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The Pakistan left-armer talks about his time at the T20 Blast, and his batting ambitions

Interview by Matt Roller07-Oct-2020Pakistan left-arm spinner Imad Wasim played nine Vitality T20 Blast matches for champions Nottinghamshire this season, taking eight wickets at an economy of 7.21. In this interview, he talks about becoming a new-ball bowler, developing a new delivery, and wanting to be recognised as an allrounder.You arrived in England in June ahead of the Test series and won’t go home until October. How have the last few months been for you?
It’s been great. I worked really hard during the Covid lockdown, so it feels like it’s paying off. I have family with me for this part of the trip, . It was tough for three months not having my family around, but it is what it is for everyone, so no complaints. I’m going back home next week to play domestic cricket – I’m missing a couple of games of the National T20 Cup but then will join my team [Northern], so I’m looking forward to playing that. And then the PSL knockouts – it’s going to be a really tough four or five months, but I’m excited to be back in Pakistan.You’ve had a strong season for Nottinghamshire, with Dan Christian using you as a new-ball bowler in the powerplay. Have you enjoyed it?
It’s been a really good season, my second year with Nottinghamshire. Dan is a really good captain. He’s been playing for a long time and he’s got a good head on his shoulders. He’s used me in different conditions and at different times, depending on the situation and the opposition, but it’s been spot on.You have become one of the world’s most experienced T20 spinners over the last five years. How did that role come about?
When I was playing domestic cricket, sometimes I would bowl an over in the powerplay – the fourth or the fifth. But when I became captain of my domestic team, it came to my mind that I should bowl the first over as well. And in first-class cricket, I would sometimes take the second new ball. It started like that and I was getting wickets regularly, so I thought: why shouldn’t I do that with the white ball as well? I started doing it in white-ball cricket and it paid off. In international cricket they gave me the new ball because I’d had a great Pakistan A tour bowling with the new ball [in 2015 against Sri Lanka]. And from there, you become a new-ball specialist just like that.

“I am an allrounder. I’m ranked No. 3 in the world [in ODIs]. I don’t want to be considered a bowler. I just want to become a allrounder”

What are the keys to successfully bowling spin in the powerplay?
With the new ball, you can’t defend. You just have to attack. You try to take wickets early on to put the opposition on the back foot straightaway. If you try to defend, they’ll get away in the powerplay – if not against you then against the other bowlers. So my role is just to go out and attack in the first couple of overs I bowl and to pick up wickets. I don’t worry too much about the runs. The next two overs, you’re looking for defence as well, depending on the situation. But with the new ball, I just try to hit the stumps and leave the rest to the batsmen. If they play a good shot, they play a good shot, but for me, it’s a “you miss, I hit” kind of thing.Even when you don’t take wickets, your economy rate is generally very good. Does that help you create pressure at the other end?
Definitely. Partnerships are the most important thing in cricket – batting or bowling. When you’re out there, your partner has to understand your game as well. Wherever I go, most teams think I’m an aggressive option, so the other bowler might think differently, which is a very good thing. I don’t think there are many aggressive spinners in the powerplay. After the powerplay, yes, there are a lot of aggressive spinners, but in the powerplay, there aren’t a lot around the world, so I’m really happy that teams think I am one of them.Do you think batsmen have started to attack you less, knowing your success in that role, and are instead starting to play you out?
Not really. You make your game plan against any bowler, of course, but the number one thing you should do as a bowler is focus on your strength. Don’t worry about what the opposition will do too much. Just stick to your strength and see how it goes from there. Obviously there will be times when you get smacked, but if you stick to your strength, you’ll be successful 60 or 70 times out of 100, which is a very good ratio in international cricket. My advice: don’t do anything different if something is working for you. For me, that is to take wickets and be aggressive.ESPNcricinfo LtdInside the powerplay, do you think lines and lengths are more important than actually trying to spin the ball?
With the new ball, I try to take the pace off, but don’t try to spin the ball. It’s really hard with the new ball, especially with only two fielders out. I get my basics right. After six overs, I’ll start to spin the ball – and I’m developing a new ball, which hopefully you’ll see next time I play international cricket if I keep working hard on it. I want to learn new balls that make me a different kind of a bowler outside the powerplay.There is more analysis available than ever in T20 cricket in particular. Some players spend hours developing specific plans based on an opponent’s strengths. Are you one of them?
I really don’t care about what’s happening outside of me. Because I’ve played a lot of international cricket, I know what opening batsmen’s strengths and weaknesses are, but I don’t think about that much. I just go out there and bowl. I have my processes, my repetitions, and I don’t worry about the batsmen. If they hit me, they hit me, but I want them to hit me with a good shot rather than me giving them a bad ball. You have to respect good shots, which do happen, but I just try to do one thing with the new ball: hit the stumps.When you were growing up, you would have watched Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis opening the bowling for Pakistan. Did you ever think that would be something you would do?
Never. I never expected it, or even thought about that in my life. Even in franchise cricket – I never expected it. God has given me this. It’s not something spinners usually do.You were stuck down at No. 8 or No. 9 for most of the T20 Blast with Nottinghamshire, and your record with the bat is much better in 50-over cricket than in T20.
I don’t think I’ve got the opportunities I want. I got them in the World Cup. In one-day cricket I’ve had the opportunities and my performances have been not bad. I’m really happy in one-day cricket with where I am, but I want to express myself more. I have more to give my country with the bat. There have been glimpses in world cricket of me doing good things as an allrounder, but in T20, I haven’t got the opportunities like that anywhere in the world. I’m really working hard on my batting. Someday I could win a big game with my batting and then people will start thinking about me as an allrounder in T20 as well as one-day cricket. I’m really hungry to score runs for my country and for franchise teams.So you consider yourself Imad Wasim, Pakistan allrounder, not Imad Wasim, Pakistan bowler?
No, no, no! I am an allrounder. I’m ranked No. 3 in the world [in ODIs]. I don’t want to be considered a bowler. I just want to become a allrounder. I’m working hard and the rest is up to God. Whenever God decides to give me fame as a batsman, just like in bowling, it will happen, .

