Portuguese footballer, captain of Manchester United and Portugal's attacking midfielder
Marcus Rashford starts a Premier League game for Manchester United after 20 months away, scoring 30 goals in 2022-23 and returning amid doubt. Maguire says Rashford is back, hungry, and a major asset as United beat Ipswich 5-2. Carrick and others note Rashford’s improved fitness and leadership as the season starts.
Bruno Fernandes bags a hat-trick and an assist as Manchester United overturn a first-half deficit to beat Ipswich 5-2 at Old Trafford. Kobbie Mainoo is hailed by Luke Shaw as world class, while new signing Baleba waits in the wings.
Lionel Messi has extended the men’s World Cup scoring record and continued a prolific tournament run. He has scored in consecutive World Cup matches, netting goals from open play and set pieces while helping Argentina secure group-stage wins and progress toward the knockout rounds in the 2026 tournament.
Lula has maintained a lead in polling for the October election, but surveys show growing discontent among younger Brazilians. Datafolha and Quaest show varying margins, with young voters wavering as right‑leaning sentiment grows. Campaigns are intensifying as rivals court new blocs amid ongoing financial strain and corruption scrutiny.
Portugal has defeated Uzbekistan 5-0 in Group K, with Ronaldo scoring twice after a tough week of criticism. England draws with Ghana in a goalless stalemate, leaving Portugal well positioned to advance. Ronaldo and Martinez praise teamwork amid renewed confidence.
Portugal has beaten Croatia 2-1 after Gonçalo Ramos scored a stoppage-time header to win the last-32 tie. Cristiano Ronaldo has converted a penalty — his first World Cup knockout goal — after Ivan Perišić had opened the scoring. Croatia thought they had equalised late, but VAR used ball-sensor "snicko" data to rule the goal out for offside.
Portugal defeats Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic World Cup clash, with Gonçalo Ramos' stoppage-time header sealing progress to the last 16 as VAR denies a late Croatian equaliser and Cristiano Ronaldo features in what could be his World Cup swan song.
Neymar has ended his Brazil national team career following Brazil’s first-round exit at the 2026 World Cup. He says goodbye after the Round of 16 loss to Norway, finishing with 80 goals in 130 appearances and 59 assists.
Spain secures a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal in Dallas, with Mikel Merino scoring in stoppage time to send La Roja into the quarter-finals. Ronaldo bows out of the tournament, while France and Morocco’s Mbappe push on toward a potential final.
Argentina has reached the World Cup final after Lautaro Martinez’s stoppage-time winner in Atlanta, sparking awe across Buenos Aires. Fans pour into the Obelisk, city streets, and public spaces, while celebrations contrast with lingering online claims of refereeing bias.
Wrexham has confirmed a high-profile pre-season tour to the United States, with fixtures against Leeds United, Liverpool and Sunderland. The team is focused on training and results as injuries shape squad selection ahead of the Championship campaign.
United have already signed two midfielders this window and face injuries and departures that heighten the need for further reinforcements. Several targets are in play, with attention turning to a potential homegrown option as pre-season shows rising balance in midfield.
Everton are negotiating to sign Denmark midfielder Christian Nørgård from Arsenal for around £7m, aiming to strengthen their midfield amid departures and injuries. Arsenal’s 2025-26 title win has left Nørgård seeking regular football, while Everton have also recruited Hackney and George to bolster the squad.
Bruno Fernandes and co. see off Leeds United in a shootout after a 1-1 draw in the first Gaelic Games stadium game since 2009. The match ends amid fan invasions and a late crossbar hit as Mazraoui secures the win in the shootout.
Manchester United have lost 4-2 to AC Milan in a pre-season friendly in Wroclaw, with Rashford, Mainoo and Martinez making returns. Carrick faces decisions on squad selection and transfer plans as the season nears.
Manchester United has strengthened its squad with midfield additions Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, plus back-up goalkeeper Karl Darlow, while Marcus Rashford has returned from a Barcelona loan. Manager Carrick says more signings are needed to challenge for the title and sustain Champions League contention.
Nine Premier League clubs start the 2026-27 season with new coaches, including Manchester United’s Carrick and Tottenham’s De Zerbi. Arsenal look to defend their title under Arteta as City begin under Enzo Maresca. World Cup fatigue, transfer chatter, and European commitments shape early form and squad strategies.
The Scotsman and Independent describe early optimism for Fantasy Premier League strategies as Arsenal prepare to host newly promoted Sky Blues, with multiple signings shaping selection debates and 100m budgets guiding decision-making.
Larne is eliminated after conceding a late penalty in extra-time to Invermen following a 2-0 lead, with Montel Gibson sent off and controversy around a handball in the dying stages.
Liverpool rescue a late point at Newcastle as Szoboszlai’s 99th-minute penalty cancels Ngumoha’s 100th-minute goal; questions arise over attack depth and transfer plans amid growing concerns about creativity and squad quality.
Manchester United have signed Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba on a five-year deal from Brighton, joining a cohort including Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans as Michael Carrick reshapes the midfield after Casemiro’s departure and Ugarte’s injury. The transfer is valued at about 65m pounds with add-ons; Baleba is set to strengthen a line that has faced physical demands and a recent poor result against Hull.
Fernandes has broken the Premier League assists record with 21 assists and scored nine goals as Manchester United finish third. Shaw has top-scored for City with 21 goals as they win the Women’s Super League. The awards are decided by the Football Writers’ Association and PFA, with additional honours for players across Arsenal, City and United. The teams also celebrate multiple winners and a host of youth awards.