Manchester United saw festive cheer sapped by an injury to Bruno Fernandes during their visit to Aston Villa, with a Morgan Rogers brace firing the hosts to a 2-1 win and 10th consecutive victory in all competitions. Matheus Cunha was handed a gift late in the first-half, as he found the target, but defensive frailties ensured that the Red Devils left the West Midlands with nothing to show for their efforts.
Liverpool were humiliated as they fell to a disastrous 9-1 loss to reigning Women's Super League champions Chelsea in the Women's League Cup quarter-finals on Sunday. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd scored a hat-trick, while Matildas star Sam Kerr contributed with a brace as the Blues comfortably reached the competition's last-four stage.
Daryl Dike has explained to the âBeast Mode Onâ podcast what makes USMNT star Christian Pulisic special. The AC Milan forward is fondly known as âCaptain Americaâ in his homeland and does take on skipper duties at times. He is a source of inspiration to many of those around him, with an unassuming character taking to leading through action rather than words.
Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal delivered a second-half goal after surviving a horror challenge from Renato Veiga as the defending champions comfortably beat Villarreal 2-0 to restore their four-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of La Liga. Raphinha had handed the visitors the lead from the penalty spot before Yamal scored the clincher.
Alisha Lehmann has been showcasing her skills again, with the Como Women star completing the Baller League UK âbib challengeâ. The Switzerland international is one of the celebrity coaches on show at that event, having linked up with Love Island host Maya Jama for a second campaign in charge of MVPs United. Lehmann is a regular at games in London.
The stingy "treat" that Dani Dyerâs husband Jarrod Bowen is allowed has been revealed, with the West Ham captain unable to indulge at Christmas. The holiday season is a busy one professionally for Bowen, with Premier League fixtures coming thick and fast, and that means the England international must steer clear of the excesses that are enjoyed by others.
Vinicius Junior jetted off to Dubai less than a day after he was booed and jeered by Real Madrid fans at the Bernabeu during their 2-0 win over Sevilla in La Liga on Saturday. After a series of poor results at the start of this month, Madrid are finally showing some consistency as they have now won three matches in a row across all competitions, including their last two league outings.
Daryl Dike has explained why he pledged international allegiance to the USMNT over Nigeria. The powerful striker, who is of African heritage, has seen his brother Bright and sister Courtney commit to the Super Eagles. Dike opted to tread a different path, with 10 caps being earned for the United States. He has discussed that decision with the âBeast Mode Onâ podcast.
Kobbie Mainoo has been left out of Manchester United's matchday squad to face Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday. The midfielder was expected to at least be among the substitutes but was a surprise omission from the Red Devils' travelling party. A reason has now been given for his absence as United look to kick off the festive period with a win on the road.
Mohamed Salah continues to generate transfer talk on the back of a sparking a storm at Liverpool, but Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has refuted any suggestion that the superstar forward is in "crisis". Salah was benched for five consecutive Premier League fixtures prior to linking up with his country for Africa Cup of Nations duty, leading to uncertainty being cast over his future.
Monaco boss Sebastien Pocognoli has addressed growing concern around Paul Pogbaâs stuttering comeback after again opting to rest the midfielder, insisting patience is required following his long absence from football. The Frenchmanâs limited minutes since returning from a doping ban have sparked debate, but the Belgian coach remains calm about his situation.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk insisted Xavi Simons did not intend to hurt him in a challenge which led to the Spurs midfielder being sent off in Saturdayâs Premier League clash between the two teams. The defender revealed he spoke to his Netherlands team-mate following the tackle which led to his first-half dismissal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac have, ahead of the January window, been given a âgo bigâ transfer warning at Wrexham. Hollywood co-owners have helped to fund a meteoric rise for the Red Dragons, with record-shattering recruitment drives being overseen. They are, however, being advised to steer clear of another elaborate spending spree early in 2026.
Barcelona have been rocked by a significant injury setback after Andreas Christensen suffered a partial Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear during training, dealing a blow to Hansi Flickâs defensive plans. The Danish defenderâs recovery timeline remains uncertain, adding fresh concern to a season already disrupted by fitness issues for the experienced centre-back.
A domestic opponent of Lionel Messi in the United States has explained how the Argentine GOAT has a ânasty sideâ and enjoys engaging in âverbalsâ with MLS rivals. The most decorated player of all-time is considered to have a switch that can be turned on whenever moments of inspiration are required, with those qualities making him the âbest player everâ.
