Patrick Agyemang's season-ending injury headlines this week's USA Stock Watch.

Paul Scholes and Marco Materazzi have delivered strong criticism of Manchester United’s transfer decisions. The heavy investments made by Manchester United in recent years to sign players have not translated into satisfactory results on the field, prompting soccer icons like Paul Scholes and Marco Materazzi to weigh in on those transfer decisions. In a recent appearance on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, Scholes discussed the roster changes Manchester United need to make ahead of next season, stating that at least eight players in the squad should be moved on this summer and replaced with new talent. Among those mentioned is Harry Maguire, who recently extended his contract through 2027. “I’m thinking about a Manchester United team you want to win the league and the Champions League… I’m not sure you’d do that with Maguire,” said the former English midfielder, who made more than 700 appearances for the Red Devils between 1993 and 2013. Luke Shaw was also identified by Scholes as a player whose time at the club may be over. “When he was playing consistently, I don’t think there was a better left-back in the world, not just Europe. But if you’re asking me now… I’d sell him. He doesn’t play enough games,” he said. Harry Maguire of Manchester United. That list also includes high-profile names such as Mason Mount—whom Scholes questioned due to his fit alongside Bruno Fernandes—as well as lower-profile players like Lenny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui, Patrick Dorgu, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee. Materazzi points to Manchester United’s ‘biggest mistake’ While Paul Scholes focused on the players Manchester United should move on from, Marco Materazzi pointed to a past decision: the sale of Scott McTominay to Napoli in 2024 for around $34 million. “McTominay is an incredible player from start to finish. I don’t understand how Manchester United sold him for almost nothing, because his value, in my opinion, is €60 to €70 million or more. It’s the biggest transfer market mistake we’ve ever seen, without a doubt,” said the 2006 World Cup champion with Italy during a promotional event, according to Mundo Deportivo. Manchester United have spent a fortune on signings The fact that Manchester United have gone 13 years without winning the Premier League and 18 without lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy can be explained not only by the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, but also by years of poor executive decisions that have impacted the team’s on-field performance. Financially, the Red Devils remain one of the most powerful clubs in the world, but that has not translated into results. In fact, last summer they were among the biggest spenders in the transfer market. Ahead of the 2025–26 season, Manchester United signed four players: Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Senne Lammens. The club spent close to $288 million on those deals—an enormous outlay that has yet to be justified by performances on the field.

NOT content with bombing Iran, the Americans are now hell-bent on blowing football fans’ credit ratings to smithereens. Who knew, after deeply controversial tournaments in Russia and Qatar, it would actually be the 2026 World Cup in North America which would prove to be the most divisive in recent memory. Whether it’s the ongoing political tension, Donald...

Morgan Rogers is likely to leave Aston Villa this summer, even if Unai Emery’s side qualify for the Champions League, talkSPORT understands. Rogers only signed a new contract in November 2025, keep…

The Atlético Madrid and Argentina striker’s sensational freekick against Barcelona showed that the consummate team player is capable of more Sign up for Jonathan Wilson’s World Cup guide newsletter Julián Alvarez has his detractors, but even they can no longer deny he belongs at the game’s highest levels. Still only 26, the Argentinian striker has an impressive collection of honors: two Premier League titles, a Champions League, a Copa Libertadores, two Copa Américas, a pre-bloat Club World Cup. And oh yeah, the 2022 World Cup and 2023 Champions League, won within in a half-year span. He has been key for many of the teams that won those titles, yet is often cast as a supporting player rather than a star. Those Premier Leagues and the Champions League with Manchester City were more directly (and rightly) credited to Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Rodri. When Argentina snapped their international drought with a Copa, a World Cup, and another Copa for good measure, it was framed almost entirely in the context of Lionel Messi’s legacy.

Christian Pulisic’s international teammate Patrick Agyemang was expected to shape the United States’ attacking identity heading into the 2026 World Cup, yet he is now facing a heartbreaking setback. Christian Pulisic’s international teammate Patrick Agyemang was expected to shape the United States’ attacking identity heading into the 2026 World Cup, yet he is now facing a heartbreaking setback. The USMNT suffered a major blow when the Derby County striker sustained a serious injury that immediately ruled him out of the tournament. Agyemang’s injury came during Derby’s 2-0 win over Stoke City in the EFL Championship, a match that had initially looked routine for the club. The 25-year-old was stretchered off after landing awkwardly, with staff and teammates immediately sensing the severity of the moment. Derby later confirmed in a statement that he had suffered a serious Achilles tendon injury. The club announced, “Patrick will be undergoing a further assessment of the injury later today.” It continued with a message of support, saying: “The club will provide Patrick with the highest level of medical care and rehabilitation throughout his recovery. Everyone at Derby County is fully behind Patrick at this difficult time and will continue to support him every step of the way.” The United States had penciled Agyemang into its plans after he impressed in recent windows. He featured during March’s friendlies against Belgium and Portugal, scoring in the 5-2 defeat to Belgium, and had become one of the more promising attacking options under Mauricio Pochettino. The striker’s return of six national-team goals from 14 games, paired with his ten league strikes this season, made him a strong contender for the final roster. The club can confirm Patrick Agyemang suffered a serious Achilles tendon injury during the first half of the Sky Bet Championship fixture against Stoke City. We're all with you, Pat. 🖤 — Derby County (@dcfcofficial) April 7, 2026 Pochettino now faces a significant tactical decision as he reassesses the player pool. The absence of Agyemang, who had recently fit seamlessly into the coach’s plans, leaves a noticeable gap in the attacking rotation. His progress since leaving the MLS for England’s second division had positioned him on the rise, making the setback even more devastating. What did Agyemang say on social media? The most touching moment came when Agyemang finally addressed the situation publicly. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he opened up: “Man, words can’t really describe the moment I realized what happened. You can only imagine the thoughts going through my head… but that’s life sometimes.” He continued with gratitude, saying: “First, I just want to thank God for everything He’s done in my life and for all that’s still to come. Also, [I] wanted to say thank you all for the love, messages, and support. It’s been amazing and truly touched my heart. “I’ll be back soon, don’t worry.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pat Agyemang (@patrick_agyy) Who steps in for USMNT now? Folarin Balogun is expected to lead the line, with the striker delivering consistently for the national team. Ricardo Pepi remains another reliable figure due to his form for PSV, while Haji Wright’s strong Championship record of 16 goals for Coventry makes him almost certain to be included. Wright also brings experience from the 2022 World Cup, giving him an edge in squad discussions. Christian Pulisic of the United States As per football360, Mauricio Pochettino may even consider shifting Christian Pulisic or Timothy Weah centrally if he wants to adjust the balance of the squad. Such a move would open space in the wide areas while maintaining firepower up front.

The race for this year’s Europa League title is heating-up, with both of England’s sides firmly in the mix. Keep reading below to find out how to secure your tickets for both Aston Vill…

HARRY MAGUIRE believes Manchester United can challenge for the title next season but need a bigger squad. Maguire, 33, signed a new one-year contract with the option of an additional year this week with United third in the Premier League table. United brought in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens for £225.18million...

As the season enters its defining period, clubs are beginning to formulate their lists for what and who they may may need for next season. Daily Mail Sport runs through who is likely be on the move.

When it comes to big stages, this continent is always well represented by historic national teams such as Brazil, Argentina or Uruguay… but this time, there seems to be room for surprises. Over the last few years, the CONMEBOL campaign for the World Cup has been very competitive. In fact, four of the six… The post South America: The Place of the Dark Horses for the 2026 World Cup first appeared on Breaking The Lines.