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Wayne Rooney has backed Manchester United to have a much better season this time around, while urging his old club to strengthen one area.

• Rooney predicts where Man Utd will finish
• Also picks who will win Premier League
• Urges old side to make certain signing

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The United legend has predicted that Ruben Amorim's team will finish fifth in the Premier League in 2025/26, while backing Liverpool to retain their title. The 39-year-old also thinks that the Red Devils need to sign a prominent midfielder to help them control games and kick on.

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  WHAT ROONEY SAID

  He said on the BBC: "I think they still need one or two more signings but I can see what Amorim is doing. It's looking better for Man United and I think they will sneak into the top five. I hope they do and you never know."

  Rooney added: "I still would like to see them sign a solid midfield player who is going to help control games for them, but also build up play. I’d still like one more. I think Bruno, I’d like to see him pushed forward and that allows him to go forward and play forward more."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  United finished 15th last season and failed to win a trophy, so the pressure is on head coach Amorim to drastically improve their fortunes this term. They have spent more than £200 million ($271.5m) on players this summer, so the excuses may wear thin if Amorim cannot deliver.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  After an encouraging pre-season campaign, United begin their Premier League season at home to old adversary Arsenal on Sunday. If they fail to beat Mikel Arteta's men, the gloom may continue to hang around Old Trafford.

Crystal Palace have criticised UEFA in an angry statement after seeing the CAS uphold their ban from the Europa League.

• Eagles furious with situation
• Issue strongly-worded statement
• Also take swipe at Nottingham Forest

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The FA Cup winners have responded after losing their appeal against being expelled from the Europa League over multi-ownership rules. Palace now drop into the Conference League for the 2025-26 season and are clearly furious at the situation.

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• WHAT PALACE SAID

  A statement from the club read: "At a time when we should be celebrating our victory in the Community Shield at Wembley, the decision by UEFA and followed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport shows that sporting merit is rendered meaningless. When we won the FA Cup against Manchester City on that momentous day in May, our manager and players earned the right to play Europa League football. We have been denied that opportunity.

  "It appears that certain clubs, organisations and individuals have a unique privilege and power. This growing and unhealthy influence has shattered the hopes and dreams of Crystal Palace supporters, and does not bode well for aspirational teams all over Europe competing to progress when rules and sanctions are unevenly applied in the most flagrant way. Multi-club structures hide behind the charade of a “blind trust” while clubs such as ours, who have no connection to another club whatsoever, are prevented from playing in the same competition.

  "To compound the injustice, clubs that appear to have huge informal arrangements with each other are also allowed to participate and even possibly play against each other. While we respect the CAS tribunal members, the process is designed to severely restrict and, in our case, make it almost impossible to receive a fair hearing. The denial of all disclosure requests to obtain correspondence between the relevant parties, the refusal to allow witness testimony from those involved, and the general lack of formality and respect for law mean decisions cannot be properly challenged, leading to pre-determined outcomes. UEFA’s decision has wider implications for the governance of the sport. A combination of poorly conceived regulations and their unequal application means our brilliant fans will be deprived of the chance to watch this team compete in the Europa League for the first time in our history.

  "This should be a turning point for football. UEFA must fulfil its mandate to pass coherent rules which are properly communicated and applied, with reasonable cure periods to resolve uncertainty and consistent sanctions, treating all clubs equally with a proper appeal process.

  "The European Court of Justice has made it clear that rulings similar to this will be under greater scrutiny from national courts in future. Only then will fairness and due process be granted to every team. Although we continue to take legal advice on the next steps, we will compete in the Conference League with the same determination and will to win that characterises this incredible club."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The ruling denies Palace a place in the Europa League, a great prize after beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final, and will also cost the club financially. It's estimated the club could miss out on prize money of around £20 million ($27m) by the decision to drop them into the Conference League. To make matters worse for the London club, Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest will replace the Eagles in the Europa League.

