Catarina Macario is set to make history by leaving Chelsea to join the San Diego Wave in the National Women's Soccer League. This groundbreaking transfer is reported to be the most lucrative contract ever signed in women's professional football, signalling a massive shift in the sport's financial landscape and bringing the American international back to where her career began.
Winners win trophies. That was the simple message that Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor gave her players before Sunday’s League Cup final. It clearly got through, too, because her Blues put on a performance of champions to beat Manchester United and win the first silverware of the season, while sending a message to the rest of England - and Europe - that, despite a disappointing campaign so far, they are still a huge threat.
GOAL reviews top USWNT performances abroad, from Naomi Girma’s injury to Alyssa Thompson’s first League Cup with Chelsea and Heaps, Yohannes lifting the French Cup with Lyon.
Lauren James' brilliance took centre stage as Chelsea retained the Women's League Cup on Sunday, the England international once again coming back to haunt Manchester United as her goal was backed up by Aggie Beever-Jones' opportunistic finish to give the Blues a 2-0 win and the first piece of silverware of the season. In a tight game of few chances, James' clinical touch looked set to prove decisive before Beever-Jones made sure of the win in the latter stages, rounding off a remarkable effort from a Chelsea side plagued by injuries.
USWNT sensation Alyssa Thompson has lifted the lid on her daunting transition from Angel City FC to the relentless spotlight of the Women's Super League. Trading the sunny comforts of her Los Angeles hometown for a blockbuster move to Chelsea, the 20-year-old forward revealed the leap was so intimidating that she braced herself to go four months without finding the back of the net in a star-studded Blues squad.
Chelsea have been handed a massive boost by Lauren James extending her stay until 2030, hours after her brother and men's team captain Reece signed a new long-term deal until 2032. This historic double commitment ensures the James siblings remain central to the club’s ambitions, marking a monumental day for the Blues' present and future success.
Manchester United, often simply referred to as "United," are one of the most iconic and successful football clubs in the world, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, England. The club was founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878 by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway depot at Newton Heath. The team changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to its current home, Old Trafford, in 1910.
Famous players
Manchester United have been home to some of the greatest footballers in history. Sir Bobby Charlton, a World Cup winner with England in 1966, is arguably the most iconic figure in the club's history. Other legendary players include George Best, known for his flair and skill, and Eric Cantona, who brought a winning mentality to the club during the 1990s. More recent stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Paul Scholes have also contributed significantly to the club's success.
Honours
Manchester United are one of the most decorated clubs in English football, having won a record 20 Premier League titles (formerly the First Division). They have also lifted the FA Cup 12 times, the League Cup five times, and the UEFA Champions League three times. The club's dominance in English football was particularly evident during the 1990s and early 2000s under manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Managers
Sir Alex Ferguson is undoubtedly the most successful manager in Manchester United's history. He spent 26 years at the club, leading them to an unprecedented era of success. Before Ferguson, managers like Matt Busby and Wilf McGuinness played crucial roles in shaping the club's identity. More recent managers, including David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, and José Mourinho, have faced the challenge of maintaining the club's high standards.
Stadium
Old Trafford, often referred to as the "Theatre of Dreams," is one of the most famous stadiums in the world. With a capacity of roughly 75,000, it is among the largest football stadiums in the United Kingdom. The stadium has hosted numerous major matches, including UEFA Champions League finals and FIFA World Cup matches.
Location
Manchester United are based in the city of Manchester, which is located in the northwest of England. The club's home ground, Old Trafford, is situated in the Trafford borough. Manchester is a major industrial city with a rich footballing heritage.
Owners
In February 2024, British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe's company, INEOS, acquired a significant 25% stake in Manchester United. This acquisition granted Ratcliffe sporting control over the club, placing him in a position to influence key decisions related to its operations.
Ratcliffe has already made a substantial financial commitment to Manchester United. His large investments demonstrate his dedication to the club's success and his willingness to provide the necessary resources for its growth.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy Everton tickets without a membership?
In order to purchase an official ticket through the club to see Everton play at Hill Dickinson Stadium, you generally must be a member of the club.
There are several brackets of memberships, ranging from adult options to those for juniors. Each comes with additional perks and privileges depending on the membership purchased. You can register your interest now for membership ahead of the 2025-26 season.
If you're looking for a unique experience, you can also book premium packages with the official premium partner of Everton, Seat Unique. These packages start from £495 a person and offer inside perks like exclusive fan zones, complimentary drinks and even meet-and-greets, depending on what package you choose.
Can I book a tour of Hill Dickinson Stadium at Everton?
If you're looking for the ultimate package with a tour - including a private enclosure, complimentary bar and VIP meet and greet with an Everton player - look to book The Seat Unique Experience, which will see you in the most exclusive of experiences as a fan.
How can I buy an Everton season ticket?
Right now, you cannot purchase season tickets for Everton’s 2025-26 Premier League campaign, as they have sold out.
You can, however, sign up for the club’s waiting list, which will offer you the chance to purchase a season ticket for a future campaign when they become available.
How can I buy Everton away tickets?
You can purchase Everton away tickets from the club’s official website, just as you would for home matches. You will still need an Everton membership to do so, however.
You can also explore purchasing tickets from the club website of their opponent, though you will likely need to be a member there too, making it particularly ineffective as a cost-saving measure.
How do I buy cheap Everton tickets?
The best way to buy cheap Everton tickets is to purchase from the club’s official website, looking for tickets in the more cost-friendly portions of Hill Di.
Second-hand resale sites such as Viagogo may also offer cheap tickets at short notice, with prices likely to be at their lowest the closer to the game you get. Be aware, however, that tickets can often be inflated or sold for above the retail price depending on demand.
There are no specific special offers or discounts for Everton tickets, with prices typically set ahead of the start of the season for fixtures across all competitions.
Seniors, children and young adults will pay less than the full price, however, which is worth remembering when it comes to making your purchase.