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AmaZulu marksman Bongi Ntuli has reiterated his commitment to the Durban-based Premier Soccer League (PSL) club.

Usuthu have been boosted by some big name signings this season following Sandile Zungu's takeover of the team.

Those include Luvuyo Memela, who scored a brace in a 2-0 win over Black Leopards on Wednesday night, as well as the likes of Siphiwe Tshabalala, Augustine Mulenga, Xola Mlambo and Siphesihle Mthembu.

Ntuli meanwhile, last season's top goal-scorer in the league for Usuthu, with 13 of their 20 goals, is yet to be seen in action this term.

There's been speculation that the one-time Mamelodi Sundowns striker is on the radar of some of Gauteng's big clubs and Orlando Pirates have been mentioned, albeit in unsubstantiated rumours.

However, in an interview with the Sowetan, the player has made it clear that he sees himself staying at AmaZulu and not leaving in the current transfer window.

He says it's an injury which has kept him sidelined.

“I am injured at the moment," Ntuli explained. "I fractured my left foot. I sustained that injury during our pre-season.

"The doctors said I will be fine in the next three weeks. The injury is the only reason people don’t see me with the team.

“There’s no truth in that thing of the transfer request," the former Platinum Stars and Golden Arrows man elaborated. "I am very happy at the club. I read about all these things in the newspapers and I have never handed in a transfer request. AmaZulu are like a family to me and I want to continue with my career here."

Last season was a standout for Ntuli, who has previously been a consistent, but not prolific forward. Prior to the 2019/ 20 campaign when he netted 13 times, his best goal return in a league season was seven.

In 199 matches in all top-flight competition, he’s scored 60 goals and registered 14 assists.

Amazulu's next match is away to Mamelodi Sundowns on November 22.

Manchester United made a mistake in snapping up Edinson Cavani over the summer and should have been investing £40 million ($52m) in Wolves striker Raul Jimenez, says Paul Ince.

The Red Devils have been struggling to find a spark across the field in 2020-21.

Their deficiencies were exposed again in a 2-1 Champions League defeat to Istanbul Basaksehir, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side mustering just two shots on target.

Anthony Martial was asked to lead the line in that contest, with Cavani being introduced off the bench.

Nigerian frontman Odion Ighalo was an unused substitute, with United finding out the hard way that they lack the attacking firepower and defensive solidity to perform on a consistent basis.

Ince believes part of that problem could have been solved with better recruitment in the last window, with Solskjaer left scratching around for striking reinforcements on deadline day.

The former Red Devils midfielder, who also represented Wolves in his playing days, told Ladbrokes: “There are so many players out there who could have come into that Man United team. You look at Thomas Partey and Raul Jimenez for example.

“Last season United needed to bring in a striker and they go and get Odion Ighalo from China. What was that about? Go and spend £40 million on Jimenez. He’s a proven striker, a scorer. You know, and then they go and get Edinson Cavani who will hardly play.

“You’ve got to look at the structure, the recruitment, the scouting system and think ‘what are they looking at?’ There’s a lot of good players out there, top, top players. Go and get these players. But they haven’t.

“If you’re going to spend the money, put them in the team. I’m not having this ‘you’ve got to give them time’ – you’ve got to put them in straight away if you’re going to spend that money. Why would you spend £40m on a player who you’re going to just stick on the bench?

“Solskjaer will have wanted these players. As recruitment goes, he will have had a list of players and number one targets, number two targets, if you can’t get number one then go for number two, and so on.”

Jimenez would likely cost United much more than £40m ($52m) after committing to a new contract at Wolves, but he has left the door open for a future move away from Molineux to be made.

For now, though, Solskjaer needs to keep faith with those already at his disposal, which means bringing the best out of Martial and finding roles for Cavani and Ighalo that allow them to prosper.

Smouha SC striker Derrick Nsibambi has joined Uganda national team ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against South Sudan.

Nsibambi becomes the first foreign-based Crane to join the local contingent at the Lugogo StarTimes base preparing for the November 12 encounter.

