Manchester United have made a crucial selection decision following their qualification for next season’s Champions League. According to ESPN Brazil, Matheus Cunha will be rested for the final three matches to keep him fresh for Brazil’s World Cup campaign. This call was taken after a meeting between CBF and the Red Devils hierarchy following his recent injury scare, which saw the Brazilian miss the Brentford game last week. “In a tense moment, with several players getting injured and causing major headaches for Carlo Ancelotti on the eve of the World Cup, at least there’s some good news for the manager. Matheus Cunha out for the rest of the season “Matheus Cunha, a regular starter for the Brazilian national team , had an adductor problem in recent days and, despite still suffering from pain, returned to play and, with a goal, helped Manchester United win the derby against Liverpool and secure qualification for the next Champions League . “And since the main objective of the season has already been achieved, the English team will “fill in” for Ancelotti. “ESPN has learned that the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) has reached an agreement with United, who will rest the number 10 player in the last three rounds of the Premier League , so that he can fully recover to play in the World Cup.” Following Sunday’s win over Liverpool, in which Matheus Cunha scored, the 20-time English league champions have qualified for the Champions League following a two-year absence. Surprising call on Matheus Cunha With three games left to play, Michael Carrick will now depend on Patrick Dorgu, who returned from a long-term injury on Sunday. With Premier League prize money at stake, it looks to be a surprising call but the caretaker head coach will be confident he can manage with the squad at his disposal. The United No.10 has proven to be a revelation in the left winger role, scoring five times while registering three assists since Carrick’s arrival. In his debut season at Old Trafford, the former Wolves ace has nine goals in the Premier League, United’s joint-second top scorer in the competition this term. 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’s hero vs Liverpool set to miss the rest of the season as Red Devils reach surprise agreement – ESPN
Gary Neville advises United to replace Amorim favourite with someone “a bit more flexible” this summer
Manchester United legend Gary Neville believes the club need to make four priority additions to the squad to stay competitive next season. The Red Devils have already qualified for next season’s Champions League following their 3-2 win over Liverpool on Sunday, 3 May. United are now third in the league table with three games remaining this season, and INEOS are preparing for a major summer ahead. The Red Devils have to make a permanent appointment for the hot seat at Old Trafford, although recent reports suggest that caretaker manager Michael Carrick is the frontrunner for the position. The English giants are also preparing for squad reinforcements as they look ahead to a comparatively busier season. United need to strengthen their midfield to address the impending departure of Casemiro, who will leave as a free agent this summer. The Red Devils signed four players last summer in what was a highly successful transfer window, and Neville believes they have to repeat the trick this year as well. United have to upgrade the defence and midfield Speaking on the Gary Neville podcast, the United legend said that Carrick will be disappointed at not winning by a larger scoreline against Liverpool. He said: “Michael Carrick will be very happy tonight but I think he will also be disappointed deep down that they haven’t gone on to win that game 3-0 or 4-0.” “They should have killed that game and put Liverpool to sleep because they were nowhere near this football match. He’s won the game and that’s the most important thing but Carrick won’t be fooled by some of what he saw in that second half.” Neville went on to state that the Red Devils have to strengthen their defence as well as their midfield this summer, adding: “He will know he needs to rebuild the defence and midfield. If you’re going to play 4-4-2, which I am massively in favour of United doing, you have to have two very special players in there and have defenders who can play one-on-one.” “You’re asking a lot of the players. I think United need a left-back for next season because Luke Shaw has played every game this year and he may struggle. They need a centre-back, 100%, and they need two midfield players. They are the four priorities right now. They’re the players I would look at adding to this squad.” United advised to offload Mason Mount Neville believes that his former club could explore the possibility of targeting a fifth player as a possible replacement for Mason Mount. He said: “Look, if you could then maybe trade Mason Mount for someone else who maybe can play in and out and can be a bit more flexible across the midfield and forward line then I would say go for a fifth.” “But if you can’t, I would say those four areas are the priority and they’ve got to be top-notch, those players.” Mount has struggled to live up to expectations since his much-publicised move to Old Trafford from Chelsea in the summer of 2023. The Englishman was highly rated by former head coach Ruben Amorim. However, he has managed only four appearances under Carrick, all of which were from the bench, clocking 27 minutes of action. Mason Mount Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League20103-1-844′ EFL Cup10-1–26′ FA Cup11—-62′ Total2211311-932′ Source: Transfermarkt. Final Thoughts As the season draws to a close and with Champions League football already secure, the focus will now shift to United’s summer plans. The Red Devils have already reaped the benefits of some calculated squad reinforcements last year, and getting their top targets this summer will enable them to fight for silverware next campaign. 