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The U.S. men's national team locks horns with northern neighbours Canada on Sunday, with both sides assured of their place in the Gold Cup knockout stage.

Watch USMNT vs Canada on fuboTV (free 7-day trial)

Each side has two wins from two in Group B and the USMNT comes into the game on a high after putting six goals past Martinique last time out, while Canada scored four against Haiti.

Ahead of the game, Goal has the details of how to watch on TV, stream online, team news and more.

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

In the United States (US), this year's Gold Cup games can be watched live and on-demand with fuboTV (watch with a 7-day free trial).

New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser.

Team news & rosters

Doubts persist over the availability of Paul Arriola and Reggie Cannon, with the pair nursing injuries from the opening games.

Gregg Berhalter shook things up for the second game of the group and it yielded a 6-1 victory against Martinique, so it seems unlikely that he will deviate too much.

However, the likes of Gyasi Zardes, Sebastian Lletget and Kellyn Acosta will be pushing for a place in the starting XI.

Predicted USMNT starting XI: Turner, Zimmerman, Sands, Robinson, Bello, Moore, Williamson, Lletget, Roldan, Gioacchini, Dike. 

Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies had to pull out of the roster ahead of the tournament, while Lille's Jonathan David is not present either, but Canada has been inspired by a number of other key players.

Cyle Larin leads the scoring charts with three goals and Portugal-based Stephen Eustaquio has two to his name, though, unfortunately for the Canucks, the latter is suspended for this game.

Samuel Piette is expected to be the replacement for Eustaquio. Meanwhile, the game could also see a debut for Ayo Akinola, who turned his back on the USMNT in order to switch to Canada.

Stephen Vitoria, Alistair Johnston, Lucas Cavallini, Liam Fraser and Mark-Anthony Kaye are all carrying yellow cards and at risk of suspension.

Predicted Canada starting XI: Crepeau, Vitoria, Henry, Miller, Buchanan, Johnston, Osorio, Kaye, Piette, Larin, Cavallini.

Recent results & head-to-head

Last five results

Head-to-head

Lionel Messi's Instagram post celebrating Argentina's Copa America win has become the most liked photo from an athlete on the social media website.

The Barcelona star captained his national team to victory in the tournament with a 1-0 win against Brazil.

It is the first major trophy the attacker has won with Argentina, having previously lost in three Copa America finals and a World Cup final.

What has happened?

Messi's post of him holding the trophy after the win in the Maracana Stadium has racked up almost 20.2 million likes on Instagram.

That breaks the previous record for a sports-related post, which was held by Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Juventus star's tribute to Diego Maradona after the Argentina hero's death had received 19.8 million likes.

How did Messi perform at Copa America?

The 34-year-old was given the player of the tournament award for his performances in Brazil.

He was the joint-top scorer in the Copa America alongside Colombia star Luis Diaz with four goals, while he also registered five assists.

What next for Messi?

Messi is currently a free agent after his contract at Barcelona expired.

He is expected to commit to a new deal with the club soon, however.

Goal understands he has agreed to take a 50 percent pay cut to commit to a new five-year contract.

Further reading

Yanga SC grabbed the remaining Caf Champions League spot despite a 0-0 draw against Dodoma Jiji in the last game of the 2020/21 Mainland Premier League season.
 
Timu ya Wananchi - who have finished second with 74 points, six more than third-placed Azam FC - will join Simba SC on the continental stage to represent Tanzania in the next season.
 
Azam FC picked a 1-0 win over Ruvu Shooting to end their campaign on a winning note. Mudathir Yahya scored the goal that gave the Ice-cream Makers the win away from home. In another encounter, Coastal Union defeated Kagera Sugar 3-1.
 
Goals for Coastal Union were scored by Abdoul Sopu in the second minute through a penalty kick, and also in the 59th minute after Mtenje Albano had scored the second in the 16th minute. Kagera Sugar denied the hosts a clean sheet when Hassan Mwaterema struck in the 19th minute.
 
JKT Tanzania saw off Mtibwa Sugar by a 2-1 margin in another Premier League encounter. Nurdin Mohamed opened the score for JKT Tanzania with a penalty in the 12th minute before George Makanga equalised for the Sugar Millers in the 56th minute. The hosts were guaranteed a win courtesy of a second goal scored by Shaban Mgandila in the 85th minute.
 
