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Australian Open 2024, Day eight: Preview, how to watch, order of play and predictions

Harry Carr
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Australian Open 2024, Day eight: Preview, how to watch, order of play and predictions

The headliners

No Australian man has won the Australian Open title since Mark Edmondson beat John Newcombe in an all-Aussie final back in 1976.

However, in 10th seed Alex de Minaur, the Melbourne Park crowd may feel they have a home favourite capable of enjoying a deep run at the event this year.

De Minaur went 3-1 for Australia at the United Cup around the turn of the year, posting a statement victory over Novak Djokovic at that event, and he has kept that form going at the first grand slam of 2024.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Van Gerwen pledges to get Littler back after teenager wins first senior PDC title
Australian Open: Day seven round-up – Swiatek stunned by teenager Noskova
Neville suggests Fernandes freedom is harming Manchester United

The Australian number one swept Italian qualifier Flavio Cobolli aside for a straight-sets victory on John Cain Arena on Friday, and his reward is a headline clash with fifth seed Andrey Rublev in Sunday’s night session, with a quarter-final place at stake.

“This is where I want to be, and this is where the tail end of the tournament starts, the second week of slams,” De Minaur said.

“I’ve always been told the first week of the slam is about getting through however you want, and the second week is when you start to play your real tennis.”

In Sunday’s day session, Djokovic continues his quest to surpass Margaret Court’s record of 24 grand slam titles when he faces France’s Adrian Mannarino.

Djokovic was taken to four sets by both Dino Prizmic and Alexei Popyrin in his first two matches at the tournament, but he found the going far easier in the third round as he cruised past Tomas Martin Etcheverry in straight sets.

Djokovic described his performance in that match as his best at Melbourne Park this year, but he faces a potential banana skin next time out against Mannarino, who downed Stan Wawrinka in the first round before overcoming 16th seed Ben Shelton in a gruelling four-hour battle on Friday.

Mannarino has lost all four of his previous tour-level meetings with Djokovic. Can he dig deep to trouble the 10-time Australian Open champion on Sunday?

The subplots

Elsewhere, two of the major contenders for the women’s crown are in action, having surely been buoyed by Iga Swiatek’s surprise elimination.

Czech teenager Linda Noskova recovered from a set down to stun world number one Swiatek in the third round on Saturday, leaving Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff as the two favourites to clinch the title.

Defending champion Sabalenka has so far enjoyed a serene defence of her crown, only dropping six games in her three matches and crushing world number 33 Lesia Tsurenko 6-0 6-0 last time out.

She will expect another routine win when she takes to Margaret Court Arena to face Amanda Anisimova, with the American ranked a lowly 442nd in the world by the WTA.

Gauff has been almost as dominant as Sabalenka, beating Anna Karolina Schmiedlova, Caroline Dolehide and Alycia Parks in straight sets to reach this stage. Poland’s Magdalena Frech is up next for the US Open champion on Sunday.

Back on the men’s side, world number four Jannik Sinner has yet to be troubled at Melbourne Park, but his clash with 15th seed Karen Khachanov – who reached the semi-finals of the 2023 Australian Open – promises to be his sternest test yet.

Order of Play – selected matches

Day session (from 01:00 UK time)

Magdalena Frech v Coco Gauff

Taylor Fritz v Stefanos Tsitsipas

Amanda Anisimova v Aryna Sabalenka

Novak Djokovic v Adrian Mannarino

Mirra Andreeva v Barbora Krejcikova

Jannik Sinner v Karen Khachanov

Night session (from 08:00 UK time)

Alex de Minaur v Andrey Rublev

When and how to watch

The Australian Open is available to watch live on Discovery+ and Eurosport in the United Kingdom, with the day’s singles action getting under way from 01:00 UK time on Sunday morning. The night session is scheduled to take place from 08:00.

Predictions

A thrilling end to Sunday’s play could be in store as De Minaur looks to extend his longest run at his home major. He has won three of his five career meetings with Rublev and has moved well throughout this tournament, so he may be worth backing to win a close affair in five sets.

