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Perceived refereeing injustices have been a recurring theme for Manchester United this season, drawing strong reactions from the club's management, players, and pundits. Such is the resentment felt at Old Trafford the club now reportedly plan to formalise their grievances with the head of the referees' governing body PGMOL, Howard Webb in a key meeting.

Pirates have a large and settled squad, but a little sprinkling of extra quality over January could be just the ticket and take them over the line in what promises to be a tight title race with champions Sundowns. Which players can take them there?

The 25-year-old has continued to face questions over whether he can truly lead South Africa’s attack at the continental competition out in Morocco. Makgopa remains among the top scorers for Pirates this season, yet his inconsistent form at international level has left sections of supporters uncertain about his impact.

A generational showdown is officially on the calendar as Spain and Argentina prepare to contest the Finalissima in Qatar, setting up a first-ever senior meeting between Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi. With the European and South American champions colliding at Lusail Stadium, the one-off clash promises symbolism, history and World Cup-level intensity just months before the 2026 tournament.

Mason Greenwood has enjoyed a prolific run of form at Marseille since he joined from Manchester United in the summer of 2024. He finished as the joint-top scorer in Ligue 1 with 21 goals, a stunning return that helped secure the club's Champions League qualification. His form has led to speculation he could be tempted away from the French side, and club president Pablo Longoria has now offered an update on the situation.

The Premier League title race is tighter than last year where Liverpool secured the title with four games to spare. Several teams are vying for the top spots, a more protracted three-way battle for the trophy on the cards. Arsenal lead the race, with Manchester City hot on their tail, and Gunners legend Thierry Henry has delivered his verdict on the stars of the season so far.

GOAL U.S. writers take a look at some of the biggest storylines in European soccer, including Mo Salah's future, Vinicius Jr's exit rumors, and the Premier League title race

The 27-year-old, on loan at Amakhosi from Algerian side CR Belouizdad with a possible permanent deal in play, is still working to make his mark. With just one goal in six matches so far, Mayo is continuing to search for rhythm and consistency as he adapts to the Chiefs setup amid growing outside interest in his future.

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has admitted there are “worrying signs” over Tino Livramento’s fitness after the full-back was forced off with a knee problem in midweek. With the Magpies' defensive options already stretched, the 23-year-old is now a major doubt to face Chelsea, casting uncertainty over Howe’s plans for the crucial Premier League clash.

The Premier Soccer League title race is taking shape, and there is an indication that, just like the previous three seasons, it will be a battle between the Soweto giants and the Pretoria heavyweights. Past the halfway mark, Pirates sit at the top with two more points than Downs, meaning it is easy to predict a neck-to-neck title showdown once again.

The Uruguayan legend can still offer value, but only if he accepts a reduced role to justify his contract extension.

Harry Kane is considered to be operating in the shadow of Bayern Munich wonderkid Lennart Karl, with the 17-year-old sensation being likened to Lionel Messi. He is, having made a stunning senior breakthrough at the reigning Bundesliga champions, also being challenged by Dietmar Hamann to match the levels of Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

Aston Villa are keeping a close watch on Brennan Johnson’s situation at Tottenham Hotspur, with the Midlands club expected to weigh up a potential move should the Wales international become available in 2026. While no formal approach has been made, TEAMtalk reports that Villa would be prepared to assess a deal if Spurs show a genuine willingness to part ways with a player who has slipped down the pecking order under Thomas Frank.

Mohamed Salah’s struggles at Liverpool, which led to him aiming an explosive outburst in the Reds’ direction, are being blamed on the summer departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold. Dean Saunders has explained to GOAL why the ‘Egyptian King’ at Anfield has found the going tough during the 2025-26 campaign and ultimately felt the need to air his grievances in public.

Arsenal have identified Real Madrid teenager Victor Valdepenas as a serious long-term target, with plans reportedly forming for a move in 2026 that could test the resolve of the Spanish giants. Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta view the 19-year-old defender as an ideal fit for their evolving squad, with the north London club prepared to play the long game in their pursuit.

