FOOTBALL

Lee Sharpe says Amorim benching could help Mainoo’s England comeback

Kobbie Mainoo
February 2026

Lee Sharpe believes Mainoo’s struggles for minutes under Amorim may ultimately benefit him, as he rebuilds confidence and form under Carrick and re-enters England contention. After falling down the pecking order, Mainoo has returned to regular involvement since the January change in leadership, giving him a clearer platform to force a Tuchel recall

Griezmann close to shock March move to Orlando City, Atletico farewell planned

Antoine Griezmann
February 2026

Antoine Griezmann is reportedly nearing a mid-season switch to MLS with Orlando City, leaving Atletico during a decisive stretch in Spain and Europe. Negotiations are described as advanced, with Orlando staff travelling to Spain; Griezmann is expected to play a small run of final fixtures including a Copa del Rey semi-final second leg vs Barcelona, then a farewell at home against Real Sociedad.

Man United agree Bayindir exit to Besiktas as Carrick keeps No.1 unchanged

Altay Bayindir
February 2026

Manchester United are reportedly set to sell Altay Bayindir to Besiktas, ending a limited spell at Old Trafford after he failed to displace the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. Reports say United and Besiktas have reached terms for a deal around €5m, with salary negotiations reduced from roughly €3m to €2m, aligning with United’s push to trim wages and move on fringe earners.

Marchisio predicts Tonali will return to Serie A with Juventus later in career

Sandro Tonali
February 2026

Claudio Marchisio believes Tonali could join Juventus in the future, amid recurring links to a return to Italy after his high-profile move from Milan to Newcastle. Tonali has rebuilt his standing after a 10-month betting ban and rehabilitation, becoming a key Howe midfielder and contributing in Europe, which keeps long-term Serie A interest alive even if no immediate move is stated.

Mainoo contract talks still not started as Carrick keeps faith after Amorim freeze-out

Kobbie Mainoo
February 2026

Manchester United have reportedly not opened new contract talks with Mainoo despite his return to the XI under Carrick and lingering uncertainty over his long-term commitment. After being sidelined under Amorim and reportedly considering a loan exit, Mainoo has re-entered the lineup; Carrick is deliberately limiting criticism to rebuild confidence while United retain leverage via an extension option.

Ronaldo hits 965th goal as Al-Nassr crush Al-Najma 5-0 to stay top

Cristiano Ronaldo
February 2026

Al-Nassr won 5-0 to extend their winning run and keep first place, with Ronaldo scoring a VAR-awarded penalty and adding an assist, while Mane and Coman were also on the scoresheet. An early spot-kick set the tone, then Al-Nassr’s quality overwhelmed Al-Najma with two first-half goals; Ronaldo teed up Mane after the break and Martinez added another from a corner to complete a dominant rout.

Casemiro targets AC Milan switch as Man United confirm summer free exit

Casemiro
February 2026

Casemiro is expected to leave Manchester United on a free and is reportedly keen on joining AC Milan, with MLS also monitoring his availability. United opted not to renew and publicly confirmed his departure; after a poor spell late under Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim, Casemiro has played a key role in Carrick’s recent upturn, boosting his market appeal ahead of a final decision.

Barella blames December Liverpool penalty for Inter’s path to Bodo/Glimt upset elimination

Nicolò Barella
February 2026

Following Inter’s shock Champions League elimination by Bodo/Glimt, Barella said a prior refereeing decision was the real turning point that put Inter into the play-off round. He pointed to a late December penalty for Liverpool, scored by Szoboszlai, arguing the dropped point cost Inter a top-eight league-phase finish and forced a risky knockout route that ended in the upset.

Neymar slammed after Santos exit as critics demand tactical adjustment in World Cup push

Neymar
February 2026

Neymar returned from injury and played 90 minutes, but drew criticism for under-par form and being blamed for the opening goal as Santos were knocked out by a Serie B opponent. Critics argue his current role disrupts the team’s structure and want him to adapt, while Vojvoda publicly backed his fitness, confidence, and gradual improvement as Neymar targets a Brazil recall for the 2026 World Cup.