Senne Lammens and Manchester United have proved Paul Scholes wrong since the 23-year-old Belgian goalkeeper signed for the Reds from Royal Antwerp last summer

Six months ago, Paul Scholes branded Senne Lammens as “not a top goalkeeper” and said Manchester United should have tried to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma instead.

United were in the market to sign a new keeper near the end of the 2025 summer transfer window after Altay Bayindir’s difficult start to the season and Ruben Amorim’s decision to drop Andre Onana.

Donnarumma and Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez were both linked with a move to Old Trafford, but United opted to go for 23-year-old talent Lammens in a £18.1million deal from Royal Antwerp.

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It was a move that raised eyebrows at the time, none more so than from ex-United midfielder Scholes, who felt the Reds missed a trick by not signing Donnarumma, who ended up signing for Manchester City, instead.

Scholes told The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast: “You buy this lad from Belgium. What’s he cost €20m (£18.2m)? I think that tells you everything about him at this point.

“It tells me he’s [Lammens] not a top goalkeeper. As soon as that man [Donnarumma] became available, drive to Paris, go and get him, give him whatever he wants.”

But it’s safe to say that Lammens has left Scholes red-faced and proved him wrong. Indeed, the Belgian has been one of the standout goalkeepers in the Premier League this season.

Lammens has conceded just 26 goals in 21 top-flight matches in 2025/26 and produced arguably his most impressive performance to date in the 1-0 win at Everton on Monday. He made four saves, four punches, two high claims and was commanding throughout as he won the Premier League Player of the Match for his efforts.

Speaking post-Everton, Lammens was compared to ex-United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar – who was covering the game for Sky Sports. “[I] just try to stay calm, play my own game,” Lammens said. “I know I have the qualities, I wouldn’t be here otherwise. So, [I] just believe in myself, the players around me and my teammates support me really much.

“Now I just keep on building, keep getting that confidence. Like today, getting those wins, feeling important, is really important. And yeah, like you said, if I’m in a comparison with Edwin van der Sar, it’s always nice to hear.”

Across Lammens’ 21 Premier League appearances, United have lost just twice. One of them came in the 1-0 defeat against Everton in November, while the other was a 2-1 loss at Aston Villa.

As well as that, Lammens’ saves have prevented 5.5 more goals than the average goalkeeper based on the quality of accurate shots he has kept out, according to OPTA’s expected goals on target (xGOT) conceded model. No Premier League keeper can match that record since the Belgian’s United debut on October 4.

His impact has been astronomical, with some claiming that Lammens is – and could be – United’s best and most influential signing in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era. Lammens has made the No.1 spot his own and it’s clear that he is far above Onana, who is on loan at Trabzonspor, and Bayindir in the pecking order.

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Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris and Wolves boss Rob Edwards both stood in solidarity with their players after two instances of racist abuse were reported on an “appalling” Premier League weekend.

Black Cats winger Romaine Mundle featured from the bench in the Black Cats’ 3-1 defeat to Fulham on Sunday on a weekend that saw four separate cases of Premier League players receiving racist abuse and Le Bris reiterated the club’s support for Mundle.

“What happened to Romaine is unacceptable, we stand with him,” said Le Bris. “There is no room for racism or abuse in football or anywhere else. That’s clear for us, we stand for respect, inclusion and diversity, these are the values of football and the values of the club, so it’s clear.”

Speaking about wider racially motivated incidents in football in recent months, he added: “I don’t know really why but I repeat, we don’t want to accept that.

“We have to have a clear position and I think it’s the case here at Sunderland, we want to defend values and when someone, a group of people, want to threaten those values it’s important to react.”

Meanwhile, Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare was said to be “upset and angered” by the racism he was subjected to after Sunday’s defeat to Crystal Palace.

Arokodare missed a penalty in the 1-0 loss at Selhurst Park and subsequently received racist messages from several accounts.

Edwards said: “It’s been a really difficult week for him. He was upset and angered by it, understandably so.

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“We’ve supported him, and I’ve had a few individual chats with him, we’ve spoken about it as a group as well, to make sure that we get around him and support.”

