Manchester United’s pursuit of talismanic skipper Bruno Fernandes’ ideal successor has seen them linked with several creative players across the continent. The 31 year old has been the heartbeat of the Red Devils since arriving at Old Trafford in January 2020. He is on the brink of history this season after picking up 19 Premier League assists. With three games left in the campaign, Fernandes could equal or break the league record for most assists in a season (20), jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. The Portuguese is only the third player after Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney to register 100 goals and 100 assists for United in the club’s illustrious history. However, Fernandes is already on the wrong side of 30 and his contract expires at the end of next season. While the Portuguese has shown no signs of slowing down, the Red Devils have to lay down succession plans soon. A previous report relayed by The Peoples Person suggests INEOS have their eyes on Chelsea’s Cole Palmer for the job. Cole’s struggles this season Palmer rose through the ranks at Manchester City, but after struggling for game time, he left in the summer of 2023 to join Chelsea. The Englishman enjoyed an outstanding debut season with the Blues, registering 27 goals and 15 assists in 48 appearances. He won Chelsea’s Player of the Season as well as the Players’ Player of the Season, while he was also adjudged the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season, among other personal accolades. While the 24 year old could not match those returns in his second campaign, he was still quite impressive. However, Palmer has struggled for form and fitness this season, while the managerial upheavals at Stamford Bridge have not helped either. The Englishman has registered 10 goals and three assists in 30 outings in all competitions this campaign, missing 26 games for club and country with various knocks. Cole Palmer Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League2321914-1,696′ UEFA Champions League4312–277′ FA Cup21–1-81′ EFL Cup10—-30′ Total30251035-2,084′ Source: Transfermarkt. A previous report relayed by The Peoples Person states that Palmer is unsettled at Chelsea and could consider a move to Old Trafford this summer. An update on the Englishman’s future has now emerged. United end Palmer pursuit According to The Express, United have pulled the plug on their pursuit of Palmer this summer. The report states: “Manchester United have ruled out a blockbuster summer move for Cole Palmer. Express Sport understands that United’s hierarchy have concluded that pursuing the England and Chelsea star does not feature among their primary objectives for the upcoming window.” The report insists that while Palmer is impressed by the resurgence under caretaker manager Carrick, the Red Devils have other priorities this summer. It adds: “Manchester-born Palmer grew up as a United supporter before joining Manchester City – and has been impressed by their recent resurgence under interim manager Michael Carrick.” “However, United have other areas of the squad to bolster ahead of the coming season, especially with Bruno Fernandes in such glittering form in the No.10 role.” The report adds that United are aware that a move for Palmer would cost around £90 million, which may be beyond their budget. It concluded: “United have admitted privately that Palmer would be an expensive luxury the club doesn’t need and cannot afford.” Final Thoughts On paper, Palmer looks like the ideal replacement for Fernandes. However, the Portuguese’s stunning form this season suggests that United should put all their efforts into ensuring he stays at Old Trafford for as long as possible. 14 – Bruno Fernandes has created 5+ chances in 14 different Premier League games in 2025-26. On record since 2003-04, only Mesut Özil has done so more often in a season (15 times in 2015-16). Relentless. pic.twitter.com/YHjY2oPLg5 — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 3, 2026 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 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 reach final decision on pursuit of £90m PL wizard who is willing to join Red Devils – report
PL boss pours fuel on the fire of ambitious Old Trafford raid for “excellent” United wizard
Amad Diallo’s long-term future at Manchester United is becoming a source of debate. Arguably, United’s most dangerous player in the first half of this season, it is frustrating that in recent months, the Ivory Coast winger seems to have lost his spark. Amad Diallo struggling He has not been the same player that United allowed to leave for AFCON. Despite returning to play his original right-wing role, Amad cannot seem to affect games as he should; his performances have been that underwhelming. He is not scoring or assisting, and has not done so in a United shirt since netting against Bournemouth last December. That tricky situation the 23-year-old finds himself in has given life to suggestions that Ineos cash in on him. And while the Old Trafford chiefs may opt to be patient with the winger, expecting him to soon snap out of his poor form, a Premier League club is pressuring them to cash in. The Peoples Person recently relayed a report suggesting Sunderland view Amad as a dream signing. They are ready to act if United hint at a potential exit for the tricky winger. Regis Le Bris addresses Amad links Now, as the Black Cats’ links to Amad get a new lease of life, their manager, Regis Le Bris, has spoken of why it would be a