Interim Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has been speaking to the media in the embargoed section of the press conference ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford. The first question in this section was: Squad rotation with the season settled “I know the Under-21s play tomorrow night, but I was wondering whether there’d be scope for young players to get some opportunities in the final two matches? I’m thinking particularly Shea Lacey, who seems very close to a breakthrough, perhaps the Brighton game on the final day of the season?” Carrick answered: “100%, it’s something we would love to happen, and I’m not talking about just Shea, but I think in terms of getting younger players involved. And listen, they’re heavily involved in and around the group, they have been all the time anyway, but the fact that the game is tomorrow night for them, they’ll be heavily involved in that and I think they should be.” “And then obviously of course the week after leading to the Brighton game then we’ll reassess as well, but it’s important we finish strong as well so we’ve got responsibilities to do that as well. So we’ve got to get the balance right but it’s a massive part for me and for this football club is to try and bring the younger players on and give them opportunities to see what they can do, yeah for sure.” Elliot Anderson A reporter then asked “as a fellow Wallsend lad and midfielder, how impressed have you been with Elliott Anderson this season?” “Yeah, he’s done well,” Carrick replied. “I think he’s a big part of their [Forest’s] team. I think he offers so much. I think they’ve got a really talented team and a dangerous team, so they’ve had a good season to get to the semi-finals and just fall short. But yeah, you can see obviously he’s an important part of their team.” Tyrell Malacia “Just following up the question about the kids,” another reporter asked, “there’s not just Casemiro’s farewell to Old Trafford on Sunday, you’ve got Tyrell [Malacia] as well, who’s out of contract, other players who, fair to say, might not be coming back next season. How much will that kind of play a part in your team selection?” The boss responded: “Yes and no. I think it always gets to this stage of the season where there’s a few uncertainties. I think whatever the situation, however you finish the season or whatever. I think there’s always a case of contracts or individual kind of agendas, if you like, or roles and situations.” “But all I can say is we want to finish the season strong. I think we’ve put ourselves in a good position. We’ve achieved something to a point. But yeah, we want to finish, especially at home, but home and away, you know, it doesn’t matter. But we feel that responsibility and pride in ourselves and for the football club that we want to finish strong. So we put a team out to do that.” How has the dressing room settled? The next reporter compared United to Real Madrid, where there’s been a lot of dressing room unrest. The question was “here the dressing room seems to be very settled. What do you put that down to? Is ego removed from the dressing room here?” Carrick answered: “Ego is a funny one actually because I think to perform at the top, top level you’ve got to have some sort of ego. And that can be used in all sorts of different ways, so it’s how you use it really is the key thing and I think it’s a part of me of learning and being here and seeing others, better players than me, dealing with that and being and sacrificing themselves for the team.” “Putting the ego from yourself into the team is important and you’ve got to have something to fight for and be attached to really. So I hope I’m making sense when I say that it doesn’t have to be an ego where it’s an individual thing or it’s a negative in any way. I think it’s essentially, it’s a pride. It’s a pride in yourself and what you’re kind of working towards, you know, and I think all our egos, which we’ve got in different ways, and I think it’s clear to see the spirit and the connection and the camaraderie that everyone’s pulling in one direction to put their ego into the football club can be quite powerful and we’ve got to use that.” Every word of the first section of the presser can be read here. 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 Red Billy Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and two magazines and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy first saw United live in 1971, watching George Best, Bobby Charlton and Denis Law, before becoming a League Match ticket book holder from 1975/76 and a writer since 1995. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.
