Marcus Rashford may have made his final appearance in Spain as Manchester United assess the fallout following Barcelona’s 3-1 defeat at Valencia

Marcus Rashford has done everything he can to earn a permanent transfer to Barcelona following his final appearance on loan for the club. The forward is due for a return to Manchester United this summer after featuring in a disappointing 3-1 defeat Valencia on Saturday to sign off his temporary stint.

It’s now up to Barca as to whether they’ll stump up the £26million they’ve long known will be enough to sign Rashford permanently. However, some stinging criticism of the 28-year-old’s contribution in a limp defeat against Los Che revealed he’s still proving himself for some.

Sport‘s single-word summary to describe Rashford’s performance at the Mestalla was “tough” as it rated him a six out of 10. However, that was only the start of the scrutiny as the Catalan daily proceeded to unpack what it perceived as a lazy performance from the forward.

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“That’s the typical adjective used to describe someone who runs a lot but doesn’t finish anything,” read the rest of his review. “At Barca, you have to demand more from a winger, beyond the Englishman’s extraordinary stats.

Rashford completed 89 per cent of his passes against Valencia (32 in total), the second-highest of any Barca starter not in defence. However, he failed to register a shot at the Mestalla and completed just one dribble (one of only three Barca starters to do so).

Mundo Deportivo wasn’t quite as scathing in its own assessment of what may be Rashford’s farewell display. Instead, more stability was demanded of the Englishman after his display was dubbed “intermittent.”

The summary continued: “Lacking consistency in his play, with moments of prominence thanks to his crosses into the box, and too many minutes spent missing.”

It perhaps shouldn’t be forgotten it was only a fortnight ago Rashford scored a sensational free-kick in El Clasico to help clinch the title. That finish brought his figures up to 14 goals and 14 assists on loan at Barca.

It would perhaps be unrealistic to expect those moments every week and his numbers speak for themselves. However, just as has been the case at times for United in the past, a steadier delivery of those flash-in-the-pan moments is the desire.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

Finally, Football Espana awarded Rashford a 6.5 out of 10 and described his last outing in Barca colours as “bright at times.” However, it went on to say that “in possibly his final Barcelona appearance, Rashford was unable to make an impact in attack.”

Many have long considered the £26m permanent clause in Rashford’s contract to be a bargain fee. And his form in La Liga has only helped convince there’s value to be had by the Catalans should they desire.

However, Michael Carrick has reportedly expressed his desire to see his old team-mate back at Old Trafford this summer. And Barca’s loss may yet prove to be United’s gain now that the United icon has been confirmed as boss on permanent terms.

Iran Football (Image: Getty)

FIFA has officially approved Iran’s request to relocate its 2026 FIFA World Cup training camp from Arizona in the United States to Tijuana, Mexico, following concerns surrounding logistics, travel restrictions and visa-related complications. The decision was confirmed by Mehdi Taj, president of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), after a series of meetings with FIFA officials in Istanbul and a follow-up confirmation webinar.Why Iran requested the relocationAccording to Iranian football authorities, the move was primarily driven by practical and logistical challenges linked to operating directly from the United States during the tournament. One of the major factors behind the request was the desire to avoid potential visa and travel complications for players, staff and support personnel entering the US.By setting up camp in Tijuana, Iran can reportedly simplify travel arrangements while also taking advantage of direct flights operated by Iran Air.Tijuana’s location also offers a strategic advantage. Situated just south of the US border near San Diego, the city provides relatively quick access to Iran’s group-stage venues in the United States. Flights from Tijuana to Los Angeles take less than an hour, significantly reducing travel time compared to the team’s original training base in Tucson, Arizona.Iran’s 2026 World Cup group-stage scheduleDespite shifting their base camp to Mexico, Iran will still play all of their Group G matches inside the United States:

Political tensions continue around Iran’s participation

The relocation decision comes amid growing political sensitivities surrounding Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Earlier this month, Canada denied entry to FFIRI president Mehdi Taj ahead of the FIFA Congress, reportedly citing alleged ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which Canada designated as a terrorist organization in 2024.Despite the controversy, Iranian football officials have insisted that Team Melli will compete in the tournament.In a statement quoted by Al Jazeera, the FFIRI stated:“We will definitely participate in the 2026 World Cup, but the hosts must take our concerns into account.”The federation also emphasized that Iran would participate “without any retreat from our beliefs, culture, and convictions.”

