With hundreds of regulated betting sites available to UK players, there’s no shortage of trusted brands and betting sign up offers to choose from.

Best UK betting sites – February 2026

Finding the best betting site should boil down to factors like promotions, odds value, app quality, key features, payout speeds and customer support.

That’s why The Independent has tested and compared both established operators and new betting sites to rank the top UK bookmakers today.

On this page, you’ll find our highly-rated UK betting sites ranked and reviewed, with our recommendations regularly updated based on our ongoing research.

Find your favourite betting site

Best betting sites – trusted expert reviews

Here are our recommendations for the best betting sites in the UK today, with reviews for each bookie below.

Welcome Offer: Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets

Key Features: Consistently strong football odds • Huge range of football betting markets • Industry-leading in-play stats and graphics • Live streaming on selected matches • Football promos like early payout and price boosts

Review

Bet365 is the standout football betting site in the UK thanks to boasting the best odds consistently and a wide range of markets.

They have an extensive range of markets across major leagues, alongside some of the best in-play tools available, including live stats, match graphics and streaming on selected fixtures.

Football-specific promotions such as early payout, price boosts and accumulator offers keep regular players catered for.

Overall, the platform is dependable and well suited to both casual and experienced bettors.

open image in gallery

Advertisement

Pros

✓ Excellent in-play tools and match coverage

✓ Strong odds across many leagues

✓ Reliable app with live streaming features

✓ New users can also claim £30 in free bets

Cons

✗ No Champions League streaming despite UEFA link

✗ Fewer free bet promos than some rivals

✗ Bigger sign-up offers elsewhere

Best betting site for horse racing: Tote

Welcome Offer: Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets

Key Features: Historic pool betting operator since 1928 • Deep UK and Irish racing coverage • Tote Price Guarantee vs SP • Cash out and live streaming tools • £30 welcome offer with Tote Credit • Weekly £10 racing rewards via Stayers Club

Review

Tote is one of the most established horse racing betting sites, offering a unique pool betting experience that you won’t find with traditional fixed-odds bookmakers.

Its platform provides strong coverage of UK and Irish meetings with standard features such as cash out and live streaming.

The Tote Price Guarantee is a key selling point as it matches or beats the starting price on all win bets.

New customers can claim £30 in free bets after staking £10, while regular bettors benefit from weekly rewards through the Stayers Club.

Returns can be less predictable with pool betting, but Tote remains a top choice for racing fans.

open image in gallery

Advertisement

Pros

✓ Price Guarantee matches or beats SP

✓ Excellent racing focus and coverage

✓ Weekly free bets through Stayers Club

✓ Highly rated horse racing betting app

Cons

✗ Live streaming service not as good as Bet365

✗ Pool betting returns can be harder to calculate

✗ No free-to-play racing prediction game

Best betting site welcome offer: SpreadEx

Welcome Offer: Bet £10, Get £60 Free Bets

Key Features: £60 free bets from a £10 qualifying wager • Bonus paid in three instalments over three days • Includes fixed-odds and spread betting free bets • Eligible on pre-match or in-play markets • Free bets valid for 28 days

Review

SpreadEx currently offers one of the most valuable sign-up deals available to UK bettors, with £60 in free bets awarded after a £10 qualifying fixed-odds wager.

The bonus is split across three daily instalments and includes a mix of fixed-odds and spread betting bets, which gives experienced punters extra variety.

Free bets can be used over a generous 28-day period, longer than most rivals, and the platform supports modern payment options such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.

However, spread betting carries additional risk and part of the reward requires opening a full spread betting account. Only engage in spread betting if you understand how it works.

open image in gallery

Pros

✓ One of the biggest welcome offers on the UK market

✓ Low £10 qualifying bet requirement

✓ Long 28-day free bet expiry window

✓ Mix of fixed-odds and spread betting rewards

Cons

✗ Bonus not paid in one single lump sum

✗ Half the offer is tied to spread betting

✗ Spread betting can lead to losses beyond stake

Best online bookmaker for free bets: Betfred

Welcome Offer: Bet £10, Get £50 Free Bets

Key Features: Ongoing free bet offers after sign up • Free bets issued within hours • Free bets across most sports markets • Strong ongoing promos for accas and racing

Betfred is the strongest UK bookmaker for free bets, not only for its generous welcome offer but also for the volume of ongoing rewards available to existing customers.