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Palace's statement comes just days after they beat Liverpool in the Community Shield to secure another trophy for their collection. The Eagles are now due to kick off their Premier League campaign against Chelsea on Sunday at Stamford Bridge.

Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds has admitted he endured an awkward exchange with one of his club's new signings after dropping into the dressing room.

• Reynolds watches Wrexham play West Brom
• Meets club's new summer signings
• Has awkward encounter with new star

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Reynolds and co-owner Rob McElhenney dropped in to visit Wrexham on Saturday for their first home Championship game of the season against West Brom. The Welsh side have enjoyed a busy summer in the transfer market, bringing in a host of players including Nathan Broadhead, Conor Coady, Kieffer Moore and Liberato Cacace to strengthen the squad.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The visit from Reynolds and McElhenney allowed the two superstars the chance to meet some of the club's new signing in person. However, Reynolds admitted that he struggled when it came to catching up with £10 million new arrival Broadhead and the Hollywood star didn't handle the situation particularly well.

• WHAT REYNOLDS SAID

  He told ITV: "I had an incredibly awkward moment with him in the dressing room. Because in person he just looked so young. I've seen him play tonnes, I've watched him. I didn't commit (to the greeting)."I was like: 'Hey, hi!', and I was like: 'That can't be Nathan Broadhead, he's too young', but he's 27, and he's a machine! Now it has sunk in, I've managed to get my entire leg in my mouth, now it's sunk in."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

  Wrexham have lost both of their opening games of the Championship season. They host Sheffield Wednesday next and will be hoping to finally get some points on the board.

Alejandro Garnacho is finally closing in on a £40 million ($54m) transfer to Chelsea, with Manchester United offloading another attacking outcast.

• Argentina international out of favour
• Blues confident of completing deal
• Red Devils offloading several forwards

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Argentina international has not figured for the Red Devils since gracing the 2024-25 Europa League final. Garnacho has clashed with Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford, leaving him facing an uncertain future.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The 21-year-old has seen a move speculated on throughout the summer window, with various potential landing spots being mooted. He appears set to remain in the Premier League as United do business with a domestic rival.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  According to , Chelsea are confident that their latest offer for Garnacho will be accepted. There is said to be “increased confidence that a move will be completed before the transfer deadline” on September 1.

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  TELL ME MORE

  Garnacho has become surplus to requirements in Manchester after seeing Amorim bring in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko this summer. They are yet to fire, but the Red Devils are looking to move in a different direction.

Manchester United's squad are reportedly growing 'uneasy' about the club's goalkeeping situation amid Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir's struggles.

• Bayindir makes mistake vs Arsenal
• Onana fares poorly at Grimsby
• Man Utd growing 'uneasy' over duo

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to Manchester Evening News, United's penalty shootout loss to League Two side Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup in midweek was a new low for the Premier League side. After Onana made a costly mistake in their cup exit, and Bayindir didn't cover himself in glory in their defeat to Arsenal earlier this month, senior Red Devils stars are growing 'uneasy' about their keepers.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite losing 5-0 and 7-0 to Liverpool in recent seasons, United reportedly see the Grimsby game this as their worst result yet. This has made it crystal clear, in the eyes of many, that United simply cannot have Onana and Bayindir in goal for the club this season. If they stay put, their campaign could have dire consequences.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  United, who have been urged to re-sign former keeper David de Gea by club legend Rio Ferdinand, have been linked with a move for Antwerp stopper Senne Lammens. However, they now face competition from Galatasaray to secure his signature.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  After two underwhelming displays from Bayindir and one calamitous one from Onana, all eyes will be on who head coach Ruben Amorim picks for Saturday's home clash with Burnley. If they do decide to try and sign a new keeper, they have just over 48 hours before the transfer window slams shut.

Jose Mourinho has, with a return to London potentially on the cards, been told that a managerial role at West Ham would “stimulate him”.

