership was only broken after tea, when Samaraweera top edged anattempted pull and was caught by Ridley Jacobs for 77, by which time it hadyielded 154 runs.Chaminda Vaas (7), Niroshan Bandaratillake (4) and Muttiah Muralitharan (14)then attacked the bowling as Tillakaratne completed his patient century. WhenMuralitharan was trapped leg-before and Jayasuriya declared, he had scored105 from 247 balls.Sri Lankan hopes, as they have done so often before, now appear to rest inthe hands of off-spinner Muralitharan. However, on this flat pitch, the WestIndies really should be able to salvage a draw.

Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has set out his side’s aspirations for the rest of the season as the Lilywhites remain in the running for a top four finish.

The Lowdown: Top four on the cards?

Although things can change, it feels safe to assume that the top two teams are cemented out in front, with second place Liverpool ten points ahead of third place Chelsea.

After that, third place and more prominently fourth are both up for grabs. On Sunday, Arsenal clinched three points against Watford, moving themselves up to fourth in the table having overtaken Manchester United.

Tottenham sit in seventh place with 45 points, just two points behind Ralf Rangnick’s side – with a further two games-in-hand. Thus, Spurs could very easily move past West Ham and Man United, if they pick up the six points available. This would leave a top four battle with Arsenal, who have played one game less than the Lilywhites.

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The Latest: Conte’s ambitions

Following Spurs’ demolition of Everton, Conte took to his press conference to relay his ambitions for the remainder of the season. He claimed that the ‘important’ goal is to secure a top four finish and Champions League qualification, even though he ‘doesn’t like’ setting the bar so low.

As quoted by football.london, he said:

“You know I don’t like to speak about ambition and reaching a place in the Champions League because I like to play to win the league and win trophies, but in this situation this could be our Champions League, our Premier League title if we are able to reach fourth place.”

The Verdict: Tough fight

Whilst Spurs have been very impressive in their previous two Premier League games, having scored nine goals in total, they certainly have experienced mixed fortunes with Conte in charge.

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If the Lilywhites are serious about a top four finish, they need to maintain a level of consistency, rather than winning against a top team like Manchester City and then losing to Burnley four days later.

With Arsenal making a strong push lately, it will definitely be a challenge for the Italian, whose side are set to face Man United at the weekend. However, it is surely a challenge that he will relish.

In other news: Tottenham Hotspur: Conte shares Sessegnon injury ‘problem’

	Andrew Symonds brings down the streaker © AFP

Andrew Symonds’ eventful season has continued with him shoulder charging a streaker while batting in the second final in Brisbane. Symonds, who was at the centre of the Sydney Test controversy, was standing at the non-striker’s end when a man entered the field and began dodging security guards and players.When the spectator ran near Symonds, the batsman moved across and bumped into him in a shepherding action more familiar to the Brisbane Lions Australian rules team when it plays at the Gabba. The force of Symonds’ shoulder sent the man to the ground and security and police swarmed before taking him from the field.Symonds, who sometimes trains with the Brisbane Broncos rugby league team, remained unflustered and went to talk to his partner Matthew Hayden. The ICC’s Level 4.2 regulation covers “physical assault on another player, umpire, referee, official or spectator”, but it is highly unlikely Symonds will be punished. The streaker faces a maximum fine of A$3000 for the ground invasion and police also intend to charge him with willful exposure.”I’d just got out, so I was sooking,” Ricky Ponting said. “I haven’t seen it yet, there’s been a bit of talk and laughter around the dressing room, but I haven’t spoken to Symmo about it.”Another naked man ran towards Harbhajan Singh later in the innings but turned away before reaching the offspinner. This time the players let the security guards take care of the offender.Symonds is not the first Australian to have had an altercation with a spectator. Greg Chappell once whacked a streaker on the backside with his bat after the man ran on to the field and shook the batsman’s hand. Terry Alderman, the former Australia swing bowler, was less fortunate than Symonds when he tackled an English fan during the 1982-83 Ashes series, dislocating his shoulder and not playing a Test for 18 months.

Jimmy Maher is unhappy with Cricket Australia’s decision to force his star players out of Sunday’s one-day final © Getty Images

Jimmy Maher has slammed John Buchanan and Cricket Australia for ruling that World Cup squad members must not play in the domestic one-day final on Sunday. Maher, who will captain Queensland against Victoria, has been denied Shane Watson and Mitchell Johnson, two men who could have made a significant difference in the final.He said Buchanan, who once coached Maher at Queensland, had changed his stance now that he was in charge of the Australia team. “When he was coach of Queensland he wanted Australian players to play as much as possible for their states, wherever possible,” Maher said on . “So where’s the standard? I think he’s contradicted himself because it doesn’t suit him now.”Maher said the decision, which also rules Brad Hodge out of the Victoria line-up, smacked of contempt for the domestic competition. “I think it’s outrageous, not just from our point of view, but from everyone’s point of view,” he said. “It just shouldn’t be happening. Even if we ran fifth and weren’t involved in the final, I just don’t think it’s the right message to be sent to the sponsors of the Ford Ranger Cup, anyone involved in the Ford Ranger Cup, domestic cricket full-stop.”At the end of the day, I’ve got no problem with guys like Ponting or Gilchrist, if they’ve got a game in five days, but mate, the Australian cricket team does not play cricket for three weeks. This is a final, it’s not just round three of the Ford Ranger Cup, this is a final, it’s 100 overs of cricket.”Queensland had already named Watson, Johnson and Matthew Hayden, before he broke his toe, in their squad for the final. Maher said if the players were fit it would do them good to get some more practice ahead of the World Cup.”It just does not make any sense whatsoever,” he said. “Shane Watson and Mitchell Johnson have played hardly any cricket in the last six months and they’re told they can’t play for fear they may get injured. I hope they didn’t cook last night, they might have burnt themselves. I just can’t believe it, it is just a disgrace in my opinion.”Queensland have recalled Scott Brant, the fast bowler, and Nathan Reardon, the allrounder, to replace Watson and Johnson. Cameron White, who will not be on the Caribbean tour, has returned to lead Victoria. Gerard Denton has also been included in their 13-man outfit at the expense of Peter Siddle.Victoria squad Michael Klinger, Jon Moss, Cameron White (capt), David Hussey, Rob Quiney, Aiden Blizzard, Andrew McDonald, Adam Crosthwaite (wk), Grant Lindsay, Shane Harwood, Gerard Denton, Mick Lewis, Darren Pattinson.Queensland squad Jimmy Maher (capt), James Hopes, Clinton Perren, Craig Philipson, Aaron Nye, Nathan Reardon, Chris Simpson, Michael Buchanan, Chris Hartley (wk), Andy Bichel, Ashley Noffke, Scott Brant.