SOCCER

CARRICK AND SOLSKJAER EMERGE AS LEADING CANDIDATES FOR CARETAKER POSITION

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Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have emerged as the leading candidates to take charge of Manchester United on a caretaker basis until the end of the season. Both former players have previous managerial experience at Old Trafford and are expected to hold face-to-face discussions with the club's leadership as United consider their short-term options.

PEP GUARDIOLA FRUSTRATED WITH MISSED CHANCES AS MAN CITY HELD BY SUNDERLAND

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Manchester City came to the Stadium of Light hoping to ‍end Sunderland’s unbeaten run there in the Premier League this season, but they had to settle for a 0-0 draw after spending the first evening of the New Year misfiring in front of goal.

CHELSEA APPOINT ROSENIOR AS THEIR NEW HEAD COACH

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Chelsea has moved swiftly to replace Enzo Maresca, appointing Liam Rosenior as head coach just days after the New Year. The former Strasbourg boss has committed to a five-and-a-half-year term and will begin his transition immediately, watching from the stands during Wednesday's clash with Fulham. After taking the reins for his first practice on Thursday, Rosenior will lead the Blues into their FA Cup campaign against Charlton Athletic on Saturday.

"I am extremely humbled and honoured to be appointed head coach of Chelsea Football Club," Rosenior said.

"To be entrusted with this role means the world to me and I want to thank all involved for the opportunity and faith in undertaking this job. I will give everything to bring the success this club deserves."

Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane said he briefly spoke to Rosenior on Monday night.

"I wouldn't be giving him any advice because he is a really accomplished coach," McFarlane said.

"I am here to support him but I won't be giving him any advice."

CHELSEA PART WAYS WITH HEAD COACH ENZO MARESCA.

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Less than six months after leading Chelsea to Club World Cup glory, Enzo Maresca has departed his role as head coach following a sharp downturn in form and growing internal tension.

MANCHESTER UNITED FIRE COACH RUBEN AMORIM

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Ruben Amorim's dismissal after 14 months at Manchester United was driven less by league position and more by a breakdown in trust, philosophy and communication between the head coach and the club's hierarchy.

RONALDO AIMS FOR 1000 GOALS BEFORE RETIREMENT

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After being honoured as Best Middle East Player in Dubai, Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of Portugal and Al‑Nassr, vowed to prolong his career until he reaches 1,000 goals. He said the effort is tough but his motivation and passion for the sport remain strong, adding that it makes no difference whether he plays in the Middle East or Europe — he simply wants to keep playing.

CHELSEA INTERIM MANAGER MCFARLANE PRAISES ‘REAL LEADER’ JAMES AFTER MARESCA SACKING

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Chelsea interim manager Calum McFarlane has spoken to the media as his side tries to bounce back against Manchester City.

NAPOLI LOOK TO SEIZE MOMENTUM IN SERIE A TITLE FIGHT AFTER SUPER CUP TRIUMPH

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Following their triumph in the Italian Super Cup, Napoli will return to the task of defending their Serie A title full of confidence when they travel to take on Cremonese this weekend.