He has scored three goals for the Egyptian Premier League side and registered four assists in 17 games since he joined them one year ago.

Nsibambi and captain Denis Onyango were not part of the team that took part in a week-long training camp in Dubai during the previous Fifa break.

The local players that were called up by head coach Johnathan McKinstry have been training for days now as assistant head coach Abdalla Mubiru said they are not under any particular pressure ahead of the double-header against the Bright Stars.

“We are not a group that works under pressure,” said the tactician on Wednesday. “There is no pressure but of course, there is urgency because we want to win, therefore we shouldn’t allow complacency to creep in anyway.

“Eventually, it will go down to what we do as a team. We should be able to execute our plan very well; how we attack, how we react if we don’t have the ball and how we defend will be important for us.”

The Cranes are leading Group B with four points that came from a draw against Burkina Faso and a win against Malawi.

Should the Cecafa champions pick up six points from the Bright Stars, it would be enough for them to earn a place in the next Afcon edition to be held in Cameroon in 2021.

McKinstry would have then achieved one of the targets placed on his shoulders - to lead Uganda to a third straight continental competition. Under Sebastien Desabre, the Cranes were eliminated in Round of 16 by Senegal in the 2019 tournament.

They will host South Sudan at St Mary’s Kitende before travelling to Nairobi for the second qualifier at Nyayo Stadium on November 16.

Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns), Salim Jamal Magoola (Al Hilal Omdurman),

Defenders: Joseph Ochaya (TP Mazembe), Alex Kakuba (Cova de Piedade), Nicholas Wadada (Azam FC), Elvis Bwomono (Southend United), Ronald Mukiibi (Ostersunds FK), Timothy Awany (Ashdod FC),

Midfielders: Micheal Azira (Chicago Fire), Khalid Aucho (Misr Lel Makasa), Kizito Luwagga (Hapoel Kfar Saba), Farouk Miya (Konyaspor), Emmanuel Okwi (Ittihad Alexandria), Allan Kymabadde (El Gounah FC), Allan Okello (Paradou FC),

Forwards: Fahad Bayo (Ashdod FC), Edrisa Lubega (Paide Linnameeskond), Derrick Nsibambi (Smouha SC), Mubiru Uche Ikpeazu (Wycombe Wanderers), Alexis Bbakka (Umea FC)

Vihiga County under the leadership of Governor Wilberforce Ottichilo have expressed their delight after Vihiga United managed to defeat Kisumu All-Stars to get promoted to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League.

Despite winning the first leg 2-1, Kisumu All-Stars could not protect the advantage as they lost 2-1 in the return fixture and thus the tie ended at 3-3 after the two-legged affair, prompting the match referee to order for penalties in which Vihiga triumphed 5-3. 

"Today is a happy day for the County Government of Vihiga and the Vihiga County sporting fraternity as a whole following the comeback of Vihiga United FC into the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League," Ottichilo said in a statement obtained by Goal.

"As a Governor, I wish to express my delight to the team for being the first team ever from the National Super League to earn promotion to the top-tier via playoffs.

"Their 5-3 post-match penalty win against Kisumu All-Stars in today's second league match at Moi Stadium in Kisumu is an excellent performance that deserves recognition."

The Vihiga County administrator has also lauded those involved in the fight for promotion and went on to promise support for the team in the forthcoming campaign.

"Special gratitude to the management of the team for their resilience, players for their hard work on and off the pitch, and to our dear fans who have always supported the team passionately," Ottichilo added.

"I wish to reiterate my continued support to the team especially in the upcoming 2020/21 FKF Premier League season to enable them to continue scaling to greater heights.  

"With the County Government of Vihiga being the official sponsor of the team, I will ensure that my government continues to support it." 

The Western-based side was relegated in the 2018/19 season and it is a theme of joy for the fans to see their team back on the Kenyan top-tier.

Vihiga win means three teams from the National Super League have been promoted.

Nairobi City Stars and Bidco United were the first ones to be assured of promotion by the virtue of finishing in the first and second positions respectively. They took Sony Sugar and Chemelil Sugar places.

