Chris Burton

Mick McCarthy has reignited his feud with Roy Keane as the ex-Republic of Ireland manager considers Manchester United’s legendary former midfielder to be a “c**t”. The pair endured an infamous falling out ahead of the 2002 World Cup that is now the subject of a film from Steve Coogan. Time does not appear to have been a good healer when it comes to historic divides.

Former Real Madrid defender Manu Hernando has explained how kicking Cristiano Ronaldo in training led to him temporarily being banished from Los Blancos’ first-team fold. As a product of the fabled Castilla academy system, Hernando was given plenty of opportunities in which to work with senior stars. On one occasion, he delivered a “cruel” blow to Portuguese GOAT Ronaldo.

Fights broke out among supporters in the vicinity of St James’ Park ahead of Newcastle’s derby date with arch-rivals Sunderland. Two old adversaries are locking horns again in Premier League competition and there was always going to be an edge to proceedings, with local bragging rights at stake alongside precious points, but some fans allowed passions to get the better of them.

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes admits that Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has been his “toughest opponent” down the years, with the pair establishing a bitter rivalry. While they have clashed on a regular basis in Premier League action, there is plenty of respect between the duo. They are poised to lock horns again in the 2026 Carabao Cup final.

Chelsea’s stance on sacking beleaguered boss Liam Rosenior has been revealed, with the Blues enduring a dismal run of four consecutive defeats across Premier League and Champions League competition. Dreams of European glory have been dashed for another year, with Rosenior under pressure to ensure that elite continental action returns to Stamford Bridge in 2026-27.

Swansea City intend to raise concerns with the EFL regarding the special treatment that Wrexham continue to receive, with Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac allowed to take on commentary duties as part of Sky Sports’ coverage of a fierce Welsh derby. The Hollywood superstars were given the chance to call a competitive Championship clash at the Racecourse Ground on March 13.

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to chase down 1,000 career goals and another entry in his history books, but Portugal coach Roberto Martinez insists that target has not become an "obsession". There are no fears, at least not in international circles, that all-time great CR7 will stop passing to his team-mates in a bid to ensure that another individual milestone is reached.

Jose Mourinho has branded his touchline ban at Benfica a “tragicomedy”, with the punishment handed out to him being “based on a lie”. The enigmatic Portuguese tactician was shown the 15th red card of his colourful coaching career during a reunion with former club Porto. He was accused of kicking a ball towards the opposition bench.

When West Ham left Upton Park things were never going to be the same, but ex-Hammers striker Marlon Harewood has told GOAL why the London Stadium can still be an “amazing place”. Many disgruntled fans, of the home and away variety, have failed to take the former Olympic venue into their hearts. It does, however, tick many important boxes for an ambitious East End outfit.

Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White have been sent an England-themed relegation warning at Nottingham Forest, but there is no guarantee that both will leave the City Ground this summer. The Reds - who are also seeing Brazilian defender Murillo generate transfer talk - are battling for Premier League survival, with Marlon Harewood discussing various scenarios there with GOAL.

Steven Gerrard has been brutally informed that his dream of managing Liverpool has “died”, with an emotional return to Anfield being ruled out. There was a point, when winning the Scottish Premiership title at Rangers, that Gerrard was considered to be a Reds boss of the future. Emile Heskey has told GOAL why that may no longer be the case for his former team-mate.

Mikey Moore has long been billed as one of the most exciting wonderkids in British football, with Andy Gray telling GOAL why Rangers may continue to benefit from the 18-year-old’s impressive development. The teenage playmaker is tied to Premier League giants Tottenham, but a productive loan spell at Ibrox has been enjoyed and an extension to that deal could be thrashed out for 2026-27.

Nottingham Forest’s clash with Tottenham on Sunday promises to be epic, but Mark Crossley has told GOAL why four home matches beyond that will be the “most important games in the club’s history”. The Reds are serving up their annual dose of drama, having become embroiled in another relegation battle, with Premier League survival up for grabs.

Harry Kane is “in the discussion” for Ballon d’Or honours, but may need to win the Champions League with Bayern Munich and star for England at the 2026 World Cup in order to land the Golden Ball. Emile Heskey admits as much, with the former Three Lions forward telling GOAL how his fellow striker can earn the prestigious billing of best player on the planet.

Alejandro Garnacho has been told what is missing from his game and how a £40 million ($54m) price tag at Chelsea can be justified. The Argentina international winger has struggled for consistency across the end of his time at Manchester United and during his debut campaign at Stamford Bridge. Former Blues star Gus Poyet has told GOAL how the 21-year-old can live up to expectations.

Emile Heskey has revealed to GOAL that his son Jaden is enjoying “getting battered” during a spell at Sheffield Wednesday, with England U18 star Reigan next in line for a loan transfer away from Manchester City. Ex-Liverpool striker Heskey is playing the role of proud father as his children seek to forge their own career in the professional game, with senior football required in order to complete that process.

James McAtee has endured a tough time at Nottingham Forest following his £30 million ($40m) transfer from Manchester City, with the 23-year-old playmaker prompting a “difficult conversation”. Former Reds striker Marlon Harewood has told GOAL why struggles for a spark at the City Ground are difficult to understand, with McAtee clearly a talented individual.

Matt Turner may have fallen down the USMNT’s goalkeeping depth chart, but Brad Friedel has explained to GOAL why the New England Revolution shot-stopper could still have a vital role to play at the 2026 World Cup. Matt Freese is considered to be leading the race for starting duties at this summer’s global gathering in North America, but Mauricio Pochettino will want an able back-up at his disposal.