New players can claim £50 in free bet credits after depositing and staking £10 at evens or above, with tokens credited shortly after settlement.

Beyond sign-up, Betfred runs regular promotions such as MoneyBack Specials, in-play free bets, Acca Flex refunds and racing bonuses like Best Odds Guaranteed.

The welcome offer value and consistent ongoing offers makes Betfred our top recommendation for bettors who prioritise free bet offers.

open image in gallery

Advertisement

Pros

✓ £50 free bets for new customers who bet £10

✓ Regular ongoing free bet promos for existing customers

✓ Strong accumulator and racing-specific rewards

✓ Free bets usable across a wide range of sports

Cons

✗ Only debit card deposits accepted for the welcome offer

✗ Some free bet tokens are restricted to accumulators

✗ Free bets expire within seven days

Best online bookmaker for bet builders: Unibet

Welcome Offer: Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets

Key Features: Build bet builders with 10+ legs • Pre-prepared bet builder options available • Bet builders across multiple sports • Same Race Multis for horse racing • Competitive odds and market depth • Unibet TV live streaming integration

Review

Unibet’s bet builder tool offers the best flexibility across a wide range of sports.

Players can add over 10 legs to a single selection, or choose from pre-built options.

Unibet also stands out for its racing bet builder functionality (Same Race Multis) which remains relatively rare among horse racing bookmakers.

The platform is further enhanced by Unibet TV, allowing customers to follow live events while building and tracking bets in-play.

There’s also a solid welcome offer worth £30 in free bets from a first £10 stake for newcomers.

open image in gallery

Pros

✓ Best bet builder tool on the market

✓ Rare racing bet builder

✓ Live streaming via Unibet TV

✓ Strong £30 free bet welcome offer

Cons

✗ Bet builder complexity may not suit beginners

✗ Streaming availability varies by event

Best new betting sites UK February 2026

Find your favourite new betting sites

We also monitor new betting sites making waves in the UK and have selected the best new bookies to have entered the market in the last year or two.

New betting sites – trusted expert reviews

We tested several new bookmakers before arriving at the above list, which are strong choices for popular forms of betting.

We’re keeping an eye out for any worthy rivals entering the UK market in 2026 and regularly review our recommendations.

Best new football betting site: QuinnBet

Welcome Offer: 50% Cashback up to £25

Key Features: Daily bet builder boosts up to 20% • Extra 10% acca bonus on trebles+ • 0-0 bet builder refund protection • Regular football-focused rewards • Boosts applied to winning multiples • Designed for frequent football bettors

Review

Thanks to its impressive range of ongoing promotions QuinnBet has quickly established itself as the best new UK bookmaker for football betting.

Bet builder users benefit from daily profit boosts of up to 20%, while accumulator bettors can earn an additional 10% bonus on successful trebles and above.

The standout feature is its 0-0 money-back offer, which refunds losing featured bet builders as a free bet when matches finish goalless.

These consistent football betting rewards make QuinnBet particularly appealing for regular punters, although promotions come with plenty of terms and conditions it has to be said.

open image in gallery

Pros

✓ Excellent daily football promotions

✓ Strong bet builder and acca boost rewards

✓ Handy 0-0 refund protection

✓ Rewards for regular bettors

Cons

✗ Free bets must be manually claimed

✗ No similar boosts available for in-play betting

Best new horse racing bookmaker: Puntit

Welcome Offer: Bet £10, Get £20 in Free Bets

Key Features: Part of the BetVictor Group • Best Odds Guaranteed on UK & Irish racing • 10% weekly cashback on racing losses • Daily price boosts on singles and multiples • Money-back offers as free bets on disrupted races • User-friendly sportsbook design

Review

Puntit is an exciting new UK horse racing bookmaker backed by the established BetVictor Group, offering a familiar and reliable betting experience.

Its standout feature is the 10% weekly cashback on racing losses, which provides consistent value for regular punters.

