Daily Sport Update

WAYNE ROONEY SAID HE WOULD BE OPEN TO JOINING THE COACHING STAFF OF FORMER TEAMMATE MICHAEL CARRICK IF HE TAKES OVER AS INTERIM MANAGER OF MANCHESTER

Wayne Rooney said he would be open to joining the coaching staff of former teammate Michael Carrick if he takes over as interim manager of Manchester United following Ruben Amorim’s departure last week.
Rooney made 559 appearances and scored 253 goals in a trophy-laden 13-year spell as a player at the club. He retired in 2021 and has had management spells at Derby County, DC United, Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle.
Asked if he would consider joining Carrick's coaching department, the 40-year-old said on the BBC's The Wayne Rooney Show: "Of course I would. It's a no-brainer.

"I'm not begging a job here, by the way.

"Just so everyone knows, if I was asked to go in of course I would. Appointing the manager is the most important thing."

Following his retirement from football in 2018, Carrick stayed on at United as part of Jose Mourinho's coaching staff and was also part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's set-up when the Portuguese coach was sacked.

Carrick, who had a short stint as caretaker boss following Solskjaer's dismissal in 2021, spent two-and-a-half years as Middlesbrough manager from October 2022 to June 2025.

"I think it would be a really good fit," Rooney said.
"Michael loves the football club and would step in to do a job if he can.

"He lives and breathes that club - that's what the club needs."

United, who are seventh in the Premier League, face Manchester City on Saturday.

CAF HAS OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED AN INVESTIGATION INTO VIOLENCE AT AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS

Violent confrontations at the conclusion of two of the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals at the weekend are to be investigated with possible sanctions to be imposed, the Confederation of African Football said.
Opposing players jostled with each other after Morocco beat Cameroon in Rabat on Friday and when Nigeria overcame Algeria in Agadir on Saturday.

Video on social media showed the referee being pursued down the tunnel by Algerian players after their 2-0 defeat, and altercations among journalists from the two countries in the mixed zone, an area where reporters can interview players after the match.

“Caf has collected recent match reports and video evidence indicating potentially unacceptable behaviour from some players and officials and has opened an investigation,” a statement said.

“Caf has referred the matters to the Disciplinary Board for investigation and has called for appropriate action to be taken if the identified persons were to be found guilty of any wrongdoing.

“Caf strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers. Appropriate actions will be sought against anyone whose behaviour is not consistent with professional conduct at CAF events,” it added.
Algerian fans clashed with security staff after their loss to Nigeria.

Algeria’s federation on Monday confirmed it had filed a complaint with Caf over the performance of referee Issa Sy from Senegal in a one-sided match in which Algeria were roundly beaten by Nigeria.

“The Algerian Football Federation cannot ignore the refereeing performance observed during the last match, which raised numerous questions and caused considerable confusion,” it said in a statement.

“Certain decisions have damaged the credibility of African refereeing and do nothing to enhance the value of continental football on the international stage.”

Such complaints, however, are common in African football, notably from losing teams as federations seek to temper the dissatisfaction and disappointment of their fans and blame defeat on refereeing errors.

CHELSEA AND SOME OTHER CLUB BATTLE IT OUT FOR COMO DEFENDER JACOBO RAMON

The 21-year-old has impressed under Cesc Fabregas so far this season, starting 15 of his 16 Sere A games and popping up with two goals.

Ramon only joined Como from boyhood club Real Madrid in the summer but has already been heavily linked with a move away.

According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea and Liverpool are both keen on signing the central defender.

Any potential deal will likely be dependent on Real Madrid, however, with the Spanish giants having a €8 million buy-back option.

BARCELONA RETAINED THE SPANISH SUPER CUP WITH AN ENTERTAINING 3-2 CLASICO WIN OVER REAL MADRID

Barcelona retained the Spanish Super Cup with an entertaining 3-2 Clasico win over Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
Raphinha struck twice for the Catalans with Robert Lewandowski also on target as they beat Xabi Alonso's team for a record-extending 16th triumph, despite Frenkie de Jong's late red card for a foul on Kylian Mbappe.

