Ruben Amorim’s refusal to trust Kobbie Mainoo in midfield was arguably his biggest tactical error as Manchester United head coach. Post‑Amorim, Mainoo was restored to the starting line‑up, and United suddenly began winning with ease. In the 13 matches the Mancunian has started under caretaker head coach Michael Carrick, United have lost only once. Mainoo’s reintroduction has been pivotal, helping the team string together victories, something they struggled to do under Amorim. The young midfield metronome has been central to United’s resurgence. His technical brilliance and composure on the ball have made him a vital link between defence and attack. Remarkably, this is the same player who was nearly offloaded last summer, or could have even left on loan in January. Kobbie Mainoo on the rise That said, what an extraordinary few weeks the 21‑year‑old has enjoyed. Last week he produced a masterclass in the 2‑1 win over Brentford, delivering a flawless 10/10 performance that helped avenge the 3‑1 defeat inflicted by the Bees earlier in the season. Days later, he signed a bumper new deal with United, a contract that now reflects his growing stature within the team. Interestingly, after committing his future and hinting at hopes of becoming a one‑club man, United’s No.37 dazzled against Liverpool. Kobbie Mainoo: Premier League Player of the Week It was his decisive strike that sealed a 3‑2 victory over the Reds last Sunday, United completing a league double over their rivals. It was his decisive strike that sealed a 3‑2 victory over the Reds last Sunday. United completed a league double over their rivals. That performance has now earned him the Premier League’s Player of the Week honours, with the league itself hailing the 99‑appearance United star as “the decisive factor.” The decisive factor in @ManUtd’s victory ❤️ Kobbie Mainoo is your Player of the Matchweek 👊 — Premier League (@premierleague) May 6, 2026 With three games remaining, the hope is that Mainoo sustains this fine form and sets himself up for a brilliant World Cup run with England. Featured image by Shaun Botterill/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 star hailed as “decisive factor” as he grabs yet another honour for his brilliance
United star explains why proving Ruben Amorim wrong ranks among his “greatest achievements”
Casemiro’s impending departure from Manchester United is a speck of grey in the brilliant blue sky for fans basking in the team’s rise under caretaker manager Michael Carrick. United are third in the Premier League table with three games remaining in the season, and have already qualified for next campaign’s Champions League. The English manager has defeated Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur, among others, since taking charge in mid-January. Casemiro has been an omnipresent figure under Carrick, starting all 14 games so far, and chipping in with five goals and one assist. However, the 34 year old has already announced that he will leave Old Trafford once his contract expires this summer. Such has been the player’s impact that there have been calls for him to extend his stay, although he has confirmed that there will be no U-turn. While Casemiro is now the apple of United fans’ eyes, it was only around 18 months ago that he was struggling to break into the starting XI under former head coach Ruben Amorim. Casemiro’s fall and rise under Amorim When Amorim took charge at Old Trafford in November 2024, Casemiro was enduring a prolonged dip in form. After a fantastic debut 2022/23 campaign, the Brazilian had struggled for prominence under former manager Erik ten Hag. The Portuguese head coach’s arrival initially did little to improve his situation, and Casemiro was soon warming the bench at the beginning of 2025. Of United’s six games across competitions in January that year, the Brazilian was an unused substitute in all but one, a 19-minute cameo against FCSB in the Europa League. However, the veteran midfielder refused to give up, and eventually wrestled his way back into the starting XI. He famously set up three goals in the 5-4 win over Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals second leg, and scored in both legs of the semi-final win against Athletic Bilbao. Casemiro’s redemption was complete when he was named in the starting XI for the Europa League final, which United unfortunately lost to Tottenham Hotspur. However, the Brazilian retained his place under Amorim at the beginning of this season, and has been as important as ever under Carrick as well. He has now opened up on his struggles under the Portuguese head coach. Casemiro Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League333292812,508′ FA Cup10—-11′ EFL Cup——- Total343292812,519′ Source: Transfermarkt. Convincing Amorim one of the highlights of his career Speaking to ESPN Brazil, Casemiro revealed that he managed to win over Amorim by working hard. He said: “It may have been one of my greatest achievements because, with all the humility in the world, the most natural thing would have been to say: ‘Oh well, the manager isn’t playing me? No problem, I’ve already won plenty of titles in my career, I’ve achieved a lot in my life and I’m here; if the manager doesn’t want to count on me, let him be and I’ll just carry on doing my thing.’” “But no. I kept working, I kept trying to show the manager that he was wrong, that he was mistaken about me. I could, as we say in the world of football, have given up, moved on with my life and that was that.” “But I kept working, I kept trying to change the manager’s mind, and I ended up succeeding; I ended up playing and having a great end to the season, playing in a Europa League final.” The Brazilian went on to claim that managing to convince Amorim was one of the biggest achievements of his career, adding: “Although I’ve had several achievements in my career, this may well have been one of the greatest: having turned the manager’s opinion around. I wasn’t playing because of the manager’s opinion. And he ended up picking me to play purely on the basis of my own merit and hard work.” Final Thoughts Casemiro looks set to move to Inter Miami this summer and is reportedly eager to team up with former foe Lionel Messi. The Brazilian has managed to make a deep impact on fans during his four-season tenure, and he will also be fondly remembered for helping bring Champions League football back to the Theatre of Dreams. 1 – Casemiro tonight made 11 tackles, won 16 duels and made 9 clearances – he is the only player in the last 20 seasons to record all of those numbers in a single Premier League match. Everywhere. pic.twitter.com/Pf6pxUNEOz — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 27, 2026 Featured image by Michael Regan/Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.
