BREAKING: Manchester City have agreed to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in deal worth £116m. The Fee is guaranteed with no add-ons. This is a Manchester City record transfer for 23 year old Forest midfielder and is set for medical in New York City on Friday before signing long-term contract.
BEAKING: Nottingham Forest have identified Lucas Bergvall as a potential replacement for Elliot Anderson who is expected to join Manchester City. Aston Villa admire 20yo but not actively looking for a midfielder without making a sale. Bergvall’s preference is to move on from Tottenham and has been alerting several suitors.
BREAKING: Marco Palestra has agreed to move to Chelsea, the verbal agreement is in place between all parties. Atalanta to receive package over €55m fee plus sell-on clause, long term deal to Italian talented RWB. Chelsea hijack Inter move and get new talent for Xabi Alonso.
BREAKING: Former Arsenal left back Giovanni van Bronckhorst will be the new head coach at Feyenoord. The Former Liverpool assistant coach returns to Netherlands and signs as Feyenoord coach. Sipke Hulshoff will be the assistant coach. He replaces Robin Van Persie who was sacked at the end of the season. He managed Feyenoord between 2015-2019 leading them to the Eredivise in 2017 a well as 2 KNVB cups before leaving in 2019.
2026 FIFA WORLD CUP RECAP: Portugal put up a 5 star display as the thrashed World Cup debutants Uzbekistan 5-0 with Cristiano Ronaldo grabbing a brace to become the oldest player in World cup history to score a brace and the 2nd oldest player to score at the World Cup after Roger Milla. After their 1-1 draw with DR Congo and the criticism that came after the game, the Portuguese team delivered a wonderful response. Portugal took an early lead in the 6th minute when Ronaldo latched onto a Joao Cancelo's cross past Uzbekistan keeper Abduvakid Nematov. Nuno Mendes doubled Portugal's lead after smashing home a free kick in the 17th minute. Uzbekistan thought they had pulled one back after Azizjon Ganiev but it was ruled out for a foul. Ronaldo grabbed his brace and Portugal's third goal after shooting past Nematov from a Bruno Fernandes pass after a swift counter attack. In the 2nd half, Portugal kept dominating possession and creating several chances. After a wonderful Nematov save from Ronaldo, the resulting corner kick was diverted into his own goal by the Uzbekistan goalkeeper. Rafael Leao came in to add a 5th goal after a wonderful play by Francisco Conceicao. Ronaldo had a chance to grab a hattrick late in the game but couldn't convert from Nuno Mendes cross as time ran out. The win sees Portugal go top of the group pending the result of the game between Columbia and DR Congo. A win for Columbia sees them return to the top of the table while a draw or a loss will see Portugal remain at the top of the group. Ante Budimir scored the only goal of the game as Croatia defeated Panama 1-0 to record their first win of the tournament. After losing 4-2 against England, the Osasuna striker that was benched against England scored in the 2nd half to give the European side their first win. Despite Croatia dominating posesion, Croatian Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic was the busier of the two goalkeepers making numerous saves in the first half including tipping a Jose Luis Rodriguez header onto the bar. Zlatko Dalic must have read his team the riot act as they came out in the 2nd half blazing and took the lead barely a minute after the restart. Dalic made 2 substitutions at the beginning of the half and one of the players he brought on was Ante Budimir. Josip Statistic combined well on the right with Mario Pasalic before crossing the ball, the Panama goalkeeper missed the ball completely which allowed Budimir to calmly slot into the net. It was almost 2-0 a few minutes later but Mosquera stood tall to deny Mario Pasalic one-on-one after he was out through by Luka Modric who was making his 200th cap for Croatia. Panama regained control of the possession and almost equalized when Livakovic denied Micheal Murillo before pushing Carlos Harvey's header over the bar from the resulting corner kick. The win sees Croatia climb to third, 1 points behind England and Ghana who both played out a drab 0-0 draw earlier in Boston. Colombia secured qualification for the next round after beating DR Congo 1-0. It was a very tough game with very minimal chances created but the South America side were able to pull off the win to secure qualification. Colombia thought they had an early lead after Crystal Palace's Daniel Munoz thought he had scored but it was immediately chalked off for offside. DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpazi-Nzau had to produce a vital save to deny Bayern Munich winger Luiz Diaz. Columbia had most of the possession but created very few chances. This continued after the restart though Mpazi-Nzau had to produce another save to stop Diaz before Jhon Arrias shot wide. Colombia took the lead in the 76th minute after Munoz was set to free and he finished into the bottom corner for his 2nd goal of the tournament. Diaz had the ball in the net twice after the goal but they were ruled off for a foul and another one for offside. Colombia were able to withstand a barrage of late DR Congo pressure and see out the win. The win gives Colombia 6 points, 2 more than Portugal who they will face in their last game while DR Congo battle debutants Uzbekistan
BEAKING: Nottingham Forest have identified Lucas Bergvall as a potential replacement for Elliot Anderson who is expected to join Manchester City. Aston Villa admire 20yo but not actively looking for a midfielder without making a sale. Bergvall’s preference is to move on from Tottenham and has been alerting several suitors.
