Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has hailed goalkeeper Senne Lammens as an "absolute lifesaver" and backed the summer signing to be a first-team regular for the next decade. The 23-year-old swapped Royal Antwerp for United in September and has made a steady start at Ruben Amorim's side. And after keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 win over Newcastle United on Boxing Day, Ferdinand has waxed lyrical about the Belgian.
Rodri has returned to the Manchester City matchday squad for the first time since featuring against Bournemouth at the beginning of November. The Spaniard has struggled for fitness following a serious ACL injury in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal last September with his late showing in the 3-1 victory over the Cherries last month just his sixth league outing for Pep Guardiola's side.
Ayden Heaven has lifted the lid on Ruben Amorim's formation change after Manchester United's 1-0 win over Newcastle on Friday night. Patrick Dorgu's stunning first half strike at Old Trafford was enough to secure all the spoils as United returned to winning ways at the Magpies' expense on Boxing Day. The victory saw Amorim's side go level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca will watch Saturdayâs clash with Aston Villa from the stands rather than the technical area, serving a one-match touchline suspension after yet another booking for dissent. Yet the Italian is not regretful for his behaviour; instead, he has struck a defiant tone, insisting he is "proud" if his players are mirroring his intensity on the sidelines.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot used his pre-match programme notes to pay tribute to forward Diogo Jota as the striker's two former Premier League sides meet at Anfield on Saturday. Wolves make the trip to Merseyside for the first time since Jota tragically lost his life in a car crash in July. The Portuguese hitman's brother, Andre Silva, was also in the car at the time.
The Christmas period is upon us, which means we are somehow already more or less at the midway point of the 2025-26 football season. As many of Europe's leading leagues pause for the winter break, it's time to take stock and reflect on four scintillating months of action. It's also the opportune moment to assess those players who completed transfers across the continent in the summer, now that they have a decent sample size of games under their belts.
Mason Mount's 2026 World Cup dreams are all but over after the midfielder came off at the break during Manchester United's 1-0 Boxing Day win over Newcastle. Mount was replaced by youngster Jack Fletcher for the second half of Friday's narrow victory on just his 23rd league start since he left Premier League rivals Chelsea for Old Trafford back in 2022 .
Gary Neville singled out one Manchester United player for praise after the Red Devils ground out a 1-0 win over Newcastle but was critical of Ruben Amorim for his surprising changes late on in the game. Patrick Dorgu's brilliant volley gave United the lead in an excellent first-half display but the hosts had their backs against the wall after the break and had to dig deep to see out the win.
Liverpool are weighing up a bold six-month loan move for Paris Saint-Germain striker Goncalo Ramos following a devastating injury to Alexander Isak, which has left Arne Slot short in attack. With the Reds facing a crucial period of the season, the Premier League champions are exploring short-term solutions to maintain their title push while their record signing recovers.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has somewhat taken back his criticism of Casemiro following the Brazilian's renaissance under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford. Carragher famously said of Casemiro that "the football has left him" in May 2024, but has now slightly gone away from those remarks and stated that the 33-year-old's ability at the highest level has not entirely diminished.
No Bruno Fernandes? No problem. Manchester United picked up their first home win in two months as they edged out a 1-0 win over Newcastle without their inspirational captain. Lisandro Martinez made a thunderous return to action - taking the armband in Fernandes' absence - while Patrick Dorgu was an even bigger revelation, dazzling in attack and winning the game with a tremendous volley.
Harvey Elliott might have to settle for spending the remainder of the season at Aston Villa despite his disappointing loan spell thus far, as complications surrounding the terms of his season-long move from Liverpool have emerged ahead of the January transfer window. The 22-year-old completed a loan deal with a ÂŁ35million ($47.2m) obligation to buy if he makes 10 appearances for the Villans, which appears unlikely to happen - but there are no guarantees he will return to Anfield soon.
Pep Guardiola has revealed the results of Manchester Cityâs post-Christmas weight checks after issuing a firm warning to his squad not to overindulge during the festive break. With the Citizens closing in on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League, the Catalan coach confirmed his players returned in top condition ahead of a crucial trip to Nottingham Forest.