🔴 Mason Mount says Manchester United have the ability and mentality to win the Premier League next season: 🗣️ Mount: I’ve won the Champions League already, so I have a goal of winning the Premier League. Can we do that? Yes, I think we can. We’ve shown what we can do against… pic.twitter.com/alMiLhyAD3 — Football Tweet ⚽ (@Footballtweet) May 3, 2026 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 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 set to hand Liverpool another setback with blockbuster £60m move for “speed machine” – report
Manchester United clinched all three points on Sunday with a 3-2 win over Liverpool in what was a topsy-turvy affair. With the victory, United guaranteed their place in next season’s Champions League and completed a league double over Liverpool for the first time since the 2015–16 season. For the first time in nearly a decade, United appear to be in a more stable position than their bitter Merseyside rivals, and the upcoming transfer window will give them the opportunity to increase the gap even further. Manchester United plotting Micky van de Ven swoop Known as Tottenham Hotspur’s “speed machine” in defence, Micky van de Ven has been on Liverpool’s wishlist since his Wolfsburg days. According to The Boy Hotspur, Liverpool see him as the natural successor to Virgil van Dijk. However, United have now entered the race to sign Van de Ven, “shifting the balance of the transfer market.” The 25-year-old Dutchman was initially viewed as a face of Spurs’ future project, but their stunning collapse has disrupted all plans. The 6’4″ defender is now facing an uncertain future in north London despite having more than three years remaining on his contract. Manchester United in pole position to sign Liverpool target It is claimed United have identified Van de Ven as the “ideal candidate” to reinforce their backline. Furthermore, United are reportedly prepared to allocate £55–60 million to get the deal over the line for the Netherlands international, who is also on Real Madrid and Bayern Munich’s radar. Micky van de Ven Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearances Goals AssistYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League3241812,773′ Champions League82-3-720′ UEFA Super Cup11—90′ FA Cup1—-90′ EFL Cup—— Total42711113,673′ It is understood that United’s financial power makes them the “strongest contender”. “United supporters are already dreaming of a Van de Ven–Martínez partnership,” the report adds. Meanwhile, Tottenham have supposedly already begun exploring replacements and are thought to be leading the race to sign Bournemouth centre-back Marcos Senesi. 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 Vishal Singh Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!
Ineos ready to move for defender shaking up the PL, a perfect tactical fit for United – report
A left-back signing is one that Manchester United fully intend to make, and for good reason. Patrick Dorgu has shown he can be a dangerous left winger; indeed, Manchester City and Arsenal know that all too well. That, combined with Luke Shaw‘s need for a capable deputy, therefore leaves United with every reason to pursue a left-back this summer. The question now, however, is simply who. Already, a number of left-backs have been linked, with David Raum and Alejandro Balde among them. Adrien Truffert But now Teamtalk are reporting why AFC Bournemouth’s Adrien Truffert could be the left-back INEOS move for. The UK outlet report: “United scouts were already monitoring players such as Alex Scott, Tyler Adams and Marcus Tavernier for different roles, but Truffert has also made a significant impression.” They then explain why the links to the Premier League debutant are gathering pace: “We understand that the France international had already been flagged by United’s recruitment department over the past 12 months. “However, he was not previously viewed as an ideal fit under Ruben Amorim’s system.” “Now, with United reverting to a more conventional back-four setup, Truffert is once again seen as a strong tactical match, and his performances in the Premier League since arriving at Bournemouth last summer have only strengthened that view.” Why Truffert An athletic, attack-minded left-back who combines relentless stamina and progressive dribbling with elite crossing ability, Truffert consistently threatens the final third; consequently, it is easy to see why United want him. Certainly, he could massively upgrade the left-hand side and offer what the Red Devils have always wanted from their left-back options in Shaw and Dorgu. Beyond Bruno Fernandes, he could also become the other player constantly supplying Benjamin Sesko with goalscoring chances. With Truffert in tow, and hopefully a left-winger signing to follow, United’s left-hand side could, in fact, yet become the team’s greatest point of strength. Featured 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 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.