BREAKING: Coventry City are close to agreeing a new three-year deal for head coach Frank Lampard. Lampard, whose current terms are due to expire in 2027, led Coventry back to the Premier League after a 25-year absence by winning the Championship title last season. The proposed contract would keep him at the club until 2029.
BREAKING: Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has been ordered to stand trial on rape charges by a French court after losing an appeal. The Versailles appeal court said in a statement to The Athletic that an investigating chamber had concluded there was sufficient evidence for the Paris Saint-Germain full-back to stand trial.Hakimi had confirmed in February he was set to face trial. He was charged in March 2023 and has always denied any wrongdoing. Hakimi said in a statement published on social media that he was “looking forward” to the trial, adding: “Finally, I will be able to speak”.
It is the year 2025, and the frontrunner to win the Ballon d'Or is Ousmane Dembele, forward for Paris Saint-Germain and the France national team. The road to this point has been far from smooth, but this is the end point nonetheless. PSG are the undisputed and unquestionable kings of Europe, winning the European Cup in any format for the first time in their history - a significant feat not just for a team only founded in 1970, but one for the Qatari Sports Investment project which has been hell-bent on continental domination since their takeover in 2011. Luis Enrique's side will be remembered for years to come for their tiki taka-lite style based on fluidity and slick possession football, and at the forefront of their success has been Dembele. With the Ballon d'Or now judged on a seasonal basis - as should have always been the case, thank you, France Football - it is a campaign that should end with Dembele lifting the prestigious Golden Ball in his home country.
Historic Exchange Under Istanbul Agreement In the largest prisoner swap since the full-scale war began, Russia and Ukraine have each released 390 prisoners—comprising 270 military personnel and 120 civilians—as part of an overall 1,000-for-1,000 agreement negotiated during direct talks in Istanbul earlier in May. BBC+4www.ndtv.com+4Deutsche Welle+4Anadolu Ajansı+15Reuters+ Departures and Arrivals Ukrainian returnees arrived in the Chernihiv region, many visibly frail with shaved heads and draped in national flags, greeted by emotional reunions with relatives amid cheers and tears. Reuters+4 The Washington +4 The Daily Star +4. Some had been held in captivity for nearly two years. Russian returnees, including soldiers and civilians captured during a Ukrainian incursion into Kursk region, were first transported to Belarus for medical and psychological evaluation before being repatriated ussia. BBC+3Reuters+3 The Guardian +3. Emotional Homecomings and Lingering Uncertainty Families crowded the exchange sites, clutching photographs of missing loved ones, hoping for a clue from those stepping off the buses. One Ukrainian newly freed veteran, held for more than 830 days, encouraged others not to lose hope: “In every prison there are many guys who had no contact with their relatives. I was the same,” he said The Guardian+10The Washington Post+10The Guardian+10. But for many, the reunion came with heavy uncertainty about family members still unaccounted for. Political Messages and Future Prospects President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the swap as the only tangible outcome of the Istanbul talks and emphasized continued efforts to bring all detainees home. Hromadske The Washington PostThe Guardian. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov promised that Moscow would submit a draft peace proposal following the exchange but reiterated refusal of a ceasefire unless certain conditions were met—terms Ukraine has rejected, according to Reuters The Guardian. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who helped push for the Istanbul negotiations, congratulated both parties via his social media platform, calling the swap a possible step toward broader peace, though no ceasefire has been agreed upon, according to Reuters and the New York Post. Humanitarian Milestone Amid Ongoing Conflict This first phase swap underscores a rare moment of cooperation in a conflict that has otherwise deepened across Ukraine’s eastern and southern regions. While a few hundred lives have been restored to families, thousands remain in captivity, and both sides show no signs of halting hostilities. Negotiations may continue in coming days as both governments prepare for the next instalment of releases under the "1,000-for-1,000" agreement. For now, the tranche of 390 each represents the largest exchange of its kind since the war began.