Mannarino’s third-round exertions will surely catch up with him against Djokovic, while the likes of Sabalenka, Gauff and Sinner will expect to progress.

Meanwhile, 16-year-old sensation Andreeva – who conquered Ons Jabeur earlier in the tournament – could be set to claim another scalp when she faces ninth seed Krejcikova, with a potential quarter-final against Sabalenka on the line.

Australian Open: Day seven round-up – Swiatek stunned by teenager Noskova

Harry Carr
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Australian Open: Day seven round-up – Swiatek stunned by teenager Noskova

World number one Iga Swiatek suffered a stunning third-round exit from the Australian Open on Saturday, with 19-year-old Linda Noskova recovering from a set down to cause a huge upset.

Swiatek avoided a shock defeat in round two despite trailing Danielle Collins 4-1 in the deciding set on Thursday, conceding after a hard-fought victory that she “was already at the airport”.

Her fears of an early departure from the Melbourne Park slam came to pass two days later, though, with highly rated youngster Noskova rallying to claim a 3-6 6-3 6-4 win on Rod Laver Arena.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Date set for Manchester City hearing, reveals Premier League chief
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Van Gerwen pledges to get Littler back as teenager wins first senior title

Swiatek looked to be in control after cruising through the opening set, but her Czech opponent proved too powerful from then on, smashing 10 aces and 35 winners as she posted a headline result on her first appearance in the Australian Open’s main draw.

“I’m speechless,” Noskova said. “I knew it was going to be an amazing match with the world number one but I didn’t really think it would end up like this.

“I’m just really glad to get through this round.”

Noskova will play 19th seed Elina Svitolina in the last 16 after the Ukrainian saw off Viktorija Golubic 6-2 6-3 in the night session.

Swiatek’s exit blows the top half of the women’s singles draw wide open, with two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka the only grand slam finalist remaining on that side of the bracket after overcoming 11th seed Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets.

In the men’s draw, Carlos Alcaraz reached the fourth round at Melbourne Park for the first time after China’s Shang Juncheng was forced to retire with a thigh injury midway through the pair’s third-round match.

The Wimbledon champion was 6-1 6-1 1-0 up after 66 minutes and closing in on a routine victory when Shang was forced out of the contest, having earlier received treatment during a medical timeout.

The second seed – who is considered one of the foremost challengers for Novak Djokovic’s crown – will face Miomir Kecmanovic for a quarter-final place after the Serbian saved two match points during his dramatic 6-4 3-6 2-6 7-6 (9-7) 6-0 win over 14th seed Tommy Paul.

Grigor Dimitrov was another seed to fall on Saturday as the world number 13 suffered a 6-7 (3-7) 6-4 6-2 7-6 (8-6) defeat to Portugal’s Nuno Borges. Borges will face third seed Daniil Medvedev in the next round after the Russian clinched a straight-sets victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Finally, British number one Cameron Norrie produced a polished performance to win a watchable affair against 11th seed Casper Ruud in four sets.

Norrie’s 6-4 6-7 (7-9) 6-4 6-3 win saw him tee up a last-16 clash with sixth seed Alexander Zverev on Monday, and the Brit hailed the victory as one of his best at any major.

“Honestly it is so special,” Norrie said after the win. “In terms of performances, it was up there with one of my best in a grand slam.”

Van Gerwen pledges to get Littler back after teenager wins first senior PDC title

Harry Carr
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Van Gerwen pledges to get Littler back after teenager wins first senior PDC title

Michael van Gerwen promised to get Luke Littler back after the teenager continued his meteoric rise by beating the three-time world champion to win his first senior PDC title at the Bahrain Masters.

Littler enjoyed a breakout run to the World Championship final over the festive period, earning a £200,000 payday before suffering a heartbreaking defeat to Luke Humphries in the showpiece match earlier this month.

