United running out of time as bitter rivals continue negotiations over surprise midfield target – The Athletic

Manchester United finished the season in third place last season, which was a significant improvement on the disaster of the 2024/2025 season. Midfield targets One of the main reasons behind this uptick in form was a successful summer transfer window in 2025. United brought in proven quality such as Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, both of whom contributed significantly to last season’s success. The youthful gambles on Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens also seemingly paid off, as both players impressed in their debut campaigns. United are keen to take another step or two forward this season, and a strong transfer window is essential. The midfield area has been identified as the part of the team that needs the most surgery, and the club have agreed a deal for Atalanta’s Ederson. The Red Devils have missed out on the signings of Elliot Anderson, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, but are still keeping a close eye on Aurelien Tchouameni and Alex Scott. Shea Charles update One player United have also been linked with is Northern Ireland international, Shea Charles. United have been linked with a move for the young midfielder since he scored the winner against Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter-final. Charles has also been on the radar of clubs such as Atalanta in Italy. Rivals Leeds United have been by far the most active suitors for the talented 22-year-old and have already had a bid turned down for the Northern Ireland captain. After already rejecting a bid of £20 million, “Southampton intend to reject Leeds United’s latest bid for midfielder Shea Charles,” according to The Athletic. The outlet adds, “the new bid is higher, but Southampton sources insist it is lower than the £23m plus add-ons figure that has been reported elsewhere. Negotiations between the two clubs for the 22-year-old are ongoing.” Shea Charles 25/26 season stats Games playedGoalsAssistsMins played 38622469 Feature image Leila Coker 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 Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.