With the summer transfer window just around the corner, reports have begun to circulate linking Manchester United to an array of exciting players across a number of positions. As is often the case, fans are understandably more excited by the prospect of players who might arrive at Old Trafford, but it is important to keep an eye on those who might depart the Theatre of Dreams as well. Players leave United for a variety of reasons. In the case of the departing Casemiro, he is embarking on a new challenge. Alejandro Garnacho headed to Chelsea after a breakdown in his relationship with Ruben Amorim, and Jadon Sancho seems set to leave Old Trafford simply because he has never reached the standards expected of a United player. In the case of talented young players, however, they sometimes need to head out on loan in order to develop into the players they have the potential to become. This may be the case for one or two central defenders currently on the books, who may have to temporarily leave to find the regular football they need. United’s first choice centre-backs Ever since Michael Carrick returned to the club in January, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez have firmly established themselves as his first-choice central defenders. The pair have started every game for which they have been fit and available, delivering stellar performances in each of these appearances. It’s hard to argue against either player deserving the game time they have received, as the Red Devils seem a much more secure and organised side with them in the team. However, it does raise the question as to when the other central defenders on the books will get the minutes they need. De Ligt set to return It was a season of two halves for Netherlands international Matthijs De Ligt. He started the season exceptionally well, perhaps even being the Red Devils’ standout player before Christmas. However, the commanding defender suffered a back injury on the 30th of November that has kept him out of action ever since. The former Ajax man recently underwent surgery to fix the issue and is expected back in the early stages of next season. Once he is back to full fitness, De Ligt will likely push for a starting spot and, as a result, the other central defenders at United will find it even harder to get minutes. Add into consideration the fact that United are being linked with a move for a new centre-back this summer too, and it becomes even harder to imagine either of the Red Devils’ young centre-halves forcing their way into the starting eleven. Yoro and Heaven Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are two supremely talented central defenders, each with a tremendous amount of potential. United signed Yoro for an initial fee of £52 million when he was just 18 years old, beating an array of esteemed clubs including Real Madrid to his signature. Heaven, meanwhile, was signed from Premier League rivals Arsenal for a modest fee of £1.5 million. Both players have enjoyed some success in their burgeoning United careers, each delivering standout performances in big games when given the opportunity. The problem, though, is that those opportunities have been few and far between. Last season, Yoro played just 51% of available minutes in the Premier League, starting just 47% of the games. Heaven, meanwhile, played just 27% of available minutes in the Premier League, starting just 29% of the games. With Yoro now 20 years of age and Heaven 19 years old, both players are in need of regular football to continue developing and improving, yet it seems unlikely that either of the young players will manage to fight their way into the starting eleven. Therefore, at least one of the pair should look to head out on loan next season. Both Yoro and Heaven are good enough to play a key role for a slightly lesser team than the Red Devils, and doing so will improve their leadership qualities, physicality, and positional awareness as well. This experience will help them develop into more complete players and ensure they are ready to challenge for a starting berth when they return to United. Featured image Justin Setterfield 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 Mike Walsh Mike Walsh is an experienced freelance journalist who has written about a variety of topics over multiple years. He is very happy to finally be writing about the Red Devils, especially now that his favourite player, Michael Carrick, is in charge of the team.