• Portuguese coach sacked by Fenerbahce
• Return to the Premier League being mooted
• Potter under pressure at London Stadium

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  There is no position to be filled in the East End at present, but Graham Potter has faced plenty of questions regarding his future. A vital victory at Nottingham Forest prior to the international break has helped to ease some of that pressure.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  There is, however, no ignoring the fact that former Chelsea, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Inter boss Mourinho has suddenly become available. The Portuguese has been relieved of his coaching duties at Turkish side Fenerbahce.

• WHAT ALLEN SAID

  A return to English football for the ‘Special One’ is being mooted, with ex-Hammers star Martin Allen telling : “It is the sort of job that he would want. He’s still got his house in London and still basically lives in London, so he may now see a possibility to come back and manage a Premier League club in London.

  “Would a move to West Ham excite him? With the fact that they’re going to be near the bottom of the league, that could stimulate him to climb up the table and rebuild the team. I’m sure if he wanted to come back to the Premier League, then West Ham would be interested.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Mourinho has been successful across Europe, with Allen adding on what the enigmatic 62-year-old could bring to London Stadium: “He’s always been a fantastic organiser with teams that are difficult to beat. That has been his way. If he came in and played that way and got enough points to stay in the Premier League, fans would be happy.

  “I think, at the moment, every fan would say, ‘Who cares about the style of play? We want points.’ He’s always found a way of doing that. If West Ham are looking for a new manager and he’s available, then he’s one they would certainly talk to.”

Jose Mourinho says Goodison Park will always "be in his heart" as Everton prepare to bid farewell to their iconic ground this weekend.

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• Everton to leave Goodison Park
• Mourinho reflects on stadium memories
• "Goodison Park in my heart"

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  As Everton men's team prepare to play their last ever match at Goodison Park this weekend, Sky Sports have put together a documentary on this legendary stadium. For the production, Fenerbahce boss Mourinho provided his memories of the Toffees' ground, where he reflected on Didier Drogba's last-gasp winner for Chelsea back in 2006 and when Portugal legend Eusebio scored four goals against North Korea in the 1966 World Cup.

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  WHAT MOURINHO SAID

  He told Sky Sports: "The first memory I have of Goodison Park is a Drogba goal, minute 90. A crazy goal from outside the box, crazy control, and an amazing shot, and everybody running around. But Goodison is [part of the] history of English football. The narrow tunnels, the old and small dressing rooms, the stands, the way that people support the club in a city where obviously there is a giant [Liverpool] next door. I have Goodison in my heart. On top of that, Mr Eusebio in 1966 scored four goals for Portugal [against North Korea] in that stadium, and that, as a kid, brings Goodison into my heart."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Goodison Park has been Everton's home since 1892 but from next week, that will no longer be the case. While the women's team will call it their home from next season, the men's side will move to Bramley-Moore Dock for the 2025/26 campaign. This weekend is likely to be an emotional one as an iconic ground says goodbye to the Premier League.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Everton will hope to give Goodison Park a winning send-off when they host relegated Southampton on Sunday lunchtime in their penultimate game of the Premier League season.

Manchester City are reportedly working to sign Rayan Cherki as the Lyon star is the preferred option over Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White.

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• Guardiola looking for De Bruyne's replacement
• Has shortlisted two midfielders with potential
• Lyon's Cherki tops the list ahead of Gibbs-White

