Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy hands the ball to running back Aaron Jones Sr. during first-quarter action against the Baltimore Ravens at U.S. Bank Stadium on Nov. 9, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Minnesota leaned on its ground game early while easing pressure on the rookie quarterback. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
A few waves of NFL free agency remain, but out of the gate for the Minnesota Vikings, the club added a new quarterback and cornerback. And while the club wasn’t as active as in years past, onlookers learned a lot along the way.
Minnesota’s first week revealed more than one roster clue heading toward April.
Free agency will sputter out in the next couple of weeks, and then it’s on to the draft in late April.
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The QB Move, Cap Discipline, and Punter Void Molded Minnesota’s Early Plan
The major takeaways from the first week of Vikings free agency.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) celebrates on the field after Arizona’s overtime victory against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, on September 18, 2022, following a dramatic comeback that sealed the 29–23 win in an AFC–NFC matchup. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports.
1. It Was Kyler Murray after All
When it became apparent in late December that J.J. McCarthy was not durable and that his performance lacked consistency, it seemed likely that Minnesota would find another quarterback in the offseason, at least to compete with McCarthy in the summer of 2026.
Some said that might be Mac Jones. Others whispered Malik Willis. Many banged the drum on Kirk Cousins. Aaron Rodgers maintains a bizarre fan base among Vikings enthusiasts. The Vikings had options — about 30 of them from free agency and via trade — for the quarterback to challenge McCarthy.
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Then, the Arizona Cardinals made Murray available for free, creating a no-brainer to end all no-brainers. The Vikings pounced and faced very little pushback because the whole league just knew that Murray would pick Kevin O’Connell’s team.
And here we are: Murray is the other quarterback.
USA Today‘s Tyler Dragon on Murray to Minnesota: “The NFC North just got a lot more competitive. The division has had a different winner the last two seasons, and the Vikings, Bears, Packers and Lions have each won at least one division title since 2021. There’s no clearcut favorite for the upcoming season.”
“The Vikings offense averaged an NFC-worst 166 passing yards per game a year ago, and they had just one game with at least 300 yards passing. In Week 17 with Max Brosmer under center, the Vikings miraculously won with a meager three net passing yards. It was the fewest passing yards in a win in franchise history. Kyler Murray has a career average of 235 passing yards per game, and the two-time Pro Bowler has produced a career 92.2 passer rating.”
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2. The Vikings Like Their Core of Players from Last Year
Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski said before free agency, “We’ve spent a lot of money the last two years in free agency. And so our goal is going to be to keep our core in place, and that’s going to involve making some difficult decisions on some players, which you deal with on a daily basis.”
“But I think for the most part, our goal is going to be to draft and develop and to retain our core, and supplement with free agency. It just makes logical sense that that bill’s coming due. We do have to navigate it, and navigate it responsibly.”
He wasn’t kidding.
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Brzezinski added two new players in the first five days of free agency: Murray and cornerback James Pierre. The Vikings like their roster as-is.
3. The 2027 Offseason Will Remain Flexible
The byproduct of not spending big? Well, Minnesota won’t be hamstrung next offseason, as would have been the case if it spent big on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. For example, the Vikings could’ve signed center Tyler Linderbaum for $27 million per year or Malik Willis at $22.5 million — and then next year at this time, the piggybank would be barren.
Minnesota Vikings executive Rob Brzezinski speaks with Vikings.com’s Gabe Henderson during a sit-down interview discussing organizational philosophy and front-office strategy on February 17, 2022, outlining Minnesota’s leadership structure and the hiring of head coach Kevin O’Connell during the in-depth digital segment. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
Because the club evidently enjoys its core, the 2027 offseason is now flexible. Brzezinski or a new general manager can spend more freely, which may be important if the franchise learns that Murray is the real deal or if it’s starting from scratch with a new head coach.
4. A New Punter Is Needed
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Wright signed a four-year deal with the New Orleans Saints, a change for Wright that Vikings fans didn’t see coming. They thought he’d re-sign in Minnesota as a no-brainer.
