Surprise decision by PL club threatens to derail Uniteds pursuit of 26 g/a attacker The Telegraph

Manchester United’s pursuit of Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers is unlikely to be a straightforward affair. The Englishman has consistently been one of the finest attackers in the Premier League since arriving from Middlesbrough in 2024 and has turned heads at Old Trafford. The Red Devils streamlined their attack in the summer of 2025, removing the deadwood and investing over £200 million in new faces. Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund were all shown the door. United signed Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Mateus Cunha to replace the infamous bomb squad, and the trio were key to the club’s third-place finish in the 2025/26 season. However, the Red Devils lack proper cover in attack, especially with Joshua Zirkzee’s future uncertain and Amad scoring just two goals in the recently concluded campaign. The situation has prompted talk of attacking reinforcements this summer, especially with the club set to compete in the Champions League next season. While the midfield remains the priority for INEOS, United are also scouting the market for a versatile attacker, and Rogers is reportedly on their wish list. United want to reunite Rogers with Michael Carrick Rogers has managed to register double figures in goals and assists in his first two full seasons at Villa Park. The 23 year old scored 14 goals and set up 12 more in 55 appearances for Unai Emery’s side in the 2025/26 season, playing a starring role in their Europa League triumph. Morgan Rogers Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League37371077-3,285′ UEFA Europa League1512352-1,089′ FA Cup221—167′ EFL Cup10—-23′ Total555114129-4,564′ Source: Transfermarkt. Rogers joined Middlesbrough from Manchester City in the summer of 2023 and worked for six months under Michael Carrick at the Riverside Stadium before Villa came calling. INEOS are reportedly keen to reunite the player with the English manager at Old Trafford this season. Rogers’ ability to carry out multiple roles in attack and his eye for goal make him a superb addition to United’s squad. There is also a belief that the player could be a long-term replacement for Bruno Fernandes at the Theatre of Dreams. A previous report relayed by The Peoples Person states that the Birmingham-based club are ready to let the player leave for around £80 million this summer. However, a contrasting update has now emerged. Villa want Rogers to stay According to The Telegraph, Villa are determined to retain Rogers despite growing interest in his signature. The report states: “Aston Villa hope to resist offers for Morgan Rogers this summer amid growing interest from rival clubs, including Arsenal.” The report goes on to insist that Villa are aware that multiple suitors are monitoring their star, but that has not changed their stance, adding: “Villa are aware that multiple clubs are showing interest in Rogers but have no intention of selling the attacking midfielder, especially after qualifying for next season’s Champions League.” “It remains to be seen, however, whether a big offer from a club such as Arsenal would prompt a change of heart among Villa’s key decision-makers.” “The finances of any potential move for Rogers are complicated by the fact that Middlesbrough have a 20 per cent sell-on clause. Rogers joined Villa from Middlesbrough in February 2024 in a deal worth an initial £8m, and up to £15m with add-ons.” Final Thoughts United legend Paul Scholes recently pointed out that Rogers could struggle for chances at Old Trafford due to the presence of Bruno Fernandes. While that argument cannot be ignored, it is also true that the Englishman is a generational talent who could elevate the Red Devils’ attack. INEOS, as such, could be left to regret if they allow him to join a direct rival like Arsenal. Featured image Dan Mullan via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.