The 2021 season has been scheduled to start on November 20.

Kenya international Michael Olunga and Kashiwa Reysol colleagues will not be in action on November 7 as the J-League Cup tie against Tokyo FC has been postponed.

The tie has been pushed to a date that is yet to be made public after three members of the Kashiwa Reysol side tested positive for the coronavirus. Olunga’s coach Nelsinho Baptista is the only person who is confirmed to have contracted the novel virus whereas the identities of the other team members have not been confirmed.

The positive tests at Olunga’s camp were announced on Tuesday and consequently, a J-1 League encounter between them and Vegalta Sendai had to be rescheduled.

After 26 matches, Olunga’s side sits ninth on the table with 41 points while the former Gor Mahia striker is leading in the Golden Boot race with 23 goals.

The coronavirus infections at Kashiwa Reysol came at a time Kenya were eagerly waiting to have Olunga at the national team ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Comoros.

Due to travel restrictions, Olunga was not part of the Kenya team that faced Zambia on October 9 in a friendly tie at Nyayo Stadium which the hosts won 2-1.

Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee – in his first provisional squad since his appointment – called up five strikers and Olunga’s probable absence will mean he will have to look upon the other four.

Gor Mahia’s Benson Omala, Masoud Juma of JS Kabylie, John Avire of Tanta FC and Ulinzi Stars’ Oscar Wamalwa are the other forwards summoned.

The Comoros qualifiers - set for November 11 and 15 - offers Kenya a chance to fight for a first group win since they drew 1-1 against both Egypt and Togo in the first two games.

Harambee Stars are in the hunt for back-to-back Afcon qualifiers since they took part in the 2019 edition but were eliminated in the group stages.

In a recent interview, former Harambee Stars defender James Situma explained how Olunga’s presence with the national team would be important given his current goalscoring form.

“He has been scoring for the national team and he is currently doing a good job for the club,” Situma told Goal. “So, I believe when he turns out for the national team again, his form will not be affected by the coaching changes.

“It is an advantage for the national team that he is in good form because it will be very easy to transfer the form to the national side.”

But the ongoings at the Japanese club might be a blow to Situma and the majority of the supporters’ expectations.

TS Galaxy coach Dan Malesela felt Kaizer Chiefs were there for the taking in their league encounter at FNB Stadium on Wednesday night.

The match ended in a 0-0 draw, which leaves Premier Soccer League (PSL) newcomers Galaxy in seventh place on the table and unbeaten after three matches with a win and two draws.

It was actually the rookies who had the better chances against Chiefs, including a missed penalty by Wayde Lekay.

There were other good opportunities too for the likes of Tshegofatso Nyama and Mokete Mogaila and the Rockets could well have been celebrating a famous victory had they been more clinical.

Malesela wasn't pleased by his player's inability to make the most of their opportunity against a Chiefs side battling for form.

"You miss goals like we did, and it doesn't help," he told SuperSport TV after the game.

"But it happens sometimes, you've got to be patient with these guys, we've just assembled a squad.

"If it's going better than expected, then all good. You get penalties and you miss them. I don't understand, I can't take that," Malesela lamented.

"We are building and we will build, I'm just disappointed that we didn't get the three points."

Captain and central defender Spiwe Msimango was named Man of the Match. He was satisfied with the outcome yet also felt it could have been three points instead of one.

"It wasn't an easy game for us, we knew that they're coming from a defeat and they are going to want to come back strong," the 23-year-old said in the post-match interviews.

"We had a good game-plan, we created a lot of chances of which I thought we could have capitalised. But on the day we were unfortunate not to score a goal.

"We've been putting in a lot of work at training, myself, Bevan [Fransman], everyone, credit doesn't go to me alone, it's a team effort. The boys did well today."

Galaxy will next be in action on November 21 in a league game against Swallows FC, while Amakhosi turn their attention to Sunday’s second leg MTN8 semi-final against Orlando Pirates, needing to overturn a 3-0 deficit.