The club needs a new punter, likely a rookie from this list:
Ryan Eckley (Michigan State)
Tommy Doman (Florida)
Ross James (Oregon)
Tyler Perkins (Iowa State)
Jack Stonehouse (Syracuse)
Brett Thorson (Georgia)
Tyler White (Texas A&M)
Perhaps a bigger question, however, is who will hold. Will Reichard has become a fan favorite in Minnesota and one of the NFL’s best kickers by 2025, a welcome change given the franchise’s history of kicking woes. With Wright, a reliable holder, now gone, the Vikings are back to square one.
Georgia Bulldogs punter Brett Thorson (92) kicks the ball during first-half action against the Texas Longhorns in the SEC Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on December 7, 2024, as Georgia’s special teams unit executes field-position strategy in the high-stakes conference title matchup. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images.
Finding a new holder and integrating them with Reichard in Eagan sometime in May or June isn’t a crisis, but it is a necessity.
Minnesota had a successful field goal and extra point operation with Reichard and Wright. Now, they need to replace Wright.
5. Must Nail the Draft
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The Vikings have set themselves up for a high-stakes draft. In the last four, former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah largely bungled the process, hitting on about 15% to 20% of picks — an unacceptable percentage that will ruin a team in a hurry.
Because Minnesota didn’t splash loudly in free agency — aside from Murray — it must connect on the nine draft picks in April. It’s mandatory.
The days of trashy draft classes must end. If Brzezinski produces an Adofo-Mensah-style draft, the Vikings will probably be headed to their version of a rebuild. The incoming crop is required to contribute, at least the players selected in Rounds 1 through 4.
An U-19 World Cup winner at 14, batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi now has his eyes set on winning the Indian Premier League title for Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming season. Sooyavanshi took the IPL 2025 by storm by becoming the tournament’s youngest centurion, and earlier this year, his 80-ball 175-run knock in the final against England propelled India to a record-extending sixth U-19 World Cup title in Harare. He is now focussed on the IPL. “The goal this IPL season is to win the trophy for the team, as it is a very important thing. I want to do well, and my performance will help the whole team. This is my goal — to contribute to RR’s wins and win the trophy for the franchise,” Sooryavanshi told broadcaster Star Sports on the sidelines of the BCCI Naman Awards on Sunday.
Known for his explosive batting, Sooryavanshi met his World Cup-winning teammates at the awards function.
“(It) feels really nice. Won a trophy as well for India at the World Cup. Because of this award ceremony, feeling nice to meet my teammates and coaches again here,” the teen sensation said.
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Sooryavanshi became the youngest player to sign an IPL contract when Rajasthan Royals picked up the then 13-year-old in 2024 for Rs 1.1 crore.
The youngster from Bihar recalled his early days with the RR scouts.
“When I made my domestic debut, RR had been keeping an eye on me during my domestic and Under-19 games. Their scouting team had been keeping an eye on me for a long time. I felt that I could go to RR because my trial with them had gone very well,” he said.
“I am happy to be with RR, as I have improved a lot too in my life while playing for them.” Sooryavanshi said he has learned a lot from the legendary Rahul Dravid and other seniors in the team.
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“For any youngster, the first IPL camp is always interesting and it was the same for me too.
“Rahul (Dravid) sir was there at that time, so I got to learn a lot from him. There were a lot of senior players in the team, and I had a good learning experience from them during the first camp as well as the first IPL,” he said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Man Utd fans made their feelings over Casemiro clear as they chanted for the Brazilian to stay for another season during the 3-1 win against Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick still expects Casemiro to leave Manchester United this summer, despite leaving open the possibility that an effort could be made to try and tempt the Brazilian to stay.
Both parties have come to the decision that the 34-year-old will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of this season, but his recent form has been exceptional and he was involved in all three goals as United beat Aston Villa 3-1.
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Casemiro headed in the opener and then played key passes in the build-up to goals for Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko that strengthened United’s grip on a Champions League place.
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The former Real Madrid midfielder has started all nine games under Carrick so far and is playing some of the best football of his four-year stay at Old Trafford, but he is on £350,000-a-week and a departure this summer will help reduce the wage bill.
But the Stretford End chanted ‘one more year, one more year Casemiro’ throughout Sunday’s win and Carrick was asked whether it was possible that a U-turn would be made before the end of the season.