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to Fabrizio RomanoCity have shifted their focus to Cherki as their primary attacking midfield target following the collapse of their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz. Initial contact has already been made between City and Lyon as Pep Guardiola’s side look to enhance their creative options in midfield. Cherki, who is said to be enthusiastic about the opportunity to join a club competing regularly for major honours, is viewed internally as an ideal addition to City’s technical system.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While Cherki is now City’s preferred target, Gibbs-White remains on the club’s radar. However, Forest’s valuation of the 25-year-old – reportedly as high as £80 million (€95m/$108m) – has made City hesitant to push forward aggressively, as revealed by . Whereas Cherki’s contract includes a release clause of just £20m (€24m/$27m), a figure seen as excellent value in today’s inflated transfer market, especially for a player of his age and talent level.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  With Lyon are reportedly open to letting Cherki leave due to his contract entering its final year, City are understood to be eager to finalise the deal before other suitors make a move. Given the relatively low release clause, the Manchester club view this as a strategic acquisition that would not only strengthen the squad but also leave room for further reinforcements elsewhere. The French star is considered a long-term investment who can help fill the creative void left by the departure of club legend Kevin De Bruyne.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  As City prepare for another summer of transition, the pursuit of Cherki signals the club’s intent to refresh its midfield options with young, dynamic talent. With De Bruyne having exited and several players nearing the twilight of their careers, including Ilkay Gundogan, fresh faces like Cherki are needed to sustain the club’s dominance. Should the transfer be completed, it will be another example of the club’s shrewd recruitment strategy—blending elite scouting, fiscal discipline, and tactical foresight.

NSW are firmly in the box seat to claim their first Shield victory in Perth since late 2018

Tristan Lavalette05-Feb-2024Stumps Offspinner Chris Green starred on the pace-friendly WACA ground with a six-wicket haul on day three as New South Wales closed in on a pivotal Sheffield Shield victory over defending champions Western Australia.Chasing 182, after bowling out WA for 176, NSW were 77 for 1 at stumps and needing a further 105 runs. Blake Nikitaras and Daniel Hughes thwarted WA with an unbroken 59-run partnership.After Green’s heroics, and having claimed four wickets in NSW’s first innings, offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli came into the attack in just the fifth over and found bounce to trouble left-handers Nikitaras and Ryan Hackney.Hackney was all at sea and tried to break the shackles, but miss-hit a short Rocchiccioli delivery to point. Nikitaras countered by playing Rocchiccioli aggressively and slogged a couple of sixes over long-on to dent WA’s bid for more inroads.Left-arm quick Joel Paris, who bowled superbly in NSW’s first innings, tried his best to conjure a late wicket but was left frustrated after several appeals were turned down.WA’s hopes of defending the low total have been made harder without quick Matt Kelly, who on day two suffered a pectoral muscle injury. Kelly only got through seven overs having made his domestic season debut after being sidelined with a calf injury.NSW are on the cusp of a season sweep over WA, who sat fractionally behind Tasmania on the table before this round with the Blues not far behind in fourth place amid a congested table.After wearing down a shorthanded WA attack on day two, NSW resumed their first innings at 244 for 7 and trailing by just 12 runs. But their hopes of a handy lead evaporated as they lost 3 for 7 with quick Charlie Stobo enjoying the satisfaction of dismissing Green after they were at the centre of WA’s contentious appeal for obstructing the field late on day two.NSW’s bid to restrict WA’s lead seemingly rested on quick Jackson Bird, who claimed three wickets on day one as he relentlessly targeted the divots on the grassy surface.But openers Sam Whiteman, in a confident mood after hitting a brilliant century in WA’s first innings, and Cameron Bancroft thwarted the new ball as they rattled off a half-century opening partnership.But Whiteman on 27 was clean bowled by quick Chris Tremain before Green started his starring performance with the wicket of Jayden Goodwin just before lunch.Bancroft and Hilton Cartwright were shackled by Bird and allrounder Jack Edwards in a slow passage after the break. Things livened up when the sprinklers went off on the ground causing a brief delay even though the pitch did not get wet.It seemed to spark the match into action as WA lost 4 for 20 with Green taking three of the wickets. But it was Tremain who claimed the pivotal wicket of Bancroft, who had a rare lapse in concentration and top-edged a pull shot to fine-leg.It was a disappointment for Bancroft, who had recently been overlooked to replace David Warner in Australia’s Test team. He scored 36 off 108 balls having made 42 in the first innings.Stobo decided to counterattack and smashed Green for six over mid-on that caused another delay with the ball thundering into the rubble amid the ground’s long-awaited redevelopment.WA were in danger of being bowled out for around 150, but were given a lift from Rocchiccioli who whacked 28 off 11 balls before falling to Green, who picked up his sixth wicket.It’s left NSW firmly in the box seat to claim their first Shield victory in Perth since late 2018.