pleasure to welcome Amad back to the Stadium of Light. “He [Amad] is a good winger,” said Le Bris, via the Northern Echo, while on the presser ahead of the Sunderland versus Man United game. “I think he is a creative, an excellent footballer, with an ability to threaten the final third. He has everything to be a strong winger, but after that, the competition at Manchester United is high. “He probably doesn’t play as much as he would like; he would like to play much more. If he wants to play with us, why not? I would be happy. But probably not on Saturday!” It is plainly obvious Le Bris is trying to sway Amad over a return to Sunderland. Sunderland are being over-ambitious But with ambitions of playing on the grandest of stages, it would be surprising to see Amad quit United for the Premier League newcomers. Unless forced out, Amad is likely to stay at Manchester United, breaking Sunderland hearts years after that brilliant loan spell, during which he scored 14 goals and assisted three others in 39 games. 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.
Carrick set to unleash perfect secret weapon who will terrorise opposition defences next season – opinion
“I love it when a plan comes together,” Mason Mount may once have said about something. Perhaps his successful stint as Chelsea’s poster boy, possibly when signing his contract at Manchester United. But barely at any point this season would those words have rung true for United’s woebegone number 7. False dawn True, he started the first three games of a season which was supposed to be Ruben Amorim’s redemption, the theoretical pay-off of all the suffering up to that point. The hard-running Mount was meant to be one of the key pressing machines in a stronger, leaner United side, a terrier with a goal threat lurking in one of the number 10 roles. But just as the wheels came off the Portuguese’s project, so too did the 27-year-old gradually, inevitably, fade from view. His purple patch amounted to two goals in three games in the run-up to Christmas. Then came the team’s general fall-off, eight games missed through injury and an absolute failure to get into Michael Carrick’s notoriously tight-knit starting lineup. There’s always next season The interim head coach has so far given Mount less than half an hour of playing time, during which his biggest contribution has been a booking in the battling victory at his former club. He featured for nine minutes. It’s not a pretty picture for the £60m man, but there remains one last chance to turn around his desperately underwhelming United tenure next season. Much has been made of United’s embarrassingly slim fixture list, which has allowed Carrick to settle on his preferred starting lineup and deviate more through necessity than tactical creativity. Next season the Red Devils must fight on all fronts, and they will need the squad depth to cope with playing twice a week for as long as possible. Mount may seem a distant figure at present, but his energy and creativity make him a useful player to have on the bench, and one not out of place on the pitch in a way that, say, Joshua Zirkzee seems. Or maybe there isn’t Carrick may not have stamped a rigid identity on his teams in the way his predecessor did, but his preferences are pretty clear in terms of personnel and positions. That Mount’s name remains far from the team sheet is apparent, but how he would even fit into a Carrick lineup – should he still be calling the shots next season – is not so obvious. Not a natural winger, not a solution to the midfield chasm and not likely to depose Bruno Fernandes at number 10 – where the likes of Matheus Cunha are also poised ready to deputise – he may find himself glued to the bench while teammates revolve around him, even as the fixtures pile up. This is hardly likely to appeal to a player clearly of Premier League quality, and should recruitment and tactics indicate that his chances will not increase then a summer departure becomes possible. Possible exit It’s an unsatisfactory outcome to consider, another big-money marquee signing falling victim to the curse of United’s number 7 shirt. In fits and bursts Mount has shown his worth with craft on the ball and industry off it. But the Red Devils are determined to shop in England’s top division, where potential suitors for Mount could surely be found. A world in which he is used as a makeweight in a deal for Morgan Rogers exists, as does one where he finds himself at Newcastle while Sandro Tonali travels south. Transfers are rarely that straightforward – any departure would more than likely be a straight sale, which could also transform the summer window. But as understudy or option next season, or a saleable asset in the coming months, United’s eternal misfit is approaching his last chance to contribute to the club. Featured image Gareth Copley 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 Joe Ponting Joe has spent more than half his life writing about football and all of it following United. As a child he told a doctor his name was ‘Paul Scholes’, but could never pick a pass like him no matter how much he tried. He cut his teeth working in print media for local newspapers and entered football journalism covering the grassroots game for the Non-League Paper. Here he achieved a career high, interviewing United legend Sir Bobby Charlton to get his views on the lower echelons of the football pyramid. To kill time during international breaks Joe writes album reviews and has strong views on post punk for Plus One Magazine.