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“I think in some ways it’s difficult to say, I think it’s when something’s decided and in some ways the fact that it was decided makes things a little bit easier and everyone understands the situation really,” he said.
“I think the impact he’s had has been terrific, certainly since I’ve been here and working with him and his influence within the team and big moments and goals.
“It was a nice moment at the end there with the supporters and having that connection, and the respect. That was a nice moment. I think you’ll enjoy that one.”
United might save more than £18million a year in wages when Casemiro departs, but replacing him will be a mammoth task. He has seven goals in the Premier League this season and has recovered his form to be one of the division’s standout holding midfielders.
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As a five-time Champions League winner for Real Madrid, he also brings bags of experience to the club, but Carrick played down the idea that replacing him would be an almost impossible task.
“I think this is totally no disrespect to Case, he’s been fantastic, he has been a big player for us and has been important in the dressing room and one that I have spoken to and connected with really well,” he said.
“But I think as a club and as a team, your players come and go, some may be bigger, some may be more important than others at different times.
“I don’t think it’s ever really about replacing them like for like, I think you can go with different directions, you understand what the balance of the squad will need, whether that’s on the pitch, off the pitch leadership, positionally, there’s all sorts of different things going into it.
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“Case’s done some really, really good things and certainly since I’ve been here he’s been an absolute pleasure to work with.”
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray speaks with reporters after signing with the franchise during 2026 NFL free agency, addressing the media in Eagan on March 12, 2026 as the team introduced its new starting signal-caller. Murray discussed the transition, expectations, and his first impressions of Minnesota’s roster. Mandatory Credit: YouTube
The first mighty domino has fallen in the Minnesota Vikings’ offseason, as the main part of free agency is over. Of course, Minnesota didn’t do much in the first couple of days, until it netted its big-fish quarterback from the Arizona Cardinals.
Minnesota has made a few sharp moves already, with April still on deck.
The offseason still has a long way to go, but here are the best decisions to date, and they’re not too controversial.
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Three Early Calls Already Strengthened Minnesota’s Outlook
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores watches the action from the sideline during first-half play against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on October 24, 2024, as Minnesota’s defense works through adjustments during the interconference matchup. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
1. Retaining Brian Flores
Had Flores walked — the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers interviewed for then-vacant head coaching jobs — the Vikings would’ve started from scratch on defense during the Kyler Murray seasons. Keeping him paved the way for Minnesota to contend for the Super Bowl in 2026.
Flores’s defense became the driving force behind Minnesota’s 2025 campaign, propelling them to nine wins after a rocky 4–8 start. This resurgence was largely due to Flores’s scheme, which consistently manufactured pressure, created confusion, and generated favorable field position.
The overall statistics underscore Flores’s impact. Over the past two seasons, Minnesota led the NFL in EPA per play allowed. In 2025 alone, Flores’ unit ranked third in EPA/Play, trailing only the Seattle Seahawks and Houston Texans.
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Flores’ coaching performance in Minnesota is impressive, as evidenced by the following rankings:
1st in Pass Rush Win Rate
2nd in Yards Allowed
3rd in Defense DVOA
3rd in EPA/Play
4th in Defensive 3rd-Down Conversion Percentage
7th in Points Allowed
The results speak volumes, and Minnesota rewarded Flores for the turnaround with a $6 million-per-year extension, signaling the team’s belief that his defense is crucial to their future success.
The newfound Murray-infused momentum would be tainted without Flores back in the saddle.
2. Firing Kwesi Adofo-Mensah
In four drafts, the Vikings only truly hit on about 5-6 rookies: Jordan Addison, Will Reichard, Dallas Turner, Jalen Nailor, Levi Drake Rodriguez, and perhaps Donovan Jackson.
The verdict is still out on these men (or the verdict is just plain bad):
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Brian Asamoah
Gavin Bartholomew
Mekhi Blackmon
Andrew Booth
Ty Chandler
Lewis Cine
Akayleb Evans
Tai Felton
Jaren Hall
Ed Ingram
Kobe King
Vederian Lowe
DeWayne McBride
J.J. McCarthy
Nick Muse
Esezi Otomewo
Jaquelin Roy
That’s about roughly a 20% success rate if the person counting is in a generous mood, calling Jackson and Drake Rodriguez hits.
