Joe Thompson, a former Manchester United’s academy midfielder, is dead at the age of 36.


His former club Rochdale said it was “devastated” to learn of his death on Friday.

Rochdale, in its statement disclosed that the their former midfielder died on Thursday “peacefully at home with his family by his side”.


Thompson made over 200 appearances for Rochdale, who he joined from Manchester United’s academy backed in 2005.

The club posted a tribute on X, describing their former midfielder as “a warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age”.

Thompson retired from professional football in 2019. He was diagnosed with cancer for a third time in 2024.


He represented clubs like Southport, Carlisle United, Bury, Tranmere Rovers and Wrexham before his death.

The mother to Manchester United midfielder, Kobbie Mainoo, was in tears after the player scored a 120th minute equaliser against Lyon in the Europa League on Thursday night.


Mainoo came on to replace Rasmus Hojlund in the 87th minute of the game.

And it proved to a tactical masterclass from Ruben Amorim, as he grabbed the equaliser in the 120th minute.


Mainoo’s goal came a minute before Harry Maguire won it for the Red Devils to book their semi-final spot.

As Mainoo scored his first goal since returning from a long injury lay-off, his mother could not control her emotions at full-time.

She told the Manchester Evening News while shedding tears, “I can’t believe it!”.


The teenager returned to action for United last Sunday against Newcastle United. He will turn 20 on April 19.

United returned to winning ways for the first time since their 3-0 triumph over Leicester City in the Premier League on March 17.

They will now aim to build on the historic comeback and hope to end a miserable 2024-25 campaign on a high.

Paul Onuachu is a major doubt for Southampton’s Premier League clash with West Ham United.

The Saints will be up against West Ham United at the London Stadium on Saturday.

Onuachu sustained an ankle injury in Southampton’s home defeat to Aston Villa last weekend.


The 30-year-old was replaced by Tyler Dibling after the break.

Interim manager Simon Rusk provided an update on the forward’s fitness ahead of the clash with West Ham.

“He’s back in and around it the last day or two, so it might be a bit 50-50 at this point, so it’s one to assess tomorrow and give us a bit more time to see where he’s at. We’re hopeful but it’s not conclusive,” Rusk told the club’s official website.


The forward has scored four goals in 22 league appearances for the Saints this season.