FOOTBALL

United Academy Families Relieved as Carrick Replaces Amorim After Youth “Entitlement” Row

Michael Carrick
January 2026


Reports claim United academy players and parents are pleased Carrick replaced Amorim, after Amorim criticised “entitlement” among youth players and faced public pushback linked to Mainoo’s lack of first-team minutes. Amorim’s comments followed social media complaints by Amass and Obi and a “Free Kobbie Mainoo” t-shirt worn by Mainoo’s half-brother. Carrick’s approach is described as welcoming, and his early impact was highlighted by a 2-0 derby win over City and praise from Lisandro Martinez for harnessing the crowd’s energy.

Spurs Fans Turn on Frank After 2-2 Burnley Draw Extends Winless Run

Thomas Frank
January 2026

Frank was targeted by “sacked in the morning” chants after Spurs drew 2-2 with 19th-placed Burnley, leaving Tottenham five league games without a win and deepening fears ahead of a difficult February run. Van de Ven opened the scoring, Tuanzebe equalised, Foster put Burnley ahead, and Romero rescued a point in stoppage time. Frank defended the overall performance but admitted two defensive moments cost them, as fan frustration escalated after recent poor domestic form.

Van Dijk Error Starts Liverpool Collapse as Bournemouth Snatch Late 3-2 Win

Virgil van Dijk
January 2026

Van Dijk was blamed for Bournemouth’s opener after misplaying a long ball, as Liverpool’s defensive chaos and a delayed substitution after Gomez collided with Alisson contributed to a 3-2 defeat despite a brief comeback. Scott collected Van Dijk’s mistake and crossed for Evanilson. Gomez went off injured, but Endo’s entry was delayed and Liverpool played short-handed, conceding again. Liverpool rallied through Van Dijk and Szoboszlai, but Bournemouth’s late winner sealed it.

Benfica Ultras Storm Training Ground and Confront Mourinho After Poor Run

Benfica fans
January 2026

Around 200 Benfica supporters entered the Seixal training base to protest results and demand answers, holding a tense meeting with Mourinho, Otamendi and Sabrosa as pressure mounts on the club’s season. Police attended and allowed entry after assurances of a peaceful protest. The group insisted on full access rather than a small delegation, then gathered on a training pitch for an hour-long discussion before leaving, following exits from cups and a league gap to leaders Porto.

Rosenior Plans Contact With Mudryk as Doping Case Keeps Chelsea Winger Sidelined

Mykhailo Mudryk
January 2026

Rosenior said he hopes to speak with Mudryk soon as the winger remains under an indefinite provisional ban after an FA anti-doping charge, with the case still unresolved and a potential four-year suspension possible. Mudryk said the positive test was a shock and denied knowingly taking banned substances, citing confidentiality while his team investigates. He cannot train with teammates under the ban and has kept a low profile, while Shakhtar have publicly backed him as innocent.

Man United Believe Elliot Anderson Prefers Manchester City Ahead of Summer Battle

Elliot Anderson
January 2026

United reportedly think Anderson leans toward a move to City, with both clubs and Chelsea tracking the Forest midfielder, while Forest expect him to stay through January. United are planning a midfield rebuild with a shortlist including Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba. City are also expected to recruit centrally given Rodri’s ongoing fitness concerns after a serious knee injury and limited league starts.

McAteer Says 20-Year Roy Keane Feud Ended in a Cafe With Carragher’s Help

Jason McAteer
January 2026

McAteer said his long-running feud with Keane, which started around the 2002 World Cup fallout and escalated through public jabs and a heated 2002 on-pitch incident, was finally resolved. McAteer described years of back-and-forth commentary and the Sunderland vs United flashpoint that ended with Keane sent off, then said they eventually cleared it up in a cafe, with Carragher involved in bringing them together.

Kai Rooney Makes Old Trafford Debut as Wayne Rooney Posts Proud Tribute

Kai Rooney
January 2026

Kai Rooney, 16, debuted at Old Trafford for United’s Under-18s in an FA Youth Cup win over Derby, coming on to loud “Rooney” chants and producing an eye-catching cameo. The match went to extra time at 0-0, United went ahead via an own goal, added a second through Chido Obi, and held on after Derby pulled one back. Wayne Rooney posted a “then and now” message marking the moment.

Guardiola Benches Haaland to Reset Mind and Body Amid Open-Play Drought

Erling Haaland
January 2026

Haaland was dropped from City’s starting XI after an eight-game run without an open-play goal, despite 20 league goals overall, with Guardiola citing fatigue and the need to refresh him mentally and physically. Guardiola said the schedule and Haaland’s exhaustion drove the decision. Haaland publicly accepted responsibility after recent poor displays and apologised to supporters following City’s losses, saying he lacks answers for his form.

Laporta Election Timing Sparks Backlash From Rivals

Joan Laporta
January 2026

Laporta called Barcelona’s presidential election at the earliest date allowed, while the team is still active in major competitions, drawing criticism from rival candidates who argue it disrupts the sporting season. Barcelona’s statutes require an election before end-June, with a March to June window. Laporta chose March 15 and the club issued a formal notice that process details will follow per statutes, triggering rivals to frame the move as politically convenient and destabilising.