United scouts blown away by PL maestro no one is talking about, talks already held over £30m move – report
Manchester United are huge admirers of AFC Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams for three key reasons, according to the latest reports. Midfield Rebuild A major revamp of the engine room is the priority at Old Trafford this summer. Three new options could arrive in place of Casemiro, whose contract expires in June, and Manuel Ugarte, whom INEOS are keen to cut their losses on. The club’s primary targets are a selection of the finest operators in the Premier League, headed by Nottingham Forest powerhouse Elliot Anderson. Sandro Tonali (Newcastle), Carlos Baleba (Brighton) and Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) also feature highly on the list. But all four are expected to cost up to, if not more than, £100 million to prise from their respective clubs. Accordingly, United have also identified a selection of ‘cheaper’ alternatives to help balance the books. This has led to Adams — Bournemouth’s box-to-box dynamo — quickly emerging as a key target going under the radar in comparison to these other names. Underlying Metrics Two of the boxes that the United States international, who is set to play a key role for his country at the World Cup this summer, ticks are obvious: Premier League proven and ‘cheap’. A fee of around £30 million has been suggested after United held talks with the player’s camp in January to lay the groundwork for a potential deal. But more important than Adams’ price or pedigree are his performances, which have blown United’s recruitment department away. Nathan Salt (Daily Mail) reveals the analytics team at Old Trafford, headed by INEOS chief Michael Sansoni, “love” the 27-year-old as he ranks highly across so many different underlying statistics. “United’s data department love him. Anyone you speak to says he scores so highly on this metric and that metric. They are adamant that he statistically, the analytics show he is really, really good — and they’ve liked him for a while,” the transfer expert told Stretford Paddock. Adams is also understood to be a leader in the dressing room, at both club and international level, and possesses the versatility to fulfil a number of roles on the pitch. Salt concludes that while these types of “mid-ranking” signings in terms of expenditure are “difficult for fans to get excited about”, recruitment revolves around building a squad as much as a starting XI. 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 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.
