Christian Pulisic is looking to fire the USMNT to 2026 World Cup glory, with President Donald Trump set to hand the winners the trophy on July 19.

The AC Milan winger was electric in the USA’s first match against Paraguay, registering an assist in a brilliant first-half display before having to withdraw through injury. Pulisic then missed his nation’s second game against Australia, but his team have qualified for the knockout rounds.

He’ll be vital for Mauricio Pochettino in the coming games and is recognised as the country’s best player. After all, he is nicknamed ‘Captain America’. However, he might want to be careful when it comes to political gestures after receiving backlash last time.

Christian Pulisic Mimicked Donald Trump in US Match

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Gary Vasquez

During a 4-2 win against Jamaica in the 2024 Concacaf Nations League quarter-final second leg, Pulisic celebrated his goal by pulling out the ‘Trump Dance’. Trump was still running to be elected as President in early 2025, but has always been a highly controversial figure.

Pulisic was questioned about why he broke out the slightly peculiar movement, which involves a two-fisted shimmy. “Well obviously that’s the Trump dance,” he said.

The ex-Chelsea forward continued: “It was just a dance that everyone’s doing. He’s the one who created it. I just thought it was funny. I saw everyone doing it yesterday in the NFL, I saw Jon Jones do it. We’re just having a bit of fun, so I thought it was a pretty fun dance.”

Joined by Weston McKennie and Ricardo Pepi, Pulisic wasn’t the only one to take part in the dance. But the 27-year-old denied it was any form of political endorsement, stating it ‘was just for fun’. He added:

USMNT Hero Slammed ‘Stupid’ Pulisic Actions

One of America’s greatest-ever players, Tim Howard, wasn’t impressed by the current star’s actions. In fact, the 121-cap USMNT legend suggested that Pulisic should ‘own’ his support for Trump rather than hiding behind it being ‘a bit of fun’.

Howard, the former Everton and Man Utd goalkeeper, slammed the ‘stupid’ dance, writing in a Daily Mail column: “Here’s my personal view. Doing a dance that mimics Donald Trump is stupid. Why? Because, whether it’s the president of the United States or my neighbour down the street, I would never back someone who I believe is racist. I wouldn’t glorify that. I wouldn’t do it for anything.”

Taking aim at Pulisic personally, the retired shot-stopper added: “If someone feels strongly the other way, no problem. But if you’re going to make a political statement, then be bold and brash enough to stand behind it. Don’t go quiet and don’t plead innocence like Christian Pulisic.”

Statistics in this article are courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of 20-06-26.

Manchester United have put together a shortlist of potential striker options this summer, as CaughtOffside reports of one surprise target for the Red Devils.

Michael Carrick‘s side are pushing to get some important deals over the line, with the hopes of improving both the quality and depth available for next season.

The midfield has been an area of focus at Old Trafford, with Ederson set to join from Atalanta as an initial signing, while interest is ramping up in the likes of Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali.

However, forwards are also on the cards at Man United, as links have emerged over a deal to sign Crysencio Summerville, and he may not be the only arrival.

A striker could be on the cards, with a few options now shortlisted.

Man United Want Robert Lewandowski

Among the options on the radar for Man United this summer is Robert Lewandowski, who is available as a free agent after leaving Barcelona at the end of last season.

The Poland international has been described as a “surprising” option on the list for the Red Devils, offering potential support to Benjamin Sesko up front.

The 37-year-old is off the back of a campaign that saw him receive a little less game time than in previous campaigns, but he has still received plenty of praise.

Even in the twilight of his career, Lewandowski has been described as the “best central striker in the world”, having certainly shown that quality during his time in professional football.

It remains to be seen whether a deal is possible, given the links between the striker and a move to the MLS, while it’s unclear how much of a role he may play at Old Trafford if he was to make the move.

Man United Striker Targets

via Reuters

Lewandowski isn’t the only player on Man United’s radar this summer for the central striker role, as four other stars are believed to be appreciated.

Victor Osimhen is claimed to be a “dream target” in the report from CaughtOffside, as the Galatasaray star appears on the radar once again.

Beyond him, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eli Junior Kroupi have been linked as possible signings who could bring some Premier League experience with them.

Dusan Vlahovic has been claimed as the final target on the shortlist, as the striker is a free agent at the end of this month following his contract at Juventus coming to an end.

It remains to be seen who Man United could go for, as they look to balance quality with their budget to land the ideal option for the short-term and long-term.

Liverpool are in the market for a defender or two this summer, as the recruitment team at Anfield look to give Andoni Iraola the best chance possible of impressing in his first season in charge.

The Reds have already been hard at work to improve the squad, as a quick deal was wrapped up to sign Victor Munoz from Osasuna, hijacking Newcastle United’s weeks-long pursuit of the winger.

The Spaniard joins Jeremy Jacquet as a summer arrival, but there is more to come. Liverpool are in talks to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, with a potential deal worth over £100 million on the cards for the Ivory Coast international.

That move appears to be a priority, but there are some potential bargains in the market that the Merseyside outfit are looking to sign, particularly in the backline.

Liverpool Want Andrei Ratiu

Liverpool are looking at ways to improve the squad, and according to Anfield Index, the club have shown interest in Rayo Vallecano right-back Andrei Ratiu.

The Romanian international has a release clause worth €25 million (£21.7 million), but there is some hope that the Reds can negotiate terms even more favourable than that.

Talks with the 28-year-old have already been held, with the hope that personal terms could be agreed before getting a deal over the line in the coming weeks.

There is competition for the right-back, who has been described as “underrated”, as Barcelona have appeared as a potential challenger for his signature.

It remains to be seen whether a deal can get over the line, but it would represent another potential bargain transfer for Liverpool, following on from the signing of Munoz.

Liverpool’s Right-Back Troubles

A move for Ratiu could help solve an issue Liverpool have had at right-back ever since Trent Alexander-Arnold left the club to join Real Madrid.

The Reds suffered last season as Conor Bradley’s injury ruled him out of contention for the long-term, while Jeremie Frimpong and Joe Gomez had a mixture of injury issues and struggles with form.

That forced Arne Slot to play one of Curtis Jones or Dominik Szoboszlai in the position, which kept the pair out of their best role on the pitch.

Going into this summer, a move for a defender who can stay fit and provide some consistent quality at right-back could make things easier for Iraola.

Given the importance of signing wingers and midfielders, it’s unclear just how much of a priority a right-back will be. But it has been a problem area.