Wayne Rooney has revealed that Sol Campbell did not speak to him for six months after Manchester United beat Arsenal to end their 49-game unbeaten run at Old Trafford in 2004. The former United striker won a penalty in the game, as he cut in from the right and went down easily under the challenge of Campbell, who claimed his compatriot dived.
Chelsea are reportedly 'intensifying' their efforts to recruit Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior following the sacking of Enzo Maresca. The Italian head coach was dismissed after 18 months in charge following a fraying of relations with the club's owners, BlueCo. Now, the Premier League outfit have set their sights on the 41-year-old Englishman, who may have opened the door to a mid-season switch.
Sunderland stalwart Luke O'Nien has brutally trolled Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma following their heated post-match clash at the Stadium of Light. The Mackems defender didn't play in the goalless Premier League draw but still found time to wind up the Italian stopper, while manager Pep Guardiola appeared to play the role of peacemaker after the game.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca reportedly left the club 'without saying a word to his players' amid his determination to quit. In the wake of the Blues' 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at the end of December, assistant coach Willy Caballero spoke to the media on the Italian's behalf. And as the west London outfit looks for his successor in early 2026, more details over his exit have come to light.
Pedro Neto says he felt "sad" and "surprised" at the news of Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca's sudden sacking. It appeared that tensions between the Italian and the board were heightened when the former Leicester City manager admitted he had endured his "worst 48 hours" at the club in December. Weeks on from those remarks, he has been given the boot - something Neto is disappointed by.
Manchester United have reportedly explored the conditions of signing Brighton star Carlos Baleba in January. The Red Devils tried and failed to recruit the midfielder in the summer as they refused to pay upwards of £100 million ($135m) for the 22-year-old. Despite the Seagulls holding firm on their asking price, Ruben Amorim's team have not given up trying to secure his services.
Mykhailo Mudryk has urged Chelsea fans not to "give up" on him as he hints at a return from his doping suspension. The 24-year-old was provisionally suspended in December 2024 following a positive test for banned substance meldonium, before being charged the following summer. As he appeals the decision, the Ukrainian has posted an update in a New Year's message.
After Napoli beat Bologna on December 22 to win the Supercoppa Italiana, Rasmus Hojlund posted a picture of him holding the trophy, accompanied by the words, "What a great decision looks like." Unsurprisingly, some Manchester United fans didn't react well to the perceived slight on their club. One comment on Hojlund's Instagram photo with more than 14,000 likes sarcastically congratulated the Dane for finding his 'level' before adding, "[The] Premier League is too difficult for amateurs."
Liam Rosenior has spoken out after being touted to replace Enzo Maresca at Chelsea. The Italian was dismissed from his post on New Year's Day and the Blues are in the process of selecting a new head coach, with Rosenior thought to be the leading candidate at this stage. The 41-year-old has been in charge of the Ligue 1 side for over a year and helped them qualify for the Conference League in his first season.
Mikel Arteta has challenged his Arsenal squad to end their wait for a Premier League title this season. The Gunners have gone close over the past few campaigns, often holding strong positions at the halfway point, but they remain without a trophy since 2020. They are favourites to finish at the top of the pile but will face stern competition from the likes of Manchester City and Aston Villa.
Major League Soccer revealed the 2026 MLS Official Match Ball, introducing a striking red, white, and blue design that nods to the people, places, and culture shaping the sport across North America as the region gears up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Set to debut when the MLS season kicks off on the weekend of Feb. 21–22, the new match ball turns the playing surface into a symbolic map of the league.
Chelsea interim manager Calum McFarlane has revealed his excitement at taking charge of the team after Enzo Maresca's dramatic exit on New Year's Day. The 40-year-old, who takes charge of the club's Under-21s side, will be in the dugout opposite Pep Guardiola when the Blues visit Manchester City on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League.
D.C. United are nearing a club-record signing as the MLS side finalizes a deal worth around $7 million plus add-ons to acquire Romanian international forward Louis Munteanu from CFR Cluj, according to The Athletic. The move could reach $10 million and would mark a cornerstone addition as the club undergoes a major roster overhaul ahead of the new season.