Crystal Palace Vs Manchester United Preview By: Babatunde Ajibade (Manchester United correspondent) Facebook: Babatunde Olatunji Ajibade Twitter: ollyzjinx01 Instagram: sir_ajirowo01 Manchester United head to Selhurst Park under heavy pressure and even heavier scrutiny after a disastrous showing at Old Trafford against Everton. The boos that echoed around the stadium said it all. Losing 1–0 to a 10-man Everton side — and conceding after they went a man down — was embarrassing on every level. From the touchline to the pitch, it was shambolic. Many fans are asking the same question: How much more can the board tolerate before admitting the Amorim experiment has failed? United have not scored against Crystal Palace in their last four meetings — and after the lifeless performance against Everton, confidence isn’t exactly flowing. Starting a match with five defenders against a team reduced to ten men was baffling. Shifting Amad into unfamiliar positions didn’t help either. The tactical confusion is becoming a weekly theme, and now they travel to a stadium where their recent record is terrible. The international break may have come at the worst possible time. United had built momentum with 11 points from five Premier League games, but that form now looks like it was papering over deeper cracks — cracks that were fully exposed on Monday night. The Red Devils are barely hanging on to a top-half spot. They’ve failed to keep a clean sheet in five straight matches and continue to struggle away from home. Their London record is even worse: 16 losses in their last 26 Premier League games in the capital — the worst of any top-flight side during that period. A painful stat surfaced recently: Amorim: 9 wins in 35 Premier League games, Ten Hag (same period last year): 23 wins. The numbers speak for themselves. Poor in-game management. Poor structure. Poor identity. United ended the Everton defeat with 25 attempts — but scored none — while conceding from the only shot they faced. Their xG tells the same story: xG For: 20.1 → actual goals: 19 (two were own goals) Conversion rate: 10.4% — 7th worst in the league They create chances, but they can’t finish them. Crystal Palace, on the other hand, are flying. Only Arsenal have conceded fewer Premier League goals this season. Oliver Glasner’s side sit fifth and have kept three straight clean sheets against Wolves, Brentford, and Brighton. Their defensive confidence is sky-high, and recent history backs it up: Three wins in their last four league games vs Man United (D1) Two wins in their last four at Selhurst Park vs Man United Opta supercomputer predictions says Palace to win is 54.1% United aren’t just underdogs, they’re clear underdogs. So here we are again, asking what has become a weekly question for Manchester United supporters: Will this team finally show 90 minutes of concentration and courage or will they crumble, invite pressure, and rely on another desperate comeback attempt? Comment below with your score predictions! Manchester United record against Crystal Palace: Games won: 41 Games drawn: 14 Games lost: 13 Team News: (As of today 29/11/2025,) Crystal Palace: Caleb Kporha, Borna Sosa, Cheick Doucoure , Chadi Riad and Rio Cardines are out for this game. Manchester United: Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Harry Maguire are out for this game. Prediction: United sometimes deliver when everyone has written them off, and they should have more energy than Palace. But this team has a habit of sleeping through the first half, and Selhurst Park is a brutal place for a team low on confidence. Crystal Palace 1-1 Manchester United.
Arsenal and Manchester City played out a dramatic 1-1 draw on Sunday, with the two Premier League rivals unable to be separated through 98 or so minutes. Erling Haaland had given the visitors an early lead, before Pep Guardiola remarkably decided to park the bus to try and sneak the win. Those efforts went up in smoke in added time as Gabriel Martinelli scored to clinch a point for the Gunners. Having both slipped up domestically already this season, this wasn't quite a 'must win' affair for either side, but definitely more of a 'must not lose'. In the end, perhaps a draw in which neither team showed much attacking endeavour will please both parties. City seemed content to sit in and create chances on the break, while Arsenal didn't exactly throw the kitchen sink at their visitors in order to force the leveller. It was a pretty just outcome and neither can really have any complaints about how it ended.
