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Manchester United star Manuel Ugarte has revealed his relationship with influencer Georgia May Heath after months of speculation.

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• Ugarte posts loved-up Instagram picture
• Fans have linked the pair together
• Heath previously dated Kylian Mbappe

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ugarte and Heath have been linked for months, since eagle-eyed fans spotted that the social media influencer had taken a photo in a room resembling one that served as a backdrop to a picture of the United midfielder. Now, the Uruguay international has posted a loved-up photo on Instagram, confirming that the pair are together.

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  THE GOSSIP

  Heath has previously been linked with Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe, as the pair were spotted having dinner together in Greece, when the striker still played for PSG. Neither of the pair ever confirmed the relationship, however, and it appears she has firmly moved on from that rendezvous.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Ugarte and Mbappe were team-mates at PSG but the midfielder has struggled somewhat at United. He has made 29 appearances for the club but was on the losing side in the Europa League final as the club limped to a 15th-placed finish.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Ugarte will have to tear himself away from his new partner soon, as United face Leeds in a pre-season friendly on July 19.

Burnley boss Scott Parker has revealed his excitement over the club's recent signing of ex-Manchester City star Kyle Walker.

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• Parker and Walker played together at Spurs
• Burnley boss: "I saw his talent"
• Walker signed two-year deal with Clarets

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Parker was speaking to Sky Sports about the unexpected transfer. The Clarets boss revealed his admiration for the seven-time Premier League winner, sharing that Walker impressed him during their two seasons together as teammates at Tottenham.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Walker joined the newly promoted team on a two-year deal, for a reported fee of £5m. Parker suggested the 35-year-old was open to the deal because he was excited about the challenge, suggesting the Premier League legend will "push every ounce of himself" to help the Clarets achieve success in the upcoming season.

• WHAT PARKER SAID

  Parker said of the deal: "It was a few conversations over the summer really and probably from the outset, when we were engaging in conversation, I played with Kyle, he was a young player at Spurs, I was at the other end of my career and I saw his talent. What he has gone on to achieve is nothing short of remarkable really and fully deserved. I think like anything, when there is an opportunity for someone of Kyle’s quality and ability, and we are in a race for that, it was one that excited me, for sure.

  The Burnley boss added: “I think the biggest thing I can say to Kyle is when I was speaking to him was the challenges he speaks about. This is a guy that every season has had a challenge, that challenge is probably different now but the feeling he gives me, and I know him, is it’s a challenge he is absolutely relishing. What gets this human being up every morning is knowing there is a challenge ahead.

  “No doubt, Kyle could have had other opportunities for sure. But I think the challenge of this next thing for him is what gets him out of bed, it’s one he’s engaged with, one he’s going to drive, one he’s going to push every ounce of himself to try and get us to be successful this year. For me, of course, the quality is there and what he’s achieved is there and I hope he brings every bit of that to this young squad and pushes us as far as we can go really.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR WALKER?

  That embrace of the challenge will likely be a mantra shared by Parker with other members of Burnley's squad. The Clarets will have their work cut out to remain in the Premier League, especially given the recent history of promoted teams immediately falling back into the Championship. Walker will add nous to a backline that excelled last season. Burnley conceded just 16 goals in their 46 league games.

Former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has backed Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez to join the Blues this summer, claiming the Argentine could be an "inspiration" in their dressing room. Martinez appeared to bid a tearful goodbye to Aston Villa fans after their final home game of the 2024-25 campaign against Tottenham in May, though he has yet to publicly confirm he wants to leave the club.

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• Emi Martinez backed to join Chelsea
• Also linked with a move to Man Utd
• Custodian tipped to leave Aston Villa

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The World Cup-winning Argentina goalkeeper has also been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer as Manchester United are reportedly looking to replace their first-choice custodian Andre Onana after back-to-back disappointing seasons with the Red Devils.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite his links to United, ex-France star Petit thinks that Emi Martinez's next destination should be Chelsea, despite his controversial antics on and off the pitch for both his national team and club.

