Managers & contracts
Manager moves, contracts and dugout news.
Thursday, 13 August 2026
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Federico Valverde captaincy under scrutiny at Real Madrid
Florentino Perez is reportedly unconvinced by Federico Valverde's captaincy, with Real Madrid's summer leadership debate also shaped by Vinícius Júnior's
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Wayne Rooney urges Harry Kane to choose Manchester United
Wayne Rooney has urged Harry Kane to snub Barcelona and consider Manchester United, with Shearer’s 260-goal record part of the pitch.
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Jose Mourinho says the real work begins after Real Madrid’s Teresa Herrera win
Jose Mourinho said Real Madrid’s Deportivo win was only a pre-season step, praising rotation and saying the real work starts next week.
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Jude Bellingham in Mourinho's number 10 role
Jose Mourinho wants Jude Bellingham higher up the pitch at Real Madrid, with the midfielder set for a number 10 role in a 4-2-3-1.
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Elliot Anderson says performances matter more than his £116 million fee
Elliot Anderson says his £116 million Manchester City move is about performances, not pressure, before a likely debut against Arsenal.
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Lionel Messi retirement hint after Jorge Messi’s death
Lionel Messi says he is “really not sure” if he will keep playing much longer after the death of his father, Jorge, aged 68.
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Real Madrid name strong line-up for Deportivo
Real Madrid have named a strong XI for the Trofeo Teresa Herrera against Deportivo La Coruña, with Vinicius Júnior, Arda Güler and Endrick included.
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Arda Guler is forcing Real Madrid into a selection call
Arda Guler has two assists in pre-season and a 7.12 average rating, with Jose Mourinho weighing both an advanced role and a deeper midfield slot.
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Parma vs Catania: Parma's depth should overwhelm a depleted visitor
Parma host a depleted Catania side in the Coppa Italia, with 10 unregistered signings and only 16 senior players available.
Wednesday, 12 August 2026
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Manchester United vs Leeds ends in Croke Park shootout
Manchester United and Leeds drew 1-1 at Croke Park before United won a penalty shootout in front of more than 80,000, after a Bruno Fernandes miss and a
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Bruno Guimaraes settles fast on Arsenal debut
Bruno Guimaraes made an encouraging Arsenal debut in the 1-1 draw with Como, with a recovery tackle, a chance for Havertz and a shootout penalty.
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Xavi named Netherlands head coach on deal through 2030 World Cup
Xavi Hernandez has been appointed Netherlands head coach until the 2030 World Cup, with the KNVB backing his possession-based style.
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Bryan Mbeumo stands out as Manchester United edge Leeds in Dublin
Bryan Mbeumo stood out as Manchester United drew 1-1 with Leeds before winning the shootout 5-4, despite Bruno Fernandes' miss.
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Newcastle still need experience after Everton defeat
Matthias Jaissle said Newcastle still have squad gaps after their 3-1 pre-season defeat by Everton, stressing the need for more experience before the
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Myles Lewis-Skelly makes Arsenal statement amid transfer noise
Myles Lewis-Skelly scored as Arsenal drew with Como and won the shootout 4-3, then backed it up with an 8/10 display and a pointed celebration.
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Newcastle transfer warning after Everton defeat
Matthias Jaissle says Newcastle need a right-back and central midfielder after Everton beat the Magpies 3-1, with Liverpool up next at St James' Park.
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Newcastle vs Everton ratings expose an experience gap
Everton's friendly win over Newcastle featured three 9/10 ratings, two Harrison Armstrong assists and fresh concerns before Liverpool visit St James' Park.
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Newcastle United player ratings after Everton defeat
Lukáš Horníček and Mason Miley earned Newcastle's best marks as Everton pulled away, with the ratings showing late resistance and wasted chances.
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Courtois backs Mourinho's discipline-first reset at Real Madrid
Courtois has backed Jose Mourinho's discipline-first approach as Real Madrid begin a new era after two trophyless seasons.
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Rodri transfer talks drag on as Barcelona and City remain apart
Rodri transfer talks are still live, but Barcelona remain below Manchester City's asking price after bids of €50m and €60m.
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Manchester United squad reunion in Dublin meets transfer pressure
Carrick has his full squad back in Dublin, but Paul Parker and Shay Given are already saying Manchester United still need more transfer work.
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Nahuel Molina explains why Roma won him over
Nahuel Molina says Roma's size, fans and recent progress drew him in, with a €13m deal plus bonuses and a June 2030 contract.
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Joe Bryan retires after 464 career appearances
Joe Bryan has retired aged 32 after 464 career appearances, 32 goals and 44 Premier League games for Fulham.
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Dave Puckett's Southampton story shows why swap deals still make sense
Dave Puckett's Southampton-Bournemouth story shows how swap deals in football can still work, with Colin Clarke central to a 97-point title run.
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Youri Tielemans explains Manchester United move and the role Carrick wants him to play
Youri Tielemans explains why he joined Manchester United from Aston Villa, how Michael Carrick wants him to play, and why Marcus Rashford stands out.
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West Ham favourites for Championship promotion
West Ham are Championship favourites with Jarrod Bowen, Nuno Espirito Santo and a 62,500-seat London Stadium behind them.
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Djed Spence transfer talks grow as Tottenham weigh sale
Djed Spence is edging towards a Tottenham exit, with Inter interested and Spurs open to around £25.6m despite his England breakthrough.
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Rob Elliot backs Carlisle fans after opening-day defeat to Worthing
Rob Elliot said he has no issue with Carlisle United fans booing after the opening-day defeat to Worthing, insisting the new squad needs time and patience.
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Manchester United vs Leeds at Croke Park feels bigger than a friendly
Manchester United vs Leeds at Croke Park is being framed as historic, with 80,000 expected, Irish links and the stadium's long football gap.
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Harry Maguire wants Manchester United to carry Carrick momentum
Harry Maguire says Manchester United must build on Carrick-era momentum, sharpen their tactics and start the Premier League season fast against Hull City.