FOOTBALL

Manchester United Shock Manchester City 2-0 in Carrick Home Return

Michael Carrick
January 2026

United beat City 2-0, with Mbeumo and Dorgu scoring after two first-half goals were disallowed for offside and a third was later ruled out by VAR. It was United’s first home win over City since January 2023. United pressed aggressively and controlled midfield through Casemiro, disrupting City’s build-up and limiting their rhythm. Fernandes carried transitions, setting up Mbeumo for the opener, then Cunha’s cross was turned in by Dorgu after weak defending, with United staying compact to close it out.


Man United Reject January Interest in Harry Maguire Despite Contract Running Down

Harry MaguireZ
January 2026

United are set to block any mid-season sale of Maguire despite enquiries, keeping him through the run-in while his future beyond summer remains unresolved. Reports say AC Milan and Premier League clubs asked, but Carrick wants him retained and Holland rates him highly from their England years, even as United plan for potential defensive changes and monitor replacements.

Rose Lavelle Named 2025 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year After Title-Defining Season

Rose Lavelle
January 2026

Lavelle won U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year for the first time after returning from ankle surgery and delivering major national team and club impact. She returned in late June, produced goals and assists in her starts for the USWNT, then drove Gotham’s late surge and scored the NWSL Championship winner against Washington Spirit, also taking Championship MVP.

Carrick Tries to Reignite Old Trafford Identity Before Manchester City Test

Michael Carrick
January 2026

Carrick insists Old Trafford still has “magic” despite results, unrest and the club’s managerial churn since 2013. He frames his job as rebuilding performance and culture together, stressing standards, behaviour and unity inside the building while trying to lift the mood from the outside noise and recent decline.

Hamann Pushes Tuchel as Man United’s Prime Target After Carrick Interim Spell

Didi Hamann
January 2026

Hamann says United should prioritise Tuchel as the next permanent manager, arguing he has the authority and edge to reset standards, even with Luis Enrique also being linked. The pitch is that Tuchel brings proven big-club management, cuts through politics, and focuses on winning over reputations, but timing is awkward because United may need to choose before the World Cup while Tuchel is focused on England.

Man United Linked With Cole Palmer Scenario if Pochettino Returns, Says Meulensteen

Cole Palmer
January 2026

United are being urged to consider Palmer as a future target, with the idea that a Pochettino appointment could help make any approach realistic. Meulensteen argues Palmer fits how United should play and notes squad-fit questions around roles with Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo, while any move depends on Chelsea being willing to sell.

Vincent Kompany Confirms Jamal Musiala Set for Bayern Return After Seven-Month Layoff

Jamal Musiala
January 2026

Musiala is expected to be included in Bayern’s matchday squad after seven months out, pending final training checks. Kompany says the plan is to involve him after a long rehabilitation from a serious injury suffered in the Club World Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, giving Bayern a major creative boost for the run-in.

Man City Step Up Marc Guehi Talks With Contract Offer as Palace Fee Talks Loom

Marc Guehi
January 2026

City have made a major move for Guehi, presenting personal terms and preparing to negotiate a transfer fee with Palace as his contract runs down. With defensive injuries mounting, City have moved ahead of other suitors and are expected to test Palace with an offer around £30m while trying to close the deal before the window shuts.

Ruud van Nistelrooy Joins Netherlands Staff Under Ronald Koeman Ahead of World Cup

Ruud van Nistelrooy
January 2026

Van Nistelrooy has been confirmed as an assistant coach for the Netherlands, returning to the national setup for another spell after recent club roles in England. Koeman wants his striker expertise to support the attack and individual development, adding him to a staff that includes Erwin Koeman and Wim Jonk.

Declan Rice Rages at Arteta Coach in Stamford Bridge Tunnel as Arsenal Edge Chelsea

Declan Rice
January 2026

Rice was caught on camera in a heated, foul-mouthed exchange with Stuivenberg at half-time despite Arsenal leading, with lip-reading claims detailing his complaint about the coach’s comments. The row happened as players went down the tunnel, Gabriel Magalhaes tried to calm things, and Arsenal later held on for a 3-2 win after goals from Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi, while Alejandro Garnacho scored twice for Chelsea.