“He offers so much”: Carrick drooling over “important” midfield transfer target, he’s clearly a fan
United suffer devastating Premier League 2 play-off heartbreak as late miss proves costly in final
Manchester United’s U21s took on Brighton & Hove Albion U21s on Saturday night in the Premier League 2 play-off final. After finishing joint top with Chelsea after the league phase, United looked to establish themselves as the top U21s side in the country by winning the play-off final. Scheduling saw United at a disadvantage, as despite finishing second in the league phase on goal difference, Adam Lawrence’s side were forced to play the quarter-finals through to the final all away from home. The scheduling issues were compounded by the fact that the FA Youth Cup final was pushed back and took place just two days prior, leaving a number of key United players, like Chido Obi, with little rest and forcing them to start on the bench. First half United were boosted by the return of Dan Gore after a successful loan spell at Rotherham United. It was Gore who had United’s first clear effort after being teed up by Jack Fletcher, but the midfielder could not keep his shot down. At the other end, former United academy player Nehemiah Oriola proved a handful as he raced past Jaydan Kamason and saw his effort also fly over the bar. Just before the half-hour mark, Diego Leon appeared to be fouled but the referee waved play on, allowing Brighton to hit on the counter. Will Murdock was quick off his line to produce a top save. It was then United’s turn to hit on the break. Jack Fletcher intercepted the ball high up the pitch before flashing the ball across goal, but Victor Musa was just out of reach at the back post. Mistakes from either side were the main source of chance creation, but a lack of quality in the final third meant the score remained 0-0 at the break. Second half The home side took the lead in the 57th minute. A low cross from the left was allowed to roll across the face of the goal before being finished off by Tyler Silsby at the back post. Despite trailing by a goal, a lack of urgency in United’s play saw the minutes tick away with little to show for it until late on. Shea Lacey did not come alive until near the end of the match, starting with a free kick delivery to Obi, but it was a bit behind the Danish striker who could not wrap his boot around it enough to direct it on target. Lacey then twisted his marker inside and out but was unable to find a red shirt in the area. United’s chance came in stoppage time. Sonny Aljofree’s ball over the top was taken on the run excellently by Gabriele Biancheri, who backheeled to Obi to set it on a plate, but Obi hesitated and ultimately got the ball caught under his feet. The chance went begging and ultimately it was too little, too late for United, who waited until stoppage time to throw the kitchen sink at it. Despite the disappointing end to the season, it was a campaign with many positives to take from it for United’s youngsters. Match facts United: Murdock; Kamason (Thwaites 78), Aljofree, Armer, Leon (Kukonki 63); Gore, T.Fletcher; Lacey, J.Fletcher, Scanlon (Biancheri 78); Musa (Obi 63). Subs not used: Byrne-Hughes. Booked: Kamason, Armer, Lacey. Featured image Matt McNulty 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.
Everything you need to know about Michael Carrick’s Man Utd contract after Fabrizio Romano update
Michael Carrick’s new deal with Manchester United will see him stay until the summer of 2028, with the option of an extra year.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYFabrizio Romano confirmed the welcome news on Saturday morning on X (formerly Twitter), with the Red Devils having already secured Champions League football.The club is set to face Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon, and victories in their final two Premier League games would see them breach the 70-point mark for the campaign.Michael Carrick picks up a two-year deal at Manchester UnitedRomano hopped onto X this morning to confirm that a new deal is officially on the way for Carrick. 🚨 Michael Carrick’s new deal at Man United will be valid until June 2028 plus option until June 2029. He’s staying and signing new contract at the club. Confirmed. 🔐 pic.twitter.com/rxWDPOANVi — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 16, 2026The Englishman is set to be rewarded after guiding United to what appears to be almost certainly a third-place finish in the English top-flight in 2025/26.Want more Stretty News coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustA welcome decision that appears to be jointly supported by both players and decision-makers at Old Trafford.Now give Carrick a bigger squadCarrick has done the best he can with the tools at his disposal. However, with Champions League football returning to the red half of Manchester, the tools available will no longer suffice for the task at hand.Luke Shaw has been consistently available this term, but United will surely be looking for a younger, less injury-prone option to compete with Patrick Dorgu moving forward. Likewise, we could do with investing further in a backline ravaged with injuries this term. Manchester United injuries Time spent out in 2025/26 Matthijs de Ligt 24 games Lisandro Martinez 17 games Patrick Dorgu 10 games * Manchester United’s injury problems in defence in the 2025/26 season, as of 16/05/26, (Transfermarkt)Midfield is another priority that must be addressed, given the potentially adverse impact Casemiro’s exit will have on the club going into the next campaign.Legs are needed in the middle of the park, which goes some way to explaining why Elliot Anderson, Nottingham Forest’s tireless midfield general, has been heavily linked.Give Michael Carrick quality and depth across the park, and he’ll have the best possible chance at success next season.