The French forward could only feature in the final stages as a substitute after a knee sprain, with the defeat likely to bring back recent doubts around Madrid coach Xabi Alonso's future.

After Raphinha sent Barcelona ahead Vinicius Junior pulled Madrid level with a fine individual goal to kick-start a frenetic end to the first half in Jeddah.

Lewandowski chipped Barca back in front but Gonzalo Garcia struck deep in stoppage time to send the teams in level at the break.

The battle was decided by a deflected Raphinha effort after 73 minutes, as Barca claimed the fourth trophy of coach Hansi Flick's reign.
Alonso is still looking for his first after arriving in June, and Madrid's run of five consecutive wins across all competitions was brought to an end by their arch-rivals.

"Whatever way you lose it hurts, but it's clear that this was a very even game, hotly competed, with a bit of everything," Alonso told Movistar.

"We were very close to equalising, we fought it out until the end and I have to congratulate Barca."

Barca thrashed Madrid 5-2 in last season's final, also at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium, but this was a far closer affair.

"We're very happy, another trophy, it's always a big game against Madrid," Lewandowski told Movistar.

"We played well in the first half, the second too, we were looking for more goals but we won and that's the most important thing."Flick, who led Barca to four Clasico wins over Madrid last season in four clashes, opted for Lewandowski up front over Ferran Torres and brought teenage star Lamine Yamal back in on the right wing.

It was a scrappy start in the Saudi evening heat, with Barcelona keeping the ball and Madrid sitting deep to resist them, while looking to find Vinicius Junior on the counter.

The Brazilian had not scored in his previous 16 matches but offered a potent threat, flying down the left and forcing Joan Garcia into the first save.

Barca began to turn up the heat and Raphinha found a breakthrough after 36 minutes.

Moments after the winger fired a fine chance badly wide, he made up for it with a low, early strike from just inside the area, across Thibaut Courtois and into the bottom corner.

Madrid pulled level with a superb Vinicius strike, floating in from the left, nutmegging Jules Kounde and slotting home.Barcelona went back ahead four minutes into first-half stoppage time, with Lewandowski dinking past Courtois after being played in by Pedri.

However Madrid rapidly hit back just before the interval through Gonzalo Garcia, who finished well while falling after Dean Huijsen's header bounced back to him off the crossbar.The second half was a calmer affair, with fewer chances as the teams slowed down.

Mbappe was warming up on the sideline when Barcelona nosed ahead, with Raphinha's shot from outside the box deflecting in off Raul Asencio to leave Courtois with no chance.

The Brazilian is in superb form and it was his seventh goal in his last five matches across all competitions.

"He's always there at the right moment," said Lewandowski.

Alonso sent Mbappe on for the last 15 minutes, trying to find a third goal and force a penalty shoot-out.

The French forward could not get a sight of goal but Barca midfielder De Jong was sent off for a high lunge on him.

Despite Madrid's numerical advantage Barca had the best chance in stoppage time with Marcus Rashford firing wide when through on goal.Asencio might have grabbed an equaliser at the death but headed straight at Garcia.

The last four winners of the Spanish Super Cup have gone on to claim LaLiga and Barcelona will be hoping it proves a platform for success once again.

They have won 10 straight games across all competitions and lead LaLiga, despite an inconsistent start to the season.

KIM TO BE AMONG 3 TO EARN SPOTS VIA LIV GOLF PROMOTIONS

Richard T. Lee of Canada, Bjorn Hellgren of Sweden and former wunderkind Anthony Kim earned wild-card spots for the 2026 LIV Golf season by placing on the LIV Golf Promotions podium Sunday in Lecanto, Fla.

Lee sailed to a five-shot win over the field by following Saturday's 64 with a 65 to land at 11-under 129. Hellgren had the round of the day Sunday, a 6-under 64 with eight birdies, to get to second place at 6 under.

