Manchester United face a fierce battle to sign Goncalo Ramos this summer, as AC Milan are leading the race for the Paris Saint-Germain striker, according to a new report. Lightening the load up front The Red Devils are searching for an experienced No.9 to help ease the burden on Benjamin Sesko, who has enjoyed a superb second half of the season in his first year at Old Trafford. Signed from RB Leipzig for £74 million last summer, the 6’5″ Slovenian endured a slow start to life in the Premier League under Ruben Amorim. However, the arrival of Michael Carrick in January sparked him into life, and he has scored nine times since the turn of the year to sit as the team’s top goal scorer. Joshua Zirkzee has not enjoyed the same resurgence under the interim coach, who has now been handed the job permanently after securing Champions League football. The Dutch forward will be sold this summer, with a return to Serie A his most likely destination. This situation has led United to reignite their interest in Ramos, a long-term target at Old Trafford, as he is out of favour under Luis Enrique at PSG — but they are not alone in their admiration of the 24-year-old frontman. Red-hot race Soccer Hooligan reveals United are on the “search for a genuine number nine…[as] multiple names have been tried [but] none have provided a permanent solution.” The club have been “tracking the Portuguese striker systematically for years”, with this summer said to be “no different” as United finally zero in on Ramos as a target to bolster their frontline. PSG are open to a sale as they look to fund a big-money pursuit of Atletico Madrid superstar Julian Alvarez. The Ligue 1 giants, who will face Arsenal in the final of the Champions League next week, will “demand a serious fee” to let Ramos leave the Parc des Princes. Interestingly, the Gunners are also understood to be keeping tabs on the situation, while Chelsea are another potential suitor. A potential swap deal with Atleti to secure Alvarez is another possibility. However, it is AC Milan who are the frontrunners for the former Benfica star, with the Italian club ready to “submit a convincing offer” to lure him to the San Siro. It is the Rossoneri who pose the main challenge to United. With the prospect of a bidding war erupting this summer, PSG are hopeful their striker will enjoy a strong showing at the World Cup in North America, as this will help drive his price up. “Ramos has proven himself repeatedly on the international stage, lining up alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in the Portugal squad. He is a big-game player — a perfect blend of character and quality. He is expected to feature prominently at the 2026 World Cup, and a strong tournament could see his transfer value climb even further. That dynamic is a critical variable in the calculations of every club involved,” the report states. Final Thoughts If United are able to fund a move for Ramos by first selling Zirkzee, it would represent a radical upgrade for Carrick’s forward line next season. However, the majority of the summer war chest is set to be directed towards the midfield rebuild, leaving little left over to strike a big-money deal with PSG. If AC Milan are ready to table a concrete proposal early in the window, it will almost certainly leave United unable to match it as their focus will be elsewhere on the pitch — as today’s bombshell update from Italy illustrates. 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.
