Harry Maguire has warned Manchester United supporters their fortunes may not change "overnight" ahead of the Red Devils' first season under the Jim Ratcliffe regime.

INEOS founder Ratcliffe assumed control of football operations when he bought a 25% stake in the club, with his part-takeover being formally ratified earlier this year.

United have since gone about constructing a new football hierarchy, appointing Dan Ashworth as sporting director and Omar Berrada as chief executive.

They were widely expected to part ways with manager Erik ten Hag after finishing eighth in the Premier League last term, but the Dutchman was instead handed a new contract after guiding them to an FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.

United have spent an estimated £88million to bring in striker Joshua Zirkzee and centre-back Leny Yoro ahead of Ten Hag's third season in charge, but Maguire has warned patience will be required as they bid to return to title contention.

"I don't think we will go from finishing eighth in the league to winning all the trophies overnight," Maguire told BBC Sport.

"But I do think we are moving in the right direction now and the decisions that have been made at the top will help this club get back to where it should be."

Yoro's arrival has raised questions about Maguire's future, with Lisandro Martinez also hoping to play a heightened role after an injury-hit 2023-24 campaign.

Maguire was widely expected to leave Old Trafford last year but opted to fight for his place and was ultimately rewarded with regular gametime.

With Martinez, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof all enduring disjointed seasons, Maguire managed more Premier League starts (18) and minutes (1,650) than any other United centre-back.

The Red Devils only kept four Premier League clean sheets when Maguire was involved, however, with their 58 goals conceded their most in any league campaign since 1978-79 (63).

He believes he proved his worth, saying: "There was a lot of uncertainty over my future last year but I sat down with the manager, he told me where I was at, said he believed in me and I would get chances.

"I proved last season when I got the chances I took them really well."

Emma Hayes insisted that she will seek to solve "easy fixes" from her United States players despite a resounding 3-0 victory over Zambia in their opening game at the Paris Olympics. 

Trinity Rodman's 17th minute strike was followed up by a quickfire double from Mallory Swanson to ensure a winning start to Group B. 

Swanson's brace came within 66 seconds of each other, netting the fastest two goals by a single player in a major tournament in the team's history.

Lindsey Horan notched two assists in Nice, becoming the fifth player in USWNT history with multiple assists in an Olympic match, joining Mia Hamm, Heather O’Reilly, Megan Rapinoe and Julie Ertz. 

Plenty was made of the United States' form heading into the Games, having endured a goalless draw in their final pre-tournament fixture with Costa Rica. 

However, their ruthless first-half showing saw Hayes become the first coach to win their first major tournament match in charge of the USA by a margin of three or more goals. 

The former Chelsea head coach has also helped her side keep five clean sheets in her first five games in charge, a record only bettered by Greg Ryan (nine). 

In spite of their strong showing, Hayes' side underperformed their expected goals (xG) by 1.96, with only eight of their 27 shots on target in the contest. 

They missed a total of nine big chances, while also having 58 touches in the opposition's box compared to Zambia's 11. 

But having seen other tournament favourites Spain and Germany kickstart their respective campaigns with victories, Hayes is confident her side can improve to claim a record-extending fifth gold medal. 

“The first part of the first half was exceptional,” Hayes said. “To come out the way we did, the intention, the intensity, the decision-making, the execution, it should have been at least 5-0 at half-time.

"There was things within our structure I didn’t like. But that’s easy fixes.

“If we had asked me at the beginning of the game ‘would you be happy with a 3-0 winner?’ I probably would have said no.

"However, for the performance and the chances created and finding the back of the net, I don’t want to be too hard on the players.”

The United States continue their Group B campaign on Sunday where they will face Germany, before travelling to Marseille to face Australia next week. 

The United States made light work of minnows Zambia as they began their Paris Olympics campaign with a 3-0 victory.

There had been pressure on the USA going into the game after two poor warm-up displays, including a 0-0 draw to Costa Rica, but Emma Hayes' team ran out comfortable winners in the former Chelsea boss' first competitive match in charge.

