Manchester United might never get their central defender

One of this summer’s most drawn-out transfer sagas has come to an end in uncharacteristic fashion -- with a contract extension. Sergio Ramos has committed to five more years with Real Madrid, despite reports earlier in the summer that he would not return to Los Merengues for any amount of money. Manchester United were willing to pay up for him and give him whatever wages he wanted, but he’s decided to stay put.

This is a big problem for Manchester United, especially since City just snagged their reported second choice.

Your goal of the day is this dirty finish by Obafemi Martins. (r/soccer)

Someone anonymously sent a long document smearing Michel Platini to FIFA and newspapers, and UEFA are pissed. (BBC)

Meanwhile, Sepp Blatter is annoyed at how the U.S. DOJ is treating FIFA. (Guardian)

Branislav Ivanovic says Chelsea weren’t competitive enough on Sunday. (ESPN FC)

Luis Enrique doesn’t think his team has lost the Supercopa. “We scored four goals 18 times last season.” (AS)

Blackpool called their fans rude names again. (Telegraph)

Brian Phillips on Petr Cech’s struggles and Arsenal’s non-crisis. (Grantland)

James Yorke on the stats behind EPL Week 2. (Stats Bomb)

Andy Brassell on why a move to City might not work out for Kevin de Bruyne. (Guardian)

The section in which nothing should be taken seriously.

Otamendi to City looks done, but the loan of Eliaquim Mangala the other way might not happen. (ESPN FC)

Real Madrid look set to sign Mateo Kovacic. (Guardian)

Antonio Rudiger is moving from Stuttgart to Roma. (Football Italia)

Tottenham are expected to make another move for Saido Berahino. (Telegraph)

Everton could go after Andriy Yarmolenko. (Echo)

Here’s a wrap-up of Saturday’s EPL action.

And here’s a recap of Sunday’s.

The USWNT beat Costa Rica 8-0 in front of a record crowd. (Stars and Stripes FC)

EPL: Liverpool vs. Bournemouth (3 p.m.) - After they win, we’ll ask if Liverpool are favorites to finish above Chelsea.

Supercopa: Barcelona vs. Athletic Bilbao (4 p.m.) - Athletic have a four-goal lead, so, yikes.