Football

A look at the top 25 high school football teams in the Southland after Week 4:

Rk. School (record) result; Next game; last week’s ranking

1. SANTA MARGARITA (5-0) def. Norco, 34-0; vs. Mater Dei, Oct. 2; 1

2. ST. JOHN BOSCO (4-1) def. Honolulu Saint Louis, 63-21 ; vs. JSerra, Oct. 2; 2

3. SIERRA CANYON (4-0) def. Orange Lutheran, 28-10; vs. Oxnard Pacifica, Friday; 3

4. CORONA CENTENNIAL (2-2) def. Rancho Cucamonga, 41-7; vs. De La Salle at Cal, Saturday; 6

5. MATER DEI (4-1) lost to Las Vegas Bishop Gorman, 25-8; vs. Santa Margarita, Oct. 2; 5

6. MISSION VIEJO (3-1) def. Pittsburg, 42-35; vs. Huntington Beach Edison, Oct. 2; 7

7. ORANGE LUTHERAN (3-2) lost to Sierra Canyon, 28-10; vs. Servite, Oct. 2; 4

8. SAN CLEMENTE (4-0) did not play; at Murrieta Valley, Friday; 8

9 . CHAMINADE (5-0) def. St. Bonaventure, 27-24; vs. Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, Oct. 2; 9

10. PALOS VERDES (5-0) def. Wilmington Banning, 34-0; vs. Long Beach Millikan, Oct. 2; 10

11. JSERRA (4-1) def. Bishop Amat, 37-28; vs. St. John Bosco, Oct. 2; 11

12. SERVITE (2-2) did not play; at Damien, Friday; 13

13. CORONA DEL MAR (5-0) def. La Serna, 30-24; at Villa Park, Oct. 2; 14

14. BISHOP AMAT (4-1) lost to JSerra, 37-28; at Gardena Serra, Oct. 2; 15

15. LA SERNA (4-1) lost to Corona del Mar, 30-24; at Warren, Oct. 2; 21

16. CREAN LUTHERAN (3-2) def. Oakdale, 38-21; at Tustin, Oct. 2; 16

17. CARSON (4-1) def. North Torrance, 50-28; vs. Gardena, Oct. 2; 18

18. OXNARD PACIFICA (4-0) did not play; at Sierra Canyon, Friday; 19

19. GARDENA SERRA (3-2) def. Oaks Christian, 41-0; vs. Bishop Amat, Oct. 2; 20

20. TUSTIN (4-1) def. Westlake, 28-21; vs. Crean Lutheran, Oct. 2; 24

21. LA HABRA (5-0) def. Orange Vista, 36-7; at Capistrano Valley, Oct. 2; 25

22. HUNTINGTON BEACH (5-0) def. Yorba Linda, 29-25; vs. El Modena, Oct. 2; NR

23. YORBA LINDA (4-1) lost to Huntington Beach, 29-25; at San Clemente, Oct. 2; 12

24. SAN JACINTO (4-0) def. Great Oak 40-28; at Aquinas, Friday; NR

25. ORANGE (5-0) def. Etiwanda, 35-28; at El Dorado, Oct. 2; NR

Huntington Beach High started the football season 4-0. The Oilers have Ohio State-bound Brady Edmunds at quarterback in his fourth season as a starter, and rapidly developing receiver Dylin Bruce, who has committed to Arizona State.

That alone should get the Oilers attention, but their 29-25 win over unbeaten Yorba Linda on Friday night deserves special attention. Yorba Linda was 4-0 and perhaps the best opponent on the Oilers’ schedule. By winning, Huntington Beach showed it’s ready for top 25 consideration in the Southland. It’s the first time since 1998 that the Oilers started 5-0.

There’s still the new Delta League opponents, including Dana Hills and Laguna Beach to face in the coming weeks, but second-year Huntington Beach coach Matthew Hatchette deserves kudos for the progress being made in the program.

This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports. To submit any news, please email eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.

The game hinged on Huijsen’s red card early in the second half for pulling down Giuliano Simeone in the box.

Atletico Madrid edged 10-man Real Madrid 2-1 in a La Liga derby clash to leave Jose Mourinho’s side trailing leaders Barcelona by six points.

Dean Huijsen was sent off early in the second half for Los Blancos on Sunday before Alejandro Grimaldo and Jonathan David’s goals earned Diego Simeone’s Atletico victory, with Antonio Rudiger pulling one back late on.

Atletico rose to second, five points behind Barca and one ahead of Real Madrid, who chalked up a second defeat of the campaign.

The game hinged on Huijsen’s red card early in the second half, for pulling down Giuliano Simeone in the box which led to a penalty, tucked away by Grimaldo to set Atletico on their way.

Mourinho started with Aurelien Tchouameni in midfield over Bernardo Silva, opting for defensive clout over creativity.

There was more tension than footballing quality in the first half, with neither side capable of creating any clear chances.

The main talking point was an incident between Jude Bellingham and Atletico defender Cristian Romero.

The England international threw himself into a tackle and Romero trod on his leg, with Bellingham booked initially, but after a VAR review the referee removed the card and issued it to the Atletico man.

Madrid were also unhappy with a heavy tackle by Lee Kang-in on Federico Valverde which went unpunished just before half-time.

It was a scrappy battle, intense but lacking excitement comparative to the star power on the pitch, especially in Madrid’s front line, with Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and Bellingham kept quiet.

The game burst into life early in the second half when Huijsen pulled back Giuliano Simeone’s arm as the forward ran through on goal and Atletico were awarded a penalty.

Huijsen was dismissed after a VAR review and Grimaldo beat Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois from the penalty spot.

Mourinho reacted immediately by replacing the underwhelming Vinicius and Arda Guler and sending on club record signing Yan Diomande and Rudiger.

It was Atletico who struck next, though, with Canada international David tucking away Giuliano Simeone’s raking low cross on 59 minutes for his third goal in three matches.

The hosts came close to getting a third but Courtois made an excellent save to deny Julian Alvarez and Ibrahima Konate reacted brilliantly to head Grimaldo’s effort from the rebound off the line.

Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak saved from Diomande and Bellingham rowed with Giuliano Simeone as Madrid’s frustrations showed, impotent to change the course of the game.