The biggest name at the event, though, was Kim, who retired from golf for about 12 years before signing with LIV in 2024 for his comeback.
A wild card for two years, Kim was relegated after the 2025 season and had to qualify to regain his place in the league. After he made the cut on the number Friday at Black Diamond Ranch, the scores reset and Kim went 66-69 on the weekend to place third at 5 under par.

It marks an eye-catching turnaround for the 40-year-old from California. Kim also went through rehab for drug and alcohol addiction and has said before that doctors had given him grave warnings about his health.

"There's a ton of satisfaction. A ton," Kim said. "I'm sure I'll understand that all that work has really shown this week, maybe later tonight when I'm drinking an iced tea.

"But yeah, it means a lot to me because three years ago, doctors had told me that I potentially had two weeks to live. So just to be here standing in front of you guys is a blessing."

Kim had room to spare when he bogeyed his last hole Sunday. He finished two shots ahead of a four-way tie for fourth.
As for Lee, he was the best golfer on the property all week. He shot a 64 Thursday in the opening "play-in round," which Hellgren, Kim and other were exempted from. Lee finished the week with a six-birdie, one-bogey trip around the course.

"(The course layout) just really fits the fade shots that I have and the low fade shots just to keep it in the fairway," Lee said. "The greens definitely helped me out a lot. I was very comfortable on the greens this week."

Lee, 35, is a longtime Asian Tour player who made the cut on the PGA Tour's Canadian Open last season with a 67-64 start. He's also the first Canadian player to become a member of LIV Golf.

"I think more Canadians should come in and we should make a team," Lee said.

Hellgren, 35, has wins on the Asian Tour, Swedish Golf Tour and Nordic Golf League. He birdied four of his last six holes, including at the par-3 17th and par-4 18th, to reach the top three.

"It kind of shows to all the guys, too, that are in my position back home that you might not be playing on the PGA Tour, but we're traveling the world and grinding it out," Hellgren said. "A few good weeks and then you're in it. That's pretty amazing."

The top 10 players plus ties at LIV Golf Promotions also received an exemption into the Asian Tour's International Series events. In addition to the top three finishers, those players include Denmark's Lucas Bjerregaard, South Korea's Jeunghun Wang, Thailand's Sarit Suwannarut and Zimbabwe's Kieran Vincent (3-under 137), and South Africa's Oliver Bekker, Thailand's Jazz Janewattananond, Japan's Takanori Konishi and Australians Matt Jones, Cory Crawford and Christopher Wood (2-under 138).

MAN UTD KNOCKED OUT OF FA CUP BY BRIGHTON

Darren Fletcher admitted Manchester United's "fragile" players have lost their confidence after Sunday's FA Cup exit against Brighton left Old Trafford in turmoil.

Managerless, out of both domestic cups at the first hurdle for the first time since 1981-82 and sitting a disappointing seventh in the Premier League, United have rarely been at a lower ebb in their history.

Caretaker boss Fletcher, who stepped up from his role as United's Under-18 coach after Ruben Amorim's dismissal on Monday, experienced the club's glory days as a midfielder under legendary manager Alex Ferguson.

But those trophy-filled years seem a lifetime ago for Fletcher and the furious fans who filled the air with boos throughout the 2-1 loss against Brighton.

United's first FA Cup third round defeat since 2014 underscored the litany of problems scarring the club at present.
For now, United's hierarchy plan to hire an interim boss until the end of the season, buying them time to search for Amorim's permanent successor.

Former United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who failed in his first spell in charge, and Michael Carrick, a decorated ex-United midfielder sacked by second tier Middlesbrough this season, have been linked with the temporary post.

Few have faith that United will hire the right manager after Amorim lasted just 14 turbulent months following the equally chaotic reign of Erik ten Hag, who was axed in 2024.

United supporters gave their verdict on the shambolic state of their club by chanting against co-owners Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family throughout the Brighton defeat.