United zero in on “big-game” PSG sensation, Enrique willing to accept “convincing offer” – report
Harry Maguire’s England snub: who was right, who was wrong and why – opinion
What is the worst thing ever? It depends on your point of view – for dinosaurs, it was probably a giant asteroid. For Harry Maguire, it seems to be the decision taken by Thomas Tuchel not to include him in the England squad for the World Cup. The 33-year-old has been one of Manchester United’s standout performers this season, and it seemed a fair bet that he would be on the plane to North America next month. But the German, as is his FA-given right, looked elsewhere, instead opting for the likes of Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah and Dan Burn at centre-back. Right to be disappointed Maguire is totally right to feel disappointed at his omission; he could hardly have done any more this season, first for Ruben Amorim then for Michael Carrick, to earn the most prestigious of England call-ups. Last year it was goals and guts, this year it’s been leadership and accountability – however you feel about him, the former Leicester City man has played his best football in a United shirt these past twelve months or so. It’s unsurprising, then, that the decision taken by the pragmatist tasked with winning the World Cup for England has been a slap in the face for the big Yorkshireman, just as it would have been for the likes of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer. Poor reaction What is surprising, however, is the response from the Maguire camp. The former United captain was rightly praised for his humility at the club in recent seasons, bouncing back from the top of the transfer list to become arguably the best defender at Old Trafford, standing strong where others around him wilted. That all spoke to a player of integrity and professionalism, which made his little social media whinge yesterday all the more unexpected. I was confident I could of played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had. I’ve been left shocked and gutted by the decision. I’ve loved nothing more than putting that shirt on and representing my country over the years. I wish the players, all the… pic.twitter.com/9X7asAkCFF — Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) May 21, 2026 Circus “I’ve been left shocked and gutted by the decision,” he posted on X before, it must be noted, the squad was even formally announced. Not just shocked, not just gutted, but shocked and gutted – Harry hasn’t taken it well. These are inside thoughts spoken out loud on a public platform, the pomposity of being “left” shocked a clear indication of how furrowed his brow was when mashing his phone with his thumbs. Again, he can be desperately, dismally disappointed – but his decision to act slighted on social media is distinctly unbecoming, and at odds with the calm and collected persona he gives off at United. That his family passionately weighed in moves the situation into the realms of farce. His mother, Zoe, called the decision “disgraceful”, and brother Joe added “this might possibly be the worst decision I’ve ever seen in my life”. Tensions are clearly running high in the Maguire household, a Tuchel-shaped piñata spilling its guts on the floor. Legal troubles Still, you can forgive the Englishman, who has 67 caps for his country, feeling not just frustrated but also more than a little jumpy. The Daily Mail gleefully relay that the prosecutors behind his conviction for assault in Greece in 2020 have long called for him to not be allowed to go to the World Cup. In fact, the newspaper quotes the lawyer for the police officers who claimed they were injured trying to arrest Maguire as stating that “since he now holds a criminal record, it is highly unlikely he would be granted a visa” for the United States. Whether that has fed into Tuchel’s decision at all is unclear, and it’s not been widely reported as a factor – it certainly pales in comparison to the tidal wave of support for the player, who can at least feel vindicated that for the most part the public backs him. Two things can be true at once – you can believe Maguire deserved a spot in the squad, and also that he was wrong to air so publicly quite how personally he has taken not getting one. Featured image by Shaun Botterill/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 Joe Ponting Joe has spent more than half his life writing about football and all of it following United. As a child he told a doctor his name was ‘Paul Scholes’, but could never pick a pass like him no matter how much he tried. He cut his teeth working in print media for local newspapers and entered football journalism covering the grassroots game for the Non-League Paper. Here he achieved a career high, interviewing United legend Sir Bobby Charlton to get his views on the lower echelons of the football pyramid. To kill time during international breaks Joe writes album reviews and has strong views on post punk for Plus One Magazine.
United’s first summer signing arriving at breakneck speed, price much better than was rumoured – report
