Michael Carrick has let loose on the standards of officiating after Manchester United were held to a 2-2 draw at Bournemouth on Friday night. The Red Devils boss branded the refereeing display as"crazy", "mental" and "baffling" after his side were denied what he believed was a clear second penalty in the game, with the hosts scoring almost immediately after play was waved on.
Arsenal will look to end their six-year trophy drought on Sunday when they take on rivals Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. Going back even further, the Gunners haven't won silverware in front of live fans since their 2017 FA Cup triumph, a time when Arsene Wenger was still manager and Mikel Arteta had just completed his first season as Pep Guardiola's assistant.
"It sharpens your mind, and there are clear similarities to football," said Erling Haaland when he announced his investment in the Total Chess World Championship this week. "You have to think quickly, trust your instincts, and think several moves ahead. Strategy and planning are everything." The Manchester City striker’s strategy cannot be faulted except at one stadium in particular: Wembley.
Liam Rosenior has confirmed he is holding "detailed" transfer talks with Chelsea's hierarchy despite growing pressure on his position as head coach. The Blues boss insists his stars are committed to the project as he plots a major squad overhaul alongside co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.
Former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch insists that despite mounting pressure, Arne Slot still has a unique chance to cement his legacy at Anfield. The transition from Jurgen Klopp’s era has caused friction and debate among fans regarding the tactical direction. However, Crouch believes the season is far from settled and a historic conclusion remains possible.
Bruno Fernandes has revealed his fury after Manchester United were held to a 2-2 draw by Bournemouth on Friday evening. The Portugal international scored from the penalty spot in the game, but he was incandescent at the Red Devils being denied a second spot-kick after Amad Diallo was pushed over in the area, especially as Bournemouth were awarded a spot-kick for a similar-looking foul.
Timo Werner admitted it will be a special meeting when his San Jose Earthquakes face off against Thomas Muller's Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday. The duo shared the pitch consistently for Germany, and have played against each other at the highest levels in Europe on a number of occasions. Werner has tallied two assists in three appearances since signing for San Jose last month.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has revealed that he could have joined Bayern Munich instead of the Gunners, before developing into a likely Premier League title winner in north London. The Spain international has become one of the best stoppers in Europe under Mikel Arteta's tutelage but it nearly didn't come to pass at all, given the interest from the Bundesliga giants.
Harry Maguire marked his return to the England squad in an unwanted manner as he was sent off in Manchester United's disappointing 2-2 draw at Bournemouth. The Red Devils twice took the lead in the second half, from a Bruno Fernandes penalty and then an own goal by James Hill. But they were pegged back each time and had reason to complain for the Cherries' first equaliser.
Newcastle United are intensifying their search for a new number nine this summer, with Chelsea strikers Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap emerging as primary targets. The Magpies have struggled to fill the void left by Alexander Isak, who moved to Liverpool last September for £125 million ($166m), as neither Yoane Wissa nor Nick Woltemade have fully convinced as a leading option.
Jose Mourinho has paid tribute to former coach and long-time friend Silvino Louro after he tragically passed away. The former Manchester United and Chelsea coach has died at the age of 67, leading to an outpouring of emotion from the Benfica boss, as well as former Red Devils goalkeeper David de Gea.
Liverpool will be without the services of Alisson Becker for Saturday’s early kick-off against Brighton. The 33-year-old shot-stopper did not travel with the rest of the Reds squad to the South Coast, dealing a significant blow to Arne Slot’s plans as they look to keep up their pursuit of Champions League qualification.
Tottenham boss Igor Tudor has revealed he is hoping for a "nice surprise" when it comes to the availability of James Maddison and Mohammed Kudus before the end of the season. The two first-team stars are nursing long-term injury issues but, with Spurs locked in a serious relegation battle, Tudor has revealed they may well boost the north London club's survival hopes before the campaign is out.
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has vehemently dismissed reports claiming that Bruno Guimaraes is in "advanced talks" to join Manchester United. Howe expressed visible frustration over the timing of these rumors, as the ninth-placed Magpies fight to secure a European spot for next season.
The Nerazzurri were also on the lookout for a winger in January, and they may return to the transfer market in the summer to address gaps in their squad