After a 100% winning start in his interim role, Michael Carrick is now odds-on to lead Manchester United into the first match of the Premier League season according to bookies Betfred

Michael Carrick’s future at Old Trafford seems to be secured for the foreseeable if the bookies is anything to go. The former midfielder has succeeded Ruben Amorim on an interim basis and has resurged Man United form to now find themselves going into the weekend looking for their fourth successive win.

The football has improved drastically and there seems to be a harmony along Sir Matt Busby Way which has not been seen or heard for what feels like forever. Since losing to Brighton, under Darren Fletcher’s interim, in the FA Cup third round – securing their shortest season in more than 100 years – United have gone to beat Man City, Arsenal and Fulham in the Premier League and are due to face Tottenham Hotspur at home this weekend too.

Confidence has reached a level that United have not seen in a while as they sit in the top 4 places which is something they failed to achieve at all last season. Bookies Betfred now has Carrick – a former Spurs player himself – lined up to lead the team out at the start of next season at 8/11 and in the lead by some margin ahead of the other candidates potentially lined up for the job.

Betfred’s Robert Ford said: “Punters continue to back Michael Carrick to be managing Manchester United next season as his price continues to be slashed after starting his tenure as interim boss with three successive victories. Carrick remained at even money after the club’s late win against Fulham on Sunday before returning to odds-on at 4/6 on Tuesday. This morning his price has been cut again into 8/11.

“Outgoing Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner continues to be Carrick’s closest rival in the market, despite drifting out to 7s from 5/1. Current England boss Thomas Tuchel and former Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate, have both been pushed out from 12/1 from 10s and have been joined at the same price by Marseille’s Roberto De Zerbi, who’s been cut from 16s.

“The victory against Fulham has resulted in Manchester United having their odds slashed to finish in the top four this season, as they’ve been cut into even money from 11/8 to return to the Champions League next season, with Arsenal, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Liverpool still ahead of them in the odds.”

Next Man United Manager odds

• Michael Carrick – 8/11
• Oliver Glasner – 7/1
• Gareth Southgate – 12/1
• Roberto De Zerbi – 12/1
• Thomas Tuchel – 12/1
• Julian Nagelsmann – 16/1
• Mauricio Pochettino – 16/1
• Unai Emery – 16/1
• Xabi Alonso – 20/1
• Andoni Iraola – 25/1
• Enzo Maresca – 25/1
• Luis Enrique – 25/1
• Marco Silva – 25/1
• Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – 25/1
• Xavi Hernandez – 25/1
• Eddie Howe – 33/1
• Kieran McKenna – 33/1
• Zinedine Zidane – 33/1

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Resilient galloper Sandpaper has added another black-type victory to his record, leading throughout to claim the Listed Carrington Stakes at Randwick for trainer Bjorn Baker and syndicator Darby Racing.

Given a perfect ride by Nash Rawiller, Sandpaper was heavily supported into $2.70 favouritism and proved too strong late, holding off stablemate Thunderlips ($14) by a long neck, with Matcha Latte ($6.50) finishing third.

The win followed a midfield effort in The Buffering (1400m) at Eagle Farm, a run Baker’s racing manager Luke Hilton felt had plenty of merit.

“He was really tough in Brisbane. He never got any peace. They were three-wide attacking him the whole way and I thought he held his own and boxed on really well,” Hilton said.

“Bjorn just gave him that bit of extra time between runs when he came back, and he looked fantastic in the yard.

“His work during the week was super and Nash gets on with him well.”

Rawiller completed a treble on the program, having earlier partnered Promitto and Kingdom Undersiege to victory.

The jockey admitted there was a nervous moment when the challengers loomed in the straight, but Sandpaper refused to give in.

“He’s a tough bugger,” Rawiller said.

“The way they all got to him at the top of the rise, I thought geez, I’ve been a bit pretty here.

“But I think they get tired chasing him and when he gave that kick, he is just so tough and honest.

“The stablemate probably had him there at the hundred and I think they had a little chat together and he said, ‘mate, you’re not getting past me’.”

Those assessing the Carrington Stakes form can review the latest betting markets for the race following the Randwick feature.

The post Sandpaper leads home stable quinella in Carrington Stakes first appeared on Just Horse Racing.

Oregon OT commits Drew Fielder and Avery Michael both probably have a ways to go before they will be starters for the Ducks.

Brian Smith breaks down their film.

On today’s episode of Locked On Ducks, Jay Stephens of ‘Locked On Buckeyes’ joins to talk about DB transfer Aaron Scott Jr.

Is he a lock to start at the outside corner?

Oregon LB Bryce Boettcher was the leader of the defense in 2025 as the “quarterback of the defense” for the Ducks. Who will jump into that role in 2026?