An executive from a Premier League club is being investigated by Londonâs Metropolitan Police for non-recent sex offences, report The Athletic. The man - who has been described as âwell-knownâ - is still working in the English top flight while the case is being investigated by the police. In a statement, the police said no arrests have been made.
A transfer update has been delivered on Christian Pulisic, with the USMNT star generating exit talk at AC Milan. A return to the Premier League has been speculated on for the former Chelsea forward, with Manchester United said to be one of his many suitors. It is, however, being claimed that there has been âzeroâ contact from England regarding the United States international.
Englandâs Lionesses are set to dominate the New Yearâs Honours List after their dramatic European Championship triumph, with several key players and staff poised to be recognised by the King. From match-winning heroes to the architect of back-to-back continental success, a rare haul of gongs is expected to underline a historic year for womenâs football.
Former Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard says he is âopenâ to new opportunities in the January transfer window as he looks to continue his playing career following an emotional departure from FC Seoul earlier this month. The England international has opened up about the âstrong legacyâ he has left behind in South Korea following his near two-year spell in Asia.
Scott McTominay has once again been billed as the standout performer in Serie A. Said standing was recently made official when landing the divisionâs Player of the Year award for 2025 - with the history books being rewritten. A club colleague at title holders Napoli, Sam Beukema, has now explained what makes the former Manchester United midfielder special.
The cost of owning grass graced by Argentine GOAT Lionel Messi has been revealed, with Inter Miami joining the trend of selling turf as they prepare to move into a new stadium. The Herons are bidding farewell to Chase Stadium, having savoured a historic MLS Cup win in that venue, and will be heading to Freedom Park next season. Fans can snap up a piece of the pitch that Messi has trodden since deciding to chase the American dream in 2023.
Alejandro Garnacho was fortunate not to receive a red card for a âreally nastyâ tackle in Chelseaâs 2-2 draw with Newcastle United, according to the Magpiesâ former goalkeeper Shay Given. The Argentina winger avoided receiving his marching orders in a game full of contentious moments, with Toon boss Eddie Howe criticising the match officials after the full-time whistle.
Frank Lampard was forced to apologise after a heated post-match melee erupted following Coventry Cityâs hard-earned draw at Southampton. The Sky Blues boss appeared to inflame tensions with a sarcastic gesture towards the home crowd, triggering confrontations between players and staff and overshadowing a resilient display from his Championship leaders.
Cruz Beckham has angrily shut down reports saying his parents Sir David and Victoria have unfollowed his brother Brooklyn on Instagram, claiming they have actually been blocked by their eldest son on the social media platform. The latest chapter in what has fast become a bitter public feud has been written, with there appearing to be no sign of an immediate end to the family saga.
Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini pulled no punches after his sideâs defeat to Juventus, openly questioning Evan Fergusonâs impact and admitting the Republic of Ireland striker is not convincing him. The blunt assessment has intensified scrutiny on Romaâs January plans, with Gasperini hinting at attacking reinforcements while insisting his selection calls were the right ones.
Kylian Mbappe sent a heartfelt message to âidolâ Cristiano Ronaldo after copying the Portugal superstarâs iconic celebration following his landmark goal in Real Madridâs 2-0 win over Sevilla. The France forward had a birthday to remember as he found the back of the net to help Xabi Alonsoâs men move to within a point of La Liga leaders Barcelona on Saturday.
Jack Grealish has lifted the lid on an unexpected off-pitch passion he has developed alongside girlfriend Sasha Attwood, revealing that life away from football has taken a surprisingly wholesome turn. The England international explained how tending vegetable gardens at their Cheshire home has become a shared hobby, offering a glimpse into a calmer side of the Everton loaneeâs life.
Matt Doherty says he and his Wolverhampton Wanderers team-mates run the risk of being called âcowardsâ if they do not show more accountability as the clubâs woeful Premier League season plunged to new depths. The Molineux club equalled an unwanted record as they suffered their 15th top-flight defeat of the campaign in a 2-0 reverse against Brentford on Saturday afternoon.
Hansi Flick has spoken openly about his future at Barcelona amid reports that the club are considering offering him a new contract until 2028. The German coach made it clear that he is happy at Camp Nou, stressing the importance of the trust from president Joan Laporta and praising the working relationship he enjoys with sporting director Deco and the wider sporting structure.
Ruben Amorim says Manchester United are ready to enter the January transfer market but only if the âperfectâ player is available. The Red Devils continue to be linked with a host of central midfielders but the Portuguese head coach has suggested the club are even prepared to strengthen in another area of the pitch, provided the signing is one for the long term.