(Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) Robert Lewandowski has decided to leave Barcelona on a free transfer, and Rio Ferdinand believes he could be an interesting acquisition for Manchester United.It is no secret that they need more quality in the attacking unit, and the 37-year-old could be very useful for them in the short term. He is a prolific goalscorer who has proven himself across multiple leagues. There is no doubt that he’s one of the best strikers of his generation. His quality, experience and leadership skills could prove invaluable to Manchester United.Robert Lewandowski to Man United?Lewandowski has scored 18 goals this season, and he has picked up four assists as well. What a guy, what a player!! Experienced option next season in UCL & help with development of Sesko? 👀 https://t.co/WbnVyAM80W — Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) May 16, 2026https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsLewandowski would be a superb signingThey are preparing to return to the UEFA Champions League next season, and they need more quality in the team. Benjamin Sesko has done reasonably well during his debut campaign, but he needs more support in the attack. He is a young player, and an experienced mentor like Lewandowski could be ideal for him. The Polish International could share the goal-scoring burden with the young attacker.He has also been linked with a move to Manchester United in the past. It will be interesting to see if Manchester United can convince the player to join the club. Signing him for a short spell on a free transfer could prove to be a masterstroke.There is no doubt that the Barcelona attacker has the physical and technical attributes to do well in the Premier League, and he could help Manchester United fight for trophies next season.The player has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia and the MLS. However, the opportunity to play in the Premier League could be attractive. This could be his final opportunity to compete at the highest level.
Club icon urges move for 18-goal star who could transform Manchester United
“They have been amazing”: United Women star singles out fans for praise after “gruelling season”
Manchester United Women fell to a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea Women in the last match of the season. The Red Devils pushed hard for an equaliser, but it never came as they had to come to terms with yet another defeat to the Blues. Gabby George spoke to the club’s media after the match and felt her side did all they could to get the equaliser that never came. Gabby George Reflecting on her side’s effort, she explained, “I think we pushed all the way to the end. We had some good chances in the game and we just couldn’t get it over the line today but we are going to work on that, reflect and come back next season and hopefully take it to another level.” Asked about the formation change in the middle of the match and the loss of two fullbacks to injury, George admitted that it was tough to deal with. She explained, “I think we just needed to go for it and try get something from the game and change something so went to a three for a little bit. Yeah, it was difficult losing Anna (Sandberg) and Jayde (Riviere), we know how big a part they play in the way that we play but we have different people who can come in and do a job. Frido (Rolfo) came in and did a great job and Hanna’s (Lundkvist) been great since she came in so yeah, we have a great squad, it is just about building from now.” Centre back role George was then asked what it was like to play in a more central role as she played 90 minutes in the centre of the defence. She explained, “yeah, I have got 10 years’ experience playing centre back so I am more comfortable playing there. I can play left back too. It is good to be versatile and I am happy to play wherever the manager wants me to play. So yeah, I will give my all every time I put the shirt on.” Reflection on campaign George was then asked to sum up the experience of the season and she claimed, “these are the seasons that we want. We want to be playing in Europe and that is what we are going to look to do next year and push to try and finish in the Champions League spots.” She also pinpointed the key role of the fans this season and claimed, “they have been amazing. Every single game, home or away, like you said, across Europe. They just stick with us the whole way through. She added, “it has been a gruelling season for us all. We’ve played the most amount of games we have played in any season and we are ticking off little boxes as we go. Of course we wanted to qualify for the Champions League and it hasn’t happened but it’s about how we return next season and push together as a squad.” United Women’s players will now take a well earned break while the club will aim to bolster the squad in the upcoming transfer window with the club already linked to Spanish fullback Andrea Medina. Gabby George stats vs Chelsea Women StatisticValue Goals0 Assists0 Expected assists (xA)0 Def. contributions10 Tackles (won)1 (1) Interceptions3 Clearances5 Blocked shots1 Recoveries4 Ground duels (won)2 (1) Aerial duels (won)6 (3) Fouls1 Dribbled past0 Key passes0 Crosses (accurate)0 (0) Accurate passes35/42 (83%) Passes in opposition half (acc.)7/11 (64%) Passes in own half (acc.)28/31 (90%) Long balls (accurate)2/8 (25%) Touches55 Dribbles (successful)0 (0) Possession lost7 Total carrying distance162.5 m Carries23 Total progression40 m Total shots0 Shots on target0 Shots blocked0 Source: Sofascore Feature 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 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.
