Minnesota Vikings offensive guard Will Fries celebrates in the end zone after a second-quarter touchdown midway through Jan. 4, 2026, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during a matchup with the Green Bay Packers. The moment captured linemen pride as Minnesota’s offense capitalized on strong execution. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett–Imagn Images.
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s first three seasons as the Minnesota Vikings general manager all led up to the 2025 free agency, when the Vikings spent the second-most money on players, second only to the New England Patriots.
While the Patriots were playing in the Super Bowl, the Vikings’ season had long since finished after failing to make the playoffs. Finally given the chance to spend big, Adofo-Mensah got it horribly wrong, and it cost him his job.
Overall Assessment of the Vikings’ 2025 Free Agency Class
The 2025 free agency class was his last, and Adofo-Mensah hasn’t left the Vikings with much for the long term, after also failing in the short term. In total, Adofo-Mensah made 16 signings for a total of $269,532,500. A year later, how has the class aged? The short answer is not very well.
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Will Fries (Guard) – 5-year, $87.7 million contract.
Minnesota made a significant commitment to Will Fries, investing time and money in a five-year contract worth over $87 million to make Fries their long-term right guard. There was an element of risk to this move, with Fries having a breakout season in 2024 but only from a five-game sample due to a broken tibia. Fries was fit and ready to start the season and was the only Vikings linemen to play every game—a major plus on an OL that was ravaged by injury.
Sep 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings guard Will Fries (76) against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Fries was solid in his debut season in Minnesota, being called for 3 penalties and allowing 37 pressures and 3 sacks across 989 snaps on offense, earning a 61.8 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. Those stats would be acceptable if Fries were being paid $3-4 million, but his contract is worth $17 million a year.
Verdict: Minnesota needs more from Fries to justify that contract and will hope that a year on the field post-injury and more comfort in the system will help bring that about. The Vikings also have a new OL coach for the 2026 season in a bid to improve the whole unit.
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Byron Murphy (Cornerback) – 3-year, $54 million contract.
Byron Murphy got a big payday on the back of his first-ever Pro Bowl season, where he was a ball hawk – leading the league in interceptions (6) among CBs in 2024. Murphy didn’t snag his first INT until Week 15, following it with another in Week 16. Simply put, he failed to recapture that Pro Bowl form that got him paid.
Verdict: Murphy is a good CB, but he’s not a lockdown CB1 and never has been. The decision to pay him $18 million a year doesn’t look wise right now.
Jonathan Allen (Interior Defensive Lineman) – 3-year, $51 million contract.
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The Vikings invested heavily in the interior of the defensive line, emphasizing interior pass rush. Once one of the league’s best interior defenders, the gamble on Jonathan Allen re-finding his form after injuries and a down year didn’t pay off. Allen brought 34 pressures and 4 pressures to the team, and a solid run defense, but we have another case of a player not living up to his contract.
Verdict: The three-year deal given to Allen means there are no significant savings this year, so it is set to be another year of solid veteran play on top-end wages for the Vikings – unless Allen suddenly returns to his best football at 31.
Javon Hargrave (Interior Defensive Lineman) – 2-year, $30 million contract.
Rinse and repeat. Former top-end interior pass-rusher who’s had injuries and a drop in play. Big money was paid, but the contract was not honored. Hargrave had a better season than Allen, but is two years older and only got a two-year contract. Significant cap savings can be made on Hargrave this year.
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Verdict: Needing to find $40 million get salary cap compliant, saving $11 million by cutting Hargrave looks imminent. Baltimore has been rumoured as a trade candidate for Hargrave, which would save a further £5 million – an even better result. It’s for the Vikings to get younger at this position through the draft.
Ryan Kelly (Center) – 2-year, $18 million contract.
Ryan Kelly was just what the Vikings needed at center: experienced, knowledgeable of the position’s nuances, and solid in both the run and pass games. Unfortunately, his history of concussions followed him to Minnesota, and his future has to be in doubt heading into the 2026 season.