The 16-year-old – who will make his Premier League debut next month – returned to action at the Bahrain Masters this week, hitting a nine-darter in his quarter-final win over Nathan Aspinall before beating Gerwyn Price 7-3 in the last four.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Raducanu positive despite Australian Open exit
Neville suggests Fernandes freedom is harming Manchester United
Date set for Manchester City hearing, reveals Premier League chief

That teed up a final showdown with Van Gerwen, in which the darts went with the throw for the first seven legs before Littler nailed an 11-dart leg for the advantage.

The duo traded breaks before Littler pulled clear at 7-5 then nailed tops for a 58 checkout to seal victory.

Speaking after Friday’s final, Van Gerwen vowed to get the better of Littler next time out as he said: “It has been a fantastic tournament – of course I am disappointed but that is how sports work; you win some, you lose some.

“It’s never going to be a good week when Michael is not winning, simple as that. [Littler] has had a fantastic tournament. Everyone says he is a new kid, but everyone knows what he is capable of.

“I couldn’t produce what I was doing in the early games. You can only punish yourself for that. You have to make sure you get better for the next one. I’ll get him, don’t worry.”

Littler, meanwhile, revealed he did not throw a single dart between his World Championship final defeat and Thursday’s opening round in Bahrain.

“No one probably believes me, but I’ve not thrown a dart since the world final,” the teenager told ITV Sport. “Yesterday was the first proper practice I’ve put in, but it’s all paid off.

“I’m just happy to win and obviously against Michael… He’s still one of the very best and I’m just happy to win on my debut.

“I’ve not really set any goals for this year. I didn’t expect to pick this trophy up this week. It’s been good to come here with great people, a great crowd once again on my side, but I’m just happy.

“There’s no goals for this year, I just need to see what my darts do.”

Search for missing Luke Howe ends as body found in river

Helen Greaney
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Search for missing Luke Howe ends as body found in river

Greater Manchester Police can now confirm a body found in the River Bollin in Hale today has been identified as Luke Howe.

Luke (14) was reported missing from Hale at around 6.30pm yesterday evening. He was described by police as “very vulnerable” due to having learning difficulties.

Police and emergency services responded to a concern for welfare and searches for Luke began last night and continued into today, focusing on the River Bollin in Hale and River Mersey in South Manchester.

A facebook group, set up by Luke’s family, had members of the public offering to help with the search.

Luke was sadly recovered from the River Bollin this afternoon.

There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Police identification has now taken place and is confirmed to be the body of Luke Howe. His next of kin have now been informed.

Detective inspector Rick Lees said: “Our condolences are with Luke’s loved ones, his friends and family in what is a truly awful time. This is a tragic case of a young teenager who has sadly died in terrible circumstances and our thoughts remain with Luke’s family.

“Luke’s family are being supported by specially trained officers and ask for their privacy to be respected while they grieve their loss. I would like to praise the work that officers and emergency services personnel put in to try to find Luke.

“This was a complex search in difficult conditions, and their work is appreciated. I would also like to thank the members of the public who helped with the search or shared our appeal. Your help in responding to this incident is hugely appreciated.”

Navigating the Journey: What to Expect with Veneers Treatment in Turkey

News Desk
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Navigating the Journey: What to Expect with Veneers Treatment in Turkey

Are you considering improving your smile with a veneers treatment in Turkey? Veneers have become a popular option for people of all ages desiring a more aesthetic and vibrant smile. Their journey is certainly an exciting one, filled with consultations, treatments, and recovery phases, all leading to a radiant new smile.

The Consultation Phase

This first step in the veneers treatment journey is all about assessment and planning. During this stage, you and your dentist will discuss your dental health history, your expectations for your veneer treatment, and the various options available to you in Turkey. Your dentist will carry out a thorough examination of your teeth and gums to ascertain if veneers are indeed the right choice for you.

The Preparation Phase

Once confirmed that veneers are suitable for you, the next step is the preparation phase. This involves the slight reshaping of your teeth to make way for the veneers. Generally, your dentist will remove about half a millimeter of enamel from your tooth surface, which is nearly equal to the thickness of the veneer to be added. Afterwards, your dentist will make a model, or impression, of your teeth, which is then sent to a dental lab that will construct your veneers.