Harry Kane has revealed his highlight of 2025 as well as his New Year’s “wish”. The Bayern Munich and England striker has lifted his fabled trophy curse, with the Bundesliga title being secured, and is eager to land more major silverware with club and country. There will be plenty of opportunities for him to do just that in 2026, with Champions League and World Cup crowns up for grabs.

The coach can now breathe a sigh of relief over an injury case that should have probably given him sleepless nights days before the continental finals begin. The Orlando Pirates star was involved against Ghana in South Africa's last friendly game and suffered a kick on his leg, which forced him to seek treatment. The former Polokwane City star has been a key player for Broos, and his absence would have dealt the coach a huge blow.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is said to figure prominently on Manchester City’s list of potential successors to Pep Guardiola. The Italian tactician has previously taken in two spells at the Etihad Stadium and may be welcomed back for a third when the day comes for a highly-decorated Catalan coach to sever ties with the Premier League heavyweights.

Thierry Henry has revealed his "love" for Liverpool fans' reaction to Mohamed Salah's falling out with Arne Slot. The former Arsenal striker admitted he was struck by the maturity and balance shown by the fanbase, who chose unity over division at a delicate moment in the club’s season.

Emi Martinez is “destined for more big things”, ex-Aston Villa forward Marlon Harewood has told GOAL, with the World Cup-winning goalkeeper missing out on a transfer to Manchester United in the summer of 2025. He has not let that get to him, with a mercurial talent continuing to star for the Villans as they have made positive progress at home and abroad.

Defending champions Arsenal will face London rivals Chelsea in the Women's Champions League quarter-finals, if they can defeat OH Leuven in the knockout play-offs. The Gunners beat the Belgian minnows 3-0 in the last round of the league phase and will be heavily favoured to do so again, making an all-English quarter-final incredibly likely.

The Soweto giants, Bucs, have been doing well domestically, where they have already won three trophies across all competitions in the last couple of months. It explains why they produced a large number of players for the national team ahead of the biennial competition in Morocco. While the Sea Robbers' tactician is happy with his stars in national colours, he has shared his concern too.

Jamie Carragher has been quizzed on whether Liverpool will look to sell Mohamed Salah in the January transfer window, while also doubling down on his claim that the Egyptian superstar was a “disgrace” to speak out against the club. Salah accused the Reds of throwing him under the bus when aiming an explosive outburst in the Reds’ direction.

Adidas have chosen a fitting moment to celebrate one of football’s most recognisable figures, unveiling a special-edition F50 boot created in honour of Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations. The release, titled the F50 Salah, is designed to reflect both the winger’s extraordinary impact on the modern game.

On September 15, 2018, N'Golo Kante walked off the Stamford Bridge pitch, satisfied. As was often the case, the Frenchman had just covered every blade of grass over the course of the 90 minutes. And, as was so often the case, he was not one of the major speaking points at full-time. Not right away, at least.

Manchester City are reportedly closing in on an 18-year-old Troyes wonderkid, Mathys Detourbet, after rolling out the red carpet for the teenager. The 18-year-old has rapidly risen through the ranks in Ligue 2 and is now firmly on the radar of several major European clubs, but City appear well-placed in a competitive race.

A brand-new version of the popular FIFA gaming franchise is in the pipeline, with world football’s governing body announcing an exciting partnership with streaming giants Netflix. Said production will hope to rival EA FC, with FIFA having split from Electronic Arts in 2023. The latest release will be made available ahead of the 2026 World Cup finals.

South Africa head into the Morocco finals buoyant after winning their last two friendly games against Zambia and Ghana. The 1996 champions are also among the continent's World Cup representatives next year, which means they have an extra reason to believe they are among the best teams. However, their AFCON preparations have been affected by off-pitch issues, mainly Hugo Broos' comments on Mbekezeli Mbokazi, although the coach apologised later.

Manchester United have been told that Elliot Anderson, who continues to generate talk of interest from Old Trafford, is “definitely” worth his mooted £100 million ($134m) price tag. That is said to be the fee that Nottingham Forest will be demanding from any deal involving the England international. Marlon Harewood has told GOAL why those numbers add up.