Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 31, 2026, 10:12 PM ET

Premier League Action

Manchester United produced a statement performance, coming from behind to thrash Ipswich Town 5-2, with captain Bruno Fernandes netting a hat trick. The result vindicates coach Michael Carrick's approach after a rocky start, as his big blowout win justified the criticism he faced earlier in the campaign.

Chelsea marked Xabi Alonso's home debut with an entertaining 4-3 victory over Brighton, continuing their winning start. Meanwhile, questions swirl over midfielder Enzo Fernández's future, as coach Alonso's decision to drop Fernández has worked so far, but whether the Blues can afford to let him go remains uncertain given their title aspirations.

Transfer Market Rumors

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly preparing a late move for AC Milan winger Christian Pulisic, as transfer rumors heat up ahead of Tuesday's deadline. Liverpool, meanwhile, could spend up to €140 million in their pursuit of PSG winger Bradley Barcola, viewing him as the long-term replacement for Salah. Everton are considering a move for USMNT forward Folarin Balogun if Iliman Ndiaye moves to Spurs, per sources to ESPN. Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins has joined Al Hilal in a major Saudi Pro League coup.

The relationship between Chelsea and Aston Villa remains tense after a series of player movements, with Villa boss Unai Emery insisting it's"not a good relationship, it's a deal for money," as he explained the partnership. BBC Sport's experts highlight the standout deals to watch before the 23:00 BST English deadline.

MLS & Women's Soccer

Lionel Messi scored four goals to lift Inter Miami to a club-record 7-1 victory over CF Montréal, snapping the team's winless run. This marks the ninth time Messi has scored four or more goalsin a single match, a testament to his enduring brilliance. Trinity Rodman says she is happy with the"new and improved" version of herself after scoring in her NWSL return, having put injury problems behind her to help Washington Spirit end their winless streak.

In women's club news, Manchester United are finalizing a deal to sign Mexican international Rebeca Bernal from the NWSL's Washington Spirit, per a source to ESPN.

European Football & Other Sports

Jude Bellingham said he's enjoying the"freedom" of a new role under coach José Mourinho after scoring in Real Madrid's 4-0 winover Málaga on Sunday. In cricket, Ricky Ponting said Marnus Labuschagne's spot in the Australia Test team has become"untenable," as he insisted England have the talent to"serve it up" to the Baggy Greens during The Ashes next summer.

In boxing, Caroline Dubois labelled Alycia Baumgardner a coward after the pair were involved in a heated confrontation at ringside, setting up what could be the biggest fight in women's boxing. At the US Open, Novak Djokovic fell at the first hurdle as his tilt at a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam came to a shocking end to Argentine Mariano Navone in a five-set marathon, with Djokovic saying his body started to collapse..

Racing & F1

Ripon’s Champion Two Years Old Trophy is up for grabs on Bank Holiday Monday, plus action from Chepstow and Southwell, all live on Sky Sports Racing. After a summer of speculation, contract extensions for Max Verstappenand Lando Norris suggest the elite seats on the Formula 1 grid are locked in, but driver-market dramacould still erupt further down the grid.