One of Odisha FC's star signing this season is Stephen Taylor who is expected to strengthen their backline ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Super League (ISL). 

The Juggernauts have got a new manager Stuart Baxter hoping that the British tactician will guide them to a top-four finish. They have brought in five new faces in the overseas contingent.

The centre-back is a no-nonsense defender who is known for his tactical acumen and physical prowess. His aerial ability is a bonus and comes in handy during set-pieces. 

Let's take a closer look at the veteran defender who has immense experience of playing in the Premier League. 

Jersey Number: 27

Taylor was born in Greenwich, London. He started his youth career at Cramlington Juniors and then moved to Wallsend Boys Club. Interestingly, he was scouted by Newcastle as a striker. When he was 13, he was asked to switch position and play in defence as there were no available defenders for a particular match under manager Vince Hutton. Since then he has been playing at the back.

He was instrumental in helping Newcastle win the U17 Premier Academy League in 2001-02. In the quarter-finals, they beat Arsenal, which left Arsene Wenger bitter as he was in attendance. Taylor along with fellow centre-back Chris Carr stood tall in defence and hardly put a foot wrong to oust Arsenal. 

In the semi-finals, they made a trip to Sheffield United and Taylor scored a brace in a thrilling 3-2 win. Courtesy of the win, they booked a spot in the final where they met Manchester United. 

It was a dream first half for Newcastle as they pumped in three goals in the first half at Old Trafford. The Red Devils came back strongly in the second half and scored twice but could not avert a 3-2 defeat in the first leg. 

In the return leg at St. James Park, Taylor was in the thick of things as United started testing Newcastle's defensive resolve from the first whistle. After a goalless first half, Calvin Zola-Makongo scored for the home side which put the match to bed. 

At 17, he was rewarded for his consistent performances with the U17 side and was handed a professional contract. But he was soon loaned out to Wycombe Wanderers where he played under former Arsenal centre-back Tony Adams. 

After his loan period ended, he returned to Newcastle and made his debut in a UEFA Cup match against Mallorca in March 2004. Soon he also made his Premier League debut against Bolton Wanderers. 

The 2006-07 season was a landmark year in his career as he scored decisive goals. He scored the winner in a UEFA Cup match against Celta Vigo and a few days later he once again got on the scoresheet against Blackburn Rovers to score his debut Premier League goal. 

When Newcastle got relegated in 2009, he stuck to his guns and formed a formidable partnership with Fabricio Coloccini and helped the Magpies regain promotion to the Premier League. 

He remained with Newcastle for 13 years and in 2016 he was released by the club. He made 268 appearances for the club and scored 13 goals. His last match was against Tottenham Hotspur in which they humiliated the North-London side 5-1. 

MLS and A-League

Taylor joined the Major League Soccer (MLS) side Portland Timbers after ending his time with Newcastle United. He made 11 appearances and scored two goals during his stay in the United States. 

In January 2017, he joined Ipswich Town but a hamstring injury forced him to spend time on the sidelines. He made just three appearances and in July joined Peterborough United. He once again established himself as an undisputed starter in his new surroundings and went on to play more than 50 games across all competitions in the 2017-18 season. 

In 2018, Taylor accepted an offer from A-League side Wellington Phoenix in his quest for a new challenge. In his second season, he was appointed as the captain of the side. He made 50 appearances in two years across all competitions for Phoenix. He has played alongside ATK Mohun Bagan duo Roy Krishna and David Williams during his stint with the A-League outfit. 

International Career

Taylor has played for various age group teams for England. From U16 to U21 he has not only represented his country at every level but has also had the captain's armband at times. He has 56 caps to his name cumulatively for the various teams. 

He was also called up for the senior team by Steve McLaren for a friendly against Germany in 2007.  

Congolese international Jacques Maghoma is all to feature for East Bengal who are all set to make their debut in the seventh season of the Indian Super League (ISL).

The 33-year-old midfielder is a graduate from Tottenham Hotspur’s youth academy and has a vast experience of playing in the League Two and Championship in England. He has also represented Congo DR in two editions of the African Cup of Nations.