Meanwhile, Mbeya City picked up a huge 4-0 over Biashara United after Sitaji Ramdhan opened the scoring in the 10th minute before Juma Luizio struck a hat-trick in the 25th, 46th and 49th minutes. Finally, Kinonodni Municipal Council emerged 1-0 winners over Ihefu FC with a goal scored courtesy of Charles Ilanfya. 
 
JKT Tanzania, Gwambina FC, Ihefu, and Mwadui have been relegated from the Premier League after finishing 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th respectively. Coastal Union and Mtibwa Sugar have the last chance to maintain their top-tier places as they will engage in the promotion/relegation play-offs.
 
Among the teams that were promoted before the 2020/21 season began, only Dodoma Jiji have been successful in remaining in the top-tier after finishing eighth with 44 points. As the season has concluded, eyes will be on Yanga, Simba and Azam - who will be in the Confederation Cup - to see which players they will sign to strengthen for continental duties.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said Jesse Lingard is in Manchester United’s plans ahead of the new season after impressing on loan at West Ham and that Jadon Sancho's transfer is close to being finalised.

Lingard played a vital role for David Moyes’ side having gone on loan for the second half of the last campaign after struggling for game time at Old Trafford due to Bruno Fernandes' arrival pushing him down the pecking order. 

With a new season on the horizon, and plenty of interest in the attacking midfielder, Solskjaer said he is planning for the 28-year-old to be part of his squad going forward. 

What was said? 

Lingard played the second half as Manchester United beat Derby 2-1 in their first pre-season fixture on Sunday. 

“He came seven or eight days later than the rest but he's a naturally fit boy. He's a man, he played with a few boys but he's one of the men,” Solskjaer said. 

“Jesse has come back, been bright, he wants to fight for his place and there's nothing better than seeing players want to fight for their place. 

“What he did towards the end of last season, that's the true Jesse, that's what we know he's capable of and I think we saw towards the end that we lacked some options at times and Jesse is in the plans at the moment, yeah.”

Who else has been interested in Lingard? 

West Ham were keen to make Lingard’s loan deal permanent but there was a wide gap in valuation between what the Hammers were willing to pay and what United valued him at. 

They retain their interest in the playmaker and there has also been interest from abroad from clubs in Spain and Italy.

What about other signings? 

United confirmed earlier this month they had agreed a deal for Sancho and Solskjaer gave an update on his imminent arrival from Borussia Dortmund.

“From what I understand only paperwork, small little details, hopefully we can announce something,” Solskjaer said. 

“Let's get all the paperwork done and get him over the line and then I can say what I truly feel about the player.”

Goal can confirm the club are also working on a deal for Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane.

Further Reading

Former Sunshine Stars goalkeeper Olumide Akinroyeje made it clear he will not accept anyone blaming Daniel Akpeyi for Kaizer Chiefs’ Caf Champions League defeat to Al Ahly.

Playing in the tournament’s final for the first time in their history, Stuart Baxter’s men were silenced 3-0 at the Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca.

The turning point of the encounter was Happy Mashiane’s dismissal on the stroke of half-time for his dangerous challenge on Tawfik Akram.

Profiting from the numerical disadvantage, Pitso Mosimane's men came out stronger in the second half with Mohamed Sherif, Mohamed Afsha, and Amr El Solia all firing past the Nigeria international goalkeeper.

Several supporters took to social media and expressed their discontent with the 34-year-old’s displays, with some claiming he 'stood like a robot'.

However, the Turkey-based goalkeeper refuses to listen to blame apportioned to the former Gabros International and Chippa United star.  

“I feel it is unwarranted blaming Akpeyi for Kaizer Chiefs’ loss to Al Ahly. He did his best and we must accept the fact that the Egyptians were the better side,” Akinroyeje told Goal.

“The red card no doubt slowed down the South Africans and destabilized their game plan against the well organised Egyptians, but they did not help matters for themselves as they preferred to sit back instead of moving forward.

“Seeing how Chiefs were defending in the second half, I knew they were going to make errors. That led to pressure on the defenders and the goalkeeper was meant to pay for that.

"In football, defending starts in front and not only in the last line. So, I won’t agree with those saying Akpeyi cost his team victory. The scoreline was not an accurate reflection of his performance.

“Kaizer Chiefs didn’t play like they wanted to win so they got punished. Hopefully, they will watch the game again and must correct where they got wrong.”

When asked if Akpeyi should be considered for selection by coach Gernot Rohr for the 2020 Africa Cup of Nations, the 28-year-goalkeeper said: “Why not? Akpeyi remains one of the better goalkeepers we have in Nigeria

“If the coach thinks he deserves a place for Afcon, I advise him to give him a call-up because we must field our legs in Cameroon."