0 key passes, 0 crosses, 0 dribbles: United’s loanee’s nightmare comes to an end in Europe
Manchester United had three players in loan action across their men’s and women’s teams this Friday and Saturday. To find out where all of United’s loanees are plying their trade this season, click here. Hannah Blundell The United Women full-back signed off the season and her loan spell with an impressive win for Everton. She played the full 90 minutes in the Toffees’ 1-0 win over Leicester City. Blundell made one tackle, an interception, and won three of her four ground duels. She also made one key pass and completed one of her two cross attempts in the match. The veteran full-back completed 83% of her passes successfully but was unable to complete her only dribble attempt of the match. Enzo Kana-Biyik The French youngster made his first start since January in FC Lausanne-Sport’s 1-3 defeat to Grasshoppers. He played the first 45 minutes with little to no impact on the game. The striker had one shot on goal but it did not threaten the keeper or the goal significantly. He failed in both his dribble attempts and was unable to complete a key pass during his time on the pitch. Kana-Biyik completed 73% of his passes and failed to complete a dribble attempt in a rather poor showing for the Swiss side. It will be considered a disappointing loan for the youngster, as he only managed one goal all season and rarely made much of an impact. Enzo Kana-Biyik stats vs Grasshoppers Goals0 Expected goals (xG)0.16 Assists0 Expected assists (xA)0.01 Total shots1 Shots on target0 Shots blocked0 Touches20 Unsuccessful touches1 Dribbles (successful)2 (0) Was fouled1 Possession lost8 Total carrying distance89.1 m Carries6 Progressive carries2 Total progression34.1 m Progressive carrying distance49.3 m Longest progressive carry20.4 m Key passes0 Crosses (accurate)1 (0) Accurate passes8/11 (73%) Passes in opposition half (acc.)6/6 (100%) Passes in own half (acc.)2/5 (40%) Def. contributions1 Tackles (won)0 (0) Interceptions0 Clearances1 Blocked shots0 Recoveries1 Ground duels (won)5 (1) Fouls1 Dribbled past0 Jadon Sancho Sancho played the final few minutes of Aston Villa’s 4-2 win over Liverpool in the league, which ensured the Merseysiders would certainly finish below United in the league table this season. The English winger will hope he gets the chance to play in the Europa League final this Wednesday against Freiburg. 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.
United make contact to sign blistering 24-yo attacker with more assists than Bruno Fernandes – report
Manchester United’s search for a new left winger has reportedly taken them to Belgium. The club’s recruitment team wants to add an explosive attacker capable of providing width down the left flank. However, their dream target, Yan Diomande, is likely to be out of reach, with RB Leipzig demanding around €100 million for his transfer. As such, United are thought to be on the hunt for a relatively cheaper alternative. Manchester United set sights on Christos Tzolis According to Belgian newspaper Gazet van Antwerpen (via Sport Witness), Manchester United are keen on Club Brugge star Christos Tzolis. It is suggested that the 24-year-old Greek winger appears destined to be the new record departure from Belgian football this summer. The right-footed attacker, known for his blistering pace, has scored 19 goals and provided 24 assists this season across all competitions. To put that in comparison, Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes has registered 21 assists. The former Norwich City star is “whirling through” the Jupiler Pro League, beating teams on his own week by week. Tzolis’s incredible return and performances have reportedly alerted Europe’s top clubs. Manchester United make their move for Christos Tzolis The newspaper claims Juventus, Aston Villa, and “especially” Manchester United have shown interest in recent weeks. Furthermore, the Red Devils have allegedly made enquiries about Tzolis ahead of the summer. It is understood Club Brugge intend to fetch a record-breaking fee for their talisman, who is ready to move on. The Belgian giants want the Greek international to be the new record departure in the country, overtaking Ardon Jashari, who joined AC Milan for €36 million last summer. Any deal for the winger will have to be above that price. Featured image Alex Bierens de Haan 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!
