Peter McVitie

Harry Maguire has jokingly admitted that interim manager Michael Carrick is still putting the Manchester United squad to shame in training, claiming the 44-year-old remains the best passer at the club. The defender opened up about the new coaching setup at Carrington, praising the "hands-on" approach of Carrick and his assistant Steve Holland, while admitting he has been unsurprised by the seamless transition the 44-year-old has made into the dugout.

The Premier League is firmly on course to gain a fifth Champions League place for next season after a dominant display in Europe. With five English clubs storming into the last 16 and all nine representatives still active across the three competitions, the coefficient rankings show England miles clear of rivals Italy and Spain, sparking a frantic domestic battle for the lucrative extra berth.

Antonio Conte launched a scathing attack on football’s "genius" fixture schedulers after his injury-ravaged Napoli side were dumped out of the Champions League by his former club, Chelsea. The Italian giants surrendered a half-time lead to lose 3-2 in Naples, a result that sees the reigning Serie A champions finish 30th in the table and exit Europe completely.

Chelsea have reached a full agreement to send teenage sensation Kendry Paez on loan to River Plate after cutting short his spell in Ligue 1. The 18-year-old has been recalled from Strasbourg to join the Argentine giants immediately, with the Blues sanctioning the move to ensure their prized asset secures regular first-team football under Marcelo Gallardo.

Crystal Palace are closing in on a blockbuster deal to sign Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, a move that may trigger a major transfer merry-go-round in the Premier League. The Eagles have moved ahead of Leeds in the race for the Norwegian, paving the way for Jean-Philippe Mateta to leave Selhurst Park before the window shuts.

Raheem Sterling's hopes of a swift return to elite European football have hit an early stumbling block after Napoli's sporting director cast doubt on a potential move. The England international is searching for a new club after ending his three-year spell at Chelsea by mutual consent, but his "significant financial expectations" could prove a major hurdle for suitors in Serie A.

A total of five Premier League clubs secured automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16, with Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City all finishing in the top eight while Newcastle United missed out. The Magpies must now navigate a treacherous play-off round alongside giants Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain after a chaotic final matchday.

Gary McAllister believes Mohamed Salah is suffering from a "year of inconsistency" at Anfield, pinpointing the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold as the primary cause for the Egyptian's dip in form. However, the former Reds midfielder insists the 33-year-old still has plenty to offer at the highest level and has urged him to reject the overtures of the Saudi Pro League.

Ex-Arsenal star Kieran Gibbs has mounted a passionate defence of struggling striker Viktor Gyokeres, insisting it is far too early to write off the summer signing. The Swede has endured a difficult start to life at the Emirates, failing to score from open play in the Premier League since September, but Gibbs believes tactical adjustments are to blame rather than a lack of quality.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez reportedly held crunch personal talks with Jude Bellingham and four other stars to demand an immediate change in attitude following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso. The intervention from the Bernabeu chief is credited with sparking the club's recent revival under Alvaro Arbeloa, with key figures now accepting roles they previously complained about to save their season.

Tottenham supporters are being urged to stage a mass walkout during Sunday’s televised Premier League clash against Manchester City as protests against the club’s board intensify. Campaign group 'Change for Tottenham' has called on fans to leave the stadium in the 75th minute to send a "big statement" to the hierarchy regarding the club's direction, ticket prices and transfer strategy.

Harry Maguire faces an uncertain future at Manchester United with the club yet to open formal talks over a contract extension. The defender, whose current deal expires this summer, has attracted interest from clubs in Italy and Turkey, though his recent match-winning performances against Arsenal and Manchester City have strengthened his case for a new deal at Old Trafford.

Manchester United have identified AC Milan superstar Rafael Leao as a primary target for the left wing as INEOS chiefs accelerate their plans for a major summer overhaul. The Portuguese international features on a three-man shortlist alongside Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye and Chelsea teenager Tyrique George, while the club is also locked in a fierce battle with Manchester City for their "absolute top priority" midfield target ahead of the World Cup.

Leroy Sane has opened up about his "true homecoming" to the Etihad Stadium, heaping praise on the manager who "reprogrammed" his footballing brain. The Galatasaray winger returns to Manchester on Wednesday night for a high-stakes Champions League clash, admitting that while he remains close friends with his former team-mates, Pep Guardiola’s "relentless" tactical demands are what truly shaped his career.

Manchester United’s hopes of landing Luis Enrique have suffered a major setback as Paris Saint-Germain open talks to extend his contract beyond 2027. The 55-year-old, identified as a top target for the Red Devils, is reportedly fully settled in Paris, with the French champions determined to secure the long-term future of a manager they now regard as the "best in the world".

World heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has swapped his gloves for boots to make a shock appearance in professional football. The boxing king came off the bench for Ukrainian outfit FC Polissya Zhytomyr to help defeat a Vancouver Whitecaps side featuring German legend Thomas Muller, earning bragging rights over the World Cup winner in a friendly clash in Spain.

Jose Mourinho has bluntly dismissed questions regarding the 'Negreira case' and Barcelona’s alleged payments to referees, insisting he has no interest in dwelling on the past. The Benfica head coach was speaking ahead of a crucial Champions League showdown against his former club Real Madrid in Lisbon, where he also took the opportunity to pay an emotional tribute to former defender Alvaro Arbeloa and discuss the threat posed by the Spanish giants.

Raheem Sterling is finally set to end his Chelsea nightmare as talks accelerate regarding his departure before the transfer window closes. The £325,000-a-week winger has been exiled from the first team and hasn't played for the club in 100 games. Negotiations are ongoing over a potential sale or a mutual termination of his contract with 18 months left.