Chris Burton

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.

Daryl Dike has explained to the ‘Beast Mode On’ podcast what makes USMNT star Christian Pulisic special. The AC Milan forward is fondly known as ‘Captain America’ 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.

Alisha Lehmann has been showcasing her skills again, with the Como Women star completing the Baller League UK ‘bib challenge’. 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 Dyer’s 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.

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 ‘Beast Mode On’ podcast.

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.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac have, ahead of the January window, been given a “go big” 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.

A domestic opponent of Lionel Messi in the United States has explained how the Argentine GOAT has a ”nasty side” and enjoys engaging in “verbals” 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 “best player ever”.

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 “zero” contact from England regarding the United States international.

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.

Arsenal have been warned that they face the threat of enduring a bleak Harry Kane-esque scenario if major silverware is not captured soon. The Gunners have remained in contention for top honours across recent seasons, only to be left empty-handed. Frank Leboeuf has told GOAL why that lack of tangible success could lead the likes of William Saliba to explore transfer opportunities elsewhere.

Cole Palmer appears to have a new love interest, but the Chelsea star was eager to keep his presence under wraps when stepping out with his model companion. The England international, who is back in action after shaking off a series of unfortunate injuries, has attended the Winter Wonderland extravaganza in London. He was joined on that trip by Olivia Holder.

The identity of the star that "pushed" for a barber shop at Manchester United’s recently renovated Carrington training centre has been revealed. It is claimed that Diogo Dalot was the man eager to ensure that Red Devils stars did not have to go off site for a trim, with a hairdresser that boasts ties to Old Trafford icon Cristiano Ronaldo being drafted in.

Cristiano Ronaldo will, much like eternal rival Lionel Messi, want to be "the number one" when the day comes to retire. Former Real Madrid striker Alvaro Negredo admits as much, with Portuguese GOAT CR7 not ready for the "last word" just yet. He still has targets to chase down, with the plan being to compete for World Cup glory in the summer of 2026.

Jamie Carragher has risked incurring further wrath of Chelsea supporters by reiterating his opinion that Enzo Maresca will not be the club’s manager next season. The Italian is being mooted as a successor to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and Carragher believes that goings on behind the scenes in west London will lead to another change in the Stamford Bridge dugout.

Thierry Henry has urged Arsenal not to look for excuses in their latest Premier League title bid, with the Gunners legend pointing out that "everyone has problems". Injuries have started to pile up for Mikel Arteta at Emirates Stadium, while seeing a lead at the top of the table cut to two points, but collective focus must remain locked on the ultimate end goal.

Transfer fees have been creeping up for some time, with Neymar blowing the doors off that particular market when joining Paris Saint-Germain for €222m (£195m/$261m) in 2017. It appears to be only a matter of time before a defender moves for nine figures, with Marlon Harewood telling GOAL of why Nottingham Forest star Murillo could be the man to make history.

Enzo Maresca has addressed the speculation suggesting that he is being lined up for a potential return to Manchester City as successor to Pep Guardiola. The Italian has previously taken in two coaching spells at the Etihad Stadium, but is currently committed to Chelsea and has stated with "100 percent" certainty that he will still be in charge at Stamford Bridge next season.