“In the veins of our club”: Skinner makes defiant promise to United Women’s incomparable supporters
Manchester United Women rounded off their season with a familiar 0-1 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Sam Kerr’s first-half strike was enough to separate the sides after United missed a couple of clear chances in the second half to equalise. Marc Skinner After a poor last three months of the season, pressure has been ramping up on the head coach of the women’s team, Marc Skinner. After another defeat, he opened up to the club’s media on the game and his team’s season. He claimed, “the players have had a hard, long season and I can’t be prouder of them. I want to win things, but it’s okay to say that I’m still proud of them.” Skinner added, “we’ll be the most scrutinised team of the country, as our fans all know, [but] you’ve got nothing but fight from this team. We need the fine margins of quality in moments we’re creating and that will be the gap we have to close in the summer. But I can’t fault any of the players in this team for what they’ve given this year.” Games piling up The head coach then highlighted the sheer number of games his squad had to manage this season owing to their run to the quarter-finals of the Champions League. He explained, “as much as they hurt [in defeat], they’ve played 41 games this year, not including [pre-season] friendlies. That’s without the international players playing all the games they’ve played. We’ve played in six different countries, on our first attempt in the Champions League. If we’d have had that squad today [available against Bayern Munich], I think we would have taken Bayern as well. I do believe that, and then we would have been into a different place.” Skinner also explained that this season will be an important learning curve for his side and that the club will take this momentum into next season. He explained, “we’ve always done that at Manchester United and I’m excited to see what we can do next year.” Fans The coach then praised the role of United’s loyal followers by claiming, “no other fans compare. No other fans compare. We have asked them to do late nights, early mornings, early starts, late home… they’ve been incredible. To every one of them, for everyone that wants us to do better and win more, thank you to them as well, because we’re driving [and] aspiring to do that.” Skinner finally promised the supporters that the club will give everything to do better next season. He asserted, “in the veins of our club runs that kind of DNA. I know that as a team we’ll come back, we’ll look what we can do better over the summer and we’ll come hard into next season.” Featured image Maja Hitij 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.
Manchester United could reignite interest in 16-goal star Tottenham nearly signed
Michael Carrick, Head Coach of Manchester United, celebrates as he shows appreciation to the fans following the team’s victory in the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 25, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) Manchester United are looking to add more creativity to the team with the signing of Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest.According to TEAMtalk, they have a long-standing interest in the 26-year-old playmaker, and it remains to be seen whether they decide to submit an offer for him. Tottenham are also keeping tabs on him after missing out last summer.Can Man United sign Morgan Gibbs-White?Nottingham Forest does not want to lose the player, and it will be difficult for Manchester United to complete the deal. He has a long-term contract with the club, and Nottingham Forest are under no pressure to sell him.There is no doubt that he would be a very handy option for Manchester United. He could be the ideal cover for Bruno Fernandes. Manchester United will be competing in the UEFA Champions League next season, and they need adequate depth in the team. The 26-year-old could score goals from the midfield and create opportunities for his teammates. He has 16 goals to his name this season, and he has picked up seven assists as well.Gibbs-White might need to push for a movePlaying alongside top-quality players at Manchester United could bring out the best in him. It remains to be seen whether the player is attracted to the idea of moving to Old Trafford. Gibbs-White is a boyhood Manchester United fan. Before he signed a long-term contract with Nottingham Forest, he was very close to joining Tottenham Hotspur.Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest could lose Elliot Anderson in the summer as well. They will not want to lose two key players in one window. It remains to be seen how the situation develops. Multiple clubs are keeping tabs on both players, and Nottingham Forest could be in for a tough time during the summer transfer window.
