Man United have just two days remaining before the transfer window closes, and there is still business that needs to be completed

Manchester United completed their main priority for the summer transfer window last week. Before the market opened, United knew they needed to add to their midfield. The July arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans eased the pressure, but a third midfielder was always required, especially with Manuel Ugarte injured.

Carlos Baleba was a long-term target for the Reds, and once it was clear a £70m deal was possible, instead of the whopping £100m+ they were quoted last summer, Ineos moved quickly to get it done. In an ideal world, United would not need to do any more business this summer, especially with just two full days of the window remaining.

However, it is obvious United need to complete one more transfer. Luke Shaw deserved all the plaudits that came his way last season. After a period of injury struggles, the left-back did exceptionally well to feature in every single Premier League game.

While nothing can be taken away from his accomplishment, it would be naive to think that Shaw could repeat this again in the 2026/27 campaign. This year is already going to be busier for United than last season. Eight matches have been added to the schedule after they qualified for the Champions League. The Reds should also go further in the Carabao and FA Cups having been knocked out at the first time of asking in both domestic cups last term.

That additional load means United will need to rotate. They cannot rely solely on Shaw to play in all competitions, never mind expect him to stay on the field for the majority of those matches. On the right, United have Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui battling for a start. The Reds need that same depth on the left.

Who they choose to target to provide that competition will shape United’s plans for the next year. On the one hand, the Reds could opt for a recognised starter. Lewis Hall is the player United have been interested in for the majority of the summer.

Hall’s signature would nail down that left-back role for the foreseeable. But, a summer of change at Newcastle means they are in no mood to sell him at this late stage.

Alternative options such as Ferdi Kadioglu, Alejandro Balde and Ian Maatsen, have all been suggested. Were one of those to join, we could see a changing of the guard at left-back this season.

None of these players be happy playing second choice to Shaw, and they likely wouldn’t sign for United if that was the case anyway. Any one of their arrivals would place doubts over Shaw’s future. He is out of contract at the end of this season and would have to decide whether to stay to be a back-up, or leave on a free to gain more regular minutes.

It would also mean that United could focus next year on strengthening their attack. This area has been neglected in the summer with the Reds hopeful Benjamin Sesko can stay fit to hold down the fort up front.

On the other hand, United could easily decide to sign a more youthful left-back before the window closes. Jorge Salinas at Racing Santander has been mentioned this summer but, at 19, he is unlikely to come in as an immediate first choice starter. Instead, he would be given time to settle in the Premier League and learn the ropes under Shaw.

That would also mean Shaw stays as the first choice left-back for this season and a player like Salinas would be given opportunities off the bench and in cup competitions.

United would also be pushing the left-back conversation to next summer too. They could revisit a move for Halor decide that Salinas or another young arrival is ready to make that position his.

What is clear though is that it all rests on the next 48 hours. Whichever direction United decide to go will have a knock-on effect for the next year.

NEW YORK (AP) — Venus Williams bowed out of her 26th U.S. Open singles appearance early Monday morning, falling in straight sets to fellow American wild card Sofia Kenin after not getting on the court until midnight.

The 46-year-old lost 6-2, 7-6 (6) in what could be the final singles match at a Grand Slam, if not her illustrious career. It was Williams’ 14th consecutive singles defeat dating to her last victory in Washington in July 2025.

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Williams has now lost six in a row at the U.S. Open since winning in the first round in 2019.

She and her 27-year-old opponent waited extraordinarily long to take the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium, delayed by Novak Djokovic’s 4-hour, 36-minute defeat to Mariano Navone that threatened to move them next door to Louis Armstrong Stadium. The men’s action ended just in time to play on Ashe — but not before making some history.

At 12:13 a.m., it was the latest start to a match at the U.S. Open, six minutes later than the previous record of Aryna Sabalenka against Ekaterina Alexandrova in the round of 32 in 2024.

Kenin needed just 32 minutes to win the first set, but Williams took advantage of mistakes and made some shots in the second that gave the late-staying crowd reason to cheer, rallying from down 4-2 to force a tiebreak before losing several set points and striking the ball into the net to end it.

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Concluding at 2:01 a.m., it became the latest finish for a first-round match in U.S. Open history. It is the third-latest for a women’s match at any stage of the tournament.

Williams is a quarter-century removed from her second of back-to-back championships in New York. She also won Wimbledon five times from 2000-08 to give her seven Grand Slam singles titles.

Williams and sister Serena won 14 in doubles, including the U.S. Open in 1999 and 2009. They are expected to compete in doubles again this year after receiving a wild-card entry.