All of the damage was done in the first half, with the Americans three goals up after just 25 minutes in Nice - Trinity Rodman opening the scoring before a quickfire double from Mallory Swanson.

The four-time Olympic gold medallist started as they meant to go on, hitting the crossbar early on through Rodman and Swanson before the former opened her account for the tournament with a drilled finish past Zambia goalkeeper Ng'ambo Musole.

They doubled their advantage thanks to Chicago Red Stars forward Swanson, and she was on hand again to virtually end the contest just a minute later after good work down the left from Sophia Smith.

Zambia's woes were compounded by a red card dished out to Pauline Zulu, which was initially given as a yellow but was upgraded following a VAR review.

Zulu was adjudged to have been the last player when she brought down 18-year-old Smith, and her dismissal all but ended Zambia's slender comeback hopes.

Data Debrief: History made in Hayes' competitive debut

Though the USA had gone into the contest lacking rhythm and form, which raised hopes of a Zambian upset, it was not to be found, with Hayes' side enjoying complete domination from the start. The USA created chances worth an xG of 4.96 to Zambia's meagre 0.37, while they also had 27 shots to Zambia's eight, with 25 of those coming from inside the box. 

Hayes became the first coach to win their first major tournament match in charge of the USA by a margin of three or more goals. Meanwhile, with assists in the 17th and 24th minute, Horan is the first player in USWMT history to record two assists in the opening 30 minutes of a major tournament. 

Swanson's goals came 66 seconds apart, making them the fastest two goals by a single player in a major tournament in the team's history.

Aitana Bonmati inspired Spain past Japan as La Roja started their Paris Olympics campaign with a 2-1 victory on Thursday.

Spain are aiming to become the first side to win Olympic gold after lifting the Women's World Cup, having defeated England in the final of that tournament last year.

Ballon d'Or winner Bonmati levelled after Aoba Fujino's stunning 13th-minute free-kick opener in Nantes, before the Spain midfielder teed up Mariona Caldentey's winner 16 minutes from time.

That result saw Montserrat Tome's side seize top spot in Group C ahead of Brazil, who edged past Nigeria 1-0 thanks to Gabi Nunes' first-half finish.

Elsewhere in Group A, defending champions Canada put off-field issues to one side by overcoming New Zealand 2-1 thanks to goals from Cloe Lacasse and Evelyne Viens in Saint-Etienne.

Canada's integrity had been questioned ahead of the game in the wake of a spying scandal, with assistant Andy Spence serving as head coach after Bev Priestman volunteered to sit out.

Priestman, two members of her staff and the Canadian Olympic Committee are being investigated by FIFA's disciplinary committee after a drone was spotted flying over New Zealand's training on Monday.

"Obviously the timing was quite terrible," said Canada captain Jessie Fleming of the drone incident after her side battled back following Mackenzie Barry's early opener.

"But I think for us, we've just leaned into each other as a player group and we really just want to focus on being here and playing."

Hosts France seemed on course for a routine victory in the other Group A game after Marie-Antoinette Katoto's first-half double and Kadidiatou Diani's goal against Colombia.

However, Catalina Usme pulled one back from the spot and Manuela Pavi further reduced the deficit nine minutes later, only for Mayra Ramirez's late red card to help France hold out for a 3-2 victory.

Meanwhile, Germany swept aside Australia 3-0 in Group B, inflicting the Matildas' joint-heaviest defeat at the Olympics, along with a loss against the same opponent by the same scoreline, at Sydney 2000.

Efforts from Marina Hegering, Lea Schuller and Jule Brand sealed the victory for the DFB-Frauenteam against the Tokyo 2020 semi-finalists.

Reggae Boy Kaheim Dixon is reportedly said to be closing in on a deal with Charlton Athletic.

According to the South London Press, the south-east London club is “closing in on a transfer” for the “pacey 19-year-old winger,” who represents Arnett Gardens Football Club in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL).