The success rate was not conducive to Super Bowl team-building. And when Adofo-Mensah swung and missed on expensive free agents like Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen last offseason, well, the roster aged rather quickly and became less formidable.
Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah looks on from the sideline during pregame warmups at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on September 14, 2025, as Minnesota prepares for kickoff during an early-season matchup on its home field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
What’s more, that’s all on top of letting Sam Darnold leave in free agency for a Lombardi trophy in Seattle. Adofo-Mensah had too many curiously bad decisions, on top of a dreadful draft record, to keep his job.
Minnesota needed a change, if only to give someone more competent a chance to draft players. The draft is the only place in sports for teams to get players for free.
3. Signing Kyler Murray for $1.3 Million
Across a 17-game sample, Murray averages about 4,000 passing yards, 600 rushing yards, and 30 total touchdowns, along with the fifth-most accurate completion percentage in NFL history.
Yeah, the Vikings got that guy for cheaper than a long snapper’s contract.
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Murray grew up as a Vikings fan, so it wasn’t difficult to woo him. Ultimately, though, Minnesota landed the perfect guy to partner with J.J. McCarthy this season, and a two-time Pro Bowler at that. The NFL considered Murray the single-hottest quarterback prospect in the world seven years ago; now that guy plays for the Vikings.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray escapes pressure and accelerates into open space during second-half action against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on December 28, 2024, extending the play with his trademark mobility as Arizona’s offense searches for a spark late in the divisional matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images.
ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss on Murray to Minnesota: “Murray has a ton to prove. His time in Arizona was unfulfilled from both production and win standpoints. He has heard all the criticism over the years that he’s too small or runs too much or doesn’t run enough or can’t win the big games ÿ and he’s ready to show the rest of the NFL that he can, indeed, be a productive quarterback.”
“Losing as much as he has — 38-48-1 in seven NFL seasons — hasn’t been easy on Murray. Although he has become accustomed to the fact that losing is part of the NFL, he never got used to the act of losing. Murray wants to play for a team where he can win quickly and believe he has the infrastructure — on the field and organizationally — to do that, according to a source.”
Minnesota pulled off an offseason masterclass by getting Murray for the league’s version of free. It’s actually unbelievable that cosmos allowed Murray to shimmy to Kevin O’Connell’s team.
WWE Superstar Angel recently interacted with several fans on social media. In one of those interactions, the Los Garza member responded to a fan asking why he re-signed with the Stamford-based wrestling promotion.
Following his recent in-ring appearance on the latest edition of Friday Night SmackDown, Angel took to X (formerly Twitter) to post a picture of himself and Garza inside the squared circle. The former NXT Cruiserweight Champion noted that Los Garza keep on fighting for their legacy.
Thanks for the submission!
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Several users responded to the tweet, leading to back-and-forth between Angel and the fans. As the SmackDown star noted that Los Garza needed more TV time to establish a connection with the fans, a fan asked why they re-signed with the company instead of returning to a Mexican promotion.
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Angel noted that had they done so, he would have been earning one-tenth of the money he was making in World Wrestling Entertainment. The former WWE 24/7 Champion noted that life was not just about pro wrestling and he had to take care of his family.
Power Struggle Between Roman & Triple H? Check Here!
“But making 1/10 of the money… because life isn’t just about wrestling. I’m a man, a father, and I’ll fight for my family’s future no matter what. 👊,” Angel wrote.
You can check out his tweet below:
Angel and Berto have yet to win a WWE match in 2026
Los Garza wrestled their first match of the year on Friday Night SmackDown on the March 6 episode of the show. The two contested in a Tag Team Turmoil Match to determine the number one contenders for the WWE Tag Team Championship. They eliminated Fraxiom and The Wyatt Sicks’ Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis but were ousted by the eventual winners, Damian Priest and R-Truth.
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In their second match of the year, Angel and Berto locked horns against Damian Priest and R-Truth in a traditional tag team match the following week. The two put forth an impressive performance but once again fell short against the newly formed tag team.
