Jan 10, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) talks to head coach Jon Scheyer during the first half against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images
They were mocked by pundits across the nation, their schedule was scoffed at and when they finally lost, bubble teams saw renewed hope.
But here is how you now refer to the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks: 2026 NCAA Tournament participants.
The RedHawks (31-1) barely skated into the March Madness field as one of the final four teams chosen on Sunday.
But that beats being passed over, and Miami will face SMU (20-13) in the First Four at Dayton, located just 42 miles away from Miami.
Miami had some nervous moments in recent days after losing to UMass in its opening game of the Mid-American Conference tournament. Akron ended up winning the MAC’s automatic berth.
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The other First Four matchup on an 11-seed line is North Carolina State (20-13) against Texas (18-14).
Duke, Arizona, Michigan and Florida were selected as the four No. 1 seeds by the selection committee.
Duke (32-2) is the No. 1 seed in the East. UConn (29-5) is the No. 2, followed by Michigan State (25-7) and Kansas (23-10).
The Blue Devils will take aim at reaching the Final Four for the second straight year. Duke meets No. 16 Siena (23-11) in the first round on Thursday at Greenville, S.C. UConn won back-to-back national titles in 2023-24.
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Arizona (32-2) was placed in the West as the No. 1 seed. The Wildcats look to overcome a long drought as they haven’t reached the Final Four since losing the national title game in 2001. Arizona opens with No. 16 seed Long Island (24-10) on Friday in San Diego.
Purdue (27-8) is the No. 2 seed, Gonzaga (30-3) is No. 3 and Arkansas (26-8) is No. 4.
Michigan (31-3) landed the No. 1 seed in the Midwest. Iowa State (27-7) is No. 2, Virginia (29-5) landed the No. 3 spot and Alabama (23-9) is No. 4.
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The Wolverines will play the winner of the First Four matchup between UMBC and Howard. This is the first appearance for the Retrievers since the famous 16 vs. 1 victory over Virginia in 2018.
Santa Clara (26-8) drew the No. 10 seed in the Midwest to make the March Madness field for the first time since 1996 when the Broncos were in for the third time in four seasons to end the Steve Nash era.
Defending champion Florida (26-7) earned the top seed in the South and will face either Lehigh or Prairie View A&M in the first round.
Houston (28-6), which lost to the Gators in last season’s final, is also in the South as the No. 2 team. Illinois (24-8) is No. 3 and Nebraska (26-6) is No. 4. The Cornhuskers are 0-8 all-time in NCAA Tournament play and lost in the first round to Texas A&M in 2024 in their most recent appearance.
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The first four out were Oklahoma (19-15), Auburn (17-16), San Diego State (22-11) and Indiana (18-14). Former Auburn coach Bruce Pearl — whose son Steven now coaches the team — had been banging the drum the loudest for the Tigers to be in at Miami’s expense.
The NCAA Tournament appearance is the first for the RedHawks since 2007.
INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 15: Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates match point against Daniil Medvedev during their Men’s Singles Finals match on Day 12 of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 15, 2026 in Indian Wells, California. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Jannik Sinner produced one of the most dramatic comebacks at the Indian Wells Open, defeating Daniil Medvedev 7-6, 7-6 and claiming his first title in the California desert.
The turning point came late in the match. Down 0-4 in the second-set tiebreak, Sinner won seven consecutive points to seal the championship.
With the win, Sinner became the youngest player in history to win both hard-court Grand Slams and all six hard-court Masters 1000 titles.
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Speaking after the match, Sinner praised Medvedev and his team.
“First of all I want to start with Daniil and your team. It’s great to see you back playing this kind of level. I know you practice very hard. Keep pushing and I wish you all the best for the rest of the season.”
He also thanked his own team for helping him prepare for the tournament.
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“We came very early to prepare for this. Now it’s even more special holding this beautiful trophy. Thank you for all the support.”
The victory also made Sinner the first man to win consecutive Masters 1000 titles without dropping a set.
With 28 wins in his last 30 matches, the 24-year-old continues to build one of the most dominant runs in men’s tennis.
Draper had been British number one since June 2024 when he took over from Norrie, who had held the position since October 2021 when he won Indian Wells.
The 24-year-old has only played two ranking tournaments since last August’s US Open, having returned from injury in February.