Verdict: Kelly played in just eight games because of three separate concussions. Most concerning was Kelly coming back to play with a guardian cap only to suffer another concussion. The Vikings need to start looking at a long-term solution at center.
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Isaiah Rodgers (Cornerback) – 2-year, $11 million contract.
Week 3 saw one of the single greatest individual performances you will ever see from a defensive player. Isaiah Rodgers was inspired against the Bengals. Rodgers scored two defensive touchdowns, one from an interception and one from a fumble he forced and recovered himself. He added another forced fumble and a couple of passes defended in an inspired performance that earned Pro Football Focus its first-ever perfect grade. That was Rodgers’ ceiling, and the floor was a lot lower.
Oct 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers (2) practices before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images.
Verdict: Rodgers spent too much time playing closer to his floor than his ceiling. He never got near the level of performance he had in that Bengals game again. 2025 was his first season as a starter in the NFL. If he is going to keep that role, he needs to find a lot more consistency.
Eric Wilson (Linebacker) – 1-year, $2.6 million contract.
Undoubtedly, the signing of the season. Eric Wilson returned to where his NFL journey began, and with great success. An injury to Blake Cashman gave Wilson a chance to start, and when Cashman returned, he kept his place ahead of Ivan Pace. Brian Flores used him as a pass rusher to great effect, with Wilson tallying 6.5 sacks – more than double his previous season best.
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Verdict: With Wilson and Pace both hitting free agency, I don’t think there’s much argument that Wilson is the one the Vikings need to bring back.
Jeff Okudah (Cornerback) – 1-year, $2.35 million contract.
The last in a lengthy line of Adofo-Mensah failed first-round pick reclamation projects. Once the third overall pick by the Detroit Lions, it’s never quite worked out for Jeff Okudah, who has had several injury problems across his career. He played in the first six games of the season before getting a concussion and never being seen again after being put on IR.
Verdict: Okudah wasn’t good when he played, and the first-round reclamation projects should be binned now that Adofo-Mensah has left town.
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Rondale Moore (Wide Receiver) – 1-year, $2 million contract.
Rondale Moore was set to be the team’s punt returner and WR4 before a knee injury suffered in a preseason game saw him ruled out for the entire 2025 season.
Verdict: A sensible signing with a glaring need at return specialist, but with his injury leaving the path clear for undrafted rookie Myles Price to shine. I don’t expect Moore to return next season.
Justin Skule (Tackle) – 1-year, $2 million contract.
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Minnesota needed a backup tackle who could start if Christian Darrisaw wasn’t ready to assume his role at left tackle when the season started. Not only did that prove to be the case, but Brian O’Neill has also missed time due to injury, and Darrisaw finished the season back on IR with the same troublesome knee. The Vikings opted for Justin Skule, and he was called upon more than would have been preferable, with nine starts and 578 snaps on offense.
Sep 28, 2025; Dublin, Ireland; Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Justin Skule (67) during an NFL International Series game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second half at Croke Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
Verdict: There were times when Skule visibly struggled, giving up 29 pressures and 7 sacks across the season. However, he held down the fort reasonably well for a backup tackle. The veteran deserves to come back again for training camp, at least with Darrisaw’s knee issue still lingering.
Carson Wentz (Quarterback) – 1-year, $1.4 million contract.
Minnesota was initially set to go with Sam Howell as QB2, but after undrafted rookie Max Brosmer outshone him, it was time to think again. Carson Wentz was brought in to be the veteran presence behind JJ McCarthy and found himself thrust into action as early as Week 3. Wentz had his struggles, but a 2-3 record while toughing it out through a dislocated shoulder that included a torn labrum and fractured socket, before eventually having season-ending surgery, was a commendable effort.
