Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 31, 2026, 2:16 PM ET

Premier League Roundup

Manchester United's season has been a study in contrasts, but Saturday's emphatic 5-2 comeback victory over Ipswich Town vindicated coach Michael Carrick's approach after a rocky start to the campaign. Captain Bruno Fernandes delivered a stunning hat trick to inspire the turnaround, with the performance underscoring that even amid a new era at Old Trafford, Fernandes still sets the standard. The victory wasn't without controversy, however, as Harry Maguire celebrated putting United in front despite apparent handball — a decision that sparked confusion over the handball law's application.

Chelsea continued their winning start under Xabi Alonso, marking his home debut with an entertaining 4-3 victory over Brighton. The win masks a growing concern, though: midfielder Enzo Fernández wants out, and Alonso's decision to drop him has worked so far, but the question remains whether Chelsea can afford to let him go without jeopardizing their title hopes. Across London, Tottenham's massive rebuild continues to falter — despite spending over $500M, Saturday's 0-2 loss to Newcastle exposed the same frailties, proving that Spurs cannot buy mentality.

Liverpool's start under Andoni Iraola has revealed lingering issues, as a 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest at Anfield showed last season's bad habits remain firmly in place. Aston Villa's Unai Emery, meanwhile, pushed back on the narrative of friendly relations between his club and Chelsea following a series of transfers, insisting the relationship is purely a deal for money.

Transfer Window Buzz

With Tuesday's deadline looming, clubs are scrambling. Tottenham have made a late move for Christian Pulisic, with the AC Milan winger emerging as a primary target. Liverpool, meanwhile, are weighing a potential €140 million deal for PSG winger Bradley Barcola as a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah. The Reds and Newcastle are also tracking Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo.

Everton are considering a move for USMNT forward Folarin Balogun if Iliman Ndiaye departs, with sources confirming the club's interest ahead of the deadline. Ollie Watkins has already completed his move, joining Saudi side Al Hilal from Aston Villa. The gossip mill also links Liverpool and Everton to Stuttgart winger Jamie Leweling, while Crystal Palace want to keep Dean Henderson amid Nottingham Forest interest, per Monday's gossip. BBC Sport's experts have identified the key deals to watch before the 23:00 BST English deadline.

In Spain, Julián Álvarez returned to Atlético Madrid training after missing three sessions, with the club refusing to allow the star forward to join Barcelona. Meanwhile, Manchester United's women's side are finalizing a deal to sign Mexican international Rebeca Bernal from the Washington Spirit.

Messi Magic and NWSL Notes

Lionel Messi delivered a vintage performance Saturday, scoring four goals as Inter Miami crushed CF Montréal 7-1 in a club-record victory that snapped the team's winless run. The feat is nothing new for the Argentine legend — it marks his ninth career match with four or more goals, a remarkable tally spanning Barcelona to Miami. Elsewhere, Trinity Rodman says she's happy with the "new and improved" version of herself after scoring as the Washington Spirit ended their winless streak, having put last season's injury problems behind her.

European Action

Jude Bellingham is reveling in his new role under José Mourinho, enjoying the "freedom" afforded to him after scoring in Real Madrid's 4-0 win over Málaga. The England international's adaptation to a more advanced position has been seamless, with Mourinho's tactical tweaks unlocking his attacking potential.

Cricket

England's bowlers were once again the story as Joe Root's side sealed a series victory over Pakistan with a 194-run win at Lord's. The seamers sizzled once more, with the attack drawing high praise from Nasser Hussain, who said any side in the world would struggle against this England attack in current conditions. Across the Ashes horizon, Ricky Ponting has declared Marnus Labuschagne's Australia Test place "almost untenable," insisting England have the talent to serve it up to the Baggy Greens next summer.

US Open

Novak Djokovic's quest for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam ended in stunning fashion, as his body "started to collapse" in a five-set marathon loss to Argentina's Mariano Navone — the longest first-round match in US Open history. Britain had mixed fortunes on opening day: Toby Samuel claimed a maiden Grand Slam win in straight sets, Katie Boulter also advanced, but Cameron Norrie bowed out.

Boxing and Combat Sports

Caroline Dubois labelled Alycia Baumgardner a coward after a heated confrontation at ringside, setting the stage for what could be the biggest fight in women's boxing. Meanwhile, Mikaela Mayer expressed remorse after her post-fight clash with Chantelle Cameron, admitting the trash talk triggered her and conceding she acted inappropriately.

Golf

Scottie Scheffler capped off another dominant PGA Tour season with FedExCup glory at East Lake, holding off Viktor Hovland in a final-round tussle to break more records. Tiger Woods praised Scheffler's "incredible" achievement, calling the success historic. The full 2026 FedExCup results are now available across the 35-tournament calendar.

Other Sports

Aaron Donald has officially ended his retirement, making a dramatic return to the Los Angeles Rams for the 2026 season. In Formula, contract extensions for Max Verstappen and Lando Norris have locked in the elite seats, but questions remain about what could still trigger driver-market drama. Racing fans can catch the Champion Two Years Old Trophy at Ripon on Bank Holiday Monday, plus action from Chepstow and Southwell, all live on Sky Sports Racing. In Scotland, Sunday's Premiership action featured Aberdeen v Rangers, Dundee v Hibs and St Mirren v Motherwell, with highlights available.