Manchester United had one player in loan action on Sunday. To find out where all of Manchester United’s loanees are plying their trade this season, click here. Marcus Rashford Rashford’s future is still very much up in the air. He has had a successful season on loan at FC Barcelona, but the Catalans seem unprepared to commit to spending €30 million on him. The winger has made it clear that his preferred option would be to stay at FC Barcelona next season, and it is one issue the Red Devils will need to sort this summer. El Clasico goal Rashford has received criticism from Barcelona fans for his wastefulness in the Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, but he has come up big in league games. The Manchester United academy product has scored against Espanyol, Atletico Madrid, and now Real Madrid in the last months of the season. With Lamine Yamal injured and Raphinha on the bench, Rashford started for the Blaugrana. He made the perfect start to the match when he curled in a sublime free kick to give Barcelona the lead in just the ninth minute of play. In the 38th minute, he was played in behind the Real Madrid defence, but his goal-bound effort was well stopped by Thibaut Courtois. In the match, he completed 81% of his passes, and none of his eight crosses found an intended target. He also completed 100% of his dribbles, but only one of four ground duels in the match. The victory meant that FC Barcelona were crowned league champions, marking the first league title of Rashford’s career. Rashford may be in action again against Alaves on Wednesday night in the league. Marcus Rashford stats vs Real Madrid StatisticValue Goals1 Expected goals (xG)0.29 Assists0 Expected assists (xA)0.01 Key passes0 Crosses (accurate)8 (0) Accurate passes22/27 (81%) Passes in opposition half (acc.)14/19 (74%) Passes in own half (acc.)8/8 (100%) Long balls (accurate)1/1 (100%) Total shots2 Expected goals on target (xGOT)0.67 Shots on target2 Shots blocked0 Big chances missed1 Touches47 Unsuccessful touches2 Dribbles (successful)1 (1) Possession lost18 Total carrying distance123 m Carries11 Progressive carries4 Total progression44.7 m Progressive carrying distance76.4 m Longest progressive carry20.8 m Def. contributions0 Tackles (won)0 (0) Interceptions0 Clearances0 Blocked shots0 Recoveries4 Ground duels (won)4 (1) Dribbled past1 Featured image Paul Miller 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.
Video: 1 goal, 100% dribbles completed: Rashford lights up El Clasico as Barcelona cruise to league title
Man Utd Join Chelsea And Spurs In Making First ‘Contacts’ To Sign £69M Rated Fullback Who Could Replace Shaw
BACK David Tully May 11th 2026 This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. Man Utd are among the clubs who have made “exploratory contacts” about signing Sporting Lisbon left-back Maxi Araujo, according to reports in the Portuguese media. A BOLA claim that the Red Devils, Chelsea and Tottenham have joined Atletico Madrid and Juventus in pursuing the Uruguayan international ahead of the summer transfer window. Araujo has an €80m (£69m) release clause in his contract, and due to the sheer amount of interest in the player, Sporting are minded to hold out for that fee. However, a lot depends on how many teams actually make formal approaches for the 26-year-old at the end of the season. Currently, only enquiries have been lodged. Why are Man Utd interested in the defender? Director of Football Jason Wilcox has made signing a left-back one of his three priorities for the summer, along with a central midfielder and a left winger. Araujo could be a solution for two positions. He would provide stiff competition for Luke Shaw, having played most of his minutes on the left side of a back four for Sporting this campaign. However, the Uruguayan can also be deployed further up the pitch as a winger, much like Patrick Dorgu, so his positional flexibility makes him an attractive target. Buy Man Utd tickets from Viagogo here Another club is the favourite to sign Araujo A BOLA report that Atletico are currently “ahead in the race” for the player, with the La Liga side’s manager, Diego Simeone, said to be a big fan, but a lot will hinge on who is able to agree a transfer fee with Sporting. Considering what Araujo could offer United, in terms of his ability to play multiple roles, this is definitely a transfer story to keep a close eye on over the coming days and weeks. Want more news on Man Utd? Add Man U News as a preferred source on Google David Tully David has worked as a football reporter for the last fifteen years. Having started as an intern at Snack Media, he then went on to become a freelancer, working on various different sites. At the start of 2023, he took up his current role as content writer for the Football News Network.