Martinez included in Argentina squad
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Di Maria stuns with unexpected revelation about United move, pinpoints why “everything fell apart”
Former Manchester United star Angel Di Maria has made a surprise admission about his time at the club in his latest remarks. Nightmare stint Di María’s time at United proved to be a brief, headline-grabbing, and ultimately disappointing episode in his career. United’s marquee signing in 2014, he arrived at United to much fanfare, hype and expectations. However, he struggled to meet it and left after just one year. The Red Devils forked out £59.7m, a British record at the time, to secure his services from Real Madrid. He put pen to paper on a five-year deal. The Argentine was handed the iconic number seven shirt, which has previously been sported by the likes of George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, David Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Di Maria was seen as a dynamic and flair-filled attacker but he struggled to translate his quality onto the pitch under Louis van Gaal. He endured troubles on and off the pitch. He regularly collided with Van Gaal. And to make matters worse, his home was burgled. Di Maria made 32 appearances for United across all competitions, contributing four goals. He was sold to Paris Saint-Germain in August 2015 for around £44 million. The 38-year-old has never shied away from speaking about his difficulties in Manchester, but he has now claimed that he doesn’t regret the move. Speaking to the BBC, Di Maria laid the blame for his struggles squarely on Van Gaal. Di Maria’s remarks The World Cup winner said, “Things started really well. Everything was flowing. Then I started to have issues with Van Gaal and from there everything fell apart.” Asked to respond to Di María’s comments, Van Gaal stressed that he never asked to sign the player and also struggled to find a clear, defined role for him in his plans. Di Maria added, “Like I said, I started really well. Everything was perfect. But then suddenly we started having lots of meetings about all the things I was doing wrong on the pitch. He never showed me what I was doing well, just the negatives, over and over. Eventually I got fed up.” “Life there was very different. It gets dark really early and then the cold started. Everything kept snowballing. There was also the break-in at my house. When all of that happens; when you are not playing, when things aren’t going well for you, when you have problems inside the club, it ends up affecting you a lot. It made me hate being there.” “I got robbed in Paris too and still stayed for another two or three years, because life there was good. In Manchester, everything just snowballed. I wanted to prioritise my family and that is why I left.” “He said I never showed up [for pre-season] but I had already said I wanted to leave and that I wasn’t going to report back to the club. I stayed in Rosario until a decision was made.” “If you are unhappy, your family is unhappy, if your house gets burgled, you fall out with the manager and things aren’t going well, it’s very difficult to say I loved my time in Manchester. That is the reality.” However, Di Maria insisted the the decision to sign for United was the right one. “But when it comes to the Premier League, the atmosphere, life at the club, honestly, I was left with a really good feeling because there were great people inside the club who always treated me well, who always supported me and helped me with everything. For that, I’m grateful.” He further stated, “It was a decision I wanted to make. I wanted to go to United. The football, arriving at the stadiums, the atmosphere, the love from the fans, I don’t regret any of it.” “Joining them was incredible. I played as Manchester United on the PlayStation. I used to play with (Wayne) Rooney and suddenly, he was beside me. Of course, I understood the number seven was the biggest shirt number at Manchester United. But to me, it was just a number, like I wore 22 at Madrid.” 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 Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
Arsenal hold talks to sign PL monster but he has already agreed to join United – report
Manchester United face a fierce transfer race with Arsenal to strike a deal for Newcastle United maestro Sandro Tonali, according to the latest reports from Italy. Carrick’s first-choice target Despite a move for Ederson — Atalanta and Brazil’s 26-year-old dynamo — being at an advanced stage, Michael Carrick is understood to have identified Tonali as his priority target to revamp the midfield. With Casemiro’s time at Old Trafford having come to an end and Manuel Ugarte’s head on the chopping block, United are intent on signing up to three midfielders this summer. The leading contenders are Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni, though pursuits for either are considered increasingly unlikely. This has led to Tonali re-emerging as an option after initial interest cooled in the wake of Newcastle United’s prohibitive £100 million valuation. The Magpies are said to now be willing to accept fees in the region of £85 million for the Italy international. A report relayed by The Peoples Person claimed United were close to sealing a deal with the Tyneside club, with a separate update confirming the plan to add a “marquee midfielder” alongside the capture of Ederson. Italian outlet Calcio Mercato states “several sources” in England believe United have “reached an agreement” on personal terms with Tonali, with INEOS “ready to launch a decisive assault” for the Lodi native. Arsenal hold talks Tutto Mercato Web reports Arsenal have now launched their own raid on St James’ Park after opening talks with Newcastle United in the last few days. The Gunners, crowned as Premier League champions at Selhurst Park on Sunday for the first time in 22 years, are not resting on their laurels, with Mikel Arteta already pushing for reinforcements next season. Aston Villa wizard Morgan Rogers is a player on United’s radar as a potential long-term successor to Bruno Fernandes, but Arteta is said to be “personally leading” a drive to sign the England international. And it now appears a similar attempt is being made to muscle in on the Red Devils’ deal for Tonali, with Arsenal having previously made overtures to sign the 26-year-old Italian in January. Final Thoughts In the absence of options like Anderson or Tchouaméni, Tonali is one of the select few targets on Manchester United’s wish list with the requisite balance of physical and technical attributes to thrive in midfield. To lose out on him to Arsenal would be a major blow that INEOS simply cannot afford to let happen. Featured image Mike Hewitt 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 Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.
