Developing plans for a buy-out of Manchester United could include the return of one of the club's most celebrated former stars after Eric Cantona was named as a potential ambassador if the Glazer family decide to sell-up. And while those planning a mega-money bid haven’t officially announced their interest, talk of Canton’s return has excited United fans.
Mikel Arteta laid down a stern "pressure" warning to Viktor Gyokeres as the Arsenal boss claimed he isn't concerned by a six-game goal drought. The Swedish striker enjoyed a prolific spell at Sporting Lisbon, but is enduring a nightmare run in front of goal since his summer move to North London. Now, Arteta has made it clear that wearing Arsenal’s No.9 shirt comes with heavy expectations and an unrelenting level of pressure.
Pep Guardiola is thrilled to see Jack Grealish getting "back to real business" after leaving Manchester City for a loan spell at Everton. The England international found the going tough towards the end of his stint at the Etihad Stadium, but is playing with a smile on his face again and appears to be well on course to secure a permanent transfer to Merseyside in the summer of 2026.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has admitted he does not know when Rodri will return from injury as he confirmed that the Ballon d'Or winning midfielder will miss Saturday's Premier League clash with Everton. Rodri suffered a hamstring injury in City's 1-0 win at Brentford before the international break, missing two World Cup qualifiers for Spain as a result.
Ex-Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has rejected the notion his former club can’t attract superstar players to the north east after a number of big-name summer signings elected to join rival teams in Manchester and London this summer. Shelvey believes it's a mistake to look down on the region and has spoken of the love players feel from supporters at St James’ Park.
Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher has likened Mohamed Salah to Cristiano Ronaldo and explained why it is far too early to be writing the Egyptian superstar off at Liverpool. The remarkable numbers that he has been posting for the Reds have dipped slightly in 2025-26, on the back of signing a new contract, but the expectation is that he will come good again.
Cole Palmer's injury has been put down to Chelsea's "bizarre, wrong and impossible" schedule, with club icon Pat Nevin spelling out Enzo Maresca's "biggest challenge" so far. The 23-year-old has been ruled out for at least another six weeks, as revealed by the Italian manager in a press conference before resuming Premier League commitments after the international break with a clash against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
Ahead of the German Clasico against Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany praised Harry Kane’s mindset, saying the striker’s long wait for silverware has only fuelled his hunger for success. The Englishman, now in his third season with the Bundesliga champions, is in red-hot form with 18 goals in 10 games as Bayern remain unbeaten across Europe.
Wayne Rooney has been brutally informed, by Danny Simpson during an exclusive interview with GOAL, that his dream of one day becoming Manchester United manager is likely to have "died". The Red Devils legend has, however, been talked up for alternative roles at Old Trafford - and one of those could see him help son Kai to chase the professional football dream.
Pep Guardiola longed to see Jack Grealish return to being the player he was when he helped Manchester City sweep to the treble. He waited and waited, and now has finally got his wish, albeit not in the way he would have hoped. Grealish feels like a brand new player away from City on loan at Everton, even more influential than in 2023, a talisman for his new club rather than just one of many stars.
Manchester United's newest star Senne Lammens supposedly became a goalkeeper to 'avoid running and being substituted', with his brother revealing the secrets of the Belgian stopper. Signed from Royal Antwerp this summer for £18.2 million ($24.5m), the 23-year-old has quickly caught attention with his commanding presence between the sticks. His clean sheet on debut in a 2-0 victory over Sunderland before the international break gave United fans a glimpse of his potential.
Newcastle star Joelinton has pledged to supply the chances to make new signing Nick Woltemade a goal-scoring success for the Magpies. Toon boss Eddie Howe has endured an erratic season so far, but can move onto the top half of the table with victory over Brighton and his Brazil star is confident Woltemade will help fire them up the table.
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Nathan Bishop has detailed the savage, and very short, meeting that he tried to arrange with Erik ten Hag - only to be left standing alone in a corridor wondering "what the f*ck do I do now". A brutal verbal volley was delivered in Bishop’s direction when he attempted to speak with the Red Devils’ Dutch coach about his contract situation.
Arne Slot has urged the Anfield crowd to play their part when Liverpool host Manchester United in Sunday's highly-anticipated Premier League clash. The Reds boss is wary of the threat posted by the Red Devils, and he believes the league table - that has United sitting in 10th spot - doesn't accurately reflect how well Ruben Amorim's side have started the 2025-26 campaign.
Tottenham supporters have continued to vent their frustration as work on a massive hotel springs up next to their ground, which they claim will block the view of their home for those visiting the stadium. The building will also block the skyline view of London’s famous landmarks for fans inside the ground looking south into the capital.