Chelsea striker Armando Broja has signed a new five-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

The teenager impressed on loan at Vitesse Arnhem last season and has now been rewarded with a new long-term deal by Chelsea.

Broja has been on the Blues' books for a decade and will now be looking to push for a place in Thomas Tuchel's first-team plans in the 2021-22 season.

What has been said?

"I am really excited to be signing a new contract with Chelsea," Broja told the club's official website.

"Having come through the Academy here it was a special moment for me to make my first-team debut last year, before gaining further experience on loan at Vitesse last season.

"I want to build on these foundations and I am really looking forward to progressing and making an impact at Chelsea in the years to come."

Broja's career so far

The 19-year-old was handed his first-team bow by former manager Frank Lampard in March 2020 against Everton in what proved to be Chelsea's final game before the Premier League campaign was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He spent the 2020-21 season on loan at Vitesse in an attempt to build up his first-team experience and he caught the eye during his time in Dutch football.

Broja scored 11 goals in 34 appearances as Vitesse finished fourth in the Eredivisie and lost to Ajax in the final of the KNVB Cup.

The highly-rated forward also made his international debut for Albania in September last year and has now made six appearances for the national team.

Further reading

AFC Leopards team manager, who doubles up as an interim assistant coach, has conceded beating Tusker in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League assignment on Friday was a tall order.

The 13-time champions fell 2-0 against the league leaders in a match played at Thika Stadium. The Brewers scored a goal in each half courtesy of Chris Ochieng in the 15th minute and Chris Onyango in the 50th minute to earn revenge against Ingwe, who had beaten them 2-1 in the first round meeting and also eliminated them from the FKF Shield Cup after a 1-0 win.

Ingwe had come into the match hoping to get a positive outcome but ended up without a point. The win enabled Tusker to cement their place at the top of the 18-team table with 54 points from 25 matches while AFC remained third on 43 points from 24 matches.

"Did you expect Leopards to win?"

"In this game, we came missing senior players; the likes of Benjamin Ochan, Said Tsuma, who are out of contract, and 10 other players due to injuries and national team assignments," Juma told Goal.

"Did you expect us to win the game? It was going to be a tall order. But despite that, we gave our best and would have scored several goals, just that we missed great chances in front of the goal.

"To be honest, this is the best game we played despite coming into the match with an understrength team. The injury to Brian Wanyama also meant we had to make some tactical changes, but all I can say is that the future is bright."

Are AFC Leopards still in for the title?

The Brewers have 11 points more than Ingwe and with about 10 matches to go, are Ingwe still in the title race?

"In football, you must keep on believing and giving your best to the end," Juma, who played for Harambee Stars as a midfielder continued.

"You cannot tell what will happen tomorrow; the best thing is to ensure we continue pushing harder. If we win our remaining nine matches, then who knows? 

"The teams above us might slip and we can be crowned at the end of the campaign. Chances look minimal but we have to do our part as well." 

Two South African footballers have become the first athletes in the Olympic Village to test positive for Covid-19 with only five days remaining to the start of the Olympic Games.

The affected players - Thabiso Monyane and Kamohelo Mahlatsi are members of the U23 football team – and have returned positive results alongside the team’s video analyst Mario Masha.

A statement from Safa has confirmed the affected have been put in isolation while the rest of the squad members, who tested negative twice, are following closely all the recommendations of the local health authorities.

“Three members from Team SA’s men’s under-23 football team have produced positive tests for Covid-19 and are in isolation in the Tokyo 2020 isolation facility,” read part of the statement from Safa.

“The three members are players Thabiso Monyane and Kamohelo Mahlatsi and video analyst Mario Masha, who produced a positive result in the latest round of daily sputum [saliva] testing.

“The rest of the team has already tested negative twice and is following closely all the recommendations of the local health authorities.

“Team SA officials and management have followed all relevant Olympic Playbook rules, protocols, and procedures throughout the pre-Games and Games arrival routines.

“They have been tested on arrival, daily at the Olympic Village and complied with all the mandatory measures implemented to ensure the safety of the Games participants and the people of Japan, including keeping physical distancing and wearing masks at all times.”

The statement continued: “A fourth Team SA member, Sevens rugby coach Neil Powell, has also produced a positive result and has been admitted to an isolation facility in Kagashimo where the Sevens squad are currently in at a pre-Games training camp.”