Huge Casemiro problem: Alarm bells must be going off at Man Utd after damning online post
Life without Casemiro in the starting-XI could prove to be difficult for Manchester United.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYLivescore’s X (formerly Twitter) account posted a telling graphic proving that the Red Devils tend to struggle when the Brazilian doesn’t start games.In the four league games the ex-Real Madrid star didn’t start – United lost three and drew one.Manchester United must properly replace Casemiro this summerPerhaps it’s just a coincidence. After all, these were all away trips to typically difficult destinations: Man City 3-0 Man Utd Brentford 3-1 Man Utd Aston Villa 2-1 Man Utd Sunderland 0-0 Man Utd And it’s worth pointing out that all bar one fixture (the draw with Regis Le Bris’s plucky Sunderland) were under the care of Ruben Amorim, prior to new boss Michael Carrick taking the reins. Man United haven’t won a league game that Casemiro hasn’t started this season 😬❌ Can his influence be replaced once he leaves in the summer? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/GIDGq5vc8n — LiveScore (@livescore) May 16, 2026Want more Stretty News coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustThat said, United cannot afford to undervalue Casemiro’s overall importance to the side’s success this term. To such an extent, by the way, that the midfielder’s most committed critic, Jamie Carragher, felt compelled to tone down his prior comments.“It’s now fair to say, the football hasn’t left him… Casemiro is well within his rights to say to me, ‘leave the punditry before the punditry leaves you’,” the Sky Sports pundit said.What do the stats say about Casemiro’s 2025/26 season?The stats don’t lie: Fotmob have the veteran midfielder down as Manchester United’s second-best player (7.36/10), behind Bruno Fernandes (8/10), in the Premier League this term.And it’s not hard to see why. Casemiro’s 2025/26 Premier League stats (per 90) Percentiles 0.19 non-penalty xG 96th 0.11 xA 70th 1.22 chances created 73rd 6.61 duels won 84th 2.01 aerial duels won 89th 12.74 defensive contributions 91st 1.08 xG against while on the pitch 95th * Casemiro’s stats this season, as of 16/05/2026, (Fotmob)At the tender age of 34, Casemiro has picked up nine goals and two assists in 33 top-flight games. Not bad for a footballer who some deem to be past his best.And look, no one’s claiming that we’re seeing the best-ever version of the Brazilian at United, but suggestions that he’s a broken toy we should have discarded last summer are wildly unfair, to say the least.He can leave Old Trafford with his head held high.Of course, now it’s on the recruitment team to go out into the market and find a footballer worthy of filling his boots in the years to come.That won’t be a simple task, judging by Casemiro’s contributions in 2025/26!