Bettors also benefit from Best Odds Guaranteed across UK and Irish meetings, plus daily racing boosts on both singles and pre-built multiples.

Puntit also has money-back promotions in the form of horse racing free bets when a selection loses all chance at the start.

While some features, such as bet builder functionality, remain fairly basic, it is an excellent choice for frequent racing bettors.

open image in gallery

Pros

✓ Weekly cashback on racing losses

✓ Best Odds Guaranteed across UK and Ireland

✓ Daily price boosts on key races

✓ Strong value for regular horse racing punters

Cons

✗ Bet builder tools could be more advanced

✗ Newer platform with fewer extras than major rivals

✗ Promotions may have race-specific conditions

Best new bookmaker for free bets: LiveScore Bet

Welcome Offer: Bet £10, Get £30 Free Bets

Key Features: £30 free bets for new users • Weekly £5 acca bet via Acca Club • VAR ruled-out goalscorer refunds • Racing money-back offers on placed runners • Early payout and accumulator insurance • Strong app experience

Review

LiveScore Bet has quickly become the best new UK bookmakers for free bet value, combining a solid sign-up deal with regular ongoing promotions.

Newcomers can claim £30 in free bets, while existing users benefit from football and racing-specific rewards throughout the week.

Standout offers include free bet refunds on certain goalscorer markets when a goal is disallowed by VAR, plus money-back promotions on selected horse races.

There’s also a weekly £5 free acca available through the Acca Club.

Market depth is a little inferior compared to major rivals, but free bet promos are in constant supply.

open image in gallery

Advertisement

Pros

✓ Regular free bet promos across football and racing

✓ Weekly rewards through Acca Club

✓ Early payout and acca insurance offers

Cons

✗ Fewer markets than larger established bookies

✗ Promotions require opt-in and qualifying stakes

✗ Promos mainly aimed at accumulator bettors

Best new bookmaker for bet builders: EasyBet

Welcome Offer: Bet £20, Get £20 Free Bets

Key Features: Bet builder available across eight sports • Combine up to 12 markets in one event • Football odds boosts on featured bet builders • Weekly Premier League bet builder free bets • Straightforward ongoing promotions

Review EasyBet is an exchange-led betting site that also delivers a strong bet builder experience.

Their bet builder tool is simple to use and covers eight sports, including football, MMA, cricket, rugby and major US leagues.

Users can combine up to 12 markets from a single match, which will suit most casual and regular bettors.

The platform also runs consistent bet builder incentives, including two £5 free bet builder bets each week on Premier League fixtures when staking £20 or more.

While the exchange format may not appeal to everyone, EasyBet’s offers are clear and accessible.

open image in gallery

Pros

✓ Bet builder available across a wide range of sports

✓ Regular free bet builder promotions each week

✓ Simple tool with enough market flexibility

✓ Strong selection of ongoing offers

Cons

✗ Exchange betting model won’t suit all users

✗ Fewer bet builder legs than some major rivals

✗ Best promos reserved for Premier League

Best new bookmaker for cash out: BetTOM

Welcome Offer: 50% Cashback up to £25

Key Features: Fast cash out tool • Good in-play betting platform • Cash out available on singles and multiples • Decent welcome offer for new users • Designed for live betting

Review

BetTOM has quickly positioned itself as one of the best new UK bookmakers for cash out, particularly for bettors who enjoy wagering in-play.

While most operators now offer cash out, BetTOM stands out for how quickly and smoothly the feature works during live events.

In our experience, cash out requests were processed within seconds, giving punters greater control to secure profits or limit losses instantly.

The in-play interface is clean and responsive, with plenty of markets available across major sports.

Although live streaming options are more limited than some established rivals, BetTOM’s fast settlement and strong live betting focus make it a strong choice.

open image in gallery

Advertisement

Pros

✓ Excellent in-play performance

✓ Fast cash out on most sports markets

✓ Works on both singles and multiples

✓ Strong welcome offer for new customers

Cons

✗ Fewer live streams than some bigger bookies

✗ Best suited mainly to in-play bettors

✗ Newer platform with fewer extras overall

How we rank UK betting sites

We rank online bookmakers using first-hand testing, transparent evaluation criteria and strict editorial standards.

