FOOTBALL

Amorim blocks Mainoo and Zirkzee exits unless Manchester United land cover

Kobbie Mainoo, Joshua Zirkzee
December 2025

Ruben Amorim has warned that Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee will not be allowed to leave in January unless Manchester United secure replacements, despite both fringe players exploring moves to gain more minutes after limited starts so far this season. With Mazraoui, Amad and Mbeumo at AFCON and Bruno Fernandes injured, Amorim says United are already “short” and cannot weaken further, insisting outgoings are contingent on new arrivals as the club juggles squad depth with players’ career ambitions and constant pressure to win.

Mount targets England World Cup return after resurgence under Amorim

Mason Mount
December 2025

Mason Mount believes there is “an opportunity” to force his way into England’s 2026 World Cup squad as a run of consecutive starts for Manchester United finally gives him continuity after years disrupted by injuries, loss of form and a difficult Chelsea exit. Reflecting on childhood ambitions and learning from setbacks like lost finals, Mount says recent minutes under Amorim feel like genuine progress rather than false starts, and he is focused on sustaining performances through Boxing Day and beyond to re-establish himself for club and country.

Abramovich digs in as £2.35bn Chelsea-Ukraine fund stays frozen amid Jersey fight

Roman Abramovich
December 2025

Roman Abramovich has reinforced his legal team, including high-profile UK and US lawyers, as a Jersey court battle over data breaches and frozen assets continues to block release of billions from Chelsea’s sale that were pledged to victims of the war in Ukraine. After winning a ruling that Jersey officials breached data obligations, Abramovich still refuses UK pressure to “pay up now”, arguing funds cannot move while Jersey freezes and corporate debts remain entangled, leaving £2.35bn for Ukraine stuck in limbo despite an existing humanitarian licence.

Lewandowski weighs Saudi riches against MLS pull and Polish roots in Chicago

Robert Lewandowski
December 2025

Robert Lewandowski is moving closer to a Barcelona exit as agent Pini Zahavi schedules fresh talks with Saudi Pro League officials, while MLS side Chicago Fire push to lure Poland’s record scorer to a city with the United States’ largest Polish community. With his Barça deal running down in 2026, Lewandowski is attracted by Saudi money yet also open to Chicago, who have prioritised him after failing with Neymar and Kevin De Bruyne, forcing a choice between maximum payday in the Gulf or a marquee stateside role.

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.