“Queue already forming” as INEOS consider loaning out United wonderkid who is ready for the first team – report
Michael Carrick chose to make wholesale changes for Manchester United’s clash against Sunderland on Saturday, looking to hand fringe stars some much-needed game time. With Champions League qualification secured, the expectation was that a few academy graduates might get a run-out in the remaining Premier League games. Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee disappointed, while it was a surprise to see no Carrington wonderkid earn any minutes at the Stadium of Light. Fans were expecting to see Shea Lacey in the matchday squad, considering his impressive form for the United U21s in recent weeks. Shea Lacey deserves first team chance The 19-year-old has two goals and one assist in three PL 2 play-off games, and it is clear that he has outgrown academy football. While many will point to his exertions against Manchester City’s U21 side on Friday as a reason for his exclusion, Jack Fletcher made the bench and he played the semi-finals as well. With Bryan Mbeumo struggling and Amad off colour since his return from AFCON, there is definitely space in the team for the England U20 international. The Red Devils are expected to strengthen out wide on the left in the summer, meaning Shea Lacey could possibly make the right wing spot his own should he impress in pre-season. INEOS considering sending Shea Lacey out on loan However, according to journalist Alan Nixon (via his Patreon), the 20-time English league champions are planning to loan out the Liverpool-born wonderkid once the transfer window opens. And a “queue” is “already forming” for the tricky winger’s services, with multiple Championship and League One clubs eyeing the United ace. Official approaches are expected to arrive soon, and the decision will be based on who can offer Shea Lacey the most minutes. “A handful of Championship clubs have asked to take him next season and leading League One sides are trying. Multiple clubs eyeing Shea Lacey “A couple of SPFL outfits are also in the mix and Lacey is likely to go where he gets most game time – with official approaches set to be considered soon.” Whether this decision comes back to haunt United, only time will tell. One thing is for sure: he needs minutes to continue his development instead of stagnating while playing academy football. Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
United hold “exploratory talks” over stunning move for 26yo who set the Champions League alight this season – report
Manchester United have obvious issues to address in midfield once the summer window opens, but it is high time things changed at the back as well. Not only at centre-back, but the Red Devils must also recruit a new left-back to compete with and eventually succeed Luke Shaw. The Englishman might have started every Premier League game this season, but his injury record cannot be trusted, especially if the Red Devils are serious about competing on all four fronts. Current backup Tyrell Malacia is expected to depart once his contract runs out at the end of the season, while Patrick Dorgu is set to play in a more advanced role moving forward. United need to sign a left-back in the summer Harry Amass needs another loan spell, and INEOS must not hesitate to sign a new left-back, with technical director Jason Wilcox pushing to sign Lewis Hall from Newcastle. The Magpies are keen not to lose their young jewel, and while INEOS would prefer a Premier League-proven star, they could be forced to look elsewhere. According to A Bola (via Sport Witness), the 20-time English league champions are eyeing a sensational summer move for Sporting CP’s Maxi Araujo. The 26-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic campaign, impressing one and all with his “quality in transition and defensive solidity”. United eyeing Sporting CP’s Maxi Araujo Joining the Old Trafford side in the race are Chelsea, Tottenham, and Juventus, with Atletico Madrid currently in pole position. Not to be beaten to the punch, United have also held “exploratory talks” with the Uruguayan’s agents. Most of his suitors have also touched base with Sporting president Frederico Varandas in a bid to “avoid a price inflation” in the summer, with the transfer race set to get “intense”. Sporting are insisting on not letting Maxi Araujo leave for less than his €80 million release clause, a figure United will find hard to match given their other priorities in the market. Feature image Carlos Rodrigues via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
United learn how much they must pay to land the perfect fit for Carrick’s system, INEOS must go all in – report
