Jason Wilcox, Ruben Amorim
January 2026
A reported internal split with Wilcox worsened before Amorim’s Leeds press conference, with the “manager not coach” issue becoming a flashpoint. Reports claim Wilcox presented himself as “like a manager” while casting Amorim as the coach, aggravating Amorim’s demand for more control and transfer support. Disputes over recruitment and Amorim’s rigid 3-4-3 intensified pressure.
Gianluigi Donnarumma
January 2026
Guardiola said Donnarumma’s short passing and composure are better than his reputation, while conceding he cannot match Ederson’s long passing. Guardiola highlighted first touch, decision-making, and tempo in short build-up as key strengths, framing Ederson’s range as an outlier few keepers can replicate.
Karim Benzema
January 2026
Planes said he expects Benzema to extend beyond his June 2026 contract, despite mixed reports and Benzema’s own non-committal stance. Planes claimed Benzema wants to stay for the “serious project” and strong squad. Benzema previously said he is focused on football with six months left and left contract decisions to others.
Noussair Mazraoui and Bryan Mbeumo
January 2026
Morocco beat Cameroon 2-0, ending Mbeumo’s tournament and extending Mazraoui’s run to at least the semi-finals. Brahim Diaz scored first from close range after a corner sequence, then Ismael Saibari finished low into the corner after a free-kick fell kindly. United regain Mbeumo quickly, while Mazraoui remains away for at least another week.
Conor Gallagher
January 2026
Villa are considering a January approach for Gallagher, who has struggled for consistent starts at Atletico this season. The idea is a loan with an obligation to buy. Atletico are said to value him around £35m, and Villa would face competition from Manchester United and Tottenham, who are also monitoring midfield options.
Mor Talla Ndiaye
January 2026
Liverpool completed a reported £1m signing of teenage centre-back Ndiaye, set to join the Under-21s. The club announced the deal subject to international clearance. Ndiaye has youth international experience, including appearances at the FIFA U17 World Cup, and is expected to develop through the academy pathway.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
January 2026
Shearer said it would be “very strange” for United to reappoint Solskjaer after already sacking him, even as talks are reportedly planned about an interim role post-Amorim. He argued United’s issues are too deep for a recycled fix, suggested using a short-term caretaker like Fletcher or Carrick, then targeting a strong permanent manager in summer after the World Cup market settles.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
January 2026
Reports claim Solskjaer is in talks to return as United’s interim manager after Amorim’s exit, with details emerging on a proposed pay package. Norwegian outlet claims United see him as a cheaper caretaker option, with wages suggested at £50,000–£60,000 per week plus bonuses tied to outcomes like Champions League qualification.