“Disgrace”: United fan groups erupt with fury at controversial Man City decision
Manchester United fan groups have released a statement, condemning the frustrating decision about the venue for the FA Youth Cup final. Venue confirmation On Tuesday, it was confirmed that the upcoming FA Youth Cup final meeting between Manchester City and United will be held at the Joie Stadium. City and United are set to clash in the first Manchester derby FA Youth Cup final since 1986. Drawn as the home side, it was expected that the game would be staged at the Etihad Stadium, but a time and date could not be agreed upon between the cross-town rivals. It was subsequently decided that the contest would be played at the Joie training Stadium, which holds just 7,000 spectators. A subsequent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United had offered to make Old Trafford available. The last time United featured in the FA Youth Cup final, Old Trafford welcomed more than 67,000 fans. However, City declined this request, insisting they were not willing to give up home advantage. It’s said that United have been left disappointed with the turn of events. There has been widespread criticism of City and now, fan groups, including the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust, have released a joint statement addressing the situation. Statement The statement reads, “The news that the FA Youth Cup Final, a great fixture which has heralded so many superstars of the future, is to be played in a stadium of just 6,000 people is a disgrace.” “Last time United were in the final we had 67,000 fans in Old Trafford so allowing this massive game to be played in front of such a paltry few fans is letting down supporters and denying these young footballers the biggest night of their careers so far.” “The FA needs to step in and ensure the game can be played at either the Etihad or Old Trafford. Time to put fans first for once.” “MUST – Manchester United Supporters Trust Manchester United Fans Forum” Last time United were in the final we had 67,000 fans in Old Trafford so allowing this massive game to be played in front of such a paltry few fans is letting down supporters and denying these young footballers the biggest night of their careers so far. — MUST | Manchester United Supporters Trust (@MU_ST) May 6, 2026 The FA needs to step in and ensure the game can be played at either the Etihad or Old Trafford. Time to put fans first for once. MUST – Manchester United Supporters TrustManchester United Fans Forum — MUST | Manchester United Supporters Trust (@MU_ST) May 6, 2026 It has emerged that United have been handed a miserly allocation of just 968 tickets. This is a disgrace, to say the least, especially when considering the numbers that could be drawn if the match were held at a larger ground. #MUFC have received 968 tickets for the FA Youth Cup Final, priced at £5 for adults, £3 for Over 65s and Under 21s, and 8 wheelchair positions at £3. The aim is to go on sale to Executive Club Members and men’s team Season Ticket holders on Thursday, 7 May TBC https://t.co/NRbsiJccb7 — Cheeses Of Nazareth (@OhCheesesChrist) May 6, 2026 United boast a long history in the competition, winning it a record 11 times and also finishing as runners-up on four occasions. Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social 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!