Explaining what happened, South Africa Chief Medical Officer Dr. Phatho Zondi stated: “Every member of Team South Africa required full medical clearance as eligibility criteria.

"In addition, they were encouraged to isolate for two weeks pre-departure, monitor health daily, report any symptoms, and produce two negative nasopharyngeal PCR tests taken within 96 hours of departure, as per Tokyo 2020 requirements.

“The timing of the positive results suggests that the PCR test in these individuals was done during the incubation period of the infection, which is how they could be negative in South Africa and then positive in Japan.

“They are now in isolation where they will continue to be monitored and will not be allowed to train or have any physical contact with the rest of the squad.”

SA-U23 squad for Olympics: Ronwen Williams, Mondli Mpoto, Sifiso Mlungwana, Tercious Malepe, Katlego Mohamme, Luke Fleurs, Sibusiso Mabiliso, Abbubaker Mobara, Thabiso Monyane, Tebogo Mokoena, Thabo Cele, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Sipho Mbule, Goodman Mosele, Kamohelo Mahlatsi, Fagrie Lakay, Luther Singh, Evidence Makgopa, Lyle Foster, and Kabamelo Kodisang.

Liverpool's new £36 million ($50m) signing Ibrahima Konate will make his debut in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday, Jurgen Klopp has confirmed.

Konate completed a big-money switch to Liverpool from RB Leipzig earlier this summer, with the Reds reportedly seeing off competition from a whole host of top clubs to land his signature, including Premier League rivals Chelsea.

Liverpool supporters can now look forward to seeing the 22-year-old in action for the first time, as Klopp has revealed that he is ready to feature in a 60-minute doubleheader contest against Wacker Innsbruck and VfB Stuttgart in Austria this week.

What's been said?

Asked when he plans to hand Konate his first appearance for Liverpool, Klopp told the club's official website: “Tuesday. He’s had a good rest, had a normal pre-season so far, so yeah, he can play on Tuesday. For Ibou it is important that he gets minutes quickly, that’s what pre-season is for. 

“All the people from outside will say there are similarities between Leipzig and us and that is true, but anyway there are differences as well and the similarities are important but the differences are more important because you see that in training.

"There are some little habits where he is doing different to what we usually do, so we work on that but that’s now not that easy because that’s only six days now. 

“So, all fine, completely normal. The first few days are there to realise what is the boy doing when he is not thinking. So, natural stuff. And then from there, we start and that’s why he has to play and that’s what will happen.

"Then we will see how quickly we can get all this information together for him and then everything is fine. For a defender, it’s not as difficult as it would be for other players but it’s still a job to do, and that is what we are doing.”

How will Konate fit in at Liverpool?

Konate's arrival gives Klopp a valuable extra option at centre-back following a turbulent campaign that saw the Reds deal with an unprecedented defensive injury crisis.

Talismanic duo Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez have only just returned to full training after respective spells out with knee knee ligament problems, meaning Konate will now have an opportunity to stake his claim for a regular place in the starting XI.

Konate boasts plenty of experience in top-level football after four impressive years at RB Leipzig, who he helped become Champions League semi-finalists and Bundesliga title contenders under the stewardship of Julian Nagelsmann.

Klopp will hope that he can also bring the best out of Konate as Liverpool bid to fight for major honours again in 2021-22, with a Premier League opener against newly-promoted Norwich on August 14 already looming large on the horizon.

Further reading 

Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter believes Happy Mashiane’s red card against Al Ahly in the Caf Champions League final was down to how he was handled by the Egyptian giants.

The 23-year-old was sent off after a reckless tackle on Akram Tawfik at the stroke of half-time and his exit saw the Soweto-giants concede three goals in the second period courtesy of Mohamed Sherif, Mohamed Magdi Afsha, and Amr El Solia which inspired the Red Devils to a second straight title, at Stade Mohammed V in Morocco on Saturday.

According to Baxter, who was sitting on the touchline for the first time since he took charge of Amakhosi after replacing fired Gavin Hunt, the young Mashiane was frustrated.

What has been said? 

“I think we went into the game with the three young ones, we’ve got [Njabulo] Blom, we’ve got Mshini [Nkosingiphile Ngcobo] and we’ve got Happy [Mashiane)],” Baxter told reporters as quoted by Idiskitimes .

“And this was potentially a bridge too far for them. But they were in good mental balance.

