Chris Burton

Marcus Rashford has seen a summer return to Manchester United speculated on - once a loan spell at Barcelona comes to a close - but it is claimed that the Red Devils are “still planning for the future without” the England international in mind. The expectation for now is that a purchase option on the 28-year-old forward will be taken up by La Liga title hopefuls.

Marcus Rashford appears to be playing his way towards a long-term future at Barcelona, as he enjoys an impressive loan from Manchester United, but upcoming presidential elections at Camp Nou could impact whether or not a purchase option on the England international is taken up. The expectation is that said clause will be triggered if Joan Laporta remains at the helm.

Former England international Gary Lineker has jokingly suggested that Kobbie Mainoo should “sue” former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim for taking a year off his career. The 20-year-old midfielder struggled for game time under the Portuguese tactician, leading to transfer talk being generated, but has enjoyed a welcome return to prominence and form under interim Red Devils boss Michael Carrick.

Kylian Mbappe was fuming at the match officials during Real Madrid’s win over Valencia, with the France international caught on camera calling the fourth official a “d*ckhead” during a heated half-time exchange. The World Cup winner wanted some questionable decisions to be explained to him at the Mestalla, but was left frustrated by a lack of communication from those calling the shots.

Phil Parkinson has been given a “job for life” at Wrexham, with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney vowing never to sack the record-breaking Red Dragons boss. Hollywood co-owners in North Wales appointed the promotion specialist in 2021 - shortly after completing a stunning takeover - and have seen him carry the most ambitious of outfits to within touching distance of the Premier League.

Jeremy Jacquet is Liverpool-bound, having agreed a £60 million ($82m) transfer to the Premier League heavyweights, but his 2025-26 season could be over at Rennes. The highly-rated- 20-year-old is due to see out the current campaign in his native France before making his way to Merseyside. However, an unfortunate injury has been sustained, with it being suggested that surgery will be required.

Laura Woods has fired back at former Lionesses star Eni Aluko after seeing the ex-England international suggest that “the women’s game should be by women, for women”. Aluko has previously taken issue with Ian Wright enjoying a prominent role in coverage of women’s football, claiming the Arsenal great is “dragging women’s punditry backwards”. TV presenter Woods, who regularly hosts men’s and women’s games, has picked holes in Aluko’s arguments.

Chelsea are being backed to win the transfer race for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez. The World Cup-winning Argentina international left English football when severing ties with Manchester City in 2024. A return to familiar surroundings is being speculated on, with it suggested that Stamford Bridge could be the South American’s next port of call.

Bruno Fernandes may be buttering Cole Palmer up for a future transfer to Manchester United, with the Red Devils captain sending a special message to the Chelsea playmaker on social media. Palmer netted a hat-trick for his current employers against Wolves, leading Fernandes - who has seen the England international linked with a move to Old Trafford - to give him the biggest of billings.

Roberto De Zerbi questioned the mindset of Mason Greenwood and Co after seeing Marseille suffer a humiliating defeat in their Classique clash with arch-rivals Paris Saint-Germain. The reigning Ligue 1 champions put in a dominant display at Parc des Prince, running out 5-0 victors, with some difficult discussions being planned at Stade Velodrome.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot was left raging at a “clear” red card for Manchester City defender Marc Guehi after seeing the Reds suffer a dramatic defeat to Pep Guardiola’s side at Anfield. Dominik Szoboszlai was dismissed during a chaotic end to that contest, but Slot is of the opinion that City should have been reduced to 10 men when Mohamed Salah was denied a “100 out of 100 scoring ball”.

Kylian Mbappe is “on track” to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid, claims Los Blancos boss Alvaro Arbeloa, with the French superstar being backed to chase down a record-breaking tally of goals at the Bernabeu. Mbappe was on target in his latest appearance - a 2-0 victory over Valencia - and has reached 82 efforts in total for the Spanish heavyweights.

Manchester United are reportedly readying a summer transfer swoop for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali. The Red Devils will be bidding farewell to Brazilian veteran Casemiro when he hits free agency, meaning that reinforcements in the Old Trafford engine room will be sought. It is claimed that Italy international Tonali will come with a £100 million ($136m) price tag.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been urged to “never stop playing football”, with fellow Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos telling the Portuguese GOAT that he needs to prolong his career for as long as possible - even if he ends up “with one leg or crawling”. CR7 has passed his 41st birthday without giving any thought to retirement and is expected to grace the 2026 World Cup.

USMNT star Tim Weah admits that he was a “broken player” when joining Marseille in 2025, with “getting up in the morning” proving difficult during a testing spell at Serie A giants Juventus. The United States international, who is the son of Ballon d’Or-winning AC Milan legend George, feels that he has finally found a home in France where he can put down roots.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been told that he “needs to know his place”, with the Portuguese superstar being reminded that he would have “never entered the White House” alongside President Donald Trump if it were not for the backing of the Saudi Pro League - a division that the Ballon d’Or-winning Al-Nassr striker is currently taking shock strike action against.

Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi believes that Mason Greenwood has become “a bit more human” since heading to France and leaving “difficult times” in England behind him. The former Manchester United winger has been a revelation on the field at Stade Velodrome, claiming Golden Boots honours, and boasts full support from his demanding Italian coach.

Bryan Mbeumo has revealed the mastermind behind Manchester United’s clever corner routine that allowed him to open the scoring in a 2-0 victory over Tottenham. The Red Devils broke the deadlock from a set-piece situation, with Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo also involved. Jonny Evans, who now works alongside interim head coach Michael Carrick, helped to devise the plan.