Dominik Szoboszlai was at a loss to explain Liverpool’s dramatic 3-3 draw with Leeds United, saying he cannot “understand” how his side managed to twice throw away the lead to drop more points in the Premier League. Arguably the Reds’ best player in what has been a torrid season so far, the midfielder thought he netted the winner at Elland Road before the hosts equalised once again in stoppage time.

Liverpool were in cruise control before Konate conceded penalty

Looking to bounce back from Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with high-flying Sunderland, striker Hugo Ekitike scored twice as Liverpool took a two-goal lead early in the second half against Leeds. Handed a start ahead of fellow forward Alexander Isak, the France international netted his first league goals since bagging in September’s 2-1 victory over Everton in the Merseyside derby.

However, with Liverpool cruising in Yorkshire, defender Ibrahima Konate gave Leeds a route back into the game from the penalty spot when he brought down winger Wilfried Gnonto inside the area. Dominic Calvert-Lewin successfully converted the spot-kick before Daniel Farke’s Leeds found an equaliser just two minutes later when midfielder Anton Stach sent the home supporters into raptures.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportSzoboszlai has been rare shining light in difficult season for Reds

In a season which has seen several Liverpool players struggle to replicate their form from the 2024-25 title-winning campaign, one man who has led from the front has been midfielder Szoboszlai. Whether operating as a makeshift right-back or as a midfielder, the Hungary international has performed regardless of his position on the pitch in 2025-26.

And the former RB Leipzig ace thought he had scored the all-important winner for Liverpool when he raced into the box before coolly slotting the ball past Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri after 80 minutes.

But in a final twist in what was a breathless affair, Leeds scored a last-gasp equaliser through man-of-the-moment Ao Tanaka, who also found the back of the net in his side’s impressive 3-1 victory over Chelsea in midweek.

Hungary ace unable to explain how Liverpool conceded momentum

Understandably devastated after watching his side drop more precious points, Szoboszlai was unable to put his finger on why Liverpool conceded momentum in a game they were in complete control of.

Speaking to after the final whistle, he said: “I don't know what happened after 2-0. I think we thought the game was over and we just made sure at the beginning of the game that this is the kind of game where you can never underestimate the team. Maybe after the penalty they [Leeds] just had the momentum. We came back which showed a good reaction but we conceded again from a set-piece which is not the nicest way.

“I don't know [if there is a confidence issue], maybe you're right but after 2-2 we showed a great reaction and showed our mentality. We knew we made a mistake by letting them come back to 2-2 but I have nothing to say about the result."