Manchester United are planning to sign as many as three midfielders in the summer, with a couple of stars on their way out of the club. Casemiro has already announced he will be departing once his contract is up, and a U-turn is not expected despite his teammates and the fans pushing for the Brazilian to stay one more year. Manuel Ugarte, signed as the former Real Madrid superstar’s successor, has endured a nightmare spell at Old Trafford, and INEOS are keen to cut their losses when the transfer window reopens. The co-owners will prefer to sign Premier League-proven stars, which explains the admiration for Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, and Sandro Tonali. United eyeing Mateus Fernandes However, the Nottingham Forest ace’s price tag and his desire to move to the Etihad mean he is likely off the menu. The Italian would prefer to return to his homeland, with Newcastle expected to drive a hard bargain. As for the Crystal Palace talisman, he is seen as a Kobbie Mainoo-type of player instead of someone who can partner the Carrington graduate. The Red Devils have been forced to broaden their search and club captain Bruno Fernandes has suggested the club to try and sign Mateus Fernandes of West Ham. The Portugal international is capable of playing all across the midfield and has been a rare shining light in what has been a disastrous campaign for the Hammers. Price tag revealed The London side look primed for the drop, and the expectation was that would make the former Southampton ace more gettable. However, Football Insider have claimed that West Ham will not entertain any cut-price deals, irrespective of their top-flight status. They have slapped a £84 million price tag on Mateus Fernandes, and it will be interesting to see if INEOS can drive the price down in the end. “West Ham United have placed a price tag of at least £84 million on Mateus Fernandes amid interest from Man United, sources have told Football Insider. Why United must go all out to land Mateus Fernandes “The 21-year-old joined from Southampton for a fee of around £42million last summer, and the Hammers will demand double that if they are to sell this summer. “Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are determined to keep hold of their best players regardless of the outcome of the relegation battle, and will demand huge fees if they are to sell. Fernandes is seen as a crucial player for West Ham and they are reluctant to see him leave. While there is a growing feeling the Hammers may be forced to sell if they are relegated at the end of this month, they will demand a huge price as part of West Ham’s transfer plans.” United must go all out to land the West Ham ace in the summer. His defensive awareness, coupled with his ability on the ball, makes him the perfect fit for what United need in their engine room. Feature image Julian Finney via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
Genius PL manager “willing” to speak to United regarding the permanent job, Carrick’s position under threat – report
Manchester United have secured Champions League football for next season, and despite a disappointing draw away to Sunderland, they look on course to finish third in the Premier League. Not too many fans would have envisaged such a remarkable turnaround in the team’s fortunes from the dark days of the Ruben Amorim era. From individual stars benefiting from the change in regime to results picking up, there is a lot to be happy about with Michael Carrick in charge. The only stick to beat the caretaker head coach with is the fact that performances have not been up to the mark in recent weeks. Why Michael Carrick’s position could be under threat The former United midfielder remains in pole position to get the job on a permanent basis, but INEOS are still expected to do their due diligence, including talking to other potential candidates. One of them is Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth, who is expected to leave the Cherries at the end of the current season. The Spaniard has been a breath of fresh air since his arrival on the South Coast, overseeing steady improvement at Dean Court. From a 12th-placed finish in his debut season, Bournemouth subsequently finished ninth last season, and are currently sixth and on course to qualify for Europe for the first time in their history. Andoni Iraola has done a fantastic job at Bournemouth This is why teams like the 20-time English league champions, Chelsea, and Crystal Palace are looking at the 43-year-old. According to CaughtOffside, talks of a move to Palace are premature with the former Athletic Club star open to the possibility of taking over at the Theatre of Dreams come the end of the season. “Andoni Iraola is indeed a top target for Crystal Palace, but sources close to the Spanish tactician insist that he’s not close to a decision, which is more likely to come after the end of the season. “However, there are well-connected figures telling me that Iraola was favouring the Manchester United job. Andoni Iraola keen on the United role “A lot can change very quickly, and if, for instance, United get cold feet about hiring Carrick permanently, I sense that Iraola would be high up on their list and also willing to speak with the Red Devils.” The high-energy and attractive style of play under Andoni Iraola would be welcome at United, but whether he can handle the enormous pressure and the huge egos in the dressing room remains uncertain. This explains why Carrick remains the frontrunner, having worked with the players in two separate stints and knows the club inside and out. Feature image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