Agreement imminent: Man Utd at ‘final stages’ of most important deal of the summer – Fabrizio Romano
Michael Carrick has agreed a new contract with Manchester United to manage the club into the 2026/27 season and beyond.Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news in question Friday evening, with the Englishman set to add a minimum of two years on to his current terms.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYThis follows the former Middlesbrough boss overseeing the Red Devils’ return to Champions League football in the 2025/26 campaign.Michael Carrick will be Manchester United’s next permanent managerIt’s the right decision to reward the man who steered United away from midtable obscurity under Ruben Amorim, back in the fight around the top of the table.Romano confirmed that while a deal has yet to be officially sealed with Carrick, there is plenty of movement in the right direction, with negotiations ‘at the final stages’.“Breaking news, it’s now confirmed, decision made – Michael Carrick will be Manchester United manager also next season and beyond,” the reliable Italian journalist spoke on X (formerly Twitter).“It’s a here we go, decision made … now approved by Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe … everyone at Manchester United wants, and will have, Michael Carrick staying at the club.“Next season and beyond. Michael Carrick will be Man Utd permanent manager, now negotiating a new contract, two years plus one, three years… Carrick said yes to the new contract at Man Utd. Negotiations are at the final stages.” 🚨 Michael Carrick will stay as Manchester United head coach. 🔐 pic.twitter.com/dVzyvldoZM — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 15, 2026Want more Stretty News coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustThe difference to Ruben Amorim’s ill-fated reign at Old TraffordHow quickly things can change in less than a year!Under Ruben Amorim’s stewardship, this United side was averaging 1.48 points per game (across all competitions).But fast forward to Michael Carrick’s appointment as interim boss back in January, and the subsequent surge up the Premier League table, and the Red Devils are now averaging 2.2 points per game. Ruben Amorim stats Michael Carrick stats 8 wins 10 wins 7 draws 3 draws 6 defeats 2 defeats 1.48 points per game 2.2 points per game * Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick’s managerial tenures at Manchester United compared across all competitions (Transfermarkt)Has it been a perfect spell at the helm? No. But bear in mind that the 44-year-old has only had Amorim’s squad to work with.No new signings, no pre-season to establish new principles. Just the immediate expectation and overbearing pressure that comes with the Manchester United job.Let’s be absolutely clear on this: Carrick has excelled in less-than-ideal conditions, albeit with some serious talent at his disposal. But, critically, utilised correctly.Don’t get us wrong, United could do with addressing certain key areas in the upcoming summer transfer window.But whatever happens in the window, we’ve already made the most important signing of the summer – and that’s been appointing the right man for the best job in world football.
Pep Guardiola names surprise Man Utd star ‘one of my favourite players’ along with Bruno Fernandes
Pep Guardiola has named Luke Shaw and Bruno Fernandes among his favourite players in football.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYThe Manchester City manager had been asked for his thoughts on the FA Youth Cup final, in which the young Sky Blues beat Darren Fletcher’s men 2-1 at the low-capacity Joie Stadium.The veteran fullback has been ever-present for the Red Devils in the 2025/26 season, amassing 36 appearances (3,061 minutes).Pep Guardiola admires Luke ShawSpeaking about Shaw, Guardiola told the press: “Yeah, good [the future of Man Utd]. They are good players. I think the academy for a long time is working really well.