Before the injury, Draper was steadily building his way to the top of the game.
He reached the 2024 US Open semi-finals, won the biggest title of his career at Indian Wells six months later and reached as high as fourth in the world rankings in June.
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The friendly British rivalry with Norrie could help to nudge him back towards the top 10.
“Cam is playing some great tennis,” Draper said.
“He’s been really consistent. I think it’s great for British tennis that he’s back playing really well – a former top-10 player who had a really tough injury with his forearm a couple of years ago.
“I’m really happy for him and his team and if we can keep on pushing each other to play well, that’s only a great thing.”
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Rankings are calculated over a 12-month period, with players effectively defending points they won at the same tournament a year earlier.
Draper’s absence from the tour is the overriding reason why he has lost the British top spot, but Norrie has had an excellent run after falling outside the top 90 in April.
He reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals in July and beat world number one Carlos Alcaraz at the Paris Masters in October.
“I was in a tough spot,” Norrie said. “Just a little bit too much expectation, but I let that go and enjoyed my tennis a bit more, and then suddenly I finished inside the top 30 at the end of last year.”
England host Uruguay on March 27 and Japan on March 31 at Wembley Stadium as part of the 2026 Send Off Series
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The Premier League will pause next week as England return to international duty in the final break before the World Cup. Thomas Tuchel has just two matches remaining to evaluate his players before naming his squad for the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the USA this June.
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The Three Lions secured their World Cup place with a perfect eight-win qualifying run that saw them finish top of their group and arrange another meeting with Croatia in their opening fixture. Before that, England are scheduled to play two friendly fixtures at Wembley Stadium as part of the 2026 Send Off Series, welcoming Uruguay on March 27 and Japan on March 31.
Tickets for both matches went on general sale in December and February respectively, with numerous general admission choices still available alongside more exclusive VIP and hospitality packages. Prices begin at £35 per person on the Wembley Stadium website for a ‘Category 4 – Licensed Standing’ ticket, whilst ‘Category 1’ tickets provide superior views and seating from £80.
VIP and hospitality packages for both fixtures are available from £75 through Seat Unique, offering ‘premium’ seating on Level Two with padded seats and an excellent pitch view. This Taphouse ticket reportedly delivers ‘the ultimate luxury matchday experience’ and grants access to Wembley 2.5 hours before kick-off, alongside premium dining, an M&S Foodhall and comfortable seating in the bar area.
England supporters wanting to splash out can reserve a table in the exclusive Bobby Moore Lounge – featuring premium halfway line seating next to the dugout – from £349 per person. This cost also covers a four-course gourmet meal, inclusive bar, live entertainment and unlimited Laurent Perrier Champagne.
England fans can book their spot at Wembley for the friendly matches against Uruguay and Japan from £75 at Seat Unique.
Comparable perks are offered with the more upmarket Bobby Moore Suite, a VIP package with Level 1 seats positioned behind the dugouts from £395 per person. Nevertheless, tickets are selling quickly and only limited availability remains for selected Bobby Moore packages.
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It’s also worth highlighting that prices can fluctuate from match to match. For those intending to watch from home, both England vs Uruguay and England vs Japan will be broadcast live on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player.
The previous occasion England met Uruguay was during the 2014 World Cup, when two goals from then-Liverpool forward Luis Suarez effectively confirmed England’s group stage exit. Wayne Rooney’s maiden goal of the tournament wasn’t sufficient to prevent their second consecutive defeat as Roy Hodgson’s team ultimately departed early.
England have only encountered Japan three times, with the most recent meeting occurring in 2010 as their final preparation match before travelling to South Africa for the 2010 World Cup. England clinched a 2-1 victory thanks to two Japan own goals.
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England are set to play two additional matches in June, taking on New Zealand and Costa Rica in South Florida as part of their World Cup preparation camp. Details regarding tickets for these fixtures haven’t been announced yet, though supporters can register their interest through The FA here.
India’s T20 World Cup MVP, Sanju Samson, recently shared a hilarious anecdote from the Rajasthan Royals (RR) camp involving the legendary Rahul Dravid and 14-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Samson recalled Dravid’s meeting with Sooryavanshi ahead of the latter’s IPL debut last season. Sooryavanshi made his IPL debut last season, scoring 252 runs in seven matches for the RR at a strike rate of 206.56, including a rapid 35-ball century (101 off 38 balls) against Gujarat Titans.