Madrid pulled a goal back in the final stages with Rudiger heading Bernardo Silva’s cross past Oblak. However, it was too little too late for Mourinho’s side.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL WEEK 5 SCHEDULE

(Games at 7 p.m. unless noted)

THURSDAY’S SCHEDULE

CITY SECTION

Valley Mission League

Sylmar vs. Canoga Park at Chatsworth

Nonleague

Marquez vs. Eagle Rock at Contreras

SOUTHERN SECTION

Camino Real League

St. Bernard at Bosco Tech

Tango League

Century at Garden Grove Santiago

Savanna at Bolsa Grande

Nonleague

Lakewood vs. Villa Park at El Modena

San Bernardino at La Sierra

St. Jeanne de Lestonnac at Nuview Bridge

INTERSECTIONAL

Gahr at Gardena

8-MAN

SOUTHERN SECTION

Majestic League

Calvary Baptist at Public Safety Academy, 6 p.m.

INTERSECTIONAL

Entrepreneur at Julian, 3:30 p.m.

Cuyama Valley at Bakersfield Valley Oaks Charter

FRIDAY’S SCHEDULE

CITY SECTION

Coliseum League

Fremont at Dymally, 4 p.m.

Eastern League

Garfield at Legacy

Huntington Park at Bell

South Gate at Los Angeles Roosevelt

East Valley League

Arleta at San Fernando Arroyo

Monroe at Fulton, 3:30 p.m.

Sun Valley Poly at Grant

Verdugo Hills at North Hollywood

Valley Mission League

Reseda at Panorama

Van Nuys at San Fernando

Nonleague

Cleveland at Crenshaw

Franklin at Los Angeles University

Jefferson at Los Angeles Marshall, 4 p.m.

Los Angeles Wilson at Los Angeles, 4 p.m.

Mendez at Torres

Rancho Dominguez ar Washington Prep

Santee at Chatsworth

SOUTHERN SECTION

Almont League

Montebello at Schurr

Boulder League

Burbank Burroughs at Pasadena

Camino Real League

Mary Star of the Sea at St. Genevieve

Cottonwood League

Silver Valley at Temecula Prep

Crest League

Temple City at Arcadia

Foothill League

Golden Valley at Canyon Country Canyon

Hart vs. Saugus at College of the Canyons

West Ranch at Valencia

Ivy League

Liberty at Paloma Valley

Manzanita League

Anza Hamilton at Desert Chapel

California Military at San Jacinto Valley Academy

Silver Valley at Temecula Prep

Ocean League

West Torrance at South Torrance

River Valley League

Rubidoux at Jurupa Valley

Tango League

Loara at Magnolia

Nonleague

Alhambra at Glenn

Anaheim at Buena Park

Arrowhead Christian at Cathedral City

Ayala at Chino Hills

Barstow at Etiwanda

Bassett at Mountain View

Big Bear at Norte Vista

Calabasas at Ventura

Citrus Valley at Upland

Corona Santiago at Elsinore

Covina at Northview

Crescenta Valley at Gabrielino

Desert Hot Springs at Miller

Desert Mirage at San Gorgonio

Downey at Inglewood

Eisenhower at Los Amigos

El Monte at South El Monte

El Rancho at Los Altos

El Segundo at Santa Rosa Academy

Estancia at Brentwood

Glendale at Royal

Granite Hills at Vista del Lago

Hawthorne at Leuzinger

Highland at Temescal Canyon

Hoover at Rosemead

Indio at Coachella Valley

Jurupa Hills at Colton

Knight at Adelanto

Lancaster at Victor Valley

Laguna Hills at St. Margaret’s

La Quinta at Eastvale Roosevelt

Long Beach Cabrillo at Long Beach Jordan

Long Beach Poly at Rancho Cucamonga

Long Beach Wilson at Compton

Mira Costa at Culver City

Moreno Valley at Rancho Verde

Muir at Redondo Union

Ontario Christian at Vasquez

Oxnard at Rio Mesa

Oxnard Pacifica at Sierra Canyon

Rancho Alamitos at Westminster La Quinta

Rim of the World at Grand Terrace

Rio Hondo Prep at St. Anthony

Rowland at Diamond Bar

San Clemente at Murrieta Valley

San Gabriel at Garey

San Jacinto at Aquinas

Santa Ana at Ganesha

Santa Ana Calvary Chapel at Carpinteria

Santa Ana Valley at Godinez

Servite at Damien

Sherman Oaks Notre Dame at Millikan

Silverado at Alta Loma

St. Francis at Charter Oak

St. Monica at Cantwell-Sacred Heart

Summit at Edison

Tahquitz at Rialto

Trabuco Hills at El Modena

Troy at El Dorado

Valley View at Shadow Hills

West Covina at Norwalk

West Torrance at South Torrance

West Valley at Banning

Yucca Valley at Twentynine Palms

INTERSECTIONAL

Bakersfield Centennial at Burbank

Bakersfield Mira Monte at Village Christian

Bernstein at Viewpoint

Boron at Beverly Hills

Dominguez at Los Angeles Hamilton

Harvard-Westlake at Birmingham

King/Drew at Baltimore St. Frances Academy (Maryland), 4 p.m.

Knight at Adelanto

Laguna Beach at San Pedro

Lawndale at Wilmington Banning

Locke at Compton Early College, 3:30 p.m

Manual Arts at Compton Centennial

Mira Monte at Village Christian

Narbonne at Peninsula, 4 p.m.

Oceanside El Camino at Vista Murrieta

Pomona at Angelou

Rancho Christian at Central

Steele Canyon at Dorsey

Valhalla at St. Pis X-St. Matthias Academy

Verbum Dei at Los Angeles Jordan

Warner at Lucerne Valley

West Adams at Workman

8-MAN

CITY SECTION

Nonleague

New Designs University Park at East Valley

Sherman Oaks CES at Animo Robinson

TEACH Tech Charter at Stella

SOUTHERN SECTION

Express League

Avalon at Vista Meridian, 2:45 p.m.

Legacy College Prep at Southlands Christian

Tri-Valley League

Chadwick at Sage Hill, 6 p.m.

Nonleague

Lancaster Baptist at Hesperia Christian

Thousand Oaks Hillcrest Christian at California Lutheran

Trinity Classical Academy at Faith Baptist, 4 p.m.

INTERSECTIONAL

Laguna Blanca at Valley Oaks CES

Villanova Prep at USC Hybrid, 3 p.m.

Maricopa at Tehillah Christian Academy

San Jacinto Leadership at Borrego Springs

SATURDAY’S SCHEDULE

SOUTHERN SECTION

Cottonwood League

Riverside Prep at Webb, 1 p.m.

INTERSECTIONAL

Corona Centennial at De La Salle, 2 p.m.

8-MAN

SOUTHERN SECTION

Nonleague

Lancaster Desert Christian at Flintridge Prep, 5 p.m.

River Springs Charter at Desert Chapel

San Luis Obispo Classical at Malibu, 1 p.m.

Santa Clarita Christian at Cate, 12 p.m.

INTERSECTIONAL

Francis Parker at Pasadena Poly, 11 a.m.

