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Rams wanted to trade down for Simpson but got no offers
The Rams hoped to move back to the Detroit Lions at No. 17, acquire extra picks, and select Simpson there. Instead, they stood pat. Schefter believes Simpson likely would have fallen to the second round had he remained on the board. Other players discussed at No. 13 included Makai Lemon, Kenyon Sadiq, and Olaivavega Ioane, who went 14th to Baltimore. esporist.org
'Plenty to build on' for Andrews' Bees - even if Europe has to wait
Well, we ended our run of consecutive draws - but not in the way we wanted to.
Monday night's frustrating defeat at Old Trafford was our first in seven Premier League games, but also left us winless in six matches.
We paid for not taking our chances in yet another game where we squandered points which we should have had.
After a dodgy start, Brentford more than matched Manchester United in arguably our best performance there in our five Premier League visits.
But that counts for nothing when another chance to move up to sixth, or return to seventh, slipped through our fingers.
If we do get into Europe it looks like we'll have to start winning again and rely on other results to make it possible.
However, with Manchester City and Liverpool away among our final four fixtures, it's looking like a tall order.
As I've said before, though, I'm fine with that. It's been a great season whatever happens, although I would like a top-half finish.
There is plenty to build on for the future - and if Europe waits another year, then fair enough.
The highlight of the evening, however, was seeing Josh Dasilva back in the matchday squad after an incredible 816-day absence because of injury.
Dasilva is a hugely talented and highly likeable player who, if he can return to his pre-injury levels, could play a key role for us next season.
While he was never going to come on, the psychological boost for him being in the squad will be massive. It was also a heartwarming moment when he came across to applaud those of us in the away end at full-time.
Hopefully we'll get to see him on the pitch in one of our remaining fixtures.
Find more from Ian Westbrook at Beesotted podcast
'What is the point of VAR any more?'
In the 84th minute of Everton's game against West Ham the Premier League match centre confirmed it.
The explanation was: "The referee's call of no penalty was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Mateus Fernandes accidentally handled the ball while grappling with the opponent."
An interesting take, given at the start of the 2025-26 season it was stated Premier League referees were likely to award more penalties in a tougher response to players who grapple and hold opponents in the penalty area, with VAR expressly instructed to be more proactive to intervene against 'non-footballing' action.
I've seen some terrible handball decisions not given for Everton in my time (honourable mention for Rodri at Goodison Park in 2022) but this was right up there. Not only does the 'grappling' involve Fernandes wrapping both arms around Everton's striker to pull him away from the ball, he also then attempts to play a different sport, slapping it with his hand.
Given the importance of the game to not only Everton's European ambitions, but to all teams in the relegation battle, it really prompts the question – what is the point of VAR any more?
Time and time again the officials can't get decisions right and it is killing any spontaneity in the grounds. It was a struggle to celebrate the second time Everton put the ball in the net in the Merseyside derby for fear it was about to get chalked off.
A recent survey by the Football Supporter's Association found three-quarters of those fans surveyed were against the use of VAR. It feels increasingly fair to say it persistently fails to uphold its own standards while draining our beloved game of any raw, unfiltered emotion. A system designed to bring clarity is instead undermining trust. In the end, it has become less a tool for justice and more a source of confusion and frustration.
Punjab Kings Aim for Record Streak vs Rajasthan Royals
The Punjab Kings are heavy favorites with a 65% win probability as they aim to secure a record eighth consecutive victory in New Chandigarh.
With a 7-0 run, the hosts look set to tie their all-time best streak from 2013-2014. In contrast, the Rajasthan Royals are seeking answers after their third loss, with captain Riyan Parag struggling for form.
Casemiro’s resurgence has given Man Utd a problem they did not think they would have
Few would have expected 34-year-old Casemiro to have the defining impact that he has had this season for Manchester United.
The experienced midfielder, who has already confirmed that he will leave United at the end of the season, scored his ninth goal of the season in the 2-1 win over Brentford on Monday.
It was not too long ago that Casemiro’s long run at the elite level of football looked over. He struggled last season, and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher’s savage criticism of the Brazilian in May of 2024 hung over the midfielder like a dark cloud.
“I think Casemiro should know tonight that he should only have another three games left at the top level,” he said back then.
“The next two league games and the cup final, then he should be thinking, I need to go to the MLS or Saudi.
“This has to stop because we are watching one of the greats of modern times. I always remember the saying ‘leave the football before the football leaves you’. The football has left him. At this top level, he needs to call it a day at this level and move.”
But his unexpected turnaround has propelled United to the verge of securing a return to Champions League football. So how has he done it?
Casemiro’s resurgence
It is not just his goals where Casemiro has contributed to United’s drastic improvement this season. The midfielder looks to have rediscovered the energy and tenacity which made him one of the world’s most dominant defensive midfielders at Real Madrid.
There is no doubt that he, like the rest of United’s squad, have benefitted from regularly playing one game a week. Their failure to qualify for Europe and poor performance in the cup competitions has had a positive impact on their Premier League form.
The appointment of Michael Carrick, and the freedom he has afforded his players compared to the rigidity of former boss Ruben Amorim has also breathed a new lease of life into a career that was rapidly dwindling.
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He has been trusted to anchor the midfield, and has been surrounded by players with pace and energy which have allowed him to do his job more effectively.
Remarkably, eight of Casemiro’s nine goals this season have come from set pieces. Only Arsenal have scored more than United’s 17 goals from set pieces this season and eight of Casemiro’s nine goals have been headers – double the amount of anyone else.
It is fair to say that Casemiro is the most dangerous set-piece threat in the Premier League, even more than Arsenal’s Gabriel. He has, of course, benefitted from the attention United have clearly given to set pieces, and the excellent delivery the likes of Bruno Fernandes provide.
Have United made a mistake?
Casemiro enjoyed a strong debut season at United under Erik ten Hag but the following two campaigns were wildly disappointing given the reported £70m transfer fee and £375k a week wages paid for and to the Brazilian midfielder.
He has certainly paid back some of that money with his performances this season, though, which have been pivotal in securing United’s all but certain return to Champions League football and the financial rewards that comes with.
From being seen as a symptom of the problems at United, he has now become a fan favourite, as shown by the repeated chanting of his name towards the end of the victory over Brentford.
It begs the question of whether United should have pushed harder to keep Casemiro for at least another year, with Carrick insisting after the game that his exit is finalised, while also stressing, though, that clarity over his future may have helped his performances on the pitch.
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“The situation has probably helped that, knowing exactly where he’s at, there’s nothing to hide, and he’s thrown himself right into it.
“It’s football, players come and go. You’ve got to evolve and move on and adapt. He’s definitely giving everything and it’s nice he’s got that connection with the supporters.”
Getting Casemiro’s huge wage bill off the balance sheet certainly opens up more possibilities in the transfer market too as United look to strengthen their depth to better cope with the demands of European football next season.
But what is certain is that Casemiro’s outstanding performances have given United a problem they did not think they would have to worry about, replacing his goals and what else he brings to this team. Set pieces have been a huge part of United’s improvement this season and losing his heading ability in particular will be a blow.
It might be that United can replace his production in other areas, but there will certainly be a gaping hole left by the Brazilian’s departure at the end of this season that needs to be filled.