The Bonding Phase

The bonding phase is where the magic of a new smile begins to unfold. Before permanently cementing the veneers to your teeth, your dentist will temporarily place them to examine their fit and color, trimming the veneers as necessary to achieve the proper fit. Your teeth will then be cleaned, polished, and etched — or roughened — to allow for a strong bonding process. A special cement is applied to the veneer, which is then placed on your tooth. Once properly position, your dentist will apply a special light beam to the dental veneer, causing the chemicals in the cement to harden quickly.

The Follow-Up Phase

After the treatment, a follow-up visit to the dentist is essential to assess your gums’ response to the veneers and the positioning of the veneers. At this time, you can discuss any discomfort you may have experienced and ascertain whether any adjustments are needed.

The Recovery Phase

While there is no significant recovery time associated with dental veneers, you might experience a bit of sensitivity for the first few days following the procedure. The great thing about this treatment, however, is that you can go back to your routine almost immediately.

Conclusion

Getting veneers treatment in Turkey is a wonderful decision, filled with the promise of a more confident and beautiful smile. It’s essential to remember that the journey not only involves the treatment itself but also thorough initial consultations, meticulous preparation, careful post-treatment follow-ups and ongoing dental care.

Australian Open: Day six round-up – Djokovic, Sinner and Sabalenka cruise through

Harry Carr
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Australian Open: Day six round-up – Djokovic, Sinner and Sabalenka cruise through

Novak Djokovic marked his 100th career match at the Australian Open with a dominant display as he cruised into the fourth round with a straight-sets win over Tomas Martin Etcheverry on Friday.

Djokovic’s path to the third round had been less than serene, with the Serbian taken to four sets by both Dino Prizmic and Alexei Popyrin, also losing his cool in the latter match when he remonstrated with a heckler in the crowd.

However, despite suggestions that Etcheverry could trouble Djokovic after conquering Andy Murray in round one, the 24-time grand slam champion showed his class for a 6-3 6-3 7-6 (7-2) win.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Neville suggests Fernandes freedom is harming Manchester United
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Australian Open 2024, Day Seven: Preview, how to watch, order of play and predictions

Djokovic did not face a single break point and converted four of the seven he forced, looking untroubled in the first two sets before Etcheverry made a better fist of things in the third.

Buoyed by a big forehand winner at the end of a 25-shot rally, Djokovic won a tie break to tee up a fourth-round meeting with Adrian Mannarino, serving an ace on the first of four match points.

After a couple of testing encounters earlier in the tournament, Djokovic felt he showed something closer to his true level, saying: “It was a great match, the best performance I’ve had during this tournament.

“Obviously I’m pleased with the way I played throughout the entire match, particularly the first two sets.”

It was a day of few shocks overall with one of Djokovic’s foremost rivals in the men’s draw, Jannik Sinner, also breezing through with a routine 6-0 6-1 6-3 win over another Argentine in Sebastian Baez.

Unlike Djokovic, Sinner is yet to drop a set at Melbourne Park this year, and his latest victory was his most impressive to date as he required just one hour and 52 minutes to see off Baez.

The Italian will face 2023 semi-finalist Karen Khachanov in a potentially tricky fourth-round match on Monday after the Russian overcame Aleksandar Kovacevic in four sets.

Elsewhere in the men’s draw, home favourite Alex de Minaur beat Italian qualifier Flavio Cobolli 6-3 6-3 6-1 to tee up a meeting with Andrey Rublev, who overcame Sebastian Korda.

Stefanos Tsitsipas will face Taylor Fritz in another enticing fourth-round contest, after their respective wins over Luca Van Assche and Fabian Marozsan.

Two of the favourites in the women’s draw also progressed with ease as Aryna Sabalenka continued her emphatic title defence with a crushing 6-0 6-0 win over Lesia Tsurenko in just 52 minutes.

Sabalenka has lost just six games across her three matches at the Melbourne Park grand slam this year, and she will face Amanda Anisimova in the last 16 after the American triumphed over Paula Badosa.

The second seed remains on course for a potential semi-final against Coco Gauff, who beat her in the final of the US Open last September.