Verdict: The boy raised in North Dakota got to live out his childhood dream for five weeks and kept the Vikings competitive. I wouldn’t hate seeing him back to compete in training camp.
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Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.
Manchester City were poor in their FA Cup win over Salford but an own goal was added to late on by substitute Marc Guehi.
Manchester City are through to the FA Cup fifth round after a dismal home win over League Two Salford City. An early cross from Rayan Ait-Nouri was inadvertently pushed into the net by Salford’s Alfie Dorrington but the Blues failed to stamp their authority on the game beyond that despite enjoying the vast majority of possession.
Salford twice went close to beating James Trafford and could feel hard done by that they did not get more out of a game where they posed a significant threat. Pep Guardiola brought Rodri, Antoine Semenyo, Marc Guehi and Nico O’Reilly on in the second half in an attempt to turn the game back in City’s favour.
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It worked, with a set-piece won by Semenyo ending with Guehi putting it in the back of the net. Here are the player ratings from the Manchester Evening News.
The Carabao Cup Final will see Arsenal v Manchester City at London’s Wembley Stadium this March.
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NBA’s All-Star Saturday night used to be anchored by the dunk contest. It was the flagship event of the night, as the league’s top players showcased their athletic feats with jaw-dropping dunks. Players who weren’t competing often filled the sidelines, and fans were always enthralled by the nightcap.
However, over the last 10 years, the dunk contest has lost its cachet, while the 3-Point Shootout has gotten all the hype. The 3-Point Shootout has delivered in ways the dunk contest hasn’t in recent years, with nail-biting finishes as everyone watches in awe as the league’s elite shooters show off their skills. While we don’t get the top dunkers for All-Star Saturday night in Los Angeles, the top shooters are regularly lining up to compete in the 3-point competition, giving us a star-studded event every year.
While the dunk contest doesn’t have high-level names, we’ve still seen some impressive dunks in the last two years thanks to two-time champion Mac McClung, who has decided not to defend his title this weekend.
As we prepare for the night’s festivities, here’s everything you need to know.
The 3-Point Shootout will be the first event of the night. Eight players will compete, and we’ll have a new winner, as reigning champion Tyler Herro is not competing to defend his title.
The second event of the night will be the Shooting Stars challenge, which hasn’t been held since 2015. It will replace the Skills Challenge, with four teams competing by making various shots on the floor, including a half-court shot.
Shooting Stars field
As usual, the last event of the night will be the dunk contest. Four participants will compete to be crowned the league’s best dunker. McClung won’t be back to defend his title, as he’s said that he’d rather focus on earning a full-time roster spot in the NBA rather than just being known as the guy who’s a really good dunker. Though the field of dunkers is filled with relative unknowns, it serves as the perfect stage for someone to make a name for themselves if they can wow the crowd.
The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin season 1 episode 5 ends with Aurelius facing Gorlas in a duel. Aurelius wins but chooses mercy instead of killing his opponent. Gorlas kneels, showing respect, and the fragile alliance shifts.
This act of compassion secures temporary loyalty, yet Aurelius suffers a serious wound. His injury raises doubts about whether mercy can truly protect Britain’s future.
Moreover, the episode highlights how old grudges and political distrust continue to challenge the Pendragon brothers. Merlin’s presence reinforces that fate cannot be avoided. Aurelius’ choice changes Britain’s path, but the cost of leadership remains high and uncertain.
The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin season 1 episode 5 recap: Did Aurelius’ mercy secure loyalty or invite more doubt?
The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin season 1 (Image via Facebook/Pendragon Cycle)
The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin season 1 episode 5 ends with Aurelius defeating Gorlas in a duel. Despite the fact that he has the opportunity to murder him, Aurelius choose to show mercy. As a sign of respect, Gorlas bows down to Aurelius, recognizing his power and leadership.
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However, the decision comes with a significant price tag. There is a major wound sustained by Aurelius, which serves as a reminder to everyone that leadership requires sacrifice.
