FOOTBALL

Enzo Fernandez openly targets Argentina captaincy after Messi era

Enzo Fernandez
December 2025

Enzo Fernandez has admitted he dreams of captaining Argentina once Messi steps aside, stressing he is not chasing the iconic No.10 status but would be honoured to wear the armband when the coaching staff decide the team is ready for a new leader. The Chelsea midfielder pointed to his own experience as captain at club level and said he would gladly accept the responsibility if chosen, while acknowledging the timing and decision rest entirely with Lionel Scaloni’s staff and the natural evolution of the squad.

Messi told to ditch “parody of football” in MLS for World Cup detox

Lionel Messi
December 2025

Fernando Signorini has urged Messi to put Argentina’s World Cup defence above everything, branding MLS a “parody of football” and arguing the forward is stuck in a record-chasing cycle that does little to prepare him for elite international demands. The former Argentina fitness coach says Messi should step back for a “detox” period, spend time with his family and even pursue a short-term loan away from Inter Miami so he arrives at the 2026 tournament sharper than rivals coming from Europe.

Merino brands Caicedo tackle “horrible” after Arsenal rescue point

Moises Caicedo
December 2025

Mikel Merino described Moises Caicedo’s studs-up challenge on his ankle as a “horrible” tackle that he always believed warranted a red card, recalling how his joint bent awkwardly and admitting he was relieved to avoid serious injury before later heading Arsenal’s equaliser. Initially booked, Caicedo saw his punishment upgraded after Anthony Taylor consulted the pitchside monitor and ruled the excessive-force challenge endangered Merino’s safety, with the Spaniard revealing he did not speak to the midfielder afterwards and stressing that mobility and luck prevented a potentially much worse outcome.

Maresca fumes over Hincapie elbow after Caicedo sending off

Piero Hincapie
December 2025

Enzo Maresca argued Piero Hincapie should have been sent off for elbowing Trevoh Chalobah under the eye, criticising what he sees as inconsistent refereeing after Moises Caicedo was correctly dismissed for a dangerous tackle and referencing previous leniency shown to Rodrigo Bentancur against Chelsea. Hincapie received only a yellow following VAR review on the aerial clash that left Chalobah with visible facial swelling, while Caicedo’s studs-up lunge on Mikel Merino was upgraded to red, prompting Maresca to accept the dismissal but demand clarity on why similar high and reckless challenges are judged differently week to week.

Fernandes hails “great player” Mount after Palace winner

Mason Mount
December 2025

Bruno Fernandes praised Mason Mount’s quality and mentality after the midfielder scored a low, late winner at Selhurst Park, insisting his team-mates never doubted him despite a difficult start at United marked by injuries, patchy form and limited goals or assists. Trailing to a Jean-Philippe Mateta penalty, United’s midfield surged after half-time, with Fernandes creating both second-half goals and combining smartly from a free-kick for Mount’s decisive strike, which he hopes will trigger a sustained revival for a player Ruben Amorim already values for his movement and finishing threat.

Deco explains why Rashford is thriving away from Old Trafford

Marcus Rashford
December 2025

Deco says Rashford “suffered” under the weight of being a homegrown leader at a struggling Manchester United, arguing that a reset at Barcelona, where expectations are shared more evenly across the squad, has allowed the forward to relax and rediscover his attacking instincts. The sporting director highlights United’s chaotic rebuild over the last five years and insists Barca specifically targeted Rashford’s versatility across the front line, adding that his desire to wait for their financial situation to clear so a loan with option to buy was possible shows how badly he wanted the move

Premier League set for clampdown on ‘timeout’ keeper injuries

IFAB lawmakers
December 2025

Lawmakers are exploring changes to stop goalkeepers going down for treatment to create de-facto timeouts and tactical huddles, closing a loophole that has grown since outfield players were forced to leave the pitch briefly after physio interventions. Proposals include forcing a nominated outfield player to leave the field for 30 seconds whenever a goalkeeper receives treatment, or banning players from approaching the touchline during such stoppages, with the “outfield player off” option gathering support after Farke’s criticism of Manchester City’s use of the tactic.

Amorim calls out anxious Dorgu and demands calm

Patrick Dorgu
November 2025

Ruben Amorim has publicly challenged Patrick Dorgu, saying the 21 year old looks more composed and decisive for Denmark than at Manchester United and admitting he feels “anxiety every time Patrick touches the ball” as the full back continues to struggle for rhythm in a new role. Signed mid season from Lecce and used as a wing back in a 3 4 3, Dorgu has been blamed for lapses in boxes, with Amorim citing a miss against Everton and insisting he must relax, cope with pressure and will get time to develop alongside Diogo Dalot in a still evolving system.

Liverpool’s Guehi gamble invites Atletico raid

Marc Guehi
November 2025

Liverpool are ready to revive their pursuit of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, but now face strong competition from Atletico Madrid and other European clubs, with the defender having turned down new terms and able to sign a pre contract with foreign sides from 1 January. A £35m transfer collapsed on deadline day when Palace pulled out without a replacement, a call now haunting Liverpool as defensive injuries and missed targets like Martin Zubimendi and Leny Yoro stack up, while Atleti can tempt Guehi with a free move next summer and secure Champions League football.

Manchester United weigh huge move for unsettled Valverde

Federico Valverde
November 2025

Manchester United are preparing an offer of around £87 million for Federico Valverde as they chase a flagship midfield signing, encouraged by reports of a recent bust up with Xabi Alonso that has left the Uruguayan more open than before to the idea of leaving Real Madrid. Real are expected to demand close to £100m or point to his release clause, while United must persuade a two time Champions League winner and vice captain, who prides himself on playing any role for the team, to leave a dominant side and front a rebuild without guaranteed Champions League football.