Speaking at the Naman Awards, Samson revealed, “I was actually in a meeting at the time. Rahul Sir called him into the room and told me, ‘Sanju, we need to talk to him. He’s just a young kid; we need to guide him on how to go about things.’ So Rahul Sir asked him, ‘Vaibhav, what’s the plan?’ Vaibhav replied, ‘Kuch nahi sir, hume agar pehla mila to hum pehla hi uda denge (Nothing special, Sir. If I get the first ball, I’m just going to smash it)”
Samson’s unique impression of Sooryavanshi sparked a riot of laughter in the hall, with even the usually composed Dravid failing to control himself.
The BCCI felicitated India’s five World Cup-winning teams at the Naman Awards, in a grand celebration of the country’s recent cricketing success.
2026 kicked off with a bang for Indian cricket as India powered to a record 6th U19 World Cup title, thrashing England by 100 runs in the Harare final. Sooryavanshi slammed 175 off 80 balls, while captain Ayush Mhatre chipped in with 53 as India piled up 411/9 in 50 overs. England fought through, but India bowled them out for 311 in 40.2 overs.
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Earlier this month, India won the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, thrashing New Zealand by 96 runs in the final. Batting first, India posted a massive 255/5, courtesy of Sanju Samson’s 89 off 46 balls and Ishan Kishan‘s 54 off 25.
While chasing, New Zealand were bowled out for 159 in 19 overs, with Jasprit Bumrah starring with 4/15 and Axar Patel chipping in with 3/27.
That triumph follows his world title reigns at featherweight, super featherweight and lightweight. While he was stripped of his WBC lightweight belt after the Lopez win, Stevenson has not ruled out returning to the division.
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Now, WBC super-featherweight champion O’Shaquie Foster has told Fight Hub TV that he needs to ‘put hands’ on Stevenson before hanging up his gloves – the latest verbal jab in an ongoing rivalry.
“If I can fight this dude tomorrow, we would get it in. No questions, no nothing. By the end of my career that’s who I need to put hands on, Shakur for sure. He play like he’s so good and better than everybody. I want to humble him. I will show him.”
Foster first claimed the WBC super featherweight title with a win over Rey Vargas in February 2023, and while he lost it to Robson Conceicao 18 months later, he regained it in their immediate rematch in November 2024.
An unexpected move to lightweight then came in December. Foster was set to defend his belt against Stephen Fulton, but the challenger came in overweight, leading the sanctioning body to make the fight for the interim lightweight belt instead. Foster won it, and wants Stevenson to drop back down to face him.
The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament field was revealed on Sunday night – a few hours after the men’s programs learned where they would be playing in their tournament.
The UConn Huskies were named the No. 1 overall seed of the tournament as the program pursues its 13th national championship. The Huskies are the only undefeated team in Division I college basketball and are led by Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd. Strong is averaging 18.5 points per game and Fudd is averaging 17.7.
Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks earned the No. 1 seed in Region 4. The team is 31-3 this season and won the SEC regular season title. Joyce Edwards leads the team with 19.6 points per game while Madina Okot is averaging 13.4 points and 10.9 rebounds per game.
UConn forward Sarah Strong (21) looks to shoot at Creighton center Elizabeth Gentry defends during first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Big East tournament, Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Uncasville, Connecticut.(AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
The UCLA Bruins will look to dethrone UConn this year. The Lauren Betts-led team was 31-1 this season. Betts is leading in points per game (16.4), rebounds per game (8.6) and blocks per game (1.6) for the Bruins.
The Texas Longhorns got the other No. 1 seed of the tournament. The Longhorns finished just behind South Carolina in the SEC in the regular season but won the tournament championship. Madison Booker is leading the team with 18.9 points per game and 6.5 assists per game.
The First Four matchups include Missouri and Stephen F. Austin and Southern and Samford fighting for the No. 16 seeds. Nebraska takes on Richmond for an 11th seed and Virginia and Arizona State will square off for the 10th seed. These games take place Wednesday and Thursday.
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The tournament will begin on Friday and Saturday. The Final Four will take place on April 3 and the championship will be played on April 5.
