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It has been revealed that Jose Mourinho once aimed a brutal weight jibe at Luke Shaw during his time as Manchester United manager, with the England international full-back being billed as “James Corden”. The Red Devils’ enigmatic former boss also stated that he “would do everything” in his power to ensure that French forward Anthony Martial left Old Trafford.

Anyone that manages to carve out a career for themselves in professional football is ridiculously talented. The standard at the highest level is just so high that it is simply impossible to 'fake it 'til you make it'. However, not everyone is as prodigiously gifted as Lionel Messi or Lamine Yamal. Your average player will require some time to get to grips with the rigours of the elite game.

Mason Greenwood faces the prospect of losing one of his most trusted allies at Marseille this January, with reports from Italy suggesting Juventus are ready to launch a move for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. The Serie A giants, now managed by Luciano Spalletti, have identified the Danish international as the ideal midfielder to dictate play in Turin, leaving Roberto De Zerbi fighting to keep his squad intact.

Atletico Madrid icon Saul Niguez has sparked controversy by claiming bitter rivals Real Madrid have "no fans" compared to his current club Flamengo. The midfielder, now playing under former teammate Filipe Luis in Brazil, launched a stinging attack on the Bernabeu atmosphere while praising the passion of the South American giants ahead of their clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

Marcelo's son is set to make his debut with Real Madrid Castilla after impressing head coach Alvaro Arbeloa. The weight of a legendary surname has followed Enzo Alves since his earliest touches of a football, but this week, the 16-year-old has edged closer to forging an identity of his own as he has been summoned to the Castilla squad for the first time ahead of Tuesday night’s Premier League International Cup clash against Manchester City’s Under-21s at the Joie Stadium.

Bruno Fernandes admits to being left “hurt” by Manchester United as they opened the door for him to complete a transfer to the Saudi Pro League during the summer of 2025. The Red Devils made it clear to their club captain that it would not be “so bad” for all concerned if a deal was done. Fernandes ultimately decided to remain at Old Trafford, but exit rumors continue to rage.

Barcelona have reportedly identified Borussia Dortmund defender Julian Ryerson as a shock transfer target to bolster their defensive options. The Catalan giants are scouring the market for reinforcements amid growing fears that Manchester City could launch a swoop for Jules Kounde, forcing Hansi Flick to draw up contingency plans for the right-back position.

Inter Miami will not be resting on their laurels after savouring a historic MLS Cup success, with domestic rivals being warned that Lionel Messi and Co have their “bar reset to a higher level” ahead of a bid for more major honours in 2026. The Herons are kings of North America for now, with the plan being to cement that status when going back-to-back.

Gary Neville lavished praise on Ruben Amorim for bringing back "entertainment" to Manchester United after their "stunning" clash with Bournemouth as the Portuguese coach earned comparisons to Sir Alex Ferguson. Neville believes the manager reignited the sense of adventure and attacking freedom that once defined the club’s identity in the breathless 4-4 draw at Old Trafford on Monday night.

Micky van de Ven claims that Ange Postecoglou’s sacking at Tottenham came as something of a surprise as he still believes in the much-maligned “system” that saw the Australian coach attract plenty of criticism. Postecoglou did end Spurs’ 17-year wait for major silverware when landing the Europa League trophy, but was still relieved of his duties.

Newcastle United have been dealt a massive injury blow, with Dan Burn suffering a punctured lung and a broken rib during Sunday’s bruising Wear-Tyne derby defeat to Sunderland. The England international was forced from the field just before half-time following a heavy collision with Sunderland right-back Nordi Mukiele, and is now facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has, after enduring a missing dog ordeal in Mexico, aired his surprise at seeing Liga MX side Pumas rip up his contract. The Wales international played just six games for the Central American outfit after stepping out of his comfort zone in Europe. He returned to the UK after seeing his beloved pet go missing in October.

Ruben Amorim expressed his belief that the "result should be completely different" after Manchester United were held to a 4-4 draw by Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Monday night. A "crazy" eight-goal thriller delivered entertainment in abundance, but for the United head coach, it ended with a familiar sense of opportunity wasted. United led on three separate occasions and appeared to have landed the decisive blow when they surged ahead late on, only to concede once more and watch two precious points slip through their fingers.

Inter Miami are reportedly plotting a stunning swoop for Robert Lewandowski that would see the prolific Polish striker join forces with Lionel Messi. The Herons will be looking to defend their MLS Cup crown in 2026 and intend to make more marquee additions to their ranks. Co-owner Sir David Beckham is among those scouring the market, with Lewandowski registering on his recruitment radar.