Manchester United have begun the hunt for midfield reinforcements in earnest with numerous reports circulating today. The club’s focus appears to be on finalising a deal for Atalanta midfield dynamo Ederson. The Brazilian excels as a deep-lying playmaker as well as a box-to-box midfielder, and the Red Devils could do with a versatile presence like the 26-year-old. Initial reports suggested that the fee would be around an initial £42 million plus add-ons. However, journalist Eduardo Burgos has now claimed that the Old Trafford side could agree a deal for less. United could complete Ederson deal for less than previously reported Writing for Diario AS, he explained, “Manchester United have set their sights on Ederson and are prepared to offer Atalanta around €45 million plus add-ons for the Brazilian. “Atalanta would accept this offer, thus avoiding the risk of the Brazilian leaving for free at the end of next season, as his contract expires in June 2027.” Interestingly, the report further adds that United want to conclude the deal before the transfer window opens on 15 June. “It’s time for Ederson to play his final 90 minutes in Italy before saying goodbye and starting a new chapter. United want Ederson to become a Red Devil before the World Cup and sign a five-year contract.” Why Ederson? While fans might have expected a more high-profile signing in the mould of Elliot Anderson, the simple truth is that the Englishman seems to prefer Manchester City over the 20-time English league champions. As previously relayed by The Peoples Person, United view Ederson as more of a “category B” market opportunity rather than their primary midfield signing. This effectively means Ederson will be backup for United’s primary midfield signing, which as things stand, could be Sandro Tonali of Newcastle. Other targets include Carlos Baleba, Alex Scott, and Aurélien Tchouaméni. It will be intriguing to see how many midfielders INEOS end up securing and what they do with Manuel Ugarte once the window opens. Feature image Marco Luzzani 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 Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
Michael Carrick explains the six traits United must look for in Kobbie Mainoo’s perfect midfield partner
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has outlined what he is looking for in a midfielder this summer. The Red Devils are expected to go all out to reinforce the position before the start of the new season, when they will be without Casemiro. The Brazilian midfielder was indispensable under the Englishman, but is set to depart Old Trafford this summer as a free agent. The Premier League giants are now looking for a new face to fill his boots as well as those of Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan was brought to the Theatre of Dreams by former manager Erik ten Hag, but he has failed to make an impression so far. Ugarte has been a peripheral figure under Carrick, managing just one start in 16 games and registering only 155 minutes of first-team football. This situation has prompted United to turn to the market, and INEOS could be tempted to sign more than one midfielder this summer. Carrick, who was appointed as the Red Devils’ next permanent manager on Friday, has now opened up on what encompasses the ideal United midfielder. Michael Carrick Managerial Career Stats TeamFromToGames PlayedGames WonGames DrawnGames LostWin % Manchester United (caretaker)21 November 20212 December 2021321066.7 Middlesbrough24 October 20224 June 202513663244946.3 Manchester United13 January 2026present16113268.8 Total15576285149.0 Source: Wikipedia. Carrick’s ideal midfielder Speaking to Sky Sports, Carrick outlined all the qualities that a United midfielder needs to possess. He said: “To be a midfielder at Manchester United, you need to have an element of composure, an element of expression.” “You’ve got to be positive. You’ve got to have an element of athleticism to deal with fast attacks and how we want to play the game. In the end, you want to be creating excitement, you know, as well as having to defend. So, my answer is pretty much everything, really.” The Red Devils manager also acknowledged that United will need to find the ideal partner for Kobbie Mainoo, who has been outstanding in recent months. However, he stressed that whoever comes in should do more than just complement the 21 year old. Mainoo was a forgotten man under former head coach Ruben Amorim, but Carrick’s arrival, initially in a caretaker role in January, has rejuvenated him. The young midfielder, who appeared very close to leaving United under the Portuguese head coach, committed his future at Old Trafford until 2031 last month. Which midfielders are United eyeing? United remain linked with several midfielders from the Premier League and abroad, and their final decision on the matter could decide how their 2026/27 season unfolds. Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is bound to be high up on their list, but recent reports suggest that he is on his way to Manchester City. The Red Devils have also been linked with Newcastle United maestro Sandro Tonali, while Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba is a long-term target. Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes have been mentioned as well. There have also been reports linking United with Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni, as well as his team-mate Federico Valverde. However, a recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that the Red Devils are close to securing the signature of Atalanta’s Ederson to strengthen their midfield. Final Thoughts United displayed a clear plan in the transfer market last summer when they reinforced the attack and goalkeeping departments, and have subsequently reaped the rewards this season. Should INEOS manage to repeat the trick with the midfield this year, Carrick will have the right platform to take the Red Devils a step higher in the upcoming campaign. Featured image George Wood 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.