When asked what was said in the Liverpool dressing room after the game, Szoboszlai added: “What is in the dressing room stays in the dressing room, it is not for the public. We have to manage it, we have to find solutions.

“I can always come up with the opportunity on Tuesday or on the weekend again but there are also times where you have to look at yourself. You have to go home and think if you did everything what was possible and if the answer is yes then we just keep going and the momentum will come.”

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AFPSlot's Liverpool aiming to bounce back against in-form Inter Milan

Liverpool will look to bounce back when they lock horns with Italian giants Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday. While Arne Slot’s side sit eighth in the Premier League table, they are currently 13th in the Champions League standings.

Inter, meanwhile, should provide a difficult test for the Merseysiders. Cristian Chivu’s side are fourth in the Champions League table, having won four of their five fixtures. They are also top of Serie A after winning 10 of their 14 league games this term.

Cade Cowell is reportedly set to leave Chivas ahead of the Clausura 2026, with the club approving a one-year loan to the New York Red Bulls. The California-born winger returns to MLS after a difficult 2025 in Guadalajara, where minutes were scarce under manager Gabriel Milito. The move marks another step in Chivas’ roster overhaul following their early Apertura exit.

AFPCowell’s loan to New York

The Red Bulls moved quickly once the Liga MX club opened the door to negotiations to acquire Cowell on a year-long loan from Chivas.  The deal, per ESPN, includes a priority purchase option should the MLS side choose to buy the 21-year-old winger in the future.

Although several MLS teams – including the San Jose Earthquakes, Cowell’s former club – expressed interest, the Red Bulls’ sporting plan proved the most convincing for both the player and the Guadalajara board.

The Red Bulls, who currently have an opening at their head coaching position, are reportedly leaning toward hiring their Red Bulls II coach and former USMNT star Michael Bradley. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportStruggles for playing time

The California-born attacker endured a difficult 2025 with the Rebaño. He logged just 489 minutes in the second half of the year and was left out of Gabriel Milito’s squad for multiple league matches. Even in the playoffs, Cowell was used sparingly, coming off the bench in the second leg against Cruz Azul only because of Armando González’s injury. That appearance might be his last in Red and White.

Getty Images SportPlayer’s preference and MLS interest

Cowell, who is expecting a child with his wife, has already begun preparing for life in New York and welcomed the opportunity to relaunch his career in MLS. For Chivas, he becomes the second confirmed outgoing player – following Mexico legend Javier Hernández, who will not be re-signed – as the club begins a significant roster overhaul after being knocked out in the Apertura 2025 quarterfinals.

Cowell has 11 caps with the U.S. national team. 

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Getty Images SportWhat comes next?he team is now on break and will reconvene in a couple of weeks at Verde Valle to officially begin their Clausura 2026 preseason, where more roster changes are expected.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has now made a major decision on Pedri’s fitness ahead of the Champions League clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this Tuesday.

The Blues will be looking to return to winning ways in the Champions League on Tuesday, having been unable to overcome Qarabag last time out, drawing 2-2 away at the Azerbaijani side, but they should be heading into the game with renewed confidence.

Enzo Maresca’s side have put together a good run in the Premier League, winning their last three matches without conceding, most recently securing a 2-0 win at Burnley courtesy of goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez.

Maresca was particularly happy with his side’s defensive showing, saying after the game: “The way we competed I am very happy.

“To come here and not concede is very difficult. It’s normal to concede something. But overall they only had one real chance. During the game they didn’t have any big chances and during the game we had loads of chances.”

However, the manager will be well-aware that Tuesday’s opposition will be much tougher, and the west Londoners have now been handed a boost heading into the Champions League encounter…

Hansi Flick set to leave Pedri out against Chelsea

According to reports from Spain (via Sport Witness), Pedri is now unlikely to travel to London ahead of Tuesday’s game, as Flick and his coaching staff believe it is not worth risking the midfielder, who suffered a hamstring injury near the end of October.

The 22-year-old is now a serious doubt for the trip to Stamford Bridge, having missed training on Sunday, which will be welcome news for Maresca & co, who need every advantage they can get heading into the game against the reigning La Liga champions.

Lauded as “amazing” by journalist Muhammad Butt, the Barcelona star has been absolutely integral for Barcelona over the past year, regularly displaying his ability to dictate games, set-up chances for his teammates, and drive the ball forward.