Model Secondary School for the Deaf at California School for the Deaf Riverside, 5 p.m.

Orcutt Academy at Thacher, 2 p.m.

PAL Academy at Trona, 12 p.m.

Valley Christian Academy at Coastal Christian, 6 p.m.

Mohamed Salah scored three goals and created the fourth as the Turkish champions were defeated 4-0 by Trabzonspor.

Mohamed ‌‌‌‌Salah scored a hat-trick and provided an assist as Trabzonspor thrashed defending champions Galatasaray 4-0 at home, handing the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Istanbul side their first defeat of the Turkish Super Lig season.

Salah opened the ⁠⁠⁠⁠scoring in the fourth minute on Saturday, running through from midfield and finishing calmly, before turning provider to set up Noah Saviolo, who struck from ‌‌‌‌inside the penalty area in the 39th minute.

Salah added a third in the 44th minute with a clinical finish from a Franculino Dju assist, sending the team he joined last month into the break three goals ⁠⁠⁠⁠up.

He completed his hat-trick ⁠⁠⁠⁠in the 80th minute, running more than half the length of the pitch unchallenged to score with a trademark ⁠⁠⁠⁠side-foot finish.

The Egyptian icon has scored seven goals in six appearances in the league this season, with two assists to his name as well.

Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk was sent to the stands in ⁠⁠⁠⁠the 71st minute, while ⁠⁠⁠⁠Lesley Ugochukwu was shown a red card in the 87th minute.

German coach Thomas Reis took charge of Trabzonspor this week ‌‌‌‌following the departure of Fatih Tekke earlier this month.

Trabzonspor are fifth in the table with ‌‌‌‌10 ‌‌‌‌points from six games, three points behind leaders Galatasaray.

Arsenal interested in struggling Endrick, Liverpool insist on keeping Wirtz, and Barcelona may launch a huge offer for Haaland.

Arsenal are keen on a January move for Brazil and Real Madrid forward Endrick. Concerns are growing over the 20-year-old’s game time in the Spanish capital. (Teamtalk), external

Liverpool are expecting offers for German midfielder Florian Wirtz in January. They have no intention to let the 23-year-old leave. (Football Insider), external

Barcelona are still interested in Manchester City forward Erling Haaland and could launch a huge offer for the 26-year-old Norwegian next year. (Football Insider), external

Tottenham have rejected an offer from UAE side Shabab Al Ahli for Brazil forward Richarlison, 29. (Ekrem Konur on X), external

Juventus and Atletico Madrid are monitoring Arsenal‘s 24-year-old winger Noni Madueke before a potential move in the January transfer window. (Football London), external

Liverpool and Manchester City are keen on Real Sociedad and Venezuala defender Jon Aramburu, 24. (Teamtalk), external

Paris St-Germain forwards Ousmane Dembele, 29, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, 25, and Desire Doue, 21, are all in negotiations to sign new contracts in the French capital. (L’Equipe – in French), external

Juventus could move for a free agent goalkeeper after losing Polish loan signing Kamil Grabara, 27, to a torn ACL, suffered in training on Saturday. (Calciomercato – in Italian), external

A look at the top performers from high school football games across the Southland this week.

RUSHING

• Jaxsen Stokes, Sierra Canyon: Rushed for 166 yards and two touchdowns in win over Orange Lutheran.

• Justin Clinton, Bishop Amat: Rushed for 151 yards and two touchdowns in loss to JSerra.

• Gatsbee Gumban, Nogales: Rushed for 142 yards and three touchdowns in win over Covina.

• Isaiah Trujillo, Yorba Linda: Rushed for 153 yards and four touchdowns in loss to Huntington Beach.

• AJ McBean, Gardena Serra: Rushed for 152 yards and two touchdowns in win over Oaks Christian.

• Ceasar Reyes, Garfield: Rushed for 199 yards in win over Huntington Park.

• Matthew Fine, Loyola: Rushed for 161 yards in loss to Cathedral.

• Trevor Vaivao, Ocean View: Rushed for 237 yards and two touchdowns in win over Gahr.

• Adrian Petero, Santa Margarita: Rushed for 141 yards and two touchdowns in win over Norco.

PASSING

• Thaddeus Breaux, L.A. Hamilton: Completed 40 of 52 passes for 503 yards and six touchdowns in win over Washington Prep.

• Grady Long, La Serna: Passed for 347 yards and two touchdowns in loss to Corona del Mar.

• JD Annett, Corona del Mar: Passed for 289 yards and two touchdowns, ran for two touchdowns in win over La Serna.

• Hayes Cloutier, JSerra: Passed for 182 yards and two touchdowns, ran for 135 yards and three touchdowns in win over Bishop Amat.

• Vito Schiada, St. Francis: Passed for 267 yards and four touchdowns in win over La Cañada.

• Mason Mays, Troy: Passed for a school-record five touchdowns in win over Segerstrom.

• Nicholas Hoang, Culver City: Passed for 441 yards and six touchdowns, ran for 108 yards and two touchdowns in OT win over Warren.

• Jordan Malikin, Warren: Passed for 467 yards and seven touchdowns in OT loss to Culver City.

• Star Thomas, Orange: Passed for 273 yards and three touchdowns, ran for 107 yards and two touchdowns in win over Etiwanda.

• Chase Curren, Crespi: Was 10-of-10 passing for 237 yards and three touchdowns in win over Oak Park.

• Luis Becerra, Chatsworth: Completed eight of 10 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns in win over Sylmar.

• Chaz Rodriguez, Granada Hills Kennedy: Completed 14 of 14 passes for 214 yards and four touchdowns, ran for two touchdowns in win over Van Nuys.

• Eiler King, San Juan Hills: Passed for 345 yards and five touchdowns in win over Mira Costa.

• Jordan Spigarelli, Newport Harbor: Passed for 448 yards and four touchdowns in win over Colony.

RECEIVING

• Landon Armenta, La Serna: Caught nine passes for 221 yards and one touchdown in loss to Corona del Mar.

• Nolan Scott, Corona del Mar: Caught seven passes for 129 yards and one touchdown in win over La Serna.

• Jason Ramos, El Modena: Caught six passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns in win over El Dorado.

• Andrew Green, Troy: Caught six passes for 145 yards and two touchdowns in win over Segerstrom.

• Skylar Robinson, Huntington Beach: Caught seven passes for 125 yards and one touchdown, returned a kickoff for a score in win over Yorba Linda.

• Jack Norman, Dana Hills: Caught four passes for 118 yards and three touchdowns in win over Mayfair.

• Keondre Smith, Bellflower: Caught nine passes for 189 yards and one touchdown in win over Dominguez.