Gauff is also yet to drop a set after beating fellow American Alycia Parks 6-0 6-2, converting all five of her break points and winning 88 per cent of points behind her first serve during a routine triumph.

Meanwhile, Friday’s headline result in the women’s draw saw 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva save match point before staging an astonishing third-set comeback to beat France’s Diane Parry 1-6 6-1 7-6 (10-5).

The Russian found herself 5-1 down in the decider and faced match point on her own serve but reeled off five games in a row to serve for the contest, only for Parry to break back to force a tie-break.

Andreeva, who also enjoyed a memorable run to the fourth round at Wimbledon last year, was in control throughout the tie-break as she teed up a last-16 meeting with Barbora Krejcikova.

Horse racing syndicate offers Dunstan ownership

Jon Fisher
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Horse racing syndicate offers Dunstan ownership

Promising colt Dunstan has been added to the Racing Club portfolio.

The three-year-old is available for shared ownership as part of the Racing Club syndicate having impressed in his early outings. Dunstan has finished second in four of his six races, including a solid run on his stable debut at Lingfield Park in December.

Under the expert eye of Barry Brennan, Dunstan will be trained at Newlands in Upper Lambourn.

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Richard Jaques, co-founder of Racing Club, said: “We are delighted to add Dunstan to our portfolio of racehorses. He is an exciting colt and we look forward to seeing him develop and race in the months ahead.”

Racing Club is offering 1,500 shares in Dunstan, priced at £62 each.

The benefits of joining the syndicate include: 

  • Regular jockey and trainer updates on Dunstan
  • Opportunity to visit the horse at the stables
  • Share of any prize money won by Dunstan
  • Entry into a ballot for owners’ badges when Dunstan races
  • Access to Racing Club events at courses across the UK and elsewhere
  • Exclusive access to the Racing Club Members Area

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a share in a racehorse, this presents the ideal opportunity.

Racing Club aims to build a community of enthusiasts with benefits that extend beyond the world of horse racing.

If you join a syndicate – shares in horses start at just £45 per year – you also gain access to monthly ballots for a host of other perks, such as hospitality tickets at venues such as The O2, Wembley, Southampton FC and Newbury Racecourse.

For those looking to purchase a bigger share, or outright ownership, there are additional rewards courtesy of Racing Club’s VIP service.

Full details of the horses currently for sale can be found at www.racingclub.com while any enquiries can be made via [email protected]

For regular updates and latest news follow Racing Club on Twitter@Racingclubvip

Desperate search to find missing Hale boy, 14

Helen Greaney
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Desperate search to find missing Hale boy, 14

A desperate search is continuing for a Hale boy who has been missing for more than 18 hours.

Luke Howe (14), who has global development delays and autism, was last seen on Bankhall Lane at 6.13pm on Thursday evening after he ran away from his grandparents’ home.

He was last seen wearing his school uniform – a blue sweatshirt and dark grey trousers.

Searches for him have been ongoing through the night and continue today with focuses on the River Bollin in Hale and the River Mersey in South Manchester.

Luke’s family have set up a facebook page for people to report any potential sightings or information and to co-ordinate the effort to find him.

The page has already been flooded with offers from members of the public who are unknown to Luke, to help search for the missing boy.

His family say Luke has ” no concept of danger” and is drawn to waterways so could be in Bollin, Mersey, or woods around Hale, Sale, Altrincham or Wythenshawe.

Anyone who sees him or knows of his whereabouts should call 101 or 999 immediately, quoting 2710 of 19/01/2024.

Unveiling the epic battlefields of commerce

News Desk
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Unveiling the epic battlefields of commerce

In the vast and intricate landscape of business and commerce, disputes are as inevitable as the ebb and flow of the tides.

When the tempest of disagreements arises, navigating the labyrinth of legal intricacies becomes paramount for businesses. Here enters the unsung hero – the commercial solicitor, a specialised legal professional well-versed in the nuances of business law.

