Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 31, 2026, 6:41 AM ET

Premier League

Manchester United erupted from a goal down to thrash Ipswich Town 5-2 at Old Trafford, as captain Bruno Fernandes netted a hat trick in a commanding display. The victory vindicated coach Michael Carrick's approach after a rocky start, with the blowout win justifying his tactical patience. Fernandes's treble powered the comeback and set the standard for the new era, while Kobbie Mainoo also impressed alongside the captain. Harry Maguire celebrated a goal that was allowed despite a perceived handball, a decision that confused supporters. Marcus Rashford's return to the XI drew mixed reviews in the player ratings. Carrick dismissed claims his side lack passion as "lazy" analysis after the emphatic response. In a touching moment, the sons of PC Matthew Blades, who died in an A66 crash, led the team out as mascots.

Chelsea continued their winning start under Xabi Alonso with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Brighton, though their defensive frailties remained exposed despite debutant goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. Joao Pedro starred for the visitors while debutant Yalcouye also shone. Referee Michael Oliver worked without his communications pack during the second half due toa technical issue. Martínez's arrival from Villa was confirmed earlier in the week, though questions remain over whether he can solve deeper problems.

Elsewhere, Dominic Calvert-Lewin's late tap-in earned Leeds United a 1-1 draw with Brentford at Elland Road. Wilson Isidor's effort secured Sunderland a 1-0 win against Fulham for their first points. Tottenham's heavy spending has failed to buy mentality after a loss to Newcastle exposed same frailties, while coach Roberto De Zerbi revealed Richarlison, Kevin Danso and Pape Matar Sarr have asked to leave.

Transfers

The transfer window is nearing its climax with several major deals brewing. Barcelona have agreed a deal in principle with Arsenal to sign Gabriel Jesus for £8.6m, while Arsenal also agreed a club-record £55.7m fee with Al Hilal to sell Gabriel Martinelli. The negotiations were described as "very advanced" by a source. Hamburg are in advanced talks to buy Arsenal's Fabio Vieira in a €10m deal. Tottenham have made a move for Iliman Ndiaye, with Richarlison set to move to Everton. Everton are considering a move for Folarin Balogun if Ndiaye departs. Spurs also enquired about Christian Pulisic, while Liverpool and Newcastle eye Matias Fernandez-Pardo. Liverpool could spend up to €140m in their pursuit of Bradley Barcola as a potential long-term Mohamed Salah replacement. Manchester City are in talks to sign Cody Gakpo from Liverpool, per sources. Ollie Watkins completed his £51m move to Al-Hilal, admitting he never imagined his Villa career would end that way. Unai Emery insisted there are no "good relations" between Chelsea and Aston Villa after a series of transfers. West Brom signed Toby Collyer from Manchester United, while Coventry City secured Stephen Mfuni on loan from Man City. Hull City's move for Jean-Matteo Bahoya fell through after the player declined. Man United are finalizing a deal to sign Rebeca Bernalfrom the Washington Spirit. Julián Álvarez returned to training with Atletico Madrid after missing sessions amid Barcelona rumors, though he was not even on the bench as they cruised past Sevilla. BBC Sport's experts highlighted key dealsto watch before Tuesday's deadline.

MLS & Women's Soccer

Lionel Messi scored four goalsto lift Inter Miami toa club-record 7-1 victory over CF Montréal, snapping their winless run. This marked another chapter in Messi's career, as he has now recorded nine four-goal hauls across Barcelona and Inter Miami. Trinity Rodman said she is happy with the "new and improved" version of herself after scoring as the Spirit ended their winless streak. Philadelphia Union's Cavan Sullivan made MLS historyby becoming the first 16-year-old with goal contributions infour consecutive matches.

European Football

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham said he is enjoying the "freedom" ofa new role under José Mourinho after scoring in their 4-0 win over Málaga. Liverpool's bad habits remain after a 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest, as Andoni Iraola's debut highlighted recurring shortcomings. Enzo Fernández's situation at Chelsea remains unresolved, as coach Xabi Alonso's gamble on dropping him has worked so far, but can the club afford to let him go?. Tottenham's interest in Christian Pulisic could see a late move, while Milan monitor other targets. In Scotland, Lawrence Shankland's penalty earned Rangers their first league win 1-0 at Aberdeen, after VAR denied the hosts a late equaliser. Derek McInnes hopes the Pittodrie win marks a turning point. Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson is probably under pressure for the first time, per ex-Wales striker Iwan Roberts, after no wins yet. Highlights from Sunday's Scottish Premiership included Aberdeen v Rangers, Dundee v Hibs and St Mirren v Motherwell.

Tennis

Novak Djokovic fell at the first hurdleat the US Open, losing to Argentine Mariano Navone in a five-set marathon, as his body "started to collapse" in his quest fora record 25th Grand Slam. Britain's Toby Samuel won his maidenGrand Slam match instraight sets, while Katie Boulter also advanced, but Cameron Norrie bowed out. The opening dayfeatured British charge led by Norrie, Boulter, Fearnley and Samuel.

Golf

Scottie Scheffler held off Viktor Hovlandto claim the Fed ExCup at the Tour Championship, breaking more records. Tiger Woods praised Scheffler's"incredible" achievement, calling it"historic." Every result from the 2026 FedExCup seasonis available, featuring nine Signature Events across a 35-tournament calendar.

Cricket

England sealed a series win over Pakistan at Lord's, with their seamers sizzlingagain as Cox impressed with the bat. Nasser Hussain said any side would find it hard against England's attackin current conditions. Ricky Ponting claimed Marnus Labuschagne's Test placehas become"untenable"ahead of The Ashes.

Boxing & MMA

Caroline Dubois labelled Alycia Baumgardnera coward after a heated ringside confrontation, setting up the biggest fight in women's boxing. Mikaela Mayer admitted Chantelle Cameron's trash talk triggeredher angry post-fight scenes, conceding she acted improperly. Moses Itauma is unlikely to receivean immediate rematch with Filip Hrgovic after his title defeat.

Other Sports

Aaron Donald has officially come outof retirement and will return for the Los Angeles Rams this season. Contract extensions for Max Verstappen and Lando Norris suggest the elite seatsare locked in, but what could trigger driver-market drama?. Ripon's Champion Two Years Old Trophy is up for grabson Bank Holiday Monday, plus action from Chepstow and Southwell, all live on Sky Sports Racing.