As the FA Youth Cup final approaches, it’s become increasingly clear why Manchester City opted to stage the contest at the much smaller Joie Stadium rather than take up Manchester United’s offer to have it at Old Trafford or another larger venue. Frustrating decision After weeks of talks and speculation over where the showpiece FA Youth Cup final between City and United would be held, City – drawn as the home side – opted to have it at the Joie Stadium. The expectation was that the game would be played at the Etihad but a date and time could not be agreed. City therefore decided to have it at Joie Stadium, which is used by their academy and women’s teams. A subsequent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Darren Fletcher and his young charges were left extremely frustrated by the decision. City insisted that using the Etihad was out of the question as a section of the 53,400-seater was undergoing construction. It’s understood that United offered to make Old Trafford available but City outrightly rejected this, insisting they were not willing to give up home advantage. This is despite the fact that the FA Youth Cup final would rank as the biggest career highlight for most of the young players so far. Now, the Daily Mail reveal that City’s difficulty selling out their allocation at the Joie Stadium likely explains their reluctance to have the Etihad used. Plan unravels The Daily Mail reveal, “With the FA Youth Cup final looming, the reason for City’s reluctance to host the game at the Etihad seems more apparent than ever judging by ticket sales for the big game.” “While United sold out their allocation of less than 1,000 to season-ticket holders in a matter of minutes, City are still advertising sales of their share of 4,000 tickets.” City would likely have faced the uncomfortable prospect of being outnumbered at their own ground had the Etihad been chosen to host the game. When United last appeared in an FA Youth Cup final, 67,000 supporters crammed into Old Trafford. On that occasion, Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho were among those who steered the Red Devils to glory. The FA Youth Cup final will kick off on Thursday, May 14, at 19:00 BST. Featured image Michael Steele via Getty images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
United hold formal talks to strike agreement for “fantastic” attacker, Jason Wilcox is pushing – report

Manchester United want to sign an out-and-out winger in the summer, according to reports. Both Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have endured mixed fortunes over the course of the season. More importantly, however, the pair are wide forwards rather than natural wingers and have accordingly struggled to provide width consistently. United have been linked with a number of high-profile wingers, including RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and Iliman Ndiaye of Everton. However, it appears the club’s recruitment team is prioritising signing a 16-year-old talent. Manchester United enter Jeremy Monga negotiations According to talkSPORT, Manchester United have held “formal talks” with Leicester City for Jeremy Monga. The record-breaking winger, who became his club’s youngest Premier League player at 15 years and 271 days old last year, has already established himself as a regular at King Power Stadium. Monga made 27 appearances for the Foxes in the Championship last term, recording a goal and two assists to his name. However, with Leicester heading to England’s third tier, “vultures are circling around” their teenage sensation. It is claimed as many as TEN top clubs in the Premier League and beyond are interested in Monga, believing they can “snare him for a bargain fee.” United appear to be pushing to get the deal over the line, having already met with Leicester. A separate report recently revealed that United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, have “met with club officials” from Leicester. Last year, former Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy hailed Monga, stating: “He’s a great winger and has speed. He’s a fantastic talent, a great boy. He deserved these minutes and hopefully, more to come.” Manchester United interested in Eli Junior Kroupi Eli Junior Kroupi is another attacking teenager to have caught the eye of United after enjoying a prolific campaign with Bournemouth. talkSPORT reports that the 19-year-old Frenchman, who has bagged 12 Premier League goals, is wanted by both United and Arsenal. However, Bournemouth are determined to keep hold of Kroupi for at least one more season. It is understood the versatile forward is set to be offered a new deal with an increased salary. 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 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!
