As the 2025-26 Premier League season draws to a close, it's time to look back on what has been a campaign full of twists and turns. Arsenal eventually saw off the challenge of Manchester City to secure the title, but European places and the final berth in the relegation zone are still to be decided into the final day.
Joshua Zirkzee’s future at Old Trafford is under intense scrutiny following a toothless performance during Manchester United’s disappointing 0-0 draw at Sunderland. The Dutch forward has been heavily criticised for his lack of physicality and impact, with pundits and former players suggesting that he lacks the necessary profile to succeed in a Red Devils shirt.
Michael Carrick has fiercely defended his Manchester United squad against claims they have checked out for the season following their lacklustre goalless draw at Sunderland. Despite the Red Devils appearing to drop their intensity after securing Champions League qualification last week, the United boss insists his players remain fully focused on their responsibilities.
Sunderland have enjoyed a memorable first season back in the Premier League, but that has not stopped rumours of managerial change from surfacing - with Thomas Frank being linked with the Black Cats on the back of his surprising flop at Tottenham. Stadium of Light legend Michael Gray has addressed the “crazy” talk of change on Wearside during an exclusive interview with GOAL.
Michael Carrick has called for "clarity" regarding the Manchester United managerial situation, suggesting that now is the "natural time" for a definitive decision. Despite guiding the Red Devils back into the Champions League, the interim boss is still waiting to discover if he will be handed the reins on a permanent basis.
Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel has implored the club to target Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka to address a chronic lack of leadership within the current squad. Schmeichel believes the experienced ex-Arsenal star is the ideal candidate to mentor emerging talent following his impressive £17m move to the Stadium of Light last summer.
Sunderland defender Dan Ballard became the latest victim of the Premier League's strict disciplinary clampdown on hair pulling during Saturday's clash with Wolves. The centre-back was dismissed just 25 minutes into the game following a VAR intervention that left the Black Cats bench fuming.
Anybody plotting a summer raid on Sunderland for “unique” forward Brian Brobbey and highly-rated goalkeeper Robin Roefs - with Bayern Munich and Chelsea said to be in those respective hunts - have been warned that “big money” will be required in order to tempt the Black Cats into selling. Don Goodman has told GOAL why exciting arrivals at the Stadium of Light should be considered more likely than any high-profile departures.
FC Bayern Munich are reportedly casting their net as far as Sunderland in their quest for fresh attacking talent ahead of next season. A forward once dubbed “Tah’s nightmare” plies his trade there.
Bayern Munich are reportedly tracking the rapid rise of Brian Brobbey as they consider a summer move for the Sunderland striker. The Dutch forward has impressed in his first Premier League season and Bayern could target him to provide attacking support for Harry Kane.
Micky van de Ven has expressed significant concern that Tottenham Hotspur may run out of time to master Roberto De Zerbi’s intricate tactical system as they battle to avoid a historic relegation. The vice-captain insisted that the squad must prioritise immediate results over stylistic evolution following a dismal defeat at Sunderland that left them two points adrift of safety.
Sunderland
