Football news
The day's football stories, written by Pitcharium.
Carragher apologises to Aston Villa over comments on Unai Emery
Jamie Carragher has apologised to Aston Villa for language he used when linking manager Unai Emery with the Manchester United head coach role. Carragher said the wording was clumsy and wrong. The apology came after Aston Villa threatened legal action against him over the remarks.
Aston Villa · Manager·
Martin says Real Sociedad is his home amid interest from big clubs
Jon Martin has said Real Sociedad feels like his home. He has been linked with Real Madrid, Barcelona and several of the biggest clubs in the Premier League. Martin said any move is not on the cards at present. The information provided gives no fee, contract details or competition standings.
Real Sociedad · Manager·
AC Milan and Inter plan new stadium; naming rights seen as key revenue source
AC Milan and Inter are pursuing plans for a new stadium to replace San Siro. The clubs' approach to the project and the commercial value of naming rights for new arenas have been highlighted. The story notes that a strong naming deal can bring significant income to a club.
AC Milan · Club·
Man Utd reportedly considering a January move for Lopez
Manchester United are said to be considering a swoop for Lopez when the January transfer window opens. The update comes from a live transfer centre feed, so it reflects reports rather than a confirmed approach. No club statement or agreement has been reported.
Manchester United · Transfer·
Arbeloa says Fulham have made mistakes but are on the right path
Fulham manager Álvaro Arbeloa said his side have made errors but remain on the right track. The club had gone winless in their first six matches and were conceding close to two goals per game. Two narrow 1-0 wins have since helped them recover. Arbeloa's comments came as the club looked to build on that upturn.
Fulham · Manager·
Mac Allister's form helps Liverpool's revival ahead of Arsenal clash
Alexis Mac Allister has been in strong form for Liverpool, as the midfielder had been linked with a contract situation before Atlético Madrid's visit to Anfield last month. The 27-year-old Argentina international has been performing well since then. Liverpool host Arsenal on Sunday, and a home win would see them cut the gap to Arsenal to three points while extending their run of successive home victories in all competitions to four. The two most recent Premier League champions meet at Anfield, with Liverpool under Andoni Iraola showing a marked improvement in their play.
Liverpool · News·Milan derby on BBC this Saturday, and a look back at its most iconic image
AC Milan and Inter meet in a derby shown live on the BBC on Saturday. The broadcast is accompanied by a feature tracing the best-known picture from the fixture's history.
AC Milan · News·
Shearer reflects on his scoring record, Match of the Day and a near move to Cardiff
Former striker Alan Shearer looks back on his affection for Newcastle and the time he came close to continuing in management. He also talks about moving from playing to the commentary box. The remarks come from a sit-down interview on The Football Interview.
Newcastle · News·
Man Utd reportedly eye Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez
Manchester United are reported to be interested in Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez. Barcelona are also said to be attracting interest in defender Lisandro Martinez, while Arsenal are reportedly considering Club Brugge striker Nicolo Tresoldi.
Manchester United · Transfer·Aston Villa plan legal action against Jamie Carragher
Aston Villa have said they intend to take legal proceedings against Jamie Carragher. The club described his remarks as unacceptable insults.
Aston Villa · Club·
Duncan Ferguson reflects on his Glentoran debut after 1-1 draw
Duncan Ferguson began his time as Glentoran manager with a 1-1 draw. He described feeling a sense of relief after a busy first week in the role.
Glentoran · Manager·Carrick says he has delivered tough messages as Man Utd search for form
Michael Carrick says he has had frank, sometimes uncomfortable talks with the club's leadership and his squad during a difficult start to the season. The side have gone eight matches without a win and sit 16th in the table, one point above the relegation zone.
Manchester United · Manager·Carrick says he had frank conversations with Man Utd's board
Michael Carrick has spoken about candid discussions he has held with the Manchester United board. He described the exchanges as honest, with some difficult points raised on both sides.