Police confirmed they are investigating a spate of online abuse directed at Premier League footballers last week, with authorities issuing a stark warning to offenders that they cannot “hide behind their keyboards”.

Kick It Out, the British-based anti-discrimination charity, reiterated its demand for social media platforms to take more robust action against such behaviour.

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“This has been an appalling weekend after four players called out the racist abuse they’ve received on social media. But the sad fact is, we know it happens regularly,” the organisation said.

“The message from them is loud and clear: action must follow. Players cannot be expected to tolerate this behavior, and nor should anyone else.”

The Premier League also condemned the abuse, stating: “There are serious consequences for anybody found guilty of discrimination and we will offer our full support with their investigations. Football is for everyone — there is no room for racism.”

Additional reporting from PA

Gareth Southgate has been out of management since stopping being England manager after losing the 2024 European Championship final to Spain almost two years ago

Gareth Southgate will not become Manchester United’s next manager because the former England boss has removed himself from consideration after saying he has ‘no passion’ to work in the Premier League at present.

Southgate has not managed since stepping down as England boss in July 2024, following defeat in the European Championship final. The 55-year-old has concentrated on business interests and is preparing to present a television programme.

Despite being linked as a candidate to take over as next Manchester United manager, Southgate confirmed he is not contemplating an imminent return to management. Speaking on The Football Boardroom podcast, he said: “I’ve got no passion just to go and manage in the Premier League.

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“I did that at 35, I finished 11th, 12th. Who is in those positions now, probably Bournemouth, Brighton (and Hove Albion)?

“I’ve had one of the biggest jobs in world football, so I’ve been spoiled – huge nights, working with outstanding players. No owner interfering.”

The former Middlesbrough manager was linked to the United position following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal last month. Michael Carrick has been appointed on an interim basis until the season’s conclusion, with United bringing in Steve Holland, Southgate’s assistant during his England tenure, as one of Carrick’s coaching staff. Nevertheless, he and Holland will not be working together at Old Trafford.

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Southgate also recognised the criticism he would face if a club like United selected him, given some view his England spell as unsuccessful. He added: “The bit that, externally, people are saying is, ‘well, he didn’t win’. So, how do you prove that you can win? You’ve got to go to one of those big clubs.

“Now we know those big clubs… do I think I could have done the job that some people who have been in those clubs recently have done? Could I do better? I think I could.

“But we’ve talked about the baggage that comes with me as an appointment if you’re an owner. And there’s a reality around [that], I can understand what that noise is. There’s that bit which makes me potentially a complicated appointment for a club.”

Southgate then confirmed: “I don’t want to go and manage a different national team. Club? It’s honestly not what I’m looking to do. Now, two years after leaving England, I’m not actively looking for a role in coaching.

“If that European final was the bit [in coaching], I wouldn’t worry about that, because there is another 15-20 years of my life ahead of me and I’m excited about a different video, a different movie, a different part of my life.”

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England’s Will Jacks, left, and Rehan Ahmed (Photo by AP)

England pull off an exciting four-wicket win over New Zealand in the T20 World Cup Super Eights, thanks to a brilliant late fightback by Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed. The victory keeps Pakistan’s semifinal hopes alive, while England finish top of Group 2 with three wins from three matches.

England pulled off an exciting four-wicket win over New Zealand in the T20 World Cup Super Eights, thanks to a brilliant late fightback by Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed. The victory kept Pakistan’s semifinal hopes alive, while England finished top of Group 2 with three wins from three matches. New Zealand batted first and posted 159 for seven in 20 overs. Their batters got good starts but failed to convert them into big scores. Glenn Phillips scored 39, Tim Seifert made 35, and Finn Allen added 29. England’s spinners played a key role in controlling the innings, with Jacks, Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed picking up two wickets each to slow the scoring in the middle overs. England’s chase began poorly as they lost two early wickets and struggled at 58 for four. Harry Brook attempted to steady the innings, but New Zealand kept striking at regular intervals. Tom Banton and Sam Curran added valuable runs, yet England slipped to 117 for six in 17 overs, still needing 43 runs from 18 balls. At that stage, New Zealand appeared firmly in control. However, Jacks and Rehan had other plans. They attacked Glenn Phillips in the 18th over, smashing 22 runs to shift the momentum. The duo then collected 16 runs off Mitchell Santner in the next over, putting England on course for victory. With confidence high, they calmly guided the team home with three balls to spare. Earlier, there had been a brief moment of drama when Seifert was wrongly given out, only for TV replays to overturn the decision. In the end, England held their nerve to complete a thrilling comeback win.