Maghoma brings the much needed experience and solidity in the East Bengal midfield and he will partner former Hamburger SV midfielder Matti Steinmann in the centre of the park.

Debut

After graduating from Tottenham’s youth system, Maghoma had joined Burton Albion FC ahead of the 2009-10 season. Burton were plying their trade in the League Two at that time. He made his professional debut against Shrewsbury Town. He had scored just one goal in his maiden season which came against Dagenham & Redbridge FC.

Experience in England

Maghoma remained at Burton for four seasons and had appeared 157 League Two matches where he scored five goals. Ahead of the 2013-14 season, he joined Sheffield Wednesday on a two-year deal in the Championship.

During his second season at Sheffield, Maghoma got the opportunity to play against Manchester City twice, once in the League Cup and once in the FA Cup. Unfortunately, Sheffield lost the League Cup tie 7-0 and FA Cup tie 2-1.

In the 2015-16 season, he joined Birmingham City initially on a two-year deal and later extended his stay for three more years. At Birmingham, Maghoma scored 16 goals in 166 Championship matches. He also got the opportunity to play under managers like Chelsea great Gianfranco Zola and Harry Redknapp.

International football

Jacques Maghoma made his international debut for Congo DR at the age of 28 in an international friendly match against Nigeria which they won 2-0. He was also selected in the national side for the 2017 African Cup of Nations where he played two group stage matches against Ivory Coast and Morocco. Congo had topped the group table but where knocked out of the quarterfinals after losing 1-2 against Ghana.

In the 2019 edition of the Cup of Nations, Maghoma was once again a part of Congo’s squad and this time he had played all four matches in the competition. They were yet again ousted from the quarterfinals this time losing to Madagascar.

He has played 17 international matches for Congo DR so far in his career in which he has scored two goals which came against Burundi and Guinea.

Last stint

The 2019-20 season was the last year of Maghoma’s contract with Birmingham City. He played 18 matches in the Championship and had scored one goal which came against Wigan Athletic. Maghoma joined East Bengal after that stint. 

Timo Werner has welcomed the chance to be Chelsea's first-choice penalty taker after tucking away two spot-kicks in the club's 3-0 win over Rennes in the Champions League. 

After Jorginho's recent failure from the spot, Werner was the man to step up for the Blues on Wednesday as they were awarded two first-half penalties against their French opponents. 

The 24-year-old made no mistake with either attempt as he showed his spot-kick ability and set up Frank Lampard's side for a comfortable victory.

Lampard confirmed post-match that Werner had been handed penalty taking duties at the expense of Jorginho and the German international has happily embraced the new responsibility. 

“Before the game, the manager told me I was on penalties," Werner told BT Sport post-match. "I had two today, which is a little bit crazy, but I’ll take it. Good goals for a striker, and I hope I can go on like this.

“I think when you want to score 20 or more goals, then you have a to take a few penalties in the season. That’s the thing that gives strikers the goals, when you are at the high levels.

"I’m happy Jorgi is cool with that and I think it’s another point that speaks for our team, we have no selfish players, and we want to go in one direction."

Despite playing against 10 men for more than 45 minutes after Dalbert was controversially sent off for handball, Chelsea could one score once from open play as Tammy Abraham found the back of the net from close range early in the second-half. 

Werner conceded the Blues should have made more of their numerical advantage but stressed the result itself was reward enough. 

“I think we had a very good game today, we played very well. I think both penalties were right, so we go 2-0 in the first-half," Werner said. 

"We have one more man on the pitch and we can control the game. In the end maybe, we can score a bit more, but in the end, we win 3-0 at home and that’s all we wanted.

“We want to win the group and this is a big step in the right way. We want to win the next game in the Champions League after the international games and then we will go to Seville and try to win this game as well. We want to go far in this competition."

Juventus forward Alvaro Morata has heaped praise upon Cristiano Ronaldo after the duo combined in the club's 4-1 win over Ferencvaros in the Champions League. 