Man United want prolific winger who has been involved in 43 goals this season
(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) Christos Tzolis has been excellent in the Belgian league with Club Brugge, and his performances have attracted the attention of Manchester United.They are hoping to sign the 24-year-old attacker, and they have already made enquiries, according to GVA. It will be interesting to see if they come forward with an offer in the summer. They need more creativity and goals in the final third, and the Greek international could be a very handy option for them.Manchester United have been monitoring his progress for several seasons.Tzolis is in red-hot formThe player has scored 19 goals this season and recorded 24 assists. He has 80 goal contributions in 105 matches for the Belgian outfit. He has been prolific at that level, and moving to the Premier League could be ideal for him now. He needs a new challenge in order to improve further and fulfil his potential.The opportunity to play for Manchester United will be hard to turn down. They are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and they will be able to provide him with Champions League football next season. Aston Villa are also monitoring his development, and it remains to be seen whether they decide to make a move for him.Man United could use Christos TzolisTzolis is still relatively young with a bright future, and Manchester United could groom him into a star. They will be hoping to do well in the Premier League and the Champions League next season, and they need more options. Adding more quality on the flanks and bringing in a reliable striker should be a priority for them.They have done well to improve the attacking unit at the start of the season, but they need more depth if they want to do well across multiple competitions. Tzolis can operate on either flank, and he will add end product and unpredictability to the team.
Man United eye £70m missing-piece, Bruno Fernandes could help seal move
Bruno Fernandes celebrates after scoring a penalty against Crystal Palace. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) Manchester United are hoping to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United at the end of the season.According to a report from TEAMtalk, they have been monitoring the 21-year-old central midfielder for most of the season, and they are now formulating plans to improve the midfield unit ahead of next season. They need more quality and control in the middle of the park, and the Portuguese International would be ideal.Meanwhile, the report claims that four other Premier League clubs are also interested in the 21-year-old midfielder.Mateus Fernandes asking price revealedThe player will cost around £70 million, and it remains to be seen whether Manchester United is willing to pay up. There is no doubt they have the financial resources to afford the young midfielder, and he could prove an asset to them. He will help them control games better. He is a hard-working player who can help out defensively as well.It will be interesting to see if Bruno Fernandes can play a key role in getting the player to Manchester United. The 21-year-old could be tempted to join up with his compatriot at Old Trafford.Fernandes could move onWest Ham United is fighting for survival in the Premier League, and they could go down at the end of the season. Fernandes will not want to compete in the second division of English football. It would be ideal for him to join a bigger club, and Manchester United could be a good fit.As for the other clubs keen on him, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City have made enquiries. It will be interesting to see if they are willing to come forward with an official offer to get the deal done.
United will conquer the Premier League with these five blockbuster arrivals, including 65 g/a marksman – opinion
Manchester United are preparing for a blockbuster summer transfer window after securing qualification for next season’s Champions League. The Red Devils are third in the Premier League table after 36 games, three points clear of fourth-placed Aston Villa with a game in hand. Caretaker manager Michael Carrick has transformed the season since taking charge in January, managing 10 wins and three draws in his 15 games in charge. The focus will now be on strengthening the squad ahead of a demanding campaign. United are set to finish this campaign with just 40 games played, which will be their lowest since the 1914/15 season. Things will be different next season, with the expectation that the Red Devils will continue their rise under Carrick and compete on four fronts. That may require significant changes in the squad, and here are my top 10 transfers for this summer, the latest in The Peoples Person 2026 transfer series. Outgoings 1. Mason Mount United were looking to add more creativity to their ranks when they signed Mason Mount from Chelsea in the summer of 2023. However, three seasons later, the Englishman has managed just 70 appearances, scoring seven goals and registering two assists. Having missed 58 games through various knocks during his stay at Old Trafford, it is hard to rely on the 27 year old for an entire season. With the attack sorted and the midfield set for a major overhaul, United are unlikely to miss him either, so it would be best to cash in on him this summer. 