Gossip: Man Utd keen on defenders published at 07:44 BST
07:44 BST
Manchester United are interested in Newcastle and England defender Lewis Hall, 21, who wants to leave the Magpies. (Sun), external
Fulham and United States left-back Antonee Robinson, 28, is also being viewed by Manchester United as a possible signing for next season. (Sky Sports), external
Barcelona are set to reject the chance to sign Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, 28, for his £26m release fee, with the clause set to expire on Monday. (Daily Mirror), external
Manchester United may also move for Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare, 23, having been priced out of a move for Nottingham Forest's England midfielder Elliot Anderson, 23. (Teamtalk), external
Trabzonspor are eager to secure the permanent transfer of Manchester United and Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana, 30, this summer. (Mirror), external
Manchester United are also looking to offload Turkey goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, 28, and Czech stopper Radek Vitek, 22, who was on loan at Bristol City last season. (Sky Sports), external
Hojlund wasn't ready to be 'main man'published at 17:13 BST 11 June
17:13 BST 11 June
Image source, Getty Images
BBC Radio Manchester's Joe McGrath and Jay Motty from The Stretford Paddock have reflected on Rasmus Hojlund's permanent departure to Napoli after he spent the season on loan at the Serie A club.
"I feel a little bit sorry for Rasmus Hojlund because he never should have been the main striker," Motty told The Devils' Advocate podcast.
"As a young lad who scored nine Serie A goals at Atalanta the season before he arrived at Old Trafford, he wasn't ready to be the main man. He was made the main striker because we didn't buy anyone else and the other attackers were lacking,"
Hojlund joined United from Atalanta for an initial £64m in the summer of 2023 and scored 26 goals in 95 appearances, winning the FA Cup, despite struggling at times for form and consistency.
"I don't think it really worked out, he had some good moments, he had a little purple patch. I wish him well, I think he will get a good reception if he returns to Old Trafford, it's not his fault he wasn't quite good enough."
'Lack of ambition' or 'good call turning away from Anderson'?published at 14:10 BST 11 June
14:10 BST 11 June
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on Manchester United's decision to take a step back in their pursuit of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.
Here are some of your comments:
Deborah: We should only be interested in players that are interested in signing for us.
Peter: Anderson is a real class player and I understand why he is highly in demand. I think we should still 'keep tabs' on him while looking at alternatives. I also agree with a more guarded approach to our disastrous past player purchasing and wage bills.
Terry: Absolutely the right decision. No point wasting two months of the transfer window when they could be going for players they actually have a chance of getting. I'd like to see them go for Adam Wharton and Mateus Fernandes.
Jason: The board not wanting to fight for a player shows a lack of ambition. Saying they don't want to overpay and then overpaying for a player with less quality hardly makes sense. For example, Ederson is nearly £40m for a player in the last year of a contract.
James: I would love to see Anderson in a United shirt as his potential is frightening. But we've been through the days of paying stupid transfer fees and wages for players to join just for the pay day. If Anderson doesn't want to join United, or his costs are too prohibitive, fine - move on to the next.
Maz: Definitely right to back away. Why pay over the odds for a lad who doesn't believe in the team?
Charlie: Good call turning away from Anderson. United's retained list includes a healthy selection of academy talent eager for first-team opportunities. If purchasing, coachable players like Hayden Hackney or Cammy Devlin could enhance the midfield without breaking the bank. Whoever comes in needs to fit Carrick/team/organisational culture, not just show up well in matchday stats.
Man Utd backing away from Anderson chasepublished at 09:03 BST 11 June
09:03 BST 11 June
Simon Stone Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United are backing away from their pursuit of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.
The England international had been United's prime target as they look to address their issues in the centre of the pitch.
However, they also went into the summer determined not to overpay for any player and equally keen to avoid being dragged into a bidding war. They also wanted to be sure any player they did go for was keen to play for the club.
On all three counts, United currently feel continuing to push for Anderson would be a mistake.
The Manchester club have already agreed a deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta, although his arrival will be delayed due to his late call-up to the Brazil World Cup squad, and are keen on West Ham's Matheus Fernandes.