Just in: Man Utd make Carrick decision after private talks with three key stars
Michael Carrick, Manager of Middlesbrough pictured during the Sky Bet Championship match between Coventry City FC and Middlesbrough FC at The Coventry Building Society Arena on May 03, 2025 in Coventry, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images) Manchester United have reportedly decided to extend their collaboration with Michael Carrick beyond the current campaign.The 44-year-old was appointed as interim coach in January following Ruben Amorim’s sacking, and he immediately managed to steer the team in the right direction.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYThe Red Devils currently sit third in the Premier League table, and their victory over Liverpool on Sunday has guaranteed them Champions League qualification.Man Utd ready to lock down Michael CarrickWith UCL football mathematically sealed, Man Utd have now achieved their main objective for the season. Therefore, they can start planning for next term, and the first order of business is to appoint a permanent head coach.In recent weeks, Carrick’s chances of being confirmed have been soaring with every positive result he achieved.Moreover, the likes of Carlo Ancelotti (Brazil), Thomas Tuchel, and Luis Enrique (PSG) are expected to remain in their current positions, providing a boost for Carrick.Want more Stretty News coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustDeparting Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has recently been mentioned as a potential challenger, but his limited resume isn’t enough to topple Carrick’s solid work since January.So, according to the Guardian journalist Jamie Jackson, Man Utd will offer their former midfielder a new contract.The source explains how the Wallsend native has also formed a strong rapport with everyone at the club, including the club directors and the players.In fact, Burt claims MUFC captain Bruno Fernandes, former skipper Harry Maguire, and Matheus Cunha all argued in Carrick’s favour during private deliberations with the management. Matches in Charge 14 Wins 10 Draws 2 Losses 2 (Carrick’s stats since taking over at Man Utd)Why Carrick is the best choice for UnitedWith United finally operating like a functional team, few would argue against giving Carrick the nod.During his short period in charge, the West Ham United youth product has managed to take the best out of several players who were struggling either for form or playing time under Amorim, the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Benjamin Sesko.Moreover, the 44-year-old has been emphasising the importance of the club’s academy through concrete action, making sure to attend as many matches as he possibly can for United’s various age groups.All in all, Carrick has been ticking all the right boxes, and the management has no reason to deny him a well-deserved opportunity.
United view one candidate as “clear favourite” for permanent job, but no formal talks yet – report
Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick strengthened his case for the permanent job by securing an outstanding 3-2 win over Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday, 3 May, in the Premier League. The Red Devils have been the league’s in-form team since the Englishman’s arrival, registering 10 wins and two defeats in 14 games so far. They are now third in the Premier League table after 35 games, six points ahead of the Merseyside club in fourth. With the highly anticipated return to the Champions League now secure, United will now turn their attention to consolidating their position in the table. That will further improve Carrick’s candidature for the full-time job, with an appointment expected at the end of this season. The Red Devils’ impressive turnaround under the former midfielder has already made him one of the favourites for the job. With experienced managers like Carlo Ancelotti, Luis Enrique and Thomas Tuchel unavailable this summer, Carrick’s main competitors are Andoni Iraola, Oliver Glasner and Julian Nagelsmann. Acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano has now provided an update on the situation, which will certainly please United fans. Carrick frontrunner for the job Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano insisted that United consider Carrick as the frontrunner for the permanent position. He said: “I know you see the reports and rumours in the press in England and elsewhere saying Andoni Iraola and many other managers are candidates for the Manchester United job.” “But my message to you has always been the same. According to my understanding, Michael Carrick’s chances of staying at Manchester United and remaining as permanent manager next season are increasing week after week after week.” “And now I can add: Manchester United internally believe that Michael Carrick is the clear favourite to keep the job and to be the Manchester United manager next season. We are still waiting for an official decision by the club. Let’s wait. They were probably waiting for Champions League football in order to make a final decision as soon as possible.” “But Carrick remains the clear favourite. Excellent relationship with