• Julian Padin, Warren: Caught 11 passes for 172 yards and three touchdowns vs. Culver City.

• Paul Turner, Birmingham: Made five catches for 134 yards and two touchdowns in win over Burbank.

DEFENSE

• Mark Cadena, King: Had two sacks and caught two touchdown passes in win over Citrus Valley.

• DyShaun Smock, South Hills: Returned interception 56 yards for touchdown in win over Santa Fe.

• Dion Edwards and Rashad Thornton, Gardena Serra: Both returned interceptions for touchdowns in win over Oaks Christian.

• Kingston Sula, Carson: Recorded two sacks and recovered two fumbles in win over North Torrance.

• Eduardo Castellano, Dana Hills: Had 13 tackles in win over Mayfair.

• Javier Vargas, Garfield: Had 13 solo tackles vs. Huntington Park.

• Noah Sanchez, Crespi: Had 16 tackles, plus interception return for touchdown, vs. Oak Park.

• Josiah Rand, Chaminade: Had 11 tackles, including one sack, in win over St. Bonaventure.

• Jacob Parra, L.A. Marshall: Made interception in end zone on two-point conversion attempt to save one-point win over Marquez.

SPECIAL TEAMS

• Evan Leddy, JSerra: Made 39-yard field goal to clinch win over Bishop Amat.

• Antonio Robles, Palos Verdes: Returned punt 60 yards for a touchdown in win over Wilmington Banning.

• Ethan Paillet, Peninsula: Made 42-yard field goal in loss to West Torrance.

• Cade Epstein, Capistrano Valley: Returned punt for a touchdown in win over Venice.

• Aydan Steen, Santa Margarita: Contributed a blocked punt and sack in win over Norco.

• Enzo Carpino, Dana Hills: Kicked a school-record 10 PATs in win over Mayfair.

Man United have won only one league game this season, leaving Michael Carrick under pressure ahead of Fulham trip.

Who: Fulham vs Manchester United
What: English Premier League
Where: Craven Cottage, London in United Kingdom
When: Sunday, September 20, at 4:30pm (15:30 GMT)
How to follow: Al Jazeera Sport will have all the build-up to our live text commentary stream from 12:30 GMT.

One month into the new ‌Premier League season, excuses about bedding-in processes and newly assembled squads needing time to gel are wearing thin and for Manchester United ⁠there is an acute sense ⁠of urgency as the international break looms.

United are by no means the only ‘big club’ enduring a faltering start to the campaign but after so much pre-season optimism, the spotlight has fallen very much on manager Michael Carrick ahead of ⁠Sunday’s trip to Fulham.

Al Jazeera takes a closer look at the game:

How have Manchester United started the new season?

United have ⁠lost three of their six matches in all competitions and suffered a damaging League Cup exit on Wednesday, surrendering a 2-0 ⁠lead to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Their only win in four league games came at home to promoted Ipswich Town.

United started the better in the VAR-dominated Manchester derby last Sunday, but played second fiddle to the away team after City were reduced to ten men.

How have Fulham started the new season?

The London club have made a slow start under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa and are yet to win in the league.

A draw at Liverpool last week and a League Cup win at West Ham United in midweek offered glimpses of better things to come.

What has Carrick said about United’s start to the season?

Carrick accepted responsibility for the team’s poor start but said the focus must remain on finding ⁠solutions rather than assigning blame.

“It’s my responsibility and I’m fine with that. It’s not a blame ⁠game. Blame me, no problem, but it’s ⁠not about blaming people,” said the 45-year-old boss.

“It’s about finding solutions. It’s a whole collective thing. It’s about what you focus on. I know where we want to get to ‌and we want to get there fast.”

What happened the last time Fulham played Man Utd?

United won 3-2 in their last meeting which came in the Premier League at Old Trafford on February 1.

Casemiro and Matheus Cunha put United two up before a chaotic finale that saw Raul Jiminez net an 85th minute penalty for the Londoners before Benjamin Sesko and Kevin traded injury time strikes.

What happened between Fulham and Man Utd at Craven Cottage last season?

The teams shared a 1-1 draw in the Premier League match. Emile Smith Rowe’s 73rd minute goal levelled matters after Rodrigo Muniz put through his own net in the 58th minute.

When did Fulham last beat Manchester United?

Fulham won 2-1 at Old Trafford in the Premier League on February 24, 2024. Harry Maguire appeared to have sealed a point for United in the 90th minute when he cancelled out Calvin Bassey’s 65th minute goal, but Alex Iwobi got Fulham’s winner in injury time.

United have won three of the five meetings since then.

When did Fulham last beat Man Utd at Craven Cottage?

Fulham have not recorded a home win against United since December 2009. Danny Murphy, Bobby Zamora and Damien Duff sealing a 3-0 home win.

Of the 10 matches since then, United have won nine, scoring 21 and conceding six.

Prediction: Fulham vs Manchester United

Opta’s supercomputer has given Manchester United a 47.4 percent chance of winning, while offering Fulham only a 28.3 percent chance of victory.

Head-to-head: Fulham vs Manchester United

This will be their 94th meeting, with Manchester United winning 59 of the encounters and Fulham 14.

Fulham team news

Kenny Tete misses out due to concussion at Anfield last week.

Tom Cairney is also absent with a knee injury, but Ryan Sessegnon will have a late fitness test as he returns from a groin problem.

Predicted Fulham lineup

Leno; Castagne, Affengruber, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Charles; Bobb, King, Iwobi; Garcia

Manchester United team news

United will make a late decision on whether to include Luke Shaw and Carlos ‌Baleba ‌in the squad. Both have had ankle problems, but could feature.

Manuel Ugarte, Tom Heaton, Matthijs de Ligt and Amad Diallo all remain sidelined with injuries.

Predicted Manchester United lineup

Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Mainoo, Tielemans; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko

Mike McDaniel isn’t panicking.

But the Chargers’ new offensive coordinator knows his unit must show urgency and improvement Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders after a rude wake-up call in the season opener.

“You have a lot of visions coming to a new team and working on something for months. The vision never looked like that,” McDaniel said of the Chargers’ 26-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. “That’s the beautiful thing about football; like life, time spent forecasting [and] visualizing things going a certain way … no one cares about that.

“So, it was a case of humble pie.”

Quarterback Justin Herbert never looked fully comfortable. He completed 17 of 27 passes with 207 yards, one touchdown and one back-breaking interception.

The time-of-possession disparity also played a big role in the loss, with the Cardinals controlling the ball roughly 15 minutes longer.

Herbert knows that can’t happen again.