These legal virtuosos don the mantle of dedicated advocates, steering businesses through the turbulent waters of commerce, whether it be facilitating, negotiating, or, when necessary, litigating disputes.

At the heart of their practice lies a profound understanding of commercial litigation, a multifaceted domain enshrining legal conflicts that manifest in the business context. From contractual disputes and breaches of fiduciary duty to intellectual property disagreements and issues entangled in partnerships and shareholder disputes, commercial solicitors emerge as stalwart guardians of business interests.

Unveiling the saga: The Boddingtons Brewery takeover of 1989

Imagine a tapestry woven with the rich history of Boddingtons Brewery, dating back to 1778. An iconic brand known for its traditional ales, the brewery faced a pivotal moment in 1989 that reverberated not only in the streets of Manchester but echoed across the broader corporate world. The winds of change in the business environment set the stage for a high-profile acquisition, marking the beginning of an epic saga.

The acquisition bid unfolded as a dramatic narrative, marked by intense negotiations where a potential acquirer sought to gain control of Boddingtons Brewery for strategic and economic reasons. Transactions of such magnitude often involve a delicate dance between the acquiring party, existing leadership, and shareholders. In the case of Boddingtons Brewery, this dance triggered a cascade of legal issues, beckoning the expertise of skilled commercial solicitors.

Navigating the legal battlefield: A symphony of expertise

The heart of the legal battle lay in the intricate details of the acquisition contract, a document rife with potential pitfalls. Commercial solicitors, armed with legal acumen and strategic brilliance, undertook the arduous task of scrutinising the terms and conditions laid out in the agreement.

Their mission: to ensure that the interests of their clients, whether they stood as the acquiring party or the existing brewery leadership, were not just protected but fortified against potential disputes. In the realm of contractual complexities, any ambiguities or deviations from standard business practices became grounds for disputes, underscoring the need for meticulous legal scrutiny.

Beyond the contractual maze, the fiduciary responsibilities of company directors and executives faced intense scrutiny. The decisions made during the takeover had far-reaching consequences, not just for the businesses involved but also for the shareholders impacted by these choices.

Commercial solicitors assumed the role of ethical sentinels, assessing whether the leadership had fulfilled their obligations both ethically and legally. Any perceived breaches of fiduciary duties became potential tinder for legal challenges, making it imperative for solicitors to navigate the intricate landscape of ethical and legal considerations.

In the high-stakes theatre of takeovers, shareholder interests became a focal point of contention. Divergent views among shareholders on the proposed acquisition led to disputes that demanded careful legal management. Commercial solicitors, akin to skilled diplomats, played a crucial role in mediating these disputes, ensuring that the rights of shareholders were not just acknowledged but respectfully addressed within the confines of corporate law.

Ensuring legal harmony: The role of regulatory compliance

In the orchestration of business acquisitions, commercial solicitors faced the daunting task of ensuring regulatory compliance. Business transactions of this magnitude are subject to a web of regulations and compliance standards.

The legal custodians of the Boddingtons Brewery Takeover were tasked with ensuring that the entire process adhered to legal requirements, avoiding any regulatory pitfalls that could potentially derail the acquisition. This involved an intricate understanding of corporate governance, antitrust laws, and other relevant regulatory frameworks.

The resonance of victory: Far-reaching consequences

In the grand finale, the Boddingtons Brewery takeover left an indelible mark on the brewing industry’s landscape, setting legal precedents regarding the intricacies of business acquisitions. The commercial solicitors involved in the case played a pivotal role in navigating these complexities, providing expert counsel, and ultimately influencing the outcome of the legal battles that ensued.

The case stands as a compelling study in the intersection of commerce and law, showcasing how legal professionals emerge as essential guardians of integrity in the corporate arena.

Ashwood Solicitors: A beacon of expertise in the commercial litigation cosmos

In the realm of intricate commercial disputes, Ashwood Solicitors emerges as a beacon of expertise in commercial litigation. With offices strategically located in Manchester and Blackburn, their adept team of solicitors delivers tailored services across England & Wales.