Dixon’s agent, Kevin Cowan, told the local media recently that a number of clubs from Belgium, Denmark, and Portugal, as well as the US-based MLS, stated their interest in the player.

However, it is Charlton Athletic, which competes in EFL League One, the third level of the English football league system, that is the current frontrunner.

“The expectation is that he’ll eventually transfer abroad during the summer, but we’re still evaluating the different possibilities,” Cowan said.

Should Dixon transfer to Charlton, he will join fellow Reggae Boy Karoy Anderson, a product of Charlton’s Academy, who made his international debut for Jamaica in 2023.

Ricardo Fuller, who paraded his skills from 2012–2013, and Michael Hector, who left the club in June, are the other notable Jamaican internationals that have graced the club that plays its home games at The Valley.

Dixon, who made his senior Reggae Boyz debut in Concacaf Nations League action against United States in March, tallied six goals in 13 appearances for Arnett Gardens last season. He also has two goals in eight international appearances so far.

Arne Slot is keen to work with the current Liverpool squad before rushing to make any signings ahead of his first season in charge at Anfield. 

Liverpool are one of only two Premier League sides yet to conduct any business in the transfer window, along with Fulham, who are expected to soon bring Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe to Craven Cottage.

Concern over a lack of transfer activity remains rife among some Reds supporters as they look to improve on their third-place finish last season and close the gap to both Manchester City and Arsenal. 

However, Slot explained the lack of incomings and his ongoing discussions with Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, saying: "The first aim is to work with these players.

"There is an important line at the club that young players come through.

"Our standards are really high when it comes to bringing in new players. Of course, Richard and I are trying to improve the squad where possible."

Liverpool are continuing their pre-season preparations in the United States, with Slot naming Mohamed Salah among his 28-man squad for the three fixtures.

The Reds face Real Betis in Pittsburgh on Saturday, before taking on Manchester United and Arsenal, but left-back Andy Robertson is expected to play no part Stateside.

Scotland international Robertson returned to Kirkby last week but did not feature in the pre-season defeat against Preston North End.

The 30-year-old is almost certain to miss all three games as he continues to recover from an ongoing injury he carried during Scotland's woeful Euro 2024 campaign. 

"He is not fully fit yet. But we are expecting him at the end of the tour – maybe just after the tour – to be fully fit again," Slot added. 

"He took a small injury into the Euros and afterwards he had to recover from that after playing those games. But we will expect him back after our tour – he joined us over here."

Slot was also asked about the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has one year remaining on his current deal and has reportedly garnered interest from Real Madrid.

When probed about the 25-year-old's future, Slot provided a response that echoed predecessor Jurgen Klopp.

"My answer would probably be a bit boring and I think it's the same answer you've heard for the last five, six or seven years," said Slot. "Contract situations are not discussed at this place. Keep trying, I would say!"

Benjamin Sesko remains certain that staying at RB Leipzig is the "right decision" to develop his career after turning down reported Premier League interest.

Slovenia international Sesko joined Leipzig from RB Salzburg in 2023, scoring 14 league goals last campaign, a tally bettered by only seven players in the German top flight.

That form was said to have attracted Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea to the 21-year-old, who instead signed a new five-year contract with the Bundesliga club last month.

Having committed his future to life at the Red Bull Arena, the striker believes Leipzig will provide a platform for his progression.

"I thought it through very well," Sesko said to Nogomania, a Slovenian media outlet. "I believe I made the right decision. I wanted to gain more experience, learn more, and not rush things.

"Leipzig are an excellent club that can provide what I need for the next step. Leipzig's vision is clear; everything is geared towards growth, progress, and high goals. I felt it was right to decide this way."

Sesko's new deal could see him stay with Leipzig until 2029, with Marco Rose boasting one of the world's most exciting prospects up top.

The Leipzig attacker scored from 14 of his 47 shots last season in the league, a conversion rate of 29.8% – the third-best ratio in the 2023-24 Bundesliga among players to have managed at least five goals. 