“It’s another opportunity for us to go play football, to be better, and to put our brand of work out there,” Herbert said. “I don’t think we were happy or content with [the] Week 1 effort. So, we’re doing everything we can to fix it and be better.”

Facing a Maxx Crosby-led Raiders defense that held McDaniel’s former team, the Miami Dolphins, to 13 points in Week 1, the Chargers are focusing on often-overlooked aspects, such as understanding assignments, communicating more clearly, cleaning up penalties and operating as a collective.

“These are elementary things,” McDaniel said.

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert celebrates with coach Jim Harbaugh, center, and offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel after a touchdown against the Cardinals on Sept. 13.

(Harry How / Getty Images)

The offense will need more production from several players, especially if wideout Ladd McConkey, who is questionable to play with a rib injury, is unavailable.

Wide receivers Quentin Johnston and Tre’ Harris, who each saw six targets in Week 1, should see increased involvement, as should speedy rookie Brenen Thompson.

“He’s been really good,” coach Jim Harbaugh said of Thompson. “Great opportunity for him [and a] great challenge.”

Tight end Oronde Gadsden II is another player who could play a key role in a revitalized passing attack.

“I would expect [Gadsden] to be more involved outside of an unforeseen situation where the game and the parameters with which you’re playing change, in which case we’ll address that,” McDaniel said.

Perhaps the most important player to watch Sunday will be Omarion Hampton. The second-year running back had just 12 carries for 43 yards and one touchdown while also losing a fumble against the Cardinals.

“Really just flush [Week 1],” Hampton said about the Chargers’ approach to facing the Raiders. “[And] look at all the stuff we can work on. Come back, regroup as a team, talk about what we need to do to move forward and make it not happen again.

“We all think the same thing … urgent to get how we want to play. That’s really the main thing going on in the locker room.”

Changes also will be apparent on the offensive line.

Trey Pipkins III (knee) won’t play against the Raiders, ending the rotation at left guard, at least for now. And while the team would rather be at full strength, Kayode Awosika — who played well against the Cardinals — will get a chance to prove himself without sharing snaps.

Nonetheless, as McDaniel emphasized, talk of expectations and adjustments don’t matter — it’s what shows up on film that does.

Good thing the Chargers’ new play-caller craves adversity.

“It’s been my favorite week of my employment here,” McDaniel said. “Because — I know [through] my experience in this league — do not measure anything beyond how a group of people handles adversity in the National Football League.

“It’s not if, it’s when.”

Arsenal in shock 3-0 loss at Brighton to lose top spot in the Premier League on goal difference to Manchester City.

Arsenal slumped to a first loss in their Premier League title defence – and it was a heavy one at Brighton.

After four straight wins for the champions, the 3-0 defeat at the Amex Stadium on Saturday came out of nowhere. Conceding the third goal from a corner — typically an area of strength for Arsenal – summed up an unusually sloppy performance from Mikel Arteta’s team.

Pascal Gross and Charalampos Kostoulas scored in the first half with shots from outside the penalty area, before Chema Andres completed the win with a header at the back post from Gross’s corner.

The victory will have been especially sweet for Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, who said “only one team tried to play football” after his team’s narrow home loss to Arsenal last season.

Arsenal have often struggled against Brighton, which was the last team to inflict such a heavy defeat on the Gunners in any competition — winning 3-0 at Emirates Stadium in May 2023.

It completed a brilliant week for Brighton, after beating Coventry 5-0 in the league last weekend and coming from two goals down in midweek to beat Manchester United 3-2 away in the English League Cup.

Manchester City — the other team to win their first four games — can now move three points clear in the standings by beating Sunderland on Sunday.

Unai Emery’s side get first league win of season with goals from Johan Manzambi, Nicolas Jackson and Emi Buendia.

48he end to Tottenham’s Premier League goal drought came too late as Aston Villa won 3-2 in north London to compound a miserable start for Roberto De Zerbi’s men.

Spurs remain without a league win this season and only netted their first goals of the campaign after the visitors had surged into a 3-0 lead on Saturday.

Villa had also struggled for goals themselves since the side that won the Europa League last season was torn apart during the transfer window.

But new signings Johan Manzambi and Nicolas Jackson struck either side of half-time to give Unai Emery’s new-look team their first league win before Emi Buendia’s wonder strike.

Even Tottenham’s first late consolation needed the aid of a Villa deflection when Conor Gallagher’s effort went in off Matty Cash before Jan Paul van Hecke headed home in stoppage time.

Spurs splashed out more than 300 million pounds ($400m) on new players to try and avoid a repeat of the battle for survival they endured last season.

Yet there remains little return on that investment.

In keeping with recent performances, Spurs started brightly before fizzling out.

Twice in a matter of seconds, Savio was kept out by Suzuki before the Japanese goalkeeper spread himself to turn behind Archie Gray’s powerful strike.

Villa had picked up just one point from their opening four league games but have missed their club record signing Manzambi for most of that period.

The Swiss international opened his Villa account when he tapped home Boubacar Kamara’s cross.

However, Tottenham will protest about new laws that force a player off the field for at least a minute after receiving treatment for an injury.

A head knock to centre-back Micky Van de Ven left them a man down at the back when Manzambi swept home.

Spurs only had themselves to blame for the second goal as van Hecke failed to deal with a long ball straight down the middle.

Jackson did well to evade the Dutch defender and then fired down into the ground and past Antonin Kinsky.

The Czech goalkeeper was powerless to stop Villa’s third 11 minutes from time when Buendia took aim from long range and brilliantly picked out the top corner.

A chorus of boos greeted Buendia’s strike as thousands of home fans headed for an early exit.

But those that left missed finally have something to celebrate.

Fine persistence from Mohammed Kudus teed up Gallagher to find the bottom corner via the outstretched foot of Cash.

Van Hecke then bulleted in from Andy Robertson’s free-kick with virtually the last touch of the game.

Spurs now must stew on another defeat for a three-week international break while rooted in the relegation zone.

Villa, by contrast, will hope victory can prove the catalyst to storm up the table as they did last season.

Emery’s men failed to win any of their first five league games a year ago, but ultimately finished fourth.

Who: Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid
What: La Liga
Where: Metropolitano Stadium, Madrid, Spain
When: Sunday, September 20, at 4:15pm (14:15 GMT)
How to follow: Al Jazeera Sport will bring you all the build-up from 11:15 GMT before our live text commentary stream

Atletico host bitter city rivals Real for the Madrid derby as both sides look to keep up with early La Liga pacesetters Barcelona.

Madrid trail unbeaten champions Barcelona at the top of the table by three points, with Atletico third.

Atletico have bounced back from back-to-back defeats to Bilbao and Liverpool earlier in September, beating Real Sociedad 3-0 and Osasuna 4-0 in their last two games.

