Football Daily The Debrief: Macclesfield to host Brentford & Liverpool put four past Barnsley
8 snips
Jan 12, 2026 
Sam Heathcote, a Macclesfield defender and primary school PE teacher, shares the excitement of his team hosting Brentford in the FA Cup. Jobi McAnuff and Dion Dublin dive into Manchester United's struggles with leadership and interim management as Michael Carrick steps in. Guillem Balagué discusses Xabi Alonso's unexpected exit from Real Madrid and what it means for the club's future. Meanwhile, Liverpool's emphatic 4-1 victory over Barnsley is unpacked, highlighting both their triumphant moments and areas needing improvement.
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Small-Town Joy After A Giant Cup Win
- Sam Heathcote described running to the corner flag and sitting in the stands to soak up the emotion after Macclesfield beat a Premier League side.
- He then went back to teaching the next morning and received cards and cheers from pupils at Stamford Park Primary.
How Non-League Players Juggle Work And Football
- Non-league players balance jobs and football by making practical arrangements with employers and training around work.
- Sam credits an accommodating head teacher and sees both roles as 'two really nice environments' that complement each other.
Carrick Would Build Possession‑Led United
- Jobi McAnuff predicts a Michael Carrick Manchester United would favour possession and an attacking, structured midfield.
- He referenced Carrick's Middlesbrough identity and potential use of a 4-2 or 4-3 shape to exploit United's personnel.