___

See AP’s full tennis coverage here

The Tennessee Titans will have one of the NFL’s best positions in the waiver wire pecking order when the league’s final roster cuts are finalized.

Tennessee reduced its roster to the league-mandated maximum of 53 players, and now the real fun will begin. Players who are subject to waivers as part of those final roster reductions will then be available for other teams to claim, with the claiming period expiring at 1:00 p.m. ET on Monday, August 31.

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The Titans enter the process with the No. 4 waiver priority, allowing general manager Mike Borgonzi and the team’s personnel department to add young talent released by other teams before most of the league gets a chance to do so. In looking at the initial 53-man roster, cornerback, edge, and offensive line could be areas to monitor.

The initial waiver order is based on the 2026 NFL draft order and will remain in effect through the first three weeks of the regular season. Beginning September 29, after the third regular-season weekend, waiver priority will be determined by the current standings, with strength of schedule and additional tiebreakers used when necessary.

This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: NFL cutdown day: Where do Titans sit in waiver wire priority

Robinson can also thank Australia for bringing back into the fashion the age-old tactic of the wicketkeeper standing up to the stumps to pace bowlers.

Alex Carey did it so effectively during the Ashes and England are now copying with Robinson.

It may seem obvious but that tweak is really playing into Robinson’s strengths.

If the wicketkeeper was stood back the modern batsman would be walking down the pitch to Robinson. With Jamie Smith up they can’t because of the risk of being stumped.

It means Robinson can bowl a yard fuller, giving his deliveries more time to swing through the air and means more of Robinson’s deliveries would hit the stumps rather than bouncing over from a shorter length.

Of course, you cannot do any of this without a good wicketkeeper. Praise must also go to Jamie Smith.

After we saw Smith struggle badly through the Ashes, he has clearly improved his glovework. Wicketkeeping coach Sarah Taylor has been working him hard before play with a drill where she whacks tennis balls towards him with a racket.

The ball skids through and, with a batsman stood in front edging, missing and hitting the ball, Smith has to stay low and take them.

The results speaks for themselves.

Now the next question for Robinson is whether he can repeat this success on harder, flatter pitches, or in hot conditions which will test those fitness levels. England will face them in their three-Test series in South Africa this winter.

They have often left Robinson out for Test on more batter-friendly pitches but it is time for them to throw him in. He has earned that right.

England are working behind the scenes to get Robinson into the position where he maintains his pace around 82mph, rather than his current place of starting there before dropping to 77 or 78mph.

If he does that, the extra bounce he will get as a result should negate the loss of movement.

And before then I desperately hope England do not rest Robinson, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson or Josh Tongue for the third Test in Edgbaston.

England’s new quartet has shown real promise. They may not have a frontline spinner but Robinson, who conceded runs at just 1.29 per over across the Lord’s Test, can effectively do the holding job of a slow bowler if needed.

Do not break things up now.

After their poor run England just need to keep on winning matches and, just as importantly, this group needs to get used to bowling together as an attack.

Joe Root must also learn how to use each of them best.

This, with Robinson as the leader, is England’s best attack. Stick with it in Birmingham and beyond.

Jonathan Agnew was speaking to BBC Sport’s Matthew Henry

Duleep Trophy Semi-final 1 Live Score: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi added another memorable chapter to his rapidly growing cricket story when the 15-year-old batting sensation briefly took over as captain of East Zone during their Duleep Trophy semi-final against Central Zone on Sunday.

East Zone captain Ishan Kishan won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that quickly paid dividends as Mukesh Kumar and Abhijit Sarkar led the bowling attack. The two right-arm pacers claimed three wickets each as Central Zone were bowled out for 266 in 80.1 overs. Mohammed Shami and off-spinner Md Kounain Quraishi chipped in with two wickets apiece.

Kishan was forced off the field midway through the morning session after being struck on his right wrist. With the regular captain away from the action, Sooryavanshi stepped in to lead East Zone for around an hour on either side of lunch before Kishan returned and resumed command.

The teenager showed impressive composure in his brief spell as captain. He successfully reviewed an on-field decision that initially went against East Zone, trusting his instincts after Aryan Juyal appeared to edge Mukesh Kumar behind. UltraEdge confirmed a spike, resulting in a crucial wicket.

Central Zone’s innings was led by Rinku Singh, who scored 60 off 88 balls, while Juyal contributed 46. They slipped to 125 for five before Rinku and Harsh Dubey briefly revived the innings with a 55-run partnership. Once Dubey fell, Central Zone lost wickets regularly, despite a late 30 off 26 balls from Yash Thakur.