The conclusion throws into doubt whether or whether mercy will bring the kings together, or whether it will leave Aurelius open to the possibility of future betrayal. His injury is also a metaphor of the precarious status of Pendragon authority, which is characterized by the fact that every victory has long-lasting repercussions.
Merlin struggles with fate
The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin season 1 episode 5, meanwhile, again highlights the theme of Merlin’s inability to change his fate, even if he wants to. His sadness over the death of Ganeida, and Custennin’s anger, both help to highlight his limitations in terms of his political power.
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In this episode, it is seen how Merlin prays rather than uses his magic to survive when he is captured, showing again how he survives by faith rather than force. In this case, however, it is to reinforce the idea that one cannot escape one’s own fate.
In the later parts of the story, it is seen how Merlin is adamant that Aurelius will become king, but there are still concerns expressed by other characters. His visions and his continued sadness, however, seem to imply that his role is not only to help, but to suffer his own fate, however difficult it might be.
The growing divide between Aurelius and Uther
In the fifth episode of The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin season 1, the growing gap between Aurelius and Uther is revealed to them. While Uther is focused on respecting traditional norms and making no compromises, Aurelius is guided by his compassion and faith.
Although the connection between them remains strong, they differ on their perception of Britain. This is revealed in their duel with Gorlas. While Uther’s stand leads to a duel, Aurelius is trying to bring about peace. As revealed in the conclusion, their unity may be threatened if they are forced to yield to pressure from other monarchs. Aurelius’s magnanimity may work to his favor, but Uther’s stand may cause their fragile alliance to break.
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In the future, they will be forced to face a situation where their rivalry and suspicion of each other because of their heritage will overshadow their reign.
The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin season 1 episode 5 ends with the character of Aurelius wounded but respected, Merlin weighed down by the weight of fate, and Uther standing firm in defiance of change. The themes of the episode are well connected, bringing together the ideas of belief, loyalty, and sacrifice, and leaving the viewer pondering the possibility of bringing about unity through mercy.
The ending leaves the viewer in suspense about the possible conflicts that will be faced in the future of Britain. The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin season 1 episode 5 is available to stream on DailyWire+.
Manchester United are well-stocked in the goalkeeping department and permanent exits for a number of players could trigger the Reds’ first summer deal
16:52, 14 Feb 2026Updated 16:52, 14 Feb 2026
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Manchester United could be in the market for a new goalkeeper in the summer, despite the successful £18.2million signing of Senne Lammens.
United brought the Belgian shot-stopper to the Premier League in September after allowing Andre Onana to depart. The Cameroon international’s two-year spell at Old Trafford came to an end when he joined Turkish side Trabzonspor.
United are expected to prioritise a central midfielder and left winger when the summer transfer window opens, with the former their top priority. However, a report from The Sun has suggested that movement in the goalkeeping department could trigger the arrival of a new goalkeeper.
The report states that Onana, Bayindir, Radek Vitek (on loan at Bristol City) and Tom Heaton could all leave United at the end of the season. It’s expected that a permanent exit for Onana will be sought, with him having two years left on his deal.
Bayindir was linked with a return to Turkey in January but remained at the club as Lammens’ back-up. Vitek has impressed with his performances at Ashton Gate and it’s claimed he will get a chance to warrant a place in the first team next summer.
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However, at 22, the Czech shot-stopper will be desperate to build on his encouraging season and could be sold for regular minutes. Finally, Tom Heaton, 39, is out of contract in the summer and could end his spell as third-choice.
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Promising goalkeeper Solomon Honor was signed from Blackburn Rovers in January and is the same age as Elyh Harrison, who returned from his loan spell with League Two side Shrewsbury Town.
In the summer, United were linked with the likes of Zion Suzuki, Diogo Costa, Bart Verbruggen and Emiliano Martinez. With Lammens impressing in his first season, an improved deputy is more likely to arrive in the summer.