Ashley Cole 2.0 makes perfect case for bombshell transfer to Old Trafford, INEOS already in talks – opinion
A left-back signing is one that Manchester United are expected to make. Setting Patrick Dorgu free to play left wing and providing Luke Shaw with a capable deputy is driving this transfer need. Obviously, some brilliant transfer options have already been identified, but has Myles Lewis-Skelly now positioned himself as the no-brainer left-back option INEOS should pursue? Brilliant 2024-25 In the 2024-25 season, Lewis-Skelly stepped up significantly and turned Arsenal’s point of weakness into one of strength. By combining his midfield technical press-resistance, tactical maturity, and fearless defensive one-v-one duelling, he effortlessly cemented his spot in Mikel Arteta’s line-up. The England national team’s technical bench were so impressed that they quickly called him up and handed him his debut. Just as he dazzled in the Premier League and Champions League against heavyweights like Real Madrid, Lewis-Skelly also lit up the international stage, earning comparisons to Ashley Cole in the process. What a revelation Lewis-Skelly’s 2024-25 season was, with many Gooners already excited about what he would offer in 2025-26, certain he would only get better. Disappointing 2025-26 for Lewis-Skelly Unfortunately for the teenage sensation, he was not given the opportunity to pick up from where he left off. Not with Arteta sanctioning a left-back signing, and not with the Arsenal manager opting to rely more on Ricardo Calafiori instead. Lewis-Skelly found himself on the bench, limited to cameo appearances, a frustrating situation after such a promising debut season. That tricky situation, amounting to just 500 Premier League minutes, has led the 19-year-old to consider his future in North London. Some time ago, it was claimed he had, through intermediaries, even offered himself to United. And while the Red Devils are yet to make a concrete move, Sky Sports continue to report he is firmly on their radar. Well, if he is on their radar, surely the last two Arsenal games should have given INEOS enough incentive to prioritise his signing. Brought order to a troubled midfield One thing that has been bothering Arsenal is their midfield balance. To save their season, Arteta had to find a way to inject control at the centre of the park. Against Fulham, one bold tactical tweak, playing Lewis-Skelly in midfield, saw the Gunners finally find the balance they had been craving. Myles Lewis‑Skelly’s last two performances (stats courtesy of Statman Dave) Myles Lewis‑Skelly vs Atlético MadridMyles Lewis‑Skelly vs Fulham Aerial duels (success): 100%Pass accuracy: 97% Aerial duels won: 90%Touches: 79 Touches: 55Ground duels contested: 9 Carries: 19Ground duels won: 6 Passes into final third: 5Ball recoveries: 6 Progressive carries: 2Passes into final third: 4 Fouls won: 2Fouls won: 4 Chances created: 1– Lewis-Skelly in midfield has been a cheat code. With vision, ball-carrying, passing, and midfield dominance, the young Gunner has shown he can be the heartbeat of a team. A midfield masterclass against Fulham, and now delivering again on the biggest stage in a Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid, surely there is no ignoring the fact that there are two players in one with Lewis-Skelly. He is a great left-back and an even greater midfielder. Notably, United are keen to bolster left-back and might also look for a third midfield signing after already bringing two top midfielders through the door. Solves two areas of concern Imagine spending money on one player who arrives capable of bolstering