Europe

Preseason friendlies are well and truly underway, and certainly, at face value, the contest between Manchester United and Liverpool stuck out among the best of the summer.

The two Premier League sides traveled to the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, where United and Liverpool debuted their new home and away jerseys, respectively. While it may seem like just another pointless preseason game, the importance of getting off to a strong start and establishing a clear style of play cannot be understated, especially for Manchester United.

After the first match day of the 2022 UEFA Women’s European Championships, each team has now had its chance to prove its worth. Going into the tournament, as many as seven teams were considered genuine championship contenders. Some have hit the ground running while others have stumbled. With two games left before the knockout rounds, we have chosen the best teams so far.

Luca de la Torre transfer news was announced Thursday night and the 24-year-old is set to make a $2 million transfer to LaLiga club Celta Vigo. Spanish news outlet Marca first reported the American’s move and the club confirmed it on Friday.

On Wednesday, July 6 at Old Trafford, England and Austria kick off the opening match of what's expected to be a thrilling and highly competitive Women’s European Championship. When looking at the groups, it's stunning to see just how many blockbuster matches are lined up. In anticipation, we’ve picked out our top five games you definitely need to circle on the calendar.

Netherlands vs. Sweden

Date: Saturday, July 9 | Time: 3:00 p.m. ET | TV: ESPN2

Cristiano Ronaldo has asked Manchester United for a summer transfer before next season per a report from The Times. Ronaldo still has a year on his United contract but after the club failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League last season, he has put in a request to leave. Where will the next Ronaldo transfer end up being?

Italy's Serie A has appointed Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi for the 2022-23 season as its first female referee.

The 31-year-old Ferrieri Caputi became the first female to referee a match involving a Serie A team last year — Cagliari’s Italian Cup clash with Cittadella.

She will now referee a top-flight match for the first time next term after joining the league's officiating team on Friday.

Serie A has appointed its first female referee.