Here are the key factors we consider when compiling our rankings on this page:

Gambling licence & regulation

All the gambling operators on our list are licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).

This ensures the bookie meets legal requirements around fair play, data security, customer funds protection and responsible gambling protocols.

Trust and transparency

We utilise our journalistic expertise to evaluate betting sites, favouring bookmakers that make their terms and conditions digestible and have a proven track record of resolving customer issues.

We also consider the experience of other punters, checking verified feedback UK betting sites receive to get an alternative view from fellow bettors.

Desktop and mobile usability

Each betting site is put through its paces on both desktop and mobile devices. We consider ease of navigation, page load speed and app usability and responsiveness.

Quality of offers and promos

We assess how valuable each welcome offer really is, including factors such as minimum deposits, winnings caps and overall usability.

We also consider whether ongoing promotions are available to existing customers and whether there is a good variety of offers across different sports.

Commitment to safer gambling

A bookmaker’s approach to player welfare is a key factor in our rankings. We only recommend operators that make it easy for users to stay in control.

That means easy access to deposit limits and time-outs, clear links to self-exclusion and support services and proactive account monitoring.

Why trust The Independent?

Chris Wilson is a sports reporter at The Independent who has expertise in betting and gaming. He is constantly testing and reviewing new casino sites and betting sites across the UK to maintain our list of the best online bookmakers.

He has tested dozens of UK bookmakers in order to compile his rankings, with reviews updated regularly.

As alluded to above, Chris uses a range of strict criteria when evaluating online betting sites, considering promotions and offers, the variety of games and payment methods, efficient customer service and the overall experience.

Each betting site recommended by Chris on behalf of The Independent is fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission.

What to bet on: This week’s sporting schedule

Football

The Europa League and Europa Conference League tournaments have reached the play-off round with Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace both in action.

We then turn our attention towards the weekend, with Arsenal travelling to Tottenham in the north London derby on Sunday afternoon, hoping to get their title charge back on track.

Manchester City could be just two points behind by the time the Gunners kick-off if they can beat Newcastle on Saturday evening, while new Nottingham Forest boss Vitor Pereira will take charge of the Tricky Trees for the first time when they host Liverpool on Sunday.

Rugby Union

It’s round three of the Six Nations and England need a positive result when they face Ireland at home after last week’s shock loss to Scotland. That clash at Twickenham gets underway at 2.10pm, before the Scots bid to follow up their Calcutta Cup success away to a struggling Wales side.

On Sunday, leaders France take on an improving Italy team in Lille.

Cricket

The Super 8s stage at the Twenty20 World Cup gets underway on Saturday with the majority of the big nations safely through, apart from Australia. England begin their Super 8s schedule with a clash against co-hosts Sri Lanka on Sunday morning.

Horse racing

This week’s big meetings come from Kempton, which plays host to the Ladbrokes Trophy, and Lingfield, with the latter staging the Winter Derby on its all-weather track. Both meetings take place on Saturday afternoon.

Winter Olympics

The 2026 Olympic Winter Games reach their conclusion this weekend, and there’s still plenty of gold medals left to hand out, with both the men’s and women’s ice hockey tournaments set for thrilling finales.

Other highlights

Some of tennis’s big guns are in action in the Middle East on both the ATP and WTA Tours at the events in Qatar and the UAE, which conclude this weekend. The Genesis Invitational is the big golf event of the weekend on the PGA Tour, while it’s the World Club Challenge in rugby league on Thursday evening as Hull KR and Brisbane Broncos fight to be crowned world champions.

Gamble responsibly on betting sites

A 2025 study by the UK Gambling Commissionfound that certain types of gambling are more likely to lead to problem gambling in the future.

Betting on sports scored highly on the UKGC’s Problem Gambling Severity Index, and it’s crucial that bettors understand that using betting apps comes with risks.

Gambling should be treated as a form of entertainment rather than a way to make money. Never stake more than you can afford to lose and avoid chasing losses by placing additional bets.

The same applies whether you’re using online bookmakers, slot sites, casino sites, casino apps, or any other gambling medium.