Girona and Mallorca were relegated after playing their last games of the La Liga season on Saturday, while Robert Lewandowski bid farewell to Barcelona as did Dani Carvajal to Real Madrid.

Girona and Mallorca both needed to win and for other results to favor them to make a last-gasp escape from the bottom three spots. They had no such luck and both will join last-placed Real Oviedo in the second division next season.

A victory would have saved Girona but the team that just two seasons ago finished third in La Liga couldn’t better a 1-1 home draw with Elche. That result meant Elche ensured its safety.

Mallorca beat Oviedo 3-0 but its goal difference with Osasuna and Levante did it in.

“I am torn up. It’s our fault we are going down,” Mallorca midfielder Sergi Darder said.

Celta Vigo locked up a sixth-place finish and the resulting Europa League berth after beating Sevilla 1-0.

Getafe is going to the Conference League after securing seventh place with a 1-0 win over Osasuna.

Champion Barcelona, Real Madrid, Villarreal, Atletico Madrid and Real Betis had already locked up the top five spots and the resulting Champions League berths before the last round.

The season concludes on Sunday with Atletico at Villarreal to see which finishes third.

Lewandowski scores in last game 
Lewandowski scored in his last game for Barcelona, netting the champion’s only goal in a 3-1 loss at Valencia.

The 37-year-old striker and Barcelona decided to part ways this summer after he spent four seasons at the club. His goal at Mestalla Stadium was No. 120 in blue and burgundy.

Barcelona clinched the league title with three rounds remaining.

Carvajal and Arbeloa say adios 
Carvajal received ovations from the Santiago Bernabeu and wept when he was substituted in the veteran right back’s last game for Real Madrid.

Carvajal, whose contract is about to expire, assisted Gonzalo Garcia for the opening goal. Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe added goals in the 3-1 win over Athletic Bilbao.

Carvajal, 34, helped Madrid win six Champions Leagues since 2013 as its top-choice right back – until the arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold this season.

“Today I can’t stop recalling the golden age we shared,” a tearful Carvajal told the stadium when given a microphone after the game.

Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa also bowed out four months after replacing Xabi Alonso. He was unable to turn things around for a Madrid that finished second and without a trophy this campaign. Spanish media speculates that Jose Mourinho is close to returning to Madrid.

Defender David Alaba also played his last match for Madrid.

Azpilicueta retires 
Former Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta played his last match as a professional before retiring when Sevilla visited Celta.

The 36-year-old Azpilicueta helped win multiple trophies with Chelsea, including two Premier Leagues and the 2021 Champions League, when he was team captain.

Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers high fives Dennis Schroder #8 against the New York Knicks during the third quarter in Game Three of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Rocket Arena on May 23, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. Jason Miller/Getty Images/AFP

CLEVELAND — Donovan Mitchell has lacked his customary explosiveness and not looked like himself through three games of the Eastern Conference finals. Something seems off with the All-Star guard.

Same for the Cavaliers.

They may soon have time to heal. Like all summer.

READ: Knicks’ 10-game winning streak with a lot of NBA history happening

Cleveland is on the brink of elimination.

The Cavs couldn’t match New York’s force, firepower or balance despite being on their home floor and lost Game 3 to the Knicks 121-108 on Saturday night to fall into a perilous postseason hole in the best-of-seven series.

No team in NBA history has ever come back from an 0-3 deficit, and the Cavs aren’t showing signs of becoming the first in 164 tries.