“Very close to getting an agreement done”: Bruno Fernandes explains why move to rival PL club collapsed

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has revealed that he came very close to joining Tottenham Hotspur, detailing why the transfer collapsed. Super Bruno Fernandes enjoyed a breathtaking 2025/26 campaign with United, helping the club to a third-place finish and securing Champions League football. He led the charge, contributing nine goals and 21 assists. By recording his 21st assist in the final game of the season against Brighton & Hove Albion, he overtook Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry to claim the record for most assists in a single campaign. Over the weekend, the Portugal international was named the Premier League’s Player of the Season. This is in addition to picking up United’s Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year and the 2025/26 Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year awards. After the win over Brighton, Fernandes was also presented with the Coca-Cola Playmaker award. He is considered the favourite to scoop up the PFA Player of the Year award, which would complete a fantastic year on an individual level. Fernandes has arguably been the best United signing in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era since arriving at the club from Sporting CP in January 2020. United forked out £67.6million to secure his services. But United could have missed out on Fernandes entirely, as he was painfully close to signing with Tottenham. Fernandes’ revelation Speaking on The Diary of A CEO podcast, Fernandes disclosed, “Yeah, I spoke with Tottenham, and we were very close to getting an agreement done. Then, in the last two days of the market, Sporting just said, ‘We’re not going to sell him. We’re going to keep him because we need him.’” “Yes, because I wanted to play in the Premier League, because for me it is the best league in the world. It’s the most competitive one.” “It’s the one that I think when you grow up, you dream to play for you know, like full stadiums, top clubs, top players.” He added, “Obviously, I was lucky enough that my dream club to play in England was Man United, and obviously, Tottenham at the time was the option I had, and I was very, very happy to join them because they showed me the process that they were going through.” United are said to already be keen on handing Fernandes a new contract to extend his stay at the club. His current terms expire in 2027, although the Red Devils retain an option to keep him for an additional 12 months. Featured image Michael Regan 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 Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
Wayne Rooney explains why surprise United star is the “most-improved player this season”
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has lavished praise on Luke Shaw following an impressive season. The English left-back’s injury troubles have made headlines in recent years, but he appears to have finally put them behind him. Shaw arrived at Old Trafford from Southampton in the summer of 2014 as one of the brightest young full-backs in the country. Unfortunately, the player has endured an injury-riddled spell at the Theatre of Dreams so far. Shaw’s tenure at Old Trafford started with a hamstring injury, but he showed promise in his debut campaign. However, the player suffered a horrific double leg-break in September 2015 against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League and subsequently missed the rest of the season. The Englishman has since struggled to stay fit, although he did show signs of revival under former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Shaw also made 47 appearances for United in the 2022/23 season during Erik ten Hag’s reign, before injuries struck again. The 30 year old missed 103 games for club and country over the last two campaigns due to various fitness issues. However, Shaw has emerged as a key player for United this season, first under former head coach Ruben Amorim and then under Michael Carrick. Shaw was indispensable for United this season Shaw started all 38 Premier League games this season, becoming only the fifth player in the club’s history to achieve that feat. The Englishman began the campaign as a left-sided centre-back in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system and looked comfortable in the position. After the Portuguese head coach lost his job in January, United reverted to a 4-2-3-1 formation under Carrick. Shaw moved to his natural left-back position and continued his impressive run in the team. The Englishman registered one goal and one assist this season, scoring his first goal in three years against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford earlier this month. Luke Shaw Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League38119-3,233′ Total38119-3,233′ Source: Transfermarkt. While Shaw’s contract expires at the end of next season, his recent performances suggest there is still a lot of football left in him. The English full-back’s efforts have now earned him praise from his former team-mate and United legend Wayne Rooney. Rooney hails Shaw Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the former United skipper named Shaw as his most improved player of the season. He said: “I think, for me, Luke Shaw. I think Luke Shaw has been the most-improved player this season.” “I know he’s an experienced player now but I think his level this season has been much better than they have been in recent seasons. People might look at Kobbie Mainoo but I don’t think he’s improved it was just the fact he wasn’t playing under the former manager so it wasn’t good or bad.” Rooney also hailed United skipper Bruno Fernandes as his player of the year, adding: “I am delighted for Bruno. He has been fantastic this season.” “For me he’s been the [Premier League] player of the year [because of] the influence he has, how driven he is and he’s scored a few goals as well. He has been the heartbeat of that team.” Final Thoughts There is no doubt that Shaw can be an asset to the team if he manages to stay fit throughout the season. However, the Englishman will turn 31 this summer, so United have to put succession plans in place for the left-back position soon. Luke Shaw appreciation post. Our no.23 has started every single #PL game this season, a significant milestone and testament to his fitness, durability and resilience. ❤️ @LukeShaw23 pic.twitter.com/7eabia2tAB — Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 24, 2026 Featured image by Alex Livesey/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.