Oleksandr Usyk’s next fight has been confirmed, with the heavyweight boxing champion defending one of his world titles at the pyramids of Giza, in a stunning development.

Usyk had teased major news throughout the week, which had already been littered with several shocking boxing stories, and Friday brought confirmation of his next outing.

Remarkably, it will take place at the pyramids of Giza in Egypt, as he defends the WBC title against kickboxing great Rico Verhoeven on 23 May.

Usyk, 39, had been linked to the Dutchman, 36, in recent weeks, but the location of the fight comes as a major surprise.

Usyk was recently granted a voluntary title defence for his next bout and was previously linked to Deontay Wilder, but the American was later paired with Derek Chisora. Instead, it will be Verhoeven who vies for Usyk’s WBC belt, while aiming to hand the Ukrainian his first professional loss.

Verhoeven’s kickboxing record stands at 66-10 (21 knockouts), and he is a former long-reigning heavyweight champion, widely regarded as an all-time great in his sport. However, this upcoming fight is just his second in pro boxing, and it comes 12 years after he won his first.

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Meanwhile, Usyk is 24-0 (15 KOs) in boxing, a former undisputed cruiserweight champion and a two-time undisputed heavyweight king. He currently holds the WBC, WBA and IBF belts in the latter division.

“I truly respect people who reach the very top in their sport,” Usyk said on Friday. “Rico is one of them. I respect his journey – he’s truly the king of kickboxing. But this is boxing, a different game with its own rules and kings.”

Verhoeven said: “I spent 12 years as the undisputed heavyweight kickboxing champion. I wasn’t looking for comfort, so I started looking for the highest challenge available in another world. Usyk is undisputed in boxing, that’s the kind of challenge that motivates me – undisputed versus undisputed.”

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Verhoeven was linked to Anthony Joshua in December, around the time of the Briton’s fight with Jake Paul, but “AJ” was involved in a car crash 10 days after stopping the influencer. Two of Joshua’s teammates were killed in the crash in Nigeria, in which Joshua was a passenger. The former two-time heavyweight champion’s boxing future seemed unclear, but his promoter Eddie Hearn has already hinted at a summer comeback.

Usyk, who outpointed Joshua in 2021 and 2022, last fought in July, when he stopped Daniel Dubois at London’s Wembley Stadium. The result came two years after Usyk first TKOed the Briton, and it crowned him a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.

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However, Usyk vacated the WBO title in November, one month after Fabio Wardley stopped Joseph Parker to claim the interim version of that belt. Wardley was therefore elevated, and he will defend the official title against Dubois in Manchester on 9 May.

Elsewhere in the division, Tyson Fury will emerge from his fifth retirement when he boxes Arslanbek Makhmudov on 11 April. Following that fight at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, in the English capital, Fury could pursue a trilogy bout with Usyk.

The Ukrainian outpointed Fury twice in 2024, handing the “Gypsy King” his only losses as a pro, and the first of those results marked Usyk’s first undisputed heavyweight triumph.

Usyk vs Verhoeven will stream live on DAZN and will be organised by The Ring magazine and Sela, a Saudi events company. The Ring is owned by Saudi government official Turki Alalshikh.

This week, The Telegraph reported that British promoter Frank Warren is claiming $1bn in lost income from Sela and combat-sports brand TKO, who co-own the new promotion Zuffa Boxing. Warren told the BBC: “It’s just a difference of opinion over the contracts that we signed, so that will just take its course. I can’t make any comment on it. It is what it is.” A representative of Sela told The Independent: “We are disappointed by the unfounded claims brought by Queensberry and Frank Warren. We reject them in their entirety and are confident that the facts will fully vindicate our position.”