Dempsey, the USMNT and MLS legend, joins several league stars in the showcase event, while additions made to All-Star roster

• Dempsey joins Skills Challenge roster
• USWNT star Lindsey Heaps also participating
• Nashville's Mukhtar and Surridge among ASG additions

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  U.S. legend Clint Dempsey was also known for his crafty technical ability during his playing days, which spanned between 2004-2018. He'll get a chance to show if he's still got it next Tuesday in MLS All-Star Skills Challenge in Austin, Texas.

  He will be joined by some of the best talent in MLS, Liga MX, Liga MX Femenil, and the USWNT in the competition, which is comprised of five head-to-head contests showcasing ball control, accuracy, strategy, and teamwork.

  Joining him is OL Lyonnais standout and U.S. women’s national team mainstay Lindsey Heaps, whose creative flair and World Cup-winning résumé make her a marquee addition to the lineup. Representing Mexico are Olympic gold medalist and longtime LIGA MX striker Oribe Peralta, along with Mexico women’s tational team defender Nicki Hernández, who currently plays for Club América.

  MLS standouts Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), Denis Bouanga (LAFC), and Evander (FC Cincinnati) headline the 2025 All-Star Skills Challenge roster, which features players selected for their elite ability in shooting, touch, and passing. The group spans nine different clubs across the league.

  Four MLS participants – Evander, Luna, Bouanga, and Jordi Alba – return to the Skills Challenge stage, while six others are set to make their debuts: Sebastian Berhalter, Anders Dreyer, Alex Freeman, Sam Surridge, Brad Stuver, and Yohei Takaoka. MLS and LIGA MX will compete on behalf of 4ATX Foundation and MAS Cultura, resulting in $25,000 donations to their respective charities.

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  SIX MLS ALL-STAR ADDITIONS MADE

  In addition to announcing the Skills Challenge roster, MLS also made six additions to its roster of All-Stars, who are set to face the Liga MX All-Stars in its showpiece event on Wednesday. These moves are to account for player departures, such Patrick Agyemang's recent move from Charlotte FC to Derby, along with injuries.

  The additions for MLS All-Star manager Nico Estévez include Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge (Nashville SC), Carles Gil (New England Revolution), Marco Pašalić (Orlando City), Cristian Espinoza (San Jose Earthquakes), and Obed Vargas (Seattle Sounders).

  Gil earns his third All-Star nod – he has 15 goal contributions this season and ranks among the league’s all-time assist leaders. Mukhtar, a four-time All-Star, has 10 goals and eight assists in 2025 and leads MLS in total goal contributions since 2020. Surridge, amid a breakout campaign, has 16 goals in 22 matches.

  Espinoza returns for his second All-Star appearance, with 11 assists and four goals this season. Pašalić is a new addition to MLS and has made an immediate impact since joining Orlando, scoring 10 goals and adding four assists. Vargas, one of the league’s brightest young talents, has started every match for Seattle this year and debuted for Mexico’s senior national team in 2024.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  MLS is looking to improve its 1-2 record against Liga MX in the Skills Challenge while building on its 2-1 record in the All-Star Game against its rival league. Last season, the MLS All-Stars lost 4-1 loss to the Liga MX All-Stars in the main event.

  This year, with Liga MX bringing long-time soccer legends such as Sergio Ramos and James Rodriguez, the stakes are higher. MLS will be boosted, though, by the expected first appearance of Inter Miami's Lionel Messi in the competition.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR MLS?

  The league kicks off the All-Star week with events this weekend in Austin. The MLS Next All-Star game is Monday, followed by Skills Challenge on Tuesday and then the All-Star Game on Wednesday.