World Baseball Classic 2026 semifinals tickets: See the best prices, … — and more

Here's how you can get tickets to the 2026 World Baseball Classic semifinals in Miami with the best prices and game schedule.

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Most Manchester United fans would acknowledge last night's defeat had been coming.

The fluidity of the first few games under Michael Carrick was missing at West Ham, when they nearly lost, and didn't get picked up against Everton or Crystal Palace, despite the victories achieved in those matches.

There are a couple of basic realities around Manchester United that should not be forgotten.

Given the Premier League as a whole seems to be a bit of a grind, it is probably unrealistic to expect them to deliver free-flowing football.

There must also be an acceptance that Carrick's squad is not deep and given Matthijs de Ligt, Mason Mount, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui and Patrick Dorgu were all injured by the end of last night's game and Casemiro and Luke Shaw had been substituted as they played their second match in four days, there was not enough cover to cope.

However, after a defeat, more scrutiny will be placed on Carrick's in-game decisions; the timing of his changes, his tactical flexibility.

This is not a bad thing. He needs positive answers to show he can do the job on a full-time basis.

As Carrick said, a defeat, against 10 men, hurts. But it need not be any more than that. The meeting with Aston Villa on 15 March may offer a true picture of what kind of Manchester United Michael Carrick is capable of creating.

Arne Slot Provides Florian Wirtz Injury Update Ahead of Wolves Clash

Liverpool head into their FA Cup meeting with Wolves with renewed optimism after an encouraging update on Florian Wirtz. Arne Slot confirmed the attacking midfielder is edging closer to a return, which will be welcome news for supporters ahead of Friday evening’s tie.

The German playmaker has missed several recent fixtures with a back problem, leaving Liverpool without one of their most inventive players during a crucial part of the campaign. With Wolves again standing in their way, attention has naturally turned to whether Wirtz can play any part.

Florian Wirtz Recovery Progress

Florian Wirtz first encountered the issue in the warm up before Liverpool’s 1-0 victory away at Nottingham Forest on February 22. The 22 year old had been named in the starting line up but withdrew shortly before kick off after feeling discomfort in his back.

At first the expectation inside Liverpool was that the problem would be minor. Instead it has lingered, ruling Wirtz out of the home win over West Ham United and the recent defeat against Wolves.

Photo: IMAGO

His absence has been noticeable. Liverpool remain a strong attacking side under Arne Slot, but when Wirtz is missing the final third can become slightly easier for opponents to read. The German’s ability to glide between the lines, find pockets of space and thread passes through tight defensive structures gives Liverpool a different dimension.

Arne Slot Provides Positive Update

Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s FA Cup clash with Wolves, Slot offered a cautiously encouraging assessment of Wirtz’s progress.

“He trained half and half with the team yesterday. He made the next step in rehab. Let’s see where he is today. He could be available for a few minutes tomorrow in the best scenario. Everyone else fine.”

That update suggests Liverpool will take a careful approach with Florian Wirtz rather than rushing him back too quickly. Even a brief cameo could give Liverpool a lift, particularly if the match becomes tight late on.

Slot also hinted that rotation will be necessary, though Liverpool will not have a completely fresh line up available.

“We have a few but we don’t have 11. I always have options to bring in and players can bring in and let them start.”

Liverpool Focused On Response Against Wolves

Liverpool’s defeat at Wolves recently still lingers in the background, and Slot acknowledged that his side must react in the right way. The FA Cup tie offers an immediate opportunity to do exactly that.

“Not for the first time this season, three days after a game where we have dropped points, I’ve seen us do quite a lot this season, we have to be better than we were last time.”

That message underlines the standards expected at Liverpool since Slot guided the club to the Premier League title in the 2024-25 season. Consistency, intensity and a swift response to setbacks have become hallmarks of the team.

With Wolves arriving for this FA Cup contest, Liverpool will hope to combine those qualities with the potential return of Florian Wirtz, even if only briefly. His creativity could provide the spark needed to push Liverpool towards the next round and keep momentum building in the weeks ahead.

For now the situation remains a watching brief, but the signs are positive. If Wirtz does feature, even for a handful of minutes, it could be a timely boost as Liverpool aim to overcome Wolves and continue their pursuit of more silverware.