Real come into the game in decent form under boss Jose Mourinho but have had wobbles this month, with a defeat to Betis and scoring late to beat bottom club Elche after squandering a two-goal lead.

Improving Atletico cruise to win over Osasuna

Atletico Madrid thrashed Osasuna 4-0 on Wednesday to build some form in the run-up to Sunday’s derby clash against rivals Real Madrid.

Jonathan David, Lee Kang-in, Robin Le Normand and Alex Baena’s goals helped Diego Simeone’s side cruise to a comfortable home victory.

They were without injured striker Julian Alvarez, but it did not matter after they secured a second straight win to cut the gap on top two Barcelona and Real Madrid.

The comfortable victory was important for an Atletico side with lots of new faces still bedding in, after two defeats in their three matches prior.

“We controlled it in the first half even though we weren’t clinical,” said coach Diego Simeone. “We were clinical in the second half and controlled the game.”

Mourinho rues lack of game control

Real ‌Madrid squandered a two-goal lead before substitute Carlos Espi struck in stoppage time to ⁠secure a dramatic 3-2 ⁠victory at Elche in La Liga on Tuesday.

Real went 2-0 up inside 33 minutes through a Matias Dituro own goal and Kylian Mbappe, but second-half strikes from Abiel ⁠Osorio and Fer Nino hauled Elche level before Espi restored the visitors’ lead in the 91st minute.

It was the second time in ⁠six league matches that the 21-year-old Espi had come off the bench to score a late winner, although Mourinho remained concerned by Real’s failure to control the second half in advance of Sunday’s derby against Atletico Madrid.

“The problem seems obvious to me. It’s harder to know why, but it’s easy to understand that there are matches that seem over and, in the end, aren’t,” said Mourinho.

“[There are] matches where we have three, four, five chances to finish them and don’t,” he said at the pre-match news conference.

“After failing to do so, it feels like we go from ease, because it seemed easy, to losing control.”

Mourinho said his team’s defensive issues were of concern.

“Not just for Sunday’s match, but for every match. I like my team to score goals … but I also like controlling matches,” explained Mourinho.

“I don’t like gifting control. It’s not about the goals, it’s about giving away control of the match.”

Prediction

The Opta supercomputer has made Real Madrid the favourites, with a win probability of 46.6 percent. Atletico were given a 28.3 percent chance of winning, while a draw was estimated at a 25.1 percent likelihood.

Head-to-head

The rivals have faced each other on 243 occasions; Real Madrid won 125 games, Atletico won 60, while 58 matches ended as draws.

Last five encounters:

• March 22, 2026: Real Madrid 3-2 Atletico (La Liga)
• January 8, 2026: Atletico 1-2 Real Madrid (Spanish Super Cup semifinal)
• September 27, 2025: Atletico 5-2 Real Madrid (La Liga)
• March 12, 2025: Atletico 1-0 Real Madrid (Champions League last 16, second leg)
• March 4, 2025: Real Madrid 2-1 Atletico (Champions League last 16, first leg)

What happened the last time the two clubs played each other?

Vinicius Jr scored ⁠twice ⁠as Real Madrid fought back to beat Atletico Madrid 3-2 at the Santiago Bernabeu in ⁠a breathless Spanish capital derby in March.

Atletico’s Ademola Lookman opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, finishing a slick ‌counterattack involving Matteo Ruggeri and a delightful back-heel from Giuliano Simeone.

Vinicius equalised from the penalty spot in the 52nd minute, after David Hancko clumsily tripped Brahim Diaz, and Federico ⁠Valverde capitalised on a ⁠Jose Maria Gimenez error three minutes later to make it 2-1 to Real.

Nahuel Molina silenced Real’s ⁠Bernabeu stadium with a thunderous 30-metre strike in ⁠the 66th minute, but ⁠Vinicius restored Real’s lead with a cracking solo effort six minutes later.

What happened in the corresponding fixture last season?

Julian Alvarez scored twice as Atletico Madrid came from behind to thrash city rivals Real Madrid 5-2 in a pulsating derby in September 2025.

Atletico’s aggressive start paid off when Robin Le Normand opened the scoring with a header in the 14th minute.

However, Kylian Mbappe burst through to level with an unstoppable strike from close range in a quick counter in the 25th minute, with Arda Guler netting a volley from a Vinicius Jr cross 11 minutes later to put the visitors in front.

Alexander Sorloth’s header in added time before the break gave Atletico a boost, and they regained the lead five minutes into the second half when Alvarez converted a penalty after Guler’s high boot clipped Nico Gonzalez on the face inside the box.

After Alvarez extended their lead in the 64th minute with a sublime free kick into the top corner, substitute Antoine Griezmann sealed the win in a quick counter in added time.

Atletico Madrid’s team news

Alvarez, Pablo Barrios, and Sorloth are doubts, as all three are struggling with muscle issues.

Jonathan David is likely to continue up front if Alvarez is absent or starts on the bench.

Predicted starting XI:

Oblak (goalkeeper); Llorente, Romero, Le Normand, Grimaldo; Lee, Koke, Cardoso, Baena; David, Lookman

Real Madrid’s team news

Eder Militao, Rodrygo, and Ferland Mendy are unavailable due to injuries, but otherwise Mourinho appears to have a full squad to choose from.

Predicted starting XI:

Courtois (goalkeeper); Dumfries, Konate, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Tchouameni; Guler, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappe

Chelsea left with one point from their last three Premier League games after a 3-0 defeat at neighbours Brentford.

Brentford exposed Chelsea’s defensive problems to inflict a damaging 3-0 defeat that gives Xabi Alonso plenty to ponder during a three-week international break.

After a promising start to life under the former Real Madrid coach, Chelsea have picked up just one point from their last three league games.

Goals from Jaidon Anthony, Igor Thiago and Fabio Carvalho took unbeaten Brentford above their west London neighbours late on Friday and up to third in the table.

“I have this unbelievable calm around that team because I trust them. It’s nice to see it come to fruition,” said Brentford boss Keith Andrews.

Chelsea had quickly earned the reputation as the Premier League’s great entertainers under Alonso, with their opening four games containing 19 goals.

But the loss of Joao Pedro to a knee injury subdued the Blues’ free-flowing attack as Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers were comfortably kept in check by the Bees.

“At the moment we are not being consistent enough to compete during the whole game,” said Alonso.

“It’s about everything. It’s about the mentality. It’s about football, tactical things that we need to keep improving that we can do much better.”

Alonso said after last weekend’s 2-2 draw against Hull, he was hoping for more “boring” games going forward.

The Spaniard sought control as he made four changes in all, handing Jordan Henderson his first Chelsea start against the 36-year-old’s former club.