All licensed UK bookmakers provide tools to help you stay in control, including deposit limits, self-assessment checks, and session reminders to manage both time and spending.

If gambling ever starts to feel difficult to manage, support is available, and you are encouraged to seek help from the organisations listed below:

Best betting sites UK: FAQs

Which are the best betting sites in the UK?

It’s a good idea to test out different sites before deciding which is best for you. It depends what you want from your chosen site, but our recommendations are Bet365 for football, Tote for horse racing, Betfred for free bets, SpreadEx for sign up offer and Unibet for bet builders.

What are non-GamStop betting sites?

Any site that is not part of the GamStop initiative is possibly unlicensed, unregulated and off-shore, meaning bettors are taking a huge risk when using their services. All our recommended UK online bookmakers are on GamStop, and we don’t recommend non-GamStop betting sites.

Which betting sites offer cash out?

Cash out has become a standard feature on UK betting sites, often used to lock in a profit or cut your losses. It is available on ante-post, single and accumulator bets on most sports. Some of the best betting sites offering cash out include Bet365, Betfred, Kwiff, BetMGM and BetTOM.

What betting sites accept PayPal?

Most UK bookmakers now accept PayPal and other e-wallets as a payment method. However, several betting sites do not allow PayPal transfers when it comes to qualifying for their sign up offer, so remember to check the accepted payment methods for any welcome offer before going ahead.

What betting sites offer Irish Lotto?

At least three UK betting sites offer Irish Lotto betting options. These include Tote (via pools), Lottoland and Betfred, the last of which provides lottery-style betting options for its customers.

How do you block UK betting sites?

There are several free tools available that allow bettors to block themselves from seeing gambling websites. Options include BetBlock, GamBan and GamBlock. Bettors could also join GamStop’s self-exclusion list to prevent them from using UK betting sites.

What betting sites accept credit cards?

Bettors have not been able to use credit cards on UK betting sites since April 2020 following research by the Gambling Commission that suggested many problem gamblers used credit cards. Any betting site that offers to accept credit card deposits will not be a licensed UK betting site and should be avoided.

Which betting sites accept Revolut?

Only a handful of betting sites currently accept Revolut as a payment option, with Unibet and QuinnBet two of the biggest names to add Revolut to their banking options. While deposits are instant, withdrawals using Revolut can take several days, meaning bettors who want access to their winnings faster may want to consider alternatives.

We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Brett Favre believes there has been a change in the NFL’s engagement strategy.

The Pro Football Hall of Famer discussed the issue during an appearance on Tomi Lahren’s OutKick show earlier this week, in which Lahren said she felt the NFL changed its approach to the way it appeals to fans “somewhere around Colin Kaepernick.”

It was a sentiment that Favre agreed with.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM 

Green Bay Packers quarterback (4) Brett Favre warms up before playing against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. (Tom Szczerbowski/USA TODAY Sports)

“I think there probably is some truth to that. Why that has changed, I really don’t know,” Favre said. “Because I think your general football audience is people like you and I. Maybe loves football, or maybe is a casual, fair-weather fan, but it is the biggest show in town. So you watch it, you know, you watch the halftime show and who sang the national anthem. You know, that’s been that way for a long time.

“But you’re right, you know, in the last maybe 10 years, maybe a little longer, there’s been a slight shift. For whatever reason, I have no idea, because you want to appeal to your true fans. And it doesn’t seem like that is the case anymore.”

Green Bay Packers quarterback (4) Brett Favre is interviewed after defeating the Detroit Lions. (Tom Szczerbowski/USA TODAY Sports )

IMG ACADEMY SET TO PAY NEARLY $2 MILLION IN FINES AFTER STUDENTS’ PARENTS LINKED TO MEXICAN DRUG CARTEL

Conservative fans were turned off by the decision to have Bad Bunny perform during the Super Bowl halftime show — he was largely criticized for having almost his entire performance in Spanish.

President Donald Trump called it “one of the worst” halftime shows of all time.

