Thomas Partey
February 2026
Partey faces two new rape charges linked to an additional woman and a separate report of non-recent alleged offences in 2020, alongside existing charges he has already denied. The CPS said the additional counts follow a new Metropolitan Police investigation. Partey previously pleaded not guilty to five rape counts and one sexual assault charge related to alleged incidents in 2021–2022.
Gianluigi Donnarumma
February 2026
Seaman said some modern keepers over-celebrate routine saves, naming Donnarumma as an example. He also said Raya has become calm and consistent at Arsenal after initial pressure replacing Ramsdale. Seaman argued celebrations should match the moment, then highlighted Raya’s big saves and improved settling-in after Ramsdale’s exit. He pointed to Raya’s path through English football as building resilience and maturity.
Thomas Frank
February 2026
Spurs dismissed Frank after a dismal eight-match winless run, leaving them five points above the relegation zone and without a league win in 2026. The club says results and performances forced the board to act despite backing him since his June 2025 appointment. Reporting says Tottenham are now working through contingency plans for the replacement.
Roberto De Zerbi
February 2026
Marseille ended De Zerbi’s tenure by mutual consent after a 5-0 loss to PSG. He leaves with the club fourth and 12 points off the top, after finishing second last season. The decision followed heavy pressure after an early Champions League exit and the collapse in Le Classique, where De Zerbi apologised for the performance. Marseille’s statement says leadership agreed a change was needed for the run-in.
Michael Owen
February 2026
Owen predicts United could be back challenging for the league in one or two years, pointing to improved performances under Carrick and a summer rebuild that could accelerate the timeline. He notes the title has not returned since Ferguson left in 2013. Owen says United still need “surgery” in the squad, with Casemiro expected to leave and uncertainty around Fernandes. He argues the current league season looks set for a low winning points total, so a well-run summer window could turn United into a real contender quickly.
Rio Ferdinand
January 2026
Ferdinand says chronic back issues from his playing career can flare up suddenly and become so severe he needs hospital treatment and sometimes a wheelchair. He describes years of medication and injections during his career as contributing to ongoing problems. He says he has started regular physiotherapy and a more joined-up training approach, sharing information between physio and trainer to reduce flare-ups. He also frames staying active as important for family example-setting and his own mental balance.
Manchester United Issue Inclusion Statement After Ratcliffe Immigration Backlash
Manchester United F.C.
February 2026
United released a club statement stressing it is “inclusive and welcoming” following backlash to Ratcliffe’s comments about immigration, which he later said had offended people and apologised for his wording. Ratcliffe issued an apology focused on language while reiterating support for controlled immigration. United’s response leaned on its equality campaign and EDI commitments, listing initiatives and standards it says underpin club culture and community work.