Few people get a chance to meet Tiger Woods; even fewer get him for one-on-one lessons. Although being a famous musician certainly helps.

Train frontman Pat Monahan was the guest on this week’s Subpar podcast, where he discussed meeting Tiger Woods, playing Augusta National, his band’s upcoming tour and more. He’s met Woods a few times over the years, although the first came several years ago when Woods needed a last-minute fill-in to headline his annual Tiger Jam fundraiser.

Woods’ management team called Monahan to see if Train would be interested in playing after one act was a late cancellation.

“I was like, ‘I’m good, I have been working too hard,’” Monahan said on the podcast. “And they were like, ‘Tiger will give you an hour-long lesson.’ I was like, ‘I’ll be there tomorrow.’”

During their lesson, Monahan learned why Woods grew tired of pro-ams (six-hour rounds), and Tiger even shared an odd story that led him to conclude, “I think this is the last one.” Most of all, Monahan just appreciated that Woods seemed like a normal person.

“He is one of my favorite guys,” Monahan said. “He’s like one of us. He handles himself so professionally but when you can get him in a small group he’s just a dude. I just wanted to hit a couple good shots and I did and he was like, ‘Whoa, Pat can get through a shot.’ He made it fun more than stressful. It wasn’t a round of golf, it was just me at the range with him. There was no pressure to make par or anything.”

Although if there’s one thing the world knows about Woods, it’s that he doesn’t let people into his inner circle easily.

“I was like, ‘Man, I want to be best friends,’” Monahan said. “And he’s like, ‘I’m good.’” [Laughs]

You can listen to the complete interview with Monahan here or watch it on YouTube below.

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Progressive gelding Axius has an unknown top end according to rider Tim Clark, who is keen to discover more when the sprinter tackles stakes level at Randwick.

Saturday’s Group 3 Liverpool City Cup (1300m) awaits the four-year-old, resuming post his standout triumph in January’s Magic Millions Sprint (1200m) at the Gold Coast with Clark steering.

“He’s been a horse that has been threatening to do something like he did,” Clark said.

“He’s a big, tough, headstrong Justify gelding who really enjoyed riding the back of that good speed at the Gold Coast.

“It was a dominant performance up there and he still gets into this race with a very light weight.”

Axius gets the minimum 53.5kg impost for Saturday, as handicapper Coal Crusher shoulders the top weight of 58kg.

Facing him is The Instructor, who trailed Axius at the Gold Coast but has performed creditably since, including a near-miss in Group company locally and a solid fourth behind champion Autumn Glow in the Apollo Stakes (1400m).

Clark eyes a positive showing from Axius relative to The Instructor’s form.

“He’s an interesting runner to see where he measures up,” Clark said of his mount.

“He beat The Instructor home at the Gold Coast and meets him better at the weights on Saturday.

“This race on Saturday is probably going to decide his future plans through the autumn and the winter and how high they can aim with him. But he has barely put a foot wrong during his career, and they’ve been very patient with him, so they’re getting the rewards now.”

Axius, under Ciaron Maher’s guidance, carries nominations into the Sydney autumn carnival’s Group 1 T J Smith Stakes (1200m) and Doncaster Mile (1600m).

Check the racing betting markets ahead of the Liverpool City Cup.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Amas Obasogie has strongly denied allegations of match fixing levelled against him by his Tanzanian club, Singida Black Stars SC, following his recent suspension.

The club suspended Obasogie for three months after conducting an internal investigation into alleged misconduct. According to reports in Tanzania, the action was taken as part of efforts to maintain discipline and protect the integrity of the team. Ugandan midfielder Khalid Aucho was also handed a three-month suspension for misconduct, including absence from duty and failure to meet team obligations.

In a letter dated February 27, Obasogie firmly rejected the claims and insisted that his mistakes on the pitch should not be seen as deliberate wrongdoing.