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley reacts during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Texas in the final of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Greenville, South Carolina.(AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
6. Washington (21-10) vs. 11. South Dakota State (27-6)
3. TCU (29-5) vs. 14. UC San Diego (24-8)
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7. Georgia (22-9) vs. 10. Virginia/Arizona State
2. Iowa (26-6) vs. 15. Fairleigh Dickinson (30-4)
Region 2 – Sacramento
UCLA center Lauren Betts (51) shoots over Iowa center Ava Heiden (5) in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the finals of the Big Ten Conference tournament, Sunday, March 8, 2026 in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Manchester United defeated fellow top-four contenders Aston Villa 3-1 in convincing fashion on Sunday afternoon
Manchester United dismantled Aston Villa 3-1 at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. Michael Carrick has now secured seven victories from nine matches this season, with Champions League qualification appearing increasingly probable.
A visit to the resurgent Bournemouth awaits them next but away from the club, a former player made their much-anticipated comeback. Scott McTominay, who has flourished in Italy with Napoli following his departure from United in August 2024, returned from injury on Saturday evening.
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The Scotland international was brought on at the interval against Lecce with Antonio Conte’s outfit behind 1-0 and he made a considerable impression. The Manchester Evening News delivers the latest developments from Old Trafford.
Scott McTominay impresses on return
McTominay had been absent since February with tendon inflammation and missed approximately a month, with Napoli’s medical team adopting a careful strategy. However, with his team trailing by a goal, Conte opted to reintroduce the 29-year-old at the interval and his gamble proved successful.
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The midfielder instantly brought stability to the centre of the pitch and within moments of his introduction, Napoli drew level through United loanee Rasmus Hojlund.
Then, in the 68th minute, their fightback was completed by Matteo Politano. McTominay concluded the 2-1 triumph with a 90 per cent pass accuracy and served as a statement to United about the influential player they allowed to leave for a mere £26million.
Conte said after the match: “We were losing and I had to make changes. They’re strong players but you have to give them time to get used to the pace and intensity again, and that’s not easy. They need to have confidence, though, because the greater good is Napoli, and since I’m dealing with well-prepared and decent players, there are no problems.
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“McTominay had been out for a month. I had to take on some responsibilities, and so did they. The common good, I repeat, is Napoli and we must secure qualification for the Champions League, which is too important. It is important for the top clubs, let alone for us.”
Man Utd learn Real Madrid star’s price
Whilst McTominay continues to excel at Napoli, another highly-rated midfielder in Europe could be seeking a move away. Reports indicate that Real Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga is a player the club are prepared to entertain offers for.
According to Marca, Los Blancos have placed a £43m valuation on Camavinga. The French international has been at the Bernabeu since 2021 following his transfer from Rennes.
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However, he has recently found playing time hard to come by and it’s been hinted that he could soon be facing the axe. A number of Premier League clubs have reportedly expressed interest and United were initially associated with Camavinga before his move to Spain almost five years ago.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky shows at least 215 live Premier League games each season, an increase of up to 100, plus Formula 1, darts, golf and more.
Pakistan Cricket Team, Mohsin Naqvi face ICC Trophy jibe: Pakistan cricket hit a new low on Sunday after it lost a three-ODI series to Bangladesh. The series loss marked the start of Pakistan’s rebuilding phase after an early T20 World Cup exit on a losing note. In the series-deciding third ODI, Salman Ali Agha’s century wasn’t enough as Bangladesh beat the new-look Pakistan by 11 runs in the final one-day international to win the series 2-1. Agha hit 106 off 98 balls, but his dismissal in the 48th over saw Pakistan eventually getting bowled out for 279, with skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi stumped off the final ball of the doomed chase.
Former Pakistan star Kamran Akmal, who has also served as a selector, was furious after the loss. “The condition is such that now even Netherlands would want to play a series against us, then beat us and get Test status. This is the condition of Pakistan cricket now,” Akmal said in a discussion.
“They (Bangladesh) could have easily scored 350 today, but scored only 290. Litton Das played slowly. Even then we lost.”
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He went on to take a swipe at Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi, who is infamous for taking away the 2025 Asia Cup trophy after winners India refused to accept it from him. The champions are yet to receive the trophy, as it reportedly lies in Naqvi’s office.
“If you don’t beat teams in matches, will you now steal ICC trophies and bring them home?” Akmal said.
