London (AFP) – Alex Ferguson admits Liverpool's "phenomenal" dominance makes him relieved he retired before Manchester United's bitter rivals hit top form. Ferguson led United to 13 Premier League titles during his remarkable reign before retiring in 2013. But United are still waiting for the first title of the post-Ferguson era, with the most recent […]

London (AFP) – Wayne Rooney's incredible success as Manchester United and England's record goalscorer should provide a sturdy foundation as the iconic striker takes his first managerial role with Derby. Rooney's remarkable achievements on the pitch have given him an education money cannot buy. Now the 35-year-old must transfer his wealth of experience into rescuing […]

Paris (AFP) – Paris Saint-Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino has tested positive for Covid-19, the French champions said Friday, just two weeks after taking up his job. The 48-year-old Argentine will "respect isolation and is subject to the appropriate health protocols", PSG said on Twitter. His assistants Jesus Perez and Miguel D'Agostino will take charge of […]

London (AFP) – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists Manchester United are underdogs as the Premier League leaders target an "upset" win against champions Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. United moved three points clear of Jurgen Klopp's men after their 1-0 win at Burnley on Tuesday. It is the first time United have been top of the English […]

Berlin (AFP) – Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich host in-form Freiburg on Sunday under pressure to bounce back from consecutive defeats including their shock midweek German Cup exit. Freiburg are on a club record five-game winning streak in the league while Bayern are licking their wounds after crashing out of the German Cup to second-division Holstein […]

Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged the scrutiny the Premier League is under to comply with coronavirus protocols, but warned politicians against scapegoating players for goal celebrations. The Premier League's chief executive Richard Masters has urged players to set the "right example", while English Football League chief executive Trevor Birch […]

London (AFP) – Gareth Bale's future is uncertain as Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho said "not one second" has been spent talking about extending his season-long loan from Real Madrid. The 31-year-old's second spell at Spurs has so fair failed to live up to expectations as a lack of fitness and form has prevented Bale […]

Madrid (AFP) – Barcelona announced on Friday that the club's presidential elections have been postponed after a rise in coronavirus cases prompted heavy restrictions in the region. The elections were set for January 24 but the Catalonian government told the club on Friday morning that exceptions to the rules would not be made to allow […]

Liverpool (AFP) – Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp highlighted the arrival of Bruno Fernandes at Manchester United as the major force behind the Red Devils' resurgence ahead of a top-of-the-table clash between the sides on Sunday. For the first time since 1997 Liverpool and United sit first and second in the Premier League ahead of a […]

London (AFP) – Premier League goal celebrations this weekend will be under intense scrutiny after players were reminded of their responsibility to set an example during the coronavirus pandemic. When football in England restarted in June after the Covid-19 shutdown, much was made of strict measures to limit the spread of Covid-19. But footballers are […]

London (AFP) – Wayne Rooney has ended his illustrious playing career to take up a job as full-time Derby manager, the Championship club announced on Friday. Derby confirmed the 35-year-old former Manchester United and England forward had agreed a permanent deal until 2023, having succeeded Phillip Cocu on an interim basis in November. The club […]

London (AFP) – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists his Manchester United side are underdogs as the Premier League leaders target an "upset" against champions Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. The Reds moved three points clear of Jurgen Klopp's men after their 1-0 win at Burnley on Tuesday. It is the first time United have been top […]

Paris (AFP) – Barcelona target a first trophy under Ronald Koeman in the Spanish Super Cup, while a wobbling Bayern Munich attempt to brush off a shock setback and there are key games at the top in Italy, Portugal and the Netherlands. AFP Sport selects some of the standout football action in Europe this weekend: […]

Paris (AFP) – Mauricio Pochettino needed less than two weeks to win his first trophy with Paris Saint-Germain but his new team are still doing the chasing in Ligue 1, a point behind leaders Lyon heading into the second half of the season. PSG go to Angers on Saturday fresh from beating Marseille 2-1 in […]

London (AFP) – Manchester United's bid to win the Premier League for the first time in eight years will face a major test when the leaders face champions Liverpool on Sunday. With points certain to be dropped by one of the title contenders at Anfield this weekend, third placed Manchester City can climb back into […]