“But I think the frustration grew with Happy. We got him into the game early on, in situations where you think he’s good at that and he let the ball get away from him. I think that frustrated him. 

“And then he got smacked a couple of times. I think that frustrated him. And the fact that he was chasing the ball late in the half, that was frustrating him. And I think all of that boiled over with him.”

Baxter continued: “And I think he gave them an unnecessary free-kick, that wasn’t necessary to go in that hard in that area of the field, but he is a young lad and the frustration boiled over.

“And I think it’s correct what you’re saying that it sort of got to a point where he wanted to give back what he thought you’d be getting. So he’s disappointed, I’m sure but he will learn from it.

In a previous interview, Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane felt the Chiefs attacker deserved the red card as he let his emotions get the better of him in the biggest match in African club football.

“Yes, I understand that there was a red card but a red card is part of football. You should not be reckless if you play in the Cup final," he continued. "You shouldn’t be emotional but this happens in football,” Mosimane said .

Further Caf Champions League final reading 

Turkish Super League side Caykur Rizespor have signed South African international Lebogang Phiri on a three-year deal.

The 26-year-old midfielder moved to the Super League outfit after the expiration of his contract with Ligue Two side Guingamp at the end of June. The Turkish side confirmed the arrival of the Bafana Bafana star on Sunday in a ceremony that vice-president Selim Selimoglu attended.

"Caykur Rizespor have signed Lebogang Phiri for three years," the Rize club announced .

Phiri, who spent last season with Guingamp, one of the French Second Division teams, started his football career with Bidvest Wits in South Africa. He transferred to Brondby IF, a Danish team, in 2013 and the 26-year-old has been in France since 2017.

"Caykur Rizespor welcome Lebogang Phiri to our club and wish him success. It is announced with respect to our community and the public."

The Bafana Bafana man was with Guingamp for five seasons, where he played in 78 games after he joined them from Brondby in July 2017. The side was relegated in the 2018/19 campaign, but Phiri chose to stick with the French club and served as captain for two years.

Phiri, at one point, had to endure a long-term knee injury as the club struggled on the pitch in the second-tier before he made a return in April. Trabzonspor of Turkey and RC Strasbourg of France had been rumoured to be interested in the midfielder.

Caykur Rizespor first featured in the Super League in 1979 and remained there until they were relegated in 1981. They returned in 1985 and spent five years in the top-tier until 1989. They had to endure time outside the Super League for many years, as they were promoted in 2000 again and maintained their status until 2002.

They did not spend a long period in the lower league since they returned in 2003 and were part of the top league fraternity until 2008. After the 2008 relegation, Caykur Rizespor were promoted again in 2013 and have remained there up to now.

Rafa Benitez says Richarlison "knows he has to give something back" to Everton after holding talks with the Brazil striker over his Olympics involvement.

Richarlison is set to link up with his country in Tokyo on Thursday, less than two weeks after playing in the Selecao's Copa America final defeat to Argentina.

Everton have granted the forward permission to participate in the Olympics despite the fact he will miss a large portion of their pre-season campaign, but Benitez expects him to repay the favour when he eventually returns to Goodison Park.

What's been said?

Goal has learned that former Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti has been in contact with Richarlison over a potential reunion at Real Madrid ahead of the 2021-22 campaign.

Everton are now thought to be bracing themselves for a formal offer from the Blancos, but Benitez is confident that a prized asset will remain on Merseyside after being supported in his international endeavours.

“I was in contact with him, he had the Olympic Games in the back of his head, we needed to sort out his situation and he is fine,” Benitez, who replaced Ancelotti at Goodison at the end of June, told the club's official website.

“He is happy because he can go there… and he knows he has to give us something back because we were supporting him.

“That [not being involved at the start of the season] could be something we can consider not great in the beginning but will be a massive boost for us in the rest of the season because he will try to deliver.”

How long could Richarlison be away for?

If Brazil manage to make it all the way to the Olympics football tournament final, Richarlison will be in Japan until at least August 7, which is when the final is due to take place.

The 24-year-old would then face a race against time to recover before the new Premier League season kicks off seven days later, with Everton set to open their campaign against Southampton.

Benitez on Digne

Benitez could also be sweating on the availability of France full-back Luca Digne for the Toffees' first top-flight fixture.

Digne's Euro 2020 journey with Les Bleus was cut short due to a thigh injury, but the 27-year-old's new club manager is hopeful that he will soon be ready to return. 

“I had contact with him [on Wednesday morning], he is training well, doing his job and ready to join the team as soon as possible,” said Benitez.

