Serena Williams has been officially listed as eligible to return to professional tennis from February 22, according to the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), reigniting speculation about a possible comeback by one of the sport’s greatest icons.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion, now 44, quietly rejoined the anti-doping testing pool late last year, a move that immediately sparked debate across the tennis world. At the time, Williams played down suggestions that the decision meant she was planning a return, insisting it did not signal an imminent comeback.

However, curiosity intensified last month when she sidestepped questions about a return during an appearance on NBC’s Today show, leaving fans and analysts guessing.

While her eligibility clears a major procedural hurdle, there is still no confirmation that Williams intends to step back onto the women’s tour. The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has yet to comment on the development.

Williams last competed at the 2022 US Open and has not won a Grand Slam singles title since the 2017 Australian Open. Despite her absence, her legacy continues to loom large over the sport, making even the possibility of a return headline-worthy.

Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick has reacted to a viral fan pledge involving a supporter who has refused to cut his hair until the club wins five consecutive matches.

Speaking to reporters, Carrick confirmed that he is aware of the unusual vow, revealing that it was his children who first brought it to his attention. However, the former United midfielder was quick to downplay any influence the story might have on the team.

“I’m aware of it. My kids have made me aware of it, but it certainly won’t go into the team talk,” Carrick said.

While acknowledging the emotional investment of supporters during a difficult period for the club, Carrick insisted that such gestures would not affect on-field performances.

“I can understand what’s going on. It does make me smile, but it won’t make an impact in the end,” he added.

Manchester Unitedhase struggled for consistency in recent weeks, with fans growing increasingly restless over the team’s inability to put together a sustained winning run. The fan’s vow has since gained attention on social media, symbolising the frustration and hope among sections of the club’s global support base.

Despite the light-hearted nature of the story, Carrick reiterated that his focus remains firmly on improving performances and results as United look to stabilise their season.

Manchester United continued their flawless run under Michael Carrick, extending their perfect record to four wins from four with another assured performance in their latest outing. The result further underlined a quiet but effective turnaround in form, as United once again combined control, discipline, and timely attacking quality.

In the most recent game, United looked composed from the first whistle, dictating the tempo and limiting their opponents to a few clear chances. The midfield operated with renewed balance, the defence showed greater organisation, and the attack struck with efficiency rather than desperation hallmarks of a side rediscovering its identity.

What stood out was not just the victory but how it was achieved. United played with clarity and structure, pressing selectively and transitioning quickly when spaces opened up. There was a noticeable reduction in individual chaos, replaced by collective responsibility and positional awareness.

This latest win mirrors the pattern seen across Carrick’s brief but impressive spell. Since taking charge, United has shown tactical restraint, defensive solidity, and improved game management qualifies that had often been missing earlier in the season. Four matches, four wins, and a growing sense of stability have reshaped the mood around Old Trafford.

Carrick’s approach has prioritised simplicity: keeping the team compact, allowing creative players freedom in the final third, and demanding discipline without the ball. The results suggest that clarity, rather than constant experimentation, has been key to United’s resurgence.

While questions remain about the long-term direction of the club, the immediate impact is undeniable. Confidence has returned, performances have steadied, and results are following suit. For now, Manchester United is riding the Carrick magic, and with four wins from four, the belief is growing that this run is more than just a temporary bounce.