04:13 “Weight vs. Athleticism in Linemen”
10:00 Oregon Recruiting Linemen for Athleticism
13:28 Aaron Scott Jr.’s Immediate Impact
19:35 Debating Cornerback Position Fit
25:14 Linebacker Leadership and Future Picks
30:25 Malik Benson’s Iconic Moments

John Virgo, the legendary snooker player and commentator, has died at the age of 79.

Virgo was one of the best snooker players in the world during the 1970s and 1980s, winning the UK Championship in 1979 and reaching the semi-finals of the World Championship the same year.

But he truly became a household name after retiring from playing, starring alongside host Jim Davidson in hit snooker gameshow Big Break and becoming perhaps the sport’s most well-known commentator – with his iconic catchphrase “where’s the cueball going?” being instantly recognisable.

He was commentating for the BBC as recently as last month at the Masters but passed away at his home in Spain, as confirmed by the World Snooker Tour (WST).

“Everyone at World Snooker Tour is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of legendary snooker player and broadcaster John Virgo, aged 79,” WSt said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, JV.”

Tributes soon began pouring in for one of snooker’s best-loved figures, led by a touching note from World Seniors Snooker chairman Jason Francis.

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Francis wrote: “Heart breaking to share the news that we’ve lost the great ‘JV’ John Virgo this morning, he passed away in Spain.

“Rosie and Brooke-Leah would like everyone to know. Our hearts go out to them both, Gary and the grandchildren.

“JV was doing what he loved to do right up until the end, entertaining everyone. Such an important person in my life but in our sport in general. An amazingly loyal friend to me, and someone you felt was sat with you at the match when he was commentating on TV.”

Big Break host Davidson was also quick to add his best wishes following the news.

“Heartbroken to hear that my great mate John Virgo has passed away at 79. What a character, what a talent,” Davidson wrote on Instagram. “From our time together on Big Break, to the snooker commentary chair, you brought so much joy to so many. Rest easy, John. You will be missed.”

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And Virgo’s BBC commentary colleague Joe Perry described him as “one of the best people” in snooker.

Perry said: “Absolutely gutted to hear the very sad news that John Virgo has passed away. Without doubt one of the best people I’ve ever met through snooker.

“It was always an honour to work alongside him and a pleasure to be in his company. Thoughts go out to his friends and family. What a horrible day! RIP JV.”

More to follow…

John O’Shea admits Napoleonic has a significant task in the Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) scheduled for Rosehill this Saturday in 2026.

The Wootton Bassett colt, from a late champion sire, confirmed his elite status with a 4-¼ length thrashing in the Group 3 Red Anchor Stakes (1200m) on Cox Plate day.

With Tom Charlton as co-trainer, O’Shea rested the Pinecliff Racing-owned colt after that win and reports strong maturation, highlighted by a recent Randwick trial victory.

“He’s great, I’m really happy with him,” O’Shea said.

“He’s trialled up well and made a bit of psychical improvement from last season so we’re looking forward to Saturday.

Satisfied with the return to track work, O’Shea notes the Eskimo Prince Stakes and Autumn pursuits will test Napoleonic anew, especially versus benchmark Tempted.

“She’s the benchmark,” O’Shea said.

“She should’ve nearly won an Everest. In terms of 1200 metre sprinters in Australia, especially three-year-olds, there’s none better than her.

So we’re respectful of her, and we know that we’re going to have to be right at the best of our game to be competitive.”

O’Shea anticipates less flair than the Red Anchor but values the gauge on Napoleonic versus top three-year-olds.

“That was his day, fourth up, he’d had a good foundation going into it,” O’Shea said.

“It was a good day for him to let rip. Saturday is a bit different, he’s got a long campaign ahead, so whatever he does he’ll improve off, but he’s done enough work to run well.

The stable’s strategy for Napoleonic allows versatility, even eyeing Brisbane Winter carnival options.

Visit the best racing betting markets ahead of the Eskimo Prince Stakes showdown.

Napoleonic sits as $3.60 second choice in Eskimo Prince futures, trailing the $1.50 market ruler Tempted.

The post Napoleonic seeking Prince’s crown first appeared on Just Horse Racing.

Cristiano Ronaldo refused to play for Al-Nassr because of Karim Benzema’s move to Al-Hilal, sparking speculation over his future and whether he could return to Manchester United

Cristiano Ronaldo’s future has come under intense scrutiny following his contentious stand-off in Saudi Arabia.

Ronaldo, who celebrates his 41st birthday on Thursday, declined to feature for Al-Nassr in their 1-0 win against Al-Riyadh on Monday after becoming incensed by Karim Benzema’s transfer to title challengers Al-Hilal. Benzema, Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid colleague, had his Al-Ittihad deal cancelled before securing a free transfer to Al-Hilal, who sit one point clear of Al-Nassr at the top of the Saudi Pro League.

