Manchester United and Northern Ireland legend George Best, who would have celebrated his 80th birthday on 22 May, remains revered as one of football’s greatest ever players after a career defined by unparalleled genius.

The late Northern Irishman mesmerised audiences six decades ago, yet his profound impact on the game endures long after his final professional appearance.

For a younger generation unfamiliar with his brilliance, former United team-mate Sammy McIlroy believes there is an obvious modern equivalent.

“Lionel Messi is close to Best in the way he plays. He can dribble, beat people, score goals and make goals.”

Sammy McIlroy

Thriving amidst brutal conditions

While the legendary Argentine dominates on pristine modern surfaces, the Belfast-born winger flourished during a 1960s era of heavy pitches and unforgiving tackles.

McIlroy noted that notorious enforcers like Norman Hunter, Tommy Smith and Ron Harris were utterly ruthless in their treatment of attackers.

However, the physical intimidation never deterred the majestic forward.

“It didn’t bother George. He used to take the rough stuff, get up and say, ‘come on then, let’s have some more’.”

Sammy McIlroy

A mentor for Northern Irish youth

Beyond his supernatural abilities on the pitch, the iconic number seven was also a devoted father figure to young trialists arriving from Belfast with dreams of playing in England.

McIlroy, who first watched his idol produce a legendary one-man show against Scotland at Windsor Park, experienced this off-field kindness firsthand upon joining the English giants as an apprentice in 1969.

The European Cup winner immediately approached McIlroy’s awestruck parents to reassure them he would look after their son.

“He was a natural lad, a lovely lad. George always had time for you, I really admired that.”

Sammy McIlroy

The complete footballer

Those who witnessed the winger in his prime remember a generational talent to whom every technical skill came entirely naturally.

Whether tackling, heading, or shooting with either foot, his execution was consistently flawless on the biggest stages.

This supreme finishing ability was perhaps best summarised by a famously audacious lob over legendary goalkeeper Pat Jennings.

Surrounded by defenders in a crowded penalty area, the former Ballon d’Or winner instinctively calculated the perfect trajectory to find the back of the net, cementing his status as an immortal of the sport.

Liverpool are preparing a summer move for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola as they seek a replacement for the departing Mohamed Salah.

Arne Slot’s side are prioritising attacking reinforcements following a difficult domestic campaign that saw them unexpectedly fall out of the title picture.

The Anfield club have struggled for consistency in front of goal and face an impending void with their Egyptian top scorer heading for the exit door.

Reports indicate the Merseyside outfit are now ready to green-light a formal approach for the French international.

Salah succession plan takes shape

The 23-year-old attacker has reportedly shown significant interest in a potential switch to the Premier League.

The Parisian champions could be persuaded to sanction a departure if an acceptable valuation is met during the upcoming transfer window.

Despite facing intense competition for starting spots among a star-studded forward line, the young winger has already built a formidable reputation.

Como scout Ben Mattinson recently praised the wide player’s rapid development in the French capital.

“He is one of the best wingers in the world,” noted Mattinson.

An alternative to Olise

Liverpool had initially admired Bayern Munich star Michael Olise as the ideal candidate to occupy their right flank.

With a deal for the former Crystal Palace man deemed highly unlikely, recruitment chiefs have pivoted towards the Ligue 1 talent.

Capable of operating efficiently across the entire front line, the tricky forward offers both creative vision and a genuine goal-scoring threat.

Boasting a domestic title and possessing the potential for further Champions League glory this season, the highly-rated prospect clearly has the pedigree required for Anfield.

Liverpool host Brentford at Anfield this Sunday in a crucial Premier League finale that will mark the departure of prominent figures Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson.

Arne Slot’s side require a positive result to guarantee a top-five finish following a recent defeat at Aston Villa.

The visitors arrive on Merseyside with their own European qualification hopes still alive.

There will be little room for sentimentality as both teams chase vital points on the final day of the season.

End of an era for celebrated duo

The Anfield crowd is preparing to bid farewell to two vital components of their recent golden era.

Both Salah and Robertson arrived at the club in 2017 and were instrumental in securing two league titles during their nine-year spells.

The Egyptian forward confirmed his intention to leave earlier this spring after a well-documented winter disagreement with his Dutch manager.

Despite a recent injury against Crystal Palace, the prolific goalscorer returned to action at Villa Park and remains in contention to start.

Defensive reshuffle looms

Robertson has found his playing time reduced recently, with Milos Kerkez frequently preferred on the left flank.

Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as early favourites to secure the signature of the experienced Scottish international.