Carrick must channel his inner Amorim as unwanted Man Utd star refuses to leave
Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee has no plans to depart despite being urged to consider new destinations.The Red Devils splashed £36.5 million to sign the Dutchman from Bologna in the summer of 2024 based on Erik ten Hag’s request.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYThe 24-year-old’s first season at Old Trafford was a rollercoaster. While he didn’t manage to reach the expectations, Zirkzee still emerged as a fan favourite at Old Trafford, especially during the second half of the season.Man Utd want Joshua Zirkzee out, but he’s keen to stayThroughout the highs and lows, the attacker’s first campaign at Man Utd was eventful. On the contrary, his second season has been agonisingly dull, as he’s been reduced to a benchwarmer following the arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko.Under Michael Carrick, the Netherlands international has been either spending the entire match on the bench or making very brief cameos. Available 12 Starts 0 Cameos 5 Unused substitute 5 Total minutes 36 (Zirkzee’s playing time under Carrick via Transfermarkt)Therefore, many feel that the writing is on the wall for Zirkzee, who must rescue his career by finding himself a new club.According to football journalist Paddy Keogh, Man Utd are ‘keen’ to offload the former Bayern Munich man in the summer. The club is expected to inform the player of the decision by the end of the season.The source also mentions Napoli as a potential suitor. This would be an interesting destination given how he would reunite with Rasmus Hojlund, who was his main competitor for a starting berth last season.Want more Stretty News coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustThe Partenopei famously host another former MUFC man in Scott McTominay, who cemented himself as one of the biggest stars in the Italian top flight.But while INEOS are hellbent on parting ways with Zirkzee, Keogh believes the player is in no hurry to leave, as he remains ‘determined’ to stay at Carrington and fight for his place in the team. 🚨🟥 Transfer Update – Joshua Zirkzee Man United are keen to sell Zirkzee this summer, but the player is determined to stay and fight for his place Napoli want him on loan, #MUFC are pushing hard for a sale. The club plans to inform Zirkzee at the end of the season he can go pic.twitter.com/90bBcCnata — Paddy – Attacking Football (@PaddyKeoghAF) May 6, 2026Can Carrick imitate ruthless Amorim?Those who have paid attention to Zirkzee’s demeanour, whether on or off the pitch, would sense that the striker is rather happy at United.Perhaps he isn’t necessarily pleased with his limited status, but at least he feels appreciated by his teammates and the fanbase, and he realises that he’s playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world, and a departure could be deemed a step backwards in his career.On the other hand, Carrick (who, in all likelihood, will be confirmed as head coach for next season) doesn’t seem to be a keen admirer of the Dutch forward. And if Zirkzee decides to stay put, the manager’s chances of getting a new attacker will certainly shrink, with the management already prioritising other departments.Last summer, Ruben Amorim adopted a cut-throat approach, which ultimately paid dividends. His unwavering stance on the so-called ‘bomb squad’ allowed Man Utd to get rid of some of their most unwanted underachievers in recent years.He also dropped Hojlund from his plans in August, putting pressure on the Dane to accept Napoli’s offer, even though the striker had expressed his desire to stay and fight for his place in the team.Therefore, a similar approach might eventually push Zirkzee out the door, but it remains to be seen if Carrick has the nerves to execute it.
The Athletic: Anti-Amorim rebel & two other Man Utd loanees set for golden first-team opportunities
Michael Carrick gestures from the touchline at Old Trafford. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) Harry Amass and two other young Manchester United players could be granted first-team spots next season, at least if they can seize the opportunity in pre-season.This season, Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick operated with a relatively thin squad, mainly due to the lack of European football.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYWhile Carrick has been able to deliver results despite the lack of personnel, the management will be expected to address this deficiency in the summer.Harry Amass & two others set to join United’s pre-seasonNeedless to say, Man Utd will recruit several new players in the summer, especially in midfield. New players could also arrive to bolster the left flank.Nevertheless, INEOS could also resort to internal solutions if the head coach (who will most likely be Carrick) needs additional depth, especially with the club hoping to go far in the domestic cup as well, potentially stretching the campaign to 60 matches or more.Want more Stretty News coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustTherefore, The Athletic journalist Chris McKenna believes three MUFC players could be reintegrated into the senior squad once they return from their loan spells.The source discusses the status of every loaned-out Man Utd first-team player. McKenna believes the likes of Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford, Andre Onana, and Jadon Sancho no longer have a future at Carrington, even if they don’t remain at their current clubs.On the other hand, Harry Amass, Toby Collyer, and Radek Vitek could well receive a call-up for the pre-season, where they would try to earn a place in the senior squad.Will Amass, Collyer & Vitek earn a place at Man Utd?Amass is a 19-year-old left-back who made his senior debut last season. In August, he was loaned to Sheffield Wednesday, where he cemented himself as the biggest attraction at Hillsborough Stadium.The teenager won back-to-back Player of the Month awards, something he bragged about in a controversial social media post when Amorim used Amass as an example for ‘struggling’ MUFC academy products, although the manager was likely referring to Wednesday’s woes rather than the player’s.Due to the Owls’ miserable situation on and off the pitch, United decided to cut Amass’ loan stint short and send him to Norwich in January, but he sustained a serious injury that wrecked the second half of his campaign.With Luke Shaw needing an understudy for next season, the London native could represent a cost-efficient solution.Like Amass, Collyer represented two clubs this season, starting at West Brom, before switching to Hull City. The 22-year-old had also made his senior debut for Man Utd last season, and he even usurped Casemiro in Amorim’s pecking order at one point before suffering an injury.Man Utd will be revamping their midfield this season, so multiple spots are up for grabs. Therefore, a solid pre-season could convince the club to entrust the Worthing native with a senior role. Man Utd Loanee Age Position Loan Spell in 25/26 Appearances Harry Amass 19 Left-back Sheffield Wednesday, Norwich 22 Toby Collyer 22 Central midfielder West Brom, Hull City 17 Radek Vitek 22 Goalkeeper Bristol City 41 Finally, Radek Vitek has arguably been United’s most impressive loaned-out player this season, dominating Bristol City’s end-of-season awards. The 22-year-old goalkeeper is gunning for a prominent role, but the United hierarchy could convince the Czech to remain as a back-up for Senne Lammens, especially if they sell Altay Bayindir.
