Pep rants over VAR on disallowed Semenyo goal

​ 120-150Pep Guardiola said he expects an explanation from referees’ chief Howard Webb during a post-match rant after Antoine Semenyo’s disallowed goal during a Manchester City win over Newcastle United on Tuesday. Read More On

Summary:
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed strong frustration with VAR after a goal by Antoine Semenyo was disallowed in City’s match, complaining about the decision-making process and consistency of video assistant referees. Guardiola criticised how VAR intervened and overturned the on-field call, calling for clearer and fairer application of the technology to avoid controversial outcomes in future matches.

Mane leads Senegal past Egypt, Salah at AFCON

​ 120-150Senegal striker Sadio Mane came out on top against former Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah on Wednesday, as Mane’s decisive strike saw his team win their Africa Cup of Nations semifinal against Egypt 1-0 in Tangier. Read More On

Summary:
Sadio Mané starred for Senegal as they defeated Egypt and Mohamed Salah in a key Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) match, driving his team into the quarter-finals. Mané’s influence — including a goal and leadership on the pitch — made the difference in a tightly contested game, while Egypt and Salah fought hard but couldn’t find a way back. The result highlights Senegal’s strong form at the tournament and Mané’s continued importance to his national side.

Man United name Carrick boss until end of season

​ 120-150Manchester United have appointed former player Michael Carrick as their head coach until the end of the season, the club confirmed Tuesday. Read More On

Summary:
**Manchester United have appointed Michael Carrick as their interim head coach until the end of the 2025–26 season following the recent sacking of Ruben Amorim. The former United midfielder and ex-Middlesbrough manager returns to Old Trafford to steady the team and attempt to push for a Champions League qualifying position, with his first game in charge set to be the Manchester derby. Carrick, who made 464 appearances for the club as a player and previously had a short caretaker spell in 2021, beat other candidates including Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the role. He will be supported by a coaching team that includes Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Travis Binnion and Jonny Evans, while Darren Fletcher returns to his youth coaching role. United plan to appoint a permanent manager in the summer after this interim spell.

Real Madrid fired Xabi Alonso after 233 days. Where did it all go wrong?

​ 120-150Xabi Alonso returned to Real Madrid as a club legend and one of the most sought-after coaches around, but he lasted less than a year. What happened? Read More On

Madrid stars Mbappé, Bellingham bid Alonso adiós

​ 120-150Kylian Mbappé has paid tribute to Xabi Alonso after the Spanish coach departed Real Madrid after less than eight months in charge. Read More On

Summary:
After Xabi Alonso’s departure as Real Madrid head coach, several of the club’s stars publicly expressed their thanks and respect. Kylian Mbappé posted a heartfelt message on social media, praising Alonso for his confidence and ideas during their time together. Jude Bellingham also shared his appreciation, thanking Alonso and wishing him well in his future endeavours. Other players such as Rodrygo, Thibaut Courtois, Antonio Rüdiger and Dani Carvajal joined in sending farewell messages. However, some high-profile team members, including Vinícius Júnior, had not immediately reacted publicly to Alonso’s exit, amid reports of mixed relationships between the coach and parts of the squad during his tenure.

Klopp: Xabi’s Madrid exit ‘nothing to do with me’

​ 120-150Jürgen Klopp has stated that he has not received any calls from Real Madrid following the exit of Xabi Alonso, and affirmed that the decision has nothing to do with him. Read More On

Summary:
Following Xabi Alonso’s exit as Real Madrid manager, Jurgen Klopp has dismissed speculation linking him to the vacant job, saying the situation at Madrid has “nothing to do with me” and he has not been contacted by the club about replacing Alonso. Klopp—currently Red Bull’s global head of soccer—said Alonso’s departure didn’t trigger anything for him, that he’s happy in his current role, and that he’s observing the coaching market from the sidelines rather than considering a return to management. He also expressed surprise at Alonso’s sacking and sympathy for him as a talented coach while noting the immense pressure and expectations at Real Madrid.

Rooney: Joining Carrick’s Utd would be ‘no-brainer’

​ 120-150Wayne Rooney has admitted rejoining Manchester United as a coach should Michael Carrick be appointed as interim manager would be a “no-brainer.” Read More On

Summary:

Rooney’s stance on joining Carrick:Former Manchester United striker **Wayne Rooney has said he would be very happy to rejoin United’s coaching staff if Michael Carrick is appointed interim manager, describing it as a “no-brainer.” He made the comments on his own podcast, stressing his willingness to help restore the club’s identity and work with people who know the club well.

Sources: Gallagher set to join Spurs from Atleti

​ 120-150Conor Gallagher is set to join Tottenham Hotspur from Atlético Madrid, sources close to the LaLiga club have told ESPN. Read More On

Summary:

Gallagher to join Tottenham:England midfielder **Conor Gallagher is set to join Tottenham Hotspur from Atlético Madrid on a permanent deal, ending his 17-month spell in Spain. Sources say the move is close to being completed.

Barnsley coach: Szoboszlai backheel ‘disrespectful’

​ 120-150Barnsley head coach Conor Hourihane has criticised Dominik Szoboszlai for being “disrespectful” in Liverpool’s 4-1 victory over his side after the midfielder tried to backheel the ball inside his own penalty area. Read More On

Summary:

What happened in the matchLiverpool beat Barnsley 4-1 in the FA Cup third round at Anfield. Dominik Szoboszlai scored a spectacular long-range goal for the hosts early on, but just before half-time he attempted a backheel clearance in his own six-yard box under minimal pressure. He completely missed it, and former Liverpool academy player Adam Phillips scored for Barnsley. �Reuters

Sources: Carrick set to be new United boss

​ 120-150Michael Carrick has growing support within Manchester United for the role of interim manager, with sources telling ESPN that the former midfielder has significant backing. Read More On

Summay:

Carrick to be interim manager:
Michael Carrick is very close to being appointed Manchester United’s interim manager until the end of the 2025/26 season, with the club hoping to confirm the deal within the next day or two.