Anderson was the marquee name. It remains to be seen whether United switch their attentions to the likes of Brighton's Carlos Baleba, a player they were keen to sign last summer but whose valuation may now have dipped below the £100m-mark they were quoted 12 months ago.
Another player of interest is Bournemouth's highly-rated Alex Scott, who has been with the England squad for their pre-World Cup preparations despite missing out on selection for the tournament itself.
Do you think Manchester United are doing the right thing by backing away from Anderson? Does this show a change in strategy? Or is the midfielder worth the chase and price tag?
United are also monitoring Everton's 26-year-old Senegal forward Iliman Ndiaye as they look to bolster their squad for a Champions League return next season (Sky Sports), external
Old Trafford redevelopment and the Glazerspublished at 15:48 BST 10 June
15:48 BST 10 June
Image source, Getty Images
In the final part of our special Q&A, Manchester United reporter Simon Stone focuses on Old Trafford redevelopments and the club's ownership.
Ryan asked: What is the latest regarding the redevelopment of Old Trafford? When will planning start and construction actually begin?
Simon answered: It does seem to have gone quiet since Sir Jim Ratcliffe unveiled that distinctive trident/circus tent design in March last year.
For the points you make, you may have to be patient but my understanding is something may happen around the land deal with Freightliner at some point this summer.
From there, United can work out what they can build, then they can work out costings, raise the money and submit the plans.
The last conversation I had was that once spades are in the ground, it could be done in two years, with significant segments being shipped in. That is a longer way of saying 'I don't know', but the land deal is needed before anything else.
Michael asked: Are all, or some of the Glazers actually contemplating a sale? What will that mean for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos? Will Manchester United get new investors or new owners? Or will Ineos launch a full takeover of the club?
Simon answered: The latest rumours around a potential sale of some Glazer shares received short shrift when I asked about it. I suppose it can never be totally ruled out because the Glazer family are notoriously secretive and could be thinking of anything.
I do remember, though, until an hour or two before, there was no inclination they were planning anything before they launched their search for investment in November 2022 that led to Sir Jim Ratcliffe buying a minority stake.
In theory, the Glazers could now sell the club to a third party and Ratcliffe would have to go along with it. I am not getting the sense that is likely though, and all I keep hearing is that the two sides of United's ownership group are aligned.
Also, I am not entirely sure who would buy it. I got the strong impression the Qatari bid fronted by Sheikh Jassim last time around were unimpressed by the whole process and wouldn't be keen to go through that again.
Check back further down on this page to find the rest of Simon's Q&A
Amass and success under Carrickpublished at 13:44 BST 10 June
13:44 BST 10 June
Image source, Getty Images
In the third part of our special Q&A, Manchester United reporter Simon Stone looks at defenders Luke Shaw and Harry Amass, and what success would look like in a first full season under head coach Michael Carrick.
Haydn asked: A lot of people say we need to sign a left-back as cover for or succession to Shaw but Amass is almost never mentioned in either conversation. Why do you think this is and could next season be a big opportunity for him?
Simon: The first point with Amass is he needs to prove his fitness after suffering the hamstring injury almost straight after joining Norwich on loan in January that was so severe it ended his season.
I don't know this for certain but I would have thought he is likely to be involved in the first stages of pre-season and United will take it from there. I do like Amass and he did really well in the first half of the campaign at Sheffield Wednesday.
However, you have to recognise the levels we are talking about here. Ideally, United need someone to challenge Shaw for his place and at the very least be able to deputise in the Premier League and/or Champions League.
It is possible Shaw doesn't even start as many games as he did this season because of a lack of preparation time - and there are more matches. I am not sure even a fully recovered Amass is up to that standard just yet.
Nigel asked: What do you think would constitute a successful first full season for Carrick?
Simon: I honestly think another third-place finish with a decent run in the Champions League and at least going close in a domestic cup would represent a superb season - and a big improvement on last term.
I don't think the benefit of playing one game a week - and not even that sometimes - can be overestimated, and Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle all benefit in 2026-27.