MONDAY

BASEBALL

3p Giants at Atlanta NBCSBA (680, 104.5)

3:30p Miami at Washington FS1

5p A’s at Texas NBCSCA (960)

CYCLING

5:30a Vuelta a España NBCSN Peacock

COLLEGE SOCCER

4p Men: Indiana at Louisville ACC Net

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SOCCER

Noon EPL: Aston Villa vs. Arsenal USA

5p NWSL: Angel City at Boston CBSSN

TENNIS

6a Tennis Channel Live at the U.S. Open Tennis Ch.

8:30a U.S. Open ESPN

3p U.S. Open Match Point ESPN

4p U.S. Open ESPN ESPN2

TUESDAY

BASEBALL

Giants at Pittsburgh NBCSBA (680, 104.5)

Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs TBS

A’s at Texas NBCSCA (960)

N.Y. Yankees at L.A. Angels MLB Net

Minors: Salt Lake at Sacramento

CYCLING

Vuelta a España NBCSN Peacock

SOCCER

Saudi League: Al Hilal vs. Al Ahli FS2

Canadian Championship FS2

TENNIS

Tennis Channel Live at the U.S. Open Tennis Ch.

U.S. Open ESPN

U.S. Open Match Point ESPN

U.S. Open

ESPN2

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This article originally published at Bay Area sports calendar, Aug. 31-Sept. 1.

The first shocking result of the 2026 U S Open came on Sunday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium when No. 4 seed and four-time US Open champion Novak Djokovic lost in five sets to Mariano Navone (7-6, 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1). 

Djokovic looked visibly ill during the match and wore down considerably as the match stretched beyond the third set. Djokovic, who has long dominated the later sets due to his fitness, found himself fading late and struggling to even win games against Navone. 

It’s by far the biggest win in the 25-year-old Argentinian’s career, and he’ll advance to the second round of the US Open for the second consecutive year. Navone was able to take advantage of his legendary opponent’s struggles, pouncing on an incredible 70 unforced errors from Djokovic in the match — with 29 of those coming in the final two sets. Over the fourth and fifth sets, Navone won an incredible 63.3% of the points as Djokovic failed to mount much of a challenge late. 

For Djokovic, Sunday’s loss snaps the longest streak of opening round wins in grand slam events in men’s or women’s tennis in the Open era. He came into the US Open with 78 consecutive first round match wins. The last time Djokovic lost in the first round of a grand slam was more than 20 years ago at the 2006 Australian Open, and he had never lost before the third round at the US Open. 

The 39-year-old has been chasing his 25th grand slam title for three years, and Sunday’s shocker guarantees that wait continues into 2027 — if he chooses to continue playing. Djokovic has now gone 12 consecutive grand slam events without a title, tied for the longest drought of his career (2005-07). 

Djokovic losing in the first round throws the men’s draw further into chaos. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner is already sitting out due to a lingering knee issue and No. 2 seed Carlos Alcaraz is a question mark in his first tournament back since missing the French Open and Wimbledon due to a wrist injury. 

Djokovic has been a fixture in the second week of grand slams for two decades, but now his quarter of the draw will open considerably. That creates an even greater opportunity for the Americans in the field to finally snap the 23-year grand slam drought since Andy Roddick won the 2003 US Open, with Brandon Nakashima the American player directly impacted as part of Djokovic’s quarter. 

NORTON, Mass. — After two years without a victory, Ruoning Yin finally had her moment again.

Yin closed out a hard-fought final round Sunday at the FM Championship with a 2-under 70, including a two-putt birdie on the par-5 18th to win by two and capture the sixth LPGA Tour title of her career.

The victory was Yin’s first since 2024 and came after a week in which she repeatedly found herself battling for the lead with Hyo Joo Kim and Sei Young Kim. She stayed patient throughout the final round, even as the leaderboard shifted, and finished the week with 24 birdies—the most of any player in the field.

More significantly, Yin joined a prestigious club, one that only five other players have managed to crack. With Sunday’s win, she became just the sixth player in the last 15 years to win at least six LPGA Tour events, including a major championship, before age 24.

“It’s been so long since my last win,” Yin said. “And then I know I work hard and also my team, my mom is here. Just everything just comes together.”

And everything did come together for Yin.

She opened her round with a birdie and two bogeys over her first four holes before settling in. Back-to-back birdies on 6 and 7 moved her back into contention, and after a bogey on the par-4 10th, she answered with another birdie on No. 12.