United plot shock raid for “untouchable” Chelsea defender as doubts grow over Carrick general – Ben Jacobs
Manchester United are interested in signing Chelsea’s defensive starlet Joshua Acheampong, according to Ben Jacobs. West London Jewel Despite only turning 20 in March, Acheampong has emerged as a key part of the Blues’ squad this season, making 29 appearances in all competitions. The Cobham graduate, who operates primarily as a centre-back but also has the versatility to play at full-back, possesses the prototypical profile for a modern defender. Standing at 6’3 already, he is comfortable in possession and playing out from the back, while offering high levels of awareness and positional intelligence. Chelsea staff rate the youngster extremely highly, with the West London club considering him a future leader in their team. Speaking to the United Stand, Jacobs confirms executives at Stamford Bridge have said Acheampong is “not for sale” and consider him “untouchable”. However, the talkSPORT reporter claims the player himself would be “interested in exploring options if he feels he’s not going to be getting regular game time next season.” Interest from Manchester Jacobs states Manchester United hold an interest in the defender as INEOS are looking at younger centre-backs to act as long-term successors to Harry Maguire. The 33-year-old put pen to paper on an extension last month, which has eased the pressure to sign a ready-made option in central defence. But a talented prospect like Acheampong, or Como’s 21-year-old Spanish starlet, Jacobo Ramón, are two names under consideration at Old Trafford. Manchester City are also understood to be keeping tabs on the situation, with Chelsea’s plan to sign a new “first-choice” centre-back this summer further blocking Acheampong’s path to first-team opportunities. Final Thoughts With three years remaining on his deal at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea are in a position of strength to stave off interest in the England under-21 international. He has also previously expressed his love for his boyhood club, further solidifying their stance. But Manchester United have shown no problem in raiding their rivals in London for exciting young talents, as the captures of Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven from Arsenal proved. Acheampong’s ability to play at right-back is another important factor, given there is growing interest in Diogo Dalot from Real Madrid, with a reunion with the manager who signed him for Manchester United, Jose Mourinho, on the cards in the Spanish capital. If the Portuguese fullback was to depart, Acheampong would be an excellent option to bolster the backline behind Noussair Mazraoui and Maguire — with the major blow it would cause Chelsea simply being the cherry on top of a delicious raid. Feature 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 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.
Serie A giant’s plan to capture United magician hands INEOS perfect chance to sign major upgrade – report
If he does not feature this Sunday against Brighton & Hove Albion, Joshua Zirkzee may have played his final game for Manchester United. He has spent two seasons at United but has unfortunately failed to establish himself at the club. Erik ten Hag never trusted him with game time, Ruben Amorim initially did but eventually gave up on him, and Michael Carrick, too, has not really relied on him, starting him only once. Indeed, Carrick’s preference to play Bryan Mbeumo over him has been a big hint that Zirkzee‘s future lies elsewhere. Well, he is widely expected to leave in the summer, though where he ends up next is not too obvious. The Dutch striker is primed for a return to Italy, and the last The Peoples Person report on his situation covered those claims perfectly. AS Roma to press hard for Joshua Zirkzee Now Alfredo Pedulla has dropped a fresh update on how AS Roma are about to push hard to sign the 25-year-old. He argues that for the Atalanta head coach, Zirkzee would be a dream signing, despite signing Donyell Malen last January, with the ex-Aston Villa man going on to be a massive hit. The Manchester United number eleven is still wanted in Bergamo. And Pedulla writes that “for the coach, they would be the perfect pairing (Malen and Zirkzee) to shape football: modernity, technique, and a sense and eye for goal. And since Zirkzee now seems predestined to leave Manchester United in the coming weeks, Gasperini will persist in the hope of beating the competition.” Roma motivation means well for Man United Given Atalanta’s desire, one would hope it could prompt them to table a tempting transfer proposal, one that Manchester United would be ready to accept, seeing the Gasperini-led side beat the Serie A competition. A Zirkzee-Malen link-up in Italy could, of course, prove quite the combination. That said, should Zirkzee leave, he opens the door for Manchester United to move for an attacker who can offer Benjamin Sesko the kind of competition he needs. With an experienced, goalscoring striker to share the striking workload, it could bring the best out of this Manchester United attack. Featured image by Molly Darlington/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 Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.