“United always play really good. Happy to see Omar [Berrada] in the stands. The most important part of this club for the last decade. Both of them – Jason [Wilcox] in the academy did in an incredible job.He went on to add: “Seeing top-class players from United, Bruno, Luke Shaw – one of my favourite players – and Mason Mount, all the players here, the manager, Michael Carrick.” “Luke Shaw, one of my favourite players” 👀 Pep Guardiola named Luke Shaw while talking about seeing Manchester United players at the Youth Cup final, also mentioning Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount and Michael Carrick 💬🔴 pic.twitter.com/AXsBxjcOCf — BeanymanSports (@BeanymanSports) May 15, 2026Want more Stretty News coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustYou’d expect the legendary head coach to mention United’s player of the season, Bruno Fernandes.Shaw, however, whose time at Old Trafford has arguably been more defined by his raft of injuries than his time spent on the pitch, was perhaps a surprise mention.Particularly given Casemiro’s remarkable resurgence at United, firmly defying his critics as the club surged back into the Premier League top three.But there’s no doubt that the England international has played his part in our success this season, filing out between left-back and the injury-hit centre-back spots when required.MORE: Agreement imminent: Man Utd at ‘final stages’ of most important deal of the summer – Fabrizio RomanoMORE: Everything you need to know about Michael Carrick’s Man Utd contract after Fabrizio Romano updateWhat do the stats say about Shaw for Manchester United this season?Fernandes tops the chart for average player ratings (8/10) in the Manchester United squad this season, as you might expect.But Luke Shaw, who’s had his ‘most consistent’ run in a United shirt, does make the top 11 with a Fotmob score of 6.93/10. Manchester United players Average rating in the Premier League 1) Bruno Fernandes 8/10 2) Casemiro 7.36/10 3) Matheus Cunha 7.25/10 – – 11) Luke Shaw 6.93/10 * Manchester United players’ average ratings in the 2025/26 Premier League season as of 16/05/26 (Fotmob)Statistically speaking, he’s not exactly set the world alight, registering just the one assist in the English top-flight this term.He’s been relatively reliable on the ball and more or less solid against it, but this “consistent”, to use Gary Neville’s phrase, is probably the best praise we can give him.And when speaking of the young players bursting onto the scene in the FA Youth Cup, we can’t help but wonder whether Pep Guardiola was recalling the Shaw of old at Southampton, terrifying defences with blistering pace.Those days must feel like a distant memory for Manchester United’s consistent 30-year-old.
“Just can’t wait to…”: United attacker insists transfer decision was the right one
Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo has opened up on his debut campaign at Old Trafford. The Cameroonian arrived at the Theatre of Dreams last summer following an impressive season with Brentford. Mbeumo hit the ground running with the Red Devils and won the club’s Player of the Month award for September and October. The 26 year old has scored 10 goals and registered three assists in 32 appearances across all competitions this season, all but three of which have been starts. Bryan Mbeumo Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League3129934-2,471′ EFL Cup101—45′ FA Cup——- Total32291034-2,516′ Source: Transfermarkt. Mbeumo has been key to United’s run of 10 wins and three draws in the caretaker manager’s 15 games in charge. The Red Devils are now third in the Premier League table after 36 games and have already qualified for next season’s Champions League. A point against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, 17 May, would be enough to consolidate their position in the table. While the Cameroonian’s output has slowed since Michael Carrick’s arrival, he remains a vital member of the first-team squad. The player has now shared his thoughts on the move to Old Trafford. Mbeumo delighted with decision to join United In an interview with United Review, Mbeumo was asked if securing a top-four finish and qualifying for next season’s Champions League had vindicated his decision to join United. The Cameroonian responded: “Of course, it’s just like, again, a good answer for my choice.” “Yeah, I always trust the process, trust in my team-mates, trust all the staff who bring me here and now, from Michael Carrick. Yeah, I’m really happy for what we have achieved and we just can’t wait to go again.” Mbeumo went on to thank the fans for helping him settle quickly at the Theatre of Dreams, adding: “Yeah, of course, being accepted by the fans is something that you always want.” “You are playing for yourself, for your family, for your friends, but also, and this is a big part, you play for the fans because, it was in every game that they are always behind us. They never stop cheering us. So yeah, being accepted from them is great for me.” Favourite United goal When asked to name his favourite goal for United, Mbeumo opted for his blistering strike against Liverpool in the 2-1 win at Anfield in October under former manager Ruben Amorim. The Cameroonian also explained his decision, stating: “Not because it’s beautiful but just because of what it means for me and the