FOOTBALL

Ferdinand Reveals Back Pain Can Leave Him Unable to Walk

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.

Yamal Uses “Disconnect” Routine to Handle Barcelona Pressure

Lamine Yamal
January 2026

Yamal says he protects his mindset by living like a normal teenager away from training. He avoids obsessing over opponents and tries to switch off from football so the pressure at club and national level does not take over. He describes spending time with friends and family, playing games, and staying away from constant tactical video study. He also said he is excited for the World Cup experience, including visiting Mexico for the first time and trying local food.

Owen Says United Must Back Carrick if Champions League Secured

Michael Owen
January 2026

Owen argues United should not automatically chase a big-name coach if Carrick keeps this level and delivers Champions League qualification. He says the performances look more stable and confident than anything United have shown in years. His view is that United have tried every manager profile for over a decade, and replacing a working interim solution risks repeating the same cycle. He frames Carrick’s fit, calm control, and player buy-in as reasons to commit if results hold.

Mourinho Lined Up for Portugal Job After 2026 World Cup

Jose Mourinho
January 2026

Reports claim the federation expects to offer Mourinho the Portugal manager role after the World Cup. He is currently Benfica coach on a two-year deal, but the federation is said to view him as the next cycle’s headline appointment. The same report suggests Benfica would then need a successor, with Ruben Amorim floated as the obvious option due to his ties to the club and strong domestic reputation. Mourinho has publicly said international management is a goal, with Portugal his preferred first step.

Luis Enrique Plays Down Man United Links and Signals PSG Stay

Luis Enrique
January 2026

Luis Enrique responded to Manchester United speculation by stressing he is happy at PSG, with reports indicating an extension may be coming. Asked directly about his future amid United’s search for a permanent manager, he gave a clear message of contentment in Paris. In parallel, Carrick reiterated he is focused on improving United and accepts the club’s longer-term decision will be made later.

Mikel Merino Undergoes Foot Surgery and Targets Return

Mikel Merino
January 2026

Arsenal’s Mikel Merino had surgery on a fractured foot and posted an upbeat recovery message, but faces a spell out with a rare injury type, per Arteta. Merino was hurt in Arsenal’s 3-2 loss to Manchester United. Arteta said the case is unusual and depends on post-surgery healing and monitoring. Merino confirmed the operation is done and signalled his intent to return as soon as the recovery process allows.

Man United Cool Middle East Friendly Plans Under Carrick

Michael Carrick
February 2026

Manchester United’s tentative talks about a revenue-friendly Middle East exhibition match have been paused, with Carrick’s appetite for the trip reportedly lower than under Amorim. Amorim previously argued the club needed commercial fixtures after missing Europe, but the current plan has been deprioritised. With a schedule gap after the West Ham match and before Everton, Carrick is instead expected to give the squad time off rather than travel.

Paul Green Leaves Chelsea Women Role After 13 Years and 19 Trophies

Paul Green
February 2026

Chelsea confirmed Paul Green has left his Head of Women’s Football role, ending a 13-year spell that included major recruitment influence and a trophy haul of 19. Green joined in 2013 and helped build the programme through sustained domestic dominance, including multiple league and cup titles and a Champions League final appearance. He also contributed to appointing Bompastor as Hayes’ successor, with Bompastor delivering an unbeaten domestic treble in her first season.

Ronaldo Strike and Exit Talk, But Manchester United Not Pushing for Shock Return

Cristiano Ronaldo
February 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo is again being linked with an exit after sitting out matches in protest over Saudi league transfer politics, but reporting says Manchester United are not positioning themselves to bring him back for a third spell. Ronaldo is frustrated about how PIF-backed clubs have strengthened and has effectively applied pressure by missing games, while the league has publicly pushed back on any suggestion he can dictate decisions. Reports also claim a release clause could be triggered in the summer, keeping global interest alive even if United do not move.

Liverpool-Bound Jeremy Jacquet Faces Possible Season-Ending Shoulder Surgery

Jérémy Jacquet
January 2026

Jeremy Jacquet suffered a left shoulder injury and may need surgery, putting the remainder of his 2025-26 season at risk before his planned summer move to Liverpool. Jacquet left Rennes’ 3-1 loss to Lens in significant discomfort. Reporting claims an operation could be required, and Rennes coach Habib Beye described the outlook as serious, with Jacquet set for weeks out at minimum and potentially missing the rest of the campaign through rehabilitation.