United will become unstoppable if all new signings match Bruno Fernandes’ most underrated quality – opinion

Having secured a return to the Champions League and with just a handful of points needed to secure a third-placed finish, the future looks bright for Manchester United. However, a serious amount of work is needed to ensure United’s squad is deep enough to cover the additional games the Red Devils will play next season. With that in mind, many fans and pundits are already looking ahead to the upcoming transfer window. United will need to recruit flawlessly to ensure the Red Devils are ready to compete on all four fronts next season. But as rumours begin to swirl and names are linked with a move to Old Trafford, it is imperative that the recruitment team prioritises one trait above all else. Last summer’s success In their first summer in charge, INEOS operated remarkably well, bringing in a mixture of players with Premier League experience and young players with enormous potential. Senne Lammens, Bryan Mbuemo and Matheus Cunha all hit the ground running, strengthening key positions in the team and delivering a series of electric performances across the season. It took Benjamin Sesko a little longer to adapt to the demands of the Premier League and earn his spot in the team, but since Michael Carrick was appointed in January, he has produced some exquisite performances and scored several match-winning goals. Besides their eye-catching performances, the quartet of new signings have all managed to remain available throughout practically all of the season, allowing the team to adapt to playing alongside them and build up patterns. Earlier missteps Though Mason Mount, Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt are all great players in their own right, they have all struggled with rather relentless injury troubles since arriving at Old Trafford. De Ligt has not featured for the club since before Ruben Amorim lost his job, while Mount and Martinez have been in and out of the team for the past two seasons, never managing to build up any rhythm or form. Looking ahead Moving forward, the recruitment staff at Old Trafford must value any transfer target’s injury record above all else. All the talent in the world is of little use to the club if a player spends more time in the treatment room than on the pitch. The staff should look to Bruno Fernandes as an example. Not only is he climbing up United’s all-time assist charts and on course to break the Premier League assist record this season, but he is practically always available. Fans can count on one hand the number of games the Portuguese magnifico has missed through injury this season. And, given United will likely be playing many more games next season, all new signings must remain fit to gel with the team and make an impact across the season. Potential United target Mateus Fernandes is a prime example of the type of player the Red Devils should look to sign. The Portuguese midfielder has been almost ever-present for West Ham this season, appearing in 34 Premier League matches and embodying the grit and determination United’s squad is crying out for. Featured image Jan Kruger via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Mike Walsh Mike Walsh is an experienced freelance journalist who has written about a variety of topics over multiple years. He is very happy to finally be writing about the Red Devils, especially now that his favourite player, Michael Carrick, is in charge of the team.
United set to open talks over new deal for goalkeeper in surprise twist – report
Manchester United are exploring extending third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton’s contract, according to a new report. Long-term Stalwart Despite turning 40 last month and not starting a match in over three years, Heaton remains an integral part of the dressing room at Old Trafford. A Chester native, he came through the Red Devils’ academy system after starting his career with Wrexham, where he played as both a goalkeeper and a midfielder. In his first spell with United, where he did not make a first-team appearance, Heaton would enjoy loans at Royal Antwerp and Cardiff City among others. He then permanently joined the Welsh side on a free transfer in 2010 after turning down an offer to stay in M16. Spells with Bristol City, Burnley and Aston Villa would follow, including three appearances for the England national team, before a return to United on a two-year deal in 2021 after being released from Villa Park. And while opportunities on the pitch have been limited since his return, Heaton has taken on a leadership role off it in his capacity as third-choice goalkeeper. He was considered a key ally of Erik ten Hag and was then made a part of Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim’s six-man leadership team, alongside Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui and club captain Bruno Fernandes. This position of authority – almost a coach, rather than a player – now looks set to continue under interim boss Michael Carrick, with INEOS understood to be looking to get both men to commit to new deals. New Deal The Sun reports United are “exploring a new contract” as the existing deal will finish in June. “Heaton’s current deal expires in the summer, after he signed a one-year extension last year. And well-placed sources say United are open to offering Heaton fresh terms again. “He has been working