the players, excellent relationship with the board, and we can see how much they love him. That is not new. Soon it will be time to make a decision, but Carrick is the clear favourite to stay as Manchester United boss, despite all the other reports. Let’s wait for United to communicate what they want to do.” Michael Carrick Managerial Career Stats TeamFromToGames PlayedGames WonGames DrawnGames LostWin % Manchester United (caretaker)21 November 20212 December 2021321066.7% Middlesbrough24 October 20224 June 202513663244946.3% Manchester United13 January 2026Present14102271.4% Source: Wikipedia. United yet to initiate formal talks According to Alex Crooks, United are yet to initiate formal talks with Carrick regarding the permanent position. However, there is growing optimism that negotiations will be positive and he will be handed the full-time job. Meanwhile, Ben Jacobs adds that Champions League qualification has not changed the Red Devils’ selection procedure. The Premier League giants still want to speak with potential candidates and assess their options before coming to a decision regarding the position. The journalist adds that Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Matheus Cunha are among several senior players who want Carrick to continue in the position. It is also confirmed that the English manager is involved in recruitment meetings for the upcoming season. Final Thoughts Carrick’s ability to get the best out of the squad that was struggling under former head coach Ruben Amorim is a testament to his managerial acumen. With the right recruitment over the summer, there is no reason why the Englishman cannot guide United back to their glory days. Michael Carrick is waiting for formal talks with Manchester United, but is a strong contender for the role.#MUFC want to speak to multiple candidates as part of a thorough process. Qualifying for the #UCL will not alter that plan. Several senior players, including Bruno… pic.twitter.com/hCr4avz1Rj — Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) May 4, 2026 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 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.
Bruno Fernandes identifies which red-hot United star the club must keep at all costs
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes believes that the club cannot afford to lose Kobbie Mainoo. The Englishman’s future was subject to speculation at the beginning of the season, under Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese head coach opted for a midfield pivot of Fernandes and Casemiro in order to accommodate his new-look attack, which relegated Mainoo to the bench. The 21 year old registered just one start under Amorim this season, in the disastrous EFL Cup defeat to Grimsby Town, and all his appearances in the Premier League were from the bench. The Portuguese head coach even suggested that Mainoo was competing with Fernandes for a place in the starting XI, further adding to the youngster’s frustration. As the winter transfer window drew nearer, the Englishman appeared destined to leave Old Trafford in the middle of the campaign in search of regular football. However, all that changed in January, after United decided to cut short Amorim’s disastrous tenure and replaced him with Michael Carrick, who took charge as caretaker manager until the end of the season. One of the English manager’s first decisions was to reinstate Mainoo into the starting XI. Mainoo’s rise under Carrick Where Mainoo had no place in Amorim’s controversial 3-4-3 system, he became the cornerstone of the 4-3-2-1 formation that Carrick implemented upon his arrival. United started their post-Amorim era with a blockbuster 2-0 win over Manchester City, with Mainoo securing his first Premier League start of the season and running riot in midfield. The English midfielder retained his place alongside Casemiro for the following game, when the Red Devils secured a 3-2 win against Arsenal at the Emirates. Mainoo has been Carrick’s metronome in midfield ever since, starting every game barring the 2-1 defeat to Leeds United, which he missed due to injury. The Englishman was outstanding against Liverpool over the weekend, scoring the winner to secure a 3-2 victory. With Casemiro set to leave this summer, the Red Devils are now looking for the Brazilian’s replacement as well as Mainoo’s ideal partner. The young midfielder signed a new contract last week that will keep him at the Theatre of Dreams until 2031. Fernandes has shed light on Mainoo’s recent struggles and his triumph over adversities. Squad believed in Kobbie Speaking to Gary Neville on Sky Sports, Fernandes revealed that Kobbie’s United team-mates always believed in the young midfielder. He said: “When he came to the first team he had to play straight away and not everyone was expecting that. Then he had a period when he was playing a little bit left and he was a little bit in the shadow and everyone forgot a little bit about him.” “But not us. We knew what we had in the house. We knew that Kobbie had things to improve and could be better. He was good in the time he was not playing to try to become better, try to improve. He was always very professional during the period when he was