Los Garza returned to WWE programming after an absence of 5 months. It will be interesting to see what plans the company has for the duo heading into WrestleMania 42.
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Taskin Ahmed stars with 4/49 as Bangladesh beat Pakistan
Bangladesh edged past Pakistan by 11 runs in a nail-biting third ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Sunday, clinching the three-match series 2-1.Electing to bat first, Bangladesh posted a challenging 290/5 in their 50 overs, largely thanks to a masterful century from Tanzid Hasan Tamim. His elegant strokeplay anchored the innings and set the platform for a competitive total.
Gautam Gambhir reflects on India’s World Cup win and backing Sanju Samson in the tournament
Support came from Litton Das, who contributed a steady 41, while Towhid Hridoy added a crucial 48, helping maintain momentum during the middle overs. Timely acceleration in the final stages ensured Bangladesh set a target that would test Pakistan’s chase.Pakistan fought hard in response, with Salman Agha delivering a valiant century to keep his side in contention. Key contributions also came from Saad Masood (38) and Shaheen Afridi (37), but the chase ultimately fell short as Bangladesh bowlers struck at pivotal moments.Taskin Ahmed led the attack with precision, claiming four wickets, while Mustafizur Rahman supported with three scalps, restricting Pakistan to 279 and securing a thrilling 11-run victory. The win handed Bangladesh the series and capped off an intense contest after two one-sided games earlier.Reflecting on the win, Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz said, “It was definitely an excellent match. I was also a bit nervous, especially in the last over when 14 runs were required. Everyone feels that pressure. The wicket played well, and although 300 would have been ideal, 290 was still competitive. Amim, Shankal, and Tawhid played really well, and the boys executed brilliantly under pressure.”
Roy Keane has delivered his verdict on whether Michael Carrick should be given the permanent Manchester United head coach role after Sunday’s win against Aston Villa
20:41, 15 Mar 2026Updated 20:49, 15 Mar 2026
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Roy Keane has doubled down on his opinion that Michael Carrick should not be the next permanent Manchester United head coach. Carrick, 44, has done an excellent job since returning to Old Trafford on an interim basis in mid-January, winning seven and drawing one of his nine matches in charge.
It’s a run of form that has seen United move up to third in the Premier League table and put them in a strong position to secure Champions League qualification for next season. But while the Reds have enjoyed a drastic uptick in form since Carrick’s appointment, Keane does not think he is the right man to lead the club full-time.
When asked if he would appoint Carrick as United’s permanent manager in the summer, Keane said on Sky Sports: “No, I think there are better options out there.
“I think the games that he has come in, he has won football matches and done a very good job. He has simplified things, but there has been no jeopardy in those games. They’ve had free weeks to prepare for those matches, it has been good timing for him, and he has done a very good job. I take my hat off to him.
“And if he does get the job in the summer, good luck to him. But I think there are far better options out there for the next manager of Man United. If Carrick had been mentioned three months ago as the next United manager you’d have been locked up. He wasn’t even in the reckoning! But with time he has got the opportunity and he has done a very good job. I just think there are better options out there.”
Meanwhile, ex-United forward Rooney shared a different opinion to Keane. Indeed, the 40-year-old told BBC 5 Live that he would give Carrick the full-time gig at the end of the season. “100 per cent he should,” Rooney responded, when asked if Carrick should be given the permanent role.
“I knew this was going happen with Michael Carrick, I know him very well, I know his character and personality,” Rooney continued. “It needed a calm head, but someone who knows the place and the players needed some love and he’s give them that. We’re seeing the players play with more quality, we’re seeing them more together as a team and they look like a very strong team.
“So, for me, why would you change? You’ve got someone come in who’s got I think the best win percentage of any Manchester United manager after that many games, so, for me, he has to get the job.”
Keane and Rooney were speaking after United further strengthened their Champions League hopes with a deserved 3-1 win against Aston Villa on Sunday. The Reds took the lead just after half-time through Casemiro but were pegged back as Villa equalised when Ross Barkley thundered a shot past Senne Lammens.
But Carrick’s side showed character and responded by going back in front as Matheus Cunha fired home before Benjamin Sesko wrapped up the win with a late strike.