two positions of weakness. It is a no-brainer: if there is a chance United can sign Lewis-Skelly, they should strike. With Hincapie and Calafiori around, and rumours that Arsenal could look to bring in another top midfielder, it should not be hard for INEOS to convince the young Englishman to make the move. With his signing, two positions could be effortlessly bolstered, making the outlay well worth it. Lewis-Skelly could fill in at left-back in the meantime, and when Harry Amass and Diego Leon are ready for a key role, he can move into midfield. Featured image Clive Mason 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.
United accelerate interest in “fantastic” English winger as Jason Wilcox flies in for club-to-club talks – report
Manchester United are ramping up preparations for a major summer of activity at Old Trafford across all levels of the club. Securing best-in-class talent While the transfer window will be dominated by the big-money overhaul in midfield, with the bulk of the budget set to be invested in three new recruits, the focus is not solely on the engine room. Reinforcements to bolster the left-hand side, either at full-back or on the wing, are high on the agenda. A new No.2 to replace Altay Bayindir will likely be required, and a more experienced striker to support Benjamin Sesko is also on the radar. But INEOS are not limiting their attention to just the first team. Rather, they look set to continue their drive to secure the best young talent from across the globe in the hope of unearthing the “next Kylian Mbappé”, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe revealed two years ago. “I think in a way what I would rather do is try to sign the next Mbappé than spend a fortune trying to buy success,” the club’s co-owner stated. “It’s not that clever buying Mbappé, anyone can figure that one out. What’s much more challenging is to find the next Mbappé or [Jude] Bellingham or Roy Keane.” And while Leicester City starlet Jeremy Monga may not reach the dizzy heights of the French World Cup-winning superstar, he remains an outstanding prospect being chased by England’s elite — with the Red Devils looking to steal a march on their rivals. Wilcox makes contact A report relayed by The Peoples Person revealed United’s interest in the 16-year-old left-winger, who has enjoyed a breakout season at the King Power Stadium after becoming one of the youngest debutants in Premier League history last year. Then-manager, and United legend, Ruud van Nistelrooy showered Monga with praise at the time: “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.” He has played 25 times in the Championship, though was unable to help his side stave off the ignominy of back-to-back relegations as the Foxes have finished second last, confirming a descent into League One. The Coventry native scored one goal and assisted two more, but it was his all-round play and dizzying dribbling that caught the eye of suitors in the Premier League, including Arsenal and Manchester City. But reports suggest “more than half” of England’s top sides are in the running. Round Table reveals United sporting director Jason Wilcox “met with club officials” from Leicester this week, with sources indicating “firm interest” in Monga. Seventeen-year-old midfielder Louis Page is another target with admirers in M16. Academy director Stephen Torpey is also understood to have been present during this meeting as the “focus on recruiting promising young talent” remains a major part of United’s planning this summer. 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 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.
