Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: September 17, 2026, 2:02 PM ET

Manchester United's Carabao Cup Collapse

Manchester United surrendered a two-goal lead and crashed out of the Carabao Cup in a shambolic 3-2 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford, a result that has plunged the club into crisis under manager Michael Carrick. United had appeared in control after racing into a 2-0 advantage, but the Seagulls stormed back to complete a stunning turnaround and eliminate the Red Devils from the competition. The capitulation was branded unacceptable by Carrick himself, who took full responsibility for the exit and admitted his side's second-half performance fell far below the standards expected at the club. The defeat represents a new low under Carrick, with United throwing away a commanding position in front of a stunned home crowd.

The fallout has been immediate and severe, with the result deepening the sense of crisis engulfing the club just weeks into the new campaign. Sky Sports described the evening as more than a mere defeat or cup exit, noting that Carrick's Old Trafford tenure has visibly deteriorated and that the manager is now firmly feeling the pressure. Carrick, for his part, insisted he is not bothered by the mounting pressure, but the BBC questioned whether he should be after yet another mess at the club. The latest nightmare was dissected across the airwaves, with pundits lining up to criticise a United side that has now made a habit of self-destruction. The result also carried financial and squad implications, as the club's transfer gossip now includes suggestions that Luke Shaw could depart, while Arsenal reportedly rejected loan offers for Max Dowman.

Carabao Cup Fourth-Round Draw

The fourth-round draw has thrown up a blockbuster tie, with Liverpool set to host Chelsea in what promises to be the headline fixture of the next round. League Two side Fleetwood Town will host Arsenal, a dream draw for the fourth-tier club after their remarkable cup run. Fleetwood booked their place in the last 16 courtesy of a horror own goal from Rhys Norrington-Davies that sent Sheffield United crashing out in a 1-0 upset. Elsewhere, Everton struck late to beat Wolves 1-0 at Goodison Park, with substitute Charly Alcaraz hitting the winner against a much-changed Wanderers side. Aston Villa also progressed comfortably, as a Tammy Abraham double helped them cruise past Coventry City 3-1 and book their spot in the fourth round.

Premier League Managerial Pressure

With results already turning heads, the Premier League hot seat index has become a topic of intense speculation as pundits and fans alike wonder which managers will be the first to face the axe. The league remains a constant carousel of hirings and firings, and the early weeks of the season have done little to settle nerves. At Coventry, BBC Sport columnist Tony Pulis explained why Frank Lampard must manage himself as much as his players, arguing that dealing with defeat is the key challenge for the Sky Blues boss. The scrutiny extends north of the border too, where Hibs pulled the trigger on David Gray, who departed the club as Celtic prepared for a crucial European night. Gray's exit was a painful endgame for a club hero, who leaves not to the sound of applause but amid a stale slump that had engulfed the Edinburgh side.

Celtic and Rangers Under the Microscope

Celtic face what has been described as a defining week following their defeat to Rangers, with Chris Sutton among those expressing "great concerns" about his former side despite their winning start to the campaign. The next four days could either hush those worries or amplify them considerably. Across Glasgow, Rangers have reportedly agreed a potential fee of £800,000 for James Penrice, with the Ibrox club set to pay less than £1m should the defender sign permanently, while also weighing an Asian Cup gamble. The gossip columns continue to swirl around both Old Firm clubs as they navigate domestic and European commitments.

Chelsea Ownership and Squad News

Chelsea has undergone a significant ownership change, with Boehly and Walter selling their stakes to Clearlake Capital, which has now taken full control of the west London club. The move ends a period of shared governance and gives Clearlake sole ownership of the Blues. On the pitch, Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia is determined to change the narrative after a frustrating run of injuries, saying he is finally reaping the rewards of his hard work and aiming to make a real impact this season. However, the club has suffered a blow with the news that striker João Pedro has withdrawn from the Brazil squad because of injury, ruling him out of international duty.

European Action and Records

Barcelona produced a stunning attacking display, as a Raphinha hat trick powered them to a 7-2 thumping of Racing Santander, setting a new record start to the season. The Catalan giants sent records tumbling with the emphatic victory. In the Europa League, AC Milan endured a disappointing start as they were humbled by Benfica in a 2-0 home defeat, with Christian Pulisic only appearing as a substitute. The result leaves Milan with work to do in their European campaign. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé has explained his refusal to wear a Ceuta shirt amid a backlash in Spain, clarifying his position after the incident sparked controversy.