The pair, who previously crossed paths at Real Madrid, linked up for Juventus' second goal on Wednesday with Morata ending the night with a brace. 

Morata has been on fire in the final third and now has five goals from as many matches for Andrea Pirlo's side over the past month. 

The Spaniard's good form in front of goal looks set to only be bolstered by the return of Ronaldo, who Morata only had kind words for post-match. 

“I don’t need to tell you what Ronaldo represents and what he brings to the team," Morata told Sky Sport Italia.

"He’s a great teammate, he talks to everyone, helps everyone and is our most important player. We all hope he can continue scoring and take us to the level he has envisaged in his mind.”

On his fine form since returning to Turin, Morata added: “I said when I came back here that I felt like a more complete player and I matured as a person by going through the good and bad in my career. It was all a learning experience. 

“The motivation I want in my football is the same as any person needs in life, to feel wanted and loved. I think I have all that I need at Juventus. I can still improve and I believe we’ll continue to grow together and go far.”

On Wednesday night, Morata led a frontline consisting of Ronaldo and Federico Chiesa, with Paulo Dybala also joining the fray with good effect in the second-half. 

With Juventus blessed with a number of attacking options, their Spanish striker is ready to adjust to whoever he finds himself playing alongside. 

“I know they have their characteristics and I must make the most of their qualities to be in the right place for a goal or a pass," he said.

"I am at the disposal of the team and don’t mind adapting to their characteristics with my movement.”

Pirlo's side are currently second in Group G, three points behind Barcelona, who have won all three of their group games to date. 

Ronald Koeman thanked "phenomenal" Marc-Andre ter Stegen for his part in Barcelona's narrow 2-1 win over Dynamo Kyiv and acknowledged his side have plenty to work on.

The Catalan giants made it three wins from three in Champions League Group G through Lionel Messi's fifth-minute penalty and a Gerard Pique header in the second half.

However, Barca needed Ter Stegen to make six saves against a Dynamo side depleted by a coronavirus outbreak in their camp, including a top-class reaction stop to deny Vitaliy Buyalskiy.

Viktor Tsygankov eventually found a way past Ter Stegen, who was making his first appearance of 2020-21 after recovering from a knee injury, but Barca saw out the victory.

"He has proved to be a great goalkeeper for us," Koeman told Movistar after the game. "He has been training well and we can see that today.

"We started the match well and quickly made it 1-0, but we were unable to find the second goal and then lost control.

"Thanks to Marc, who has been phenomenal, we managed to keep the opposition out."

Barca have made their worst start to a La Liga season in 18 years but are well on their way to a place in the last 16 of the Champions League.

They are three points better off than second-placed Juventus at the midway stage and have an eight-point advantage on Ferencvaros and Dynamo, with a trip to the latter up next in three weeks' time.

Koeman struggled to find too many positives from his side's latest European victory, though, adding: "We have to play better and improve the game without the ball. 

"Today we did not do that well. In general, we had been good defensively. But today they put us in danger and we must talk about that and improve our game without the ball."

Dynamo had an inspired keeper of their own between the sticks as Ruslan Neshcheret made 12 saves in total on what was just his second senior appearance.

Neshcheret was brought into the side due to the visitors' two other shot-stoppers being ruled out with coronavirus and the youngster produced the performance of a lifetime.

"It was like being in a fairytale," he said. "Playing at this great stadium in such a game is a dream for any footballer. 

"Messi's penalty was very good. He's one of the best in this aspect. We were really happy to have a chance to play against such top opponents."

Juventus manager Andrea Pirlo has accused his players of being "egotistical" and guilty of complacency in their 4-1 win over Ferencvaros in the Champions League on Wednesday. 

Alvaro Morata continued his recent good form with a clinical brace, while Paulo Dybala also got his name on the scoresheet before forcing a late own-goal. 

Ferencvaros found the back of the net themselves in the 90th minute via Franck Boli as Juventus failed to keep a clean sheet for a fourth consecutive game in all competitions. 

