USA manager ‘disappointed’ to hear of online abuseJK Rowling critical of award as women’s footballer of yearEmma Hayes has criticised the “ridiculous” treatment of Barbra Banda, after the Orlando Pride and Zambia forward was named the BBC women’s footballer of the year.The head coach of the US women’s national team was responding to a question …

Defender out of Manchester City game with knee injury‘Now we start the recovery process,’ he writes in postIbrahima Konaté is out of Liverpool’s top-of-the-table clash with Manchester City and has raised concerns he faces an extended spell on the sidelines.The in-form Liverpool defender sustained a knee injury in the closing minutes of Wednesday’s …

Despite likely record ticket sales over Christmas, financial and physical health of clubs and players still a concernWith the timing of George Furbank on to a Fin Smith cutout pass, or that of any of the myriad attacking talents in English club rugby, the Premiership’s PR team ushered in the return of domestic fare this weekend by releasing a load of …

Serb wanted someone who had played at the very topDjokovic confident he is still fit enough to win more slamsNovak Djokovic has revealed Andy Murray was caught off guard when asked to be his new coach, but feels the link-up can only be good for tennis.Murray retired after this summer’s Olympics at the age of 37 after finally admitting defeat in his battle …

Emma Hayes is keen for her Olympic champions to keep progressing in Saturday’s friendly meeting with EnglandLindsey Horan’s nails are painted gold and she gives an embarrassed laugh when asked whether they are a celebration of the US team’s Olympic gold in Paris, a statement to Saturday’s opposition of their status. “No, it was supposed to be brown …

Gjert Ingebrigtsen used to coach Jakob and his brothersHe ‘punched and kicked’ Jakob since he was a schoolboyJakob Ingebrigtsen’s father will stand trial next year on charges that include abusing the double Olympic ­champion and threatening to “beat ­him to death”.Ingebrigtsen, who won gold medals over 1500m in Tokyo and 5,000m in Paris, also …

Manchester City manager ‘asked for that challenge’Guardiola would walk away only if he felt of no benefitPep Guardiola believes he has avoided the sack at Manchester City after five consecutive losses and a draw because eight years of success there have given him a “margin”.City threw away a three-goal lead in Tuesday’s 3-3 draw with Feyenoord when …

The forward, who is keen to get back to the form that saw him score 30 goals during the 2022-23 campaign, started on the bench for Man United Europa League tie on Thursday night.

LEWIS STEELE: But it appears Arne Slot will be without his trusted pairing for the crunch clash against champions Manchester City on Sunday - and Conor Bradley is also not fit.

Ruben Amorim has reportedly appointed separate coaches to work with different parts of Manchester United's squad as he sees to overhaul the club's fortunes.

GRAEME SOUNESS: The stress of managing Manchester City lately was etched all over Pep Guardiola 's face following their midweek capitulation against Feyenoord.

DAVID COVERDALE: The father of Jakob Ingebrigtsen will stand trial next year after being accused of hitting and kicking the double Olympic champion runner - and threatening to 'beat him'.