Renowned for their extensive experience in diverse dispute areas such as contract disputes, intellectual property conflicts, shareholder disputes, and more, Ashwood Solicitors stands as a steadfast ally in navigating the complexities of commercial law.

By engaging the specialised services of Ashwood Solicitors, individuals and businesses gain access to unparalleled guidance and support. The solicitors at Ashwood meticulously unravel the intricacies of the legal process, deftly collecting evidence, negotiating with opposing parties or their legal representatives, and, if necessary, representing clients in court proceedings. Their commitment to securing the best possible outcomes for commercial litigation cases sets them apart as trusted guardians of legal interests.

For those confronting challenges in commercial disputes, Ashwood Solicitors extends a compelling invitation to explore the depth of their legal representation and support. Whether contending with a contract breach, intellectual property infringement, or any other commercial dispute, the Ashwood team is equipped to guide toward a positive resolution. Contact Ashwood Solicitors today and empower yourself with expert legal representation, ensuring your interests stand unwavering throughout the complex landscape of commercial litigation.

Neville suggests Fernandes freedom is harming Manchester United

Harry Carr
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Neville suggests Fernandes freedom is harming Manchester United

Manchester United great Gary Neville believes the freedom granted to Bruno Fernandes is stopping Erik ten Hag’s side from becoming a disciplined, cohesive attacking unit.

United have endured a miserable second season under Ten Hag, with their diminishing attacking returns provoking concern among supporters and pundits alike.

Only three teams – Sheffield United (15), Burnley (21) and Crystal Palace (22) – have scored fewer than United’s 24 Premier League goals this season.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Raducanu positive despite Australian Open exit
Luke Littler victorious in first match since dream World Championship run
Australian Open 2024, Day Seven: Preview, how to watch, order of play and predictions

While Fernandes’ six Premier League goal involvements (three goals, three assists) put him level with Marcus Rashford at the top of United’s charts, the Portugal star has repeatedly been accused of lacking tactical discipline.

Neville believes Ten Hag has granted Fernandes a level of freedom rarely seen at the elite level in modern football, suggesting he would not receive the same concessions from Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

“With any team that is anything at all you see repeated patterns. Bruno Fernandes is obviously the best player in terms of talent but he’s everywhere,” Neville said on The Overlap podcast.

“He must be told, ‘go and do what you want’. I don’t see Ten Hag say to him, ‘get back in’. With Pep Guardiola, if a player plays out of position for a minute or two minutes, the coaches are on the sideline saying, ‘get back into your position’.

“Ten Hag is giving him the freedom to go there, there, there. That means you can never have a combination or a pattern because you’ve got your main midfield player everywhere on the pitch.

“It’s almost like 20 years ago, when you gave your number 10 licence to play. That’s gone now. You have to fit within a combination and a pattern and system of attacking shape.”

Neville’s former team-mate Roy Keane echoed those sentiments, though he suggested it was part of Fernandes’ character and could not be coached out of him.

“If you watch him at international level, he does the same. It can’t all be the coaches and managers,” Keane said, sitting alongside Neville.

“If he’s producing magic you forgive him, but if you’re in a struggling team and he’s doing that stuff, that’s where it stands out and you go, ‘you’re costing us’.

“I think it’s a trait. It’s not as if he’s an inexperienced player. You’d get away with it if Manchester United were winning more matches and he was producing his magic.”

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher also appeared on the podcast, and he compared Fernandes to former United midfielder Paul Pogba, who often faced similar accusations during an underwhelming second spell at Old Trafford between 2016 and 2022.

“I used to describe Pogba a bit like this… I think there’s a difference between being a great talent and a great player,” he said.

“I think Pogba was a great talent but I don’t think he was a great player. It’s the same with Bruno Fernandes. For the great players, it’s in their head, understanding where they need to be.

“[Kevin] De Bruyne is better than Fernandes but in terms of creating chances, Fernandes isn’t a million miles from him.

“It’s not being lazy, he’s running everywhere without the ball. He’s emotional. He runs 30 yards to close the goalkeeper down. People sometimes get kidded by it and say, ‘look at him working hard’. No, he’s killing the team.”

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