“He is a great professional and I know he is working hard. My exchange of messages with him has been good because he is telling me he is nearly ready.”

Further reading 

After a five-week break to get over the disappointment of the Europa League final defeat, Manchester United were back in training at their Carrington base as they begin to prepare for the new campaign. 

With this summer's Euros only finishing last week, a number of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first-team players have yet to return, with the club giving each player three weeks off from their last game which means it is unlikely the likes of Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw will be involved until the final pre-season fixture against Everton. 

Last season Solskjaer lamented a lack of pre-season, with United only managing to squeeze in one friendly against Aston Villa, and blamed their poor start to the season on it. This year they have managed to organise five friendlies. The uncertainty of travel plans due to the pandemic means that all the fixtures are being played in the UK where the team will also have a week-long training camp. 

With so many first-team players still away it gives plenty of youngsters the opportunity to try and impress Solskjaer and his staff. 

Goal brings you everything you need to know about Manchester United's plans for pre-season and who will be involved.

Man Utd pre-season fixtures & results

United start their pre-season games away to Derby on July 18 and then have a trip down south to face Queen's Park Rangers on July 24. Two home games have been scheduled against Brentford on July 28 and Everton on August 7 with a trip to Preston North End arranged in between on July 31. 

Games can be streamed live exclusively on Manchester United's in-house television channel MUTV.

Which players are involved in Man Utd's pre-season?

With a number of United's first teamers involved in this summer's European Championship they have been given additional time off so the likes of Marcus Rashford, Paul Pogba and Harry Maguire will not be expected back at the club's training ground for another couple of weeks. 

It means Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a very young training squad with a number of Under-23s players involved and hoping to get a bit of first team action. 

Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard and Nemanja Matic bring the experience but on the whole it's a very young squad. 

Those who have been training are Tom Heaton, Nathan Bishop, Matej Kovar, Lee Grant, Teden Mengi, Di'Shon Bernard, Will Fish, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Alex Telles, Brandon Williams, Dylan Levitt, Andreas Pereira, James Garner, Nemanja Matic, Facundo Pellistri, Ethan Galbraith, Lingard, Mata, Anthony Elanga, Shola Shoretire, Hannibal Mejbri, Joe Hugill, Tahith Chong and Mason Greenwood. 

Will Man Utd's new transfer signings be involved?

So far the only signing that has been confirmed by the club is Heaton. The 35-year-old goalkeeper has re-joined the club after he left 11 years ago. When the rest of the squad are back he will be third choice behind David de Gea and Dean Henderson. But, while they are still away Heaton gets another chance to play and started in the first game against Derby. 

The signing of Jadon Sancho has yet to be fully completed. In a statement at the start of the month the club said: "Manchester United is delighted to announce it has reached agreement in principle with Borussia Dortmund for the transfer of Jadon Sancho.

"The signing is subject to contractual terms and a medical, which will be completed after Jadon’s involvement in the UEFA European Championship." It's understood he had his medical last week and is now on holiday having been involved in the Euros. 

The club are currently working on a deal for Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane. 

When does Man Utd's season start?

Manchester United get their new campaign under way at home to Leeds United on Saturday, August 14 followed by an away trip to Southampton the following weekend. 

See Manchester United's Premier League 2021-22 fixtures in full

Lionel Messi is the favourite to win the 2021 Ballon d'Or, according to Barcelona head coach Ronald Koeman, who has also discussed the club's new signings Sergio Aguero and Memphis Depay.

A man who has already won the coveted prize on six occasions is being tipped to get the nod again after following up another impressive campaign at Barca by leading Argentina to glory at the Copa America.

International silverware was the only thing missing from Messi's illustrious CV, and Koeman believes he deserves recognition for setting the standard in terms of individual brilliance for both club and country over the past 12 months.

What's been said?

Messi is currently a free agent, having seen his last contract at Camp Nou reach its expiry date on June 30, but Barca are on the verge of tying the 34-year-old down to a new long-term deal, and Koeman is counting on him to be a talismanic figure in his squad once again in 2021-22.

“He is vitally important. For what he brings to the team, he’s the captain and an example," the Barca boss told the club's official website. "His goalscoring has been brilliant despite a difficult start.

"He has shown time and again he is the best in the world. I know how much he wanted to win the Copa América and he has done it at last.

"Messi is the prime candidate for the Ballon d’Or after a great season and, for me, he is the favourite.”  