not playing. We have nothing to say about that.” Bruno also said that Mainoo is reaping the rewards of his hard work now, stating: “Now because he was doing the right things when he was not playing he is getting his credit and he is getting his flowers again. He well deserves his new contract. The club couldn’t afford to lose a player like him.” Kobbie Mainoo Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League2513121-1,384′ EFL Cup11-1–90′ FA Cup11–1-62′ Total2715132-1,536′ Source: Transfermarkt. Final Thoughts United managed a coup by convincing Mainoo to sign a new deal, especially since his previous contract was due to expire in 2027. The Englishman has all the ingredients to be an Old Trafford legend and his spectacular rise will be a source of motivation for every academy youngster hoping to make it big at the club. Kobbie Mainoo’s game by numbers vs. Liverpool: 67 touches48/54 successful passes7x possessions won5/7 duels won2 fouls won2/2 take-ons completed1/1 shots on target1 goal MOTM performance. ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/efMxbFU24S — Squawka (@Squawka) May 3, 2026 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 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 opening bid for record-breaking striker to become club’s next “young icon” – report
Manchester United are preparing to battle Europe’s elite to secure AFC Bournemouth starlet Eli Junior Kroupi’s signature this summer, according to a new report. Red-hot form Kroupi is enjoying a meteoric rise on the south coast in his first campaign for the Cherries. Signed in February 2025 for £10 million before being immediately loaned back to French side Lorient, the 19-year-old forward only arrived at the Vitality Stadium last summer and made his debut in England in the 4-2 defeat to Liverpool in August. But he has already etched his name into the record books, becoming the highest-scoring teenager in Premier League history in a debut season with 12 goals after converting from the penalty spot in the 3-0 win over Crystal Palace last weekend. United are well aware of the France under-21 international’s lethal streak, having seen him score crucial goals in both the home and away draws — 4-4 at Old Trafford in December, 2-2 at the Vitality in March — this year. The Red Devils are on the lookout for attacking reinforcements this summer in the event that Joshua Zirkzee leaves. A return to Italy is understood to be the most likely destination for the Dutch forward. Kroupi’s versatility — he is capable of playing as a No.10, No.9 or on the left — makes him an ideal complement to the existing options at Old Trafford, while his age, wages, Premier League pedigree and sky-high potential tick all the boxes INEOS look for. Eyed by Europe’s Elite Naturally, a red-hot young forward with the ability to play across the frontline has attracted attention right across the continent, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City joining United in the hunt, while Spanish heavyweights FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are also admirers. Bournemouth’s recruitment model accepts that their brightest talents will soon be hoovered up by bigger clubs as long as a big-money offer arrives. An update relayed by The Peoples Person revealed the asking price for Kroupi was in the region of £60m. Sports Boom claims negotiations could start at the £52m point, however, while reporting the Cherries’ executive branch see the youngster as the “greatest ‘value creation’ success in the club’s history.” “In official statements, Bournemouth emphasises that Kroupi is ‘not for sale’ and sits at the heart of the club’s long-term Premier League projects…According to leaked internal information, Kroupi’s departure will only be approved if an offer arrives that is simply ‘impossible to refuse.’” “Bournemouth is expected to open the door for the young striker in the €60 million to €70 million bracket. The player’s long-term contract, running until 2029, significantly strengthens the club’s hand at the negotiating table.” United are searching for a “young icon to shoulder the scoring burden”, with scouts having been “tracking Kroupi closely for weeks”. Preparations over an opening bid worth £43m plus bonuses are said to be underway to “knock on Bournemouth’s door with”. Sports Boom also reveals that Paris Saint-Germain have stormed into the race in the hope of securing another one of France’s outstanding youngsters. The European champions are understood to be the suitor most likely to pay the “astronomical figures” required to win the red-hot race. Final Thoughts If United can fend off their rivals to sign one of Europe’s most exciting prospects by selling Zirkzee to fund the move, it would be an absolute masterstroke by INEOS in squad building. The pathway to first-team football is also much more open at Old Trafford than it would be at the Parc de Princes, for example. Securing a return to the Champions League, courtesy of yesterday’s 3-2 win over Liverpool, will also be pivotal in the sales pitch to convince Kroupi his future lies in the red half of Manchester. 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 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.
