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Sam Parkin’s EFL Takeaways: Middlesbrough look strong, dream start for Robbie Savage

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Robbie Savage enjoyed a dream afternoon on his debut as an EFL manager as his Peterborough United side inflicted more misery on Leicester City and Russell Martin with a 3-1 victory at King Power Stadium.

Parkin: “What a start for Robbie Savage, going back to the club where he’s probably most synonymous. There’s been a lot talked and written about him this week when we don’t have too great a knowledge of what he’s like as a manager considering his journey so far through non-league.

“I’m very open-minded about the appointment and what he can do. I’ve heard he wants to play with real intensity and really play aggressively from the front.

“I thought this could be a good game for him against a Leicester City team that have a unique style of play but take risks with the ball, so in terms of a game plan, it’s probably worked perfectly the way he wants his team to play.

“It’s only a start but he’s inherited a brilliant scorer in Harry Leonard, so he doesn’t have to worry about who will convert chances. It’s a young team, it probably needs a bit of experience in the window ahead but I think they’ve got better players than their current position shows, so it’s a great opportunity for Robbie.

“Dealing with the heavier scrutiny from where he’s been previously will be a challenge and naturally he’ll have a target on his back because of who he is and that personality.

“Peterborough have always been a really attacking and free-scoring team in the last 10 to 15 years, that’s what I associate with them, and it sounds like that’s the way he wants to go about things so that should be met with open arms.”

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Ulster 26-26 Munster: Ulster fight back to earn thrilling URC draw in Belfast

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Ulster: McIlroy; Baloucoune, Benson, McCloskey, Stockdale; Murphy, Doak; O’Sullivan, Stewart (capt), Knox, Donnell, Snyman, Izuchukwu, Timoney, Augustus.

Replacements: Walker, O’Toole, McAllister, McNabney, McCann, Devine, Flannery, Mullins.

Yellow cards:

Munster: O’Connor; McCarthy, Nankivell, Kelly, O’Brien; Hanrahan, Casey; Loughman, Van der Merwe, Brookes; O’Connell, Beirne (capt); O’Donoghue, Kendellen, Coombes.

Replacements: Clein, Wycherley, Aungier, Foy, Gleeson, O’Donovan, O’Shea, Hodnett.

Referee: Craig Evans (WRU)

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‘Reminds me of Muller’ – Naderi proving worth in Rangers revival

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Naderi now has three goals in his past two league games, having scored the winner in Rangers’ 1-0 league win away to Celtic before the break.

That alone elevated his status among an initially sceptical support who had watched the 23-year-old struggle to make an impact after singing from German third-tier side Hansa Rostock in February.

Just one league goal – and two in a League Cup trouncing of Queen’s Park – followed last season, with observers unconvinced he had the attributes to be a starting striker at the club.

Such assessments seem to have dissipated as he has surged to the fore in the absence of injured team-mates Lawrence Shankland and Youssef Chermiti.

Six goals and three assists, often key interventions, have elevated his status as he adds end product to his physical prowess.

A crucial assist in the late win over St Mirren when Bojan Miovski scored a vital winner was notable.

Naderi has netted winners against Motherwell and Celtic and his two goals against Kilmarnock proved decisive.

His manager agrees Naderi, who made his Czech Republic debut last week, has stepped up to the plate for Rangers at a good time.

“Yes, and fair play to him,” McInnes said. “He’s always such an honest boy, he’s willing to put defenders under pressure.

“I’ve always felt as a striker that if the ball goes in the box, he’ll score his goals. He’s not the type of striker that creates a lot for himself, so he needs that service.

“If we put the ball in the box, as we did in the first half, then he looks a threat.

“He’s had such a good few weeks. Everybody’s so pleased for him. We need someone who would regularly be the goalscorer here at the club.”

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10-man Spurs grab a draw but who got 1/10 – Ratings for Man Utd v Spurs

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Manchester United XI:

Senne Lammens: Made a major early error that could have had disastrous consequences but the Belgian recovered to make the save from Dominic Solanke. Mis-control shortly afterwards showed more signs of nerves and pass straight out of play summed up United’s first half hour. Might have done better for equaliser. 5

Leny Yoro (off 59, Dalot): Given a start after making France debut and excellent tackle to deny Jan Paul van Hecke a clear sight at goal. Decent effort. 7

Harry Maguire: Usual solid presence at the heart of the home defence but no chance to threaten at the other end and fact he did try a shot from 30 yards suggested lack . 7

Lisandro Martinez: Partnership with Maguire a plus point for Man Utd but was totally outmuscled by Solanke for Spurs’ equaliser. 6

Luke Shaw: One of the home side’s more consistent performers and got forward to force a corner early in the second period and made a vital intervention at the other end. Lucky to avoid red card for his reactionary shove on Rodrigo Bentancur? 6

Kobbie Mainoo: Caught in possession on too many occasions, even if the passes he was receiving inside his own half were ill-advised. Tried to get on the ball in deep lying midfield role. Excellent block to deny Savio. 7

Youri Tielemans (off 59, Baleba): Lucky to get away with being robbed by Savio deep in the United half due to debatable free-kick but calm in heading the ball back to Lammens to relieve pressure on home goal. 6

Amad Diallo (off 59, Zirkzee): Took a long time to get into the game on his first appearance of the season but eventually had home side’s first shot. 6

Bruno Fernandes: Shadow of the player who deservedly won all the player of the year awards last season. Didn’t shoot when had the chance suggests confidence levels have dipped. 5

Matheus Cunha: Reaction to negativity from the stands shows he cares but, like many, yet to reach last term’s levels. Provided the pass for Mbuemo’s goal. 6

Bryan Mbeumo: Didn’t have enough support to be effective in the lead striking role but led one counter and turned smartly to score United’s goal. 8.

Subs:

Diogo Dalot (on 59, Yoro): Nearly set up Bruno Fernandes with cross from the right. 5

Carlos Baleba (on 59, Tielemans): Introduction injected life into home fans and made plenty of tackles. 5

Joshua Zirkzee (on 59, Amad): Quickly into action to force a corner and let Tottenham know he was there. 6

Ayden Heaven (on 90, Shaw). 5

Marcus Rashford (on 90, Cunha). 5

Subs not used: Karl Darlow, Mason Mount, Andrey Santos, Shea Lacey.

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