Mitchell did what he could, scoring 23 points. But he didn’t have his burst and committed five of his team’s 18 turnovers as the Cavs couldn’t contain the Knicks, who were cheered on a by a raucous group of New York fans that invaded Rocket Arena.

Following the game, Mitchell sat in a chair behind the table before his media interview and stared blankly at a box score underscoring New York’s dominance.

READ: NBA scores today: Cavaliers vs Knicks – East finals Game 3

Asked what it’s going to take to avoid a sweep and win Game 4 on Monday night, Mitchell was succinct.

“Let’s start with making some shots,” he said. “Let’s start with getting some stops and making some free throws.”

Mitchell’s first trip to a conference final after so many second-round exits hasn’t gone as hoped. The Cavs, who were pushed to seven games by Toronto and Detroit earlier in the playoffs, blew a 22-point lead in the fourth quarter and lost Game 1 at Madison Square Garden.

They battled for much of Game 2 before fading and are now dragging physically after weeks of playing every other day. The Knicks, who had time to rest after sweeping Philadelphia in the second round, are taking advantage of Cleveland’s heavy legs.

“We did it to ourselves,” Mitchell said. “We can’t be mad now.”

Just as in the first two games, New York was the more aggressive team in the early going, jumping to a 9-1 lead in the opening two minutes and forcing Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson to call a timeout. The Cavs regrouped, but their sloppiness combined with New York’s ability to get out in transition and score proved too much.

“Their physicality and energy level was higher than ours,” Atkinson said. “They were the more physical team and we couldn’t get to that level. Whatever the stats say, they were the better team. They’re playing great basketball. They’re on a hell of a run and we haven’t been able to stop the momentum.”

READ: NBA Playoffs: Knicks near finals, grab 3-0 lead vs Cavaliers

The Cavs had seized it in the series opener before a stunning collapse that has already provided Mitchell with a lasting lesson.

“Don’t lose Game 1 after being up 22,” he said when asked about what’s soured his conference final debut. “But hey, it happened and now we have to find a way to get back from 3-0. We just have to find a way. We were up 22. It’s on us.”

In the closing minutes, thousands of blue-and-orange-clad New York fans were hollering “Knicks in 4!” and serenading Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, who scored 30 points and added six assists, with chants of “M-V-P” at the foul line.

Those moments normally belong only to Mitchell in Cleveland. But the Knicks are taking everything away from the Cavs. Mitchell said the noise wasn’t unexpected.

“I’m from New York, this doesn’t shock me,” he said. “They do it in every arena. It’s like (Dallas) Cowboys fans. It’s just who they are. It wasn’t just a Cleveland thing. That’s how Knicks fans are. I was one back in the day. That had nothing to do with what’s going on in Cleveland. We didn’t get it done for our home crowd tonight.”

Before the game, Atkinson described Mitchell’s physical issues as merely “bumps and bruises.” The All-Star, who left the floor for treatment in the first quarter, is now dealing with the mental strain of a deficit that’s probably too large to overtake.

Mitchell, though, isn’t giving up.

“We have an opportunity to get one (win) on Monday,” he said. “Then go back to New York and get one there and come back here.”

The Minnesota Vikings probably shouldn’t trade too many of their draft picks from the next class — the 2027 rookies are supposed to be fantastic — but there’s always room to consider a deal or two. These are the swaps we’d recommend this summer.

Minnesota has a few roster spots worth monitoring, especially at EDGE, center, safety, and running back.

It’s also encouraging that Minnesota doesn’t have many whopping roster deficiencies. Still, we’d consider the following options.

A Few Sensible Trade Ideas Remain before Vikings Camp in July

Listed in no particular order, here’s the summer 2026 trade docket from VikingsTerritory.

1. 7th-Round Pick to ATL for Bralen Trice (OLB)

The Atlanta Falcons selected Trice in Round 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft. To date, his career has been ravaged by injuries, so much so that he hasn’t played in a regular season game. He’s pitched a shutout — and not in a good way.