North Korea has begun an investigation into an accident that occurred during the launch of a new warship this week, state media said Friday, assessing the damage as "not serious". North Korea said Thursday that "a serious accident occurred" at the Wednesday launch ceremony for the newly built 5,000-ton naval destroyer, in which sections of the bottom of the vessel were crushed -- with leader Kim Jong Un calling the mishap a "criminal act". North Korea has begun an investigation into an accident that occurred during the launch of a new warship this week, state media said Friday, assessing the damage as "not serious". North Korea said Thursday that "a serious accident occurred" at the Wednesday launch ceremony for the newly built 5,000-ton naval destroyer, in which sections of the bottom of the vessel were crushed -- with leader Kim Jong Un calling the mishap a "criminal act". Technology stocks led the gains in the U.S., with Apple (AAPL) up 1.8% and Nvidia (NVDA) jumping 2.4%, as demand for AI and semiconductors remains strong. Tesla (TSLA) also rebounded, rising 3.1% after announcing better-than-expected Q2 vehicle deliveries. Global stock markets showed a mixed performance as investors weighed persistent inflation concerns against a wave of corporate earnings reports. While strong results from major tech companies helped lift some indexes, uncertainty surrounding central bank policies and the future path of interest rates kept others in check. In the U.S.,
2026 FIFA WORLD CUP ROUND THREE By: Babatunde Ajibade (World Cup correspondent) Facebook: Babatunde Olatunji Ajibade Twitter: ollyzjinx01 Instagram: sir_ajirowo01 The final round of group-stage matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup gave us everything we could have asked for — drama, upsets, records, and plenty of talking points. Most importantly, it has set up a mouthwatering Round of 32. Group A ended with one of the surprises of the tournament. South Korea crashed out after losing 1-0 to South Africa, a result very few people saw coming. Co-hosts Mexico completed a perfect group stage with nine points after a convincing 3-0 victory over Czechia. For Czechia, the draw against South Africa will probably be the result they look back on with regret. Football can be cruel, and small moments often decide tournaments. Group B was another entertaining one. Co-hosts Canada lost to Switzerland, but thanks to their superior goal difference, they still progressed alongside the Swiss. Bosnia and Herzegovina also won their final game against Qatar, but it wasn't enough to finish above Canada. It is still a historic achievement, though, as both Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina reached the knockout stage for the first time. Switzerland topped the group with seven points. Group C almost produced another upset. Haiti pushed Morocco all the way, but the Atlas Lions showed their quality when it mattered most. Haiti may be heading home, but they have certainly earned plenty of respect during this tournament. Brazil, meanwhile, continued to look dangerous. Vinicius Junior grabbed another brace as the five-time champions comfortably defeated Scotland 3-0. Brazil and Morocco move on as group winners and runners-up. Group D had its own twist. Turkiye finally picked up its first points of the tournament with a victory over the United States. The Americans made nine changes to their starting lineup and paid the price. Paraguay and Australia played out a draw, meaning the USA still finished top of the group, while Australia and Paraguay progressed as second and one of the best third-placed teams. At least Turkiye leaves the tournament with something to smile about. Group E continued to produce surprises. Ecuador stunned Germany to finish as one of the best third-placed teams, while Ivory Coast defeated Curacao thanks to two goals from Pepe to secure second place. Germany still finished top of the group, but losing your final group game in back-to-back World Cups is certainly something they will want to address before the knockout rounds. Group F once again lived up to expectations. The Netherlands beat Tunisia 3-1 to finish top, while Japan and Sweden settled for a 1-1 draw, a result that sent both teams through. This has probably been the group that has produced some of the best goals of the tournament so far. Group G delivered late drama. Belgium finally came alive with a convincing 5-1 victory over New Zealand. They eventually finished top of the group after Egypt were held to a controversial 1-1 draw by Iran. There were plenty of talking points from that match, but credit must go to Iran. They gave a very good account of themselves and frustrated one of Africa's strongest sides. Group H produced perhaps one of the best stories of the group stage. Spain edged Uruguay 1-0 in a tense encounter that also saw Uruguay finish with ten men. But the real headline belongs to Cape Verde. The tiny island nation qualified for the Round of 32 in its first-ever World Cup appearance after drawing all three group games. Their reward? A blockbuster clash against Argentina. What an achievement for African football. Group I had a different hero. For once, it wasn't Kylian Mbappe stealing the headlines. Ousmane Dembele produced a stunning hat-trick as France demolished a heavily rotated Norway side 4-1. Norway also made nine changes, but they simply couldn't live with France's attacking quality. However, the biggest story in the group belonged to Senegal. After losing their opening two matches, they somehow qualified by thrashing 10-man Iraq 5-0, becoming the first African nation to win a World Cup match by five goals. France, Norway, and Senegal all progress. Group J belonged to Lionel Messi once again. Coming off the bench, the Argentine captain curled home a beautiful free-kick to take his tournament tally to six goals. Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 to finish with a perfect nine points. Meanwhile, Algeria and Austria played out an incredible 3-3 draw, a result that sent both nations through. There were rumours and plenty of debate surrounding the late goals, but in the end, another African nation booked its place in the knockout rounds. Group K saw Portugal produce another disappointing performance. They escaped with a draw against Colombia but were second best for most of the game. Colombia deservedly topped the group, while Portugal settled for second. The real story, however, was DR Congo. Formerly known as Zaire, they defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 to qualify for the knockout stage for the first time in their history. History made. And finally, Group L. England defeated Panama 2-0 thanks to two second-half goals, with Jude Bellingham once again leading by example. Croatia edged Ghana 2-1 to finish second, but Ghana also progressed as one of the best third-placed teams. Another positive story for African football. Speaking of Africa, what a tournament it has been. Nine of the ten African nations qualified for the Round of 32, an incredible achievement that shows just how much football on the continent continues to grow. How far do you think the African teams can go? The Golden Boot race is becoming even more exciting. Lionel Messi leads with six goals. Behind him are Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Vinicius Junior, all sitting on four goals. In the assists race, Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes, and Michael Olise lead the way with three assists each. Round of 32 Fixtures 🇿🇦 South Africa vs 🇨🇦 Canada 🇧🇷 Brazil vs 🇯🇵 Japan 🇩🇪 Germany vs 🇵🇾 Paraguay 🇳🇱 Netherlands vs 🇲🇦 Morocco 🇨🇮 Ivory Coast vs 🇳🇴 Norway 🇫🇷 France vs 🇸🇪 Sweden 🇲🇽 Mexico vs 🇪🇨 Ecuador 🏴 England vs 🇨🇩 DR Congo 🇧🇪 Belgium vs 🇸🇳 Senegal 🇺🇸 USA vs 🇧🇦 Bosnia & Herzegovina 🇪🇸 Spain vs 🇦🇹 Austria 🇵🇹 Portugal vs 🇭🇷 Croatia 🇨🇭 Switzerland vs 🇩🇿 Algeria 🇦🇺 Australia vs 🇪🇬 Egypt 🇦🇷 Argentina vs 🇨🇻 Cape Verde 🇨🇴 Colombia vs 🇬🇭 Ghana Who do you think will qualify for the next round? Who has scored the best goal of the tournament so far? And which goalkeeper has produced the save of the tournament? They have been absolutely outstanding. So, what has been your overall impression of Round Three of the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Which moment stood out the most for you? Comment below and share your thoughts.
Brighton and Hove Albion Vs Manchester United Preview By: Babatunde Ajibade (Manchester United correspondent) Facebook: Babatunde Olatunji Ajibade Twitter: ollyzjinx01 Instagram: sir_ajirowo01 What a season it has been. From the slow start, to the sudden rise in form before the draws started creeping in again. There were moments we struggled to win back-to-back games, yet somehow still managed four straight victories at one point. We saw a manager lose his job, an interim coach step in, and now a new era beginning. It has truly been an eventful campaign, there is no denying that. Still, let’s be honest — this is not Manchester United at its best. I personally don’t see qualifying for the Champions League as a trophy. We invested heavily, and with or without a managerial change, Champions League football should always be the minimum requirement for this club. Finishing without a major trophy still makes this an incomplete season in my eyes. But if we compare where we were last season to where we are today, then yes, there has been massive improvement. The standards at Manchester United will always remain high because this is a massive football club. Improvement is expected, not celebrated forever. United head into the final game of the season at the Amex Stadium against one of our recent bogey teams, Brighton, who still have plenty to play for. The Seagulls need a win and favourable results elsewhere if they are to secure a European place on Sunday. Manchester United have now confirmed Michael Carrick as the club’s new permanent head coach. He was not my preferred choice, but at this point, all I want is for the club to fully back him and support every decision he makes. There are already rumours that United are planning to sign seven players this summer, including three midfielders, which clearly suggests the club are preparing for life after Casemiro while also adding depth in that area. That is a positive step, but what matters most now is speed and accuracy in the transfer market. United need the right profiles, not expensive signings brought in for huge fees and even bigger expectations only to disappoint later. Ederson of Atalanta Bergamo is reportedly close to becoming the first signing. Hopefully that deal is completed quickly, and hopefully more quality follows. Like I said earlier, there will be a special