Manchester United Women have announced the appointment of Eva Olid as their new head coach on an initial two-year deal with the option of a further year.

The move follows Marc Skinner’s departure by mutual consent earlier this week, after five years at the helm.

Olid arrives at the Women’s Super League club fresh from leading Heart of Midlothian to their historic first Scottish Women’s Premier League title triumph in May, marking a significant achievement in her coaching career.

Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, the Spanish coach stated: “The opportunity to become head coach of Manchester United Women is a dream come true. The club has outstanding infrastructure and everything we need to achieve our ambitions. We have an excellent training facility, an academy that is already producing players capable of performing in a competitive first team and an exceptional group of support staff.”

She continued, highlighting her focus on player development: “There is already so much talent within our squad and I am excited to work with the players to support them to fulfil their immense potential. I am joining Manchester United at a really exciting time. There is a clear alignment in our shared vision for long-term success. I cannot wait to begin preparing a team that will make our incredible supporters proud.”

Manchester United hailed Olid’s arrival as the “start of an exciting new era,” aligning with the club’s stated “clear vision for long-term, sustainable growth and success.”

Skinner’s tenure saw the Red Devils finish fourth in the WSL last season and reach the Champions League quarter-finals, achievements the club acknowledged as building “important foundations.”

Matt Johnson, United’s director of women’s football, lauded Olid’s qualities: “Eva is an outstanding coach with an incredible determination to succeed. Her remarkable achievements at Heart of Midlothian showcased her ability to maximise the potential of individual players whilst also implementing an exciting style of football. We are delighted that she will now bring those qualities to Manchester United. Eva is the perfect coach to lead us into an exciting new era.”

Johnson further emphasised the alignment of Olid’s philosophy with the club’s long-term strategy: “She shares our commitment to developing exciting homegrown and young players, a tradition deeply embedded in our club’s history and culture, as well as improving established senior internationals, both of which form an integral part of our vision for long-term, sustainable success.”

Olid’s first competitive match in charge will be the WSL season opener against London City Lionesses on 4 September.

WRU chiefs have said the process to decide the framework for the final decision will begin in December and finish before the end of the 2026-27 campaign.

Daniels believes there is scope to continue with four Welsh regions, and would like the WRU to explain its rationale for removing a team in the west.

“From a club perspective, we feel that the decision, and the justification, for moving from four [clubs] to three needs more work,” Daniels added.

“I understand that there is data which has been used to come up with this decision. It hasn’t been shared. We will really call for transparency in that discussion.

“These are decisions that are going to have a long-lasting effect, not just on rugby, but on communities in west Wales. I think that needs a proper airing publicly.”

He added: “Our position is that before you can come out and make statements which have such an impact on people in Wales, I still feel there is a discussion and justification needed for the move to reduce the number of teams.

“Welsh rugby should be able to accommodate four teams, just as they do in Ireland and other countries.

“If there is data and evidence that we can’t, then let’s have the discussion about how you reduce the number of teams.

“Even then, I think we would struggle to see how that should be isolated to the west and not be a broader Welsh rugby challenge to face.”

Daniels says it is Scarlets’ duty to ensure the uncertainty surrounding them does not creep into their on-field performance.

Instead, he feels the WRU’s current stance should unite Scarlets and wants to see everyone, players, supporters and staff, fighting for their future.

President Donald Trump speaks as FIFA President Gianni Infantino listens at a reception at Trump Tower in New York, Friday, July 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

US President Donald Trump is reportedly prepared to do “everything possible” to help Gianni Infantino remain FIFA president as the football governing body’s chief faces the biggest leadership crisis of his tenure following the collapse of the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal.The latest development comes as Infantino continues to battle mounting political pressure within world football after abandoning plans to sell minority stakes in FIFA competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups, with growing calls to remove him as FIFA president.While FIFA has denied reports of recent contact between Infantino and the White House, fresh claims suggest Trump remains firmly in the Swiss administrator’s corner.

Trump reportedly remains loyal to Infantino

According to The Telegraph, Trump is willing to support Infantino despite the growing backlash against the FIFA president.The report states that Infantino was expected to hold discussions with members of Trump’s administration, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in an effort to stabilise his position. Both FIFA and the US State Department denied those reports.However, a senior administration official close to both Trump and Infantino told The Telegraph that the US president continues to value his relationship with the FIFA chief following the successful staging of the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the United States, Canada and Mexico.The official said:“Gianni helped us a lot to deliver the best World Cup ever. The president likes him a lot. I am sure the president will do everything possible to help him.”The source added:“I don’t think the president will change his mind on him, because he is a loyal person. Gianni really delivered the World Cup for the United States. We value that.”