Naturally, the Falcons’ brass has proceeded in the last two offseasons as if Brice will never play. They’ve constructed EDGE depth as if he doesn’t exist, perhaps making him expendable.

The Vikings, meanwhile, don’t need a starting outside linebacker. They have Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner ready for duty. But trading a late-round pick for Trice — or signing him late August if he gets cut — might check some boxes.

Because of injuries, there’s no way to know if Trice is sitting on untapped potential. It’s worth a 7th-Rounder to find out.

2. Theo Jackson (S) to WAS for a 6th-Round Pick

Minnesota employs these safeties as of May 23rd:

• Josh Metellus
• Jay Ward
• Theo Jackson
• Jakobe Thomas
• Tavierre Thomas
• Kahlef Hailassie

This group will contain seven men if Harrison Smith returns for one more ride. And in 2025, the Vikings benched Jackson down the stretch in favor of Ward.

Ward could be a starting safety when Week 1 rolls around.

Therefore, Minnesota should trade Jackson to Washington if it knows he may be a release candidate in August. Why the Commanders? Washington hired Daronte Jones as its new defensive coordinator, and he worked as the Vikings’ defensive passing game coordinator. Jones knows Jackson. The Commanders could use a little bit of safety depth, especially someone Jones knows — like Jackson.

3. 6th-Round Pick to DAL for Matt Hennessy (C)

Hennessy was a 3rd-Round pick in 2020, and he has this Pro Football Focus resume:

2025: 71.8 PFF Grade | 175 Snaps
2024: 61.7 PFF Grade | 16 Snaps
2022: 75.4 PFF Grade | 157 Snaps
2021: 76.5 PFF Grade | 988 Snaps
2020: 47.0 PFF Grade | 225 Snaps

He’s 28 and has not been given a fair shake at center in five years — when he played wonderfully. Hennessy also won’t start this year in Dallas because the Cowboys have Cooper Beebe lined up for the job.

For a team that needs a center, Hennessy is worth a 6th- or 7th-Rounder. He may be more efficient than Blake Brandel.

4. 5th-Round Pick to ARI for Trey Benson (RB)

Do the Vikings have a full running back room? Yes. Should they take a flyer on Benson? Also yes.

Benson’s career has not taken off, as injuries have prevented his ascent. Now, he’s buried in Arizona, a part of this RB depth chart:

• Jeremiyah Love
• Tyler Allgeier
• James Conner
• Trey Benson
• Bam Knight
• Corey Kiner

It’s the Love-Allgeier-Conner show in the desert.

SI.com‘s Donnie Druin on Benson’s trade availability: “Benson is probably the most obvious trade candidate on the Cardinals after what transpired the last few months. Dealing with injuries and just simple inconsistent play, the Florida State product saw James Conner’s contract restructured and Tyler Allgeier signed in free agency before Arizona spent the third overall pick on Jeremiyah Love.”

“Now, Benson is RB4 on the depth chart and could be fighting for a roster spot with fellow running back Bam Knight, who has more special teams prowess than Benson. Of course injuries could change this dynamic, though the former Day 2 pick could be available for pennies on the dollar if the Cardinals were interested in getting something from Benson rather than cutting him.”

Like Trice at the top of the list, there’s also a chance that Benson gets released in a few months. The Vikings — and many teams — should give Benson a look.

He’s 23. Once upon a time, he was forecasted as a trustworthy RB1 prospect, especially in the dynasty fantasy football community.

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

Rico Verhoeven has spoken out on the controversial stoppage after his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.

Verhoeven was challenging heavyweight king Usyk at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, and despite most expecting a huge mismatch heading into the contest, the Dutchman appeared on the verge of arguably the biggest upset in the history of boxing.

