Sport
Marcus Rashford in line for new contract following red-hot run of form
Rashford has scored the most goals of any player in Europe since the World Cup.
Manchester United are said to be preparing a new deal for star forward Marcus Rashford following his incredible run of performances over the past few weeks.
The 25-year-old has been in phenomenal form since returning from the World Cup, having scored eight goals in his last seven games and even matching Dennis Violet’s record of scoring in nine consecutive home games, which has stood for nearly 65 years.
Not only has he already more than tripled his goal contributions from last season but the number 10 looks to have become a real leader in the team, as exhibited by his determination to stay on in the Manchester derby despite injury, before going on to score the winner.
With that in mind and having now entered the final 18 months of his current deal, Marcus Rashford looks set for a new contract. United will no doubt look to both reward his impressive resurgence and, hopefully, tie him down for as long as possible.
The Wythenshawe-born and bred international looks to be heading into the prime years of his career and it seems that he has every faith from manager Erik ten Hag, who has already insisted that he is not going anywhere and is currently ‘one of the best‘ in the world when it comes to his position.
That being said, as per the MEN, Rashford’s deal is expected to be renewed with the club upping his present £200,000-a-week salary, though they are apparently reluctant to break the £300,000 threshold so as not to further mess with the wage structure, as several already earn over this amount.
In fact, recent reports have suggested that ten Hag are set to bring in a new wage cap imminently, ensuring that no existing or future United players can earn over £200k a week — an idea that club legend Gary Neville believes might be a mistake.
Should this new limit on salary be true, it is likely that Rashford’s new contract will see him rewarded and incentivised through other means, such as goals and appearance bonuses.
Judging by his current goal tally, he is well on course to beat his personal best in a season (22) and he doesn’t look to be dropped anytime soon.
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United did trigger the one-year extension option in Rashford’s deal back in December which will keep him at the club until at least 2024, but aside from shooing off other suitors, if there’s anyone that’s deserving of a new deal it’s their current player of the season.
Although an agreement is yet to be reached and negotiations are likely in their early stages, sources say United are comfortable with Rashford’s situation and that both parties want a new contract.
Music to Man United fans’ ears, no doubt.
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Featured Image — Marcus Rashford (via Twitter)
Sport
England head coach Shaun Wane quits ahead of 2026 Rugby League World Cup
Danny Jones
England head coach Shaun Wane has stepped down from his role as the national team setup after more than half a decade in the post.
His resignation comes as the Rugby Football League (RFL) looks to pivot and set out a long-term vision ahead of the World Cup later this year.
The Wigan-born former Warriors manager’s replacement is expected to be merely a part-time appointment as future planning begins.
Announced on Wednesday, 14 January, Shaun Wane’s tenure has ended “effective immediately”.
Sharing an official update online, the RFL wrote: “Wane, who has led England since February 2020, has taken time to reflect on the programme and believes the timing is right for new leadership to guide the team into the next phase, including the upcoming World Cup.
“During his tenure, Wane oversaw memorable series victories over Tonga in 2023 and a star-studded Samoa a year later, as well as a semi-final in the World Cup. He finishes with 14 wins from 19 matches.”
Crediting him as one of “a very small elite number of coaches to have won the full suite of domestic club honours and achieved World Club Championship success”, hailing his experience and longevity both as a player and as a coach.
As for Wane himself, he said: “It has been the honour of my life to coach England Rugby League over the last six years, but after careful reflection, I believe the time is right to step aside and allow the programme to move forward into its next chapter.
The 61-year-old ex-pro goes on to add, “The privilege of leading my country in a World Cup, an Ashes Series on home soil and securing victories over Tonga and Samoa will live long in the memory.
“I’m incredibly grateful to all the players, coaches and staff I’ve worked alongside during that time; their commitment and professionalism made those moments possible. I wish everyone involved with England Rugby League the best going forward and for the World Cup later this year.”
According to the latest reports online, St Helens boss Paul Rowley is now said to be the favourite to take over in the interim.
The 2026 Rugby League World Cup is still months away (scheduled to take place in October and November), but the governing body will want to get the new setup and coaching in place as soon as possible to prepare for the tournament.
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Featured Images — Fleets (via WikiCommons)/England Rugby League (screenshot via YouTube)
Sport
Manchester City Women finally secure transfer target after months of pursuit
Danny Jones
Manchester City Women’s team have finally secured their long-sought-after new signing, Sam Coffey, after months of courting her.
She is Andrée Jeglertz’s first new addition of the January transfer window.
The American midfielder joins Man City Women on a three-and-a-half year contract after having been with National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) outfit, Portland Thorns, for the best part of four years.
Officially arriving at the Joie Stadium and wider Etihad Campus this week, she will wear the 17 shirt.
Already a well-established US international, the 27-year-old helped her now former team to the playoff semi-finals as club captain last term and has featured in the NWSL’s team of the season for the last four campaigns running.
The club went after her this past summer but was ultimately unable to get an agreement over the line.
Sam Coffey came through the youth academy ranks in New York, going on to play her college football in Boston and then at Penn State before making her full senior debut for the Thorns back in 2022.
Fast coming on 50 caps for her country and having won Olympic Gold and a SheBelieves Cup in 2024, she pulls on the sky blue of Jeglertz’s current league-leading side, having already won silverware.
Man City never hesitate when it comes to bringing in top talents to further increase their title chances, and an acquisition like this could help them stay the course towards their first-ever Women’s Super League (WSL) trophy.
Commenting in an official club statement, Coffey said: “It’s a club with so much history, so much success, so much influence in the city. Manchester is not somewhere I’ve been before, but there’s something about it that I felt I was led to and called to.
You can find her first full interview as a City women’s player down below.
She goes on to add: “I think it’s also a place that has just proven its investment in women’s soccer and being a part of this movement that is going on.
“Seeing the facilities, the support the team gets, and all the efforts they’re putting in for the women’s side is such a huge and positive side and something I’m honoured to be a part of.”
City face Bournemouth next in the Women’s FA Cup on Sunday, 18 January, before facing fellow title contenders and serial domestic winners Chelsea in the League Cup next week; it remains to be seen when her first appearance will come.
Happy with the business, Blues?
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Featured Images — Hameltion (via Wikimedia Commons)/Manchester City Women’s Football Club