The Athletic: Not Hojlund or Rashford — Club president ‘ready to open talks’ with £47m Man Utd man imminently
Trabzonspor are reportedly ‘ready to open talks’ with Andre Onana if he opens the door to a permanent move this summer.That’s according to The Athletic, which adds that the Turkish outfit are ‘eager to keep him beyond this season’.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYTrabzonspor ‘very impressed’ with Andre OnanaOnana joined Trabzonspor in September on loan until the end of the 2025/2026 campaign after falling entirely out of favour at Manchester United. Appearances Clean Sheets Goals conceded 102 24 150 Onana’s record in all competitons for UnitedHis departure began to materialise following the conclusion of the main transfer window, leaving him few options to ply his trade for the bulk of the season.Want more Stretty News coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustYet, the Super Lig side were keen on taking him on board, and swiftly agreed a deal that would see him represent the club until June. From there, however, it remains to be seen where his future lies, as no buy option or obligation was included in the terms. 🔺 NEW: André Onana is set to undertake a medical after Manchester United agreed a deal worth about £47 million for the Inter Milan goalkeeper https://t.co/nTcHvV3WXj — Times Sport (@TimesSport) July 18, 2023How United can use Trabzonspor’s interest to their advantage(Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)That could well have worked in United’s favour now that Trabzonspor want to keep hold of him, though. 🔥 Gecenin yıldızı: Andre Onana! 3 penaltı kurtardı, takımını yarı finale taşıdı 👏 🤔 Trabzonspor Onana’nın bonservisini almalı mı?pic.twitter.com/0DtuMo6ZIZ — Transfermarkt.com.tr (@TMtr_news) April 23, 2026At the time he made the switch, the 30-year-old’s value plummeted in the aftermath of his dismal showing in United’s Carabao Cup opener, during which he conceded two first-half goals to League Two opponents Grimsby Town before letting in 12 penalties in the shootout.However, Onana has since been able to stabilise his form over in Turkey, albeit not to the point United would want to bring him back to Old Trafford to revive his career, meaning INEOS can name their price and hope Trabzonspor pay up.