FIFA denies reports of recent contact

The claims surfaced just days after reports suggested Infantino had attempted to reach Trump following the collapse of FIFA’s commercialisation proposal.According to the New York Post, the FIFA president unsuccessfully tried to contact the US president after abandoning the controversial plan.FIFA, however, strongly rejected those suggestions.A FIFA spokesperson said:“The FIFA President has not made any call to the US President, or any members of his administration, in recent days. It is pure fiction.”Trump also distanced himself from the controversy when asked directly about the proposal last week.Speaking to reporters during a Cabinet meeting at Camp David before FIFA officially withdrew the plan, Trump responded:“No, I never spoke to him.”

Relationship stretches back several years

Despite the latest denials, Trump’s relationship with Infantino has been well documented over recent years.The pair first established a rapport after meeting in 2018, when Infantino reportedly brought red and yellow football cards to the meeting, joking they “could be useful” for Trump in dealing with the media.

FILE – President Donald Trump holds up a red card during a meeting with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, center, and United States Soccer Federation president Carlos Cordeiro, left, in the Oval Office of the White House, Aug. 28, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

Their relationship strengthened further during preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

FILE – President Donald Trump shakes hands with FIFA President Gianni Infantino as he presented with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize during the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center, Dec. 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

At the tournament draw in December, Infantino presented Trump with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize, awarding him a golden trophy and commemorative medal. The honour attracted widespread criticism, particularly after the United States later launched military strikes on Iran.During the World Cup itself, Trump also publicly acknowledged contacting Infantino after United States forward Folarin Balogun was sent off, asking whether the suspension could be appealed before the Americans’ Round of 16 fixture against Belgium.Reports also emerged before the current controversy that Trump had privately considered supporting Infantino for the role of United Nations secretary-general.

Attention now turns to the 2027 election

Infantino remains in office for now, but his political future has become significantly less certain than it appeared only weeks ago.All 211 FIFA member associations are scheduled to vote by secret ballot in the presidential election in March 2027, with any candidate requiring a simple majority if only two contenders stand.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino

Potential challengers are already beginning to emerge, with CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani, Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and FIFA General Secretary Mattias Grafström all linked with possible bids.For now, Infantino continues to receive backing from a handful of influential allies, including the reported support of Trump, but the fallout from the abandoned World Cup commercialisation plan has transformed what was once expected to be a straightforward re-election into one of the most uncertain leadership battles FIFA has faced in recent years.

With Wayne Rooney’s son Kai potentially on the verge of stardom at Manchester United his mother Coleen is going the extra mile to protect him

Coleen Rooney is taking a hands-on role in her son Kai’s blossoming football career. She is determined to protect him from the very problems that once overwhelmed her husband and Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney.

After 16-year-old Kai signed a scholarship contract with United, Coleen is said to have become increasingly involved in guiding his life away from the pitch. Her priority is to protect him from the pressures and distractions that come with growing up in the spotlight.

Having been by Wayne’s side since they were teenagers, Coleen witnessed first-hand the immense pressure, intense scrutiny and personal struggles that come with being thrust into the global spotlight as a young prodigy. Now, as her eldest son begins to forge his own path in the public eye, she is desperate to ensure history doesn’t repeat itself.

“Coleen has seen how things can go wrong when people become famous too young and too fast, which is what happened with Wayne, and it’s even harder now with social media,” a source told Heatworld.

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Unlike the early 2000s when Wayne first burst onto the scene, today’s digital landscape presents an entirely new and relentless set of challenges for rising athletes. The lack of privacy is a major concern for the mother of four. “Everyone has a phone to take pictures now, so her boys need her protection,” the source added.

With Kai making waves in the United academy and critics already tossing around the “nepo baby” label online, Coleen is aware of both the privileges and the heavy burden the Rooney name carries. Whilst Wayne is able to offer his son unparalleled footballing advice, Coleen is firmly taking the reins when it comes to managing his media presence and public partnerships.