fans of the club.” Mbeumo chose Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick against Bournemouth in December as his favourite goal of the season. However, he acknowledged that Patrick Dorgu’s volley against Arsenal, which won the club’s Goal of the Season award, was also worthy of a mention. The Cameroonian could have scored a worldie earlier this campaign in the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City had Gianluigi Donnarumma not produced one of the saves of the season. Reflecting on that save, Mbeumo said: “Oh, yeah, yeah.” “Actually it was the best, even in a long time, I would say, because I was convinced, like, it was going in and he just saved it. So let’s say it was a big, big save!” Finally, the player also expressed a desire to nail down a top-three finish this weekend, adding: “Yeah, to finish in the top three, it is a really good message and a really, really big performance from everyone.” Final Thoughts Mbeumo last scored for United at the beginning of February in the 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur. Fans will now hope that the Cameroonian can get back on the scoresheet this weekend and confirm a third-placed finish. Only Bruno Fernandes (27) has more Premier League goal contributions this season than Bryan Mbeumo (12) for Manchester United. 📊🎯 pic.twitter.com/wLyZhzkLHB — WhoScored (@WhoScored) May 13, 2026 Featured image by Michael Regan/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 women fall to another disheartening 1-0 loss to Chelsea, serious questions will be asked of Skinner now
Manchester United Women travelled to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea in the final Women’s Super League game of the season. First half United faced an early setback when Jayde Riviere had to be substituted due to injury after just six minutes. The visitors did not let the injury affect them and pressed the Blues well. After 18 minutes, Hanna Lundkvist’s effort was blocked by her own Swedish teammate Fridolina Rolfo. Twenty-one minutes in, Lauren James wriggled away from her marker and unleashed a powerful effort, but Phallon Tullis-Joyce expertly tipped the ball over the crossbar. As Chelsea usually do to United, they weathered the storm and sucker punched effectively. A stunning ball into the box from Lauren James was dinked beautifully on the volley by Sam Kerr to give the Londoners the lead. Chelsea attempted to get their second, but Alyssa Thompson’s effort was well stopped by Tullis-Joyce and the score stayed at 0-1 to Chelsea as the half-time whistle blew. Second half United’s Player of the Season, Jess Park, was brought on at half-time and the Red Devils started well. Ellen Wangerheim almost dragged her side level, but her effort slammed off the crossbar. After 63 minutes, Julia Olme found herself with only the keeper to beat, but she bizarrely passed the ball to nobody and passed up a great chance to equalise. Ella Toone tried to salvage something from the chance but to no avail. James responded for the hosts, but she dragged her effort wide of the post. Kerr then almost grabbed her second as she got some contact on the dangerous James’ cross, but it was again dealt with by Tullis-Joyce. Substitute Dominique Janssen ballooned a free kick over the bar before Kerr did likewise at the back post for Chelsea when she had more time than she thought. Six minutes were added on for United to find a late equaliser and avoid yet another defeat to Chelsea. Park had a shot blocked that went out for a corner, and Tullis-Joyce ran up the pitch to try and force an unlikely equaliser. United failed to find a goal, though, and their disappointing end to the season continued. The result meant United finished fourth in the league and missed out on Europe next season. Questions will be asked of head coach Marc Skinner, and there will need to be significant investment in the squad if they are to reach the levels that the fans want to be at. Phallon Tullis-Joyce stats vs Chelsea StatisticValue Expected assists (xA)0 Total saves3 Goals prevented-0.29 Saves from inside box1 Punches1 High claims0 Key passes0 Crosses (accurate)0 (0) Accurate passes18/26 (69%) Passes in opposition half (acc.)3/9 (33%) Passes in own half (acc.)15/17 (88%) Long balls (accurate)6/14 (43%) Touches35 Dribbles (successful)0 (0) Possession lost9 Total carrying distance25.9 m Carries4 Total progression3.4 m Def. contributions2 Tackles (won)0 (0) Interceptions0 Clearances2 Blocked shots0 Recoveries9 Ground duels (won)0 (0) Dribbled past0 Total shots0 Shots on target0 Shots blocked0 Source: Sofascore Feature image Matt McNulty 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.