Transfer Rumors and Young Talent

Arsenal remain in contact with the camp of Real Madrid winger Rodrygo as a potential transfer target, according to sources, with the Gunners continuing to monitor the Brazilian's situation. LaLiga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid reportedly believe that Erling Haaland could leave Manchester City next summer, with both clubs eyeing a sensational move for the Norwegian striker. In a related development, Real Madrid have a strong interest in 15-year-old Gabriel, the Manchester United forward, with Barcelona and PSG also circling the teenager. United manager Carrick confirmed he is involved in conversations about Gabriel's future and said the club will be "careful" with the youngster's development amid the mounting interest.

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has hailed Max Dowman as a "special talent" and compared the teenager to Lamine Yamal, underlining the high regard in which the young attacker is held at the Emirates. The Gunners' squad depth has been a topic of debate in the women's game, with questions over whether their remarkable depth is actually a curse amid a WSL title drought. The men's side, meanwhile, continue to be linked with reinforcements despite their strong start.

International and Youth Football

The United States has been eliminated from the U20 Women's World Cup in the round of, losing to Brazil on penalties in a heartbreaking shootout defeat. In more positive news for American soccer, Philadelphia Union attacker Cavan Sullivan, has earned his first USMNT call-up, with sources confirming the teenager is set for a senior national team debut. Bundesliga breakout star Cole Campbell has committed to the U.S. and is eyeing his first call-up after a strong start to the season in Germany. The USMNT continues to blood young talent as it builds toward future tournaments.

United States women's national team player Savannah DeMelo is suing doctors after suffering an on-pitch heart attack, filing a lawsuit against a hospital and medical professionals over the care she received. The case has raised serious questions about player safety and medical protocols in the NWSL.

Inter Miami and MLS

Inter Miami continued their impressive form as Casemiro doubled their advantage following Lionel Messi's early header, powering the Herons to a Campeones Cup victory. The Brazilian midfielder's contribution proved decisive as Miami added another trophy to their growing collection.

VAR and Officiating Debate

The ongoing controversy surrounding VAR has prompted calls for soccer to learn from the NFL in order to fix the mess the technology has created. The debate over whether to give VAR the red card or persist with it continues to divide opinion across the sport, with critics arguing that the current system has undermined the flow and fairness of the game.

Cricket

Warwickshire boosted their Rothesay County Championship title challenge by sealing a two-day win over Essex, a result that strengthens their position at the top of the standings. The emphatic victory underlines Warwickshire's credentials as genuine contenders for the county crown.

Golf

Rory McIlroy was in early action at the BMW PGA Championship, with the Northern Irishman among the headline names in the pro-am and celebrity lineup at Wentworth. The DP World Tour's flagship event drew a star-studded field as the tournament got underway.

Formula 1

World champion Lando Norris believes drivers will face a greater challenge at a "tougher" Monaco in 2027 with the introduction of a shock Sprint format, warning that the change will demand more risk earlier in the weekend. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies said the team will prioritise Isack Hadjar's recovery over a return at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, insisting there is "nothing wrong with his recovery" as they take a cautious approach with the young driver.

Tennis

Novak Djokovic has confirmed he will return to the China Open after an 11-year absence, with the tournament set to be broadcast on Sky Sports. The Serbian's return adds significant star power to the event.

Boxing

Britain's Marie McManamon will meet Hong Kong Muay Thai star Yu Yau Pui on the undercard of a heavyweight world title fight, in what promises to be a fascinating stylistic clash. The European Elite Boxing Championships begin in Sofia, Bulgaria, with Broadhurst chasing Olympic glory and describing the event as "my last shot at the Olympics."

Racing

Yarmouth's three-day festival reaches its conclusion on Thursday, with a seven-race card featuring Deep Havana and Pilu facing off in what shapes as a competitive renewal.

Saudi Pro League

Saudi Pro League side Al-Taawoun have been ordered to play two matches behind closed doors and fined over chants directed at Ruben Neves relating to Diogo Jota. The punishment underscores the league's efforts to clamp down on abusive behaviour from supporters.

Spain National Team

World Cup-winning head coach Luis de la Fuente has agreed a contract extension with Spain that runs until 2032, securing his long-term future with the national team. The deal rewards the coach for guiding La Roja to World Cup glory and signals continuity for the Spanish setup.

Israel U20 Team

A BBC feature examined the rise of Israel's U20 team and the aftermath of the Hamas attack, exploring whether the potential of a golden generation of Israeli footballers can be fulfilled in sport and society four months after the tragedy.