“Coleen also doesn’t want anyone taking advantage of them, or using them because of their surname,” the insider explained. “She only wants deals that are right for them as individuals and as a family.”

Kai initially joined Manchester United’s academy as a seven-year-old in 2016 before making the switch to local rivals Manchester City just a few months later. He moved to the United States when Wayne joined DC United in 2018, before returning to United’s academy in 2020.

Since then, he has steadily progressed through the club’s youth ranks and is now regarded as one of its brightest prospects. Last month, he signed a first-year scholarship contract and, along with 14 other youngsters, officially joined United’s Professional Development Phase.

A scholarship agreement allows academy players to continue their development full-time and represents the final step before becoming eligible to sign a professional contract, which can take effect from a player’s 17th birthday. In many cases, those deals are agreed before a player turns 17, with the contracts commencing on their birthday.

Kai made six appearances in the Under-18 Premier League last season and also featured in the FA Youth Cup. He is expected to play a much bigger role for Darren Fletcher’s Under-18 side during the upcoming campaign.

The Ultimate 26/27 Sky Sports Bundle

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Sky’s Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle includes at least 215 live Premier League clashes across the 2026/27 season with more than 1,400 live games across the EFL and beyond, plus F1, golf and darts.

Every subscription now comes with 135 channels alongside free subscriptions to HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu.

In a surprising turn of events, Keyshawn Davis withdrew his option to challenge for Devin Haney’s WBO welterweight world title, despite pleading for the opportunity not long ago. Now, Shakur Stevenson has offered his thoughts on Davis’ decision to pull out.

Davis claimed the WBO lightweight world title when he knocked out Denys Berinchyk last February, but he lost the belt on the scales as his first defence – against Edwin De Los Santos – was cancelled in the summer.

Instead, ‘The Businessman’ moved up to super-lightweight and debuted with an impressive stoppage of Jamaine Ortiz back in January, before a comfortable decision victory in a rematch with Nahir Albright in May.

Yet, after just two outings at 140lbs, Davis once again revealed his intentions to move up in weight, targeting a shot at Haney’s WBO welterweight crown and being mandated to take on the Californian in his first contest at 147lbs.

Following the end of their 30-day negotiation period, the bout went to purse bids and Top Rank won the rights to stage the event, with Davis set to net over $2 million for his world title bid.

However, shortly after the live-streamed purse bids, the WBO received an email confirming Davis’ withdrawal from the fight, reportedly due to the belief that he was being underpaid.

Although, speaking on the Cigar Talk YouTube channel, four-division world champion and good friend of Davis’, Stevenson, outlined why he believes the Norfolk-born champion’s move is unlikely to purely be down to money.

“At the end of the day, his decision is his decision. I believe that, if he has made that decision, there must be a lot more to it. 

“Nah, I am not buying that [it was solely about the money]. I think that there has got to be more to the story. I have dealt with these people before, they know how to make things look a certain way, I have been in his shoes before.”

Haney is understood to be hoping to proceed with the touted October 3 fight date, with a potential unification against IBF welterweight world champion, Liam Paro, now appearing to be a possible option.

Notre Dame and USC are going to renew their rivalry starting in 2030.

The move comes at the expense of a scheduled matchup between the Irish and Indiana.

This has to stop.

On today’s episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin and ‘Locked On Utes’ host JT Wistrcill discuss Utah’s 2026 season outlook.

Will Utah under HC Morgan Scalley be able to keep the Utes in Big 12 title/Playoff contention?

Northwestern never makes much noise in the Big Ten and was quietly a 7-win team last season.

Will the Wildcats, with new OC Chip Kelly at the helm calling plays for QB Aidan Chiles, surprise anyone in the best league in the country?

00:00 Notre Dame’s scheduling decisions
03:16 Complaints about scheduling in college football
07:05 Cignetti’s coaching philosophy and practice methods
13:16 Discussing Utah’s performance consistency
17:23 Analyzing Utes’ football schedule
22:24 Inviting Utah fan reactions
26:03 Northwestern’s coaching changes impact
28:06 Discussing Northwestern’s tough schedul

/ @lockedoncollegefootball  

Manchester United are in the market for a left-back with their transfer alternative to Lewis Hall favouring a move to Barcelona

Reported Manchester United transfer target Jorge Salinas is hoping to join Barcelona from Racing Santander ‘without creating conflict’. The Spanish left-back is a transfer alternative to Lewis Hall with the Newcastle United star of firm interest to those at Old Trafford.