“This ‘Show’ is just a ‘slap in the face’ to our Country, which is setting new standards and records every single day — including the Best Stock Market and 401(k)s in History! There is nothing inspirational about this mess of a Halftime Show and watch, it will get great reviews from the Fake News Media, because they haven’t got a clue of what is going on in the REAL WORLD,” Trump wrote on Truth Social shortly after the show.

Bad Bunny performs during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl LX football game between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Feb. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The show was the fourth most-watched of all time, but NFL ratings continue to skyrocket. NFL games accounted for 92 of the top 100 most-watched telecasts throughout 2025.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter

Autumn Mystery, the three-year-old stayer, commences his push toward the South Australian Derby by facing off against older rivals on Caulfield’s track.

Viewers last watched him claim eighth spot in the Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington in November, and he now enters Saturday’s Lamaro’s Hotel Handicap (1400m), a benchmark 84 event.

His trainer, Rory Hunter, intends three targeted races as build-up to the South Australian Derby (2500m) at Morphettville set for May 2.

The sequence post-Saturday includes the Alister Clark Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield March 21, the Easter Cup (2000m) there on April 4, and then the Derby four weeks further along.

Hunter indicated the lineup allows breathing space should disruptions occur.

“The South Australian Derby will be his grand final this prep and hopefully we can go into that fourth run in,” Hunter said.

“He’ll go to the Alister Clark Stakes in a month’s time after this and then maybe the Easter Cup at Caulfield then hopefully into the South Australian Derby.

“I think the lead-up race over there, the Chairman’s, comes up a bit short only seven days before the Derby and if anything goes wrong, you’re a bit short on time with them, so we’d prefer to give him that two or three weeks into it.

“Saturday’s race, I think, it’s a good stepping stone for him. He comes in with a lightweight being a three-year-old.

“I’m hoping he’s making some late ground and we’ll be happy.”

Hunter is optimistic about a favorable gate for Autumn Mystery in the South Australian Derby.

From a wide draw in the Victoria Derby, Autumn Mystery trailed at the rear under Blake Shinn but surged late to take eighth.

“Unfortunately, he drew a wide barrier and there wasn’t much we could do,” Hunter said.

“Blake’s hands were tied and we had to go back and ride him cold and finish off the best he could, but he still ran really well.

“His sectionals were the quickest of the race, last 600, 400 and 200 (metres) and I think he’s got a lot of improvement still to come this time around.”

Discover the finest betting sites offering racing betting markets for the Lamaro’s Hotel Handicap.

Bryce Harper was part of one of the better bench-clearing brawls in recent memory, and it seems like he wouldn’t mind being in more.

Harper, of course, charged the mound to go fist for fist with relief pitcher Hunter Strickland in 2017, stemming from beef the two had years earlier.

The two-time MVP watched the film of the fight on a recent episode of “Bussin’ With The Boys,” and gave a wild opinion.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM 

Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper reacts with rage after being hit by a pitch thrown by the San Francisco Giants’ Hunter Strickland during the San Francisco Giants game versus the Washington Nationals at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California. (Daniel Gluskoter/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

“I think this should happen more often in baseball,” Harper said. “I think it would eliminate guys throwing at each other. It’s just like hockey. If you want to go, you want to go. 

“This is just part of the game. Obviously, I don’t want to fight anyone on the baseball field. But there comes a time where it’s like, hey dude you get drilled, it is what it is at that point.”

Washington Nationals Bryce Harper (34) fights with San Francisco Giants Michael Morse, and Jeff Samardzija during the eighth inning of their game on Monday, May 29, 2017, in San Francisco, California. (MediaNews Group/Bay Area News via Getty Images)

MIKE TROUT GIVES THE $35 MILLION REASON WHY HE WILL NOT PLAY FOR TEAM USA IN WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC

Harper also said there is “no bad blood” between himself and Strickland anymore.

Harper was suspended for four games, while Strickland was out for six. Fighting in hockey is normally a five-minute major, but further punishment could occur.