The kickboxing legend did enough to win a lot of the rounds heading into the closing stages, with a below-par Usyk struggling to cope with his unorthodox opponent.

Usyk finally found the shot he needed when he dropped his rival at the end of round 11, and while Verhoeven managed to get up, a further onslaught from the Ukrainian led to referee Mark Lyson stopping the bout. Many fans – and Verhoevens team – were incensed by the decision.

Post-fight, Verhoeven shared his thoughts on Lyson waving off the action, saying that he felt he deserved to go on for longer.

“I thought it was an early stoppage. It’s not up to me. I believe the referee knows that we’re almost at the end of the round, or let me go out on my shield or let the bell go…it was close and I thought we were equal on the scorecards.”

Vehoeven was then humble when asked if he deserved a rematch.

“It’s not up to me, it’s up to the organisation, let’s see what happens.”

Whether a second encounter could indeed happen remains to be seen, as the WBC has previously ordered Usyk to face mandatory challenger, Agit Kabayel, next, or risk being stripped of his belt.

Across the Channel, Pep Guardiola is gearing up for what will be his final match as manager of Manchester City after a trophy-laden decade in charge. The 55-year-old announced his decision on Friday morning, a couple of days before the final-day reception of Aston Villa.

Lyon will be looking to reclaim their women’s Champions League crown when they take on Barcelona in Saturday’s final in Oslo. The French giants, who have not been continental champions since their eighth title in 2022, will look to get their own back after losing to the Catalans in the 2024 final.

In basketball, the Euroleague final four saw hosts Olympiacos fend off Fenerbahçe in what was a duel between French veterans Evan Fournier and Nando De Colo. The Greek side will take on 11-time winners Real Madrid in Sunday’s final.

USA’s Madelyne Anderson and Alaina Chacon during a match against Ukraine in the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Nuvali.–PNVF PHOTO

SANTA ROSA, Laguna — Lithuanian Olympians Monika Paulikiene and Aine Raupelyte of Lithuania remained unstoppable, outlasting Emi van Driel and Mila Konink of the Netherlands, 21-18, 21-15, to advance to the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Nuvali Challenge women’s final on Sunday at the Nuvali Sands Courts here.

Paulikiene and Raupelyte booked their third Beach Pro Tour Challenge finals this year, facing Americans Alaina Chacon and Madelyn Anderson in a winner-take-all final at 7 p.m.

Chacon and Anderson of Team USA ended the impressive run of Ukrainian pair Valentyna Davidova and Anhelina Khmil, 21-18, 21-19, to reach their first final together as partners.

Paulikiene and Raupelyte are gunning for their first championship after falling short in both the Tlaxcala Challenge and Xiamen Challenge earlier this year.

“We played against them two times, I think this year. One we won, one we lost. So it will be an even fight. Like always, we’ll just concentrate and do as less mistakes as possible and have a good fighting spirit,” said Raupelyte, who finished with 22 points against the Netherlands.

READ: ‘Si-Pons’ tandem to stay focused on Asiad beach volley pro

Chacon and Anderson, who won multiple Futures titles with different partners last season, eye their first Challenge title together.

“We know it’s gonna be a tough game. We’re gonna go out there scout, things we need to do to prepare and the game’s going to be tough. We’re confident, we know it’s going to be tough but we’re gonna be ready for it,” said Chacon, who registered 23 points against Ukraine.

In men’s action, Australia and Switzerland clash for glory at 8 p.m. 

Thomas Hodges and Ben Hood of Australia outlasted Julian Friedli and Jonathan Jordan of Switzerland in three sets, 21-18, 12-21, 15-7, to qualify for the gold medal match.

Switzerland’s Adrian Heidrich and Yves Haussener also gun for their first title after advancing to the final with a 21-19, 23-21 sweep of Germany’s Philipp Huster and Sven Winter.

With the Minnesota Vikings’ regular season kicking off on Sept. 13 in Minneapolis against the Green Bay Packers, and training camp less than 10 weeks away, the full schedule is finally set. Along the way, VikingsTerritory returns with the latest chatter from the rumor mill.