‘When rather than if’: Rooney makes definitive Man Utd prediction this morning that’s sure to intrigue supporters
Wayne Rooney believes Michael Carrick is now a shoo-in to become the permanent Manchester United manager.It comes after the coach oversaw his 10th win in the dugout on Sunday afternoon as the Red Devils recorded a crunch victory against arch-rivals Liverpool at home.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYHow Carrick’s win over LFC may have convinced INEOS he’s the right candidateThe result marked a first league double for United over the Merseyside outfit in a decade, while also confirming that Champions League football would be returning to Old Trafford next season.Want more Stretty News coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustQualifying for Europe’s elite competition was the one task assigned to Carrick when he took charge in mid-January, given United had already exited both cup competitions at the earliest possible stages.Still, it hasn’t by any means been an easy feat. Even now, with three games to go, teams all the way down to 13th can and are still vying to finish in a UCL place. With three games to play, Newcastle United can still mathematically get Champions League football or be relegated from the Premier League 📈📉 pic.twitter.com/kYqA588BUG — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 4, 2026It’s also worth factoring into account that, aside from beating the reigning league winners Liverpool, Carrick has also orchestrated wins against the top two in the division: Arsenal and Manchester City.The latter have since won the League Cup and are in the FA Cup final, while the former are on course to claim their first title in almost 22 years and, last night, advanced to the Champions League final – yet neither could come out on top against United. 8 – Michael Carrick is only the sixth manager – and first English manager – to win 8+ of his opening 9 home games in the @premierleague, and first since Antonio Conte in 2016-17 (also 8/9). Compelling. pic.twitter.com/O5fRyUxj9E — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 3, 2026Alas, it comes as no surprise that the ex-midfielder has so much backing across the fanbase. Wins Draws Losses Total points Points per match 14 2 2 32 2.29 Carrick’s record since joining United for his second stint, courtesy of TransfermarktWhat Rooney had to say about Carrick’s futureHis former teammate Rooney rallied behind him once again this morning when speaking with BBC Sport, saying: “It’s when [Carrick gets the job] rather than if, I think.”He continued: “Just because he’s a young, English lad, and sometimes that’s not always the right way to look [when scouting a manager] in many people’s eyes, but Michael Carrick is a clever person.“He’s a really good coach, and I think he could lead this team for the next, you know, however long he wants, if he gets it right.” Wayne Rooney says it’s a case of “when rather than if” Michael Carrick gets the Manchester United job permanently 🤝🔜 pic.twitter.com/64bakOSPSh — BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 6, 2026
Ex-United employee says he’s been ‘told’ INEOS are now plotting ‘ambitious’ move for Tottenham fan-favourite
Manchester United are reportedly sizing up a potential summer swoop for Tottenham Hotspur stalwart Micky van de Ven.While not a priority in the same way the midfield is, it’s thought INEOS are considering changes to the backline following an injury-ridden season for Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYWhy are United considering a new centre-half addition?Ayden Heaven (19) and Leny Yoro (20) have been trustworthy to call upon and deputise in the absence of their senior counterparts, and they’ll have only benefited from the increased game time.Want more Stretty News coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustStill, it goes without saying that depth is essential in all areas of the squad if United are to compete on all fronts, including the Champions League, next season.With the number of matches the experienced trio have missed throughout 2025/2026, it does raise the question as to whether they can be relied upon throughout the course of a jam-packed campaign. Player PL appearances (starts) Injured Minutes played De Ligt 13 (13) 22 1,170 Martinez 15 (10) 16 961 Maguire 20 (16) 10 1,185 United mulling over Van de Ven proposalThat’s why Van de Ven has emerged as a potential target for the Red Devils. Micky van de Ven from his own half 🤯#UCL pic.twitter.com/IHBk2muSL9 — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) November 10, 2025Although his deal with Spurs runs until June 2029, he could well consider a premature departure in the coming months due to the sheer turbulence of the season he’s had to oversee in North London, which could still culminate with the side being relegated.It’s been nothing short of a fall from grace for Tottenham, considering it’s not even a full year since they overturned United in Bilbao to claim their first major honour in 17 years by winning the Europa League.Van de Ven was crucial to their victory, too, having stopped a certain United equaliser with a goal-line clearance. WHAT A CLEARANCE MICKY VAN DE VEN 🤩👏 Incredible from the Spurs centre half as he acrobatically clears Hojlund’s goal-bound header off the line!! 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/YhnGGMnk2x — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 21, 2025When Spurs’ top-flight action comes to an end this month, the 25-year-old’s sole focus will then be on overseeing a successful World Cup campaign with the Netherlands, where he’ll hope to occupy a starting spot under Ronald Koeman.What one insider is hearing about United and Van de VenVerifying reports that United are indeed among Van de Ven’s suitors in the lead-up to the transfer window, former club chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider: “Going into next season, they want an experienced and reliable centre-back alongside Maguire, and that’s why Micky van de Ven is somebody I’m told they’re looking at.“He might leave Tottenham even if they stay in the Premier League because he wants to play at a higher level, and Man United can offer him that.“He would be an ambitious target, but he’s somebody they like in a position they need to strengthen, so it’s something they have to look at.”