Youngster United exiled in 2024 in talks to seal £52m switch to CL club, deal will have INEOS on red alert – report

Manchester United academy product Marcus Rashford is reportedly hoping to extend his stay at Barcelona. The La Liga giants have an option to sign him permanently for €30 million. However, they are set to hold fresh talks with United in hopes of striking a more favourable deal. Another high-profile graduate of United’s academy, Mason Greenwood, has set his sights on a move to a Champions League club. Roma in talks to sign Mason Greenwood AS Roma are set to return to the Champions League after a seven-year absence, having finished third in Serie A this term. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma have emerged as a potential destination for Olympique de Marseille forward Mason Greenwood. The prolific Englishman, who has 48 goals and 17 assists to his name since moving to the south of France in 2024, is expected to leave Marseille in the coming weeks. It is claimed that the Ligue 1 outfit’s financial predicament is pushing Greenwood towards the exit, as no other Marseille star would fetch a higher fee than the former United winger. The Italian publication suggests the 24-year-old is wanted by several clubs, but his preference is to move to Rome. Talks between the Giallorossi and the player’s father are already underway, according to reports. Marseille are thought to be demanding a fee of around €60 million (£52m). United would be in line for a significant payday as they retain a sell-on clause. Roma eyeing Man United’s Joshua Zirkzee The ambitious Roma are also keen on signing United’s current forward Joshua Zirkzee. Manager Gian Piero Gasperini is believed to be a huge admirer of Zirkzee and is pushing Roma to secure his services from Manchester United, who are open to parting ways with the Dutchman. Zirkzee is also willing to join Roma. Recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming his agent has offered the striker to two Italian giants, including Roma. Featured image Juan Manuel Serrano Arce 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 Vishal Singh Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!
‘Hard to post something like this…’: Man Utd target sends cryptic social media message that has fans spiralling

West Ham’s confirmed relegation to the Championship on Sunday has fans sweating over their talisman Jarrod Bowen’s future.Although the prolific forward is contracted to the London Stadium until June 2030, it’s anticipated that he’ll be on the move this summer in order to continue playing in the top flight.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYManchester United among Jarrod Bowen’s summer suitorsHe isn’t short of interest, either.It was claimed last week that Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool had all shortlisted Bowen in the lead-up to West Ham’s final game in hopes of signing him in a cut-price deal if the Irons did fall victim to the dreaded drop.Want more Stretty News coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustStill only 29, the frontman boasts a stellar record of 65 goals and 54 assists in 231 Premier League appearances throughout his Hammers tenure.United, in particular, are said to admire Bowen’s versatility, given that he is able to operate as both a right winger and a centre-forward. Position Appearances Goals Assists Right-wing 171 50 38 Striker 66 27 14 How Bowen has fared in his two main positions for West Ham in all competitions (Transfermarkt)Having him in the ranks alongside Benjamin Sesko next term certainly wouldn’t go amiss while the young Slovenian continues finding his feet in England.Add that to the fact that United have the addition of Champions League football to account for, and you can understand why INEOS chiefs have reportedly been sizing up a potential swoop for Bowen.What has Bowen had to say since being relegated?Today, the Englishman released a lengthy statement on social media to address West Ham’s weekend heartbreak. “It’s hard to post something like this when all you’re feeling is embarrassment and pain. I could write loads trying to explain where it all went wrong this season, but honestly what you deserve from me is an apology. Winning that trophy in Prague was the best night of my career. Sunday was the worst. We just weren’t good enough. Simple as that. And that’s why the season ended the way it did. “To the fans, you didn’t let us down once. The support home and away never changed, even when things weren’t good enough for us on the pitch. We should have given you more. You deserved more. “One thing I know about this club is that it has the desire and fight to bounce back from this. This club belongs in the Premier League and deserves to be back there as soon as possible.” Nuno Espirito Santo’s side did their bit to try and finish above Tottenham Hotspur by beating Leeds United 3-0 at home, with Bowen scoring and assisting in the game.However, Spurs only needed a point from their clash with Everton to secure their safety and ended up claiming all three via a 1-0 win.Bowen was put on the spot by reporters post-match regarding his future at full-time.He insisted that he just wants to see the club back in the Premier League, but conceded that ‘you never know what the future holds’. “It hurts, it’s a horrible feeling…” Jarrod Bowen reacts to West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League to the Championship. pic.twitter.com/i2j9yK3VuE — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 24, 2026








