Michael Carrick has backed Marcus Rashford to play an important role as the new Premier League season approaches, describing the forward as a player who brings something different to the team.
Carrick said Rashford has returned in good condition and remains part of his plans ahead of the new campaign.
In a post by Fabrizio Romano on X on Thursday, Carrick was quoted as saying,“Rashford is our player and he’s come back great.
“I’ve known him a long time and he gives us something a little bit different.” Carrick said.
The comments underline Carrick’s confidence in Rashford as the club prepares for the start of the Premier League season.
Carrick also expressed optimism about the campaign ahead, saying the team is looking forward to getting the new season underway.
Rashford spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Barcelona after leaving Manchester United temporarily in search of regular first-team football.
The England forward made an impact during his time in Spain, gaining valuable experience in Barcelona’s attacking system and competing at the highest level.
Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer has downplayed suggestions that Erling Haaland could become an immediate target if Manchester City face relegation.
Speaking to BILD on Sunday, Hainer was asked whether Bayern Munich would sign the Norwegian striker if City were forced out of the Premier League because of their ongoing financial charges case.
“We have Kane, Olise, Diaz and more. We scored over 120 goals last season. So, I think we are very well equipped in attack,” Hainer said.
The Bayern chief insisted the club currently does not need to strengthen its forward line, which already features Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Díaz.
However, he left the door slightly open for the longer term.
“If we’re talking about the future in a few years, then there will be a new situation, and we’ll see,” Hainer added.
Severe sanctions, including the possibility of relegation, remain under discussion pending any appeal.
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has emerged overall champion of the 15th West African University Games, winning 122 medals, according to the official medal table shared on the Games’ social media handles on Sunday.
The host institution won 33 gold, 50 silver and 39 bronze medals to finish ahead of the University of Ghana, which secured second position with 59 medals, comprising 26 gold, 21 silver and 12 bronze.
Benson Idahosa University finished third with 21 gold, 10 silver and seven bronze medals, while the University of Ibadan placed fourth with 17 gold, 12 silver and 13 bronze medals.
The rankings are based on the number of gold medals won, followed by silver and bronze medals where necessary.
Below is the full medal table for the 15th West African University Games, hosted by OAU in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
– 9. University of Cape Coast: six gold, one silver, nine bronze — 16 medals
– 10. Nile University of Nigeria: six gold, one silver, two bronze — nine medals
– 11. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology: five gold, four silver, three bronze — 12 medals
– 12. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology: three gold, five silver, six bronze — 14 medals
– 13. Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi: two gold, three silver, five bronze — 10 medals
– 14. University for Development Studies: two gold, two silver, two bronze — six medals
– 15. University of Abuja: one gold, six silver, six bronze — 13 medals
– 16. University of Energy and Natural Resources: one gold, two silver, seven bronze — 10 medals
– 17. Federal University, Oye-Ekiti: one gold, one silver, four bronze — six medals
– 18. Osun State University: no gold, six silver, 10 bronze — 16 medals
– 19. Lead City University: no gold, two silver, one bronze — three medals
– 19. University of Ilesa: no gold, one silver, six bronze — seven medals
– 20. Plateau State University: no gold, one silver, one bronze — two medals
– 21. Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho: no gold, no silver, four bronze — four medals
– 22. Federal University of Technology, Akure: no gold, no silver, three bronze — three medals
OAU describes Games as investment in youth
In a report published on October 5, 2026, on its website, OAU said the opening ceremony brought together 50 universities, with more than 1,500 athletes and officials expected to participate across 18 sports.
Speaking at the ceremony, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, said, “For OAU, the Games are an investment in the future of our youth.”
WAUG 2026 mascot, Ori-Olokun
He said the university wanted the infrastructure and systems developed for the competition to continue benefiting its community after the Games.
Also speaking at the opening ceremony, WAUG President Ibrahim Tanko Shaibu urged athletes to give their best while respecting their opponents and officials.
“Give your best, respect your opponents and officials,” he told the athletes, according to OAU’s October 5 report.
In a separate notice published on October 11, OAU said the closing ceremony would celebrate the achievements of participating athletes and institutions, as well as the spirit of fair play, resilience and friendship during the Games.
The 15th West African University Games were scheduled to run from October 2 to 12 at OAU, Ile-Ife.
Victor Boniface’s frustration sparked a warning from Bayer Leverkusen chief Simon Rolfes after the Nigerian striker headed down the tunnel following his omission from Saturday’s dramatic 4-3 Bundesliga win over Mainz.
The Super Eagles forward was overlooked once again as coach Carles Martínez made his final substitutions in the 84th minute, introducing Equi Fernández and Jonas Hofmann for Aleix García and Patrik Schick.
With no chance to enter the game, Boniface reportedly headed to the dressing room instead of remaining with his teammates on the bench.
The incident has raised fresh questions about the striker’s situation at Leverkusen, where his playing time has been severely limited this season.
Boniface has made just one Bundesliga appearance, featuring for five minutes in the opening-day 3-2 defeat to SV Elversberg. Despite his limited involvement, he provided an assist for Christian Kofane.
He has since been overlooked against Union Berlin, Leipzig and Mainz, while missing out entirely against Augsburg.
Martínez admitted he had not noticed the walkout during the match but promised to discuss the matter with the Nigerian.
“If that’s what happened, we’ll speak to him,” the coach told Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, insisting that selection decisions were part of football.
Rolfes, meanwhile, responded with humour but made his position clear.
“Perhaps he went into the dressing room a little too early today. It won’t happen next time,” the sporting director said.
Despite the warning, Rolfes praised Boniface’s improving fitness and professionalism, describing him as a good member of the squad and training group.
With Christian Kofane recently injured, the Nigerian could now have an opportunity to revive his Leverkusen campaign.
The Europa League trip to Lech Poznań on Thursday could provide the frustrated striker with a chance to prove his worth — if Martínez gives him the opportunity.
For Boniface, the message is clear: patience must accompany ambition as he fights to reclaim his place.