Titled “REBUTTAL TO THE ALLEGATION OF MATCH FIXING”, the goalkeeper wrote:

“I, Amas Obasogie, respectfully address the Management, Coaching Staff, Players, Supporters, Members of the Press, and the entire football community regarding the allegation of match fixing that led to my temporary suspension by Singida Black Stars SC.

“I state clearly and unequivocally that I have never engaged in match fixing and will never do so. The goals conceded in the CAF Confederation Cup match against Flambeau du Centre and the NBC Premier League fixture against Namungo FC were the result of footballing errors, not deliberate misconduct. I accept full responsibility for my performance; however, mistakes on the field must not be mistaken for match manipulation.

“As a national team goalkeeper representing the great nation of Nigeria, I fully understand the severe consequences of match fixing. My integrity, reputation, and career are invaluable to me. I have sworn never to bring the game of football, my club, or my country into disrepute. I am ready and willing to appear before any disciplinary committee to defend myself and clear my name.

“I remain fully committed and dedicated to Singida Black Stars SC. This club means a great deal to me, and I hold deep respect for its leadership, technical crew, my teammates, supporters, sponsors, and every stakeholder associated with it. My focus remains on contributing positively to the team, maintaining our momentum, and working tirelessly to help the club achieve its ambitions of winning trophies both in the league and in continental competitions.

“I respectfully urge that my errors in those matches should not be translated into allegations that question my character. I remain loyal, disciplined, and determined to continue serving Singida Black Stars SC with honour and professionalism.”

Obasogie’s response centres on the argument that poor performances should not automatically lead to accusations of corruption. He admitted making errors in matches against Flambeau du Centre and Namungo FC but stressed that they were genuine football mistakes.

The suspension leaves the Super Eagles goalkeeper facing an uncertain period. He was part of Nigeria’s squad at the last Africa Cup of Nations, where the team finished third, and he has been in contention for future national team invitations.

As investigations continue, Obasogie has maintained that he is ready to appear before any disciplinary panel to defend his name, insisting that “my errors should not be translated into allegations that question my character.”

When the Minnesota Vikings moved on from Kirk Cousins, it was largely due to the process the veteran quarterback has always followed. Despite never truly elevating those around him, he has consistently been good enough to get paid,

One More Contract Could Move Cousins Past Tom Brady

Cousins left the Vikings to chase an absurd payday offered by the Atlanta Falcons. It was logical and sensible. It also very expectedly did not work out. Now a cut candidate, he could reverse course and challenge the narrative.

Last offseason, it was reported that Aaron Rodgers wanted to join the Minnesota Vikings and was willing to do it on the cheap. He signed with Pittsburgh for more than $13 million after Minnesota rebuffed his (and Dianni Russini’s) advances. He, too, is a free agent this offseason, and it should be expected that the same desire to play in Kevin O’Connell’s offense exists.

Kirk Cousins has already played in said offense, and he has a level of rapport with the organization. Whereas Minnesota rebuffed the opportunity to complete Brett Favre’s career arc once again, Cousins represents an opportunity to bring a welcomed veteran home. The question becomes whether or not he’ll stand in the way of it happening.

The Atlanta Falcons are going to pay Cousins not to play for them. That sets up a situation where his contract should be far down the list of his concerns. With a guy constantly chasing the bag, though, that’s unlikely ever to be the case. Minnesota probably will have interest in bringing their former starter home, but anything north of what Rodgers played for last season should be laughed at.

Cousins once laughably said, “It’s not about the dollars, but it is about what the dollars represent.” That’s a mindset he’s carried throughout his career, and it’s earned him generational wealth. Expecting him to turn that off seems like a long shot, but it would also showcase an ability to read the room.

You can bet that the Vikings will be projected to land Cousins until he signs elsewhere. It’s a logical assessment until the contract demands get in the way, and that’s something that he’s completely in control of.

Ted Schwerzler is a Minneapolis based blogger that covers the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Sharing thoughts constantly on Twitter, … More about Ted Schwerzler