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Melker Ellborg, Robin Roefs and Mile Svilar are all names linked in recent months. If Vitek is not given a chance to come into the first team, United will likely consider their options in the market.
Best spell of Liverpool play. Superb ball over the top, gorgeous touch by Kerkez to bring it down and then a chop-back that sends two Brighton defenders sliding by!
The left-back uses that room to strike it with his right foot and it’s goalbound but hits his own man Gakpo! Lucky for Brighton.
Ah, the flag has gone up for offside. It was tight but there’s no VAR at this stage of the FA Cup so the goal would’ve been ruled out anyway
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Luke Baker14 February 2026 20:15
Liverpool 0-0 Brighton, 11 mins
Great touch by Salah to bring down a long ball. Later in the move he dribbles into the box but the touch is slightly heavy and the ball is cleared.
The first time Liverpool have shown anything so far really, though.
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Luke Baker14 February 2026 20:12
SAVE! Liverpool 0-0 Brighton, 9 mins
Free-kick for Brighton on the right and Gross whips it into the box. Half-headed cleared by Konate but the ball is laid off to Kadioglu who strikes at goal.
Straight down the throat of Alisson though and a comfortable catch.
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Luke Baker14 February 2026 20:11
Liverpool 0-0 Brighton, 6 mins
More nice play from Brighton as Baleba finds space on the right and fizzes a cross-field pass to the feet of Kadioglu. The Seagulls are in dismal form recently so if they can find a way to win here, that would be huge
(AFP via Getty Images)
Luke Baker14 February 2026 20:09
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Liverpool 0-0 Brighton, 3 mins
As Rich says, Curtis Jones is at right-back and Kadioglu tests him early on with a foray down the left.
Brighton looking comfortable in possession so far in the early going.
Luke Baker14 February 2026 20:04
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‘Liverpool have a third right-back in as many games’
The latest fromRichard Jolly, at Anfield
“Szoboszlai actually has made his return in midfield. Curtis Jones is right-back, Liverpool’s third in as many games. Or fourth, including Joe Gomez’s appearance off the bench at Sunderland…”
Richard Jolly, at Anfield14 February 2026 20:03
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KICK-OFF! Liverpool 0-0 Brighton
And we’re underway at Anfield
Luke Baker14 February 2026 20:02
Here come the teams
Liverpool and Brighton trotting out now at Anfield. We’re just a couple of minutes away from kick-off now, and a place in the FA Cup fifth round will be at stake.
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(Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Luke Baker14 February 2026 19:59
Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool role is changing – and not in the way we expected
Brighton were due at Anfield and Mohamed Salah had told his family to come. It might have been his last game for Liverpool. And then, for different reasons, it might not have been. Salah was exiled from the squad after an outburst, not taken to Italy to face Inter in the Champions League. It was only on the Friday afternoon that it was confirmed he would face Brighton. Which, as a substitute, he did.
It is only 10 weeks ago. As Brighton return to Anfield, it is with Salah as a subplot and a safe assumption that his Liverpool career does not end now, or with an interview outside Elland Road. He did go after Brighton were beaten 2-0, but to the Africa Cup of Nations. Since he returned, Liverpool have played six games and he has started all six, completing five. The man who said he had been thrown under the bus has instead been thrown into the action.
Chris Wilson14 February 2026 19:51
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Arne Slot discusses squad rotation
Liverpool have gone pretty strong tonight with their line-up and Arne Slot has discussed the tough balancing act between squad rotation and winning matches
Akshay Bhatia, armed with his long putter, rolled in 71 feet worth of putts on Friday at Spyglass Hill and 59 feet worth of putts on Thursday at Pebble Beach.
Then he logged on to Instagram to make a “2 inches” comment.
In question was whether Bhatia had violated the rules while grabbing a share of the lead at the midway point of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. An Instagram user on Friday, on top of a picture of Bhatia putting with his long putter, wrote this comment:
“Is Akshay anchoring here?