Then came the final hole. Yin went for the green in two, and it paid off, leaving just 18 feet putt for eagle. She rolled it close, securing a two-putt birdie and, with it, the championship.

“I hit a good shot and I was telling myself, just slow down and make a good tempo, make a good swing, and then I did it,” Yin said.

For Yin, the win meant more than another trophy or paycheck. After spending the past two seasons searching for a win, Sunday provided a reminder that she still belongs in the winner’s circle.

“I think this one definitely boosts my confidence a little bit more, and, you know, I just want to enjoy the moment,” she said.

While Yin celebrated a return to the top, Sunday also marked the end of an era for another player.

Anna Nordqvist, who announced her retirement earlier in the week, played the final round of her LPGA Tour career at TPC Boston. As she walked off the 9th green — her 18th hole of the day — Nordqvist was overcome with emotion, surrounded by fellow players, caddies and friends who had been part of her 18-year career.

“I’m not really sure how to feel,” Nordqvist said afterward. “Nothing ever prepares you for this moment. I’m definitely going to miss it.”

Will the Seattle Seahawks be able to fend off the Los Angeles Rams and win the NFC West again? Who will win the tight battle for the NFC North? 

With the regular season quickly approaching, Colin Cowherd provided his division predictions and projected playoff field for the NFC on Wednesday’s edition of The Herd. 

Highlighting a mix of returning contenders and rising rosters, Cowherd forecasted three new playoff teams across the conference while breaking down all four divisions.

“I’ve got three new playoff teams in the NFC: the Lions, the Saints, and the Giants,” Cowherd said.

Here’s how Cowherd predicts the placement of all four divisions in the NFC.

Starting with the NFC East, Cowherd picked the Philadelphia Eagles to retain the division crown, pointing to roster continuity along the offensive line and past success under Jalen Hurts. 

“Jalen Hurts, since he became a full-time starter, has the winningest record in the NFL. I’m just going with this very, very well-run organization,” Cowherd said.

Despite losing A.J. Brown, Philadelphia added Dontayvion Wicks and drafted USC receiver Makai Lemon, returning all five offensive line starters with the seventh-easiest schedule in the league.

Behind Philadelphia, Cowherd projected the New York Giants to finish ahead of the Dallas Cowboys for second place, should Jaxson Dart stay healthy.

“They were one and seven last year in those one-score games, worst in the league,” Cowherd said about the Giants. “And in fact, they blew five games in which they had a fourth-quarter lead. That is going to, even if it evens out, even if it doesn’t totally flip, it will even out. If Jackson Dart can stay out of the blue tent, I think it’s a playoff team.”

Following a tough year in close games in 2025, Cowherd thinks the scales will balance out for the Giants in 2026.

Cowherd pointed to a trend from last season as the reason why he thinks the Cowboys could hold themselves back.

“Here’s the other thing, which has become a disturbing trend for the Cowboys. They were the most penalized team in the NFL last year. They did some big things well, like scoring. They did a lot of little things poorly. I have the Cowboys better, but not a playoff team.”

Washington was placed fourth in the division, pointing to roster turnover at key positions like left tackle and overall roster age as major obstacles for their prospects.

“Washington just doesn’t have enough talent. They lost Laremy Tunsil, their left tackle, who’s a beast. Second-oldest roster in the NFL. I just don’t like Washington right now going forward,” Cowherd said.

Moving to the NFC North, Cowherd went with the Detroit Lions to win the division, citing offensive firepower and draft adjustments.

“I think the Lions have a combination of the best roster in the division and the easiest schedule in the entire league this year,” Cowherd said. “I would argue quarterback, running back, tight end, wide receivers, they have the best group in the NFL.”

Cowherd added last year was considered a down year for Detroit and the offense still wound up amongst the league’s best.

“They were the only team to have a top-five scoring offense in the last four years. Even last year, when they struggled, it was top five.”

Last year’s NFC North champions, the Chicago Bears, were picked to finish second in 2026 by Cowherd.

“They were a great fourth quarter team last year. They probably can’t quite equal that magic, but when they won the turnover battle, and nobody talks about this one, Chicago, they were 10-1 when they won the turnover battle,” Cowherd said. 

Cowherd also pointed to Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, who does not have a history of turning the ball over.

“Caleb Williams doesn’t turn the ball over. He didn’t in high school. He didn’t in college. Even in the Eberflus year, 20 touchdowns, six picks. He is not a turnover quarterback. I have them for second.”

The Green Bay Packers were picked by Cowherd to finish third in the division, despite the number of key pieces they have slated to return, ahead of the Minnesota Vikings.

