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Manchester United host Newcastle United this afternoon at 3 p.m. in a Boxing Day fixture that is historic for reasons beyond the teams involved. While top-flight football in England has been played on December 26 dating back to Preston North End’s 5–0 win at West Bromwich Albion in 1888, this is the first time the Premier League calendar has featured just a single Boxing Day match. The league cited congestion in the global fixture calendar, driven largely by expanded European competitions, as the reason for a pared-down schedule. It's an acknowledgment of the tension between tradition and modern demands.

In practical terms, the league found itself boxed in. With December 26 falling on a Friday, a full slate of Boxing Day matches would have left the following weekend blank, an outcome that would have frustrated broadcasters and supporters alike. While there has been media criticism of the reduced fixture list, fan reaction has been relatively muted, in part because Boxing Day programs in recent years have often spilled into December 27. Still, the optics of a lone match underscore how much the calendar has shifted, even for one of English football’s most cherished traditions.

On the field, Ruben Amorim faces the challenge of navigating injuries and absences. Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo will both miss this match but are expected back in January, with Amorim calling Mainoo “the future of Manchester United” and stressing the importance of patience and opportunity for the 20-year-old. United remain short at center back, though Casemiro returns from suspension, and the coming weeks will test squad depth with league, cup, and derby fixtures looming. Historically, United have thrived on this date as no club has won more Boxing Day matches in English league history (54). That's a sharp contrast to Newcastle, who have lost more than any other side on December 26 (47).

For Newcastle United, the visit to Old Trafford captures the contradictions of Eddie Howe’s tenure this season. The Magpies remain capable of exhilarating, high-intensity performances, yet inconsistency and second-half game management have cost them dearly, with 13 dropped points from winning positions and no clean sheet in 10 matches. Despite sitting 11th, they are only six points off the top four, balancing domestic frustration with optimism fueled by cup ambitions and European progress. Howe insists his “glass is half full,” but fatigue, injuries, and tactical growing pains particularly in adapting their press and attack will again be tested on a day when history, tradition, and modern pressures converge under the Old Trafford lights.

Matchday 2 of the Africa Cup of Nations begins today, with four matches on the slate starting this morning with Angola against Zimbabwe, and the early pattern of the tournament is already clear: nothing is settled, and margins are thin. With teams now balancing opportunity against urgency, the second round of group matches often reveals true contenders and exposes those still finding their footing in tournament football.

Much of the attention today is on Morocco, who can secure qualification for the knockout rounds with a win over Mali in Rabat. Head coach Walid Regragui forcefully dismissed reports of an injury to Nayef Aguerd, confirming the center back is fully fit, while captain Romain Saïss will miss out with a muscle issue. Achraf Hakimi, recently crowned African Player of the Year, could feature in a limited role as he continues his recovery. Regragui also doubled down on his long-term vision by praising 19-year-old Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, stressing patience and development over hype—a consistent theme in Morocco’s post-World Cup evolution.

Elsewhere in Group B, South Africa’s clash with Egypt carries both tactical and psychological weight. Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos made it clear his side will not overreact to Egypt’s star power, including Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. Broos, who famously guided Cameroon past Egypt in the 2017 final, emphasized collective structure over individual containment. South Africa’s confidence is grounded in recent history as well, they eliminated Egypt at AFCON 2019, and in a disciplined approach built to stress the team, not just the headline names.

Beyond results, AFCON continues to generate powerful off-field narratives. Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane spoke movingly about honoring his grandfather by choosing to represent Algeria, a decision supported by his family and now symbolized by wearing the Zidane name on his national-team shirt. Meanwhile, Morocco’s infrastructure has drawn global praise as heavy rains failed to disrupt play thanks to SubAir drainage systems and hybrid grass pitches, an important statement as CAF pushes tournament standards forward.

The tournament’s broader significance remains under debate, too. Nigeria winger Samuel Chukwueze forcefully argued AFCON deserves the same respect as the World Cup and Euros, pushing back against criticism of its timing. At the same time, Mali coach Tom Saintfiet openly condemned CAF’s decision to move AFCON to a four-year cycle, framing it as a concession to European interests at the expense of African football’s history.

As Matchday 2 unfolds, AFCON continues to be not just a competition—but a statement of identity, ambition, and respect.

NWSL vs. NWSLPA – High Impact Player Rule
The NWSL has implemented a new High Impact Player (HIP) rule for 2026 that allows clubs to spend up to $1 million outside the salary cap, a move immediately challenged by the NWSL Players Association, which argues the league acted without required collective bargaining. The dispute escalates an already tense standoff following the Trinity Rodman contract grievance and recent high-profile departures to Europe, underscoring a fundamental disagreement over whether growth should come through league-controlled mechanisms or a higher, fully bargained team salary cap.