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“I am not accusing. But there is a point to the question.
“The USGA and R&A screwed up royally when they banned anchoring but didn’t ban putter length.
“Because touching clothing is legal, it’s impossible to detect now.”
“In making a stroke, the player must not anchor the club, either: Directly, by holding the club or a gripping hand against any part of the body (except that the player may hold the club or a gripping hand against a hand or forearm); or Indirectly, through use of an ‘anchor point,’ by holding a forearm against any part of the body to use a gripping hand as a stable point around which the other hand may swing the club.
“If the player’s club, gripping hand or forearm merely touches their body or clothing during the stroke, without being held against the body, there is no breach of this Rule.
“For the purposes of this Rule, ‘forearm’ means the part of the arm below the elbow joint and includes the wrist.”
Bhatia said he was putting legally.
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About an hour after @waystogolf posted the picture and comment, Bhatia responded, writing:
“Not anchoring. Literally 2 inches short of my chest haha.”
About a half-day later, Bhatia then started his third round. This year, Bhatia has played three other events, missing the cut in the first two before tying for third last week at the WM Phoenix Open.
“Yeah, I mean, I think everyone’s always a little anxious — maybe not Scottie [Scheffler] — to start the year,” Bhatia said of his turnaround from his first two tournaments. “So yeah, just AmEx are on golf courses I love, didn’t play great. Torrey Pines, golf course I love, didn’t drive it great. And then I just really, I don’t know, I’m the same person, but just found some stuff in my golf swing, which was really nice. Found some stuff in my putting, which was really nice.
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“Joe [caddie Joe Greiner] and I are still really fresh, which is really hard for me to think about sometimes because we have such a good kind of bond, I guess. So we’re still getting to know each other, he’s still getting to know my game, but we’re starting to kind of mesh together where when we walk up to a shot, we’re kind of on the same page all the time.”
Railways “associated with the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics” suffered from suspected “sabotage” on Friday, the U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs announced Saturday.
The Rome-Naples, Rome-Florence, and Rome-Milan high-speed lines reportedly suffered damage earlier on Saturday, the Bureau said, citing confirmation from the Italian government.
“On February 13, Italian authorities announced enhanced security measures to prevent disruptions to railway networks during the Winter Olympics. These efforts include increased patrols along the tracks and rigorous technical monitoring of railway services,” the Bureau’s statement posted on social media read.
A general view of the Tofane mountains as the Winter Olympic Mascot, Tina, greets the crowd ahead of the Women’s Alpine Downhill Skiing at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre, Cortina d’Ampezzo, on day two of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.( Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)
“Avoid areas of disruption and exercise caution when traveling by train. Utilize good situational awareness and attempt to leave any affected areas immediately,” the statement continued.
Officials urged anyone traveling on the lines to be extra cautious and allow additional travel time.
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Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini condemned the acts.
“These are hateful criminal acts aimed at workers and at Italy,” he said, via Reuters. “I hope that no one plays down or tries to justify these crimes which put lives at risk.”
General view as gold medalist Xandra Velzeboer of Team Netherlands, silver medalist Arianna Fontana of Team Italy and bronze medalist Courtney Sarault of Team Canada participate in the national anthem during the medal ceremony for the Short Track Speed Skating Women’s 500m on day six of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games at Milano Ice Skating Arena on Feb. 12, 2026 in Milan, Italy.(Joosep Martinson/Getty Images)
Similar incidents occurred earlier in the Games, with BBC reporting that severed cables and an explosive device were found between Bologna and Venice.
Read More About The 2026 Winter Olympics
“These actions of unprecedented seriousness do not in any way tarnish Italy’s image in the world, an image that the Games will make even more compelling and positive,” Salvini said at the time of the first incident.