More games means more travel, which means less preparation time, more rotation, greater risk of injury and more stress on the players. I don't see Arsenal regressing massively, I assume Liverpool will improve and Manchester City will want to hit the ground running under their new manager.
Third may seem like treading water but, under the circumstances, I feel it would be a significant step forward - and a platform to challenge for the title in 2027-28.
Keep across this page on Wednesday for the final part of Simon's Q&A, which will look at subjects including the Glazers and Ineos.
The Rashford situation and transfer targetspublished at 11:31 BST 10 June
11:31 BST 10 June
Image source, Getty Images
In the second part of a special Q&A, our Manchester United reporter Simon Stone focuses on forward Marcus Rashford and potential transfer targets.
Gary asked: What is happening with Rashford? Is Rashford leaving or will Michael Carrick give him another chance? If not, who will the club get in as a permanent replacement?
Simon: Carrick has made all the right noises around Rashford but I would be truly stunned if he played for Manchester United again. I got the distinct impression from all sides last summer his career at Old Trafford was over.
You mention permanent replacement but Matheus Cunha can play in that position, so too Mason Mount. Rashford doesn't like playing as a centre-forward anyway, but there are options in that position aside from Benjamin Sesko, who had a decent first season.
I know the 15 June deadline for Barcelona to pay £26m for Rashford is looming but it is clear they don't want to do that deal. The key point is the three-week gap between England's World Cup campaign ending and Rashford reporting back for pre-season. That is when I expect his future to be resolved.
Stuart asked: Is Elliot Anderson a realistic target for Manchester United this summer? Is Lewis Hall a left-back option? Could we sign Robert Lewandowski on a free?
Simon: I would go for a blanket answer on all the players you have mentioned and say, for various reasons, getting any would be difficult.
Anderson is someone United would like - top of their options for central midfielders. However, they have made it clear they will not get involved in a bidding war, nor will they overpay.
Pushing for Anderson could mean both, partly because Manchester City are heading a long queue of clubs who also want him, and partly because Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis wants to make the fee prohibitively expensive for a player who still has three years left on his contract.
On Hall, United want a left-sided player and, as it looks as though Patrick Dorgu is viewed as an attacking option rather than defensive, that would be as competition for Luke Shaw at full-back.
The problem is Newcastle have already sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona and Sandro Tonali looks likely to leave this summer also. That reduces significantly the need to sell one of the most coveted young players in the Premier League.
As for Lewandowski, I think he fits the profile of an experienced forward United would want to take some of the pressure off Sesko. However, his salary demands are likely to be huge and United are trying to get away from those kinds of deals.
Keep across this page on Wednesday for parts three and four of Simon's Q&A, which will look at subjects including Carrick's first full season and United's ownership.
Sancho to leave Man Utd this monthpublished at 11:31 BST 10 June
11:31 BST 10 June
Simon Stone Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United have confirmed they will not trigger the one-year option on Jadon Sancho's contract and he will join Casemiro and Tyrell Malacia in leaving the club this summer.
United published their annual retained and released list on Wednesday morning.
Youngsters Sonny Aljofree, who spent the first half of last season on loan at Notts County, James Bailey and Malachi Sharpe will also leave when their deals expire on 30 June.
While the exits of Casemiro and Malacia had already been announced publicly, with head coach Michael Carrick paying tribute to the pair on the pitch after the final home game of the season against Nottingham Forest on 17 May, there had been no word on Sancho.
He was part of the Aston Villa squad that beat Freiburg in the Europa League final last month.
But it appeared inevitable he would leave Manchester United.
The England winger was signed from Borussia Dortmund for £73m in July 2021 has spent the past three seasons on loan at Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and Aston Villa, achieving the remarkable feat of playing in a European final for all three – all in different competitions.
However, other than the 2024 Community Shield, when he was an 83rd-minute substitute, he has not played for United since 26 August 2023.
The following week he was left out of the trip to Arsenal, leading to a public spat with then boss Erik ten Hag.
United have also confirmed they have offered Albert Mills and Dante Plunkett should sign professional contracts in July, although there is no word on England youth international Godwill Kukonki, who scored United's goal in the FA Youth Cup final.
It is anticipated Kai Rooney and Jacey Carrick will become scholars in the forthcoming season.