Deadly forward’s sensational return to Old Trafford will transform United’s attack next season – opinion
With Manchester United’s recent 3-2 victory over fierce rivals Liverpool F.C. guaranteeing the Red Devils a spot in next season’s Champions League, many fans are now looking ahead to the upcoming summer transfer window. This season has seen United achieve far more than many expected following their dismal campaign the year before, in which they finished fifteenth in the Premier League and suffered a severely disappointing loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final. With such swift progress made, United will be looking to kick on even further and challenge for major titles next season. To achieve that goal, though, the club will need a flawless display in the upcoming transfer window. Our forward line is clicking After struggling to find the back of the net consistently last season, the club completely rebuilt their forward line last summer. Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha all arrived in high-priced deals, and all have hit the ground running at Old Trafford. The trio have combined to score many important, match-winning goals, including both Sesko and Cunha getting on the scoresheet in our recent victory over Liverpool. Together, the trio have contributed over thirty goal involvements this season. Our early exits from both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, paired with our lack of European football this season, mean the trio have largely managed to remain fresh throughout the season, but that may not be the case next year. Next season, however, will bring about new challenges for the in-form trio. A return to the Champions League will bring about more games and, therefore, more risk of injury and more need to rotate the squad. Do United have the depth? Interim head coach Michael Carrick has made few changes to his starting eleven across his time at the club thus far, but with more games to come next season he will be forced to utilise the full extent of his squad next season. The other attacking players in the squad are in poor form at the moment, struggling to impact games when given the chance. Amad Diallo looks a shadow of the player we saw last season, while Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee have struggled with injuries and inconsistencies. Should United be forced to field these three players next season, fans would likely see a noticeable drop-off in performance and quality. Sesko can’t do it all himself Back when Sir Alex Ferguson was manager and the club were enjoying an unrivalled period of success, United would always have three or four top-class strikers at the club. Be it Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, who scored five times in one of our biggest ever wins, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjær in 98/99 or Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez and Louis Saha in 2008, United have always had a plethora of talent to deploy through the middle. In order to kick on and mount a real challenge for silverware next season, the club should invest in another striker to lighten Sesko’s workload and provide more game-changing quality from the bench. A potential solution In order to save funds for areas of the squad that more desperately require additions, i.e. midfield, it would be prudent for United to find a cheap striker for the squad. Ideally, somebody with Premier League experience and, ideally, previous experience of representing the Red Devils. That is why Danny Welbeck could be the perfect solution to this problem. He is still scoring goals in the Premier League, having netted 13 goals this season, and his experience would be invaluable into transforming Sesko into the goal scoring machine he has the potential to become. 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 strike gold in pursuit of 6’1 LaLiga monster as he’s now “planning a move” this summer – Sky Sports
Manchester United’s pursuit of David Affengruber has received a boost after the Elche defender’s latest decision, according to Sky Sports. Bolstering Defence Despite Harry Maguire signing a contract extension last month and the presence of four other highly rated options in Michael Carrick’s squad, United remain interested in signing a new centre-back. Both Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven remain works in progress, despite insiders believing the pair have the potential to develop a partnership as imperious as Arsenal duo William Saliba and Gabriel. And Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez, both formerly of Dutch giants Ajax, have each suffered serious injury concerns this year, with a growing sense of uncertainty over their long-term futures. Despite each member of the five-man unit being excellent on their day, INEOS are keen on bolstering an area of the pitch which could cause issues next season if left untouched. Cut-Price Deal The urgent priority this summer is a revamp of the midfield; however, with Casemiro heading through the exit door and Manuel Ugarte likely to join him. This will drain the bulk of the budget, while a new left-back, an experienced striker, and a new No.2 to back up Senne Lammens are also understood to be on the list. Consequently, there is unlikely to be much financial room left to sign a new centre-back — which is why a cut-price deal for Affengruber poses such an excellent market opportunity. The Austria international is a 6’1″ defender, capable of playing out from the back with a wand of a left foot. He ranks highly in progression metrics, combining this with an aggressive front-foot style. Elche signed him on a free transfer from Sturm Graz two years ago on a three-year deal, meaning his contract will expire next June. And despite a desire from the Spanish club to keep their prized asset, there is acceptance this summer is the time to sell. David Affengruber Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsSecond Yellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played LaLiga3229116-12,593′ Copa del Rey32-1—143′ Total3531126-12,736′ However, a report relayed by the The Peoples Person revealed Affengruber is “yet to make his mind up” on an exit, with a sense he may wish to remain in LaLiga. But Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg states the defender is in fact “planning a move in the summer”, with a host of clubs across the continent — including United — in the race for his signature. 🚨🆕 David #Affengruber is planning a move in the summer. Strong season with Elche. Contract until 2027. Options include the Bundesliga, Italy and Spain. Scouted by Juventus, Milan, Atletico, Sevilla and Manchester United.@SkySportDE 🇦🇹 pic.twitter.com/wAfdZU75Ug — Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) May 8, 2026 Tweet: “David Affengruber is planning a move in the summer. Strong season with Elche. Contract until 2027. Options include the Bundesliga, Italy and Spain. Scouted by Juventus, Milan, Atletico, Sevilla and Manchester United.” Final Thoughts The combination of Elche’s financial fragility and Affengruber entering the final twelve months of his contract mean United are primed to strike gold in their pursuit should they choose to escalate interest. While Atletico Madrid may present an issue, Italian giants Juventus and AC Milan will not be able to compete with the financial package on offer at Old Trafford, nor will Sevilla or any club in Germany outside of Bayern Munich. A fee in the region of £17 million is understood to be sufficient to bring Elche to the negotiating table, one well within United’s reach even after signing two high-profile midfielders. Feature image Ion Alcoba Beitia 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.
