Manchester United director of football Jason Wilcox has told the squad a new target for the season following the recent sacking of head coach Ruben Amorim. The Red Devils currently sit seventh in the Premier League table but are now without a permanent manager, with Darren Fletcher acting as interim boss. Wilcox reportedly clashed with Amorim at the end of his reign and has now detailed a new primary aim for the remainder of 2025-26.

Darren Fletcher, who has worked with JJ Gabriel at U18 level with Manchester United, has explained why the 15-year-old wonderkid is not being fast-tracked into the first-team fold at Old Trafford. The exciting youngster is eligible to feature in an FA Cup third-round clash with Brighton, as that competition uses different rules to the Premier League, but the decision has been made to hold him back.

A big decision from Manchester United on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could impact Marcus Rashford’s future as a Red Devils player, claims Gary Pallister. England international Rashford is currently taking in a season-long loan at La Liga giants Barcelona. He could, however, be absorbed back into the fold at Old Trafford over the summer if a familiar face inherits the managerial reins.

San Diego FC have confirmed that club-record signing Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano is no longer part of their sporting plans ahead of the 2026 season. Despite being under contract through 2028 and among the league’s highest earners, the Mexican forward is now expected to depart as the club reshapes its roster and priorities.

Jude Bellingham and Aitana Bonmati are locking horns with Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi and Trinity Rodman as adidas launches the Predator vs F50 battle and invites fans and players around the world to “choose one”. Two iconic boot designs are being reimagined for 2026, with superstar performers from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Miami and the USWNT already picking their sides.

Lionel Messi has “made MLS his playground”, according to Dwight Yorke, with the Argentine superstar proving that he still boasts “special X-factor”. The South American icon helped to deliver a historic MLS Cup triumph for Inter Miami in 2025, while helping himself to Golden Boot and MVP awards, and the expectation is that he will illuminate the 2026 World Cup.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly rejected a loan bid from Roma for centre-back Radu Dragusin, who recently returned from nearly a year out with an ACL injury and had been targeted for a return to Serie A. The 23-year-old has been included in Thomas Frank's last six matchday squads despite coming off the bench just once, and the club may decide to keep him around this January after knocking back Roma's approach.

The transfer windows remain one of the highlights of the footballing seasons for fans and there have been plenty of big-money deals over the years.

Arsenal have hired former Liverpool throw-in coach Thomas Gronnemark as the club aim to strengthen their bid to win the Premier League title. The Gunners have considerable set-piece prowess, and have now recruited another expert in the field.

United States international Jenna Nighswonger looks to be finally set for some regular game time after completing a loan move away from Arsenal. The full-back has found opportunities hard to come by since joining the Women's Super League club last January but has now secured a temporary switch that should change that - one which also includes an option to buy.

Arsenal boss Renee Slegers has been rewarded with a new long-term deal after an extraordinary 2025 in which she led the Gunners to Women's Champions League glory. Slegers was due to be out of contract this summer but the club has now acted to secure her signature for the next three-and-a-half years, handing the 36-year-old a deal that runs through to 2029.

Arsenal have had their fair share of success stories over the years when it comes to the women's side of the academy. Leah Williamson, England's two-time European Championship-winning captain, and Lotte Wubben-Moy, also part of those triumphs with the Lionesses, are two of the most high-profiles examples of players who have progressed through the youth set-up and become key members of the first team - and they will not be the last.