with United youngster Radek Vitek since the 22-year-old returned to Carrington to train last week following his impressive loan stint with Bristol City. Vitek, who also came through at United, is wanted by several Championship clubs next season.” Another attribute beyond his attitude and experience is the fact that Heaton qualifies as a homegrown player, with “strict squad registration rules for the Premier League and Uefa” making this an important consideration for United. With Senne Lammens expected to continue as the undisputed starter next season, and Heaton set to reclaim his berth as third-choice goalkeeper, attention will turn to the No. 2 role. Both Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana are expected to be sold this summer, with Vitek keen to continue his run of form as first-choice, even if that means another season away from Old Trafford. 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 youngster receives controversial senior international call up with club left uninformed – report

Manchester United’s Amir Ibragimov has received an international call-up to the senior Russia squad. Russia have named a 36-man squad list for their upcoming summer friendlies and training camp. Matches are scheduled for the end of May and early June against Egypt, Burkina Faso, and Trinidad and Tobago. It is not yet clear whether the United youngster has accepted the call-up and will attend. Not a straightforward decision for Amir Ibragimov The Russian national team is currently banned from competing in official competitions after sanctions relating to the invasion of Ukraine. Beyond the current sanctions against Russia, the call-up is potentially further controversial as the Russian Football Union has reportedly not contacted Manchester United to inform them of the move. Journalist Nathan Salt has reported that “United are yet to receive any contact from the Russian FA about Amir Ibragimov.” “Think it could become a touch more complicated than any other international call-up if they do.” The move drops a figurative and literal minefield into United’s lap as they will be forced to either take a stand and block the call-up or potentially face backlash for allowing it. England or Russia The talented United youngster was born in Russia but moved to England when he was a child, initially joining Sheffield United before making the move to United. The youngster has previously represented England at U15 and U16 levels, including scoring a goal against Italy U16 the last time he received a call-up in 2024. Ibragimov has never represented England in an official competition, which starts at U17 level, and has not received any further England youth call-ups in the past two years. Given his high level of talent, further caps would have been expected, and this has led to questions about whether he has obtained British citizenship yet to make him eligible for official competitions. As he has not played any official matches for England, the 18-year-old will not be subject to FIFA’s change of association application. Often captaining United’s U18s, Ibragimov has recently returned from a lengthy foot injury ahead of the team’s FA Youth Cup final on Thursday against Manchester City. 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.
Club boss leaps to strong defence of United loanee amid difficult run of form
Napoli boss Antonio Conte has launched a passionate defence of Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund as his goal drought persists. Goal drought Hojlund enjoyed a superb start to life at Napoli after joining the club last summer from United on a season-long loan. United sold him after he struggled to make an impact following his £72m move from Atalanta. The Dane has scored 10 goals and provided an additional five assists in 31 Serie A appearances. However, he has struggled to find the back of the net over the past few weeks. Monday’s 3-2 loss to Bologna marked the sixth consecutive game in which Hojlund has failed to get on the scoresheet. He registered an assist for Alisson Santos as the Partenopei attempted to mount a comeback, but concerns over his goalscoring form are still there. But Conte has insisted that he is not worried about Hojlund, even as the season nears its end. Hojlund defence Conte told DAZN, “Let’s not forget that he’s the only striker we have in the squad; he’s always playing.” “This season, we should have had the opportunity to rest him and bring him on during the game. He has so much energy.” “There are times when you have to attack the depth and others when you have to protect the ball.” The Italian coach added, “He has excellent qualities, he’s only 23 and has significant room for improvement. We can’t say anything about him at all.” The result left Napoli in second place in the Serie A table, three points above AC Milan in the final guaranteed Champions League spot. Sunday’s meeting with bottom-of-the-table Pisa Sporting Club is a must-win if Conte and his players are to secure their spot in the elite continental competition. Napoli’s obligation to sign Hojlund permanently is dependent on their qualification for the Champions League. However, Napoli have made it clear they want to keep Hojlund, irrespective of whether or not they’re in the Champions League. Featured image Marco M. Mantovani 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 Latest Top Stories… Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