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“We can enjoy winning,” Carrick said post-match. “It’s a good feeling and something we want to keep getting used to. “We are keeping a lid on it and understanding where we are and what it takes to win games like today. We are in a good position at the moment but still a lot to play for.”
Ex-United midfielder Keane first claimed that he doesn’t think Carrick should be the club’s next permanent head coach after his second game back in January. Speaking following a 3-2 win at Arsenal, Keane praised the impact Carrick made after back-to-back wins but felt he isn’t the “right man for the job”.
“Two great performances but anyone can win two games,” Keane said at the time. If United win every game until the end of the season, I still wouldn’t be giving him the job. I still wouldn’t be convinced he’s the man for the job. Absolutely not. They need a bigger and better manager. The size of the club and the challenges they face over the next few years, you want a manager who you feel can get them winning league titles.
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“Are we going to sit here and believe Michael Carrick can get United winning league titles? It’s not enough for me. I don’t believe he is the man to get them winning league titles.”
Next up for United is a trip to Bournemouth on Friday night. They would move six points clear of fourth-place Aston Villa, eight above Liverpool in fifth and six ahead of Chelsea in sixth with a win at the Vitality Stadium.
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Mohun Bagan Super Giant have begun their 2025-26 Indian Super League campaign in emphatic fashion, winning all four of their opening matches and then drawing with Bengaluru FC which has quickly established themselves as one of the strongest contenders for the title.
The Mariners have adapted seamlessly to the tactical approach introduced by head coach Sergio Lobera, whose attacking philosophy has helped the team produce fluid, entertaining football. Their early results have not only highlighted their attacking firepower but also their tactical cohesion, which has allowed them to dominate opponents in the opening phase of the season.
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Lobera’s attacking system bringing immediate results
Since taking charge, Lobera has implemented a more dynamic attacking structure that focuses on quick ball movement, high pressing and creating consistent chances in the final third. The system encourages creative players to operate behind the striker, allowing the team to build attacks more effectively.
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This tactical tweak has given Mohun Bagan a more balanced attacking setup, enabling them to control games while constantly threatening opposition defenses. The presence of creative players like Dimitri Petratos and Jason Cummings has ensured that the Mariners maintain a steady supply of opportunities in dangerous areas.
Jamie Maclaren leading the goal-scoring charts
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A major beneficiary of Lobera’s system has been Australian striker Jamie Maclaren. The forward has enjoyed a sensational start to the campaign, scoring seven goals in the first fivematches and moving to the top of the league’s goal-scoring charts.
Maclaren’s early-season form represents a significant improvement from the previous campaign, when he managed 12 goals in 25 appearances. The difference this season lies largely in how he is being utilised within Lobera’s setup, which allows him to focus on his strengths as a clinical finisher inside the penalty area.
Greater freedom in the penalty area
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Unlike last season, when Maclaren was often required to drop deep to support build-up play, Lobera’s system allows the striker to remain higher up the pitch. With Petratos and Cummings taking on creative responsibilities, Maclaren can concentrate on positioning himself in dangerous areas.
This tactical freedom has allowed the striker to make sharper runs, anticipate deliveries into the box and consistently get into goal-scoring positions. His improved movement has made it increasingly difficult for defenders to track him.
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Improved service in the final third
Another key factor behind Mohun Bagan’s attacking success has been the quality of service reaching their striker. Under Lobera, the team is more focused on delivering the ball into central attacking areas rather than relying on speculative attempts from distance.
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As a result, Maclaren is receiving better passes inside the penalty area and more through balls that exploit defensive gaps. The improved understanding between the striker and his teammates has significantly increased his number of goal-scoring opportunities.
Early signs of a title contender
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Mohun Bagan’s strong start suggests that Lobera’s tactical blueprint is already yielding results. The combination of a well-structured attacking system and Maclaren’s clinical finishing has made the Mariners one of the most dangerous teams in the league.
If they continue to maintain this momentum, Mohun Bagan could once again find themselves firmly in the race for the ISL title by the end of the season.
The Duke Blue Devils, led by Cameron Boozer, were the No. 1 overall seed and the top team in the East Region.
. Boozer is averaging 22.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game and could be the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft should he declare. Duke is in the top left quadrant of the bracket.