And with tricky games against Manchester City and Premier League leaders Arsenal next for United, the atmosphere could be even more toxic by the time they host Fulham on February 1, when the '1958 Group' plan a demonstration against the ownership.United face a 40-game season, their lowest number of matches in a single campaign since before the First World War.

Three points adrift of the Premier League's top four, with fifth place likely to bring qualification for next season's Champions League, they can still salvage a modicum of respect by returning to Europe's elite club competition.

But Fletcher acknowledged the lack of belief in the dressing room at present is a hinderance to United's hopes of getting back on track.

"You could see the players are fragile but they've got to respond. Confidence is one of the most powerful things in football so when you don't have it, you have to dig deep and then the confidence comes back," he said.

"It's over to them, they need to make sure that they have got a lot to play for this season. This team is still good enough to achieve success this season but they have to dig deep."

United defender Diogo Dalot confirmed Fletcher's feeling that the club's turmoil has affected the team's morale.
"It's really difficult," Dalot said. "It's always a period that you have to find ways to solve problems really quickly.

"Overall very disappointed because we wanted to go through. We have to adapt and go again."

Despite the funereal atmosphere at the final whistle, Fletcher insisted United fans will get behind the players if they show more spirit.

"Out of cups, only Premier League games to play for, the fans weren't happy at the end but they have got every right to air their grievances. It wasn't toxic but they showed their disappointment," he said.

"I'm sure if the payers show the right reaction, the fans will get behind them like they always do because there is still a lot to play for in the Premier League this season."

United are four games without a win and have tasted victory just once in their last seven games.Fletcher may not be in charge by the time bitter rivals City visit Old Trafford on Saturday, but he knows a rough road lies ahead for whoever replaces him.

"They've just got to come together. It's only them in the situation and only them that can do something about it. It might not be pretty at times," he said.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO'S HUMAN STATUE MICHEL KUKA MBOLADINGA HAS EARNED FAME AS THE FAN WHO STANDS COMPLETELY IMMOBILE THROUGHOUT HIS TEAM'S GAMES

His team were knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations in agonising fashion on Tuesday, but the Democratic Republic of Congo's human statue Michel Kuka Mboladinga will be remembered as the tournament's most remarkable supporter.
The colourfully-dressed Kuka has earned fame as the fan who stands completely immobile throughout his team's games, looking towards the sky with his right arm raised and palm open.

He has become a media star and on Tuesday was accompanied by a delegation of several hundred Congolese supporters whose trip to Morocco was paid for by the country's government.
They took their place in the stands in Rabat for the last-16 tie against Algeria which the Leopards lost 1-0 to a goal late in extra time.

Kuka's pose is inspired by that of a statue of Congolese independence leader and former prime minister Patrice Lumumba which stands in Kinshasa.

Lumumba briefly served as the country's first prime minister in 1960 and was assassinated the following year by a combination of separatists from the region of Katanga and Belgian mercenaries.

His body was dissolved in acid and never found, although it was discovered decades later that remains, including a tooth, had been kept in Belgium.

The killing is one of the darkest moments in the history of relations between Belgium and its former colony.

Congolese fans at the Cup of Nations who spoke to AFP expressed pride at seeing Kuka's tribute to Lumumba.
Kuka is "our brother", said 30-year-old Laetitia Malula during a gathering of supporters in Casablanca on the eve of the Algeria game.

"He has chosen to imitate Lumumba...our hero. That is why we chant his name."

DR Congo's participation in the Cup of Nations has come amid an ongoing conflict in the east of the country along its border with Rwanda, where conflict has flared since 2021 with the resurgence of the Rwandan-backed M23 armed group.

Kuka did not speak to AFP having apparently taken himself out of the limelight due to the overwhelming media attention.

But 35-year-old Jered Bitobo, head of communication of the supporters group to which Kuka belongs, described his compatriot's pose as "a sign of peace".

"He is sending out a strong message, both at local and international level. The open palm is a sign of peace and we need peace in our country," Bitobo said.

It is understood that Kuka first performed the pose several years ago during matches of leading Congolese side AS Vita Club.