United edge closer to signing next Nemanja Vidic after leaving rivals behind – report
Lisandro Martinez endured another tough outing for Manchester United on his return to the starting line-up at Sunderland. United kept a clean sheet away from home, largely due to Senne Lammens‘ heroics. Martinez, meanwhile, looked rusty in possession and was bullied by Brian Brobbey all afternoon. Martinez’s lack of availability and composure when playing over the last 24 months should raise alarm bells at Old Trafford. Interestingly, a report in Italy suggests that INEOS are keen on bringing in another central defender this summer. Manchester United leading race for Strahinja Pavlovic According to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Manchester United are keen on AC Milan’s Strahinja Pavlovic, who has emerged as one of Serie A’s most dominant centre-backs. Signed from RB Salzburg in 2024, the 2001-born defender has become an undisputed leader of Massimiliano Allegri’s defence in Milan. The 6’4″ Serbian behemoth has been compared to United legend Nemanja Vidic, owing to his imposing style of play. However, he is surprisingly calm with the ball at his feet. The left-footed defender has also scored five goals in Serie A. The publication claims Michael Carrick’s side are “on his trail” and are “above all” in the race. Chelsea are also thought to be in the race to sign Pavlovic, who is valued at €50 million (£43.2m). Both Premier League giants have allegedly made enquiries for the Serbian. Casemiro’s departure at the end of the season will leave Harry Maguire as the only physically imposing figure in both boxes for the Red Devils. In that regard, Pavlovic is certainly capable of adding more steel and structure to the side in Manchester. The Lisandro Martinez conundrum Maguire has been handed a new deal. However, recently, The Athletic’s Andy Mitten suggested Martinez’s position at United is “in a little bit of a state of flux.” Mitten believes the technically gifted Martinez “needs to be playing all of the time” to win a new contract at United. The 28-year-old will enter the final year of his deal this summer. “If someone comes in from in the summer then Manchester United have to weigh that up as well,” added Mitten. 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 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!
United now “leading the race” for English midfield maestro ahead of PL rivals, INEOS ready to strike – report

Manchester United are ramping up their pursuit of AFC Bournemouth midfield maestro Alex Scott, according to the latest report. Standout Star Scott, 22, has enjoyed a breakout season for the Cherries after a rocky start to life at the Vitality Stadium. Signed from Bristol City for £25 million in 2023, the Guernsey native suffered successive knee injuries which ruled him out for much of his debut campaign. This was followed by a stop-start sophomore year in 2024/25, during which he did not complete a full ninety minutes and again injured his knee. But his perseverance prevailed, as did Andoni Iraola’s faith in the 5’10 technician, with Scott emerging as one of the team’s standout stars this season. He has played in every single one of their Premier League matches, with Bournemouth on the verge of qualifying for European football for the first time. There is even an outside chance the south coast club may secure Champions League football if results elsewhere go their way. Their main rival for the top five – Aston Villa – could also do them a favour by winning the Europa League, which would make a top six finish sufficient to enter Europe’s elite competition. Scott’s all-round play at the heart of Iraola’s midfield has been instrumental to this, demonstrating both the technical and physical qualities to thrive in the cut and thrust of Premier League football. United leading the charge United have identified the England under-21 international as an option to revamp their midfield unit. Casemiro will leave at the end of the campaign and Manuel Ugarte looks set to join the Brazilian if a buyer can be found. The leading targets are Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali, while Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba also feature highly on the list. However, Scott represents a more affordable alternative who looks every bit as talented as his peers. Sports Boom reveals the Red Devils are “leading the race” for the playmaker, while Chelsea have also made “firm enquiries about a potential summer swoop.” In response to this interest, Bournemouth are understood to be planning a contract extension to lock down their prized asset’s future. His current deal expires in 2028, meaning this summer may represent the last chance to command top dollar for his services. Final Thoughts Scott has undoubtedly enjoyed a superb season, showcasing the type of profile United would love to add to their midfield. He ticks many of INEOS’s boxes in terms of age, price, wage demands and Premier League pedigree. However, he is a more attack-minded midfielder who would offer an alternative to Kobbie Mainoo, rather than a trusted partner for the 21-year-old English starlet. If a bidding war erupts for Scott due to the presence of a profligate rival like Chelsea, a deal may quickly make less sense until a successor to Casemiro is signed first. Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social 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.









