Chris Burton

Lionel Messi was tackled to the turf by a pitch-invading fan during Inter Miami’s chaotic friendly clash with Independiente del Valle. The MLS Cup winners had been due to face Ecuadorian opponents on February 13, but the contest had to be rearranged. It eventually took place in Puerto Rico on February 26, with Argentine GOAT Messi among the stars on show.

The shocking amount Manchester United are set to pay Ruben Amorim and his coaching team has been revealed. The Portuguese was relieved of his managerial duties at Old Trafford on January 5. He took in just 63 games at the helm, over the course of 14 months, with that ill-fated tenure set to cost the Red Devils close to £16 million ($22m).

The likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City have been warned that Manchester United are not “a million miles away” from coming back into Premier League title contention. The Red Devils have failed to capture a top-flight crown since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, but Lee Sharpe has told GOAL why more shrewd transfer business could restore domestic dominance at Old Trafford.

Paul Pogba is facing more questions of his future, with the former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder enduring a tough return to competitive action with Monaco. After serving an 18-month ban from all football-related activity, the World Cup winner headed to his native France in 2025. Injuries have prevented the 32-year-old from making the desired impact in Ligue 1.

Chelsea have set an unwanted record, with the Premier League heavyweights posting the highest pre-tax losses ever seen in English football. The Blues’ accounts for 2024-25 have been revealed in data released by UEFA. It is claimed that Chelsea moved €407million (£355m/$481m) into the red during their third season under the stewardship of Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly.

Jurgen Klopp is seeing questions asked of his future at Red Bull, with reports in Germany claiming that the former Liverpool boss could be axed from his role as Head of Global Soccer. The experienced coach has seen a return to the dugout speculated on, with La Liga giants Real Madrid said to have the Bundesliga and Premier League title winner on their managerial shortlist.

Former Manchester United and England star Lee Sharpe has told GOAL why struggles under Ruben Amorim may end up working in Kobbie Mainoo’s favour. The 20-year-old midfielder has returned to favour at club level under interim Red Devils boss Michael Carrick and is considered to be in contention for an international recall ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo is involved in Spanish football again, with it being announced that the Portuguese superstar - through his CR7 Sports Investments company - has acquired a 25 per cent stake in Almeria. They are currently competing in the second tier, but ambitious plans for the future are already being drawn up now that Ronaldo is on board.

Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa has delivered a worrying fitness update on Blancos superstar Kylian Mbappe. The World Cup-winning Frenchman was forced to sit out the second leg of a Champions League knockout phase play-off clash with Benfica. Arbeloa is unsure when his leading goalscorer will be ready for a return to action, with a knee complaint holding him back.

Bruno Fernandes will be remembered as a “great” when the day comes to leave Manchester United, but Lee Sharpe has explained to GOAL why the Portuguese may not secure legend status at Old Trafford. The all-action midfielder has been a talismanic presence for the Red Devils across recent seasons, with transfer speculation suggesting that he could soon be on the move.

Liam Rosenior often displays a calm demeanour in public, with the Chelsea manager seemingly not the type of character to rant and rave. It is, however, being claimed that the 41-year-old “showed his angry side” after seeing the Blues drop precious Premier League points in back-to-back draws with Leeds and Burnley. More is being demanded from an expensively-assembled squad.

Jose Mourinho was nowhere to be seen when returning to Santiago Bernabeu with Benfica for a Champions League clash with Real Madrid. The Portuguese was serving a suspension after collecting a red card during the first leg of that European play-off contest, so was never going to be on the touchline, but he is said to have watched the game from a “mystery location”.

Viktor Gyokeres displayed similarities to “prime Thierry Henry” in Arsenal’s derby victory over Tottenham and could be a “missing link” in the Gunners’ bid to bring a long wait for Premier League title glory to a close, claims Ray Parlour. The Swedish frontman has found form in 2026 and is hoping to be the man that returns domestic dominance to north London.

Mohamed Salah has been accused of behaving “like a big baby” during his Premier League goal drought at Liverpool by ex-England boss Sam Allardyce. The Egyptian superstar was benched by Arne Slot earlier in the season amid struggles for form. He has returned to favour since aiming an explosive blast at the Reds, but continues to find end product in the final third hard to come by.

USMNT star Ricardo Pepi continues to see a move to Fulham speculated on, having missed out on a switch to Craven Cottage during the winter transfer window of 2026. The United States international could see a deal pushed through in the summer, with former Cottagers striker Bobby Zamora telling GOAL what a “fantastic” debut season in English football for the 23-year-old frontman would look like.

Snoop Dogg is preparing to take in his first live experience at Swansea City, with the American rapper set to be a special guest when the Swans play host to Preston North End. The music icon has been associated with the Championship outfit for some time, having become a minority stakeholder in the club, but has only now found space in his schedule for a trip to South Wales.

Robert Lewandowski is reluctant to leave Barcelona as a free agent and has reportedly set a goal target that will help him to earn a contract extension. The prolific Polish striker, who is now 37 years of age, is said to have a “very good” offer on the table from MLS side the Chicago Fire. He is ready to delay any move to the United States and remain in Catalunya.

USMNT star Weston McKennie has, according to reports in Italy, finally agreed a new contract with Juventus. Fresh terms will bring transfer talk to the close, as the United States international has been heading towards free agency. It is claimed that the versatile midfielder’s new deal will see him become one of the top earners with Serie A heavyweights.