10 transfer moves that will propel United to title challengers – opinion
Manchester United have all but secured third place in the Premier League this season. In spite of the significant improvements this season, the Red Devils will be aiming for a major transfer window this summer. The Peoples Person is preparing for a busy summer and suggesting which moves would best equip United for a challenge in the Premier League and Champions League. Outgoings 1) Andre Onana The Cameroonian has performed quite well on loan at Trabzonspor, but he has no future at Old Trafford. Senne Lammens has made the number one shirt his own, and Onana is too expensive to keep as a back-up goalkeeper. 2) Manuel Ugarte The Uruguay international has been a huge disappointment at United and is simply not good enough for English football. He has never looked capable of matching the physicality of the league and is nowhere near good enough on the ball for a club like Manchester United. 3) Joshua Zirkzee The Dutchman clearly has talent and is capable of playing some beautiful football on his day. Nonetheless, he needs to play in slow motion and is not a goalscorer. These are two reasons he will never make it at United. 4) Lisandro Martinez Perhaps this is a controversial opinion, as Martinez has certainly played well for United since his move to Old Trafford in 2022. The problem with the defender is that he cannot stay fit, and there is no reason to believe that this will suddenly change as he gets older. 5) Mason Mount Mount is clearly a good player and can knit play together well. Nonetheless, he lacks the X factor that a United number seven should possess and cannot stay fit for any significant length of time. Therefore, he is a prime candidate to sell this summer. Incomings 1) Carlos Baleba United need to improve their midfield and Baleba is a long-term target for the Red Devils. It is true he has not had the best of seasons, but his talent is undeniable. What’s more, his physicality and ability to drive forward with the ball would be incredibly helpful to this United side. 2) Mateus Fernandes Ineos have prioritised Premier League-proven players and Fernandes certainly fits the bill. In spite of West Ham United’s poor form, the Portuguese midfielder has been one of the top-performing midfielders in the league and would certainly add much to the Red Devils’ engine room. 3) El Hadji Malick Diouf The Senegalese left-back would also be a fine addition from West Ham. His attacking ability and crossing prowess would massively benefit Benjamin Sesko and unlock his aerial ability in a way United have been unable to achieve this season. 4) Iliman Ndiaye Ndiaye would be another strong addition from the Premier League. The Everton winger would add trickery and directness to United’s left wing and be an able back-up to Matheus Cunha. 5) Shea Charles The Southampton midfielder could be a low-risk gamble, especially if the Saints fail to gain promotion to the Premier League. The youngster has already captained Northern Ireland and is an all-round midfielder who has the capacity to be one of the best midfielders in the Premier League if he continues on his impressive trajectory. Featured image Julian Finney 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.
Wayne Rooney explains why United will suffer if they don’t “swiftly” take a call on influential figure’s future
Manchester United stuttered to a 0-0 draw against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, 9 March, in the Premier League. The result did not affect the Red Devils’ position in the table, as they remain third in the league with two games left in the season. However, it highlighted the need for further investment in the squad. Caretaker manager Michael Carrick made five changes to his starting XI, and the English giants lacked inspiration in the absence of some of their first-team regulars. That will be a cause for concern, especially since United have already qualified for next season’s Champions League. The Red Devils were without European football this season, and were also knocked out of cup competitions in the nascent stages. As a result, the English giants are set to play just 40 games this campaign, the fewest since the 1914/15 season. The English giants will need a bigger squad in order to compete in Europe and domestic cup competitions alongside the Premier League next season. United’s summer plans With Casemiro set to leave this summer as a free agent, a new midfielder remains at the top of United’s priority list. Mason Mount was deployed in a traditional midfield position against the Black Cats but failed to impress, highlighting the importance of signing an able replacement for the Brazilian. Meanwhile, Manuel Ugarte has fared no better this season and is also likely to be on his way out at the end of the campaign. The Red Devils, as such, could be tempted to sign more than one midfielder before the start of the new season. Elsewhere, a new left-back could also be on the agenda, with Luke Shaw already on the wrong side of 30. Joshua Zirkzee continued his disappointing run this season against