United agree five-year deal for fearsome 6’0 general to become first signing under Carrick – Ben Jacobs
Manchester United have agreed personal terms with Atalanta midfielder Ederson as the club zeroes in on their first summer signing, according to a transfer expert. A Deal is Struck Earlier today, it was reported in Italy that Manchester United had struck a £46 million deal with Atalanta to sign their Brazilian general. Advances were made last summer to gauge the viability of a deal, but the Serie A side’s exorbitant asking price killed any chance of a move. However, with Ederson’s contract in Bergamo expiring next year, La Dea are ready to sanction his sale to avoid the prospect of losing him on a free transfer in twelve months’ time. Atletico Madrid were considered frontrunners after getting the green light from the 26-year-old, but club-to-club negotiations failed to yield a similar result. This has allowed Manchester United to storm into the race and reach an agreement ahead of the Spanish giants, with Arsenal and another unnamed Italian team understood to be lurking in the background. Five-Year Deal is Agreed Speaking to the United Stand, Ben Jacobs reveals Ederson has “verbally agreed a five-year deal” with the Red Devils. All the terms are “not quite completed yet”, but the talkSPORT reporter claims these final details “won’t be an issue” and there is full confidence it will be accepted. Interestingly, Jacobs states the reports in Italian media of a done deal between Manchester United and Atalanta are a “little bit premature” as his sources indicate offers have only been verbally, rather than formally, tabled. However, the direction of travel suggests a deal is “progressing” as INEOS look to launch the first stage of their midfield rebuild this summer. Another key target in the crosshairs is Newcastle United maestro Sandro Tonali, who Manchester United are said to be targeting alongside Ederson as a one-two punch to fix the stalling engine room. A deal for the Italy international will prove far more difficult than the negotiations for the Brazilian, however, with the Magpies loath to lose their best players, particularly to a Premier League rival. 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.
United must use this genius tactic to hit Brighton where they are weakest and finish season with a bang
Manchester United bring the curtain down on their Premier League season with a trip to the seaside to face Fabian Hürzeler’s Brighton & Hove Albion in what will no doubt be a tough assignment for Michael Carrick’s men. However, after officially being named the permanent head coach of United today (Friday), Carrick will want to end the campaign with three points before heading into what is a massive summer for the club. With United guaranteed an impressive third-place finish and Brighton still in the mix for European football, there is undoubtedly more riding on the game for the home side, who will head into the fixture as favourites, with Carrick expected to rotate his starting XI. Old face to provide huge threat Whoever starts for the Reds will be in for a tough afternoon, with Hürzeler’s tactical nous among the best in the division and the added motivation for the hosts likely to play a part. Brighton are outstandingly well-drilled and will line up in a similar formation to United’s 4-2-3-1, which allows fluidity as well as structure both on and off the ball. Danny Welbeck will be the lone striker for the hosts and will be desperate to end another fine season on the South Coast in style after winning the club’s Player of the Season award. The Manchester lad has come back to haunt United on multiple occasions since leaving the club in 2014, and Harry Maguire will have to be on top of his game to stop him from adding to his impressive 13 Premier League goals this term. Welbeck will hold the ball up to bring his wide men and midfield into play and will not be afraid of Maguire’s physical presence as he attempts to peel off the back line and get on the end of crosses. Brighton will look to force the ball wide and feed Welbeck, whose clever movement is designed to lead to chances for himself or occupy defenders to allow space for the likes of Diego Gomes to attack. With Welbeck occupying the centre-backs, United’s midfield must be wary of Gomes in particular, who will be making the late runs into the box that have caught teams out throughout the campaign. Carrick is likely to make multiple changes but, with Casemiro officially ruled out and given United’s poor record without the outgoing Brazilian, Brighton will almost certainly look to exploit that area of the pitch and use Gomes’ clever movement to their advantage. Beat the press Hürzeler has done a fine job since taking over from Roberto De Zerbi at the Amex Stadium, and it has been in no small part down to the