Uncertainty also surrounds the future of Ibrahima Konate as the current campaign draws to a close.

Negotiations regarding a new contract for the French centre-back have seemingly stalled since April.

Focus remains on European qualification

Securing Champions League football remains the ultimate priority for the hosts despite the looming emotional exits.

Slot must balance the desire to grant appropriate farewells with the necessity of fielding his most competitive starting lineup.

Dropping points on Sunday could prove disastrous for the long-term ambitions of the six-time European champions.

Enzo Maresca has agreed to succeed Pep Guardiola as Manchester City manager, with the Catalan set to step down after Sunday’s final Premier League match against Aston Villa.

The current City boss reportedly has a clause in his contract allowing him to leave the Etihad Stadium a year early.

Staff and players at the reigning English champions anticipate an official announcement regarding his departure will be made next week.

Maresca agrees Etihad return

Former Chelsea head coach Maresca has already agreed terms to take over the managerial hot seat.

The Italian tactician previously worked under the departing manager as part of the City coaching staff before embarking on his own successful spells elsewhere.

His appointment would ensure a degree of tactical continuity for a squad accustomed to a highly specific possession-based approach.

An era concludes against Aston Villa

Sunday’s season finale at home to Aston Villa is now poised to serve as an emotional farewell for the most successful manager in the club’s history.

Should the reports prove accurate, it marks the end of a transformative era that saw the Manchester club completely dominate the English top flight.

Elsewhere in the Premier League

In other news, West Ham United will be under immense pressure to raise more than £100m through player sales if they suffer relegation.

Everton and Aston Villa are reportedly exploring a move for Newcastle United’s 22-year-old Danish forward William Osula.

Veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton is poised to sign a one-year contract extension to remain at Manchester United for a sixth consecutive season.

The Football Association is also set to review rules surrounding the FA Youth Cup final following a furious dispute between both Manchester clubs over this year’s edition.

Sky Sports pundits Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher have revealed their Premier League awards for the 2025-26 campaign, agreeing on nine players in their combined team but splitting their votes for the top individual prize.

The former defenders made their selections during the final Monday Night Football broadcast of the season.

Both analysts largely concurred on the standout performers across the English top flight.

Their respective XIs featured nine identical selections, with the line-ups heavily dominated by Arsenal and Manchester City players.

Fernandes and Rice vie for top prize

Despite their broad agreement on the best XI, the pair diverged on who deserved the ultimate individual accolade.

Neville opted for Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, praising the playmaker’s resilience during a turbulent campaign at Old Trafford.

The ex-United full-back highlighted the Portuguese international’s elite creativity.

“Bruno getting level with Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry puts him in the very best company in terms of what the Premier League has to offer.”

Neville noted that the midfielder excelled even when the Red Devils faced a desperate situation before Christmas.

He commended the 31-year-old for persisting in a struggling side before helping them secure crucial victories against traditional rivals.

Carragher backs Arsenal midfield dynamo

Conversely, Carragher selected Declan Rice as his standout performer of the year.

The former Liverpool centre-back argued that the England international operated under greater pressure in high-stakes fixtures.

“I’m a huge fan of Bruno Fernandes, but you’re picking a player whose games haven’t had any real jeopardy.”

Carragher emphasised the midfielder’s role as a driving force for Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing side.

He specifically praised the former West Ham captain’s outstanding display in the Champions League semi-finals against Atletico Madrid.

Defensive disagreements in the best XI

The only variations in their respective teams of the season occurred in the wide defensive areas.

Neville insisted on including Jurrien Timber at right-back, declaring the Dutchman the best in the division by a considerable margin.

Carragher instead chose Matheus Nunes, praising the natural midfielder’s seamless adaptation to a makeshift defensive role for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Both pundits selected Arsenal pair William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes at centre-back, alongside Gunners goalkeeper David Raya.

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke will name his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, with late injuries forcing tight decisions over his attacking options.

The national team boss has typically shown fierce loyalty to a settled group of players during his seven-year tenure.

However, a 28-year absence from football’s premier tournament means competition for a seat on the plane to the United States is more intense than ever.

Late surges in form and untimely fitness concerns have left several key positions unresolved ahead of the looming announcement.

Stewart and McBurnie battle for striker vacancy

A recent injury to Middlesbrough forward Tommy Conway has blown the race for a striking berth wide open.

The 22-year-old left the pitch in tears during a recent play-off defeat, creating a widespread expectation that he will miss the tournament.

Ross Stewart is emerging as a prime candidate to capitalise on that misfortune following a stunning return to fitness.