Opening batter Tanzid Hasan‘s (107) first ODI hundred had earlier propelled Bangladesh to 290-5 after Afridi won the toss and elected to field on the same bouncy wicket where Pakistan was bowled out for 114 in the first game, which Bangladesh won by eight wickets.
Bangladesh lost the second ODI by 128 runs under the DLS Method when it was also dismissed for 114.
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“Definitely (it) was an excellent match,” Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz said. “It was an excellent wicket and if we got 300 it would be better, but we are playing well, especially the way Tanzid batted.”
A revamped Pakistan, which awarded six ODI debuts in the series, struggled to cope with the pace of Taskin Ahmed (4-49) and Nahid Rana (2-62), and slipped to 17-3 after the first three overs of its chase.
Taskin had Sahibzada Farhan caught behind off a nippy short ball before rattling the off stump of Mohammad Rizwan (4). Rana continued to impress with his pace in the series when opener Maaz Sadaqat (6) lobbed an easy catch behind after a mistimed pull shot.
Ghazi Ghori (29) and Abdul Samad (34), two of the six Pakistan debutants in the series, revived the chase with a 50-run stand before Pakistan lost both of them to Bangladesh’s pace attack and slipped to 82-5 in the 18th over.
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But Agha brought Pakistan back into the hunt with a 79-run stand with Saad Masood (38) and added 52 runs with Afridi for the eighth wicket. Agha completed his third ODI hundred off 89 balls with nine fours and four sixes, before Taskin deceived the batter with a slower ball and had him caught at deep mid-wicket.
With 28 needed off the final two overs, Afridi smacked Mustafizur Rahman (3-54) for two big sixes in the penultimate over and reduced the target to 14 off the final six balls. Rishad Hossain stayed calm and had Afridi stumped to complete a memorable series win for Bangladesh.
Former India player Aakash Chopra has reckoned that lower-middle-order batting could be the Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) biggest challenge in IPL 2026. He noted that Josh Inglis will find it difficult if he is asked to bat at No. 6 or No. 7.
LSG acquired Inglis for ₹8.60 crore at the IPL 2026 auction. However, it’s unclear whether the Australian wicketkeeper-batter would be available for the entirety of the upcoming edition of the prestigious league.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, ‘Aakash Chopra,’ the former India opener highlighted the Lucknow Super Giants‘ lower-middle-order batting challenges heading into IPL 2026.
“What are the weaknesses? Instead of weaknesses, I am looking towards challenges. If Josh Inglis plays in the lower-middle order, it means four overseas batters would play, but Josh Inglis is at his best if you play him in the top four. If you give him the No. 6 or No. 7 role, it’s a difficult role to play,” he said.
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While acknowledging that LSG have a few decent Indian lower-middle-order batters, Chopra pointed out that they lack experience.
“You see slight problems with players there. Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad and Shahbaz Ahmed are there. They are all good. Badoni’s form is very good, Abdul Samad hits decent sixes, but the experience is not seen in the lower-middle order,” he observed.
Citing Sherfane Rutherford, Tristan Stubbs and Tim David as examples, Aakash Chopra highlighted that IPL teams generally have at least one strong overseas lower-middle-order striker. He noted that the absence of any such player might come back to bite LSG.
“The shadow of injuries is inseparable from this team” – Aakash Chopra on LSG’s other challenges heading into IPL 2026
Lucknow Super Giants Players Practice Before Game With Delhi Capitals – Source: Getty
In the same video, Aakash Chopra noted that the presence of injury-prone seamers could be another challenge for the Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026.
“There is a huge injury concern among Indian fast bowlers. Mohammad Shami has come and will hopefully remain fit. Mayank Yadav is injury-prone. Then Avesh Khan and Mohsin Khan. Even Anrich Nortje has come back after an injury. The shadow of injuries is inseparable from this team,” he said.
While pointing out that Wanindu Hasaranga‘s potential absence could be a challenge in the spin-bowling department, the cricketer-turned-commentator added that opposition batters might read Digvesh Rathi better in IPL 2026.
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“They let Ravi Bishnoi go and picked Wanindu Hasaranga in his place. If he is also not there, there could be a challenge in spin. Digvesh Rathi was brilliant, but now, as he plays more, people will start understanding him. So he will have to reinvent himself,” Chopra observed.