ANTHONY JOSHUA FIRST PICTURE SINCE CAR CRASH IN NIGERIA THAT KILLED CLOSE FRIENDS SINA GHAMI AND LATIF 'LATZ' AYODELE

Anthony Joshua releases first picture since car crash in Nigeria that killed close friends Sina Ghami and Latif 'Latz' Ayodele, Joshua sustained minor injuries in fatal incident and was discharged from hospital this week; The driver of the car involved in crash has been charged by police
Joshua was released from hospital on New Year's Eve after sustaining minor injuries in the fatal incident and the former world heavyweight champion flew back from Nigeria ahead of Sunday's memorial services in London for Sina Ghami and Latif 'Latz' Ayodele, who were killed in the crash in Makun on Monday.

In posts on X and Instagram, Joshua put up pictures which appeared to show him joined by grieving relatives, with the words: 'My Brothers Keeper.'

Ghami and Ayodele were both described as 'close friends and integral members of Anthony's team,' in a statement released by a spokesperson for Joshua earlier this week.

Floral tributes have been left at Ghami's gym in north London.
The driver of the car involved in the crash, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, was charged by Nigerian police on Friday with offences that include causing death by dangerous driving and driving without a licence.

The case has been adjourned until January 20.
The defendant was granted bail in the sum of 5,000,000 Naira (£2,578) and was remanded pending his bail conditions being met.

Joshua, who has Nigerian heritage, was spending time in the country following his recent knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami.

FORMER MANCHESTER UNITED SOLSKJAER INTERESTED IN RETURNING TO MAN UTD

former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is interested in returning to the club as they begin their search for Ruben Amorim’s replacement

Solskjaer is understood to be keen on returning to Old Trafford either in an interim period, short-term or until the end of the season.

However, it is uncertain at this time whether Man Utd would welcome a return for their former manager.

Solskjaer initially replaced Jose Mourinho as interim boss in December 2018 before being handed the job full-time in March 2019, and was eventually sacked in November 2021.

The Norwegian is out of work following his dismissal at Besiktas in August.on Monday that Man Utd are considering an interim appointment until the end of the season, but they have yet to decide on a timescale for a permanent appointment, with the situation remaining fluid.

Current interim Darren Fletcher will be speaking to the media for the first time today at 5pm, as he prepares the side to face Burnley at Turf Moor on Wednesday

EGYPT FORWARD MOHAMED SALAH SAID HIS TEAM WAS NOT AMONG THE FAVOURITES TO WIN THE AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS TITLE

Egypt forward Mohamed Salah said his team was not among the favourites to win the Africa Cup of Nations title, but insisted they would give their best to go deeper in the tournament in Morocco.
Liverpool forward Salah scored the third goal to secure Egypt's spot in the quarterfinals with a hard-fought 3-1 extra-time victory over Benin on Monday.
Hossam Hassan's side are bidding to win the title for the first time since 2010 and a record eight times overall.

"I don't think we are a favourite at all (to win the title)" Salah told reporters.

"We have young players, and most of them play in Egypt. We just fight for our country... but everybody gives their best and you could see today".

The 33-year-old said there were no easy games in AFCON.

"The level is quite similar, I told the team yesterday that no side loses by four or five goals. (Benin) have a good team and a good coach... I'm glad we managed to win in the end".

Salah has scored 10 goals in 22 games in the AFCON, two fewer than Hassan El-Shazly, Egypt's all-time top scorer in the tournament and one fewer than his current coach Hassan.

Egypt will face defending champions Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso in the quarterfinals in Agadir on Saturday.

NIGERIA ADVANCED INTO THE QUARTERFINALS OF THE 2025 AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS IN STYLE AFTER THEY THRASHED MOZAMBIQUE 4-0 AT THE FEZ STADIUM ON MONDAY NIGHT.

Ademola Lookman (one goal, two assists), Akor Adams (one goal, two assists) and Victor Osimhen (two goals) were the stars for the Super Eagles, who have sent a statement of intent with this win – further underlining their status as one of the title favourites.
As for the Mambas, reaching the knockout phase of an AFCON for the first time was already a victory, and they were ultimately outclassed by a team with both superior talent and far greater tournament experience.