United receive tempting proposal for Andre Onana, the ball is in their court – report
Andre Onana may have played his last game for Manchester United, with his 103rd appearance for the club now looking increasingly unlikely. As good a goalkeeper as the Cameroon international is, he simply could not find the consistency United demanded. Between the sticks at Old Trafford, errors kept coming, and two seasons in, United had seen enough. Last summer, they went out and signed a new number one. Senne Lammens arrived and has proven to be everything the 20-time English champions wanted in a modern goalkeeper. Almost immediately, Onana was moved on, leaving on a season-long loan to Turkish Süper Lig side Trabzonspor. Andre Onana has rediscovered his form in Turkey The move to Turkey has been exactly what Onana needed. He has gone there and become a hero. So impressive has he been that Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan recently confessed: “We love him. If the conditions are right, we want him to stay.” What is clear, according to a report relayed by The Peoples Person, is that Onana’s time at M16 is up. He is wanted gone, and he knows it. Where next? The Daily Mail has now weighed in on the goalkeeper’s future, with some interesting claims. On where the shot-stopper is headed, the outlet reports: “Trabzon have decided that they want to keep him and currently the most likely option is that he stays there on loan, although there will be interest from other clubs.” Manchester United have a decision to make It will be fascinating to see whether The Manchester Reds agree to another loan exit. INEOS are reportedly hoping to recover as much as possible of the £47.2 million they paid Inter Milan to sign him, and Onana’s resurgent form could work in their favour on that front. With two years still remaining on his contract, now could be the moment to push for a permanent sale. So whether a loan proposal from Turkey is enough to satisfy the Old Trafford hierarchy remains to be seen. 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 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.
Euro side willing to accept £26m offer for “great player” wanted by United – report
Manchester United are plotting a midfield rebuild this summer. The need to replace Casemiro and move on exit-linked Manuel Ugarte, with quality central midfielders, sits at the heart of those plans. Consequently, with those transfer ambitions well established, it is little surprise the 20-time English champions find themselves linked with some of the finest midfielders in the game. Richard Rios One such midfielder is Benfica’s Richard Rios. Indeed, Rios has long been tracked by the Red Devils. Ever since his Palmeiras days, his name has been constantly linked with a move to Old Trafford, and it was always easy to see why. His unyielding work ethic, relentless stamina, and fierce competitive spirit have clearly caught the eye of Manchester United’s scouts. After all, Rios is a warrior on the pitch; he plays with enormous passion, constantly covering long distances, rarely giving up on 50/50s, and all the while pressing aggressively and winning the ball back from the opposition. Back then, in summer 2025, after a brilliant Club World Cup, many expected United to swoop and bring him to Europe themselves, but that never materialised. Instead, it was Benfica who ultimately won the race. He endured a slow start in Portugal, yet gradually found his feet and has since emerged as one of their more reliable performers, playing a key role in keeping Jose Mourinho’s side unbeaten in the league. Nevertheless, despite his contributions that has seen Mourinho even dub him a “great player”, the Primeira Liga side are now tempted to cash in as they look to fund their own rebuild. Rios up for sale Benfica need sales to finance reinforcements after heavy spending last summer, compounded by the blow of missing out on next season’s Champions League. As a result, they are considering sacrifices. As for who might be sold, A Bola reports: “The club admits the possibility of negotiating the sale of important players, even some they would like to keep in the squad. Among the most relevant names are Richard Ríos, Andreas Schjelderup, and Vangelis Pavlidis — three assets with market value and the potential for significant financial gain. “The midfield is one of the priorities for reinforcement, but it could also be the area for a significant departure. Richard Ríos emerges as the main candidate… The need to generate liquidity to reinvest in the squad could precipitate a transfer.” On what it would take to get him, the outlet adds: “Benfica will be open to considering offers above €30 million.” Up for Man United to act At €30 million (£26m), Rios represents a deal too good to ignore. Moreover, with United targeting multiple midfield signings, securing the Colombian at that figure could free up funds to push through at least two further additions in the engine room. Ultimately, a successful midfield overhaul would give this United side a genuine platform to compete on multiple fronts, exactly what Old Trafford has been crying out for. 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.
