Joe Root is heading for top spot and why it's not all about spin - particularly at Old Trafford: BUMBLE AT THE TEST

More from Sports

• Man United 'scout 6ft 5in centre back compared to Rodri as Harry Maguire's long-term successor' - but Red Devils 'face competition from European heavyweights for versatile youngster'

• Ray French dead at 85: Sport in mourning after veteran commentator known as 'the voice of rugby league' passes away

• Lando Norris claims pole position at Belgian Grand Prix as McLaren star keeps world championship hopes alive

• Australia 26-29 British & Irish Lions PLAYER RATINGS: Who was a 'colossal inspiration'? Which star appeared 'flustered'? And who suffered 'a collapse' by his own standards?

• Florian Wirtz will make Liverpool tick, the 16-year-old prodigy ready for the first team - and the one area Arne Slot STILL needs to strengthen: FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED from the Reds' 2-4 defeat by AC Milan

• West Ham make decision on Lucas Paqueta's future at the club - with the Brazilian expected to be cleared of spot-fixing charges

• The Lionesses are on the brink of glory at the Euros... and so is their market value! Brand expert reveals how women's team are entering their 'influencer' era - and the one thing the men's team MUST learn from them

• Ruben Amorim reveals he WILL welcome 'Bomb Squad' players back into the Man United fold if they are not sold after leaving them at home amid US pre-season tour

• Lord Coe looks to drum up investment in Man United's £2bn Old Trafford rebuild, extreme weather threatens to blow pre-season plans off course... and a date is set for Carrington's reopening

• West Ham unlikely to start legal battle with the FA if Lucas Paqueta is cleared of spot-fixing after two-year saga and collapse of dream Man City move

• Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 'open to reuniting with former Manchester United star' as the Besiktas boss considers handing the 24-year-old a career lifeline

• Alan Shearer gives verdict on Marcus Rashford's loan to Barcelona - as the Newcastle legend names the key factor he will need to be a success in LaLiga

• Max Verstappen wins the first race since Christian Horner's sacking as Red Bull star secures sprint victory at Spa

• Eddie Howe breaks silence on Alexander Isak's Newcastle future after Liverpool target told hierarchy he wants to leave the club this summer

• Loris Karius bares all on his relationship with TV presenter wife Diletta Leotta - as he reveals her honest thoughts on living apart after she 'REFUSED' to move to Germany

• Liverpool to immortalise Diogo Jota with a permanent tribute to the Portuguese star outside Anfield and with 'Forever 20' emblem on new adidas kits following his tragic death aged 28

• Chelsea in 'advanced talks for £60m Bundesliga star' as Blues 'look to bolster attacking options' after Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens arrivals

• Lionel Messi left 'extremely upset' after picking up bizarre MLS ban - as Inter Miami star and team-mate Jordi Alba hit with 'draconian' suspension

• Lewis Hamilton gives BLUNT verdict on Christian Horner sacking - as Red Bull prepare for first race since dismissing Geri Halliwell's husband

• Meet the man who helps superstars get their dream moves: Nike's Jamie 'Velocity' has worked with Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Bruno Fernandes