Why does Cristiano Ronaldo always have so much bad luck?!... First, Erik ten Hag didn't recognise his unrivalled ability at Manchester United, then Fernando Santos ruined his 2022 World Cup bid with Portugal. And now, the powers that be in Saudi Arabia are conspiring to make sure his trophy drought in the Middle East extends to three-and-a-half seasons. Give the guy a break!...
Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has provided a hilarious insight into his Premier League picks, pointedly refusing to utter Erling Haaland's name. In a quick-fire Q&A with GOAL, the United coach turned heads by naming summer signing Senne Lammens as the division's premier goalkeeper. Jones also reserved special praise for a rising Carrington star, labelling the youngster a "top, top player" for the future.
Newcastle United CEO David Hopkinson has issued a resounding vote of confidence in Eddie Howe, dismissing speculation that the head coach’s job is under threat. Despite a lack of January transfer activity and a difficult run of results, Hopkinson insists the club is on the right path as he outlined a plan to win the Premier League by 2030.
Arsenal’s pursuit of silverware has come at a significant cost, with Mikel Arteta’s side facing a brutal fixture pile-up this February. Following their successful progression to the Carabao Cup final, a rescheduled trip to Wolves has been shoehorned into an already congested calendar. The Gunners now face a daunting journey to Molineux just days before a pivotal north London derby.
Virgil van Dijk is being backed to spend “even longer” at Liverpool than the terms of his current contract, with Arne Slot seeing a long-term future for the Dutch defender at Anfield. He is set to turn 35 over the summer, with the odd mistake being allowed to creep into his game this season, while £60 million ($82m) is being invested in the potential of talented French youngster Jeremy Jacquet.
Sir David Beckham is being backed to become a Manchester United owner of the future, with Wes Brown claiming it would be a “dream come true” to see the former Red Devils winger back at Old Trafford. Beckham is currently involved with MLS Cup winners Inter Miami, where he works with Lionel Messi, and League Two promotion hopefuls Salford City.
The world of football is increasingly influenced by money. Investors from the private equity sector in particular are playing a greater role in this. The takeovers of clubs such as AC Milan, Chelsea and Olympique Lyon show that these investors see football as a new market for growth. In the Cleats & Cashflows newsletter, we look at this development. We discuss the opportunities this offers clubs, but also the risks involved.
Sandro Tonali generated plenty of headlines on deadline day as the winter transfer window of 2026 came to a close, with Arsenal reported to have made a play for the Newcastle midfielder. No deal was done, but speculation continues to rage. Manchester City are said to be another of Tonali’s many suitors, and Pep Guardiola was spotted in deep conversation with the 25-year-old at the end of a Carabao Cup encounter.
The Football Association (FA) has formally charged both Chelsea and West Ham following a chaotic conclusion to Saturday’s London derby at Stamford Bridge. The Blues’ nail-biting 3-2 victory descended into mayhem during stoppage time, resulting in a red card for Jean-Clair Todibo after he was caught grabbing an opponent by the throat. Both clubs now face significant fines for failing to control their players during the ugly scenes that marred a thrilling contest.
Jamie Carragher has jumped to the defence of Arne Slot after the Liverpool manager sparked a heated debate with claims that playing "the nicest football to watch" is worth more than winning major trophies. The former defender insisted that while silverware is the ultimate currency at Anfield, Slot’s desire to be remembered for his style of play is a mark of a coach who wants to leave a lasting legacy.
At the tail end of October, Dimitar Berbatov appeared on Rio Ferdinand's podcast and pleaded for patience with Liverpool's struggling superstar summer signing Florian Wirtz. "He will be unbelievable, trust me," the Bulgarian told his former Manchester United team-mate. "I’m sure that everybody [at Liverpool] sees his quality, and they’ll give him that time that he needs to fit into the team. And I guarantee you, he’s going to be a success.