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) owns all three sides, and Ronaldo is frustrated that the transfer was approved, believing the acquisition of the French forward has unfairly strengthened Al-Hilal’s championship challenge. The circumstances have triggered questions about whether Ronaldo will complete the remaining 18 months of his £488,000-per-day agreement with Al-Nassr.

Could the five-time Ballon d’Or recipient make a remarkable third return to Manchester United? Not according to his former colleague, Wes Brown, who told BettingLounge: “He’s not happy, but would Cristiano Ronaldo come back to Manchester United for a third go? I would say no. I can’t see how that could happen.

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“A move to MLS? Maybe. Maybe he goes back to Portugal and plays there. I’m sure he will still have so many options.

“The main thing is that he still wants to play in the World Cup, and he would have to keep playing and making sure he keeps himself fit to do that. It’s a shock to everyone to see Ronaldo on strike, but I honestly think it will get resolved. We’ll have to wait and see where it goes from here.”

Neither Ronaldo nor any of his teammates and coaching staff have issued public statements following Monday’s victory. Head coach Jorge Jesus had his post-match press conference cancelled, with the squad told not to engage with journalists.

Al-Nassr are next in action on Friday, welcoming Al-Ittihad, though Ronaldo’s participation remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Al-Hilal will take on bottom-dwellers Al-Akhdoud on home soil.

The table-toppers have offered Al-Nassr a glimmer of opportunity in recent weeks, sharing the spoils in their previous two outings. A failure to overcome Al-Akhdoud would give Al-Nassr the chance to claim top spot, having last lifted the trophy in 2019, well before Ronaldo’s switch from United in 2022.

Here at The Manchester Evening News, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.

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And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis, then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.

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Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.

After suffering through four-straight 3-9 seasons, Stanford  footballcalled in a familiar name and proven winner to direct the football program as general manager: Andrew Luck

Luck replaced Troy Taylor with interim coach Frank Reich, who broke out of the three-win slump, going 4-8. Then Luck hired former Cardinal quarterback Tavita Prichart.

Stanford football has played 119 seasons through 2025, dating back to 1891.

The Cardinal did not play any games from 1906 to 1917, when the school played rugby instead, and from 1943 to 1945, due to World War II.

The Cardinal claimed national championships in 1926 and 1940.

In 1926, led by legendary coach Glenn “Pop” Warner, the team was undefeated in the regular season and tied Alabama in the 1927 Rose Bowl.

The 1940 team went unbeaten and untied after defeating Nebraska 21–13 in the 1941 Rose Bowl, but the team ranked No. 2 in the final AP poll released before the game was played.

The table below gives season rundowns with Conference, W-L record, win percentage, coach, and bowl game, if any, for each year

The 150th edition of the Westminster Dog Show is underway.

The highly anticipated event has taken place at the Javits Center and will conclude at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday. “Prove-It,” the Border Collie, handled by Amber McCune, won the Westminster’s Masters Agility Championship on Saturday.

The conformation part of the show began with best of breed judging from the Javits Center on Monday, and group judging continued on Tuesday, on FS1, where Best in Show is awarded.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

FOX pit reporter Jamie Little smiles on pit road before the NASCAR Cup Series Ambetter Health 400 race at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia, on Feb. 23, 2025. (David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The floor reporter for FS1’s primetime coverage, Jamie Little, talked with Fox News Digital about what it’s like to cover the event.

“Such an honor to be here to cover the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. It is the biggest dog show in the world. It’s the most prestigious. And then you add in the fact that it’s the 150th. You have to let that sink in. This is the second longest sporting event to the Kentucky Derby,” Little told Fox News Digital.

Little interviewed the first four winners on Monday, and the 47-year-old said you can feel the intensity and the emotions of those participating.

“You meet these families that have been coming here generation after generation with show dogs. We have so many stories. And that’s what makes this year special. We’re telling those stories, the background of the breeds who was here in the first year of the show in 1877 is pretty neat,” Little said.

“It’s always intense backstage in the staging area with the dogs you always feel the energy. But last night you know interviewing those first four winners that we saw on Monday night it’s we saw tears. I saw tears two or three times because it means that much more.”

LINDSEY VONN TO COMPETE IN WINTER OLYMPICS DAYS AFTER SUFFERING ‘COMPLETELY RUPTURED’ ACL IN WORLD CUP CRASH

Pit reporter Jamie Little of FOX Sports during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link’s 500 race at Talladega Superspeedway in Eastaboga, Alabama, on April 26, 2025. (David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Winning the Westminster Dog Show is always an honor, but there is something different about having the chance to win the 150th edition.