Nigeria settled into dominance of possession and territory from the early minutes, with Victor Osimhen seeing a goal ruled out for offside, while Alex Iwobi forced a sharp save from Mozambique goalkeeper Ernan Siluane with a snap shot.
The West Africans claimed the lead in the 20th minute, as Ademola Lookman crisply struck home a low cross from the left flank by Akor Adams.

Lookman went from scorer to provider five minutes later, playing an in-swinging cross from the left which took a deflection off Adams and allowed Osimhen an easy finish from close to make it 2-0 and put the Super Eagles in firm control.
Mozambique’s only threat on goal in the first half was a glancing header from a free kick by Faisal Bangal which skidded wide in the 35th minute.

Nigeria spurned further scoring opportunities through Adams and Lookman late in the first half, leaving the score 2-0 in their favour at the interval.
Mozambique made a couple of changes at the start of the second half, sending on Nanani and Manuel Kambala in place of Diogo Calila and veteran Elias Pelembe.

However, Nigeria needed less than 120 seconds after the restart to make it 3-0, with Lookman’s low cross from the left by-line turned home at close range by Osimhen.

Midway through the second stanza, Adams almost added his name to the score sheet, but his curling shot was well saved by Siluane.

However, the Sevilla striker would not be denied in the 75th minute, picking up a pass from Lookman before drilling a powerful shot into the net from the right side of the penalty area to complete the 4-0 score line.

The Super Eagles will face either Algeria or DR Congo in a quarterfinal at the Marrakesh Stadium on Saturday 10 January.

Nigeria: S. Nwabali, B. Osayi-Samuel, S. Ajayi, C. Bassey, B. Onyemaechi, F. Onyeka (F. Dele-Bashiru 83’), W. Ndidi (R. Onyedika 83’), A. Iwobi, A. Lookman (P. Onuachu 86’), V. Osimhen (M. Simon 68’), A. Adams (S. Chukwueze 86’)

Mozambique: E. Siluane (I. Urrubal 82’), D. Calila (Nanani 46’), Mexer, Mandava, B. Langa, Guima, A. Amade, G. Catamo, E. Pelembe (M. Kambala 46’), Witi (Chamito 62’), F. Bangal (S. Ratifo 67’)

LIVERPOOL HAS JOIN MAN UTD AND SPURS IN RACE FOR BRIGHTON MIDFIELDER CARLOS BALEBA

Liverpool are prepared to rival Manchester United and Tottenham in the race to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, reports Caught Offside.

Baleba was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford over the summer, though Brighton’s hefty asking price for the midfielder put United off the Cameroon international and the deal failed to materialise.

United have maintained an interest in the 22-year-old, who is currently with the Cameroon national team for the Africa Cup of Nations.

While a January move for the youngster is unlikely at this stage, United may yet return for Baleba in the summer.
Baleba is one of a number of midfielders on the club’s wishlist, which includes the likes of Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson.

However, United would face competition from Premier League rivals Liverpool and Tottenham should Brighton's stance on the former Lille man soften.

While centre-back is the priority position for Liverpool this month, they are also considering a move for the midfielder in a bid to strengthen in the middle of the park.

Reds boss Arne Slot is able to call upon Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones at the base of his 4-2-3-1 setup.

With Wataru Endo’s advancing years, the defending Premier League champions may seek to add additional bodies in a key area.

Spurs, too, are keen to bolster in central midfield, which is viewed as a key area in need of investment this year.

Like United, Spurs hold an interest in Wharton, though the north London side find themselves down the pecking order in the race to sign the England international, who is wanted by a number of Premier League and European heavyweights.
Baleba is expected to start for Cameroon in their AFCON last-16 meeting with Mozambique on Sunday night.

The Indomitable Lions are unbeaten in Morocco this winter having won two and drawn one of their three games so far.