Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: May 22, 2026, 11:44 AM ET

Guardiola's Exit Reshapes Manchester City and English Football

Pep Guardiola will step down as Manchester City manager this summer after nearly a decade of trophy-laden leadership, the club confirmed on Friday, ending an era that transformed the Premier League's tactical landscape. Guardiola told reporters he plans to "rest" and won't work "for a while", signaling he has no immediate coaching ambitions. Manchester City won't be the same after Guardiola's departure, and the Premier League at large faces an unprecedented transition away from a coach who defined a decade of dominance. The influence of his legendary rivalries with Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta shaped the intensity and innovation of his City reign, while 11 players who came through the system had their careers fundamentally reshaped during his 10 seasons. BBC pundit Micah Richards explained why English football is going to miss the Spaniard, and Sky Sports noted City is already taking steps to avoid a post-Pep collapse. Meanwhile, Arsenal revealed a five-phase plan that guided them to the Premier League title, a triumph Mikel Arteta admitted he didn't even watch from home because he was barbecuing, underscoring how far the club has risen in Guardiola's shadow.

Manchester United Appoints Carrick, England Squad Takes Shape

Manchester United confirmed Michael Carrick as permanent head coach on a two-year deal, bringing to a close weeks of speculation about the interim boss's future. Carrick said "clarity is around the corner" on his official appointment, and analysts at ESPN debated whether his success can continue on a permanent basis. The appointment follows United's revitalization under Carrick's interim spell, though questions remain about the squad's depth. Across the league, Thomas Tuchel named his 26-man England squad for the 2026 World Cup, making several ruthless selections that positioned him as the "anti-Southgate" in the eyes of BBC pundits. Ivan Toney earned a shock recall to the squad while John Stones was called up, but there was no room for Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden, or Cole Palmer. Harry Maguire confirmed he is "shocked and gutted" to be left out, and sources told ESPN that Chelsea duo Levi Colwill and Palmer will also miss out on the World Cup roster. Tuchel explained why he wanted Toney back in the England picture despite the striker's limited playing time, while BBC Sport catalogued the fierce rivalry for the number 10 role that left Foden and Palmer on the outside. The USMNT meanwhile faces its own selection challenges after defender Chris Richards suffered two torn ankle ligaments, though a source said he is expected to be fit for the tournament.

Scottish Football in Crisis Over Spygate and Title Decider

The fallout from Southampton's "Spygate" scandal continues to reverberate across Scottish football, with an independent panel finding that head coach Tonda Eckert authorised a "contrived and determined plan from the top down" to spy on opponents. The English Football League described the operation as "deplorable," and Southampton faces expulsion from the Championship play-off final as a result. Middlesbrough's reinstatement for the play-offs was welcomed by boss Kim Hellberg as "the right thing done" after the EFL's ruling. In Scotland, the SPFL launched disciplinary investigations into Celtic's matches against Motherwell and Hearts, while the Scottish FA confirmed that referee Don Robertson took the "correct action" in ending the title decider at Parkhead. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill said allegations that Hearts players were assaulted "has not