Manchester United · Manager·
Reports say Martinez is looking to leave Manchester United this summer
Saturday's newspaper round-up includes reports that Martinez wants to depart Manchester United when the summer window opens. The item is a collection of transfer rumours rather than a confirmed move.
Manchester United · Transfer·
Sheffield United end 44-year wait for league win over Wrexham
Sheffield United defeated Wrexham 1-0 in the Championship. It was their first league victory over the Welsh club since October 1982.
Wrexham · Result·
Ballon d'Or betting probe as suspicious wagers on top-five order pay out
France Football, which runs the Ballon d'Or, is investigating a set of unusual bets that correctly forecast the top five finishers of the men's award and returned close to £149,000. The organisers have also informed the police. Twelve accounts on the Polymarket prediction platform are alleged to have placed the wagers before Monday's ceremony.
Arteta urged to draw on Graham's 1989 Anfield success to shake off bad memories
Arsenal have gone 13 league matches without a win at Liverpool, yet their triumph there in 1989 is still considered one of the club's finest evenings. Arteta has also described the helplessness he felt at Anfield during his playing days with Everton.
Arsenal · Manager·
Barney Ronay asks how Marc Guéhi's principles fit with a move to Manchester City
Ronay considers what the club's situation means for questions of principle, both for the players involved and for the Premier League as a whole. The column is an opinion piece rather than a match report.
Manchester City · News·
Maestre's London City Lionesses build ahead of major Manchester City test
London City Lionesses have added several high-profile players this summer, and the task of turning them into a cohesive side falls to head coach Eder Maestre. The club faces a significant challenge against Manchester City.
Hibs and Hearts meet in League Cup semi-final with contrasting moods
Hearts and Hibernian face each other in a League Cup semi-final where only one side can advance. The two Edinburgh clubs are reported to be heading into the match in noticeably different frames of mind.
Hibernian · News·Liverpool's clash with Arsenal could shed light on their title hopes
Liverpool have climbed the table after a sluggish start, though their attack still lacks end product. A 2-0 home win over Brighton, who had been prolific, marked a notable step forward. Their upcoming meeting with Arsenal is seen as a key test of their credentials.
Liverpool · News·
Iraola says winning more games will make his side better
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola believes that the more matches his team wins, the stronger they will become. The comments were made in a Liverpool-tagged piece, though the details of the context are not provided.
Bournemouth · Manager·Bompastor says WSL rivals are too strong for Chelsea to rotate their squad
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor has argued that the strength of their Women's Super League rivals leaves the club no room to rotate its squad. The comments point to the demands of the league campaign ahead.
Carrick's future at Man Utd in focus ahead of Chelsea clash
Michael Carrick's time as Manchester United's manager is being questioned. The item looks at the changes the club could make before its match against Chelsea.
Manchester United · Manager·Iraola says winning will drive further improvement
Iraola has commented that continued success should lead to the team improving further.
Liverpool · Manager·Eddie Howe linked with Manchester United: what he could offer and the challenges
Eddie Howe has been linked with the Manchester United managerial job. The story weighs up what he could bring to the club and the difficulties he and United would need to consider.
Manchester United · Manager·
Chelsea's Lacroix may miss until January after hamstring injury
Chelsea are concerned that defender Maxence Lacroix faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines. He has sustained a serious hamstring problem, which has raised fears over his return date.
Chelsea · Injury·Predicted Premier League lineups for the weekend fixtures
Chelsea are scheduled to face Manchester United on Saturday at Stamford Bridge, with a 12.30pm kick-off on TNT Sports 1. Liverpool host Arsenal on Sunday. Predicted line-ups for the weekend matches are the focus of this preview.
Chelsea · News·Putellas brings new mindset as London City Lionesses prepare to face Manchester City
Alexia Putellas's arrival in the WSL has reportedly reshaped London City Lionesses on and off the pitch, with confidence rising before their meeting with Manchester City. The fixture is set for Sunday at Hayes Lane in Bromley.