The aftermath of a fight between Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper and San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Hunter Strickland left the teams heated during a regular season MLB game between the San Francisco Giants and the Washington Nationals at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California on May 29, 2017. (Samuel Stringer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Harper is going into his 15th MLB season — he’s a lifetime .280 hitter with a .905 OPS.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Roy Keane has criticised Michael Carrick since Manchester United appointed the former Middlesbrough manager as their interim head coach – but he is not bothered

Michael Carrick insists he is not ‘bothered’ by criticism and critique from the likes of Roy Keane and Gary Neville.

Carrick, 44, has made an impressive start to his second spell at Manchester United following his appointment as head coach until the end of the campaign after taking over from Ruben Amorim. The club’s former midfielder has secured four victories and one draw from his opening five fixtures at the helm.

That sequence of results has propelled United to fourth place in the Premier League table. They are now just five points behind third-placed Aston Villa and eight off Manchester City.

Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings

However, upon his appointment, Carrick faced scrutiny from Keane, who questioned his suitability. Keane stated last month that he was “concerned” about Carrick’s arrival and suggested the club are a “circus act at the moment”.

Speaking to the BBC, Carrick has now made clear he remains untroubled by criticism from Keane and fellow pundits. When questioned whether he must ‘accept’ and ‘shut out’ external comment, Carrick responded: “It doesn’t bother me one bit. Genuinely, it doesn’t. I’m not going to really fall out with anyone over that.

“I think it’s a respect thing as much as anything, and I’ll give and take that. I think for younger players in general, it’s something we need to help them with and look after them. It’s a different world now to when, say, I was coming through, but we do that, and we look after them.”

FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

Carrick is being considered for the permanent position at United this summer, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was seven years ago. United are also exploring alternative candidates, including Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto De Zerbi, whilst Thomas Tuchel is committed to remaining as England manager until at least 2028.

Carrick, who featured in over 450 matches during his playing career at Old Trafford, has hinted at his ambition to become United’s next permanent head coach, describing it as the “ultimate role”. He said: “I’m really enjoying it, I love what I’m doing.

“I’m fortunate. I feel privileged to be in the position I am, but it’s not the fact that I believe I can do it, and I’m here to do it.

“I said it when I came in – there’s the sentimental side of that… of understanding the role and coming through the club and being here and loving the club and being a supporter and all that side of it is one thing. But actually, I’m here to do a job now, and to make a good team, and be successful.

“I don’t decide how long that’s going to be, but I love being here, and whilst I’m here, I’ll give everything I can. And I always plan for the long-term future for the benefit of the football club. That’s how I believe it should be.”

United travel to Everton on Monday for their next Premier League clash. The Red Devils were beaten 1-0 in the corresponding fixture back in November, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall netting the only goal in the first half.

Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

£49

£35

Sky

Get Sky Sports here

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.

Advertisement

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

Rahul Chahar receiving India cap from Virat Kohli

India leg-spinner Rahul Chahar has announced his separation from his wife Ishani Johar, nearly four years after their marriage. The couple got married in 2022 in a ceremony held in Goa.The 26-year-old shared the update about his personal life through a post on Instagram on Friday (February 20), confirming that the marriage has legally ended. In the note, Rahul reflected on his experiences and what he learned over the years.In a lengthy social media post on Instagram, Rahul Chahar exclaimed that he had entered marriage at a young age before wholly understanding himself and what he wanted to build.“I entered marriage at a young age, before I fully understood myself, my worth, or the life I truly wanted to build. What followed were years of lessons I never expected, and the last fifteen months spent navigating courtrooms, learning patience, resilience, and the strength that some from in truth,” Rahul said.The leg-spinner said the chapter of his life has now formally ended and that he has no regrets.“Today, that chapter of my life formally comes to a close. After due legal process, the matter has been settled with my resolution that costed a lot, bringing finality to this phase of my life. I close this chapter not with anger or regret, but with clarity. Some relationships are not meant to last forever they are meant to awaken us, teach us, and transform us,” the leg-spinner said.On the cricket front, Rahul Chahar has not had regular opportunities in the IPL in recent seasons after an early run with Mumbai Indians. He last played for India in 2021, having made his international debut in 2019.He initially went unsold in the first round of the IPL 2026 mini auction, but Chennai Super Kings later signed him for Rs 5.20 crore to strengthen their spin attack. He will look to revive his form this season.