8:33 AM ET There are two ways that a manager can impress the players when he walks into a new dressing room for the first time, but Ralf Rangnick is failing on both fronts as he grapples with the challenges as interim boss at Manchester United. – ESPN+ viewers’ guide: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, FA Cup,

6:25 AM ET FIFA president Gianni Infantino has suggested the European Championship could take place every two years. World football’s governing body FIFA’s push for a biennial World Cup as opposed to one every four years has been met with resistance from Europe and South America. – Marcotti: What biennial World Cup could look like

11:21 AM ET There are numerous examples of players jumping straight into management upon retirement. Barcelona and Spain legend Xavi took over the managerial reins at Qatari club Al Sadd mere days after his playing career ended, while Frank Lampard took his first managerial job at Derby County 18 months after hanging up his boots.

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4:50 AM ET River Plate striker Julian Alvarez is a star who is attracting a lot of attention. Mata­as Baglietto/NurPhoto via Getty Images The January transfer window has opened across Europe, which leaves South American football open to the risk of losing its biggest talents. But not, perhaps, as much as in the recent past. The

6:34 PM ET Luke Thrower The 2022 winter window is open as of Jan. 1 and there’s plenty of gossip swirling about who’s moving where. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings and goings and, of course, done deals! TOP STORY: Ndombele drawing Roma interest AS Roma are interested in signing

4:02 PM ET West Bromwich Albion has completed the signing of Orlando City and U.S. international forward Daryl Dike on a four-and-a-half year deal, the English Championship club announced on Saturday. While financial terms weren’t disclosed, a source with knowledge of the deal indicated that Orlando will receive $9.5m plus performance bonuses. The Lions will

4:30 PM ET Just as was the case 12 months ago, soccer exists amid mankind’s fight against an enemy few could imagine would ever become real. But there is hope… Most are a little better off than at this time last year and, if there is some light to have come out of the darkness,

Dec 30, 2021 Ed DoveSpecial to ESPN Close Ed Dove is a writer and scout who has a deep and enduring passion for African sport, politics and literature. Instagram: @EddyDove22, Facebook: @EddyDoveAfrica The Africa Cup of Nations remains one of the few major tournaments in world football where gems can still be unearthed, allowing undiscovered

11:45 AM ET Sam Marsden Moises Llorens Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has said it is “crazy” this weekend’s match against Mallorca is going ahead following a COVID-19 outbreak at the Catalan club. Barca have 10 confirmed positive cases among their first-team squad and a further seven players either suspended, injured or a doubt for the