“Not only do they get Michael Parsons back in October, but they also get Tucker Kraft back, who looks to be a star young tight end in the NFL for years to come. Christian Watson got hurt. Jaden Reed got hurt,” Cowherd said.

Cowherd also suggested the Packers may have reached their ceiling.

“They’ve not been a great September team, but they’ve been a wild card team in the last three seasons,” Cowherd said.

Minnesota landed in fourth place in Cowherd’s prediction, but he said this shouldn’t discredit what the Vikings are capable of.

“Minnesota is going to be the best fourth-place team in the NFL,” Cowherd said. “Christian Darrisaw is back at left tackle. I love the coach and the defensive coordinator. There’s not a lot here I don’t like, but Kyler Murray’s backup is either J.J. McCarthy or Carson Wentz. I don’t trust either.”

Despite an established coaching staff and offensive line talent, backup quarterback depth creates vulnerability behind starter Kyler Murray. Cowherd also pointed out how prone to turnovers and the injury history of all three quarterbacks on the roster. 

The NFC South featured a surprise pick from Cowherd, with the New Orleans Saints taking first place behind quarterback Tyler Shough, thanks in part to a favorable schedule.

“Second easiest schedule in football is the Saints,” Cowherd said. “I thought they played very well at the end of last year. Tyler Shough, nobody paid attention, but they won four of their last five games.”

Cowherd added that the NFC South is usually unpredictable most seasons.

“This is a division where you see teams go from last to first on a regular basis.”

The Carolina Panthers were picked for second place, highlighting leadership under Dave Canales and general manager Dan Morgan alongside offensive line stability for Bryce Young.

“I think Carolina has the coach and the general manager for the future. Dave Canales and Dan Morgan are excellent. I think they’ve given Bryce Young a lot to work with.”

Cowherd also pointed out the inconsistencies on the offensive line last year.

“They had 11 different starting O-line combinations last year, so it was a bit of a mess in front of Bryce Young. I think they’ll get that corrected,” Cowherd said.

Tampa Bay was picked to finish third by Cowherd, who pointed to recent offensive slumps, defensive regressions, and coaching pressure following late-season struggles.

“You got a coach on the hot seat. You got a new offensive coordinator, 20th-ranked defense last year. No Mike Evans. Lost seven of the nine games down the stretch,” Cowherd said. “So they were a bit of a mess offensively, and they weren’t great defensively.”

Atlanta rounded out the division in fourth place, with Cowherd citing early road schedule challenges and unanswered questions at quarterback.

“I like the coach, like the owner. I think the GM is pretty sharp. There’s a couple of players like Drake London, a Bijan Robinson I love, but who’s the quarterback? We don’t know,” Cowherd said. “Cross my fingers with Michael Penix, but they start with three of their first four games on the road.”

In the NFC West, Cowherd selected the Seattle Seahawks to claim the division title over the Los Angeles Rams, praising Seattle’s performance in road games and young core talent.

“Here’s what I love about Seattle: the last two years best road team in the league, and I mean a fantastic road team, 15 and two,” Cowherd said. “They’re returning all their best players. All of them are in their prime.”

Cowherd went on to highlight the Seahawks’ ability to win away from home and performance against other playoff teams as key factors.

Cowherd placed the Rams second as Super Bowl contenders, acknowledging both Seattle and Los Angeles rank among the top teams in the league.

“They return all 11 offensive starters. There’s no reason to debate this. They could win the Super Bowl. I think these two teams, in my opinion, are the best two teams in the NFL: Seahawks, Rams, one and two in my book,” Cowherd said.

However, the hype surrounding the Rams is not enough to convince Cowherd.

“I’ll take Seattle to win over the Rams. Everybody in the world’s telling me the Rams are going to win the Super Bowl. The team is hearing that. You know what?” Cowherd said. “They’re going to be a really really good team and win 11 games. I think Seattle could win 12.”

San Francisco was picked to finish third by Cowherd, pointing to an aging roster coming off major surgical recoveries and defensive pass rush struggles.

“They were 20th ranked in defense. They struggled to get to the quarterback. They have the oldest roster,” Cowherd said. “They are highly reliant at left tackle, running back, edge rusher, linebacker on veteran players who are coming off injuries.”

Arizona was projected to finish fourth in the division as the team undergoes a rebuild while playing in arguably the toughest division in football.

“Arizona, bit of a mess. 0-6 against the division last year,” Cowherd said. “They’re playing like the Jets for next year’s draft. Arizona at fourth place.”