On the latest The Devils' Advocate podcast, BBC Radio Manchester's Gaz Drinkwater, Joe McGrath and Michael Clarke discuss United's best starting XI for next season if they were in charge of transfers.
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Image source, Getty ImagesIt is time to get your scouting caps on!
We are officially four days and 12 games deep into the biggest World Cup ever, so we want to know who has grabbed your attention early doors - especially as the summer transfer window is now officially open.
What player has raised your eyebrows? Which name has exceeded your expectations? Who have you got down as your one to watch?
Ultimately, who would you like to see lining up for your team in the Premier League next season?
This is your opportunity to show off your talent-spotting skills - the floor (pitch) is yours...
Tell us the players you want, with your reasoning, here
Enjoy the World Cup across BBC Sport
Image source, BBC SportFrom live TV coverage to highlights, analysis and reaction, our dedicated team will ensure you don't miss a kick from the biggest World Cup yet.
And there's more - the BBC is launching live match updates so you can see the score directly on your lock screen through the full 90 minutes and beyond.
This means you can keep track of every match wherever you are - whether you're on the move, at work, or away from a TV. With live match updates on your lock screen, the score is always just a glance away.
A new predictor game is being introduced to cover this year's World Cup, allowing users to pick what they think will be the result from every match.
The new game also features streaks, so make sure to check in each day and make your predictions.
Ever wanted to see a World Cup match from every angle? How about a full-pitch tactical view? Or even see the match through the eyes of a player?
Well, now you can with Fifa World Cup 3D Experience, which is a UK-first that is only available on BBC Sport.
The interactive game experience gives viewers more choice to explore the match both in real-time, highlights and full-match replays.
Finally, here are some more handy links:
Manchester United's Amad Diallo scored a 90th-minute winner against Ecuador to secure Ivory Coast three points in their opening game of the 2026 World Cup.
Diallo's goal ensured his nation go level on points with Germany in Group E, but the four-time World Cup winners sit first with a superior goal difference.
Visit our World Cup index to keep up with all the latest from the tournament
Brazil midfielder Ederson was scheduled to have a medical on Sunday as the 26-year-old closed in on completing his move to Manchester United from Atalanta. (Corriere dello Sport - in Italian, external)
United sacked manager Ruben Amorim in January and could make a significant saving on the £15.9m compensation package following his departure if the Portuguese takes over at AC Milan. (Mirror, external)
Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on who you would like Manchester United to keep, loan and sell from the squad this summer.
Here are some of your comments:
Mehdi: Keep - Johsua Zirkzee. A solid squad player who can provide support for Sesko, he brings something different to the team. Loan- Harry Amass. Sorry, I know he's popular as an academy graduate, but I don't have faith he'd be enough for a title push. Sell - Diogo Dalot. I feel like he just slips under the radar, but he is generally mediocre. Time for an upgrade!
Rob: Keep - Mason Mount. The squad clearly love him and when he is fit and playing he can make a real difference. Loan - Leny Yoro. Send him to Europe to play every week. Not a regular starter but potential with Ayden Heaven to be an amazing pairing in years to come. Sell - Zirkzee. Won't play enough but would get a good transfer fee and they love him in Italy.
Faisal: One player to keep is Shea Lacey, as he can definitely provide cover for Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo. One player to sell is Altay Bayindir as he's just not that good. A player to loan out would be either Amass, Diego Leon or one of the Fletcher twins as they'd benefit more from some more first-team game time.
Dermot: Keep Mount as he has great attributes if he can stay fit. Loan out Zirkzee but don't sell him yet. Sell Dalot... just not good enough. Buy Adam Wharton!
S Liv: Keep Radek Vitek. Quality young keeper who deserves to be number two and be given game time. Loan Zirkzee. There is definitely a player in there but if you ask me his best position, I have no idea. Needs games. Sell Andre Onana. If I have to explain why, you've not been paying attention!
Seth: Keep Zirkzee - I know a lot of people have large doubts about his quality - fans tend to either laugh or cry when he gets subbed on, including me - but he's so important for team spirit and morale it would crush the dressing room if he leaves Loan Onana out - need an explanation? Sell Manuel Ugarte - again, no reason needed for this one!
Christine: I would keep Zirkzee he has loads of ability but not the muscle that a forward requires and he needs to work hard at this. I would loan out Marcus Rashford even if we cannot sell him. I don't like the way Barcelona have gone about the Rashford deal but it proves he is not at elite level. I would sell Ugarte as he is simply not good enough, and Onana, because I still have nightmares with him in goal, especially against Grimsby.
Mark: Keep - Amass as cover for Shaw. Loan. Loan - Shea Lacey to allow him to develop playing regularly. Sell - Onana. Don't care how much for, just don't want him back at United.
Ratheesh: Keep - Mount. He is industrious and I strongly believe he can provide cover for Bruno Fernandes in a busy calendar ahead. Loan - Chido Obi . He needs to get the experience playing regularly in a competitive league, preferably in the Premier League or Championship. Sell - Ugarte. There may be other candidates, but given the reinforcements planned for the midfield, he may be surplus to requirements. Honourable mention to keep - Rashford.
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
Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column
Change is inevitable at football clubs during the summer months and we want to ask you something specific about Manchester United's squad.
Tell us:
One player who should be kept who may be on the fringes and why?
One player who should be loaned out
One player who should be sold
We would love names and reasons for all three - get in touch with your views using this form
Image source, Getty ImagesBBC 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."
Image source, Getty ImagesWe 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.
Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester 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?
Get in touch with your views here
Arsenal remain firmly in the hunt to sign Athletic Club and Spain winger Nico Williams, with Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City also interested in the 23-year-old. (Teamtalk), external
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
Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesIn 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
Image source, Getty ImagesIn 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.
Image source, Getty ImagesIn 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.
Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester 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.
Image source, AFP via Getty ImagesWe 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.
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 City remain the frontrunners to sign Anderson despite United's efforts to steal a march on their rivals. (Star - subscription required), 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)
Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column
Devils' Advocate - Bring Back Welbz. Audio, 30 minutes
Gaz, Joe and Michael on United's best Starting XI if they were in charge of transfers.
Man Utd World Cup Guide. Audio, 4 minutes
Michael Clarke has your guide to the Man Utd stars in action at the 2026 World Cup.
Rashford or Gordon? Audio, 12 minutes
Who should start on the left hand side for England at the World Cup this summer?
Devil's Advocate: World Cup Preview. Audio, 22 minutes
Joe is joined by Jay Motty to preview the World Cup and discuss the arrival of Ederson.