2. Manuel Ugarte Manuel Ugarte was supposed to succeed Casemiro at United, but it was the Brazilian who ended up relegating him to the bench. The fact that United have lost six and won just one of the 10 games across competitions that he started this season also paints a poor picture of the Uruguayan. The 25 year old’s performances also outline why Luis Enrique did not bat an eyelid when Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) sold him to the Red Devils in 2024. Ugarte has looked short of confidence in recent months and this summer would be the right time to let him go. 3. Joshua Zirkzee Joshua Zirkzee arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2024 following a blockbuster campaign in Serie A but has failed to replicate that form in England. The Dutchman has only shown glimpses of the qualities that prompted United to invest in his signature and his lack of consistency has hurt the club. The 24 year old has struggled for game time this season after the Red Devils invested heavily in attack last summer. With just two goals and one assist in 24 games this campaign, Zirkzee is no longer first choice at Old Trafford. United certainly need an upgrade in the goalscoring department as they prepare to fight for silverware next season. The English giants have already been linked with several No. 9s and the Dutchman should not stay at Old Trafford beyond the summer. 4.Andre Onana Senne Lammens’ arrival appears to have solved the goalkeeping crisis at the Theatre of Dreams. The Belgian has addressed one of United’s biggest problems in the squad and Andre Onana’s expensive howlers are now a thing of the past. The Cameroonian has done a decent job on loan at Trabzonspor, but he really does not have a future at the Theatre of Dreams. The 30 year old has nothing more to offer the Red Devils and INEOS should bring his chapter at the club to an end this summer. 5. Altay Bayindir Altay Bayindir started the season as the preferred option between the sticks but hardly looked like an upgrade on Onana. The Turkey international eventually lost his place to Lammens at the beginning of October and has not featured for United since. Meanwhile, Radek Vitek has impressed on loan at Bristol City and remains highly regarded at Old Trafford. The Red Devils, as such, could be tempted to make the Serbian the No. 2 next season, rendering Bayindir surplus to requirements. The 28 year old has drawn interest from clubs in his homeland, so this summer would be the right time to let him go. Incomings 1. Elliot Anderson United need a capable replacement for the outgoing Casemiro, and there is arguably no one better than Elliot Anderson for the job. The Englishman has been one of the most dominant midfielders in the Premier League this season, despite playing in a struggling Nottingham Forest side. The 23 year old has all the attributes to be the perfect partner for Kobbie Mainoo in midfield, while his knowledge of the league could help him hit the ground running at Old Trafford. A recent report also suggests that Anderson is warming up to the idea of a move to the Theatre of Dreams, so United cannot afford to miss out on this opportunity. Elliot Anderson Stats: 2025/26 CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League3635427-3,180′ UEFA Europa League128-131833′ Total4843431014,013′ Source: Transfermarkt. 2. Harry Kane United need to sign the best to become the best and having missed out on Harry Kane in 2023, they could have the opportunity to secure his signature this year. The Englishman has only enhanced his reputation since joining Bayern Munich, registering 140 goals and 33 assists in 145 games. The 32 year old’s arrival could mirror that of Robin van Persie in the summer of 2012, and transform the Red Devils into title contenders. The only downside would be that it would cut into Benjamin Sesko’s game time, but one could argue that the Slovenian may improve even further by rubbing shoulders with the mercurial Englishman. With Casemiro set to leave, United also need to add leadership and experience to their dressing room. Kane’s knowledge of the Premier League could therefore prove invaluable for the squad. Alan Shearer should be worried. Harry Kane Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Bundesliga31253651-2,382′ UEFA Champions League1312142–1,041′ DFB-Pokal557-1-447′ Franz-Beckenbauer-Supercup111-1-90′ Total50435873-3,960′ Source: Transfermarkt.3. Joao Gomes United also need an upgrade on Ugarte, and Joao Gomes could be an excellent option for the job. The Brazilian’s aggression and ball-winning ability could complement Mainoo’s calmness and poise in the middle of the park. With Wolverhampton Wanderers relegated to the Championship, the Red Devils could even have the opportunity to secure a cut-price deal for the 25 year old. Gomes’ arrival would add depth to United’s midfield and allow them to compete across competitions next season. 4. Hayden Hackney While the emphasis has been on replacing Casemiro and Ugarte, United also need to add more cover for Mainoo to ensure he does not burn out. Hayden Hackney has been one of the standout midfielders in the Championship, and Carrick knows him well after managing him at Middlesbrough. The Englishman’s composure, passing range and tactical nous could make him a smart addition to the Red Devils’ squad. The 23 year old will not cost a fortune and while he may not send fans into meltdown, this is a low-risk, high-reward deal that INEOS could relish. 