Pedri’s key statistics

Average per 90 (past year)

Assists

0.17 (80th percentile)

Passes attempted

91.85 (98th percentile)

Progressive carries

3.42 (99th percentile)

Successful take-ons

1.40 (97th percentile)

That said, the La Liga side are likely to be just as fearful of Chelsea’s midfield, with Fernandez scoring his fifth goal of the season against Burnley at the weekend, while Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has waxed lyrical about Moises Caicedo this season.

As such, Chelsea should no doubt fancy their chances heading into Tuesday’s game, taking on Barca in a competitive game for the first time since a 3-0 defeat at Camp Nou back in 2018.

Moises Caicedo and Pedri have been named among the best midfielders in the world The Best 15 Midfielders in World Football Ranked (2025)

Some of the best players in the world do their stuff in the middle of the park, but who’s number one?

5 ByCharlie Smith Nov 20, 2025

Nine Hong Kong batters finished with single-digit scores, going down by 94 runs in the Asia Cup opener

Alagappan Muthu09-Sep-20251:36

Mukund: Dropped catches a concern for Afghanistan

There was a contest between man and nature to see who was hotter and in the end, try as the elements could, they couldn’t match Azmatullah Omarzai’s fire. Even in 41°C heat, he burned brighter, scoring Afghanistan’s fastest T20I fifty and just kept going from there.Omarzai was responsible for one of two blink-and-you’ll-miss-it run-outs, which, coming on the back of a Hong Kong fielding performance that included three dropped catches, was cricket working a little too hard to highlight the gulf between the two sides. Full Member Afghanistan made 188 for 6. It was 94 too many for their Associate nation opposition.Sediqullah’s three livesSediqullah Atal looked a real good player. Stood nice and tall in his set-up, seemed competent playing shots off both front foot and the back foot, and crucially, he was able to cope with the lack of pace in Abu Dhabi. He is only 24, but already showing signs of what players more experienced than him are known for. The bit between the ears. Atal was 26 off 17 with five fours at the end of the powerplay when the other end had contributed only 14 off 19 balls with one six.Hong Kong slowed Atal down with spin but were never able to capitalise on the pressure they created. Yasim Murtaza gave him two lives – dropping him on 4 off 3 in the first over, then on 46 off 38 off his own bowling and finally had to watch Ehsan Khan put down a clanger just after Atal had raised his third T20I fifty. A man who should’ve been dismissed in the first over batted through the innings to score 73 off 52.Azmatullah the game changerAfghanistan were 119 for 4 after 16 overs. Hong Kong’s spinners – Murtaza in particular – provided a challenge that is rarely seen in modern T20 cricket. He pulled pace off the ball, going as low as 70kph at times to deny scoring opportunities. Kinchit Shah, bowling from the other end, got the wickets. The five overs they bowled between the 10th and the 14th yielded two wickets for just 24 runs.As good as that period was for Hong Kong, it also brought Omarzai to the crease and he was so game aware. The fast bowlers returned in the 17th over and it was go time. The next 18 balls yielded 60 runs. Omarzai went 6, 6, 6 and 4 against Ayush Shukla to bring up his half-century off just 20 deliveries. From the simple, clear-the-front-leg slog to the cheeky ramp past the keeper, the Afghanistan allrounder showed impressive range on a difficult batting pitch.2:26

Mukund impressed by Afghanistan’s on-field trial

Hong Kong punishedHong Kong’s mishaps continued with bat in hand as well. They gave up a wicket for no reason – and one run on the board – when Anshuman Rath was ruled caught behind but replays showed several inches of daylight between bat and ball. Zeeshan Ali, the non-striker, had seemingly persuaded Rath from challenging umpire Virender Sharma’s decision. Then they had to watch as Rashid Khan ran out Nizakat Khan for 0 off 0 balls because he took too long to realise there was no run off a Babar Hayat hit to cover.Two overs – and two dropped catches later, apparently Afghanistan were happy to give themselves a handicap – Azmatullah had Kalhan Challu run-out off his own bowling when the batter strayed out of his crease after pushing the ball down the pitch. The Hong Kong captain had high hopes for Challu at the toss, instead his wicket for 4 off 8 was a cruel reminder of the quality of cricket at this level.Hong Kong went joint-second for most wickets (four) lost by a team in the powerplay in the men’s T20 Asia Cup. Only two of their batters got to double-digits. None of them managed to score at a run a ball. Their focus at 63 for 6 had shifted to playing the overs out and they did that to finish on 94 for 9.