That deadly finishing in front of goal will have Rose excited once more, and Sesko says his boss was key to the decision to stay.

"We talked," Sesko explained. "He told me he wanted me to stay but also said I should decide based on my feelings.

"He said if I felt I needed to move on, I should go, but if not, I should stay. He's an excellent coach who has led many great players.

"I'm glad I decided this way. I did it before the Euro to keep a clear head and focus entirely on the championship."

Brentford striker Igor Thiago suffered a meniscus injury during their pre-season victory over AFC Wimbledon last Saturday. 

Thiago, who officially joined Brentford at the start of July from Club Brugge for a club-record £31million fee, scored twice on his debut for Thomas Frank's side. 

However, his promising debut was overshadowed by the injury which was confirmed by the club on Thursday.

Thiago will be unavailable for Brentford's second pre-season game against Benfica, and will have further scans next week to determine the extent of the injury.

It serves as a significant blow for the Bees, having seen Thiago score 18 goals in 34 appearances to lead Club Brugge to their 19th Jupiler Pro League title. 

The 23-year-old is expected to miss Brentford's opening game of the 2024-25 Premier League season against Crystal Palace on August 18. 

But Thiago's injury also throws in the question surrounding Ivan Toney's future at the club. 

Toney was part of the England side who reached the final of Euro 2024 and, despite missing much of last season, scored four goals in 17 Premier League outings. 

The 28-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Bees this transfer window, with Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham all keen to secure his signature. 

Should Thiago's injury be worse than first feared, they may opt to keep Toney for next season but run the risk of losing him on a free transfer when his contract expires next year.

Thiago Motta insists that Federico Chiesa remains a Juventus player "for now" amid growing uncertainty around his future with the 36-time Serie A champions. 

Chiesa, who has made 131 appearances for Juventus, was offered a new deal before the end of last season but is yet to put pen to paper on fresh terms. 

The Italian's contract runs out next year with the possibility of Juventus losing him on a free, as the club are eager for the 26-year-old to make a decision. 

Chiesa has been of interest to fellow Serie A sides Roma and Napoli, with several Premier League teams also keen to add the Italy international to their ranks.

The Bianconeri are currently preparing for the new season in Germany, but Chiesa not part of Motta's travelling squad. 

“He’s part of Juventus at this moment and then we’ll see," Motta told reporters ahead of Juventus' first pre-season friendly against Nuremberg on Friday. 

Chiesa played a pivotal role in Juventus' 15th Coppa Italia success against Atalanta in May, also helping the club to a third place finish in Serie A. 

He created more chances (54) and recorded more completed dribbles (35) than anyone in the Juventus squad in Italy's top flight, with his nine goals in 33 appearances only bettered by Dusan Vlahovic's 16. 

Former Juventus captain Leonardo Bonucci, who played alongside Chiesa in Turin between 2020 and 2023, offered a straightforward response when asked about his former team-mates future at the club. 

“I don’t know if Chiesa will stay or leave. I think he needs to understand what he wants,” Bonnuci said. 

"In recent years, he had difficulties in terms of physicality and character, now he needs to take another step to become a top player. I hope he will be at Juventus."

Thiago Motta insists that Federico Chiesa remains a Juventus player "for now" amid growing uncertainty around his future with the 36-time Serie A champions. 

Chiesa, who has made 131 appearances for Juventus, was offered a new deal before the end of last season but is yet to put pen to paper on fresh terms. 

The Italian's contract runs out next year with the possibility of Juventus losing him on a free, as the club are eager for the 26-year-old to make a decision. 

Chiesa has been of interest to fellow Serie A sides Roma and Napoli, with several Premier League teams also keen to add the Italy international to their ranks.

The Bianconeri are currently preparing for the new season in Germany, with Chiesa not part of Motta's travelling squad. 

“He’s part of Juventus at this moment and then we’ll see," Motta told reporters ahead of Juventus' first pre-season friendly against Nuremberg on Friday. 