Wanindu Hasaranga, who was bought by the Lucknow Super Giants for ₹2 crore at the IPL 2026 auction, suffered a hamstring injury during the T20 World Cup 2026. Digvesh Rathi (14 scalps at an economy rate of 8.25 in 13 innings) was LSG’s highest wicket-taker in IPL 2025.
Man Utd won 3-1 against Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday and here are the moments you might have missed from the game.
05:00, 16 Mar 2026
Manchester United secured a massive win against Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon. Michael Carrick suffered the first defeat of his interim tenure against Newcastle but bounced back with a victory at Old Trafford.
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The game was goalless at the interval, but Casemiro scored his fifth header of the season to break the deadlock. Villa equalised through Ross Barkley before Matheus Cunha produced an almost immediate response. Benjamin Sesko then came on from the bench to make it 3-1.
The win was a huge boost for United’s hopes of securing Champions League football, and they are now six points clear of Chelsea in fifth position.
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Here are the moments you might have missed from the game:
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Casemiro soaks it in
Casemiro scored his fifth header of the campaign to fire United into the lead against Villa, and he savoured every minute of the celebrations. The Brazilian danced in front of the Stretford End and tapped the United badge on his shirt while pointing to supporters as his teammates prepared for the restart.
The 34-year-old is set to leave at the end of the season, and he will play just four more matches at Old Trafford, which explains why he savoured every second of the celebrations.
“One more year, Casemiro,” was chanted once the game resumed, with United fans suggesting Casemiro should have been kept beyond the summer, but that would have been a mistake.
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Although Casemiro has been brilliant in some games this season, it’s the right decision for both parties for him to leave when his deal expires. It would have been an Ed Woodward-esque error to trigger the one-year extension in his deal, especially given he’s the highest earner at the club.
Fernandes observes his work
You could tell Fernandes knew his cross into the box for Casemiro’s goal was good. He stood back and nodded his head when his teammate found the net.
The 31-year-old then casually put his hands on his hips as if he were playing football in a park before sharing a laugh with Casemiro. Fernandes appeared to say, ‘Not a bad cross, huh?’
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Fernandes was outstanding against Villa, providing assists for both of United’s goals, and his assist for Cunha’s goal was the pick of the two. The vision and execution were world-class.
Carrick reaction
Carrick took great satisfaction from Sesko’s goal to wrap up an important three points because he’d spent two minutes in deep conversation with the striker before introducing him to the game.
Whatever Carrick said had the desired effect as Sesko made an immediate impact. Carrick is usually composed on the touchline, but he let himself enjoy the third goal of the afternoon, fist-pumping passionately on the touchline.
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Carrick couldn’t wipe the smile from his face when he spoke at his press conference after beating Crystal Palace, and he explained that his association with the club makes the wins feel more special.
The former midfielder is enjoying every minute of managing United, and it feels like his job to lose.
‘Nobody was there’
Carrick dropped Sesko to the bench in favour of reverting to a striker-less attack of Mbeumo, Amad and Cunha. The benefit of those three players starting together is that the attack is fluid and dynamic.
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The downside is that United lack a focal point and presence in the box, which was seen on several occasions throughout the first half when nobody was there to get onto the end of brilliant crosses.
Frustration began to build, and Dalot waved his arms as if to say ‘nobody was there’ when he played a superb cross into the box from the right after the 20-minute mark. Mbeumo and Amad did not anticipate it, which allowed Villa to easily clear a really threatening delivery into the box.
Amad came closest to scoring in the first half when winning a header from a corner, which required a decent save from Martinez, but you cannot expect a 5ft 7in player to win many headers, never mind score them.
Appreciation for Maguire
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Maguire is out of contract at the end of the season, and Carrick hinted last month that he wanted to keep him at the club. Talks have been ongoing over a new deal for the defender, who has played a crucial role at the heart of the team since Carrick was appointed in January.
It’s important for United to retain Maguire’s experience in the dressing room, but his strong performances are the main reason why he deserves a new contract. The 33-year-old continues to operate at a high level and the Stretford End showed their appreciation for Maguire in the first half.
Ollie Watkins chased a ball over the top and Leny Yoro wasn’t the favourite to win the race, but Maguire sensed the danger, got across and got his teammate out of a sticky situation.
The Stretford End roared as Maguire thwarted the danger, and “UNITED, UNITED, UNITED,” was aired. Maguire won the battle against Watkins and must be kept this summer.