Onana's future and back-up goalkeeperspublished at 10:11 BST 10 June
10:11 BST 10 June
Image source, AFP via Getty Images
We asked for your Manchester United questions for reporter Simon Stone before the summer transfer window opens.
In the first part of a special Q&A, he focuses on goalkeeper Andre Onana and United's back-up goalkeeper situation.
Paul asked: Manchester United need to get rid of Onana. Are there any clubs out there that would sign him on a permanent transfer this summer? If so, who are they and how much would they realistically pay?
Simon: At this present moment, no, I don't think there are - or at least none that will match Onana's wages which, it must be remembered, go up next season because Manchester United are in the Champions League.
Onana has been told he can find another club but, as it stands, he will be coming back for pre-season training at United in the second week of July. You can never be sure how these things work out because injuries can happen anywhere at any time, but if Onana does come back, it will be interesting to see how Michael Carrick - and Manchester United - deal with it.
Do they go down the 'bomb squad' route, like Ruben Amorim, and make him train on his own? Or do they bring him back into the fold for early pre-season games when first choice Senne Lammens won't be around?
Padraig asked: Will Radek Vitek go out on loan or be sold permanently, and is there any truth in the rumours linking United with a move for Sam Johnstone from Wolves?
Simon: The Vitek situation is really interesting. I interviewed him a couple of months ago and he said he wanted to play next season, wherever that may be.
I am pretty sure that has not changed and my latest understanding is for him to leave. Now, that could either be a loan - his contract runs to 2028 - or on a permanent deal with a buy-back option.
As with last summer, ideally Vitek would have his future sorted out early enough for him not to be needed for Manchester United's first pre-season games against Wrexham on 18 July and Rosenborg on 24 July.
However, depending on Onana's situation, United may only have 40-year-old Tom Heaton and youngsters Will Murdock, Elyh Harrison and Cameron Byrne-Hughes available at that point.
Given you have mentioned Johnstone, it is possible United sign an experienced - Premier League experienced - back-up goalkeeper to replace Altay Bayindir. Whether it happens is another matter but the advantage of Johnstone is that he would count as a "locally trained" player, which United need four of in their European squad, because he came through the ranks at Old Trafford.
Keep across this page on Wednesday for parts two, three and four of Simon's Q&A, which will look at subjects including Marcus Rashford, left-back options and the redevelopment of Old Trafford.
Gossip: Man Utd will meet Anderson demandspublished at 08:14 BST 10 June
08:14 BST 10 June
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is willing to satisfy the wage demands of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, 23, in order to bring him to Manchester United. (Mirror), external
Manchester United are also exploring a deal for Mateus Fernandes, with West Ham valuing the player at about £80m, but the London club are in no rush to sell him. (Sky Sports), external
Manchester United are considering a surprise move for 35-year-old English goalkeeper Karl Darlow, who is out of contract at Leeds this summer, with Turkish shot-stopper Altay Bayindir, 28, set leave Old Trafford. (Talksport, external)
Ederson signing 'makes sense' for Man Utdpublished at 13:39 BST 9 June
13:39 BST 9 June
Image source, Getty Images
BBC Radio Manchester's Joe McGrath and Jay Motty from The Stretford Paddock gave their thoughts on the expected arrival of midfielder Ederson.
The Red Devils agreed a £35m (40.5m euros) deal with Atalanta earlier this month.
Ederson, who has three international caps, was named in Brazil's 55-man expanded World Cup squad but initially missed out on the final selection.
Motty told The Devils' Advocate podcast: "I think it makes sense from a Manchester United point of view. We can't buy three or four £75m-£80m midfielders and we need at least three midfielders so you would expect one of them to be less than £40m or around £40m which this lad is.
"We've spoken to a few people who have watched more of Atalanta than I have and he seems like he is a decent midfielder. Someone said he is like the good bits of Fred."
During his time at Atalanta, Ederson has adapted across a number of central midfield roles, scoring 16 goals in 180 games for the Serie A side in all competitions.