• WHAT PETIT SAID

  Speaking to , the 54-year-old said: "Emiliano Martinez would be an inspiration in the Chelsea dressing room. I have criticised his behaviour in the past but he knows what it takes to win titles; he has that experience. He can inspire other players and he has all the qualities needed of a top goalkeeper. He would be a very good signing for Chelsea and 32 isn’t old for a goalkeeper. I think he’d link well with Enzo Maresca and the players already at the club. One fear I have is for Aston Villa, I am worried about them with top players leaving the club, I’m not sure where it will leave them next season."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  It remains to be seen if the Blues will approach the Argentine with an offer later this summer. For now, Enzo Maresca's side remain focused on the Club World Cup and will next face Fluminense in the semi-finals on Tuesday.

Timothy Weah is close to joining Ligue 1 side Marseille for a fee worth more than €15m including add-ons, with Nottingham Forest missing out.

• Weah closing in on Marseille move
• Forest were interested in USMNT star
• Scored five Serie A goals last season

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to , Juventus have asked for more than €15 million (£13m/$17.4m) including add-ons and Marseille are keen to make the deal happen. Negotiations are now taking place to determine the nature of the transfer, with it potentially being a loan with an option or obligation to buy the USMNT forward.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Weah is expected to leave Juventus this summer after scoring six goals in 43 appearances in all competitions last season, having joined from Lille in 2023. The 25-year-old is said to have rejected a move to Forest earlier this summer. Tottenham and Everton were also thought to be tracking the son of George Weah, but his desire to return to France where he came through the ranks with Paris Saint-Germain is thought to have played a large role in his decision to choose Marseille.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Weah's sole piece of silverware with Juventus came with the 2023-24 Coppa Italia. He appeared as an 81st-minute substitute in the final, with Dusan Vlahovic's early strike giving them victory over Atalanta. He was previously part of the Lille team that won the Ligue 1 title in 2020-21.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR WEAH?

  Should his move to Marseille be officially completed, Weah will join a squad hoping to challenge Paris Saint-Germain for the Ligue 1 title next season. Roberto De Zerbi's side have plenty of summer friendlies before the campaign starts, with games against Girona, Valencia, Sevilla and Aston Villa on the horizon.

If you're planning a trip to MetLife Stadium, we've got you covered with all the important details

MetLife Stadium is set to be the jewel in the crown of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup and World Cup tournaments taking place in the United States, but it is already one of the most iconic venues in the NFL, with thousands of visitors passing through each year.

The magnificent East Rutherford colosseum is unmistakably part of the fabric of life in New York and New Jersey, with feverish crowds of football fans inevitably lighting up the cityscape during gamedays with vivid displays of sound and colour.

Whether you are going to a game or just planning a stadium tour while you are in town, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about MetLife Stadium, including where to stay nearby, how to get tickets to events, how to get there and more.

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  MetLife Stadium overview

  Capacity:	82,500
  Year opened:	2010
  Surface:	Field Turf (artificial)
  Tenant(s):	New York Giants (NFL), New York Jets (NFL)
  Address:	1 MetLife Stadium Dr, East Rutherford, NJ 07073, United States

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  History of MetLife Stadium

  MetLife Stadium is one of the largest sports venues in the United States, boasting state-of-the-art facilities and a capacity of 82,500. Built between 2008 and 2010 at a cost of $1.6 billion as a replacement for the iconic Giants Stadium, the venue is home to two NFL teams: the New York Giants and the New York Jets.

  An open-air stadium, MetLife Stadium was heavily inspired by Giants Stadium and has a similar layout. Indeed, the new ground was built right on top of the old venue, meaning there was no real change to the traditional matchday rituals of Giants and Jets fans.

  Interestingly, the new stadium can be lit up in different colours, similar in fashion to the Allianz Arena in Munich. So, when the Giants play the exterior panels are blue and they are lit up green when the Jets play.

  It has hosted a variety of major sporting events, including the Big City Classic in 2010, Superbowl XLVIII in 2013 and Wrestlemania on two occasions. Furthermore, MetLife Stadium has hosted a number of soccer games, including matches at the Copa America Centenario in 2016, the 2024 Copa America and a series of club and international friendlies.

  MetLife Stadium's association with soccer strengthened when it was chosen as one of the 12 venues for the 2025 Club World Cup, including the final. It was also selected to host the final of the 2026 World Cup (as well as five group games and two knockout round games).

  The pitch surface of MetLife Stadium is artificial, but an authentic grass pitch will be installed for the soccer Club World Cup and the World Cup.