Chiesa played a pivotal role in Juventus' 15th Coppa Italia success against Atalanta in May, also helping the club to a third place finish in Serie A. 

He created more chances (54) and recorded more completed dribbles (35) than anyone in the Juventus squad in Italy's top flight, with his nine goals in 33 appearances only bettered by Dusan Vlahovic's 16. 

Former Juventus captain Leonardo Bonucci, who played alongside Chiesa in Turin between 2020 and 2023, offered a straightforward response when asked about his former team-mates future at the club. 

“I don’t know if Chiesa will stay or leave. I think he needs to understand what he wants,” Bonnuci said. 

"In recent years, he had difficulties in terms of physicality and character, now he needs to take another step to become a top player. I hope he will be at Juventus."

Strasbourg have appointed former Hull City boss Liam Rosenior as their new head coach following the departure of Patrick Vieira.

Vieira left the club by mutual consent last week after overseeing a 13th-place Ligue 1 finish in his only season in charge.

Strasbourg, who are owned by the BlueCo consortium led by Todd Boehly, formed as the investment vehicle for the takeover of Chelsea in 2022, have now turned to Rosenior.

Rosenior was surprisingly sacked by Hull in May after the Tigers missed out on a Championship play-off place by just three points, finishing seventh.

Rosenior, who won seven caps for England's under-21s during his playing career, previously served as Brighton and Hove Albion's assistant manager before enjoying a three-month spell as Derby County's interim manager in 2022.

A statement from Strasbourg president Marc Keller and the board of directors read: "We are pleased to welcome Liam, a young coach known for his ability to make his teams play well and develop his players. 

"His arrival will allow Racing to continue to grow. We welcome him to Alsace."

Between Rosenior's arrival in November 2022 and his departure in May, Hull won 108 points from 76 Championship games, a tally only bettered by Middlesbrough and West Brom (124 each).

The Tigers also boasted the division's sixth-best attack in that time, netting 98 goals, and its fourth-best defence among ever-present teams with 86 conceded.

Youssef En-Nesyri has left Sevilla to join Jose Mourinho at Fenerbahce, the Turkish club confirmed on Thursday. 

En-Nesyri, who scored 73 times in 196 appearances for the La Liga side, has signed a five-year deal for a reported €20million fee. 

The 27-year-old had previously spent all of his professional career in Spain, enjoying spells at Malaga and Leganes before finding his best form with Sevilla. 

En-Nesyri helped Los Nervionenses triumph in the Europa League on two occasions, scoring six goals across 15 appearances in those respective campaigns. 

The Morocco international also played a pivotal role in the Atlas Lions' semi-final run at the 2022 World Cup, netting twice in Qatar. 

En-Nesyri's transfer to the 19-time Super Lig champions sees him become their most expensive player, surpassing Cengiz Under's €15million move from Marseille last year. 

New Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick praised Lamine Yamal's "unbelievable" performances at Euro 2024, but believes there is still room for improvement in the 17-year-old's game. 

Yamal starred for Spain at the recent European Championships, notching five goal involvements at the tournament as La Roja won a record fourth title in Germany. 

The Spaniard played 50 games across all competitions for Barcelona last season, scoring seven goals and adding 10 assists in his breakthrough campaign in Catalonia.

"He's done a really great job over the last year," Flick said. "He's improved a lot and step by step he is continuing at this level.

"What he did at the Euros was unbelievable, but now, big players also continue to bring their performances and it is necessary for him to stay with both legs on the ground.

"He's a great guy, I got to speak with him when he arrived and he's now in this team and he can give us those great moments. 

"But he can also improve and also he can make things better. This is our part but he is on a really fantastic path."

Flick was finally unveiled as Barcelona's new head coach in a press conference on Thursday after taking over from Xavi back in May. 

The 59-year-old previously managed the German national team, also winning seven titles during a two-year spell with Bayern Munich. 

Barcelona failed to defend their league crown during the 2023-24 season, finishing second behind Real Madrid, who secured their 36th title as well as a 15th Champions League success. 