Emery offers vague update on Jackson and Manzambi's availability at Villa
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery gave a non-committal response when asked about the fitness and availability of Nicolas Jackson and Manzambi. The update left their status for upcoming matches unclear.
Aston Villa · Manager·Villa fans back Zion Suzuki after Martinez departure
Aston Villa supporters still sing about their goalkeeper, though the chant once aimed at Emiliano Martinez now backs young Japanese keeper Zion Suzuki. Fans have shifted from defiant support to genuine belief in him.
Aston Villa · News·
O'Neill backs McGregor's view on Celtic's problems
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has said he shares the view of captain Callum McGregor on the club's difficulties. He added that the squad is confident it can resolve them.
Celtic · Manager·
De Zerbi says Maddison is available for Tottenham's clash with Palace
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that James Maddison is fit to play against Crystal Palace. The midfielder's availability was the latest team news ahead of the fixture.
Tottenham · Manager·Newcastle's Jaissle urges team to channel frustration into motivation
Newcastle midfielder Jaissle has encouraged his teammates to use their current frustrations as a source of drive. The message is aimed at keeping the squad focused and determined.
Newcastle · Manager·Alonso says Estevao's limited minutes are part of a wider process
Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso has addressed the amount of game time Estevao has received so far this season. He described the situation as a gradual process for the young forward.
Chelsea · Manager·O'Neill says Celtic will address their striker options
Martin O'Neill has backed Callum McGregor's concerns about how the club has been choosing its strikers. He said the coaching staff are determined to resolve the issue.
Celtic · Manager·
Le Bris remains upbeat as struggling Sunderland prepare to face Coventry
Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris says the club's demanding schedule, with European commitments stretching their resources, offers a chance to start a new chapter. The side have recently been stuttering, and their upcoming meeting with Coventry revives a link between the two clubs.
Sunderland · Manager·Emery backs Jackson to become a top Premier League striker with time
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery says that patience and steady form could see Nicolas Jackson rank among the league's leading strikers. He acknowledges the forward still has considerable development ahead before reaching that level.
Aston Villa · Manager·Maresca clashes with reporter over questions on Chelsea red cards
Enzo Maresca had a tense exchange with a journalist while being asked about Chelsea's record of red cards during his time as the club's manager. The discussion was described as frosty.
Chelsea · Manager·
Kulusevski back in action for Spurs after 17-month absence
Dejan Kulusevski returned to competitive football for Tottenham, appearing as a late substitute in their home win over Coventry and again in their victory at Chelsea. He had been sidelined since knee surgery in May 2025, with a second operation in March helping his recovery.
Tottenham · Injury·
Robinson says Aberdeen can use Hampden semi-final to lift their season
Aberdeen head coach Stephen Robinson believes Saturday's Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Rangers offers a chance to ease pressure after a poor start to the campaign. He has expressed confidence in his ability to motivate the squad for the occasion.
Aberdeen · Manager·
Forest Green take legal action against Peterborough over Savage approach
Forest Green Rovers have begun legal proceedings against Peterborough United, according to an announcement from chairman Dale Vince. The dispute centres on an approach made for Savage, a player at the League Two club.
Pleat urges Carrick to back academy youngsters at Manchester United
A columnist argues that Manchester United's famous past teams were built on academy graduates and suggests Michael Carrick should now give the club's most promising youth players a real opportunity. He points to recent defeats against Como and Bournemouth as prompting the comparison. The piece also says the academy structure itself may need updating.
Arteta tells Dowman to rein in his emotions after Fleetwood red card
Arteta has spoken candidly to the teenager following his dismissal in the Fleetwood match. The Arsenal manager stressed that the 16-year-old must manage his feelings and that the step up to top-flight football demands it.
Arsenal · Manager·Items stolen from Manchester United Munich air disaster memorial
A foundation has appealed for the return of objects taken from a memorial to the Munich air disaster. It says the items hold deep significance for the families of those who died.
