Chris Burton

Manchester United have been urged to avoid the “excuse” of “next year’s too early” when it comes to a Premier League title challenge, with Rene Meulensteen explaining to GOAL why Michael Carrick can be the man to put the Red Devils back in contention. He remains in interim charge for now, but Sir Alex Ferguson’s former assistant believes the foundations are in place on which to build a bid for domestic supremacy.

Aston Villa have work to do in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final clash with Nottingham Forest, but Tony Dorigo has told GOAL why Unai Emery can be an “incredible” ace up the Villans’ sleeve. The Spanish tactician is looking to land a familiar trophy for the fifth time in his coaching career, with Dorigo saying “if anyone can, he can” when it comes to bringing a 30-year wait for tangible success to a close in the West Midlands.

Phil Foden and Morgan Gibbs-White have been warned to brace for World Cup heartache, with Chris Waddle telling GOAL which playmakers he would pick if stepping into Thomas Tuchel’s shoes as England boss. The Three Lions are blessed with an abundance of creative options, such as Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers, meaning that some big names are going to be left disappointed.

Martin O’Neill has proved during a surprising return to management at Celtic that age is just a number, with Michael Gray explaining to GOAL why epic speeches are allowing the 74-year-old to flourish. The Northern Irishman has answered two SOS calls from Parkhead this season and may yet end the 2025-26 campaign with a fourth Scottish Premiership title to his name.

Gabriel Gudmundsson has become “one of the bargains of the season”, Michael Gray has told GOAL, with a fortune-changing tweak from Daniel Farke allowing the £10 million ($14m) left-back to thrive. Early doubts were raised regarding summer reinforcements at Elland Road following a slow start, but considerable value for money has been found while surging towards Premier League survival.

Harry Kane has been given a unique billing in the England squad, with Joe Cole explaining to GOAL why the Three Lions captain boasts an international standing that even Jude Bellingham cannot match. Kane continues to rewrite the history books with club and country and is considered to be integral to Thomas Tuchel’s plans ahead of a bid for World Cup immortality this summer.

Jose Mourinho rumours refuse to go away at Newcastle, as questions are asked of Eddie Howe’s future, and Chris Waddle has told GOAL why any club considering a move for the ‘Special One’ must mull over the “win trophies or entertain” conundrum. Mourinho boasts several major honours on his glittering CV, but the ex-Chelsea and Real Madrid boss has faced accusations of being “boring” at times.

Mateus Mane continues to generate plenty of interest at Wolves, with Michael Gray telling GOAL that Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has already asked questions of the teenage wonderkid. Several other heavyweight outfits are said to be monitoring the talented 18-year-old, who faces some big decisions on his future at club and international level.

Tottenham may yet steer a course to Premier League safety, but transfer talk will rage on into the summer regardless - with Chris Waddle addressing Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven future questions during an exclusive interview with GOAL. He has suggested that certain individuals are looking for a way out, while Spurs have been told that they need to “change” their recruitment policy as a collective.

The USMNT have been informed of the round they “need” to reach at the 2026 World Cup in order to help Christian Pulisic, Lionel Messi and MLS grow the game across America. Joe Cole spent time in the States towards the end of his playing career and the former England international has told GOAL why soccer is more appealing than American football to an ever-growing number of youngsters.

Cristiano Ronaldo could still star in the Champions League at 41 years of age, the Portuguese GOAT’s former Manchester United team-mate Louis Saha has told GOAL. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who is now plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr, is considered to have “three things” that make him “unique” and capable of gracing any stage.

Michael Olise has been posting “crazy” numbers at Bayern Munich, leading to him reportedly having a £170 million ($229m) price tag placed around his neck, and Louis Saha has told GOAL why a return to the Premier League may not be the France international’s next move. Few teams on the planet could afford to put a transfer package in place for Olise, but that does not mean that the former Crystal Palace star is destined to head back to England.

West Ham have been warned that there will be “clubs circling” for Mateus Fernandes in upcoming transfer windows, with Joe Cole admitting to GOAL that the Hammers may find it difficult to retain the services of a “proper player”. After two seasons in English football, the highly-rated Portuguese midfielder is already said to be attracting interest from Manchester United and Liverpool.

Kylian Mbappe has been unable to get his hands on Champions League and Ballon d’Or prizes, but former France international Louis Saha has used Cristiano Ronaldo as an example of why fortunes can change quickly for a “black cat”. Luck has not been on Mbappe’s side, despite being a World Cup-winning superstar, but the most prestigious of honours are expected to come his way eventually.

Harry Kane is considered to have become “England’s greatest No.9”, with Joe Cole explaining to GOAL why the prolific Bayern Munich striker has eclipsed the efforts of Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer. As the Three Lions’ all-time leading goalscorer, and ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Kane is currently in the process of chasing down Champions League and Ballon d’Or honours.

Marcus Rashford has been told that his “time has passed” at Manchester United, with Louis Saha explaining to GOAL why the England international will have no future at Old Trafford even if Barcelona opt against triggering a £26 million ($35m) permanent transfer option. The 28-year-old forward has spent the 2025-26 campaign on loan at Camp Nou and is expected to complete a move “somewhere” in the next window.

Tottenham have been told how many points they have to get from their remaining four fixtures in order to avoid relegation out of the Premier League, with Louis Saha telling GOAL why “terrible” decisions are to blame for surprising struggles in north London. Spurs are sweating on their top-flight status heading into the closing stages of what has been a disastrous campaign.

Coventry are back in the Premier League for the first time in 25 years, with GOAL being told why the likes of Aston Villa, Everton and Brighton will struggle to compete with Sky Blues boss Frank Lampard on the transfer front. Established top-flight outfits may have more money to spend, but Joe Cole believes a “marquee name” at the CBS Arena will help to attract the kind of talent that may prove out of reach to others.