While United certainly appear as Hall’s preferred destination if he were to seal a switch this summer, Salinas is in favour of joining Barca over other transfer suitors, according to Sport. Their report does, however, state that United could still make a move with the La Liga champions firmly aware of their interest.

The advantage does remain with Hansi Flick’s side, though, as the 19-year-old is of the belief that is where he will develop best and he is now waiting for the two clubs to reach an agreement.

It has also been specifically stated he wants to depart the newly-promoted Spanish side ‘without creating conflict’. Barcelona have an easy solution to avoiding that which is paying his €16million (£13.7m) release clause.

However, it has previously been claimed they are not willing to do that which has resulted in negotiations continuing. United are reportedly prepared to pay that fee but focus is on Hall with Eddie Howe’s surprise exit boosting their chances of signing him.

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The Magpies have already sold Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali with Bruno Guimaraes also set to be moved on. Hall could be the next big player that departs if United step up their interest.

It has been a number of weeks since United signed all of Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Karl Darlow within 24 hours with the trio as the only permanent additions this summer.

Outgoings have seemingly been the priority with Tyler Fredricson and Radek Vitek departing on permanent deals while Altay Bayindir has sealed a loan to Celta Vigo.

A third midfield signing is expected before the summer window closes with Manu Kone, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchoaumeni and Carlos Baleba all linked.

Several forward have also been under consideration but any potential arrival is linked to Marcus Rashford’s future, which looks set to be in Manchester.

Left-back is not a priority area to strengthen but with Luke Shaw as the only natural fit, especially as Michael Carrick prefers Patrick Dorgu further forward, it could soon become as such. Salinas and Hall are joined by El Hadji Malick Diouf in being linked while signing Myles Lewis-Skelly could solve their midfield and left-back problems.

Corner Charles Demmings — he prefers to be called Chuck — is impressing onlookers at TCO Performance Center. The Vikings rookie keeps proving that he may have been a steal in the 5th Round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Consider, for instance, what Thor Nystrom had to say on social media: “Chuck Demmings is gonna force his way onto the field at some point this fall. Extremely aggressive/energetic presence on D — your eyes gravitate to him. Had a slick breakup today, and got under [Jauan] Jennings’ skin late on a short checkdown that Demmings screamed down on.”

Go ahead and consider what Will Ragatz had to say: “Rookie CB Chuck Demmings is maybe the best story of training camp thus far. He just keeps making plays, with two more PBUs so far today. And he isn’t shy about celebrating afterwards. Vikings might’ve found something in the fifth round.”

Never one to turn down a chance to praise Mr. Demmings, Brevan Bane wrote about the Vikings rookie doing some good things over on PurplePTSD. “All indications continue to point towards rookie CB Charles Demmings being an absolute stud,” Bane explains. “Admittedly, I love soaking up every bit of the Demmings praise.”

Vikings Rookie Charles Demmings is Turning Heads

Consider a best guess for what the corner depth chart looks like as of early August. The starters:

• CB1 Byron Murphy Jr.
• CB2 Isaiah Rodgers
• CB3 James Pierre

The Vikings are still sorting through what the depth chart is going to look like for the September 13th game against the Packers. Could other young guys like Dwight McGlothern or Zamaiah Vaughn force their way into the lineup?

Moreover, there needs to be a consideration of the safety talent. Josh Metellus is coming off a disappointing year but he’s going to play. Next up are some combination of Theo Jackson, Jay Ward, and Jakobe Thomas. All of these guys are trying to force their way onto the field.

Lingering among all of these options is Charles Demmings.

Consider what the scouting report looked like going into the draft. The insight from Lance Zierlein from the NFL website: “Demmings is capable of mixing into a variety of coverages but is at his best starting from a press look. He has the hips/feet to match route breaks and the speed to stay with routes as they unfold. His recognition and instincts are average from off coverages and he can be a step slow to drive on throws in front of him. While Demmings lacks ideal play strength and is not a firm tackler, his ball skills and man-cover consistency could land him a roster spot as a future CB4 with gunner potential.”

Maybe the main knock on Demmings is that he played for a modest college program. Pretty reasonably, analysts struggle to confidently proclaim him capable of making the jump to the NFL.

