Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 30, 2026, 10:14 PM ET

Premier League: Manchester United's Statement Win

Manchester United secured their first Premier League victory of the season in emphatic fashion, coming from behind to thrash Ipswich 5-2 at Old Trafford. Captain Bruno Fernandes was the architect of the comeback, scoring a hat-trick to inspire the turnaround after Gary O'Neil's side had taken a shock early lead. The result vindicates head coach Michael Carrick, who had endured a rocky start to the season but saw his approach justified in the big blowout win. Carrick branded claims that his side lacked motivation in their earlier defeat to Hull City as "lazy," and Sunday's performance backed up that assertion.

Beyond Fernandes, the match showcased a new era at United, with Kobbie Mainoo impressing alongside the captain. Marcus Rashford's return to the starting XI was also notable, with player ratings reflecting a mixed performance from the forward. For all the new signings and tactical evolution under Carrick, it is still the captain who sets the standard at Manchester United, according to Simon Stone. The victory was also an emotional occasion, as the sons of PC Matthew Blades, who died in an A66 crash, led the team out as mascots. There was a moment of controversy too, with Harry Maguire's goal allowed to stand despite a potential handball, once again highlighting the confusing nature of the handball law.

Premier League: Chelsea and Liverpool Thrillers

Chelsea marked Xabi Alonso's home debut with an entertaining 4-3 victory over Brighton, continuing their winning start to the season. New goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez made his debut in the seven-goal thriller, but his arrival does not solve the club's defensive problems on his own, as analysis suggests more is needed for title-challenger status. The World Cup winner's move from Aston Villa marks the eighth deal between the two clubs since 2022, making them one of the Premier League's busiest transfer partnerships. Joao Pedro and debutant Yalcouye starred in the player ratings, while referee Michael Oliver was forced to work the second half without his communications pack due to technical trouble. Notably, Enzo Fernández was left out of the squad, with manager Xabi Alonso's gamble on the midfielder's potential exit raising questions about the Blues' title hopes. Martínez's debut was confirmed in the team news, with Enzo not in the squad.

Liverpool, meanwhile, were held to a 2-2 draw at Anfield by Nottingham Forest, with a late equalizer rescuing a point. The result exposed the same shortcomings that cost Arne Slot his job, as Andoni Iraola's side continue to show bad habits. Elsewhere, Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored a late tap-in to earn Leeds United a 1-1 draw with Brentford at Elland Road, while Wilson Isidor's effort secured Sunderland's first points of the season with a 1-0 win against Fulham.

Premier League: Tottenham's Struggles and Transfer Activity

Tottenham's woes continued with a 0-2 loss to Newcastle, despite spending over $500M to rebuild. The defeat featured the same frailties that nearly saw the club relegated, showing the scale of the task facing coach Roberto De Zerbi. The Italian coach revealed that Richarlison, Kevin Danso and Pape Matar Sarr have all asked to leave the club. In response, Tottenham are in advanced talks to sign Iliman Ndiaye from Everton, with Richarlison set to move in the opposite direction as part of separate negotiations. The two clubs are also discussing a swap deal that could see both players change clubs before the deadline. Spurs have also enquired about Christian Pulisic, while Liverpool and Everton show interest in Stuttgart winger Jamie Leweling. Everton, meanwhile, are considering a move for USMNT forward Folarin Balogun ahead of Tuesday's transfer deadline.

Premier League: Other Results and Moves

Rangers secured their first Scottish Premiership win of the season with a 1-0 victory at Aberdeen, with Lawrence Shankland's penalty proving decisive after VAR denied the home side a late equaliser. The "bitty" win at Pittodrie could be a turning point for Derek McInnes and his Rangers team, who had not enjoyed watching their side until Sunday. In other transfer news, West Bromwich Albion signed midfielder Toby Collyer from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee, while Coventry City secured Stephen Mfuni on a season-long loan from Manchester City. Hull City's move for Eintracht Frankfurt winger Jean-Matteo Bahoya fell through after the player decided against joining the Premier League side. Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson is "probably under pressure" for the first time, according to ex-Wales striker Iwan Roberts, with no wins yet this season.