Schmeichel encourages INEOS to sign ‘controversial’ Casemiro successor this summer, he’d be a ‘proper leader’
Peter Schmeichel has put forth a potential Casemiro successor for Manchester United this summer in the form of Granit Xhaka.It comes after the Swiss international has overseen a formidable campaign at the heart of Sunderland’s midfield.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYCasemiro preparing for an emotional Old Trafford goodbyeHeading into matchweek 36, Casemiro has just one home game remaining in United colours before he pulls the curtains on his four-year tenure.Want more Stretty News coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustHis departure brings a monumental task for INEOS in terms of replacing such a seasoned veteran, and it could well take more than one signing to stabilise the midfield in his absence, especially considering 21-year-old Kobbie Mainoo is the only other nailed-on starter in the position.The five-time Champions League winner, 34, has racked up 110 Premier League appearances since making the switch from Real Madrid in August 2022.At a glance: Xhaka’s statistics in comparison to CasemiroThrough his spells with Arsenal and the Black Cats, Xhaka’s account sits at a hefty 256 appearances across eight seasons.The pair also have a knack for finding the back of the net, too; Casemiro is currently rounding off his best-ever goalscoring campaign, with nine to his name in the league this term 26 overall in a United shirt (all competitions). Casemiro has scored 1️⃣1️⃣ headers in the Premier League. 8️⃣ of them have been this season! pic.twitter.com/YZhaYLkKVS — Premier League (@premierleague) April 28, 2026Xhaka, on the other hand, has returned a goal for Sunderland in his maiden season and 23 for the Gunners in all competitions. Player PL Appearances Goals Assists Casemiro 110 15 7 Xhaka 256 18 30 Of course, it goes without saying that a move for the 33-year-old, who won the Bundesliga and two other major honours during his brief stint with Bayer Leverkusen, won’t be seen as a target for United.INEOS are keen to sign players they can rely on for the coming years, rather than those at the latter stages of their careers.What did Schmeichel have to say about the two experienced midfielders?Nonetheless, that didn’t stop Schmeichel from voicing his suggestion on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast.“I have one, maybe controversial in thinking, but I think we should go and sign Xhaka,” said the former shot-stopper.“I make my case: we are going to build a team around Kobbie. Casemiro is leaving. Bring in [Adam] Wharton and [Elliot] Anderson or whatever, who are still young. What we don’t have really is proper leadership. When I look and see what Xhaka has done at Sunderland, he is the reason why they are absolutely amazing.“His leadership qualities are great, he can play 80 per cent of the games, and he is a very good player. I know he can do it. If he does one or two years, we need leadership.”
‘There are no doubts’: Euro giants chief announces they will 100% sign £64m Man Utd man as soon as window opens
Napoli Sporting Director Giovanni Manna has confirmed the club will be signing Rasmus Hojlund from Manchester United this summer.As a result, the forward’s Red Devils tenure will come to an end after three years, only two of which he spent actually playing for United.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYRasmus Hojlund to join Napoli in JuneWhen Hojlund made the switch to Naples last summer, it was swiftly revealed that a buy obligation worth £38 million had been included in the terms, which they would have to activate if they qualified for the Champions League.Although Napoli have maintained since early on his loan spell that they intended to keep hold of the Dane, the clause will automatically have to be fulfilled in the coming weeks when the side book their UCL spot.Unfortunately for Antonio Conte and his men, they were unable to retain their Scudetto following last season’s triumph, as Inter Milan claimed the title over the weekend with three games left to play.However, they did lift silverware midway through the campaign when winning the Italian Super Cup back in December.How is Hojlund getting on over in Italy?In regard to how Hojlund, whom United signed for an initial £64m, has fared in sky blue, he has enjoyed a revitalised run in comparison to 2024/2025, when he returned only four Premier League goals in 32 appearances.The 23-year-old has notched 14 goals and six assists in 42 appearances across all competitions in 2025/2026, including 10 in the league and three in Europe. 2-0 now to Napoli, and it’s a bit of brilliance from Rasmus Hojlund 🤩 The strength the run and cut inside, and a deflection on his shot takes it past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0. 📺 TNT Sports on HBO Max pic.twitter.com/PZdMR3m9Df — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 24, 2026At the time United chiefs were negotiating his departure, it’s thought Hojlund was desperate to stay put and prove himself to INEOS. Appearances Goals Assists 95 26 6 Hojlund’s complete record for UnitedYet, with how United’s frontline has performed in his absence and how he’s been able to enjoy his football under less scrutiny, it goes without saying that the impending deal is the best outcome for all parties.“There are no doubts. Rasmus will stay here,” said Manna (as cited by Mirror Sport) when weighing in on the striker’s future. “We have an obligation to buy from Manchester United in case of Champions League access, but he is in our plans regardless of this condition.” Napoli have confirmed that Rasmus Hojlund will join the club permanently in a £38m move from Man Utd 🔴✅ ✍️ @CrossyDailyStar https://t.co/TbNNPfstZC pic.twitter.com/8PvY2842Ks — Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) May 5, 2026