A general view inside the Arena during the Figure Skating Team Event Men Single Skating – Short Program of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at Milano Ice Skating Arena in Milan. (Fabrizio Carabelli/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Sir Alex Ferguson had been the king of Manchester since the 1990s and his retirement left a hole the club is yet to fill
Abbie Meehan Sports Writer U-35s
17:00, 14 Feb 2026
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Sir Alex Ferguson cemented his legacy as Manchester United boss with one final Premier League triumph in the 2012/13 season. Over almost three decades at Old Trafford, the Scottish manager won an incredible amount of trophies.
These included a record 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, five FA Cups, the European Cup Winners’ Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. He is regarded as the greatest coach the English top-flight has ever seen and became the man many clubs loved to hate.
After announcing his departure from the club in May 2013, Fergie helped the club to another Premier League title and qualification for the UEFA Champions League. United beat their closest opponents, Manchester City, by 11 points and lost just five games throughout the season.
In his farewell interview with Sky Sports, the boss was questioned on several topics. But two things struck me specifically in relation to the modern game.
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.
The reporter questioned the absence of Wayne Rooney in the starting line-up and the bench. Ferguson was extremely honest and revealed that the United icon had requested a move – and he even gave a reason for Rooney’s decision.
At the time, Fergie said: “I don’t think Wayne was keen to play simply because he’s asked for the transfer.
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“I think he wants to think it through in his mind, I think that’s a good idea. We’re not going to let him go and I think he’s maybe just a little bit frustrated [after] being taken off once or twice in the last few weeks.”
This revelation would never happen in the Premier League today with many managers opting to protect their players by keeping transfers as under wraps as possible. And it seems like even though Ferguson left in 2013, he still held stature at the club afterwards, as Rooney didn’t end up leaving Manchester until 2017 – four years after Ferguson’s departure.
Another shocking claim made by Sir Alex was the fact that the club was “leaking” information. This was in relation to his planned exit from United being shared around in the public before his official announcement.
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When asked why he waited for months to reveal the departure – after making his decision during the festive season – Ferguson stated that he wanted to keep it secret as long as he could. After telling family members and his squad of players on the Tuesday, rumours began to circulate.
The United icon said: “Unfortunately there were rumours going around on Tuesday [but] wherever it comes from, you never know. Our club’s a sieve, stuff leaks out and it shouldn’t leak out but we then started to speed it up a bit.”
This is a pattern that continued over the years at United, with an internal investigation being launched just weeks ago in January 2026 to find the source of current leaks. This decision came after the starting XI was ‘leaked’ to press hours before the club’s 2-0 derby win over City.
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Ferguson’s legacy at United is one that is unlikely to be tainted given just how successful he was at the helm. But he laid down a few home truths in his final words as the manager of one of the most successful teams in England.
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After a 2024 season in which Scottie Scheffler claimed half of the PGA Tour’s signature events, all eight were won by different players in 2025. Parity was the name of the game as winner’s checks worth $3.6 million and $4 million for the player invitationals were doled out to a variety of names, including not only Scheffler but Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas, among others.
This week, the 2026 signature events get underway as the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am takes center stage. McIlroy enters as the reigning champion after kicking off a memorable spring in California last year, not only winning at Pebble Beach but adding The Players Championship and his first Masters green jacket to three early season wins. He will be playing his first PGA Tour event of 2026, as will Tommy Fleetwood, who won the FedEx Cup a year ago.
The stakes are elevated when a signature event falls on the calendar, which means the payouts are raised, too. Not only will $3.6 million of the $20 million purse be awarded to the winner, every player inside the top 10 will clear $500,000 and those inside the top 20 will each earn north of $250,000.
Let’s take a look at how the payouts for the 2026 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am will be divided among the 80 players at Pebble Beach Golf Links.