Minnesota’s rumor mill has fresh material on a Giants pass rusher, its new quarterback, and a former Vikings defender.

As June approaches, this marks the second of our two weekly rumor batches of the weekend.

A Splashy Trade Idea Leads the Latest Vikings Rumors

The Purple Rumor Mill for May 24th, 2026.

Rumor: If Kayvon Thibodeaux is gettable via trade, the Vikings should inquire.

Fansided‘s Jake Beckman pinpointed one trade candidate per NFL squad this week, and on Thibodeaux to Minnesota, he wrote, “The Vikings traded Johnathon Greenard to the Eagles during the draft, and now they’re going to be missing out on a whole lot of snaps and even more production. Luckily for them, the Giants are sitting there with a plethora of defensive ends and edge rushers.”

“New York might be saying that they’re not going to trade Kayvon Thibodeaux, but that’s what every team says, so they don’t lose leverage in any potential trades. If the Vikings wanted to go and get him, they’d definitely be able to… However, if you’re a Vikings fan, that’s probably not what you want.”

In 2022, Thibodeaux was considered one of the next premium EDGEs in the league.

Beckman continued, “Sure, Thibodeaux would end up being awesome, but I don’t necessarily want my team to make any trades when they don’t have a general manager. Especially after they just traded a player like Greenard for the low price of two third-round picks.”

Trading for Thibodeaux would be wonderful for the Vikings — if they can find the cap space for his eventual extension. They could not do that for Greenard. How would Thibodeaux be different?

Rumor: Warren Moon questions Kyler Murray’s motivation, though he thinks Murray can play well in MIN.

Moon chatted with Kay Adams this week and wasn’t shy, delivering bittersweet takes about Murray: “He never looks like he’s motivated. Maybe he is inside, but he just doesn’t give you that demeanor. He doesn’t give you that demeanor. I hope he’s learned over the last couple of years, with all the criticism that he’s taken, with the injuries that he’s gone through. I have to give more of myself to my football team.”

“I have to show people more about what I’m feeling and thinking. You have to do that as a quarterback in order to get people to follow you. Murray is so dynamic. He makes so many plays that you go, ‘Wow.’ And then, all of a sudden, he goes through phases where he doesn’t even look like the same guy.”

The Vikings signed Murray in March to a $1.3 million 2026 contract, a steal of a deal for a productive starting quarterback.

Moon added, “I hope that coming into this situation, he’s re-motivated to show what he can do. He’s been out of the game for a while with injury. He’s going to a great place with a great coaching staff, and he has really excellent weapons to throw the football to. It’s all in his possession if he wants it.”

“But J.J. McCarthy is right there, too. I don’t think he’s going to make it easy.”

This is a familiar Murray grievance: some think he’s a lazy videogame player who doesn’t truly love football. He’ll have to beat those allegations as early as now.

Rumor: Patrick Jones may not make the roster cut down in Carolina.

Maurice Moton at Bleacher Report decided to size up a surprise cut casualty for each NFL team last week, and in Carolina, Jones II got the unfortunate honor.

He explained, “The Carolina Panthers signed a top-tier free agent in Jaelan Phillips. He’ll likely start opposite Nic Scourton on the edge. As a third-rounder from the 2025 draft, Princely Umanmielen could see more time on the field in his second year.”

“With an established pass-rusher and two high-upside outside linebackers on the depth chart, Patrick Jones II may be in a battle for a limited role after he missed 13 games with a back injury last season. Don’t be surprised if Carolina cuts him and saves $4.75 million in cap space.”

For Minnesota, Moton nominated veteran safety Theo Jackson as the roster-cut surprise.

Not for nothing, if Moton is right and the Panthers drop Jones II, he could end up back in Minnesota for OLB3 or OLB4 duty. That’s possible.

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker