15 * SPORTS theSUN ON FRIDAY | OCTOBER 13, 2023 /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK SCAN ME Devils Casemiro puzzle Manchester United midfielder exposed, isolated and bypassed THE defenders have got more Premier League assists than the midfielders and the forwards have between them. The defensive midfielders have three times as many League goals as the many forwards have mustered. Welcome to Manchester United, where few things go quite as planned, where Saturday’s spectacular salvage job from a fan who has been on the books for two decades involved a brace from Scott McTominay, not Marcus Rashford. They trailed for an hour against Brentford. It is the sort of scenario in which managers rarely replace their top scorer. Yet as their leading marksman is another defensive midfielder, Casemiro, that was not the most notable element of his halftime removal. Nor, even, was it Erik ten Hag’s somewhat brutal explanation for introducing Christian Eriksen. “I wanted more football,” the United manager said. “Someone who brings passing and link-up play.” The Brazilian had brought passing: he passed the ball to Bryan Mbeumo to set Brentford on their way to an opener, a goal for which he arguably made three mistakes. And yet the pertinent part was simply the fact he was taken off. Ten Hag’s talismen are no longer untouchables. Rashford has been taken off in the last three games, each at a point when United needed a goal. And if this suggests that neither status nor last season’s excellence can protect them forever, it is also an indication that each ranks among this season’s disappointments. All of which meant Casemiro’s status as an award winner was revealing of a wider malaise at Old Trafford. He had won September’s player-of-themonth prize with a whopping 70% of the vote. Perhaps a tour de force in the Carabao Cup victory over Crystal Palace, along with some recency bias, helped. Maybe a brace against Bayern Munich did, too, though it came too late to be relevant. Yet it pointed to a lack of alternatives: by Casemiro’s standards, he did not play well in September. Casemiro’s two appearances this month have ended early: sent off against Galatasaray, hauled off against Brentford, there were two warning signs. If his red card in the Champions League owed much to Andre Onana, with Casemiro’s desperate slide at Dries Mertens coming after the goalkeeper had coughed up possession, it nevertheless felt symbolic. Casemiro’s tackling technique means he goes to the ground too often. As he is getting slower, he is likelier to foul. His growing immobility provides a concern that this is not just a loss of form or an issue with United’s tactics. There is the opportunity to look for more solidity by pairing Casemiro and Sofyan Amrabat in front of the back four. But there is the ticking timebomb that came with his transfer. Real Madrid pensioned Casemiro off, taking £63 million (RM365m) for a player in his thirties. He has almost three years left on one of the biggest contracts in United’s history. He would not be the first player to be paid to decline at Old Trafford; perhaps now Ten Hag has signalled to Casemiro that he has to prove he is not a fading force, that his past and his Champions Leagues are no guarantee of a place when Amrabat could play instead. – The Independent Postecoglou ‘gave up’ on fight to change Australian football TOTTENHAM manager Ange Postecoglou says he “gave up” the fight to transform Australian football, speaking of his intense frustrations as he battled to raise the profile of the sport in his home country. The former Australia men’s boss, who has taken Spurs to the top of the Premier League table since taking over in July, is pessimistic about the state of the game in the nation despite its recent hosting of the Women’s World Cup, at which the Matildas finished fourth. Postecoglou said the Asian Cup win he masterminded on home soil in 2015 “didn’t make an impact back there and that was kind of my frustration”. “When you look at what the Matildas did at the World Cup, unbelievable, but you still won’t see an influx of resources to the game. You won’t. I guarantee it,” he added ahead of Australia’s friendly match against England at Wembley tomorrow (2.45am Malaysian time). “They’ll build stadiums and other codes will use them. I just don’t think the nation as a whole has that inside them to understand you can make an impact on the world of football but it requires a kind of nationalistic approach that I just don’t think Australians – at their core – are really interested in.” Postecoglou said it was difficult for football to compete against established sports such as Australian rules football, rugby league and rugby union. The 58-year-old also does not expect his high-profile appointment in England to change the landscape of football in Australia. “I don’t. I don’t know and maybe that’s just me, not being cynical, but I gave up that fight,” he explained. “It’s a much easier space for me to live in because I was so frustrated for so long. It was my biggest frustration. One of my major drivers for doing what I did was to do that – to change football in Australia and that’s the reason I left. “I felt I hadn’t made an impact at all. That’s easier for me to deal with than to think maybe I still can now with what I’m doing. I just think I’d be disappointed, so I’d prefer to think it’s not going to happen.” Postecoglou walked away from the Socceroos job after helping them qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. – AFP BELGIUM’S stand-in captain Romelu Lukaku said he would welcome Thibaut Courtois back into the national team with open arms after the goalkeeper walked out of the squad in June. Overlooked for the stand-in captain’s role, Courtois refused to play in June’s European Championship qualifier against Estonia, according to coach Domenico Tedesco who this week said he had since had no contact with the Real Madrid goalkeeper. Courtois tore knee ligaments and underwent surgery in August, delaying any resolution, but earlier this week Belgium fullback Timothy Castagne said he did not think Courtois could return to the squad without any explanation. Lukaku, however, expressed a different opinion on Wednesday. “I