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The Florida Gators are the defending champions and enter the tournament as the No. 1 seed in the South Region. Florida didn’t get the SEC title this year, but were 26-7. Thomas Haugh is leading the team with 17.1 points per game.
Duke forward Cameron Boozer, right, looks to drive against Virginia guard Malik Thomas (1) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament in Charlotte, North Carolina, Saturday, March 14, 2026.(AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
The Arizona Wildcats were named the No. 1 seed in the West Region. The Wildcats won the Big 12 Championship and are 32-2. Brayden Burries leads the team with 15.9 points per game this season. Arizona is in the top right quadrant of the bracket.
The Michigan Wolverines didn’t win the Big Ten Championship, but still earned the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region. Michigan is 31-3 this season and led by Yaxel Lendeborg, who has 14.4 points and 1.2 steals per game.
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Texas will take on NC State for the No. 11 seed in the West Region while Miami (Ohio) and SMU will compete for the No. 11 seed in the Midwest Region.
UMBC will take on Howard for the No. 16 seed in the Midwest Region. Prairie View A&M wll go up against Lehigh for the No. 16 seed in the South Region
The First Four matchups are set for Tuesday and Wednesday nights. The field of 64 will start competing against each other on Thursday and continuing on Friday. The Final Four matchups will begin April 4 and the championship will be played on April 6.
UConn forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) attempts to drive past St. John’s forward Zuby Ejiofor (24) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Big East tournament, Saturday, March 14, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Arizona’s Brayden Burries reacts after making a basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Houston in the championship of the Big 12 Conference tournament Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri.(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Midwest Region
1. Michigan (31-3) vs. 16. UMBC/Howard
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8. Georgia (22-10) vs. 9. Saint Louis (28-5)
5. Texas Tech (22-10) vs. 12. Akron (29-5)
4. Alabama (23-9) vs. 13. Hofstra (24-10)
6. Tennessee (22-11) vs. 11. Miami-Ohio/SMU
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3. Virginia (29-5) vs. 14. Wright State (23-11)
7. Kentucky (21-13) vs. 10. Santa Clara (26-8)
2. Iowa State (27-7) vs. 15. Tennessee State (23-9)
Lewis Hamilton says he is “incredibly grateful” to Ferrari for letting him guide the development of the car that put him back on a Grand Prix podium for the first time since 2024.
Hamilton’s third-place finish at the Chinese Grand Prix followed a race-long battle with teammate Charles Leclerc and what Hamilton called “just a kiss” of contact between the pair.
It ended a long wait for a finish in the top three for Hamilton in a full Formula 1 race since his blockbuster move from Mercedes, which took the win Sunday with the driver who replaced him at the team, Kimi Antonelli.
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“To see them listen and put some of those things that I’d asked for on the car I’m just incredibly grateful to them for listening on that side of things,” Hamilton said.
“It just makes you feel more united with everyone because you’re moving in the same direction. I’m looking forward to getting back next week to (Ferrari HQ in) Maranello and seeing everybody. Big, big push.”
Hamilton’s first year with Ferrari was full of frustration as he and the team failed to get to grips with a car that was very sensitive to setup changes, except for a sprint race win in China a year ago. Ferrari failed to win a single Grand Prix all year.
At times, Hamilton blamed himself, even suggesting in August the team consider a driver change after he was far off Leclerc’s qualifying pace. He’s said a big part of preparing for 2026 was to come back with a fresh mindset.
Ferrari’s fast-starting car helped Hamilton to charge past Antonelli into the lead at the start Sunday, but holding onto that place proved too difficult against a Mercedes pair with what’s widely considered to be the best all-round car on the grid. Hamilton said Ferrari would double down on working to out-develop Mercedes for the rest of the year.
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“It’s really special to see them back at the front, because this is a phenomenal team. And I know we’ve got our work cut out to beat them, because when they’re on form like this, it’s not easy to beat,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton was Russell’s teammate and helped mentor Antonelli before his debut. Also on the podium as Mercedes representative was Hamilton’s longtime race engineer Peter “Bono” Bonnington, who now works with Antonelli.
“It’s like sitting here with my whole family, so that’s great,” Hamilton said.
