Europe

LONDON, Jan 26 (Reuters) - Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim defended his decision to again omit forward Marcus Rashford from his squad for Sunday's 1-0 win over Fulham, insisting he would rather put a goalkeeper coach on the bench than a player not giving their all.

Rashford has not featured for United since mid-December, after he admitted that he was ready for a new challenge in his career, with the England international not in the team's travelling party for Sunday's narrow Premier League victory.

Welcome to this week’s edition of USMNT Abroad, where we bring you the latest updates on American soccer players making waves across Europe. 

From standout performances to key transfers, rumors and injury reports, The18 has got you covered with all the action involving U.S. men’s national team players in Europe’s top leagues. 

C’mon, you yanks!

USMNT Abroad this weekend: The latest on American players in Europe

Josh Sargent (Norwich City)

MANCHESTER — Manchester City captain Kyle Walker has joined AC Milan on loan for the rest of the season, the two clubs announced on Friday.

Milan said in a statement that they also have an option to buy the England right-back, with Sky Italy saying Walker would cost around $5.24 million.

Kyle Walker Milan loan

Ciao @acmilan

PARIS — Paris Saint-Germain clawed back from two goals down to stun Manchester City 4-2 in the Champions League on Wednesday and leave the English club outside the playoff places and in danger of elimination.

Goals from PSG's Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola, Joao Neves and Goncalo Ramos turned the match on its head after City had taken the game by the scruff of the neck.

Man City vs PSG highlights

United States women’s national team star defender Naomi Girma looks set to become the most expensive women’s player in history. Women’s Super League giants Chelsea are closing in on the most expensive women’s transfer ever and pay San Diego Wave FC $1.1 million, per The Athletic.

Girma, 24, will surpass Bay FC’s Racheal Kundananji who previously held the highest transfer fee in women’s soccer with a $787,600 move from Madrid CFF.

Charlotte FC acquired veteran forward Wilfried Zaha on loan from Turkish powerhouse Galatasary on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old Ivory Coast international joins the MLS club through January 2026 with an option to extend the loan to June of that year.

Zaha will occupy a Designated Player spot on the Charlotte roster alongside forwards Liel Abada and Karol Swiderski.

Wilfried Zaha Charlotte FC transfer

World-class players in front of a world-class atmosphere.

LISBON — Raphinha scored deep into stoppage time to hand Barcelona a dramatic 5-4 comeback win at Benfica and a place in the last 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday after a hat-trick from Vangelis Pavlidis gave the hosts a two-goal halftime lead.

Barcelona vs Benfica highlights

Greek striker Pavlidis opened the scoring after two minutes with a tap-in before Robert Lewandowski equalized from the spot as VAR awarded Barca a penalty for a Tomas Araujo foul on Alejandro Balde in the 11th minute.

Fans have uncovered old tweets from Real Madrid's Dani Ceballos and Jude Bellingham that have shown their soft side for FC Barcelona prior to becoming UEFA Champions League winners with Los Blancos.

The tweets, posted long before both players became key figures at the Bernabéu, show the two players expressing strong opinions that now seem to conflict with their current affiliations.