As the Women's Super League hits its winter break, Manchester City are sitting pretty at the top of the table, boasting a comfortable six-point lead over second-placed Chelsea to put themselves in an incredible position in their pursuit of a first title since 2016. It's no surprise, then, that the Cityzens dominate GOAL's Team of the Season so far.

Pep Guardiola remarked last month that no one wins the title in November, and Manchester City's chasing down of Arsenal in the ensuing weeks has proven him right. The Gunners might still be out in front, but despite often feeling like a team in transition, City are showing many hallmarks of their ruthless title-winning seasons while cracks are showing in their rivals' campaign.

Despite all that's happened in American soccer in the 23 years since an unforgettable 2002 World Cup, it's still worth wondering: 'What if they called that damn handball?' There was no VAR in the summer back then, no pathway for the referees to change course. Torsten Frings' hand struck the ball - imagine what could have happened if it was acknowledged on the day, and not just 23 years later?

“Exceptional” Harry Kane is, given his strike rate at Bayern Munich this season, being tipped to break Robert Lewandowski’s record when it comes to most goals scored in a single Bundesliga campaign. England captain Kane has recorded 18 efforts through just 14 games this season, leaving him well on course to better Lewandowski’s tally of 41 from 2020-21.

Washington surrendered a 2-0 lead to NC State, but roared back in extra time to clinch the College Cup in dramatic fashion with a 3-2 win. The Huskies seemed to be in control after 60 minutes, but the Wolfpack roared back in style, equalizing in the dying minutes of normal time. Yet Washington, who started the NCAA tournament unranked, struck first and won on a golden goal.

United States midfielder Tyler Adams suffered a knee injury during Bournemouth’s Premier League match against Manchester United on Saturday. The 28-year-old American international was forced off after five minutes, with manager Andoni Iraola later saying there were concerns over possible damage to the medial collateral ligament in Adams’ left knee.

Arsenal are set to be without Ben White for several weeks after the defender suffered a hamstring injury during Saturday’s Premier League win over Wolves. The England international was drafted in to slot in at the back following a number of injuries in the Gunners' backline, including powerhouse Gabriel. Unfortunately for the former Brighton man, it will be his only involvement in the run up to 2026.

Kobbie Mainoo's brother has caused a stir by calling on Ruben Amorim to play the midfielder more often in a provocative t-shirt. Jordan Mainoo-Hames, the Manchester United player's half-brother, braved a cold and wet evening at Old Trafford to display a t-shirt bearing the message 'Free Kobbie Mainoo' during the 4-4 draw with Bournemouth then posted a picture on Instagram of himself wearing it.

Manchester United have outlined their intentions when it comes to the departure of Kobbie Mainoo in January. The out-of-favour midfielder has struggled for minutes under Ruben Amorim this season, after being told he could not leave on loan during the summer window. The Red Devils have assessed the situation again, and made a decision on their academy graduate's short-term future as we head towards the January market.

Jamie Carragher has offered Mohamed Salah some fresh advice after the Liverpool star's recent public outburst. The Egyptian claimed he had been 'thrown under the bus' by Arne Slot and the club, resulting in the winger being dropped for the Reds' Champions League win over Inter. Salah was reintegrated into the squad at the weekend for the win over Brighton, where he provided an assist after coming on 26 minutes in for the injured Joe Gomez.

Injury-plagued former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is finally set to return to football after finding a new club following his exit from the Emirates Stadium. The Japan international left the Gunners in July this year after the Premier League giants agreed a contract termination with the full-back, who had struggled with injuries in the last few seasons.

Jobe Bellingham has been slapped with a ban after being sent off during Borussia Dortmund's draw with Freiburg in the Bundesliga. Bellingham's miserable start to life in Germany continued on Sunday as the 20-year-old was shown a straight red card in Dortmund's disappointing 1-1 draw. The youngster joined the Bundesliga side from Sunderland in the summer after playing a starring role in the Black Cats' promotion.

Jamie Carragher has fired a stern warning to Enzo Maresca after his fiery words about Chelsea. The Italian described the last few days as the worst of his time in West London, and Premier League icon Carragher believes it is a matter of time before he departs Stamford Bridge, like so many before him who have tried and failed to bear the weight of pressure at the club.

Bruno Fernandes could not hide his frustration after Manchester United's thrilling 4-4 draw with Bournemouth at Old Trafford. The Red Devils had the lead on three separate occasions during Monday's Premier League fixture, but could not hold on to their advantage, despite being 4-3 up in the final moments. As a result, captain Fernandes vented his fury after the final whistle.

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