Red-hot PL striker explains why he could “never ever say a bad word” about United
Manchester United have significantly improved their goalscoring output this season after investing wisely in the attack. The Red Devils finished 15th in the Premier League table last campaign, and lost the Europa League final 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur. Much of their misfortune was due to poor form in the final third, with the team managing just 44 goals in 38 Premier League games. INEOS identified the issue early in the summer and invested over £200 million in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. United have subsequently plundered 63 goals in 35 Premier League games this season, and now sit third in the league table. Sesko is the club’s top scorer with 12 goals in all competitions, while Cunha (9) and Mbeumo (10) have also contributed to the team’s rise. However, the Red Devils remain linked with further attacking additions this summer, especially with Joshua Zirkzee’s future uncertain. There is a belief that Sesko could further improve with an experienced striker in the squad, and previous reports have suggested former academy graduate Danny Welbeck as an option. Welbeck’s spell at Old Trafford Welbeck rose through the ranks at Old Trafford and broke into the first team under former head coach Sir Alex Ferguson. After a fruitful loan spell with Sunderland in the 2010/11 campaign, the Englishman was included in the senior side but failed to cement a place in the starting XI. With Louis van Gaal taking charge in the summer of 2014, Welbeck was deemed surplus to requirements and sold to Arsenal. By then, he had registered 29 goals and 16 assists in 142 appearances for the Red Devils. The Englishman spent five seasons at the Emirates before briefly joining Watford. In the summer of 2020, he moved to Brighton and has done very well at the Amex so far. This season, the 35 year old has registered 14 goals and two assists in 37 appearances. That also includes two goals against United: in Brighton’s 4-2 defeat in the Premier League, and in the 2-1 FA Cup Third Round victory. Danny Welbeck Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow cardsRed cardsMinutes played Premier League34231315-2,066′ EFL Cup21-1–102′ FA Cup111—78′ Total37251425-2,246′ Source: Transfermarkt. A privilege to play for United Welbeck recently sat down with Sunderland’s media team, where he was asked about his spell with United. The Englishman spoke about his former club fondly, adding that it was a privilege to play for the senior side. He said: “It’s my boyhood club. I grew up there, coming through the academy from the Under-9s right up to the first team. You grow up watching your idols and you want to get there and try to emulate their success. It was really such a privilege to make it into the first team.” “It took a lot of hard work to get there, and I had some amazing years. I had some incredible role models to learn from and of course an incredible manager as well. I could never ever say a bad word against Manchester United because they brought me through the system and developed me as a person and as a player.” “That’s the same as the time I spent at Sunderland where so many players and staff helped me along the way, so I owe everyone there and Steve Bruce such a lot.” Final Thoughts Welbeck won the Premier League, the EFL Cup, the Community Shield and the FIFA Club World Cup during his time with United. With the Englishman’s contract due to expire next summer, he could be a cost-effective option to strengthen the attack this summer. 9 – Since Ruben Amorim departed as Manchester United manager, no player has scored more Premier League goals than Benjamin Sesko (9 goals). Spearhead. pic.twitter.com/jAMnraWP0Z — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 3, 2026 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 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 “ready to submit” blockbuster offer to sign elite 26-yo talisman from bitter PL rival – report
Manchester United are ready to ramp up their pursuit of Newcastle maestro Sandro Tonali, according to the latest report from Italy. Best in England Despite enduring a torrid start to life on Tyneside after a ten-month ban for breaching betting rules, Tonali has bounced back to establish himself as one of the finest operators in the Premier League. Combining the technique and tactical awareness for which Italian midfielders are famed with an unrelenting engine and excellent ball-winning abilities, the 26-year-old is effective across all phases of play. It’s little wonder that Newcastle’s struggles this season, with the club currently stranded in thirteenth place and with no hope of qualifying for Europe, have put England’s biggest clubs on red alert over a potential raid. United are joined by Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City in their admiration, while Serie A giant Juventus are hoping to seal a return to Italy if finances permit. However, the Magpies are intent on retaining their best players amidst growing unrest at St James’ Park. They are expected to demand up to £100 million to let Tonali leave the north-east of England, which was understood to have cooled United’s interest — but that looks set to change now. United ready to strike Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web claims the Red Devils are “ready to submit a suitable offer” for the Lodi native. United are described as “ahead of the game” and have communicated their intent to intensify their interest. While it is not specified whether this message has been delivered to the player or his club, it is believed to be the former. Interestingly, the Italian outlet contends the price is now around the £86 million mark, potentially explaining why United have reignited a pursuit. The club’s primary target is understood to be Elliot Anderson, but Manchester City are frontrunners for the Nottingham Forest and England star’s signature. Other names on the list are Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, with whom United agreed personal terms last summer. Final Thoughts The task of replacing the departing Casemiro will be one which defines INEOS’ tenure as rulers at the Theatre of Dreams. The Brazilian behemoth will leave an enormous gap in the squad when his contract expires in June. Tonali is one of the few players in the Premier League not already plying his trade for a ‘Big Six’ club who could fill these shoes, along with Anderson. If United are now ready to strike a deal, it would be the perfect start to the summer window. 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 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.
