Sport

Former Chelsea midfielder reportedly linked with late move to Manchester United

Thoughts on this one?

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 21st January 2026

Manchester United are rumoured to have been linked with former Chelsea midfielder and England international, Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

With not long left of the January transfer window, however, a decision would need to be made soon if the deal stands a chance of being completed.

Loftus-Cheek, who came through the Chelsea youth system before being loaned to Crystal Palace and Fulham, now plays for Italian giants AC Milan.

Having spent a couple of years in Serie A now, he had a very solid debut campaign – scoring 10 times and registering a couple of assists in four appearances whilst helping dictate from deep – but it now looks like his time at the club could be ending, with Man United floated as a potential next destination.

That’s according to sports journalist Alex Crook, anyway, who claims that the Red Devils have been given the chance to sign the 29-year-old before the end of the month.

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As per the update via talkSPORT, the chief football correspondent claims that United are debating bringing in another option in the middle of the park on loan, at the very least, as they chase down a return to Europe next season, and Loftus-Cheek is one of the names that has been linked with a move.

He explains that “talks are only exploratory at this stage, but Loftus-Cheek is keen to return to the Premier League”; the Lewisham-born central midfielder has struggled to gain regular minutes and have the same impact so far this term.

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It remains to be seen just how much interest there is on Man United‘s end, but if the reports are to be believed, the opportunity looks to be there.

Crook goes on to add that INEOS are also thought to be exploring a deal for ex-Leicester City and previous MUFC transfer target, Wilfred Ndidi.

Having left the Premier League back last year after the best of seven years with the Foxes, Ndidi is currently captain not only at Beşiktaş, as well as his national team, Nigeria, who just reached the AFCON semi-finals.

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It is believed that he wants a return to English football for both career prospects and ‘family reasons’.

Now 29 and nearly a whole decade on from first being linked with him during his time at Genk, many supporters have reacted by stating that he should have been recreated years ago, and that potentially turning to older shortlisted names on a temporary contract isn’t the right direction for the club.

Do you see either of these players being brought in and/or working out at Old Trafford, Reds?

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Featured Images — Кирилл Венедиктов/soccer.ru (via Wikimedia Commons)

Sport

Manchester United youth captain Rhys Bennett delivers moving mental health message

Danny Jones Danny Jones

Manchester United academy player and youth team captain Rhys Bennett is being applauded for giving an inspirational interview following the death of his father, sharing a moving and important message about mental health awareness.

Just a disclaimer, while the sit-down with Sky Sports News is deeply touching, it does touch on some triggering subjects, such as suicide.

If you missed the tragic news last year, Rhys’ dad, David, sadly took his own life back in October after battling with depression, with his 22-year-old son speaking to the media back this past December and urging people to “just reach out“.

Since then, further clips from the candid and tearjerking chat haves surfaced online once again, and some are seeing them for the first time, with Bennett once again being met with praise for tackling the subject with bravery and sensitivity.

The Denton-born defender didn’t hesitate in insisting that he wouldn’t be where he is without his parents and David, in particular, but said that opening up and talking to people, as well as getting back into regular routines like eating and sleeping right helped him recover through the grieving process.

He went on to add that he believes “people don’t realise just how appreciated they are” and that the simple act of asking if someone is ok or how they are doing can make a huge difference.

Dubbing it a “permanent solution to a temporary problem”, he also urged those to remember to check in people they love regularly, i.e. not just wait for when they think something might be wrong.

Like anything, being pro-active and preventitive measures are just important in the ongoing mental health crisis that effects millions across the UK alone, with men, specifically, dying from suicide are a higher rate than females.

Bennett, of course, is not the only sports personality to have raised issues around wellbeing of late; not even locally, either, as Stopfordian Nathan Aspinall also called on the Professional Darts Players Association to offer better mental health service – citing “at least two of three people” who need help.

Nathan Aspinall urges PDPA to improve mental health support within the sport

The Denton-born defender has been labelled as “wise beyond his years” and it being apparent why he has been chosen to lead the likes of under 18s and U21s.

Bennett finished up last season at Fleetwood Town after spending his previous loan spell at local side Stockport County, but has since returned to the academy setup back at Carrington.

You can see his full interview with Sky Sports HERE, and to echo the same sentiment we can’t stress enough how much a problem shared is a problem halved.

If you’re struggling with your mental health, you can call the NHS via 111, speak to your GP, use helplines such as the Samaritans on 116 123, as well as find other services via Manchester City Council.

You can contact other charities like Manchester Mind and Andy’s Man Club, or get in touch with Greater Manchester Talking Therapies online. As always, in case of emergencies, please dial 999 immediately.

There is so much help for you out there. For instance, if you need some want an outlet to free up some headspace whilst meeting new like-minded people and getting some fresh air, there’s plenty of groups all over Greater Manchester.

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Featured Images — Sky Sports News/MG Petch (via Wikimedia Commons

Sport

Manchester Storm’s annual ‘Pride Night’ returns to Planet Ice Altrincham

Danny Jones Danny Jones Manchester Storm v Belfast Giants Pride Night game 2026 tickets

With 2026 marking not just the start of another competitive year for Manchester Storm but an opportunity for even more people to get into the growing craze here in the UK, our city’s resident team are bringing back their annual ‘Pride Night’ once more.

Returning for yet another edition, the local ice hockey outfit has been playing this particular themed match every year now for nearly a full decade, and while there are plenty of special fixtures throughout each campaign, few are quite as joyous and vibrant as the Pride game.

We’re used to the Manchester Storm fan base being some of the most wholesome and community-driven supporters in the region, be it through the beloved ‘Air the Bear’ meetings or gathering to pay tribute to late members of the backroom staff, and backing their LGBTQIA+ members is no different.

Announcing the date this week on social media, the club reminded matchgoers and others online “that hockey is, indeed, for everyone.”

Detailing the context around the game online, Storm wrote: “We’re showing our support for the LGBTQ+ community on Sunday with our Pride game, one of the big events in the Elite League (EIHL) calendar.

“Coming to the Storm Shelter will be Belfast Giants, and as well as sharing the message of inclusivity, both teams will also be sharing the ice for EIHL points.”

A classy gesture and reminder that there are, of course, always more important things than sport.

With just a few hundred tickets left, Planet Ice is close to selling out as it often does, and you can expect plenty from both sides to turn up in full colour.

In fact, lots of fans are already asking for replica editions of the unique Pride jersey designs commissioned specifically for the event to be made available to buy, as they have done previously.

Taking on the Northern Irish club at the weekend, this will also be the two sides’ first competitive meeting since the tragic death of a young Giant fan, with Manchester Storm paying their respects this month.

We have no doubt they will find another touching way to honour Blake on Sunday.

As they continue demonstrate each season, it’s about coming together in difficult times and in solidarity against adversity and all obstacles.

For instance, the Belfast hockey franchise was one of the first to share its condolences following the sad passing of ‘cherished’ Storm physio, Cherry Woodhams, late last year.

It’s this kind of togetherness that is helping make ice hockey in Britain such a well-engaged and fast-growing attraction at the minute – the Pride game is just one example of this.

Anyone who fancies grabbing tickets to the 2026 Manchester Storm vs Belfast Giants ‘Pride Night’ can do so right HERE.

See you in the stands.

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Featured Images — Manchester Storm (publicity pictures)

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