editorial on Michael Carrick where we will properly discuss his appointment and ask the big question — is he truly the right man for Manchester United, or are we about to repeat another mistake? Share your thoughts in the comments section. Carrick will officially take charge of his first match as permanent Manchester United head coach on Sunday as the Red Devils wrap up their Premier League campaign against Brighton & Hove Albion. United are currently third in the Premier League table and have already secured that position ahead of the final round of fixtures, while Brighton sit seventh and are still chasing European football for next season. Carrick has won 11 of his 16 Premier League matches since replacing Ruben Amorim in January, and that run was enough to convince the board to hand him the job permanently. This is a pressure-free game for Manchester United in terms of league position, but it still feels important because it marks the official beginning of Carrick’s reign. United go into this game after a 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest and have won four of their last five league matches. However, their most recent away game ended in a frustrating goalless draw against Sunderland on May 9. The 20-time English champions will return to the Champions League next season, and with that comes an entirely different level of pressure and expectation for Carrick moving forward. United also have the fourth-best away record in the Premier League this season, collecting 26 points from 18 matches and losing only four times on the road. However, one major issue remains — the defence. Too often this season, United have looked vulnerable at the back. In fact, 73% of their Premier League matches have seen both teams score. The Red Devils have only lost twice in their last 10 matches, but they have also managed just two clean sheets during that run. In their last two victories, they needed to score three goals just to get over the line. Brighton will definitely look at that weakness as an opportunity, especially after already winning at Old Trafford earlier this season. Brighton still have plenty riding on this final game. The Seagulls are pushing for European football next season and still have a slim chance of qualifying for the Champions League depending on other results. As things stand, Fabian Hurzeler’s side are seventh, which currently secures a Europa League group-stage place. They are only one point ahead of Chelsea in eighth and three points behind Bournemouth in sixth. That means Brighton could either finish in a Champions League spot, settle for the Europa League, drop into the Conference League playoff round, or miss out on Europe completely. Everything is still open. The home side come into this match after a 1-0 defeat to Leeds United and have lost two of their last three Premier League games. Brighton have also enjoyed this fixture in recent years, winning seven of their last 10 matches against Manchester United in all competitions, including the 2-1 FA Cup victory back in January. Danny Welbeck will once again be a player many United fans will be watching closely. The former Manchester United striker made over 140 appearances for the club, scored 29 goals, and won several trophies during his time at Old Trafford. Now at 35, he continues to haunt his former side. Welbeck has scored eight times against United over the years, including earlier this season at Old Trafford. He is Brighton’s top scorer this season and will be eager to add to that tally again this weekend. With Brighton chasing European qualification against his former club, Welbeck feels almost destined to have a big moment. He has been scoring consistently in recent weeks and will want to end the season strongly in front of the home crowd. The bookmakers also see him as Brighton’s biggest threat, ahead of Sesko and Matheus Cunha, while Georginio Rutter remains another dangerous option. Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes was announced today as the Premier League Player of the Season, adding yet another major honour to his Football Writers’ Association award. That surely makes him the clear favourite for the PFA Player of the Year as well. Bruno has already equalled the 20-assist record and now has the chance to break it in the final game of the season. Although with Casemiro unavailable despite being fit, United may lose one of their biggest set-piece threats. Thank you all for following throughout the season. Hopefully next season brings Champions League nights, proper progress, and most importantly, trophies back to Old Trafford where they belong. What do you think? Comment below with your score predictions! Manchester United record against Brighton: Games won: 22 Games drawn: 5 Games lost: 10 Team News: (As of today 23/05/2026,) Brighton: Stefanos Tzimas , Kaoru Mitoma and Adam Webster are injured. Mats Wieffer (ankle) is a major doubt for the contest. Manchester United: De ligt and Sesko are out injured. Casemeiro is fit but will not play. Prediction: This will officially be Carrick’s first game as permanent Manchester United head coach, so naturally he will want to begin on a positive note. Brighton definitely have more at stake because of the European race, but United still have enough quality to hurt them if they start well and avoid the sloppy moments we saw against Sunderland. If United play with intensity from the beginning and Bruno Fernandes continues his form, I believe they can edge this one. And if Bruno breaks the assist record along the way, that would be the perfect ending. Brighton 1-2 Manchester United