impressive pressing system that he employs. With the attacking players always nipping at the heels of defenders, Brighton’s full-backs are also tasked with setting the tone from a pressing aspect, and United will do well to avoid playing out from dangerous areas, particularly with an untested XI. Whilst the energy from the home full-backs will look to win the ball back high, should United pass the press quickly and get into wide attacking spaces, they could and should create a few chances of their own. The centre-back partnership of Lewis Dunk and Jan Paul van Hecke is solid in the main, but neither of the pair will want to be drawn into wide areas that United should exploit from the full-backs pushing on. Whether it is Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Patrick Dorgu or Amad in the wide spots for United, they all possess pace and will cause nightmares for either Dunk or Van Hecke if they are left exposed. Benjamin Sesko can also be a huge threat on Sunday, with his pace and power adding to the frontline, who, if fed quickly, will be the key to United winning the three points on Sunday. Set Pieces (and Bruno) Outside of Arsenal and Manchester City, United are the only team in the league that cannot be moved out of their position heading into the weekend, which means Bruno Fernandes grabbing an assist to break the all-time Premier League record would be the biggest cause for celebration on the day. Therefore, expect set pieces to play a huge role in United looking for a goal, with Fernandes’ delivery second to none and the threat Carrick’s side possess in the air a danger to anyone. United hold an outstanding record from set pieces and, with the extra motivation to grab a goal for Bruno at play, do not be surprised to see another goal from the wand of the captain to round off another wonderful individual campaign. Final thoughts Given the lack of clarity in Carrick’s starting XI, it is difficult to gauge where the game will be won and lost, but United must remain diligent with late runs into the box and stop crosses into the 18-yard box at every opportunity to stand the best chance of winning on Sunday. Bypassing the press and missing out the middle of the park to turn the home side around feels the best route to a goal or two, and Carrick should feel no shame in using that tactic to ensure United head into the summer with another three points added to their tally. Featured image Alex Livesey 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 Conner Botterill Conner Botterill has been with The Peoples Person for three years. A lifelong red with degrees in Sport and Journalism and Philosophy and Psychology through the Open University. His favourite match attended was the unforgettable night in Paris in 2019 under the guidance of one of his idols, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Conner still believes he has a chance of making United’s first team through his 5-a-side career.
Journo drops out-of-the-blue Man Utd bombshell confirming ‘genuine interest’ in 80-goal Portugal international
Manchester United are ‘genuinely interested’ in securing a deal for Rafael Leao this summer, according to Italian journalist Pietro Balzano Prota.It comes ahead of another much-needed rebuild in the transfer window for United as they prepare for their return to the Champions League next season. Il Manchester United è interessato realmente a Leao.@MilanVibesIT #Milan — Pietro Balzano Prota (@PBPcalcio) May 21, 2026DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYReds set sights on Rafael Leao swoopProta isn’t the first to suggest that the Red Devils are among Leao’s suitors, so there certainly seems to be some substance in the speculation. The Rafael Leão show 🍿@RafaeLeao7 || @acmilan || #UCL pic.twitter.com/LSECaZRTpl — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 17, 2023Want more Stretty News coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustIn fact, it has even been claimed that United could look to use out-of-favour forward Joshua Zirkzee in a player-plus-cash proposal for Leao in hopes of bypassing the star’s £103 million release clause.The 26-year-old boasts a stellar record of 80 goals and 65 assists in 290 appearances for AC Milan, where he has previously won the Serie A title and Italian Super Cup.How Leao has fared in 2025/2026While he hasn’t overseen his most prolific season this time around, having returned 10 goals and three assists in 30 games, Leao has done enough to earn a place in Roberto Martinez’s World Cup squad, meaning he’ll be playing alongside Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot when the Portuguese get their campaign underway. Os 𝟮𝟳+𝟭 que levam o 𝗦𝗼𝗻𝗵𝗼 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗹 para as “Américas” 💭🏆#VaiDarPortugal | @FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/NXZY6EiuOY — Portugal (@selecaoportugal) May 19, 2026It does, however, also mean that any potential transfer will have to wait until he has returned from the tournament.The Sporting CP graduate has yet to test himself in England, but has gained a wealth of European experience through his stints in his native country, France (Lille) and Italy (Milan). Appearances Goals Assists 226 64 50 Leao’s Serie A record Read more: Carrick makes first major Man Utd transfer call as he tells INEOS to block sale of Bayern, Barcelona and Madrid target