Rio Ferdinand says United star shut down his loudest critic in style with masterclass vs. Liverpool
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has insisted that Kobbie Mainoo would be justified in hitting back at Roy Keane after his criticism before the Liverpool game. Mainoo dazzles Mainoo ran the show as United beat Liverpool 3-2 at Old Trafford to complete the double over their bitter rivals for the first time in a decade. United raced to a commanding two-goal lead inside 15 minutes through Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko. But Liverpool worked their way back into it, capitalising on costly mistakes from Amad and Senne Lammens to restore parity and set up a frantic finish. It was Michael Carrick’s men who had the last laugh. Mainoo proved the difference-maker, rifling home a sensational 77th-minute effort that restored United’s lead and wrapped up all three points. The victory also saw United mathematically book their spot in next season’s Champions League. Beyond his goal, Mainoo was sensational in the middle of the park. He completed all the take-ons he embarked on, while also managing an impressive 89% pass accuracy. He touched the ball 68 times. The Carrington academy graduate also made an astonishing seven ball recoveries. Speaking on Sky Sports before kick-off, Keane said that he was “not convinced yet” about Mainoo. The former United skipper further explained that Mainoo needs to do more than he has been doing in the past few weeks since Michael Carrick’s arrival. “He still hasn’t convinced me” Roy Keane is not convinced that Kobbie Mainoo will be an ‘obvious starter’ for Manchester United next season 🔴 pic.twitter.com/9HhoFjx4C7 — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 3, 2026 According to Ferdinand, Mainoo has more than responded to Keane’s criticism, but he is equally entitled to ask where the Irishman was at a similar age. Ferdinand’s claim Ferdinand said on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, “If Roy Keane asked questions of a young midfielder at the club, the young midfielder has got to answer. I get it, and he has today.” “Kobbie Mainoo has answered.” “He could even ask Roy, ‘Roy, where were you at my age? You were at Nottingham Forest, you weren’t at Old Trafford having to run things on your own.’” “‘While Casemiro’s vacating and flying in like a number nine up there while I’m on my own.’” United are next in action on Saturday when they go away to Sunderland. No doubt Carrick and his players will be keen to make it four victories in a row. 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 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!
‘I don’t get it at all’: Gary Lineker ‘absolutely bewildered’ by Man Utd decision after watching their win over LFC
Gary Lineker is still as perplexed as Manchester United supporters over Ruben Amorim’s treatment of Kobbie Mainoo.The midfielder scored an emphatic late winner yesterday to seal all three points for United against their arch-rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford, marking a first league double over the Merseyside outfit in a decade. DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYHow Kobbie Mainoo fared vs LFCWhat’s more, the Mainoo-inspired triumph also set in stone that the Reds would indeed be playing Champions League football next season.Want more Stretty News coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustIt rounded off an unforgettable week for the 21-year-old, given he had put pen to paper on a long-term, improved contract just three days prior to the game, keeping him tied to his boyhood club until 2031. Here for the long haul. 🇾🇪 United have confirmed that Kobbie Mainoo has signed a new deal, which will keep him at Old Trafford until 2031 ✍️❤️ #MUFC pic.twitter.com/pb712ZU2Bv — Stretty News (@StrettyNews) April 30, 2026Even aside from his goal, Mainoo oversaw yet another five-star display while up against the reigning Premier League winners.As per Fotmob, he recorded six passes into the final third, two successful dribbles and 49 accurate passes. Defensively, the England star made seven recoveries, two interceptions and one tackle, while also winning five ground duels and two fouls.Unsurprisingly, he was named Player of the Match for his efforts across his 90-minute shift.Mainoo continues to silence his doubters – one being his former managerMainoo maintaining his tremendous form under Michael Carrick only emphasises how truly bizarre it was for Amorim to be so incessant on not using him.By the time Amorim was relieved of his duties in early January, Mainoo had not made a single Premier League start, had featured for a total of 212 minutes in 11 appearances and had been an unused substitute four times.He has since started every game that he’s been available for throughout Carrick’s reign, and United have won 10 of the 13 matches in which he was deployed from the off. Appearances Starts Goal contributions Minutes played 13 13 3 1,156 Mainoo’s Premier League record under CarrickWhat Lineker had to say about MainooReacting to Mainoo’s performance against Liverpool on The Rest Is Football, Lineker said: “Kobbie Mainoo, I thought [he] was the star of this game. I am absolutely bewildered by the fact that he didn’t get a look-in under the previous incumbent. It’s incredible.“I mean, what? What? I don’t get it at all. And even whatever system you play or anything like that, how can you not see how good that kid is?”