Cole Palmer is set to spend six more weeks on the sidelines, with Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca admitting he was "wrong" about his injury return in November. The 23-year-old, who inspired the Blues to last season's Conference League and Club World Cup triumphs, has seen his campaign derailed by a persistent groin injury that hasn't healed.
Ilkay Gundogan, who starred for both Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola, has delivered his final verdict on the two legendary managers. Despite describing his bond with the ex-Liverpool manager as like "father and son," the German midfielder explained in an "honest" answer why Guardiola's tactical clarity and possession game ultimately aligns more with his own view of football.
Florian Wirtz has been set a goals and assists target that would help to justify his £116 million ($156m) transfer fee at Liverpool. The German playmaker briefly became the most expensive player in British football when moving to Anfield over the summer. He is still waiting on his first competitive goal contribution for the reigning Premier League champions.
Yoane Wissa is reportedly set to avoid a nine-month injury layoff, with Newcastle's £55 million ($74m) striker eyeing a return against former club Brentford. The 29-year-old, yet to even kick a ball for the Magpies since arriving on Tyneside, injured his knee while on international duty with DR Congo just a week after completing his move. The timing could not have been worse, as he hadn't even trained once with his new team-mates before disaster struck.
Four key Man Utd stars sat out training just days ahead of the crunch derby clash with Liverpool as boss Ruben Amorim continues the struggle to turn his side’s season around. Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, Amad Diallo and Casemiro were all absent following their involvement in international fixtures in the past fortnight.
Wayne Rooney says that Marcus Rashford has to accept responsibility for his own demise at Manchester United, with the Old Trafford outcast suggesting that an "inconsistent environment" contributed to his struggles for form before being sent out on loan. The England international, having been deemed surplus to requirements by the Premier League heavyweights, is currently taking in a spell with Barcelona.
Declan Rice has opened up on England's World Cup ambitions, with the Arsenal midfielder taking on a "leadership" role under Thomas Tuchel. Fresh from sealing World Cup qualification in ruthless fashion, Rice insists that the squad's hunger and maturity have reached new heights. The Three Lions are dreaming big and are ready to do what it takes to bring back the global crown.
Cristiano Ronaldo could return to Old Trafford in some capacity, the Portuguese's former team-mate Danny Simpson has said in an exclusive interview with GOAL, as the five-time Ballon d’Or winner wants to "make Manchester United great again". A third stint with the Red Devils may be taken in once retirement has been reached and a move into directorial posts is explored.
Manchester United may have a secret agent on their hands in Bryan Mbeumo, with the Red Devils winger said to be urging Cameroon international team-mate Carlos Baleba to join him at Old Trafford. United remain in the market for another proven performer to operate in the heart of their midfield, with a big-money raid on Premier League rivals Brighton being mooted.
Liverpool have reportedly made a decision on whether they will pursue a Nico Schlotterbeck transfer as contract talks with Borussia Dortmund continue to stall. The 25-year-old's negotiations with Dortmund have dragged on for months, with both sides yet to agree on fresh terms. The club is desperate to keep hold of one of their defensive cornerstones, but Schlotterbeck’s camp has been reluctant to commit, leaving Europe’s biggest teams circling with the hopes of a potential transfer.
Of all factors explaining the chasm between Manchester United and Liverpool right now, not one can compare with the differing approaches to appoint their latest managers. Liverpool were compelled to hire Arne Slot after consulting a highly sophisticated data model developed by a Harvard-educated physicist. United, meanwhile, recruited Ruben Amorim largely because of the vibes.
Joshua Zirzkee’s agent has been blasted for "choosing the money" when it comes to his client, with Manchester United considered to have "become a cesspool". Netherlands international Zirkzee moved to Old Trafford in the summer of 2024, when having other options to consider at the time, and has tumbled down the pecking order with the Premier League heavyweights.
Maya Jama unveiled a new tattoo celebrating her mixed heritage as she shared a series of intimate snaps with Manchester City star Ruben Dias. The 31-year-old TV presenter proudly displayed her fresh inking — a trio of connected countries symbolising her Scottish, Swedish, and Somalian roots — while cuddling up with her footballer boyfriend in a heartwarming post.
Diego Costa proved he’s lost none of his trademark aggression after bulldozing Chelsea Women’s legend Gemma Davison during a training session for a recent charity match. The former Blues striker sent Davison flying in a heavy challenge, with John Terry summing it up perfectly afterwards. The former captain admitted: “That’s Diego in a nutshell. He just doesn’t give a s***.”
Cristiano Ronaldo has been hailed as the ultimate professional by his former Manchester United teammate Ben Foster — who revealed the Portuguese icon was 'definitely the teacher’s pet' under Sir Alex Ferguson. The former goalkeeper lifted the lid on the five-time Ballon d'Or winner’s legendary work ethic, discipline, and drive that set him apart from everyone else at Old Trafford.
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