Manchester United · News·Women's football attendance growth has levelled off after a post-Euro 2022 surge
Crowds at Women's Super League matches rose sharply in the season following the Lionesses' Euro 2022 win. That growth has since stopped, prompting debate over how clubs should attract families and dedicated supporters.
Calvert-Lewin poised to extend Leeds stay with new deal
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is reportedly close to agreeing a fresh contract with Leeds United. The England forward's current arrangement at the club is being updated.
Leeds · Contract·
5–3
Ronaldo hits hat-trick as Al-Nassr beat Al-Kholood 5-3
Cristiano Ronaldo netted a hat-trick, the 67th of his career, as Al-Nassr won 5-3 against Al-Kholood in the Saudi Pro League. The result adds another notable entry to his scoring record.
Al-Nassr · Result·Why Aston Villa suited Nicolas Jackson, according to analysis
Nicolas Jackson's career had reached a turning point when he made his move. Both he and Aston Villa were in periods of change, and the transfer was seen as beneficial to each side. His early performances at the club have reportedly gone beyond what many had predicted.
Aston Villa · News·Arteta gives update on Rice, Madueke and Calafiori fitness
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been asked about the fitness of Declan Rice, Noni Madueke and Riccardo Calafiori.
Arsenal · Manager·Fifa set to fall short of equal prize money at 2027 Women's World Cup
Fifa will not match men's and women's prize money at the 2027 Women's World Cup, despite an earlier goal from president Gianni Infantino to achieve parity. Fifa's record revenue from the 2026 men's tournament has led many in the women's game to expect a bigger pot, but a substantial gap is expected to remain.
Carrick insists no problems with Fernandes after Bournemouth omission
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has said there are no difficulties with Bruno Fernandes, despite the midfielder being left out of the side for the match against Bournemouth. The captain's exclusion has prompted questions, which Carrick has addressed directly.
Manchester United · Manager·Former captain alleges 'dictatorship' culture at Cheltenham Town women's side
Emily Owen has made claims about the environment at the club after her exit from the women's team was confirmed this week. She described the set-up in strong terms, saying it had become overly controlled. The departure was announced by the club.
Stoke's season so far: are they exceeding expectations in the EFL?
Stoke City's performance this campaign is under the spotlight in the latest EFL coverage. The discussion centres on whether the Potters have outperformed what was expected of them.
Stoke City · News·Gateshead takeover reportedly close to collapse over third-party involvement
The proposed takeover of National League club Gateshead could fall through because of the involvement of a third party, according to the prospective owners, Flacks Group. The claim comes from the bidding group itself, so its outcome remains uncertain.
South Korea's squad rifts, police raids and Son's future raise questions
South Korea are struggling after a poor World Cup, with tensions reported between younger and senior players and doubts over the captain's standing. The story has also reached political scrutiny, including a parliamentary committee session involving the acting football association president.
Afcon reverts to two-year cycle after Caf reverses four-year plan
The African football body Caf has decided the Africa Cup of Nations will go back to being held every two years. The move follows a review of an earlier choice to stage the tournament only once every four years.
Holsgrove keen to earn a Scotland call-up, rumours suggest
A Portugal-based midfielder reportedly still hopes to represent Scotland. A Hibs manager has also spoken positively about his relationship with a Hearts goalkeeper. The item is gossip-column material rather than confirmed news.
Hibernian · News·Isak's fitness and form seen as key to Liverpool's revival under Iraola
Liverpool's patience with Alexander Isak is beginning to pay off, as the club's record signing shows signs of living up to his price tag. Keeping him fit and firing is presented as central to the team's recovery.
Liverpool · News·Merson says Liverpool must win against Arsenal to stay in title contention
Paul Merson has argued that Liverpool need to defeat Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday if they are to remain genuine Premier League title challengers. His view appears in his latest column for Sky Sports.
Liverpool · News·