Lionel Messi getting new boss, theft ring targets NBA stars, England defend Curry pick

The Premier League returns this weekend, with Ruben Amorim finally taking charge of Manchester United after what feels like weeks of build-up, and Pep Guardiola vowing to stand by his men, even if Manchester City are relegated because they’ve been a bit naughty financially.

City have been going through something of a rough patch on the pitch as well, and are at home to Tottenham needing a win to keep pace with Liverpool, who have the far easier task of a trip to Southampton. United, meanwhile, are at Ipswich, and anything could happen there.

Away from football, and there is plenty of rugby ahead, Formula One returns to Las Vegas and the Davis Cup reaches its conclusion. But first to Miami, and another Argentina reunion in the MLS.

Mascherano to Inter

Gerardo Martino is out, and Javier Mascherano is reportedly in as the new boss at Inter Miami, reuniting with former Argentina teammate Lionel Messi once more.

Martino quit for “personal reasons” after the club crashed out of the MLS Cup, and Mascherano has been linked with the job for several days. Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas said he had spoken to Messi about the process of finding a new coach, and “Leo had shared his thoughts”.

“Obviously, I want Leo to feel comfortable with the new trainer, with the new coach coming in,” Mas said.

Messi and Mascherano were teammates both for Argentina and with Barcelona, where Mascherano also played alongside current Inter Miami stand-outs Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez.

Gangs targeting NBA, NFL stars

The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley Jr and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.