“Not a dig…”: United loanee explains controversial post following strong fan reaction
Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford has shared a response after securing a place in England’s World Cup squad. Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel released his squad for the summer’s major tournament, and stirred controversy by leaving out several big names. Red Devils duo Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw failed to make the cut despite their resurgence this season. Maguire even took to social media to vent his frustration over the matter, prompting a response from Tuchel. Kobbie Mainoo, though, will be on the plane across the Atlantic, a reward for his impressive form under Michael Carrick in the past few months. The 21 year old has played a major role in United’s third-placed finish this season, and also signed a new deal until 2031 last month. Another former academy graduate who has been named in England’s squad is Rashford, who has enjoyed a new lease of life after joining Barcelona on loan last summer. A whirlwind last 18 months Rashford’s troubles at Old Trafford began with the arrival of Ruben Amorim as former manager Erik ten Hag’s successor in November 2024. The Englishman was going through a lean patch under the Dutchman, but he was included in the starting XI by the Portuguese head coach for his first game in charge. Rashford scored in the 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town, but soon fell out of favour under Amorim. Two months later, the Englishman moved to Aston Villa on a season-long loan. The 28 year old enjoyed an impressive run under Unai Emery at Villa Park, but it was not enough to convince Amorim. Rashford subsequently moved to Barcelona on loan last summer, and has now won the league and the Supercopa de Espana at Camp Nou. The Englishman has flourished under Hansi Flick this season, scoring 14 goals and set up 14 more in 48 appearances across all competitions. The Spanish champions have the option to sign him permanently for €30 million, although they are yet to exercise that clause. Marcus Rashford Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played LaLiga3117893-1,672′ UEFA Champions League11554–579′ Copa del Rey4311–249′ Supercopa20—-32′ Total482514143-2,532′ Source: Transfermarkt. Nevertheless, the player’s impressive form in Spain has now been rewarded by Tuchel. The former United academy graduate has since taken to social media to share his thoughts on the matter, and it has stirred up a storm. Rashford’s dig at United? Sharing a post on social media, Rashford said that he was eager to represent England at the FIFA World Cup. He wrote: “Today marks a full-circle moment for me, from despair to jubilation.” “Missing out on that [2024] Euros squad helped me grow both as a player and a person, and most importantly, gave me a goal to work towards. Thank you so much for this opportunity, and I can’t wait to pull on the shirt at the World Cup.” The Englishman also thanked Tuchel, Emery and Flick for helping him achieve his goal and expressed his gratitude to England, Villa and Barcelona for believing in him. He continued: “Special thanks to Unai, Hansi, Thomas, Aston Villa, Barcelona and England for believing in me when things got tough.” Eagle-eyed fans were quick to notice that Rashford had not mentioned United, which ignited a strong reaction, prompting the player to issue a response. He wrote: “To make my IG story clear. It’s not a dig of any sort! I’m a MU supporter, and that remains.” “I was showing gratitude to the clubs and coaches that I have worked with over the past 18 months. They have played a big role in this [England] call-up.” Final Thoughts United fans will be growing tired of the Rashford saga and it is in the best interests of all parties involved that he moves on this summer. However, the Red Devils should also ensure they sign a proper winger to replace the Englishman. To make my IG story clear. It’s not a dig of any sort! I’m a MU supporter, and that remains. I was showing gratitude to the clubs and coaches that I have worked with over the past 18 months, they have played a big role in this 🏴 call up. — MR14 (@MarcusRashford) May 22, 2026 Featured image Denis Doyle 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.