The Southampton forward has netted five times in his last ten outings, including a crucial goal in the Championship promotion play-off semi-final.

Hull City frontman makes direct appeal

Oli McBurnie offers another compelling attacking option for the final roster.

The Hull City talisman has enjoyed a highly productive campaign, registering 18 goals across 41 appearances for the Tigers.

The confident 29-year-old recently took matters into his own hands by telephoning the manager to discuss his prolonged absence from the international setup.

Both target men will face off in the upcoming Championship play-off final, presenting a dramatic final audition for a ticket to North America.

Curtis times sensational late run

Further down the flanks, teenage sensation Findlay Curtis has thrust himself into contention following blistering domestic performances.

The Kilmarnock winger was on the periphery of the last international camp but has since scored four goals in five matches for Neil McCann’s side.

The 19-year-old has routinely dazzled crowds at Rugby Park, notably shining when the Scotland manager was evaluating from the stands.

Former Livingston manager Marvin Bartley firmly believes the Ayrshire prodigy must be included in the travelling party.

“It’s very early in his career to be going to a World Cup, but we just don’t have enough players throughout the squad who…”

Marvin Bartley

West Ham United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa have been named in the Democratic Republic of Congo squad for the upcoming World Cup.

Croydon-born Wan-Bissaka switched his international allegiance to the African nation in August 2025 after previously representing England at Under-21 level.

The 28-year-old former Manchester United full-back has since earned nine caps for the Leopards and will now anchor their defence on the global stage.

Wissa returns following injury struggles

Wissa earns a recall from head coach Sebastien Desabre having been omitted from the nation’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.

The lightning-fast forward has endured a difficult period with form and fitness since swapping Brentford for Tyneside last summer.

Joining the Premier League duo in the travelling party is Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe and Hibernian centre-back Rocky Bushiri.

Bushiri’s inclusion comes as a surprise after the defender limped out of a weekend defeat to Motherwell with a suspected Achilles injury.

Veterans recalled for Group K challenge

Desabre has also turned to experience by recalling 34-year-old playmaker Gael Kakuta to the international setup.

The former Chelsea midfielder has featured just twice for the Congolese side over the past two years.

Watford’s Edo Kayembe and Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki provide further English-based representation within the midfield ranks.

The Leopards have been drawn into Group K for the tournament, where they will face formidable opposition in Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.

Ending a half-century absence

This tournament marks the nation’s first appearance at the global showpiece since competing as Zaire in West Germany half a century ago.

Their 1974 campaign ended in the group stages following three consecutive defeats, including a heavy 9-0 loss to Yugoslavia.

That historic appearance is perhaps best remembered for Mwepu Ilunga famously breaking from his own defensive wall to blast the ball away during a Brazilian free-kick.

Full DR Congo World Cup Squad

Croatia have named 40-year-old midfielder Luka Modric in their 26-man World Cup squad as he recovers from a fractured cheekbone ahead of the North American tournament.

The veteran playmaker suffered the facial injury following a clash of heads while playing for Inter Milan against Juventus at the end of April.

Since undergoing surgery, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner has returned to training wearing a protective mask.

Dalic confident in captain’s fitness

“He’s training with a facial mask and doing well. Maybe this break helped him,” head coach Zlatko Dalic said.

“We’ll see his condition, but I don’t doubt him. He’ll be in good form.”

The former Real Madrid and Tottenham star was instrumental in his nation’s run to the 2018 final and 2022 semi-final.

This summer’s tournament will mark a remarkable fifth World Cup appearance for the enduring midfielder.

Gvardiol included despite shin fracture

Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol has also been named in the travelling party despite breaking his shin in January.

The 24-year-old centre-back will use upcoming warm-up fixtures to build match fitness before the tournament kicks off on 11 June.

“We hope he’ll be ready to play. We expect him to be a major boost for us in the US,” Dalic added.

Gvardiol’s club team-mate Mateo Kovacic joins him in the squad alongside Hull City goalkeeper Ivor Pandur.

Focus shifts to England opener

The European side begin their Group L campaign against England at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas on 17 June.

Following their opener against the Three Lions, they will face Panama and Ghana to complete their group stage fixtures.

“The main goal is to get through the group. I’m optimistic as always, we have a good national team,” the Croatian manager stated.

He admitted his side will adopt a more defensive, midfield-heavy approach against an England team harbouring ambitions of becoming world champions.

“Against Ghana and Panama, it will be different, much more attack-oriented but neither are any less challenging.”

Croatia’s 26-man squad in full