Sunderland, which was his first start under Carrick, so INEOS could consider further attacking reinforcements. There is also the small matter of the permanent manager appointment, with the English manager under contract until the end of the season. While Carrick has done an excellent job so far, United have yet to make a decision on the position, and club legend Wayne Rooney has now explained how it could hurt their plans. United urged to announce permanent manager Speaking on Match of the Day following Saturday’s game, Rooney pointed out that the managerial uncertainty could affect United’s recruitment this summer. He said: “Manchester United need to invest in players in the summer in order to compete in the Premier League next season, in the Champions League next season, which is where they want to be.” “They have to invest. They have to strengthen the squad and I don’t think there’s any denying that. Now, if I was a player and Manchester United wanted to sign me, the first question I’d ask is ‘Does the manager want me? Who is the manager? Does the manager want me?’ So, I think for Manchester United to have clarity on the manager.” Having previously backed Carrick for the full-time job, Rooney reiterated his stance on Saturday, adding: “I think everyone knows I have been very supportive of Michael Carrick. If Michael Carrick hadn’t done the job he has done, I wouldn’t be sitting here saying you should give him the job.” “But I think for what he has done, he’s earned the right to get that manager’s job. I think for the club to announce him, I think they need to do it swiftly because they need to get players in. They need to get players in next season to improve that team.” Michael Carrick Managerial Career Stats TeamFromToGames PlayedGames WonGames Drawn Games LostWin % Manchester United (caretaker)21 November 20212 December 2021321066.7 Middlesbrough24 October 20224 June 202513663244946.3 Manchester United13 January 2026present15103266.7 Total15475285148.7 Source: Wikipedia. Final Thoughts United are staring ahead at a crucial summer transfer window, and it is true that resolving the managerial situation could put them in a better position regarding recruitment. Having taken over a club in crisis in January, Carrick helped secure qualification for next season’s Champions League, and is closing in on a top-three finish. As such, all signs indicate that the Englishman is the right man for the job. Most points in the Prem since Michael Carrick took over Man United: 33 — Man United3231302928 — Man City pic.twitter.com/qUmSlEPWXz — StatMuse FC (@statmusefc) May 9, 2026 Featured image George Wood via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.
Sunderland display made it blindingly obvious what United must now do, Lammens tells Ineos
Against Sunderland, Michael Carrick found himself in a tricky position with his squad selection. Having been in charge of this Manchester United team for some time now, it has slowly become abundantly clear which players Carrick trusts to implement his tactical demands. On Saturday, however, some of those players, among them Benjamin Sesko, Casemiro and Diogo Dalot, were unavailable. Forced changes Those absences forced him to tweak his line-up, and United may well have suffered as a result. The Red Devils may have grown into the game, but Sunderland, especially in the first half, were firmly in control. With the 20-time English champions back competing on multiple fronts next season, with Champions League football secured, they surely need a better squad with genuine quality in depth. After the Sunderland game, where some fringe players failed to step up, Senne Lammens alluded to exactly that. Senne Lammens’ transfer message to INEOS The goalkeeper, as per The Daily Mail, made it clear that INEOS must be ready to splash the cash and strengthen this squad. “Yes, of course, it’s a very hard league and next year will be a hard programme,” confessed Lammens on the toughness of the Premier League. “So you want to get as many, or you want to have people in there who can come in when it’s needed. “I think personally we have a lot of quality already in the squad this year. But, of course, next season is going to be a lot, and you also want to include injuries and stuff that can happen, just like today. “A couple of guys injured, a couple of guys who normally always play. So those guys who are coming in and helping us out as well are very important. “We want to make a good and strong squad for next season. But also this season, I think we have been able to do that as well.” Speaking for every Manchester United fan In many ways, Lammens speaks for most Manchester United fans in urging INEOS to go all out and bring in quality players. As decent as Manchester United have been, particularly under Carrick, a successful summer recruitment drive should perfectly position them to challenge for trophies. With moves for two midfielders, a left winger, a left-back and a centre-back reportedly on the agenda, it will be fascinating to see who the 20-time English champions target to address those needs. Featured image Stu Forster 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.