Manchester United Vs Brentford Preview By: Babatunde Ajibade (Manchester United correspondent) Facebook: Babatunde Olatunji Ajibade Twitter: ollyzjinx01 Instagram: sir_ajirowo01 Finally, we can start thinking about hearing that Champions League anthem at Old Trafford again next season. But we’re not there yet — the job isn’t done. Four more points should do it, but it’s not just about qualifying, it’s about finishing strong and showing some real consistency. Manchester United welcome an in-form Brentford side to Old Trafford on Monday, 25th of April, 2026, looking to respond after that 3-1 loss in the reverse fixture. But for me, this game isn’t about revenge — it’s about getting the job done and picking up maximum points before the tougher fixtures in this final run-in. The talk about the next manager is still everywhere. Carrick was asked again in Friday’s press conference, and as expected, he said he’s focused on the job and not distracted by the permanent role. But let’s be honest — he wants it. The question is, do we want him? Or do we go in a different direction? Who would you bring in? Nagelsmann’s name is still being mentioned, but with Iraola set to leave Bournemouth at the end of the season, things could change very quickly. For me, it’s simple — get a manager who actually uses wingers, not just wing-backs, and clear out some of the deadwood in this squad. We saw what proper attacking recruitment did last summer — the difference was clear. Now, with Casemiro leaving, the midfield has to be the next big rebuild. What do you think? United currently sit third in the Premier League, eight points clear of sixth-placed Brighton with a game in hand, while Brentford are ninth, just one point behind Bournemouth in seventh as the race for European spots heats up. That said, the gap isn’t as comfortable as it looks. A slip here, and suddenly Chelsea and Liverpool are right back in the conversation with just a handful of games left. The win away at Chelsea last time out was massive. Matheus Cunha’s first-half goal secured a 1-0 victory, and since Carrick took over, United have won eight of their last 12 matches. There’s clearly been progress. But the run-in is not easy — Liverpool, Sunderland, Nottingham Forest, and Brighton still to come. This is where seasons are decided. Interestingly, United have lost their last two games against Brentford, although they did win this fixture 2-1 last season at Old Trafford. Another win here strengthens Carrick’s case. A loss? Then the pressure ramps up immediately, especially with Liverpool next. Bruno Fernandes continues to deliver, with 18 Premier League assists this season. Only Thierry Henry, Kevin De Bruyne and Mesut Özil have recorded more in a single campaign — elite numbers. The Opta supercomputer slightly favours United, giving them a 51.5% chance of winning, compared to Brentford’s 23.8%, with a draw at 24.7%. Brentford, though, are no pushovers. They’re chasing a historic European qualification and are still right in the mix. The only issue? Too many draws. They’ve drawn their last five league games, and if they want Europe, they need to start turning those into wins. They’ve got a tough run as well — West Ham, Manchester City, Crystal Palace, and Liverpool — so they’ll be looking at this game as a big opportunity. For United, it’s about starting better than we did in the last home game. That slow start nearly cost us. With Maguire back, we should be stronger defending set-pieces, which will be key. And then there’s Igor Thiago — 21 Premier League goals this season. That’s not a player you leave space for. If we take our chances and stay focused defensively, we should be fine. What do you think? Comment below with your score predictions! Manchester United record against Brentford: Games won: 11 Games drawn: 3 Games lost: 8 Team News: (As of today 25/04/2026,) Manchester United: De ligt, Yoro, Martinez, and Dorgu out. Brentford: abio Carvalho, Antoni Milambo, Vitaly Janelt, Rico Henry, Joshua DaSilva, Jordan Henderson and Kaye Furo. Prediction: Getting back to winning ways is good, but we need to play much better than we did in the last game. Chelsea were low on confidence, and we got away with a lot defensively. This time, we need to start sharp, take our chances early, and control the game.Tell me your predictions. Manchester United 3-1 Brentford
