Simon Peach

Jose Mourinho reveals in a new Netflix documentary that he signed an agreement to succeed Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager in 2013 after leaving Real Madrid. He ultimately reversed the decision, telling Ferguson that he had given his word to Chelsea and could not break it. Mourinho says the choice was driven by his emotional connection to Chelsea and his desire to feel loved after Real Madrid, while Ferguson says he was disappointed but understood the reasoning. Mourinho later returned to Chelsea, winning another league title and League Cup, before eventually managing Manchester United from 2016 to 2018.

Argentina overturned England’s lead in the World Cup semi‑final with late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez, both created by Lionel Messi, securing a place in the final against Spain. England’s early advantage through Anthony Gordon faded as defensive changes invited pressure, leading to a dominant Argentine finish marked by multiple near‑misses and eventual decisive strikes.

The English FA is weighing an appeal against Jarell Quansah’s red card during England’s World Cup win over Mexico, which would sideline him for the quarter-final against Norway. Thomas Tuchel criticised inconsistent officiating, highlighting FIFA’s reversal of Folarin Balogun’s suspension as a precedent. The FA is reviewing its options after returning to its Kansas City base.