Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has launched a staunch defence of Anthony Gordon after the forward faced sharp criticism from several Premier League legends. Despite being sidelined from the starting XI against Barcelona due to illness, Gordon’s decision to occupy a place on the bench was questioned by high-profile pundits. Howe has now moved to clarify the medical reality of the situation while hailing the England international's elite competitive mentality.

Wes Brown has staunchly defended Roy Keane following allegations of "bullying" made by a former Manchester United medical staff member. The ex-United defender dismissed the claims, insisting that while his former captain's blunt honesty can often be harsh, it is simply a reflection of his character rather than malice.

ITV plans to take advantage of the BBC's cut-price coverage to win the battle of the broadcasters at this summer's World Cup. While the BBC will not have a studio in North America for the group stage, their rivals have decided to base themselves in the heart of New York from the outset, and they plan to have an all-star cast of pundits to 'blow their competitors out of the water'.

Michael Carrick used to look up to Roy Keane. When he was a youth teamer at West Ham, Carrick would analyse the way the Manchester United captain walked out of the dressing room at Upton Park. The first time he faced Keane on the pitch, Carrick watched him ‘clatter’ his team-mate Joe Cole. And yet he was never intimidated by him. And maybe that is why Keane is waging a war of words with United's interim boss.

Roy Keane has admitted he "hopes" Michael Carrick is handed the permanent Manchester United job, marking a surprise softening of his stance on the interim boss. While the former captain remains sceptical about whether Carrick can deliver a league title, he conceded his former teammate has "took advantage" of the role. However, Keane urged caution, warning fans that recent wins do not solve the club's long-term issues.

Rio Ferdinand has accused fellow Manchester United legends Roy Keane and Gary Neville of showing “unbelievable disrespect” to the Red Devils’ interim manager, Michael Carrick. The former England international has overseen back-to-back wins over Manchester City and Arsenal, leading to calls for him to be handed the reins on a permanent basis. Not everybody associated with the Premier League heavyweights shares that opinion.