Manchester United Vs Aston Villa Preview By: Babatunde Ajibade (Manchester United correspondent) Facebook: Babatunde Olatunji Ajibade Twitter: ollyzjinx01 Instagram: sir_ajirowo01 It will be 10 days without competitive football for Manchester United by the time they face Aston Villa on Sunday. Their last outing ended in a frustrating 2-1 defeat to a ten-man Newcastle. Personally, I think these long breaks are starting to affect the players. It shows right from kickoff — the rhythm just isn’t there. Sometimes they struggle to play two games in a week, and when there is a long gap between matches it seems to take even longer for them to settle. That raises a simple question for the management: why not arrange friendlies during these breaks to keep the players sharp? What do you think? Manchester United have still not made a final decision on the next permanent manager, even though the momentum seems to be swinging towards Michael Carrick. Luis Enrique’s name is still being mentioned, along with Roberto De Zerbi and Roberto Martinez. For me, the most important thing is getting a manager who plays players in their natural positions and also has an eye for identifying good potential talents. We clearly need reinforcements, especially in midfield and at the back. If the recruitment gets it right, it could have the same positive impact we saw with the attacking signings in the last window. Tell us what you think in the comments — who should be the next Manchester United manager? Manchester United and Aston Villa will both be looking to bounce back from disappointing results as they continue their push for Champions League qualification when they meet on Sunday. United return to Old Trafford after that 2-1 defeat away to Newcastle United. Jacob Ramsey was sent off in the first half before Casemiro cancelled out Anthony Gordon’s penalty opener, but William Osula’s stunning 90th-minute strike eventually sealed the win for Newcastle. That result ended a seven-match unbeaten Premier League run for United since Carrick began his second spell in charge, and defeats have generally been rare. After losing three of their first six league games this season (W2 D1), United have since lost just three of their last 23 matches (W13 D7). This improvement in form — helped by Carrick, who has already overseen wins against Manchester City and Arsenal — has lifted United to 51 points, level with fourth-placed Aston Villa but ahead on goal difference. Old Trafford has also become something of a fortress under Carrick. He has won all five of his Premier League home games as United boss (one in 2021 and four in 2026). Only three managers in Premier League history have won their first six home matches: Sven-Göran Eriksson (first nine in 2007), Carlo Ancelotti (first seven in 2009), and Manuel Pellegrini (first 11 in 2013-14). Goals have also been flowing. United have scored in each of their last 17 Premier League games since losing 1-0 at home to a ten-man Everton side in November. The last time they had a longer scoring run was between November 2012 and April 2013 under Sir Alex Ferguson (23 games). Central to those attacking hopes once again will be Bruno Fernandes. His goals and assists have been worth 23 points to United this season. Only three players have had more valuable goal contributions in a Premier League campaign for the club — Robin van Persie in 2012-13 (38), Eric Cantona in 1993-94 (26), and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2007-08 (25). With a perfect home record under Carrick, Manchester United will be confident of bouncing back this weekend, especially with the extra time they’ve had to prepare for the game. Despite struggling a little in the Premier League since the start of the year, Aston Villa remain a dangerous side and are still performing strongly in Europe. They secured a narrow win over Lille in the first leg of their Europa League round-of-16 tie on Thursday night. Domestically, Unai Emery will be aiming for his 101st victory as Aston Villa manager on Sunday. However, the visitors are currently on a three-game winless run in the league (D1 L2). Villa have won only two of their last nine Premier League matches since January. That run has ended their title hopes, and now their focus will be on holding onto a Champions League spot during the final stretch of the season. Historically, Manchester United have enjoyed the better record in this fixture at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have won five of the last six meetings between the sides at the Theatre of Dreams. The Opta supercomputer also slightly favours United in this clash, giving the hosts a 44.1% chance of victory across 10,000 pre-match simulations. Villa are given a 29.1% chance of winning, while the draw accounts for 26.8% of the simulations. United won this exact fixture 2-0 last season thanks to late goals from Amad Diallo and Christian Eriksen. That match also had its share of controversy, as Morgan Rogers had an early goal ruled out for a foul on Altay Bayindir, while Emiliano Martínez was sent off in the first half. The Red Devils have also kept 30 clean sheets against Aston Villa in the Premier League — only Arsenal have managed more clean sheets against a single opponent in the competition (31 vs Newcastle United). Michael Carrick has already won all five of his Premier League home games and could become just the fourth manager in history to win his first six in the competition. What do you think? Comment below with your score predictions! Manchester United record against Aston Villa: Games won: 107 Games drawn: 42 Games lost: 52 Team News: (As of today 13/03/2026,) Manchester United: De ligt, Mount, Martinez and Dorgu out. Aston Villa: Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara out. Prediction: Having already lost the first meeting to the Villans this season, I believe the Red Devils should be able to get their revenge — even after the disappointment of the last match. But that will only happen if Carrick starts the right team. Simple as that. Manchester United 3-1 Aston Villa