Demmings, for whatever it’s worth, doesn’t appear to be drowning at Vikings training camp. To the contrary, the young fella is carrying himself with a lot of confidence, which is a basic prerequisite for playing the position. Nobody can be a great corner, especially a press-man corner, without being confident.

Admittedly, the practices back in June weren’t at the same standard, but here is what I saw when watching Demmings.

The Vikings rookie looks long. He’s tall and has long arms, a great attribute for the position. So, too, is he fast. Again, that’s excellent. But then there’s something intangible that nevertheless shows up in a physical way. The kid is willing to get over top of the receiver’s toes before the snap, lining up directly across from the player he’s covering.

Essentially, Demmings is saying, “I’m covering you and am not at all concerned about hiding that basic fact. Good luck trying to catch the ball.” The NFL is a workplace where actions speak louder than words. Demmings says much in those moments.

Charles Demmings is 23.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

The last of the PGA Tour’s 34 regular-season events is Thursday’s Wyndham Championship from Greensboro, N.C., and it’s the one tournament on the slate where the drama on Sunday is really less about the winner and more about which players make the FedExCup playoff field or not. Only the top 70 in points after Sunday will do so. CBS has weekend coverage.

As you would expect, nearly every golfer around the cut-off line of 70th in points is teeing it up this week. Rookie sensation Jackson Koivun, 21, is in the 70th spot despite winning just two weeks ago at the 3M Open in Minnesota. He would be ninth-youngest golfer in history to make his first playoff appearance. Fellow American Mac Meissner is the first player out at No. 71.

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Among players sitting between Nos. 60 and 80 in points, the only golfer not teeing it up in North Carolina is Ireland’s Shane Lowry, but he should be safe to reach next week’s FedEx St. Jude Championship as he sits 60th in points.

There are a handful of bigger-name guys currently on the outside looking in, led by the USA’s Keegan Bradley (No. 72 in points) and Aussie Jason Day (No. 75). Day tries to reach the playoffs for a 19th straight season and Bradley could make his 16th in a row.

The only other time Day played the event was in 2022, when he shot a first-round 67 but then withdrew. His streak of 18 straight playoffs is the longest active, while Bradley’s run of 15 in a row is the second-longest. Bradley missed the cut last year – that would spell doom in 2026 – and was 22nd in 2024. Last year, the only player to move into the top 70 at the Wyndham was Chris Kirk after he tied for fifth.

A win would do it for either Day (+10000) or Bradley (+4000), and you can wager on many different outcomes on the top sports betting apps. Day hasn’t won since the 2023 Byron Nelson, while Bradley doesn’t have a top 10 this year, with four missed cuts. But a top 30 would get Bradley into the top 70, and he’s +340 for that. Day needs no worse than a two-way tie for 12th and is +660 for a top 10, and he has two in 2026. But in his past four tournaments, Day has missed two cuts, withdrawn and finished T-55.

Most players would move into the top 70 this week with a win, other than guys who are sitting No. 182 in points or worse. Two guys who need nearly a victory to advance are Brooks Koepka (+4400 to win), sitting 86th in points, and Tony Finau (+12500) at 89th. Koepka needs no worse than a solo fourth, and Finau, who has never missed the playoffs since earning his Tour card in 2014, needs no worse than a two-way tie for third.

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Since the inception of the FedExCup in 2007, the Wyndham Championship has been the regular-season finale, and it has been held since 2008 at Sedgefield Country Club, a very easy par 70 at 7,131 yards. It has taken at least 20 under par to win here eight of the past 10 years. American Cameron Young tied the tournament-record score of 22-under 258 last year when he won by six shots – his first Tour victory (he’s since added two this year) and the biggest margin of victory in this event since 1961. The Over/Under for winning score this year is 260.5. 

No player has repeated in the tournament since Sam Snead in 1956. Young is the clear +820 favorite (his shortest favored price ever after opening +1000 last week in Detroit and finishing T-8). He’s clearly the best player in the field at No. 3 in the world and played collegiately only 30 miles away at Wake Forest.

The next highest-ranked player is No. 19 Aaron Rai of England, this year’s surprise PGA Championship winner. He won this tournament in 2024 and is +3100 this week. Rai and Young are two of eight past champions in the field. There hasn’t been a playoff since 2021, and that there is Sunday is priced +325, and I’ll likely play a little something on that.