Five in, five out: this drastic squad overhaul will transform United into title contenders next season – opinion
It’s one thing qualifying for the Champions League and another being able to perform in it. Manchester United’s summer transfer window is arguably their most important in years, and it’s crucial that a depleted squad is strengthened considerably before the new season starts in August. In the 2026 Transfer Series, each writer at The Peoples Person is choosing their top ten transfers for this summer and explaining why each is important. These are Red Billy’s picks. Outgoings 1. Andre Onana It’s going to be difficult to get the Cameroonian off the books due to his £137,500 salary – increased by 25% due to United’s Champions League qualification. However, while a loan would save at least part of that £7 million annual wage, a sale could raise £8 to £10 million as per transfermarkt, meaning the overall boost to the coffers could be near to £20 million. 2. Manuel Ugarte While some would say that Ugarte has never had a fair crack of the whip at Old Trafford, it’s one of those cases of wrong place at the wrong time. United need to move on. Still valued at around £26 million, a move to Serie A might be plausible, perhaps as part of a swap deal. 3. Joshua Zirkzee Zirkzee is another player who just hasn’t seemed to fit at United despite his obvious talent. Whilst his book value is under £20 million, he will have no shortage of suitors in Serie A, where he left a really positive mark during his time at Bologna. United should expect to get closer to £30 million. 4. Mason Mount Mount is an intelligent player and if he could stay fit, he’d undoubtedly be a perfect squad rotation option for United. But it doesn’t seem likely that he will be able to stay fit. It’s possible – Luke Shaw’s full season of action proves a “crock” can come good – but in terms of what is needed in 2026/27, it’s not worth the gamble for United, who can raise £26 million from his sale. 5. Diogo Dalot I think Dalot is a better player than a lot of fans give him credit for, and I like his aggressive mentality. However, Nous Mazraoui is, for me, better defensively and Dalot does not offer enough going forward. On the left, I like the options of Luke Shaw as the defensive option and Patrick Dorgu the attacking choice. We need a really good attacking right-back, too. Dalot is another who would be easy to sell, as he’s in the prime of his career and should go for a fair bit more than his £26m market value. (Rasmus Hojlund and Jadon Sancho are not included in the list due to their futures already being decided). Incomings 1. Joao Gomes If Elliot Anderson is going to Manchester City, then João Gomes would be an excellent alternative. With Wolverhampton Wanderers getting relegated, the asking price should be under £40 million, which represents excellent value for money. For me, it’s a no-brainer. 2. Bruno Guimaraes We’ve heard Guimaraes insist he’s happy at Newcastle United, but that should not discourage INEOS from pushing hard to sign one of the Premier League’s best midfielders. If he could be unsettled, the Magpies might be tempted to cash in, and United should be willing to pay what it takes if they are serious about challenging for the title next season. 3. Daniel Muñoz I was recently talking to Paul Parker – a man who knows a thing or two about full-backs, and he said United should buy Muñoz this summer. At 29, he wouldn’t be the typical INEOS signing, but you can’t argue with Parker’s logic – hugely underrated, Premier League proven, great going forward and should not be too expensive – in fact, he could come in cheaper than Dalot. 4. Ayyoub Bouaddi Although there are a couple of decent options coming through the academy, including the likes of Jacob Devaney and Sekou Koné, a third new midfield signing is a must. One of the best up-and-coming players is Lille’s 18-year-old prodigy. Although competition is fierce and the bidding will likely start in excess of £50 million, Bouaddi is the kind of generational talent Sir Jim and his men are desperate to find. 5. Samu Aghehowa United need another striker to ease the load off Sesko, and my choice would be Samu. Still only just turned 22, he’s had another good season helping FC Porto to the league title in Portugal. Samu scored 20 from 32 games this season until he sustained an ACL injury that will rule him out until October. Whilst that’s maybe a red flag, it could persuade Porto to be a little kinder with the asking price of this exceptional young talent. All market value figures from Transfermarkt.com. Featured image Naomi Baker 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.