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O Palmeiras faturou na quarta-feira (6) o seu 12º título brasileiro da história, e não faltam bons personagens para a gente falar nesta reviravolta maluca que o time conseguiu dar no campeonato.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasNo palco onde Jesus ‘nasceu’, Endrick decide Brasileiro para cravar idolatria no PalmeirasPalmeiras06/12/2023PalmeirasEntre planos e mistérios, título é chance da ‘família Palmeiras’ convencer Abel a ficar no clubePalmeiras06/12/2023BrasileirãoO Palmeiras tem quantos títulos brasileiros?Brasileirão05/12/2023

Breno Lopes talvez seja quem mais representa a montanha-russa de desilusões e emoções que o Verdão viveu neste segundo semestre.

➡️Confira a classificação final do Campeonato Brasileiro

Mero coadjuvante e reserva, Breno passou por um momento delicado na temporada após perder um gol inacreditável em Itaquera, diante do Corinthians.

As cobranças da torcida viraram ameaças em rede social, e, no jogo seguinte, Breno fez o gol da importante vitória sobre o Goiás, no último lance da partida.

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O problema é que o jogador mostrou o dedo do meio para a maior organizada do clube na comemoração e criou uma crise desnecessária com uma semifinal de Libertadores batendo à porta do clube.

Não sabemos se o gesto interferiu nas escolhas de Abel, mas fato é que o jogador sumiu dos jogos do Verdão nas rodadas seguintes.

Tudo começou a mudar no duelo diante do Coritiba, no Couto Pereira. Abel implantou os três zagueiros com Breno como titular, e a nova formação se mostrou acertada na goleada histórica sobre o São Paulo no Allianz Parque.

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Entre críticas e muita desconfiança da exigente torcida alviverde, Breno seguiu como titular em todos os jogos do Verdão na reta final do campeonato e, apesar do gol inacreditável perdido contra Flamengo e América, foi o cara na vitória sobre o Fluminense.

Breno Lopes no fundo representa bem o sentimento de ser palmeirense. A gente briga, às vezes se xinga, mas nunca desiste.

Amado ou odiado, Breno Lopes pode deixar o Palmeiras neste final de temporada como um operário que foi muito importante para a história recente do clube.

Não só pelo o que fez no Maracanã em 2020, como também fez nessa reta final de Brasileirão.

Tinha tudo pra sair pela porta da frente, por uma atitude intempestiva quase sai chutado pela porta de trás e agora volta a ganhar o mínimo de respeito do palmeirense.

➡️ Tudo sobre o Verdão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Palmeiras

Agora com oito títulos pelo maior campeão do Brasil, Breno Lopes finaliza 2023 com 59 jogos pelo Palmeiras e oito gols marcados.

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A Manchester United star who Ruben Amorim called “top” is now close to sealing a January exit, with talks advancing.

Amorim looking to reshuffle squad in January

After a shaky start to the campaign, Amorim has managed to buy himself some more time courtesy of a recent uptick in results, with Man United winning four out of their last six matches in the Premier League.

The United boss has settled on Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes as his preferred options in the middle of the park, and the midfield duo certainly played their part in the recent 2-1 victory against Liverpool at Anfield.

Casemiro made three tackles to keep the Reds at bay, the joint-second highest number of any player, while Fernandes was a constant threat, hitting the woodwork and assisting Harry Maguire’s late winner.

However, there have been suggestions that Amorim is less convinced by his back-up options in midfield, with Teddy Sheringham claiming the 40-year-old isn’t a fan of Kobbie Mainoo: “He has a certain style that Amorim obviously doesn’t appreciate.

“He obviously wants more from Mainoo; it’s up to him to try and change his game a little bit to fit in with what Amorim wants.”

According to a report from Spain, Mainoo is now very close to sealing a January exit from Old Trafford, with talks over a move to Napoli recently advancing, amid very limited game time so far this season.

The 20-year-old is determined to make it to the 2026 World Cup, which means he needs to be receiving regular minutes, and Napoli are now in the strongest position to get a deal done, with the youngster potentially in line to follow Scott McTominay to Italy.

The report doesn’t make it clear what sort of fee the Red Devils could receive for their academy graduate, but a £70m asking price has been touted in the past.