Those defensive lapses are clearly leaving Pirlo frustrated as he questioned his side's attitude in the comfortable victory. 

“We’re satisfied with the result, but could’ve done much better in terms of the performance. We made a lot of mistakes down to complacency, so we need to improve,” Pirlo told Sky Sport Italia post-match.

“I talk to my players a lot, but they make the choices when they are on the pitch. They could’ve been less egotistical and killed off the game earlier.

"We are playing with two forwards plus two wide men. Once we get everyone in shape, we can evaluate who to use together. So far, not everyone has been at 100 per cent, so it’s been normal to rotate them and leave one out.”

On the decision to substitute Arthur at half-time, Pirlo explained: “Arthur wasn’t well from the start, he felt ill and was nauseous. We were ready to substitute him after 20 minutes, but he wanted to finish the half.

“His position should be slightly more advanced compared to today, but he was struggling to breathe and run today, so he was deeper to let him recover and compensate.”

Giorgio Chiellini echoed Pirlo's sentiments on the game and believes Juventus must be wary not to let their focus drop either in Serie A or the Champions League. 

“We made it seem easier, and in my mind we were too comfortable in the first half and slowed the tempo too much. We did better when pushing after the break and raised the tempo to create chances,” Chiellini added.

“We mustn’t kid ourselves, there was a big difference in the level of the teams, but after the win at Spezia, we want to go into the break for international duty with another victory against a much stronger side like Lazio."

Robin van Persie has called out Manchester United captain Harry Maguire, saying that his distribution needs to improve. 

Maguire started on Wednesday in the Champions League against Istanbul Basaksehir, but was unable to prevent United from falling 2-1 to the Turkish champions.

It has been a difficult start to the season for Maguire, whose legal trouble in Greece in the summer was followed by a series of poor performances for club and country.

Former United striker Van Persie has singled out distribution as one area of Maguire's game that needs to get better – but stressed that it's not all his fault.

"Everyone is talking about Maguire being fantastic on the ball, so far he’s not been fantastic on the ball going forward with his passing but that’s not only down to him," Van Persie said on BT Sport.

"Overall, in some situations - the team is not well positioned. You see Fred coming to take on the ball from the centre-back places - he should not do that, Maguire should do that - he should play in a zone higher up the pitch where it’s more difficult to play but it gives people more options to play.

"Forward players should play as high as possible. It’s not clicking because the positioning of the players is not right."

United are currently 15th in the Premier League after a difficult start to their domestic campaign. With just nine goals from six matches, Van Persie believes that the team's attack could be improved by more attacking moves that start from Maguire in the back.

"On the pitch what I’m seeing is that he could bring more to the team, defensively but especially on the ball because everyone was talking about how great he is on the ball," Van Persie added.

"It is not only down to him, you have to make space for each other. He should get options in midfield from the forward players. Do they give him enough options? 

"Sometimes it does click, you could see the midfielders did find the forward players but it’s not consistent enough for the moment. You should always have your runs in behind, you should always have depth in your game and that’s not always the case."

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has confirmed Jorginho has been axed as the team's No.1 penalty taker and replaced by Timo Werner, with the German scoring twice from the spot in a 3-0 Champions League win against Rennes on Wednesday.

Werner's two penalties were added to by Tammy Abraham as the Blues coasted to a victory at Stamford Bridge that puts them in the box seat for qualification to the knockout stage.

Lampard was asked about why Werner was on penalty duty despite Jorginho also being on the pitch, with the Chelsea legend admitting he had replaced the Italian after he missed from the spot in their last continental game against Krasnodar.

"I spoke to Jorginho first because he's been brilliant at taking penalties," Lampard said post-match.  "It's more missing a couple recently that I felt it was time to change. Jorgi's answer was as professional as I'd expect. He only wants to score them but he was fine with that.

"If Timo takes them as well as today he'll be happy. I'm happy he scored. Timo is as it stands now but of course he needs to keep scoring them. Today he did it very well."

Controversy surrounded Werner's second penalty after Rennes defender Dalbert was penalised for handball and shown a second yellow card despite the ball deflecting unluckily on to his arm.

