FOOTBALL

Amorim stalls on contract calls for Maguire and Casemiro

Ruben Amorim
December 2025

Ruben Amorim says Manchester United have made “no decision” on new deals for Harry Maguire and Casemiro, with both veterans edging towards the final months of their contracts despite reviving form and growing responsibility under the Portuguese coach this season. With European qualification, squad balance and wage structure still unclear, Amorim wants to see where United finish before committing, stressing long-term planning over sentiment at a time when Maguire could accept reduced terms and Casemiro’s high salary complicates any extension.

Leboeuf wants 2026 World Cup “dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo”

Cristiano Ronaldo
December 2025

World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf hopes the 2026 tournament becomes Cristiano Ronaldo’s crowning moment, arguing that while the Portuguese icon’s legacy is already secure, lifting the trophy after Lionel Messi’s 2022 triumph would fundamentally change how his career is judged. Leboeuf admits he has criticised Ronaldo before but says a World Cup win is the one missing piece when compared with Messi. Seeing Portugal’s stacked squad, he believes they have the tools to emulate Argentina’s 2022 run and finally give Ronaldo the ultimate international prize.

Harewood hails Ronaldo as “machine” and model pro after 1,000-goal talk

Cristiano Ronaldo
December 2025

Marlon Harewood says Cristiano Ronaldo’s longevity and numbers were signposted as early as his Manchester United days, arguing that his current output at 40, plus his ambitions to reach 1,000 goals and play with Cristiano Jr, are the product of extreme professionalism. Reflecting on facing Ronaldo in England, Harewood highlighted his work ethic, physical standards and mentality, describing him as the blueprint to show young players. With titles and goals across United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al-Nassr, he believes nobody should be surprised by Ronaldo’s sustained dominance.

Nani says Amorim’s “entitled” United kids would never have survived under Ferguson

Ruben Amorim
December 2025

Nani has contrasted Ruben Amorim’s disciplinary headaches with Sir Alex Ferguson’s era, insisting United’s current issues with “entitled” youngsters clapping back on social media would never have arisen when the legendary Scot’s “hairdryer” authority controlled the dressing room. Amorim publicly called out academy prospects Harry Amass and Chido Obi for entitlement and social-media replies, while handling Kobbie Mainoo’s “Free Kobbie” T-shirt saga calmly, stating he will pick the midfielder purely on merit and that his door is open for any player talks.

Harewood: Bowen’s West Ham-mad family will back him whatever transfer call he makes

Jarrod Bowen
December 2025

Former West Ham striker Marlon Harewood believes Jarrod Bowen will be backed by his West Ham-mad family, including father-in-law Danny Dyer, whatever he decides about his future as relegation-threatened Hammers face growing pressure to keep their captain and attacking talisman. Harewood says Bowen, now 29 and eyeing England’s 2026 World Cup squad, must weigh loyalty, family ties and his legendary status in east London against likely big-club offers, warning West Ham will find it extremely difficult to replace his goals and overall influence.

Leboeuf warns Cole Palmer not to rush dream Real Madrid or Barcelona move

Cole Palmer
December 2025

Frank Leboeuf has urged Cole Palmer to ignore speculation about dream moves to Real Madrid or Barcelona, reminding the Chelsea playmaker that he has effectively had only a two-year senior career and still needs to fully establish himself as a week-in, week-out starter. He warned that star-studded squads like Madrid’s already overflow with attacking talent such as Jude Bellingham, so Palmer should prioritise regular minutes and trophies at Chelsea, where he can become the central figure of a resurgence instead of risking bench-role status abroad.

Mbappe still far from Zidane in French GOAT debate

Kylian Mbappe
December 2025

Frank Leboeuf has pushed back on claims that Kylian Mbappe already tops France’s all-time greats, arguing the Real Madrid striker cannot yet compare to Zinedine Zidane, whose legendary status, aura and popularity in France still surpass those of any member of the current generation. Leboeuf says Zidane’s genius, leadership and off-field respect – despite the 2006 World Cup final incident – keep him untouchable, while Mbappe’s private-life controversies and perceived lack of defensive work mean he must evolve, showing more effort and completeness, before entering that conversation.

Spurs captain Romero charged after bad-tempered Liverpool defeat

Cristian Romero
December 2025

Cristian Romero has been charged by the FA following his red card against Liverpool, where he was dismissed for two bookings in a chaotic match that also saw Xavi Simons sent off and Alexander Isak suffer a fractured leg after a challenge from Micky van de Ven. Simons’ studs-down challenge on Virgil van Dijk was upgraded to red by VAR, Liverpool then led through Isak and Hugo Ekitike before Romero collected yellow cards for dissent and a kick at Konate, with Van de Ven later revealing he texted Isak to apologise for the accidental injury.

Amorim insists January signings must truly want Manchester United move

Ruben Amorim
December 2025

Ruben Amorim has restated that Manchester United will only act in January for players they are certain want to join, warning against repeating past mistakes as the club weigh defensive midfield targets and react to missing out on Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo. After walking away from Brighton’s £100m price for Carlos Baleba, United now track Ruben Neves, Conor Gallagher and Tyler Adams while monitoring other positions, but Amorim stresses they will not rush into panic deals and will prioritise long term fit, commitment and character over short term fixes.

United target Baleba sets sights on AFCON glory and midfield supremacy

Carlos Baleba
December 2025

Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba says he wants to become the best midfielder in the world while helping Cameroon at AFCON, after emerging as an elite Premier League performer and attracting strong but ultimately unsuccessful interest from Manchester United in the last summer window. Signed to replace Moises Caicedo, Baleba impressed across his first two seasons before form dipped amid heavy transfer speculation, with Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler stressing the emotional impact of United’s interest and urging the 21-year-old to stay grounded, develop in Sussex and build step by step.