“I mean the fact that you have a chance to win the 150th, I mean that’s just something for the record book you’ll never forget,” Little said.

Little has been covering the show for eight years and said it feels like the event has only gotten bigger and that the dogs have gotten better. She said that even for those who don’t have a dog, the show is for everyone and it’s something that everyone loves.

Last year was the first time in four years the Westminster Dog Show returned to Madison Square Garden, returning for the first time since COVID-19. Little talked about the significance of the event being at the world’s most famous arena.

NFL’S ROGER GOODELL BELIEVES BAD BUNNY ‘UNDERSTANDS’ SUPER BOWL LX PLATFORM IS MEANT TO UNITE AMID ICE OUTCRY

A dog competes during the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show-Group Judging (Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting, Herding) and Westminster Legends Presentation at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, on Feb. 2, 2026. (Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)

“My first year covering this show, we were at Madison Square Garden. It was just like, ‘Oh my gosh.’ Like, it’s that show or that movie that you see ‘Best in Show.’ It’s like the bright lights, the cameras, the energy. And then with COVID-19 we had to move out of the city, and we’ve gone to a couple other places,” Little said.

“Being back at Madison Square Garden, that’s what everybody wants. They want that big venue. I mean, the amount of events that this place does and then they turn it into a dog ring — like dog showing — it’s amazing. But the energy and the lights, it’s just something special for the people watching, the sound from the audience, the dogs feed off of it.”

The favorite part of the show for Little is getting the opportunity to interview the winners.

“I think my favorite part is just telling the stories of the dogs. I think these winners that come in and they’re emotional because they’ve been trying it for 20 years, and then their parents before them, their grandparents before that. And they work so hard every single day to create these perfect specimens that they do. And to have them as a show winner, it means everything to them. So, I think anything, no matter what I’m covering, interviewing a winner is the best. And this is even better because then I have a dog I get to pet during the interview.”

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Joey Logano (22 Team Penske AAA Insurance Ford, left) talks with FOX Sports reporter Jamie Little after winning the Wurth 400 Presented by LIQUI MOLY in the NASCAR Cup Series at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 4, 2025. (Austin McAfee/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

After covering the Westminster Dog Show, Little will shift gears and head down to cover the Daytona 500. She said the dog show is intense, but it’s different compared to the intensity that comes from NASCAR.

“I always joke with people that I cover four paws and then I’m going to shift it up and go four wheels in Daytona. And it is so different. I mean, you have the intensity of the dog show, but everybody’s happy. They’re having fun. The dogs love their job. These dogs are treated better than most people. I mean, they’re living a life. They are pets at home or they’re therapy dogs. They do incredible things,” Little said.

“And then you shift it up to Daytona where people are happy, but it’s intense. I mean, we’re going to see crazy wrecks. It’s going to be intense. So, completely different worlds. It’s so much fun. My hair will be back in a ponytail, headset on. For the dog show, I’m wearing a fancy evening gown like I’m going, you know, to a wedding. It’s incredible. It’s fun to get to do both.”

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All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman became a free agent at the end of the 2025 season after opting out of three-year contract he signed with the Boston Red Sox last offseason.

Amid his high-profile free agency, Bregman started Club Nemesis, a performance hub designed for professional baseball players. Former All-Star outfielder Chris Young visited the club this week and had a conversation with the Chicago Cubs infielder.

During a conversation with Bregman for MLB Network, Young asked what drove the two-time World Series winner to opening the club. Bregman answered:

“I’ve played over the last 10 years. You kind of learn and adapt and grow and figure out what works for you and and you take a little bit from one coach and one player and you try and put the pieces together for your puzzle.

“I feel like for me, I was always searching to try and get one percent better, whether that’s staying healthy or strengthening conditioning or baseball activity defense, hitting whatever it may be.”

Bregman’s wife Reagan Elizabeth reacted to the Instagram post with the video of the interview, commenting:

“1% better.”

Bregman has had several visitors to his club in the offseason, including San Francisco Giants star Matt Chapman and Baltimore Orioles’ Jackson Holliday.

Alex Bregman’s wife Reagan shared adorable moment between their children

Alex Bregman ended his free agency after signing a five-year deal with the Chicago Cubs last month. Bregman’s wife shared a glimpse of their time in Chicago during the offseason. She shared pictures of their time together at the Wrigley Field in an Instagram post.

“The warmest welcome,” Reagan captioned her post.

Reagan and Alex welcomed their second son in April 2025. Bregman’s wife shared a picture of her elder son, Knox, sharing an adorable moment with his sibling in her Instagram story.

“My heart,” she captioned her story.

Reagan and her children were often in the stands at Fenway Park to cheer for Bregman last season. They will be showing their support to the All-Star infielder in his first season with the Cubs in 2026.