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  Which teams play at MetLife Stadium

  MetLife Stadium is the shared home of NFL teams New York Giants and the New York Jets.

  While the United States men's national team isn't a tenant, MetLife Stadium has hosted a number of USMNT games, including matches against Brazil, Argentina and Mexico.

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  How to get to MetLife Stadium

  How to get to MetLife Stadium by public transport

  MetLife Stadium is served by a number of different public transport services, so fans have options regarding how they get there.

  If you are taking the train, Meadowlands Rail Line will get you there, just head for Meadowlands station, which is right beside the stadium.

  NJ Transit buses also have a route to the stadium, with the 353 taking you to Meadowlands Sports Complex. Coach USA's 351 route also serves the Meadowlands.

  Check out NJ Transit's official site for more information – use their 'Plan Your Trip' tool to organise your itinerary.

  Mode	Route
  Train	Meadowlands Rail Line
  Bus	NJT 353 / Coach USA 351

  How to get to MetLife Stadium by car

  Fans who wish to drive themselves can take Exit 16W of the New Jersey Turnpike (Interstate-95).

  If you are driving your own car or using a rental, be sure to familiarise yourself with the routes in advance. Ideally, those who drive should be experienced road users, given the volume of traffic, particularly during busy periods such as games.

  It should also be noted that parking is generally pre-paid and it is best to consult with the official MetLife website or local parking services before your journey.

  Alternatively, ridesharing options such as Uber are also available, with the ground designating a pick-up and drop-off zone.

The former USMNT star emphasized the PSV Eindhoven stat's importance to the national team's tactical approach

• Gomez views Dest as transformative attacking force
• Impressed by fullback's technical abilities in possession phases
• Concerned about Dest’s recovery following serious ACL injury

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  WHAT HAPPENED

  Former USMNT start Herculez Gomez noted the importance of Sergiño Dest's return from ACL surgery and its importance for the national team under Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine coach has yet to work with the PSV star due to injury, but Gomez believes he’ll be eager to integrate the technically gifted defender into his system.

  “He’s gotta be salivating at the fact that there's a possibility that Sergino Dest is back to his old self,” Gomez said on the Futbol Americas podcast. "Sergino Dest is one of the most important players the U.S men's national team has. People think of him as just a defender, [but] he hardly defends. What he does when he has the ball in the build-out, the first phase of the game, his quality in the attacking third and the final third, his ability to make good decisions, his ability to eliminate players on the 1v1 dribble. He is one of the most important players, tactically, to any coach's schemes.

  "If you're Mauricio Pochettino, you think…I have a player I can trust. I have a player who can help me in the build out of my team. I have a player who could be another attacking piece in that final third alongside a Christian Pulisic alongside Timothy Weah, alongside some of these talented players that I have. I finally get to have these players at my disposal at the same time, that's what I'm thinking if I’m Mauricio Pochettino."

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• WHAT HERCULEZ GOMEZ SAID

  However, despite praising the former Barcelona fullback, Gomez believes that Dest has had a tough time over the last few years, especially after his ACL injury.

  “He did his ACL April last year,” Gomez said. “It was an 11-month recovery, it's not an easy injury to get over. It's not an easy injury to mentally, forget about. He's a tricky, shifty player. He's a player who takes a lot of risk. He's very dynamic, very explosive. I certainly will be paying a lot of attention this season with PSV to see if we get the old Sergino Dest.

  “And if it's not the oldest Sergino Dest, if he's learned anything to become a better Sergino Dest, despite not having that explosiveness. This is one of the biggest players the U.S has right now, and if they have any chance, any chance of doing anything, anything special come 2026 in the World Cup. Sergino Dest will be there.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Dest made only seven league appearances last season for the Eredivisie side after returning to full fitness. He has, however, kicked off the 2025-26 season superbly, scoring in PSV Eindhoven’s 2-1 win in the Johan Cruyff Shield against the Go Ahead Eagles.

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  WHAT’S NEXT?

  Following their win Johan Cruyff Shield, PSV Eindhoven begin preparations for the first game of their league season against Sparta Rotterdam on Aug. 9.

Ruben Amorim is reportedly urging Manchester United to try and sign Brighton star Carlos Baleba but a list of alternative options have been drawn up.