5. Michael Kayode With neither Diogo Dalot nor Noussair Mazraoui managing to impress consistently, United need a marauding right-back who can provide defensive cover and attacking impetus. Enter Michael Kayode, the Brentford full-back whose explosive pace and athleticism could be exactly what the Red Devils need. The 21 year old is not the finished article yet, but has all the ingredients to become one of the best in his position in the world. The Italian is turning heads across the league, and this summer could represent an opportunity to sign him before his value skyrockets. Final Thoughts Recent reports suggest United are set to retain Carrick as the permanent manager. The Red Devils now have to ensure they invest wisely in the squad this summer to give him the tools required to fight for trophies. These five signings, if completed, could transform the squad and prepare United for the present and the future. INEOS cannot afford to get this wrong this summer. Harry Kane scores his fourth hat trick of the season for Bayern Munich 🎩 It’s his 12th in all competitions in three seasons in Germany. pic.twitter.com/DBu91vikTZ — B/R Football (@brfootball) May 16, 2026 Featured image Alexander Hassenstein 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 youngster returns from impressive loan spell but could not make the difference in Premier League 2 final
Manchester United Under-21s narrowly missed out on silverware as Brighton & Hove Albion Under-21s edged past them in the Premier League 2 play-off final. These are our player ratings for the match. You can read a detailed match report here. (A score of six is around average.) Ratings Will Murdock – 7.5 – Capped off a great season with another performance of high quality. His proactiveness off the line was key to making a great save in the first half and putting off the Brighton attacker in another one-on-one situation. Jaydan Kamason – 6 – A mixed bag on the night, he was decent in possession and bringing the ball out from the back but defensively found it tough at times to deal with former United man Nehemiah Oriola’s directness. Sonny Aljofree – 5.5 – He was lucky to get away with a bad back pass in the first half that gifted Brighton a one-on-one chance. On the ball, he was too slow to get the ball out from the back but did play a nice long ball at the end that should have ended in a goal. Dan Armer – 5.5 – Similarly, he was slow and ponderous on the ball as United lacked any urgency but did show quality at times to pick a pass through the lines. He made some good clearances in the box aerially but could have done better to defend the area for their goal and was troubled with quick breaks on the counter. Diego Leon – 5 – Got into a number of good positions down the left wing and even tucked into midfield. But once he received the ball, his poor first touch often saw the openings closed and he lost his man at the back post for their goal. Tyler Fletcher – 7 – One of United’s better performers on the night, he showed why he was awarded the Under-21s player of the season. His ability to cover ground and win physical duels was key to United controlling the midfield, particularly in the first half. On the ball, he also took charge, looking to switch the play quicker and linking the midfield. Dan Gore – 7 – Back from an impressive loan spell, he slotted straight in with crisp passing through the lines and robust play across the middle. Shea Lacey – 6 – An excellent final 10 minutes to the match where he twisted his marker inside and out as he went both ways and created a series of chances, but he waited until stoppage time to really turn it on despite having the beating of his man. Having been banging on the first team door all season, he needs to take more control of matches and force things earlier as he has the quality to do so. Jack Fletcher – 6.5 – Looked the most likely to create throughout most of the match and popped up across the front line with good movement. He also was key to pressing on the front foot and combined well with the midfield, but the same connection with the attack was lacking. James Scanlon – 5 – He did not create much in attack and Brighton often exposed his side to play out of United’s press. Victor Musa – 5 – Broke free in behind their backline once but was unable to capitalise as they recovered and made the block. In total, he provided little presence as the centre forward and did not hold the ball up. Substitutes Chido Obi – 6 – Often did the hard work well but came up short when it came to finishing. Was served on a plate by Biancheri at the death, but his hesitancy in the box saw him go for an extra touch and lose control. Godwill Kukonki – 6 – Kept it fairly simple on the ball and was not troubled defensively. Jim Thwaites – 6.5 – He provided a couple of good deliveries into the box towards the end of the match. Gabriele Biancheri – 6.5 – Provided the best movement from any of United’s attack near the end of the match with two great runs into the box, one of which led to him setting up Obi for a sitter. Featured image Ben Roberts photo 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 Colm Murphy A football obsessed Canadian who moved to England to enjoy the beautiful game. Colm has been keen follower of Manchester United’s famed academy since seeing a fresh faced Adnan Januzaj for the club’s u18s and has been writing about football with a focus on youth development for over 10 years. You can follow him X: RedYouthUnited.
