Chris Burton

Nottingham Forest are poised to make Premier League history after sacking Sean Dyche. The Reds announced in the wake of a 0-0 draw with rock-bottom Wolves that they had parted company with ex-Burnley and Everton boss Dyche. A fourth permanent manager of the season is now being sought at the City Ground, with Vitor Pereira considered to be a leading contender to take the reins.

Michael Owen has delivered a bold “one or two years” title prediction for Manchester United, with the former Red Devils striker telling GOAL how a top-flight crown can be returned to Old Trafford. That has not happened since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, but signs of life are being shown under Michael Carrick and there is the promise of more transfer business to come.

Lionel Messi had to “score all the time” at Barcelona or he “wasn’t happy”, a former teammate of the Argentine GOAT has revealed. World Cup winner Samuel Umtiti worked with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner at Camp Nou and got to witness up close the relentless drive that carries the very best in the business to the top of the global game.

Manchester United are capable of luring Vinicius Junior away from Real Madrid, claims Luis Saha, with Michael Carrick restoring positivity and optimism to Old Trafford. It remains to be seen who will be calling the shots when another transfer window swings open, but the Red Devils are expected to enjoy a busy summer in 2026 and may line up a raid on Santiago Bernabeu.

Barcelona superstar Raphinha has taken aim at the “unfair” Ballon d’Or and FIFA Best snubs that he endured in 2025. The Brazil international starred for the Blaugrana last year as they landed the Liga title. He posted more than 60 goal involvements over the course of the campaign, but still missed out on the most prestigious of individual honours at award ceremonies.

Ryan Reynolds has spoken passionately about his five-year partnership with Rob Mac at Wrexham, with the Hollywood duo reaching a notable milestone in North Wales. They have overseen a meteoric rise from the Red Dragons, overcoming plenty of challenges, and remain as committed as ever to guiding the club towards the Premier League.

Marc Anthony has addressed claims that he was partly responsible for the Brooklyn Beckham wedding drama that escalated a feud in one of Britain’s most famous families. Anthony is said to have invited Victoria, the wife of Manchester United legend David, on stage for a controversial dance that left daughter-in-law Nicola Peltz and son Brooklyn feeling embarrassed.

Manchester United have been told they must hand managerial reins to interim boss Michael Carrick on a permanent basis, with Michael Owen explaining to GOAL why the likes of Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti and Mauricio Pochettino should be avoided. The Red Devils are in the market for a new boss after severing ties with Ruben Amorim early in 2026.

Bayern Munich have delivered an update on Harry Kane’s contract situation, with a worrying admission being made by the club’s sporting director Max Eberl. He had offered hope to a loyal fan base at the Allianz Arena when revealing that “talks” were being held. It has now been revealed that prolific England international Kane is yet to form part of those discussions.

Karim Benzema reportedly provoked former Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo after sealing his controversial transfer to Al-Hilal, with the French forward said to have sent a Saudi Pro League title joke to a disgruntled friend that has taken strike action at Al-Nassr. Ronaldo was left frustrated at seeing a fellow Ballon d’Or winner change clubs during the winter transfer window.

Jorge Jesus has reportedly sent an ultimatum to Al-Nassr’s board, with the Portuguese coach making it clear that his future in the Saudi Pro League is directly tied to that of fellow countryman Cristiano Ronaldo. CR7 has taken to going on strike of late, as grievances in the Middle East are aired, and there is an exit clause in his contract that can be triggered in the summer transfer window.

Marcus Rashford has seen a summer return to Manchester United speculated on - once a loan spell at Barcelona comes to a close - but it is claimed that the Red Devils are “still planning for the future without” the England international in mind. The expectation for now is that a purchase option on the 28-year-old forward will be taken up by La Liga title hopefuls.

Marcus Rashford appears to be playing his way towards a long-term future at Barcelona, as he enjoys an impressive loan from Manchester United, but upcoming presidential elections at Camp Nou could impact whether or not a purchase option on the England international is taken up. The expectation is that said clause will be triggered if Joan Laporta remains at the helm.

Former England international Gary Lineker has jokingly suggested that Kobbie Mainoo should “sue” former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim for taking a year off his career. The 20-year-old midfielder struggled for game time under the Portuguese tactician, leading to transfer talk being generated, but has enjoyed a welcome return to prominence and form under interim Red Devils boss Michael Carrick.

Kylian Mbappe was fuming at the match officials during Real Madrid’s win over Valencia, with the France international caught on camera calling the fourth official a “d*ckhead” during a heated half-time exchange. The World Cup winner wanted some questionable decisions to be explained to him at the Mestalla, but was left frustrated by a lack of communication from those calling the shots.

Phil Parkinson has been given a “job for life” at Wrexham, with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney vowing never to sack the record-breaking Red Dragons boss. Hollywood co-owners in North Wales appointed the promotion specialist in 2021 - shortly after completing a stunning takeover - and have seen him carry the most ambitious of outfits to within touching distance of the Premier League.

Jeremy Jacquet is Liverpool-bound, having agreed a £60 million ($82m) transfer to the Premier League heavyweights, but his 2025-26 season could be over at Rennes. The highly-rated- 20-year-old is due to see out the current campaign in his native France before making his way to Merseyside. However, an unfortunate injury has been sustained, with it being suggested that surgery will be required.

Laura Woods has fired back at former Lionesses star Eni Aluko after seeing the ex-England international suggest that “the women’s game should be by women, for women”. Aluko has previously taken issue with Ian Wright enjoying a prominent role in coverage of women’s football, claiming the Arsenal great is “dragging women’s punditry backwards”. TV presenter Woods, who regularly hosts men’s and women’s games, has picked holes in Aluko’s arguments.