Manchester United fans were left in awe at Patrick Dorgu after the youngster scored his first goal for the club with a brilliant volley against Newcastle United. The 21-year-old joined the Red Devils last January but hasn't quite hit the heights many would have hoped at Old Trafford. But he achieved lift-off at United with a terrific strike against the Magpies on Boxing Day.
Ruben Amorim has revealed he still believes Kobbie Mainoo is the "future of Manchester United", despite the 20-year-old's continued struggles for game time under the Portuguese at Old Trafford. Academy graduate Mainoo has been heavily linked with a move away from his boyhood club but Amorim suggested that he intends to keep the midfielder and believes that he still can thrive with the Red Devils.
Emmanuel Adebayor has leapt to Mohamed Salahâs defence after Jamie Carragher criticised the Liverpool forward, branding the punditâs treatment of the Egyptian as "unfair". The former Premier League striker questioned Carragherâs comments and legacy debate, insisting Salahâs achievements and standing in English football demand far greater respect.
Pep Guardiola has admitted he would prefer Manchester City to be top of the Premier League rather than chasing down Christmas leaders Arsenal. The Cityzens have assumed the role of hunting down the early pace-setters, with a current two-point deficit which they will hope to overturn in the coming weeks. But Guardiola has revealed that he would find it easier if his side were "ten points clear of everyone".
Mohamed Salahâs future at Liverpool has been thrust back into the spotlight after reports emerged of an approach from Fenerbahce, amid growing speculation over his standing under Arne Slot. However, the Egyptian superstarâs agent has now moved to shut down talk of an Istanbul switch, offering clarity on where the 33-year-oldâs immediate future may lie.
Arne Slot has backed Hugo Ekitike to continue his electric run in front of goal, praising the Liverpool striker for his "hard work" off the pitch and determination to succeed in what is proving to be a fruitful first season in England. Ekitike looks set to have increasing pressure placed on his shoulders following a broken leg suffered by Alexander Isak, but Slot praised the Frenchman for his efforts to get "fitter and fitter".
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has opened up emotionally ahead of the Reds' final match of 2025, admitting the squad are still struggling to process the devastating loss of Diogo Jota. Speaking as captain, the Dutch defender reflected on a year of extreme highs and heartbreaking lows, as the Merseyside giants prepare for an emotional Anfield clash with Wolves.
For the first time in English football history, Saturday 3PM kick-offs could reportedly be broadcast live on domestic television, with the Premier League and the English Football League set to open formal discussions early next year about lifting the long-standing blackout. England is now the only major footballing nation in Europe to maintain the restriction, which prevents live broadcasts between 2.45PM and 5.15PM on Saturdays.
Mikel Arteta has recalled feeling âhacked offâ over Declan Riceâs red card in Arsenalâs draw with Brighton last season - but the head coach is pleased his sideâs disciplinary issues are now behind them ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides. The Gunners are looking to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League table when they welcome the Seagulls to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Manchester United legend Louis Saha has urged the Red Devils to sign Morgan Rogers in January. The Red Devils will head into a Premier League fixture without Bruno Fernandes for only the second time in almost six years when they host Newcastle United on Boxing Day, a rarity that has intensified debate around the clubâs creative depth. The Portuguese captain is sidelined with a hamstring injury and his absence is expected to leave a significant hole in Ruben Amorimâs side at a moment when margins at the top end of the table are unforgiving.
Manchester United are reportedly considering a shock move for their former midfielder James Garner as they look to bolster their depleted options in the upcoming January transfer window. The Red Devils are weighing up whether to swoop for the Everton man as Ruben Amorim plots a midfield revamp which also includes breakout England star Elliot Anderson.
Arsenal are edging closer to a significant injury lift after Mikel Arteta confirmed Kai Havertz is on the brink of returning to action. The German forward, absent since undergoing knee surgery in August, is now just days away from rejoining the squad, offering renewed depth and flexibility as the Premier League leaders prepare for a demanding festive schedule.
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