• Man Utd want to sign Baleba
• Amorim keen on Brighton man
• Red Devils consider other options

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Independent claim that United are actively trying to sign the midfielder but Brighton want around £120 million ($163m) for his services. The report adds that the Red Devils are considering an initial £80m ($109m) bid, with the rest made up in add-ons, and winger Jadon Sancho could be part of the offer – although the Seagulls are unlikely to want him.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Baleba is 'keen' on a United move but there is still a long way to go before Amorim's team can secure his signature. The report adds that if they cannot recruit the Cameroon international, the Red Devils' preferred alternative is Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton. It is anticipated, however, that the 21-year-old could cost even more than Baleba this summer.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The report adds that Palace chairman Steve Parish will be unwilling to do business for Wharton, given that the Eagles could lose star players Marc Guehi, who is wanted by Liverpool, and Tottenham target Eberechi Eze before the transfer window shuts. 

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  WHAT NEXT?

  It remains to be seen if United will up their efforts to sign Baleba in the coming weeks. The Red Devils have also looked at Sporting CP's Morten Hjumland, but are said to hold concerns about his physicality, and Atalanta's Ederson.

Premier League referees will clamp down on holding at set-pieces and simulation after receiving feedback from top-flight clubs.

• Referees to penalise holding
• Simulation crackdown also expected
• Decisions will still be checked by VAR

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to , Premier League referees will be more strict on holding at set-pieces after receiving feedback from top-flight clubs. Instances where players are caught grappling opponents with two arms, are focused more on their rivals than the ball and holding that affects an attacker's movement will result in fouls.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The changes come as clubs increasingly use set-pieces as scoring opportunities. Teams around the top flight have been hiring set-piece coaches to gain an extra advantage, with the likes of Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa among the sides who scored often from corners, free-kicks and throw-ins last season.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Penalties will continue to be checked by video assistant referees, but the high threshold for interventions will stay unless a clear and obvious error has been made. Officials will also be boosted by the implementation of semi-automated offside technology, which is expected to cut the waiting times that have proved so frustrating for fans and pundits.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  The Premier League will hope the new rules changes are clear and followed by their referees, though teams are often able to find loopholes in the pursuit of success. Liverpool's clash with Bournemouth on Friday night could illustrate how referees intend to preside over set-pieces going forward.

Juventus have set their sights on Lille winger Edon Zhegrova as doubts grow over Nico Gonzalez’s future, with Atletico Madrid circling.

• Juventus tracking Lille’s Edon Zhegrova
• Gonzalez future sparks search for replacement
• Atletico Madrid also monitoring situation

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Juve are weighing up a move for Lille winger Zhegrova as they consider potential replacements for Nico Gonzalez, who remains on Atletico Madrid’s radar, as per the reports from Italy. The 26-year-old Kosovar has emerged as one of Juve’s late-window targets, with reports confirming that contact has already been made with Lille over his availability.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Zhegrova’s profile fits the mould Bianconeri are searching for, a left-footed winger capable of cutting inside and providing a direct threat in the final third. He impressed the Turin scouts in the Champions League clash between Lille and Juve last November, where he was a standout performer. His ability to operate across attacking roles makes him an attractive option, though adapting him into Tudor’s 3-4-2-1 system remains a tactical question mark.

  Gonzalez’s uncertain future is driving this interest, as the Argentine, signed permanently this summer, has drawn strong links with El Atleti, though Diego Simeone’s side are yet to meet Juve’s €30m (£26m/$35m) valuation. Should Gonzalez depart, Zhegrova would be the natural successor.

• TELL ME MORE

  Zhegrova’s contract with Lille runs until June 2026, but he has long made it clear he does not plan to renew. That puts the Ligue 1 club under pressure to sell now or risk losing him for less in January. His current value is reported between €15-20m, with wages around €1m annually, making him a relatively affordable option for Juventus.

  Lille’s stance is informed by past experiences, notably losing leverage with Jonathan David, who also eventually joined Juve. Marseille have been actively negotiating for Zhegrova, but talks remain unresolved, leaving Juve in a strong position if they choose to accelerate.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  For now, Juventus are keeping their options open while assessing Gonzalez’s future. If Atletico formalise their interest with a concrete offer, expect the Turin giants to move quickly for Zhegrova before the window closes.

