Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United, Nico O’Reilly
23 May 2026

Bruno Fernandes was named Premier League Player of the Season after a standout campaign for Manchester United. He matched the league’s single-season assist record, created more chances than any other player and helped United secure Champions League qualification.

Fernandes beat a shortlist including David Raya, Gabriel, Declan Rice, Erling Haaland, Antoine Semenyo, Igor Thiago and Morgan Gibbs-White. Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly also won Young Player of the Season after a breakthrough campaign at left-back.

Florian Wirtz, Liverpool, Arne Slot, Mohamed Salah
23 May 2026

Florian Wirtz said he has no regrets over joining Liverpool despite a tough debut season and criticism after his record move from Bayer Leverkusen. He also backed Arne Slot and played down the latest Mohamed Salah fallout.

Wirtz said Salah’s comments about Liverpool losing identity were made too big and insisted the squad remains behind Slot. He admitted the Premier League’s physical demands forced him to adapt, including extra gym work to handle contact.

SPFL, Celtic, Motherwell, Hearts
23 May 2026

The SPFL is investigating two Celtic matches among five disciplinary cases, while the Scottish FA’s key match incident panel ruled Celtic should not have received a late penalty against Motherwell after VAR intervention.

The cases involve pitch incursions, fan conduct and match security after late-season scenes at Motherwell and Celtic Park. The SPFL said clubs must control unacceptable conduct, while Police Scotland continues looking into claims linked to the Hearts match.

Michael Carrick, Manchester United
23 May 2026

Manchester United appointed Michael Carrick as permanent head coach after a strong interim spell that brought 11 wins from 16 matches. The decision follows Champions League qualification and approval from the club’s leadership group.

Carrick impressed with results, dressing-room stability and a style that matched United’s values. The club had explored other candidates, including Andoni Iraola and Unai Emery, before backing the former midfielder to lead the next phase.

MetLife Stadium, New York, New Jersey, FIFA
23 May 2026

MetLife Stadium signage is being changed to put New Jersey before New York, highlighting tension over World Cup hosting recognition, transport costs and local ticket access. The venue will host eight matches, including the final.

Governor Mikie Sherrill pushed for New Jersey’s role to be reflected more clearly after FIFA requested operational changes. The dispute also widened around NJ Transit costs and discounted tickets being offered only to New York City residents.

Fox, FIFA, World Cup broadcasters
23 May 2026

Fox is still discussing with FIFA how hydration breaks will be used during World Cup broadcasts, including whether the stoppages will create commercial space. The network also confirmed new access such as half-time interviews and on-pitch pre-match reporting.

The breaks will appear in every match, even at temperature-controlled venues, creating debate over player welfare and advertising. Fox says it must balance new commercial opportunities with viewer experience, especially because football rarely allows in-game ad windows.

Cristian Romero, Tottenham, Everton
21 May 2026

Cristian Romero has been criticised for choosing to travel home to watch Belgrano instead of attending Tottenham’s final-day relegation decider against Everton. The injured captain is unavailable because of a knee problem and is already under scrutiny.

Romero had previously supported team-mates from the touchline, making the timing of his trip more sensitive. Tottenham face a high-pressure survival match, while his boyhood club Belgrano meet River Plate in a title decider on the same day.

Enrique Riquelme, Real Madrid, Florentino Pérez
21 May 2026

Enrique Riquelme is preparing to challenge Florentino Pérez for the Real Madrid presidency and reportedly wants to frame his campaign around Erling Haaland and Jürgen Klopp. Candidates must submit their bids before the 23 May deadline.

Riquelme must meet strict club requirements, including 20 years of membership and a large financial guarantee. Reports claim his camp has explored contact around Haaland and Klopp as headline ideas to sway Real Madrid voters.

Tim Weah, Zohran Mamdani, New York City
21 May 2026

Tim Weah backed New York City’s plan to offer 1,000 discounted World Cup tickets at MetLife Stadium, saying football should stay accessible to local communities. The initiative covers selected group and knockout matches for city residents.

The campaign followed talks involving Mayor Zohran Mamdani, FIFA and the New York/New Jersey host committee. Weah’s support continued his earlier criticism of high ticket prices, despite Mauricio Pochettino previously urging players to focus on football.

Neil Lennon, Dunfermline Athletic, Celtic
21 May 2026

Neil Lennon warned Celtic not to treat Dunfermline Athletic as a soft opponent before the Scottish Cup final. He said talk around Martin O’Neill lifting another trophy had been disrespectful and gave his side extra motivation.

Dunfermline reached Hampden after beating Hibernian, Aberdeen and Falkirk, creating belief inside Lennon’s squad. Zak Rudden is expected to return from injury, while Aston Oxborough is also available after being recalled from Motherwell.