Liverpool are reportedly close to finalising a £43m ($58m/€49.3m) transfer for Ecuador international Joel Ordonez, who has impressed at Club Brugge. The Reds defence has come under fire during their unsuccessful title defence and reinforcements are being sought after they missed out on Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi in the summer.
Cristiano Ronaldo endured a poor night in front of goal as Ivan Toney's brace helped Al-Ahli beat Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League on Friday. The former Brentford star had put his side 2-0 up before Al-Nassr rallied to level proceedings by half-time, but Merih Demiral's effort ensured Al-Ahli earned the points before two red cards were dished out in stoppage time.
Chelsea's plans for the 2026 January transfer window have been revealed following the dismissal of manager Enzo Maresca. The Italian boss was given the boot on the first day of the year after falling out with the Blues hierarchy, while he also oversaw a run of three games without a win during the festive period. The west London club had a busy summer window but may not be quite as occupied when it comes to incoming arrivals this month.
Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson has completed his £35m transfer to Crystal Palace, barely half a year after scoring the winning goal in the Europa League final. The Wales international was a key part of Ange Postecoglou's team but has fallen out of favour under new manager Thomas Frank. Johnson now gets the opportunity to revive his career at Selhurst Park, with the Eagles currently ahead of Spurs in the Premier League table in tenth position.
Charlotte FC are monitoring Harvey Elliott's situation at Aston Villa, GOAL can confirm, although any talk of a move would first depend on decisions made by both Villa and Liverpool. The England international is struggling for minutes with Villa, and Charlotte are one of the few clubs in the world that can offer a reprieve in January.
Pep Guardiola has given his reaction to Enzo Maresca's shock departure at Chelsea. The Italian manager was dismissed by the Blues on Thursday after a tense period which saw him call out the club's hierarchy, while he had also overseen a run of three games without a victory. Maresca has also been reportedly lined up as a potential replacement for Guardiola at Manchester City, where he previously worked with Guardiola as an assistant manager.
Mexican full back Julián Araujo has joined Celtic on loan for the remainder of the season, the club announced, as he looks to reignite his career following a difficult spell at Bournemouth. Limited Premier League minutes prompted the move, which offers Araujo a chance to regain form and momentum ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Reports in Spain suggest that Rodrygo is laying the groundwork for a potential move away from Real Madrid. The Brazil international forward faces fierce competition for places at the Bernabeu and is growing increasingly frustrated at having to fill a support role. Interest in his services is said to have been shown from the Premier League, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City known to be admirers.
Mohamed Salah is reportedly being targeted for a dramatic return to Serie A. The Egyptian superstar bid farewell to Italy in 2017 when making his way to Liverpool. Record-setting exploits have been delivered at Anfield, while winning two Premier League titles, but an exit early in 2026 is being mooted. It is claimed that Roma would like to be reunited with a familiar face.
Ruben Amorim has declared that no Manchester United player will be allowed to leave the club in the January transfer window, handing blows to wantaway duo Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee. United are still at the gates of the Champions League qualifying spots but there appears to be no chance of the club strengthening in the winter market to boost their chances of finishing in the top four.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has delivered a fitness update on Declan Rice, with the England international midfielder nursing a knee complaint. Rice was forced to sit out the impressive victory over Aston Villa, with the Gunners barely missing his presence in their engine room, and questions continue to be asked of whether he will be ready to face Bournemouth.
Chelsea's season was already bordering on crisis when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Bournemouth on Tuesday night. Expectations are high at Stamford Bridge and a dreadful December brought about questions over just how ready this team is to compete. There was turbulence, sure, but the surprise sacking of Enzo Maresca on New Year's Day could torpedo their 2025-26 campaign altogether.
Chelsea’s search for a new manager continues to be narrowed down, with three more potential candidates to succeed Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge being ruled out of the running. It is being claimed that former Blues midfielder Cesc Fabregas, current Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner and highly-rated Porto boss Francesco Farioli are not being considered in west London.
Jesse Lingard still believes that he could have revived his Manchester United if given a proper chance to do so following a productive loan spell at West Ham. The 33-year-old midfielder finds himself back in the free agent pool at present, following a stint in South Korea, but continues to mull over what could have been for him at Old Trafford.