Carragher said Man Utd star was "awful" in 24/25, now he's their best player

Manchester United appear to have conducted incredible business with the addition of one star.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 21, 2025 Mainoo needs regular first-team football

It would be completely understandable if the youngster were to push for a move this January, given that he is at serious risk of not going to the World Cup, having not played for England since a 2-0 victory over Ireland over one year ago.

Amorim has previously made it clear he is a fan of the central midfielder, describing him as a “top player”, but the United boss clearly isn’t totally convinced, with the 10-time England international still yet to make a Premier League start this season.

Given that Amorim has staved off the pressure with two wins on the bounce, Mainoo may not be reintroduced into the starting XI anytime soon, but it would be a real shame to see the 2024 FA Cup final star leave, with the display against Manchester City proving he has the talent to succeed at Old Trafford.

حدد ستيف ماكمانامان، النجم السابق لفريق ليفربول، 4 لاعبين يرى أنهم لعبوا دورًا حاسمًا في عودة كتيبة آرني سلوت إلى سكة الانتصارات في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي، وذلك خلال مباراة يوم السبت ضد أستون فيلا.

واستضاف ملعب “الأنفيلد” مباراة فريقي ليفربول وأستون فيلا، في الجولة العاشرة من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي، موسم 2025/26.

وتمكن حامل اللقب من تحقيق فوز على أستون فيلا بهدفين دون رد، بفضل محمد صلاح وريان جرافنبيرخ، لينهي سلسلة هزائم دامت 4 مباريات متتالية في البطولة.

اقرأ أيضًا.. إكسبريس: تصرف محمد صلاح بعد مباراة ليفربول وأستون فيلا يفسّر موقفه من الانتقادات

وقال ماكمانامان، في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “ليفربول دوت كوم” الإنجليزية: “لقد عادوا إلى أنفيلد حيث يشعرون براحة كبيرة، أعلم أنهم خسروا المباراة الأخيرة، لكن كان بإمكانهم بسهولة تسجيل ثلاثة أو أربعة أهداف في تلك المباراة تحديدًا”.

وأضاف: “محمد صلاح كان ممتازًا، سوبوسلاي كان رائعًا مرة أخرى، أما كوناتي وفان دايك فقد بديا أكثر ثقة، كان معدل العمل أفضل، وبذلوا جهدًا كبيرًا من أجل بعضهم البعض أمام أستون فيلا”.

وواصل: “كانوا مرتاحين للغاية، هذا ما توقعناه منهم هنا، ومع ذلك كان عليهم تقديم أداء جيد تحت ضغط شديد من الجميع، وهذا ما يفعله اللاعبون الجيدون، يجب أن يكون لديهم رد فعل”.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been hailed as the ultimate professional by his former Manchester United teammate Ben Foster — who revealed the Portuguese icon was 'definitely the teacher’s pet' under Sir Alex Ferguson. The former goalkeeper lifted the lid on the five-time Ballon d'Or winner’s legendary work ethic, discipline, and drive that set him apart from everyone else at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo's greatness and his first Man Utd stint

Foster has shared new insight into Cristiano Ronaldo’s relentless professionalism during their time together at Manchester United. The former Red Devils goalkeeper recalled how Ronaldo’s early-morning routines and unshakable focus separated him from the rest of the squad. Foster explained that while other players might have balanced training with leisure, Ronaldo’s obsession with excellence left no room for distractions.

Ronaldo arrived at Manchester United in 2003 as an ambitious teenager from Sporting and, under Ferguson’s guidance, transformed into a global superstar. In six trophy-laden years at Old Trafford, he scored 118 goals in 292 games, winning three Premier League titles, a Champions League, two League Cups, an FA Cup, and the 2008 Ballon d’Or. His explosive pace, relentless training habits, and eye for goal redefined the modern winger.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportFoster labels Ronaldo 'the teacher's pet' at Man Utd

“He was always on it. Absolutely always on it,” Foster told talkSPORT Breakfast. “First one in, last one to leave and I know that's so cliché and you hear everybody say it, oh my God, he's so professional. But he genuinely was, he was that guy.

“He was always in early doors, you'd get there, even I would get there sometimes earlier. He's already been there, he's already had all his rubs, his massages, he's in the gym activating, he's doing all his prehab, rehab work.”

When asked by talkSPORT’s Jeff Stelling whether Ronaldo went out with the United squad, Foster replied: “No, no interest in it, honestly. He's not a drinker. Ronnie has got no inkling to want to get involved. He knew what it was. He knew that there would be people trying to expose him or take pictures or get him in an uncompromising anything. So it just wasn't something that interested him.