"He wasn't called up to Carlo Ancelotti's squad, [but] has now got a call up because Wesley got injured so we might get to see a bit of him in the World Cup which is a bit of a bonus. Hopefully that won't bump up the price," said Motty.
"He's out of contract in a year's time so don't expect the fee to go up. It's a solid signing that makes sense. You wouldn't want him to him to be your only midfielder but I don't think he will be."
No Romero move as AC Milan fixture is setpublished at 11:46 BST 9 June
11:46 BST 9 June
Manchester United have confirmed they will take on AC Milan in the final match of their 2026 pre-season tour.
The fixture will be held in Wroclaw, Poland on 15 August.
The Red Devils have already announced matches against the likes of Wrexham, Leeds, Atletico Madrid and Paris St-Germain.
Meanwhile, United are distancing themselves from reports of interest in Cristian Romero. With Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt (missing start of pre-season as he recovers from injury), Harry Maguire, as well as youngsters Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, adding another central defender wouldn't seem the most obvious move, when need in other areas more acute.
The Man Utd players at the World Cuppublished at 07:53 BST 9 June
07:53 BST 9 June
The countdown to the World Cup is well and truly on, so here's a reminder of the Red Devils selected to represent their countries from 11 June to 19 July.
The expanded 48-team competition is set to be the biggest in history, with the United States, Canada and Mexico hosting.
Manchester United's World Cup contingent:
Altay Bayindir (Turkey)
Matheus Cunha (Brazil)
Diogo Dalot (Portugal)
Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast)
Bruno Fernandes (Portugal)
Tyler Fletcher (Scotland)
Senne Lammens (Belgium)
Diego Leon (Paraguay)
Kobbie Mainoo (England)
Lisandro Martinez (Argentina)
Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)
Marcus Rashford (England)
This list doesn't include Casemiro (Brazil) following his departure from the club.
Image caption,
The above graphic is based on the 2025-26 Premier League clubs and squad lists
Gossip: Man Utd push for Andersonpublished at 06:57 BST 9 June
06:57 BST 9 June
Manchester United remain intent on signing Elliot Anderson, with the club's executives optimistic they can beat Manchester City to the 23-year-old England midfielder, who is valued at about £100m by Nottingham Forest. (Guardian), external
However, Anderson is said to have expressed a desire to join City over United. (Talksport), external
Meanwhile, United scouts assessed Inter Milan striker Pio Esposito, 20, in action for Italy in a friendly against Greece. (Teamtalk), external
'My recovery has already started' - Eriksen offers updatepublished at 17:57 BST 8 June
17:57 BST 8 June
Christian Eriksen has given a positive update on his health on his Instagram page.
The midfielder collapsed during the second half of Denmark's friendly against Ukraine on 7 June.
He was fitted with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) - a type of pacemaker - after suffering a cardiac arrest during a Euro 2020 match against Finland in 2021.
🎧 United players at the World Cuppublished at 13:02 BST 8 June
13:02 BST 8 June
A new episode of BBC Radio Manchester's The Devils' Advocate podcast is available on BBC Sounds.
Host Joe McGrath is joined by Jay Motty from The Stretford Paddock to discuss the imminent arrival of Ederson, the departure of Rasmus Hojlund and the various Manchester United players competing at the World Cup.
Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
World Cup call likely to delay Ederson's Man Utd arrivalpublished at 11:00 BST 8 June
11:00 BST 8 June
Simon Stone Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Ederson's call up to Brazil's World Cup squad is likely to mean a tweak to Manchester United's plans to confirm the midfielder's arrival from Serie A outfit Atalanta.
The 26-year-old was due to have his medical at the beginning of next month before his £35m switch to United was announced just before the start of pre-season training.
However, Ederson's call-up as replacement for defender Wesley on Sunday means he will now be spending the next few weeks in the United States.
Brazil are one of the favourites for the tournament and it would be no surprise if they were still involved right to the end on 19 July.
While it is possible Ederson could have his medical on World Cup duty, the more likely scenario would be for him to do it immediately after his international commitments are over, before heading off on a mandatory three-week break.
It means the midfielder might not be around until a couple of weeks before the Premier League campaign begins, probably the week-long training camp in Maynooth.