Lampard admitted he would feel aggrieved about the decision if he was Rennes' manager and believes the handball ball is currently being interpreted differently across Europe.

"We had this earlier in the season in the Premier League and it has been well adjusted to show what feels like common sense in terms of the arm moving in a natural or not natural position," he said.

"It probably goes along with the rules of the Champions League that the decision gets given today. I'm not sure they are the rules we're going by in the Premier League.

"I'm not completely happy with them and if I was the manager of Rennes today I wouldn't be happy either. It's one that worked in our favour today but I'm not mad about that rule. It is what it is."

Chelsea top their Champions League after three matches with seven points alongside Sevilla.

Frank Lampard says Kai Havertz has Covid-19 symptoms and that he is self-isolating but is not too unwell after missing Chelsea's 3-0 win over Rennes. 

UEFA testing saw Havertz pull out of the squad on Monday and he will now need to isolate for at least 10 days, which rules him out of Chelsea's upcoming game with Sheffield United.

Due to being symptomatic, the 21-year-old will likely miss out of Germany's upcoming international games.

Lampard explained the timeline that saw the £62 million ($70m) signing from Bayer Leverkusen miss out on the midweek Champions League encounter.

"It showed up in the UEFA testing on Monday," Lampard said at Stamford Bridge. "We retested yesterday when we found out. Clearly everyone else in the squad is negative, so that is a good sign. I've spoke to Kai a couple of times since we found out.

"He's at home, he's isolating and he was very disappointed because he wants to play. He had some minor symptoms yesterday, his symptoms have escalated slightly today but he is fine. I spoke to him two hours before the game today and he's disappointed to be out.

"He's trying to do all the right things. It's just one of those things in the modern day with where we're at. Hopefully he isolates, does the right things and comes back firing." 

Chelsea could have Havertz back after the international break when they face Newcastle United upon their return to Premier League action later this month.

In the absence of Havertz, Timo Werner and Tammy Abraham formed a formidable attacking combination against Rennes, and Lampard was pleased with their performances.

He said: "The link up was good. I know Timo, from the many conversations I've had with him, that he is comfortable on the left side. In the early stages of the season we had one fit out-and-out winger. Christian [Pulisic], Hakim [Ziyech] were out and Callum [Hudson-Odoi] was getting match fit.

"We have options but those options were tight at the beginning of the season. I know Timo can do it and he gives the chance for Tammy or Oli to give their attributes as a central striker.

"The way we want to play in a 4-3-3 like today, you get plenty of opportunities as a left-side winger or inside winger to get into the box. It really suits him. We saw loads of fluidity in the front three as a whole today."

Jade Boho was on target twice as Logrono were held to a 2-2 draw by Valencia in Wednesday's Spanish Primera Iberdrola encounter.

Having failed to celebrate a win in four straight league games, Logrono were desperate to claim their first win against Valencia.

Boho was handed her third start of the season by manager Gerardo Leon and she opened her season account with a brace in the draw.

Logrono made a disappointing start to the encounter when Carla Bautista blasted past goalkeeper Pamela Tajonar thanks to an assist from Marta Carro after the just one minute.

Logrono, however, finally levelled matters four minutes from the half-time break when Chini Pizarro played through Boho to score.

After the break, Julie Tavlo-Petersson set up Boho to put Leon's team in the lead in the 62nd minute of the match.

On the brink of the end of regulation time, Elle Jansen teed up Asun Martinez to grab an equaliser for Valencia and forced a stalemate at Estadio Nuevo Municipal Las Gaunas.

With her brace, Boho, who played from the start to finish, has scored two goals in four league outings this season for Logrono.

Apart from Boho, compatriot Cote d'Ivoire's Rebecca Elloh was in action for 89 minutes, while compatriot Ida Guehai and Ghana's Grace Asantewaa played the final 44 minutes.

The draw takes Logrono to 15th on the log with two points from five matches and they will be eyeing their first win at Madrid on November 8.