Ruben Amorim's arrival at Manchester United may have inadvertently helped rivals Manchester City due to his strong relationship with director of football Hugo Viana, according to a new report. The two worked previously at Sporting and developed a close relationship before both made the move to England. Viana has been able to adapt to life with the Premier League club quickly and has played an important role in the club's recent transfers.
Newcastle United CEO David Hopkinson has admitted he has 'no idea' whether or not Arsenal were presented with the chance to sign Sandro Tonali by the midfielder's agent. Reports emerged on deadline day that Tonali was being monitored by the Gunners, with his representatives supposedly indicating to the Premier League leaders that a move could be negotiated.
Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi has responded to speculation that he is a player Real Madrid need amid a difficult season for Los Blancos. The Spanish giants have already sacked manager Xabi Alonso and brought in Alvaro Arbeloa, but sit second in La Liga and face a playoff against Benfica to secure a place in the last 16 of the Champions League.
Manchester United legend Wes Brown is confident that defender Harry Maguire will be offered a new contract at Old Trafford. The defender's existing deal expires at the end of the 2025-26 season but Brown says that current boss Michael Carrick will want to keep the 32-year-old centre-back at the club. Brown is also backing Maguire to continue in the starting XI after returning to fitness.
Kevin De Bruyne is reportedly looking to reunite with Raheem Sterling at Napoli. The duo won numerous trophies together at Manchester City, where they formed a close friendship and remain in touch to this day. Now, it is being claimed that Sterling could join De Bruyne at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona after leaving Chelsea.
Much-maligned Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has been spotting putting his worries on the pitch aside and heading out for an evening with team-mates Leny Yoro and Senne Lammens. The Red Devils stars and their partners were spotted dining together at The Ivy in Manchester at the weekend, following a third-straight Premier League win under new boss Michael Carrick.
Michael Carrick welcomed 15-year-old attacker JJ Gabriel into Manchester United's first-team training sessions twice this week. Gabriel, nicknamed 'Kid Messi' is renowned as a social media sensation and is already exciting Red Devils fans all over the world with his highlight reels and future potential.
Former Liverpool and England striker Andy Carroll has appeared in court and pleaded non-guilty to breaching a non-molestation order against his ex-wife Billi Mucklow. The 37-year-old, who currently plies his trade for National League South side Dagenham & Redbridge, was placed on conditional bail and is due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on 4 March.
Fulham star Alex Iwobi has praised Kobbie Mainoo but has also revealed the Manchester United midfielder accidentally injured him during Saturday's Premier League clash between the two sides at Old Trafford. Iwobi suffered a hand injury during the game which ended in a 3-2 win for the Red Devils courtesy of substitute Benjamin Sesko's dramatic late winner.
Pep Guardiola has launched a stinging attack on U.S. president Donald Trump’s administration following the deaths of Renee Good and nurse Alex Pretti at the hands of ICE agents. The Manchester City manager delivered an impassioned defence of human rights during a press conference, breaking his usual silence to condemn "genocide" in Palestine and demand compassion for migrants crossing the English Channel.
Raheem Sterling has been urged to consider a sensational move to Wrexham to rediscover his love for football, with former Manchester United defender Wes Brown claiming the Hollywood-backed project could be the perfect remedy for the winger's stalling career. The ambitious Welsh club have also been tipped to make an audacious approach for Sterling's former teammate John Stones, who Brown believes could emulate Granit Xhaka's impact by dropping down a level to dictate play.
Harvey Elliott faces a nightmare conclusion to the season at Aston Villa after Liverpool refused to waive a fee that would have allowed his loan to be terminated. The 22-year-old has been frozen out by Unai Emery to avoid triggering a mandatory £35 million transfer clause, but with no compromise found before the deadline, the midfielder is now left stranded in limbo until the summer.
442oons looks back at Saturday's Premier League meeting between Chelsea and West Ham and the stoppage-time skirmish that saw Adama Traore clash with both Marc Cucurella and Joao Pedro. Will the Blues left-back survive? And how will the Brazilian striker deal with a raging Adama? Find out by watching the clip above!
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