mean from the bottom of my heart: we must put what happened behind us. The day Thibaut decides to return, he will simply return. If that happens, he will still be of great value,” he told a press conference. “Thibaut will then answer for himself in the dressing room. You know, I would like to call on the media not to constantly write that Thibaut Courtois or any other player said this or did that. We need to put those matters to rest. “I wish Thibaut a good rehabilitation, that is the most important thing now, and if he returns, I will be the first to welcome him with open arms,” added Lukaku. Lukaku was chosen ahead of Courtois as captain in June, standing in for the injured Kevin De Bruyne. In a newspaper interview earlier this week, Castagne questioned whether the spirit of the squad should be sacrificed for one player, even if he was one of the world’s top keepers. “It would be strange if Thibaut came back as if nothing had happened. It is a problem to be resolved between him and the coach. If he no longer wants to come, it will be his choice,” he told the French language daily Le Soir. But Castagne has since apologised for the comments and spoken to Courtois. “I did not have my hand slapped for this interview, but my timing was not right. I’ve also talked about it with Thibaut. What was said there? That remains between us.” – Reuters Lukaku backs Belgium return for Courtois Benzema tempted by Saudi football project KARIM BENZEMA was lured by Saudi Arabia’s “huge project” and the fact it is a Muslim country when he decided to end a trophy-laden stint with Real Madrid to move to Al-Ittihad, the French striker said on Wednesday. Benzema became one of many big names to move to the Saudi Pro League when he joined Al-Ittihad as a free agent in June, signing a deal reportedly worth more than €100m (RM501m) after ending his glittering 14-year stay at Real. “When the football project started here, it seemed like a huge project in all respects, and I wanted to be a part of it and help advance the game in Saudi Arabia, and this is one of the reasons that made me come here,” Benzema said in an interview with the Saudi Pro League, posted on messaging platform X. “Also, Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country and they welcomed me with open hands, and I felt loved immediately. As a Muslim when you are in Mecca you feel at peace… it is an exceptional place. “There is a lot of passion and football history here and I am happy with the level of the game. I am really surprised by the level in Saudi Arabia because in Europe we don’t watch a lot of football matches here,” the 35-yearold added. “But now there are lots of people (in Europe) who are watching the Saudi league after many big names were brought in.” US ready to prove mettle: McKennie THE US men’s national team are ready to show they can beat the world’s top teams, midfielder Weston McKennie said yesterday, as they prepare to face Germany in a home friendly on Sunday (3am Malaysian time). The Americans play the four-times champions in East Hartford, Connecticut, in what may be a rare opportunity to face a major European power before co-hosting the 2026 World Cup. “We always compared ourselves in terms of, you know, we wanted to compete with top-level countries,” McKennie told reporters. “We expect ourselves to win these games now instead of just competing with them.” They head into Sunday’s game on a 13-match unbeaten streak with another friendly against Ghana set for Wednesday in Nashville, Tennessee. The Americans have claimed a spot at the 2026 tournament as co-hosts. “It’s a great opportunity to kind of see where we’re at,” said McKennie. Luton sign Townsend LUTON TOWN have signed winger Andros Townsend on a short-term contract until January, the Premier League club said on Wednesday. The 32-year-old, who also played for Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace, joins Luton after two seasons at Everton. “Andros has undoubted Premier League quality, which he has shown in this league and on the international stage,” coach Rob Edwards told the club website. “Of course, he has had a difficult period with injury through no fault of his own - and we wouldn’t be able to sign him if he’d had played in the last 18 months. “However, we’re in a position to help each other: he can come in and give everything, bring out those technical qualities to help us and we can give him a platform to show everyone what he’s all about.” SHORTS █ RICHARD JOLLY Casemiro
theSun is published and printed by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd (221220-K) of Lot 6, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7783 7435 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: [email protected] • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [email protected] or download app from the App Store or Google PlayTM . Read iPaper at www.thesundaily.my Free access to iPaper PDF Download SCAN ME FRIDAY • OCTOBER 13, 2023 Timing of international break ‘annoying’ for Spurs, says Maddison JAMES MADDISON is aiming to impress on England duty this week – but admits the international break has come at an “annoying” time with Tottenham sat atop the Premier League. The summer signing from relegated Leicester has hit the ground running in north London, scoring twice and assisting five times in the opening eight league games of the new season. Maddison’s form has played a key part in Ange Postecoglou’s men setting the pace heading into the second international window of the campaign, with Spurs edging out neighbours Arsenal at the top of the division by virtue of goals scored. Asked if he was in the form of his life, the 26- year-old told BBC Radio 5Live: “Potentially, I feel really good to be honest. “I feel at the top of my game, and that is contributing to wins at the minute, and we have started the season really well, and we have got a good momentum. “The international break has probably come at a bit of an annoying time in a way. “You would never, ever not want to represent your country, because I always say it is the pinnacle when I am away with England, but if I’ve got my club head on, we’re in good form, we’re in good momentum, we are unbeaten in the League in eight. “We