![Heathrow has said passenger numbers were 60% lower in November than before the coronavirus pandemic and there were “high cancellations” among business travellers concerned about being trapped overseas for Christmas as Omicron spreads. The UK’s largest airport said the government’s travel restrictions had dealt a fresh blow to travel confidence and predicted it was likely to take several years for passenger numbers to return to pre-pandemic levels. This week ministers said passengers arriving in the UK would have to take a pre-departure Covid test, as well as a post-flight test, because of fears about the spread of the new variant. “[The] high level of cancellations by business travellers concerned about being trapped overseas because of pre-departure testing shows the potential harm to the economy of travel restrictions,” the airport said in an update. Heathrow said the drop in traveller confidence owing to the new travel restrictions had negated the benefit of reopening the all-important corridor to North America for business and holiday travel last month. Eleven African countries have been added to the government’s red list, requiring travellers to quarantine before reuniting with families. “By allowing Brits to isolate at home, ministers can make sure they are reunited with their loved ones this Christmas,” said John Holland-Kaye, the chief executive of Heathrow. “It would send a strong signal that restrictions on travel will be removed as soon as safely possible to give passengers the confidence to book for 2022, opening up thousands of new jobs for local people at Heathrow. Let’s reunite families for Christmas.” Heathrow said that if the government could safely signal that restrictions would be lifted soon, then employers at Heathrow would have the confidence to hire thousands of staff in anticipation of a boost in business next summer. The airport is expecting a slow start to 2022, finishing next year with about 45 million passengers – just over half of pre-pandemic levels. This week Tui, Europe’s largest package holiday operator, said it expected bookings for next summer to bounce back to 2019 levels. However, Heathrow said on Friday not to expect the aviation industry to recover for several years. “We do not expect that international travel will recover to 2019 levels until at least all travel restrictions (including testing) are removed from all the markets that we serve, at both ends of the route, and there is no risk of new restrictions, such as quarantine, being imposed,” the airport said.](https://wordupnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/shutterstock_1100012546-scaled-400x240.jpg)
![Heathrow has said passenger numbers were 60% lower in November than before the coronavirus pandemic and there were “high cancellations” among business travellers concerned about being trapped overseas for Christmas as Omicron spreads. The UK’s largest airport said the government’s travel restrictions had dealt a fresh blow to travel confidence and predicted it was likely to take several years for passenger numbers to return to pre-pandemic levels. This week ministers said passengers arriving in the UK would have to take a pre-departure Covid test, as well as a post-flight test, because of fears about the spread of the new variant. “[The] high level of cancellations by business travellers concerned about being trapped overseas because of pre-departure testing shows the potential harm to the economy of travel restrictions,” the airport said in an update. Heathrow said the drop in traveller confidence owing to the new travel restrictions had negated the benefit of reopening the all-important corridor to North America for business and holiday travel last month. Eleven African countries have been added to the government’s red list, requiring travellers to quarantine before reuniting with families. “By allowing Brits to isolate at home, ministers can make sure they are reunited with their loved ones this Christmas,” said John Holland-Kaye, the chief executive of Heathrow. “It would send a strong signal that restrictions on travel will be removed as soon as safely possible to give passengers the confidence to book for 2022, opening up thousands of new jobs for local people at Heathrow. Let’s reunite families for Christmas.” Heathrow said that if the government could safely signal that restrictions would be lifted soon, then employers at Heathrow would have the confidence to hire thousands of staff in anticipation of a boost in business next summer. The airport is expecting a slow start to 2022, finishing next year with about 45 million passengers – just over half of pre-pandemic levels. This week Tui, Europe’s largest package holiday operator, said it expected bookings for next summer to bounce back to 2019 levels. However, Heathrow said on Friday not to expect the aviation industry to recover for several years. “We do not expect that international travel will recover to 2019 levels until at least all travel restrictions (including testing) are removed from all the markets that we serve, at both ends of the route, and there is no risk of new restrictions, such as quarantine, being imposed,” the airport said.](https://wordupnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/shutterstock_1100012546-scaled-80x80.jpg)