Alonso got his wish during a flat first half in which neither goalkeeper was seriously tested, but Brentford were the more threatening side in the second period.

The visitors’ frailty from set-pieces led to the opening goal when Jannick Schuster rose highest to meet Mikkel Damsgaard’s corner, and Anthony was left with a simple task to head into an unguarded net just after the hour mark.

Chelsea’s response was muted, and as they pushed forward in search of an equaliser, Alonso’s men were picked off on the counterattack.

Kevin Schade should have scored the second goal himself when played clean through on Emi Martinez.

But even after the Argentinian goalkeeper spread himself to save, the rebound fell kindly for Thiago to end his goal drought.

The Brazilian netted 25 times last season, earning a shock call-up to Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad as a result.

Thiago has looked shorn of confidence in the early weeks of the campaign and tore off his shirt in celebration after netting for the first time in the Premier League this season.

Chelsea have conceded at least twice in all five league games under Alonso, and there was further punishment to come in stoppage time.

Schade’s low cross was deflected into the path of Carvalho, who fired high past Martinez to leave Andrews yelling into the night sky in delight.

Brentford, who also beat Tottenham 3-0 on the opening weekend of the season, sit behind only defending champions Arsenal and Manchester City at the top of the table.

By contrast, Chelsea were handed another reminder of the gap Alonso must bridge to make them title contenders once more.

Who: Brighton vs Arsenal
What: English Premier League
Where: Amex Stadium, Brighton in United Kingdom
When: Saturday, September 19, at 3pm (14:00 GMT)
How to follow: Al Jazeera Sport will have all the build-up to our live text commentary stream from 11:00 GMT.

Premier League holders Arsenal head to Brighton on Saturday with a chance to extend their lead at the top of the table to three points.

Second-placed Manchester City, who have also won four from four to start the new English top-flight season, entertain Sunderland on Sunday.

Al Jazeera Sport takes a look at the game, which produced a feisty finale in the clubs’ last meeting.

What was the issue between Arsenal and Brighton last season?

Mikel Arteta has made peace with Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler following their row last season as the pair go head-to-head again on Saturday.

Hurzeler criticised Arteta’s style of play during a 1-0 loss to the Gunners at the Amex Stadium in March.

The German said “only one team tried to play football” and accused Arsenal of “making their own rules”.

With the champions heading back to Brighton in the top flight this weekend, the spotlight will be fixed on the touchline to see if the spat lingers.

Hurzeler refused to back down this week when quizzed on his comments from last season.

“I think it’s very important that in football there are opinions,” he said.

“I will definitely always share my opinion if I am asked. But, in the end, I congratulate Arsenal for being deserved champions. They deserved it.”

Speaking on Friday, Arteta insisted there was no bad blood over Hurzeler’s blast.

“That’s all done. That’s all in the past,” the Arsenal manager told reporters.

“I have huge respect for Fabian, and what he’s done and what Brighton has done as a club.

“It’s just remarkable, and tomorrow is going to be a beautiful game to watch, I’m sure.”

How have Arsenal started the new season?

Arsenal have made a flying start to their Premier League title defence, with four successive victories taking them to the top of the table.

The north Londoners also won their opening Champions League match against Napoli and booked their place in the League Cup fourth round on Tuesday with a win at Ipswich.

Teenage playmaker Max Dowman starred against Ipswich in his first appearance this season, scoring twice to underline why he is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the Premier League.

The 16-year-old has made his case for a bigger role in Arteta’s plans after being an unused substitute in the opening weeks.

But when asked if the teenager has been knocking on his door to play, Arteta said: “The best way to knock on the door is to do it on the pitch, not in the office.

“Then you just leave out the arguments. When a player delivers constantly on the pitch, every single day in training, that’s the best way, that’s the best signal for the manager.”

How does Arsenal’s start rank in their history?

Including the Community Shield against Manchester City, Arsenal have won seven consecutive matches.

Another victory on the south coast would equal the club’s 123-year record for their best start to a campaign.

“We know how complicated it is to win a football match at this level. So, to win seven, it tells a story,” Arteta said.

“After the World Cup, there were a lot of unknowns about how the players and the team were going to react. We didn’t have any time with them to work together.

“But I said from day one, the attitude and what I was seeing, I was really impressed with. Then you have to put it down to performances.”

What is the latest on Arteta’s contract at Arsenal?

Arteta is yet to sign a contract extension, with talks ongoing for several months, but the Spaniard is relaxed about the situation.

“I think we are all very much aligned; whenever the time is right, we’ll get that done. There is nothing to be concerned about,” he said.

When did Brighton last beat Arsenal?

The Seagulls last beat the Gunners on May 14, 2023, when they won 3-0 at Emirates Stadium in the league.

Julio Enciso, Deniz Undav and Pervis Estupinan scored the goals in the second half.

Prediction – Arsenal vs Brighton

Opta’s supercomputer has given Arsenal a 57 percent chance of winning, while Brighton have been offered a 29 percent chance.

Head-to-head – Arsenal vs Brighton

This will be the 36th meeting between the clubs, with Arsenal winning 20 of the encounters and Brighton emerging victorious on eight of the occasions.

Brighton team news

Brighton are expected to revert to the side that beat Coventry in their last Premier League outing.

Jaouen Hadjam sustained a knock in the 3-2 League Cup win against Manchester United on Wednesday.

Femi Azeez, Evan Ferguson, Zadok Yohanna, Mats Wieffer, Jack Hinshelwood (unspecified), Kaoru Mitoma, Yankuba Minteh and Stefanos Tzimas all remain part of a lengthy injury list.

Predicted Brighton lineup

Verbruggen; Kadioglu, Dunk, Vuskovic, Boscagli; Gross, Ayari; Gomez, Yalcouye, De Cuyper; Kostoulas

Arsenal team news

Jurrien Timber missed the midweek League Cup win against Ipswich Town as a precaution and is set to be available for the trip to Brighton.

Piero Hincapie, Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera are all doubts, however, while William Saliba is still sidelined with a back injury.

Predicted Arsenal lineup

Raya; Timber, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Guimaraes, Rice; Saka, Odegaard, Tzolis; Havertz

Netherlands midfielder Kees Smit is watched by Liverpool, Tottenham lead the race for Brazil defender Arthur Dias and Monaco’s Folarin Balogun is expected to leave in January.

