Football Articles | Mail Online

• Why Thomas Frank is safe even if Spurs lose to West Ham, the reason manager is suddenly more upbeat and the way his demeanour has altered since I last saw him in the summer, writes CRAIG HOPE17 January 2026, 2:00 am
  Every night, Thomas Frank reads before bed. What are you reading? I ask. All of the coverage around Tottenham? 'No,' he says, and his smile tells you he knows that would be unwise
  
• What Spurs (and Thomas Frank) can expect from Johnny Heitinga: Why Liverpool players adored him and the crucial role he played in Premier League title, the lessons he learned from failing at Ajax and how 'super positive' coach will lift the mood17 January 2026, 2:00 am
  Ask any Liverpool player and they only have good things to say about the coach who worked under Slot and was credited with playing a big role in their Premier League title triumph last year.
  
• What Michael Carrick's rollercoaster Middlesbrough tenure reveals about Man United's new manager: How his 'unplayable' football and unshakeable faith in youth won over fans - and how it all came unstuck after giving his brother a job17 January 2026, 2:00 am
  It was a February night at Sheffield United in 2023, when Michael Carrick's side were 'unplayable' and 'beautiful', that they were calling to mind in Middlesbrough this week.
  
• 'AirPod' Albert Stuivenberg uncovered: Why Mikel Arteta's 'valuable' Arsenal assistant is one of the few people he listens to, how he took up coaching after freak bedroom accident and the unique way he handles Declan Rice and Co17 January 2026, 2:00 am
  The Dutchman is far more influential than most outsiders realise even though it took a heated row with Declan Rice to propel him into the limelight.
  
• Rangers unveil Andreas Skov Olsen before Annan thrashing, but Danny Rohl insists he is looking for even more new recruits ... as well as a league and cup double17 January 2026, 12:04 am
  Rangers boss Danny Rohl insists the club will continue to make more new signings in their quest to win silverware this eason.
  
• Inside the turmoil at Crystal Palace: How transfer frustration and a collapse in trust sealed Oliver Glasner's exit, why sources fear Austrian's departure is a double blow and the signings Eagles plan to make to save their season16 January 2026, 11:14 pm
  Oliver Glasner is renowned for his entertaining exchanges with the press, but even by his standards, Friday's bombshell announcements were jaw-dropping.
  
• Rio Ferdinand names the two 'LUNATIC' managers Man United should target after sacking Ruben Amorim16 January 2026, 11:00 pm
  The Red Devils have now sacked six managers since the great Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 and will probably be on the hunt for another in the summer.
  
• Chelsea optimistic they will sign an elite centre back THIS MONTH - and why it would not be two fingers up to former boss Enzo Maresca16 January 2026, 10:57 pm
  Chelsea are cautiously optimistic they will sign an elite centre back this month - and it should not be seen as two fingers being stuck up at Liam Rosenior's predecessor Enzo Maresca.
  
• Rangers 5-0 Annan Athletic: Hat-trick for Bojan Miovski as Danny Rohl's reserves make light work of minnows16 January 2026, 10:40 pm
  On a night when Rangers rolled out the heavy artillery for an assault on the league title, it was the fringe players who took care of business in this Scottish Cup rout of Annan Athletic.
  
• Michael Carrick insists he is planning for the future at Man United as head coach refuses to rule himself out of staying beyond summer16 January 2026, 10:38 pm
  CHRIS WHEELER: Michael Carrick isn't ruling out the possibility of staying as Man United's head coach beyond the end of this season, and insists he won't just focus on the short-term.
  
• Pep Guardiola doubles down on criticism of officials ahead of Manchester derby - as Man City boss insists Erling Haaland deserves more protection from referees16 January 2026, 10:37 pm
  Haaland goes into Saturday's Manchester derby at Old Trafford having scored eight times in six Premier League meetings with Manchester United.
  
• The key change in approach between Liam Rosenior and Enzo Maresca as new boss prepares for Premier League bow16 January 2026, 10:36 pm
  KIERAN GILL: Liam Rosenioris encouraging Chelsea's hierarchy to visit his changing room after every game, with the Blues boss dismissing claims they are there to mark the manager's homework.
  
• Unai Emery accuses rivals of playing DIRTY to stop Morgan Rogers - but tells Aston Villa stars to adapt to rough treatment16 January 2026, 10:30 pm
  TOM COLLOMOSSE: Unai Emery has accused Aston Villa's rivals of playing dirty to stop star attacker Morgan Rogers. Rogers has been fouled 27 times in the league this year.
  
• Liverpool women's goalkeeper, 25, serving six-match ban after accepting racism charge16 January 2026, 9:39 pm
  TARA ANSON-WALSH: Liverpool goalkeeper Rafaela Borggrafe has been serving a six-match ban for using racially discriminatory language last summer, boss Gareth Taylor has confirmed. 
  
• BROKEN HEARTS Bad news for Premiership leaders as key midfielder Cammy Devlin faces up to eight weeks on sidelines with ankle injury16 January 2026, 8:34 pm
  Hearts have been dealt a huge blow after learning that key midfielder Cammy Devlin will be missing for around six to eight weeks with an ankle injury.