Flick was quick to temper expectations ahead of his first season in charge, but insisted Barcelona's desire to win trophies was something that attracted him to the position. 

"LaLiga is an important competition and I think it's good to work hard before you speak about our big goal," Flick said. 

"This club, they always want to play for titles so this is why I am here, why we are always here. Give me some more weeks and I can answer you better.

"This is my job. I am a coach and I am the coach of Barcelona so I know what happens.

"The results are very important but I think at the end, we want to play well of course, but we also want to give everything on the pitch. 

"When we are in the match, we have to be well-prepared and then the players have to show the hard work on the pitch - for me that is crucial."

Mikel Arteta has hinted that Emile Smith Rowe is nearing a move away from Arsenal after not being involved in their pre-season friendly against Bournemouth on Thursday. 

Arsenal needed penalties to get past Andoni Iraola's side in Los Angeles, with Fabio Vieira's strike cancelled out by Antoine Semenyo's deflected effort. 

Smith Rowe was due to feature at Dignity Health Sports Park after being listed among the substitutes, but remained on the bench for the entirety of the encounter. 

The 23-year-old, who has made 115 appearances for Arsenal, is poised to complete a £35million move to Fulham, as reported by David Ornstein. 

Fulham are in the market for a new midfielder, having allowed Joao Palhinha to depart for Bayern Munich earlier this month in a reported £47.4million deal. 

"There are things happening in the background at the moment and we decided the best thing to do was keep him away from the game today," Arteta said on Smith Rowe not being involved against Bournemouth. 

Smith Rowe's potential departure to Craven Cottage will mark a record for both sides. 

Fulham are set to smash their £25million transfer record paid for Jean Michael Seri in 2018, with Arsenal matching their biggest sale since Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's £35million switch to Liverpool. 

More departures are expected ahead of the Gunners' opening game of the Premier League season against Wolves, with Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson likely to complete moves away from the club. 

Nketiah, who captained the side against Bournemouth on Thursday, has been linked with a switch to Marseille, while Nelson is of interest to newly-promoted Leicester.

"A lot of players have been linked with potential moves; one way or the other, it’s normal," Arteta said on the pair's future at the club. 

"We are in that moment in the market. What I really like are the players that we have, with the level that they are showing and especially the commitment that you can see in those two, just the way they have performed."

Mikel Arteta has hinted that Emile Smith Rowe is nearing a move away from Arsenal after not being involved in their pre-season friendly against Bournemouth on Thursday. 

Arsenal needed penalties to get past Andoni Iraola's side in Los Angeles, with Fabio Vieira's strike cancelled out by Antoine Semenyo's deflected effort. 

Smith Rowe was due to feature at Dignity Health Sports Park after being listed among the substitutes, but remained on the bench for the entirety of the encounter. 

The 23-year-old, who has made 115 appearances for Arsenal, is poised to complete a £35million move to Fulham, as reported by David Ornstein. 

Fulham are in the market for a new midfielder, having allowed Joao Palhinha to depart for Bayern Munich earlier this month in a reported £47.4million deal. 

"There are things happening in the background at the moment and we decided the best thing to do was keep him away from the game today," Arteta said on Smith Rowe not being involved against Bournemouth. 

Smith Rowe's potential departure to Craven Cottage will mark a record for both sides. 

Fulham are set to smash their £25million transfer record paid for Jean Michael Seri in 2018, with Arsenal matching their biggest sale since Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's £35million switch to Liverpool. 

More departures are expected ahead of the Gunners' opening game of the Premier League season against Wolves, with Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson likely to complete moves away from the club. 

Nketiah, who captained the side against Bournemouth on Thursday, has been linked with a switch to Marseille, while Nelson is of interest to newly-promoted Leicester.

"A lot of players have been linked with potential moves; one way or the other, it’s normal," Arteta said on the pair's future at the club. 

"We are in that moment in the market. What I really like are the players that we have, with the level that they are showing and especially the commitment that you can see in those two, just the way they have performed."