Liverpool watched £51.5m-rated Netherlands midfielder Kees Smit when AZ Alkmaar faced Sunderland in the Europa League this week – with Chelsea, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa also among the clubs keeping tabs on the 20-year-old. (Teamtalk), external

Manchester United are monitoring the performances of 24-year-old Everton and England defender Jarrad Branthwaite. (Football Insider), external

Tottenham are leading the race to sign 19-year-old Brazil defender Arthur Dias from Athletico Paranaense, while Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Brentford are also monitoring the defender, who is valued at 30m euros. (Teamtalk), external

Monaco have confirmed plans to sell United States striker Folarin Balogun in January after the 25-year-old changed his mind over a move to Everton on deadline day. (Standard), external

Several European clubs are monitoring English 20-year-old defender Josh Acheampong’s situation at Chelsea. (AS), external

Monaco have admitted that a deal for 22-year-old midfielder Lamine Camara could be possible in January, with Liverpool and Chelsea interested in the Senegal international. (Standard), external

Real Madrid will go all out to sign Morocco’s new midfield gem Abdellah Ouazane, 17, who is at Ajax. (Fichajes – in Spanish), external

Newcastle United are set to revive their interest in Djurgarden midfielder Bo Hegland after the 22-year-old Norwegian opted against moving in the summer. (Football Insider), external

Arsenal, Brighton and Aston Villa are all monitoring Sturm Graz midfielder Luca Weinhandl, 17, with the Austrian valued at £20m. (Teamtalk), external

Tottenham are considering signing free agent Mauro Icardi after the Argentine left Galatasaray, but they will not be able to register the 33-year-old until January. (Express), external

Manchester City and Liverpool are keen on signing Germany midfielder Felix Nmecha, 25, with Borussia Dortmund expected to ask for 80-90m euros. (Fussball News), external

Chelsea have joined a number of European clubs in the race to sign The Gambia youth international Adama Jeng, 15, from Norwegian side Tromso IL. (Football Insider), external

Michael Carrick says he expected tough season start as he rebuffs questions about his role as Manchester United manager.

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick said he expected to have to ride out a storm at some point this season after a dreadful start to the current campaign.

Carrick was appointed on a permanent basis after his successful temporary spell at the end of last season secured third place in the Premier League and a return to the Champions League.

But United have taken just four points from their opening four league games this season and were dumped out of the League Cup in a 3-2 defeat by Brighton in midweek after blowing a two-goal lead at Old Trafford for the first time in 50 years.

“In terms of the future and ownership and how long I’ve got, it’s totally nothing. Thinking about it is ridiculous in the position I’m in. It’s ⁠just not on the radar. We’ve got to ⁠perform and we’ve got a lot of games to plan for,” Carrick said ahead of Sunday’s trip to Fulham.

“History tells you that any team that’s successful goes through periods when you have to work through it, come through it and improve.

“We’ve had a small period, in recent time, when it hasn’t been exactly what we want it to be.

“I was expecting a point when we would go through it, it was going to come. We had such a good spell last season, going into this season.”

Former United and England midfielder Carrick also has reason to bemoan his side’s luck in recent weeks.

United received a swift apology from referees’ chiefs after Erling Haaland’s winning goal for Manchester City last weekend was wrongly awarded because the VAR officials did not spot an offside against Enzo Fernandez in the build-up.

Carrick’s men were also heading for three points at Everton last Sunday before until Toffees defender Ainsley Maitland-Niles produced a stunning strike into the top corner from long range.

“It is a week or two, the games haven’t gone our way,” added Carrick. “It’s tiny margins in some of those games. We will work through it. Winning games is always the answer, it can cover up a lot of things at times as well.

“Sometimes it’s the small disappointments that lead to something a bit bigger. It’s part of coping and being at this great football club.”

United could be boosted by the return of Luke Shaw from injury for the visit to Craven Cottage.

Carlos Baleba is also in contention to make his first appearance since a 70 million pound ($94m) move from Brighton.

Real Madrid stars including Kylian Mbappe rolled up T-shirts showing support for Ceuta, but President trip ‘unrelated’.

Real Madrid President ‌Florentino Perez attended an event at Ceuta city hall ⁠on Friday in ⁠a visit to show solidarity with the Spanish territory, saying that it was not related to any recent ⁠developments.

On Tuesday, before Real’s La Liga match with Elche, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Ibrahima Konate obscured the message “We are all mackerels”, ⁠which appeared on T-shirts worn by the rest of the players. “Mackerels” is a nickname for people from Ceuta, and the shirts were designed to show support for them.

Mbappe said on Wednesday that he did not ‌want to prioritise the suffering of one group over another. Real told the news agency Reuters that they respected their players’ freedom to make their own decisions, but noted that they had shown support for Ceuta a week earlier with a tifo during their Champions League match with Inter Milan.

Perez was accompanied by honorary ⁠Real Madrid President Jose Martinez Pirri, a native ⁠of Ceuta. They were welcomed by Regional President Juan Jesus Vivas.

“I want to emphasise, to avoid any doubts, that today’s event has been prepared over several weeks ⁠with the president of Ceuta, not due to any recent news,” Perez said at the city ⁠hall.

“And I also take this opportunity to ⁠convey all our support, all our affection, and our solidarity during these very difficult times to all Ceutans. It is our wish that normality resumes as soon ‌as possible in Ceuta.”

In July, more than 70,000 irregular crossings into Ceuta from Morocco took place, causing disruption in the territory. Real ‌Madrid’s ‌show of solidarity is one of many gestures that have taken place across Spain since the mass crossings.

Spain’s Lamine Yamal says most racism he has suffered has come from people unaware of their own comments or behaviour.

Barcelona forward ‌Lamine Yamal said he has experienced racism “a thousand ⁠times”, with ⁠many people unaware that their comments or behaviour are racist.

The 19-year-old has been the target of ⁠racial abuse during his rapid rise to prominence.

In October 2024, footage appeared to show Lamine, Raphinha and Ansu ⁠Fati being racially abused during Barcelona’s match against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Spanish Observatory on Racism and Xenophobia said in a bulletin published in March that Lamine and ‌Vinicius Jr were the most frequent targets of online racist abuse in Spain in the final quarter of 2025.

Asked by former Argentina international Jorge Valdano in an interview with Spanish broadcaster Movistar whether he had directly experienced racism, Lamine said: “A thousand times.

“People are indirectly ⁠racist toward you, but maybe don’t ⁠realise it. There are a lot of comments or looks that are racist, and they don’t even notice.

“If someone calls me Black, it’s ⁠not going to bother me at all, ultimately I’m Black, I’m not any other ⁠colour. Another thing is whether it’s ⁠good or bad, whether they’re saying it to offend me.

“But if I’m playing a match and they paid for a ticket to see ‌me, I’m not going to get angry just because they disrespected me.”

La Liga has stepped up efforts to combat racist ‌abuse ‌in stadiums following several high-profile incidents in Spanish football in recent years.