The goalkeeper had a nightmare display in goal and the Norwegian striker was blunt as Pep Guardiola's side were stunned by a ruthlessly-effective Spurs

James Trafford must have dreamt for many years of making his debut at the Etihad Stadium after growing up at the club but when it finally came it was the stuff of nightmares. The goalkeeper made two big mistakes and cost his side a 2-0 defeat at home to Tottenham, completely deflating all the optimism after their crushing opening-day bashing of Wolves.

City made a dominant start, with Omar Marmoush taking the initiative with some very bright play down the left wing. He poked wide of the far post and forced three saves from Guglielmo Vicario but Spurs struck first through a clever break beginning in their area. The move saw Richarlison chase a knock-down and play the perfect cut-back for Brennan Johnson to hit home first time and although the goal was initially flagged offside, it was then awarded by VAR and, from there, Tottenham continued to unsettle their hosts on the break, and especially Trafford.

The goalkeeper arrived late to a challenge with Mohammed Kudus but escaped without giving away a foul or, thankfully for him, a red card. But things got far worse from the unlikely scenario of a City goal-kick, which they decided to play short. Trafford took a pass from Dias and tried to play in Nico Gonzalez but he was robbed by Pape Matar Sarr and it led to a scramble in the area, allowing Joao Palhinha to slam the loose ball in.

City barely knew what hit them and Spurs dominated most of the second half. Pep Guardiola was so desperate he put on Rodri despite warning of the dangers of bringing him back too soon. It made little difference as Bernardo Silva's shot off the bar was the closest they came to finding a way back.

GOAL rates Man City's players from the Etihad Stadium…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  James Trafford (4/10):

  A nightmare home debut which could well make City reassess their goalkeeping options and make a late push for Gianluigi Donnarumma. Sloppy for the first goal, practically caused the second and could even have been sent off. Gained a mark for his late double save.

  Rico Lewis (5/10):

  Nearly got Trafford in trouble early on and then showed his lack of defensive awareness by failing to cut out Richarlison's cross to Johnson. Later shanked a shot into the upper tier, ruining a positive piece of play.

  Ruben Dias (6/10):

  The only City defender to do okay, even if it was his idea to play the goal-kick short.

  John Stones (5/10):

  Slipped at inopportune moment as Tottenham countered to score, allowing Johnson to stay unmarked. Did make a good slide tackle on the Wales international after.

  Rayan Ait-Nouri (N/A):

  Only played a quarter of the game. Took a knock after challenging Mohamed Kudus and had to come off shortly after.

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  Midfield

  Tijjani Reijnders (5/10):

  A come down from his magical Premier League debut. Influential in the first half but final ball was lacking and he faded badly in the second.

  Nico Gonzalez (4/10):

  Showed a huge lack of awareness to look for the ball and then lose it for the second goal. Either side of that he gave the defence little protection before being removed for a half-fit Rodri.

  Oscar Bobb (6/10):

  Had a decent first half despite playing in a different, deeper role than his excellent display at Wolves. Like the rest of his team-mates he did not respond well to Spurs' goals.

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  Attack

  Omar Marmoush (6/10):

  Was very lively in the first half and came closest to scoring for City although his finishing was questionable. 

  Erling Haaland (4/10):

  His ferocious record in the second game of the season came to an end. Had just one shooting chance, a free header which he sent into the stands. On the plus side he set-up a good opportunity for Marmoush with an impressive dribble and pass. 

  Rayan Cherki (5/10):

  Teed up Haaland's free header but did not get involved as much as he should have.

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  Subs & Manager

  Nathan Ake (5/10):

  Didn't protect the left side well enough when Spurs pounced for the first time.

  Bernardo Silva (6/10):

  Gave City a bit of hope and leadership when he came on, hitting the bar.

  Jeremy Doku (6/10):

  His trickery gave City a bit more energy and directness although it didn't lead to much.

  Phil Foden  (5/10):

  Denied by a flying Micky van de Ven slide tackle.

  Rodri (6/10):

  Almost had an instant impact when he headed a corner at goal but Vicario was equal to it.

  Pep Guardiola (5/10):

  His team looked ill-prepared for Spurs' high-pressing game. He made the changes you would expect in the second half but they made no real impact.