Messi's numbers 2020-21 numbers

Messi scored 38 goals in 47 appearances across all competitions for Barca last term, including 30 in La Liga, which saw him earn the Pichichi award for the division's top scorer for a record-extending eighth time.

He also provided 14 assists for his team-mates while helping Koeman's side win the Copa del Rey, and was able to carry that form onto the international stage.

Messi recorded four goals and five assists in seven games during Argentina's run to the Copa America crown, scooping Player of Tournament and Golden Ball prizes after their final victory over Brazil.

Koeman on Aguero and Depay

Koeman has also outlined what he expects from new arrivals Aguero and Depay, with both men joining Barca on free transfers after their respective departures from Manchester City and Lyon.

The Dutchman said of Aguero: “He is an important signing as we have to improve in front of goal. ‘Kun’ is an experienced player and very dangerous in the box.

"He has to be right physically and we want him to be at his best for us.”  

Koeman previously worked with Depay while in charge of the Netherlands national team, and believes he has all the necessary qualities to add a new dimension to the Blaugrana attack.

“It’s important that I know him well; he knows how I work and he is a player with a lot of character – he is strong, quick, he brings us a lot," he said.

"He can play anywhere up front and he is coming into the prime of his career. He improved a lot at Lyon and he gained experience as a captain.”  

Further reading 

Lionel Messi joining Paris Saint-Germain was a "dream", says Leandro Paredes, who has been left lamenting the fact that a deal for his Argentina team-mate "didn't happen".

Messi shocked the football world by handing in a formal transfer request last summer, and although he eventually ended up staying at Camp Nou for the final year of his contract, the 2020-21 campaign was rife with speculation over which club he would head to next.

PSG was touted as the most likely destination for the 34-year-old, who is now officially a free agent, but Goal has learned that Barca have reached an agreement to re-sign the talismanic performer on another long-term deal.

What's been said?

The French outfit's chances of acquiring Messi are now up in smoke, much to Paredes' disappointment, who would have loved to link up with his fellow countryman at Parc des Princes after winning the 2020 Copa America alongside him with Argentina.

“Yes, there was a lot of talk at the club when it emerged that Leo could come to Paris," the PSG midfielder told ESPN. "It was a dream to imagine he could be with us next season.

"But hey, that didn't happen. I hope he likes where he plays."

PSG's failed pursuit of Messi

PSG made no secret of their desire to sign Messi, with club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and sporting director Leonardo both publicly confirming their interest earlier this year.

Former Barca winger Neymar also welcomed the prospect of reuniting with the six-time Ballon d'Or winner at Parc des Princes in December, while Paredes said that the club would welcome him "with open arms" in the same month.

However, Paredes backtracked three months later when he said that PSG had asked him not to talk about Messi, who is understood to have rejected several offers in favour of signing a renewal at Camp Nou.

When will Messi's new contract be announced?

Barcelona will formally announce Messi's new contract in the coming weeks, after finalising a few small details amid their struggles to reduce their overall wage bill in accordance with La Liga restrictions.

The Argentine has agreed to take a 50 per cent pay cut as the Blaugrana continue to try and cut costs, with the terms of his new deal set to keep him at Camp Nou until at least 2026.

Further reading 

Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye has pointed out numerous issues with Amakhosi following their 3-0 defeat by Al Ahly in Saturday’s Caf Champions League final in Casablanca.

With a man short following a red card to Happy Mashiane, Chiefs conceded three second-half goals to surrender their hopes of a first-ever Champions League title. 

Khanye did not think any of the Chiefs players performed well, including Khama Billiat, who came on as a substitute in the 46th minute.

“I have been saying this all along that Kaizer Chiefs are lucky and today [Saturday] it ended. Look at the kind of players they have from the goalkeeper, back four, midfield and upfront,” Khanye told iDiskiTV.

“I feel ashamed of Khama Billiat and Ngcobo as a young promising player. He was playing in the wrong position. 

“Chiefs were fortunate to reach this stage but compliments to them. But against Al Ahly it was like a training session. The goals they conceded were soft looking at Al Ahly passing the ball around.

“Why did Stuart Baxter play Ramahlwe Mphahlele? This was a big final and when did he last play?

"Goalkeeper Daniel Alpeyi was not even comfortable with himself. He was passing at the back to Tower [Erick Mathoho] who would play far. Samir Nurkovic was marked by three people.

"In midfield, I don’t understand why Katsande is playing for Chiefs.”

The Al Ahly match was coach Baxter’s first game on the bench since his return to the club in June.