came back after the last international break and hit the ground running again and won late against Sheffield United in brilliant circumstances. Hopefully we can do the same off the back of this one and continue the form.” Maddison was part of the England squad that reached the quarterfinals of the World Cup in Qatar last winter but, due to a niggling knee injury, failed to make an appearance. Having made his senior England debut in November 2019, the former Coventry and Norwich man would have to wait until the Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine earlier this year to pick up a second cap. Since then, Maddison has started two out of three qualifying fixtures and will be keen to play a large part in the upcoming Wembley doubleheader which sees England face Australia in a friendly tomorrow before welcoming Italy for a key European Championship qualifier on Wednesday. “So much can happen in a year,” added Maddison. “Over the past year I have worked really hard and played some good stuff, I think. “Obviously, I have moved to Tottenham. I feel as though I could potentially be in the best form I have ever been in really. “And now I feel at home here (with England). I would be happy to play anywhere, when you are wearing the Three Lions there is no feeling like it to be honest. “If that means I am playing slightly out of position, then so be it. I couldn’t care less as long as I am out there. “I will try to do my best and bring the qualities that I have to any position that I play in, whether that is in the middle or left wing or right wing, wherever.” Maddison has revelled playing under new Spurs boss Postecoglou since his £40 million (RM232m) switch from Leicester. The Australian believes the 26-year-old can become equally important for his country. “There’s no reason why not. National teams are a bit funny because club form isn’t always the greatest indicator as to having a great international career,” Postecoglou said. “There’s so many other things that need to fall into line. Sometimes it’s about circumstance, opportunity, how much you get to play. “Madders has the ability to play and excel at international level. I’ve got no doubt about that. “I think one of the reasons he came to Tottenham was to show people that he’s got more layers to his game and I think he’s showing that. Hopefully that transfers to him making an impact for England.” – The Independent/ Agencies HARRY MAGUIRE admits he cannot keep just playing once a month for Manchester United but remains confident of winning back his place and helping Erik ten Hag’s team climb the table. It has been a bumpy ride since the 30- year-old starred in England’s run to the Euro 2020 final, with the defender falling down the pecking order at Old Trafford and then losing the captaincy. A widely-discussed summer move to West Ham did not materialise and settled Maguire remained at a club where he is trying to get his career back on track with next summer’s Euros looming large. Gareth Southgate has been a staunch supporter of the centreback throughout his ups and downs but admitted to concerns over his level of involvement, which the ex-United skipper is determined to improve. “I have belief in my ability and what I have done in my career as every player should,” Maguire said. “Every player who is on the bench should believe they should be starting, otherwise they wouldn’t be playing at a high level. I am no different. “Listen, it’s been tough. I want to play games. I want to feel important to the club and I want to feel important to the rest of the team. “At the moment I haven’t been playing anywhere near as much as I’d like. It’s the bottom line of it. “I’ve just got to make sure I am ready to take the opportunities when they come along.” Asked when gametime becomes an issue and, given Euro 2024 is coming up, whether that could be sooner rather than later, said: “Yeah, of course. “I mean, I’m not going to sit here all my life and play once every month and if it carries on then I’m sure myself and the club will sit down and have a chat about things. “But, honestly, at the moment I’m fully focused on two games for England, two big games. “Then I’m fully focused on fighting and trying to get back my place at Manchester United and helping the team climb up the league to where we should be.” England face Australia in a Wembley friendly tomorrow (2.45am Malaysian time) before attention turns to the crunch Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy. Maguire has kept his England place despite his struggles to break his way into Ten Hag’s line-up, making his first Premier League start of the campaign in Saturday’s 2-1 comeback win against Brentford. “It’s not my decision whether I start the next game or not,” said the defender, who provided the assist for Scott McTominay’s winner. “I’m unsure on that. I’m sure in a couple of weeks I’ll go back and find out. “Listen, if you look back on my last 15 to 20 starts for club and country, I would be happy to sit here and say ‘I’m really happy with my performances’. “My record under this manager speaks for itself. I haven’t started as many games as I’d like, but my win percentage when I’ve played is ridiculously high. “And of course there’s times when I can do more and times when I can improve and help the team, but, yeah, I’m just wanting to help the team. “I’m wanting to help the team get out of this position that we’re in at the moment and hopefully we can do that in the coming weeks.” Maguire benefitted from a string of defensive absentees as he made just his ninth Premier League start since Ten Hag arrived. The Dutchman has always spoken positively about the defender in public, saying in August that he “has the abilities to be a top-class centreback” and must “fight for his place”. “The manager can only watch training and make his decision from training and the games when I get the opportunity to play. “I’ll keep working hard, I’ll keep pushing. I have great belief in myself.” – The Independent █ SIMON PEACH Man United’s Harry Maguire reacts after committing a foul during the English Premier League match against Brentford at Old Trafford on Saturday. – AFPPIX ‘I want to play’ Maguire admits lack of matches will become an issue