Kansas City Current Closing in on Chris Armas
The Kansas City Current are expected to hire Chris Armas as their new head coach, a surprising move after Vlatko Andonovski shifted fully into a sporting director role. Despite historic regular-season success in 2025, Kansas City’s early playoff exit ended the season on a down note. Armas brings extensive experience but limited time on the women’s side.

Premier League Interest in Sam Surridge
Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly considering a January move for Sam Surridge after his prolific season with Nashville SC, according to Ben Jacobs and Alex Crook of talkSPORT. Surridge scored 24 MLS goals in 2025, second only to Lionel Messi, putting him back on the European radar after reestablishing himself in North America.

Sean Johnson Heads to D.C. United
Veteran goalkeeper Sean Johnson has signed a 1½-year deal with D.C. United through June 2027. The 36-year-old brings championship pedigree and depth after stints with Chicago, NYCFC, and Toronto, adding experience to a D.C. squad continuing to reshape its roster.

Galaxy Additions Continue with Justin Haak?
The LA Galaxy are finalizing a deal for free agent midfielder Justin Haak following his breakout 2025 season with NYCFC. Haak’s arrival, combined with the recent signing of Jakob Glesnes, signals a clear emphasis on defensive structure and durability as the Galaxy continue their offseason rebuild.

SDH AM is live this morning starting at 9:05 a.m., with Nino Torres of GOL TV and Niko Moreno from Pulso Sports joining the show. We’ll dig into the latest stories from across the hemisphere and beyond, continuing the SDH Network’s “Around the Corner from Everywhere” lens on the global game.

You can watch SDH AM live on YouTube, Twitch, and X, or catch the full conversation on demand wherever you get your podcasts.

We’re also featuring a deep dive at Soccer Down Here on Atlanta United’s newest signing, goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos. The piece breaks down Hoyos’ path from Argentina, his three seasons with Newell’s Old Boys, and why Atlanta United sees him as a key figure in reshaping the position moving forward. You can read the full feature now at soccerdownhere.net, with additional context on how the move fits into the club’s broader roster and identity reset.

Sheffield Wednesday Preferred Bidder
A consortium led by James Bord has been named preferred bidder to purchase Sheffield Wednesday, who are currently in administration and bottom of the Championship on minus points. Bord’s group was selected for providing the strongest, fully funded proposal, though any takeover remains subject to EFL approval and the owners’ and directors’ test.

Chris Richards Injury Update
U.S. defender Chris Richards said it “won’t be long” before he returns after suffering a deep cut to his foot while playing for Crystal Palace. The injury required stitches, and while a timetable remains unclear, Richards is hopeful of returning around Palace’s New Year fixture list.

City Football Group Exits Mumbai City
City Football Group has withdrawn its funding and divested its stake in Mumbai City FC amid uncertainty surrounding the future of the Indian Super League. The move follows the expiration of the league’s Master Rights Agreement, leaving the ISL season on hold and governance unresolved.

Martha Stewart Joins Swansea Ownership
American business icon Martha Stewart has joined Swansea City as a minority owner, following fellow celebrity investor Snoop Dogg. Stewart attended last week’s win over Wrexham, adding another high-profile name to the club’s growing ownership group.

International Friendly Watch: Scotland vs. Curaçao
Reports out of Curaçao suggest a June friendly between Scotland national football team and Curaçao national football team is close to being finalized. Talks are also reportedly advanced for a Scotland–Cape Verde match in Rotterdam during the same window.

Turkey Betting Probe Widens
Turkish prosecutors have ordered the detention of 29 additional suspects in an expanding betting investigation involving professional football, including former Galatasaray executive Erden Timur. The scandal has already led to mass suspensions of referees and players, highlighting the scale of the integrity crisis facing Turkish football.

Camavinga Funds Academy in Angola
Real Madrid and France midfielder Eduardo Camavinga has personally funded the creation of a football academy and school in Angola, the country of his birth. The project will combine sport and education, with Camavinga calling it a way to give back to his roots and support young people’s futures.

Napoli Planning Long-Term Deal for Conte
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is reportedly preparing a lucrative long-term contract offer to keep head coach Antonio Conte at the club. Conte, under contract through 2027, has already delivered a Scudetto and Coppa Italia, making him central to Napoli’s current project.

As we start to close out 2025, thank you for continuing to read, watch, listen, and support the SDH Network. Whether it’s Morning Espresso, SDH AM, Soccer Over There, Atlanta Soccer Tonight at 92.9 The Game, or our long-form features, your engagement is what allows this platform to keep growing, asking better questions, and telling deeper stories from around the game.

We’re heading into 2026 with momentum, ambition, and a calendar that promises moments none of us will ever forget, from here in Atlanta to the global stage. Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Enjoy your weekend!