That also did not please Khanye, who believes assistant coaches Arthur Zwane and Dillon Sheppard should have continued to take charge of the team after they led the team to some victories in the PSL following the dismissal of Gavin Hunt.

The two were also in charge when Chiefs knocked out Wydad Casablanca in the semi-finals while Baxter watched from the terraces as he waited for a work permit.

“Chiefs made a mistake by taking Baxter from the stands and putting him on the bench. Arthur Zwane came in and won all the games,” continued Khanye.

“Remember Chiefs do not have enough quality but Arthur was trying by all means to communicate with players. He is a former player for Chiefs and players are more open to them [Dillon Sheppard as well]. 

“If you check, Chiefs does not have enough quality but he was able to bring the best out of them and won some games to attain a top-eight finish in the PSL for a team that was near the relegation zone.

“Stuart was far away and when he arrived he found players wanting to prove to him that they can play. Anybody can leave Chiefs this window period. Some are nervous and want to prove to the coach who is not a fan of some pretty football. So Stuart is always under pressure.”

Further Caf Champions League final reading 

San Jose Earthquakes coach Matias Almeyda saw his translator Agustin Zalazar sent off in the club's MLS draw with Colorado Rapids.

Colorado lost ground at the top of the Western Conference after being held to a 1-1 draw by San Jose at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in a highly-charged contest on Saturday night.

Frustrations on the visiting bench reached boiling point after Zalazar was sent to the stands midway through the second half, leaving Almeyda unable to communicate clearly with his players for the remainder of the match.

What happened?

The Argentine manager was seen complaining to the match referee in the 70th minute with the help of his translator Zalazar, who currently serves as San Jose's head of coaching communications .

Almeyda received a booking for his part in the incident, but Zalazar was shown red for being too forceful with his protests, and subsequently stormed off in disbelief.

Honours even at Dick's Sporting Goods Park

Javier Eduardo Lopez gave San Jose the best possible start against Colorado, firing an unstoppable shot past opposition goalkeeper William Yarbrough in the 11th minute, which marked his third MLS goal since joining the club on loan from Liga MX outfit Guadalajara.

Colorado finished the first half without a single shot on target to their name, but emerged for the second with a renewed sense of purpose, and equalised via a cool Cole Bassett finish shortly before the hour mark.

Both sides pressed hard for a winner but the game ultimately ended in a draw which extends Colorado's unbeaten home record to seven games.

San Jose's season so far

In stark contrast to playoff-chasing Colorado, San Jose are currently embroiled in a battle to avoid finishing bottom of the Western Conference.

Almeyda's side have only won three of their opening 13 MLS games this season, and they have now gone nine matches without a victory, with three draws and six losses recorded in that period.

San Jose will, however, have another chance to bounce back when they take in a trip to Sporting KC on Wednesday.

Further reading  

Rangers head coach Steven Gerrard has revealed Nigerian Nnamdi Ofoborh missed the build-up game against Arsenal on Saturday afternoon as a precaution after a red flag regarding his heart.

The 21-year-old is not expected to be involved in the pre-season for the Scottish champions as he is still undergoing medical examinations before the next course of action is known.

The former Liverpool skipper went on to confirm the midfielder is scheduled to see specialists in the next few weeks.

"I don't think you'll see him in the short term either. Unfortunately, something has flagged up [with electrocardiography] which is his heart test," Gerrard told Rangers TV after the game against Arsenal which ended 2-2.

"We have got top medical people at the club and we check all the players thoroughly when they arrive and unfortunately there's been a bit of a red flag with a heart issue. 

"He is going to see some specialists in the coming weeks and we need to do more checks and tests before we move forward which is disappointing and frustrating."

The 41-year-old went on to explain the player's situation and what has been done to ensure the player remains in the right shape mentally. 

"The important thing is the player's health which we will focus on first," Gerrard continued.

"Of course it is disappointing for the player but I spoke to him [on Thursday] and told him to keep smiling and be patient and we will do everything we can to support him and get him in front of the right people.

"With the right support, hopefully, he will be back before not too long."

The 21-year-old West African joined the Gers at the beginning of the month from EFL Championship side Bournemouth, signing a four-year deal.

With his current situation, the player has played no role in the pre-season friendly matches.

Rangers started their preparations for the new season with a 1-0 win over Partick Thistle, before falling to Tranmere Rovers by the same margin.

After their game against Arsenal, they will face Blackpool on July 21.