“When it comes to the football and wanting to do it properly and working hard, he's there, he'll give you all of that. He might not want to get involved off the pitch with all the little bits and bobs but when it comes to football duty, training hard and doing everything professionally, he was top of the list.”

Foster added: “In the media, Sir Alex would always talk glowingly about Ronaldo, but it was always easy to because he was what he was. It was very obvious that he was definitely the teacher's pet. Definitely a teacher's pet. It wasn't preferential treatment though, as it was so obvious how good he was, streets ahead of everyone else. You didn't need to give him that, he was just better.”

Getty ImagesRonaldo's 'freak' fitness levels continue in his 40s

Foster’s anecdotes reflect what many within Old Trafford long knew — that Ronaldo’s rise wasn’t just about talent, but about an obsession with perfection. He constantly pushed himself with extra gym sessions, strict diet control, and off-the-pitch discipline, habits that would later define his time at Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Al-Nassr.

Even today, at 40 years old, Ronaldo remains a record-breaking figure. With 948 career goals and counting, he continues to inspire younger generations, setting benchmarks for longevity and consistency rarely seen in sport.

As Foster summed it up: “I think it was Riyad Mahrez, they asked him if he would be playing in the next World Cup in four years' time and he kind of laughed it off and he said: 'I'm not Cristiano Ronaldo, come on'. But it's right though, nobody else can do this, what Cristiano has done, this level, maintain this level for this long. He is a freak but it's good to see.

“What it does go to show is for any young kids out there watching or listening, if you really apply yourself, if you really dedicate yourself and you really want something so badly, you can have such a big longevity in the game as well.”

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Ronaldo nearing the 1,000 career goal milestone

Ronaldo’s example continues to shape the mentality of players at Manchester United and beyond. Youngsters often reference his dedication as the gold standard for elite professionalism, while veterans cite his longevity as proof that hard work pays off. As he edges closer to the 1,000-goal milestone and aims for another major international tournament with Portugal, Ronaldo’s mindset remains the blueprint for sporting greatness.

Gary Neville has slammed Arsenal and Mikel Arteta’s tactics in the wake of the 1-1 draw against Manchester City on Sunday.

Gunners rescue late draw against Man City

Although the Gunners will be disappointed not to take all three points against Man City, they will be pleased they managed to rescue a late draw, with Gabriel Martinelli equalising in injury time.

However, Arteta’s side have been widely criticised for viewing draws against Premier League title rivals as acceptable results in the past, and they are now five points behind Liverpool, who continued their perfect start to the season in the Merseyside derby.

In fairness, the north Londoners have already had some tough fixtures, but Arteta will be wary of not allowing a sizeable gap to open up too early, given that his side did not manage to recover from a relatively slow start last season.

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Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast after the game, however, the former Manchester United defender appeared to point the finger at the manager for his tactical approach, which heavily focuses on dominating set-pieces. He claims all you need to deal with Arteta’s methods are tall players and a physically dominant goalkeeper who clears and claims crosses.

Neville said: “They’re a one-trick pony. Set-pieces are just such a large percentage of their chances and goals that you end up in a situation where you’ve just got to have big players in the box and a goalkeeper who comes and punches, and if you don’t you’re gonna get beat up on corners and set-pieces and free-kicks.

“Arsenal are not creating enough chances in these types of games. They’re scoring lots of goals from set-pieces, six out of their nine goals before this game have come from set-pieces, one of them was a penalty. Now that’s great that they’re good at set-pieces, but it’s not good enough.”

Neville right to call Arteta's tactics into question

In the post-match interview, Arteta appeared to suggest his side could have taken more from the match, saying: “At the very least [we deserved a point]. I’m so proud of my players, the way we played, the way we dominated almost every aspect of the game. Very disappointed not to win the game.”

However, it is difficult to agree, given that Viktor Gyokeres was largely anonymous, receiving very little service throughout the match.

Having recorded a total xG of 0.97, compared to 0.96 from City, a draw was probably a fair result, and as pointed out by Neville, Arsenal need to start creating more from open play.

After trailing for so long, Arteta will be happy his side managed to force their way back into the game, but the five-point gap that’s already opened up will be concerning, particularly considering the fixtures don’t get any easier, with Newcastle United away up next in the Premier League.