Transfer Market: Major Deals and Rumors

The transfer window is heating up with several significant moves. Ollie Watkins has completed his £51m move to Saudi side Al-Hilal from Aston Villa, with the England international admitting he never imagined his Villa career would "end this way." The deal was confirmed by the club on Sunday. Arsenal are also active, having agreed a club-record £55.7m fee with Al Hilal to sell Gabriel Martinelli, while a deal has been agreed in principle for fellow Brazilian Gabriel Jesus to depart for Barcelona. The £8.6m deal for Jesus has been confirmed by sources, with Barcelona in "very advanced" negotiations with Arsenal. Hamburg are also in advanced talks to buy Arsenal midfielder Fabio Vieira in a €10m deal.

Rafael Leão has arrived in Istanbul ahead of a $52M switch from AC Milan to Galatasaray. Liverpool are in talks to sign Ismaïla Sarr from Crystal Palace, while Manchester City are in talks to sign Cody Gakpo from Liverpool, according to sources. Liverpool could spend up to €140 million in their deal for PSG winger Bradley Barcola, who has been identified as a potential long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah. The £123m deal has been agreed, with BBC Sport examining how the "grasshopper" has overcome setbacks to reach the top. Julián Álvarez returned to training with Atletico Madrid after missing three sessions, as the club stood fast in its refusal to allow the star forward to join Barcelona. Chelsea have announced the signing of World Cup winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa.

European Football: Real Madrid, Atlético, and More

Jude Bellingham said he's enjoying the "freedom" of a new role under coach José Mourinho after scoring in Real Madrid's 4-0 win over Málaga on Sunday. The England midfielder has flourished in his new position, reveling in the creative license afforded to him. Atlético Madrid, meanwhile, cruised to a 3-1 victory over Sevilla without Julián Álvarez, who was not even on the bench. In Scotland, Rangers' Lawrence Shankland penalty proved decisive in their 1-0 win at Aberdeen. Dundee United reportedly agreed a fee for Vicko Sevelj to join Neftci Baku, with St Mirren poised to sign a Serbian striker. Teenage Cardiff midfielder Axel Donczew has joined Arsenal as part of the first-year scholarship intake.

MLS and International Football

Lionel Messi scored four goals to lift Inter Miami to a club-record 7-1 victory over visiting CF Montréal on Saturday, snapping the team's winless run in style. The feat is nothing new for the GOAT, who has now scored four goals in a match nine times for Barcelona, Inter Miami, and Argentina. Philadelphia Union rising star Cavan Sullivan found the net for the second straight match to become the first 16-year-old in MLS history with goal contributions in four consecutive matches. Former West Ham forward Michail Antonio is helping players from a Ghana academy who have travelled to England in the hope of turning pro.

Golf: Fed ExCup and Tour Championship

Scottie Scheffler came through a final-round tussle with Viktor Hovland to cap off another PGA Tour season in style with FedExCup glory at the Tour Championship. Tiger Woods praised the "incredible" Scheffler after his "historic" Fed ExCup success, as the world No. 1 broke more records with his latest triumph. The 2026 FedExCup season featured nine Signature Events across a 35-tournament calendar. In women's golf, South Africa's Casandra Alexander claimed victory at a weather-affected KPMG Irish Open with a dominant performance across a sodden week in County Kildare, finishing ahead of home favourite Leona Maguire who finished fourth.

Tennis: US Open Day One

Britain's Toby Samuel won his maiden Grand Slam match after an impressive straight-sets victory while Cameron Norrie lost on the opening day of the US Open. The British charge also included Katie Boulter and Jacob Fearnley in action on Day One. The final Grand Slam of 2026 poses several key questions, including whether Alcaraz is fit and whether Sabalenka can make history. The Sky Sports Tennis panel have made their predictions for winners and dark horses ahead of the tournament.

Cricket: England Seal Series Win Over Pakistan

England sealed a series victory over Pakistan with a 194-run win at Lord's, with the seamers once again standing out. Nasser Hussain says any side in the world would find it tough against England's bowling attack in current conditions after they shredded Pakistan yet again to help Joe Root's side to a series win. Rain briefly stopped play at Lord's as England pushed for the series win over Pakistan.

Boxing and NFL

Mikaela Mayer said Chantelle Cameron's post-fight trash talk "triggered" the angry scenes that followed their super-welterweight epic in Birmingham, conceding she "acted in a way that I shouldn't have." Moses Itauma is unlikely to receive an immediate rematch with Filip Hrgovic after his world heavyweight title defeat. In the NFL, Aaron Donald has officially come out of retirement and will return for the Los Angeles Rams this season, making a dramatic return to the franchise.

Racing

There is plenty of British interest on a quality card at Deauville this Sunday, all live on Sky Sports Racing, with British raiders on show at the French track.