Amorim is looking to improve on last term’s dismal 15th-placed finish. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) Manchester United are reportedly interested in securing the services of the Anderlecht forward Nilson Angulo.The 22-year-old has done quite well for the Belgian club, and he has 12 goal contributions to his name this season. He could add pace, flair and unpredictability in the final third for Manchester United, and it will be interesting to see if they can get the deal done. According to a report from TEAMtalk, they will face competition from Tottenham, Brentford, Brighton and Leeds United as well.Angulo could fancy a Man United moveManchester United have the financial means to get the deal across the line, and they should be able to convince the player to join the club as well. They are among the biggest clubs in the world, and the opportunity to play for them will be quite exciting for the South American. He is a young player with a lot of potential, and regular football in England could help him improve further. It could allow him to fulfil his potential.Manchester United have done well to improve the attacking unit earlier this season, but they need more depth in that area of the pitch. Another wide player would be ideal for them, and it remains to be seen whether they can get the deal across the line.Nilson Angulo is a top talentNilson Angulo #20 of Ecuador dribbles the ball during an International Friendly against Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)The Ecuador international will want to test himself at the highest level, and the move to the Premier League could be the ideal next step in his career. He has shown his ability in Belgium, and he will look to compete against top-class players in the Premier League now.Manchester United have done well to groom young players, and they could play a key role in his growth as well. If they can sign him for a reasonable deal, the move could look like a bargain in future.
First bid rebuffed but deal likely to be struck: United edge closer to full agreement for £37m star
Manchester United have reportedly rebuffed an opening proposal from AS Roma for Joshua Zirkzee.Despite maintaining that no major outgoings would be sanctioned mid-season, INEOS have seemingly opened the door to Zirkzee’s departure.Joshua Zirkzee: The state of play heading into the New Year(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)However, they’re only willing to do so on a permanent basis, hence declining Roma’s offer to take the forward on loan for the remainder of the campaign before signing him permanently upon the culmination of the term – so long as they qualify for the Champions League.That’s according to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, which adds the Dutchman has already green-lit a move to the Stadio Olimpico in January.Zirkzee, who signed for the Reds in a £36.5 million deal in July 2024, is keen to secure an escape route away from his Old Trafford struggles, having been utilised sparingly by Ruben Amorim since 2025/2026 got underway.Injuries to Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko paved the way for the 24-year-old to make his first start against Everton on November 24, and he has retained his spot for the subsequent win over Crystal Palace, during which he scored an equaliser, and the draw to West Ham.Why Zirkzee has been eyeing a move elsewhere(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)Yet, Zirkzee will be well aware that the return of Sesko will likely spell the end of his starting streak, especially if he’s unable to add to his tally in the rare chances he’s getting to prove himself.A return to Serie A would allow him to revive his best form in a more comfortable environment away from the unrelenting pressures of the English top flight.Read more: Gary Neville ‘staggered’ that Man Utd star has been kept at the club, he’s started every game this season
Int’l manager confirms Man Utd target ‘ready to take next step’ as January switch looks increasingly likely
Antoine Semenyo is said to be ‘ready to take the next step’ in his career amid growing transfer interest.That’s according to his national team head coach, Otto Addo, who has suggested a move away from Bournemouth would be ‘natural’ at this stage. Antoine Semenyo is ready to take the “next step” and a transfer away from Bournemouth would be “natural” for him, Ghana head coach Otto Addo has said. The Athletic reported last month that the 25-year-old has a £65million release clause, which is only active until a specific… pic.twitter.com/f9DI2Vu6B1 — The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) December 5, 2025In a summer that saw Bournemouth facilitate the exits of Milos Kerkez (Liverpool), Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid) and Illia Zabarnyi (Paris Saint-Germain), keeping hold of their talisman Semenyo was the best piece of business they could’ve done.Not only did they avoid selling the forward, but Bournemouth also managed to tie him down to a new five-year deal. United and Semenyo: What happened in the summer?(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)However, recent revelations over the terms of his contract indicate Semenyo only green-lit the extension to allow for a more seamless exit later down the line, as a £65 million release clause was added to his deal.Interested sides can activate the clause from next month, although they will only have until a certain date in January to sign the Ghanaian in order to ensure Bournemouth can acquire a replacement.Among his suitors is Manchester United, who first held talks with Semenyo back in the summer.Manchester Evening News even reported that the player met with Ruben Amorim one-to-one to discuss a potential Old Trafford transfer, but nothing materialised.Could INEOS revive Semenyo pursuit next month?(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)Given Amorim will be without key starters Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo when the African Cup of Nations gets underway, he could push for mid-season reinforcements to bolster his attack, and Semenyo would undoubtedly top the list of desired targets.While he’s endured a quiet spell in recent weeks, the 25-year-old enjoyed a scintillating start to the campaign in front of goal. Now, after matchweek 15, his record stands at six goals and three assists in the 14 appearances he’s made.
As well as Gomes: United holding ‘discussions’ over Premier League star ‘compared to Joshua Kimmich’
Manchester United have expanded their shortlist of midfield targets heading into the New Year, most of which are currently plying their trade in the Premier League.The Old Trafford faithful are already well aware that the likes of Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson are firmly admired by United’s transfer chiefs.Could United make a January approach for one target?(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)In recent weeks, United have been more predominantly linked with Joao Gomes amidst Wolverhampton Wanderers’ precarious situation; they sit rock-bottom of the table on just two points and have yet to win a game this campaign.As a result, it’s thought there could be an opportunity for United to swoop in mid-season and prise Gomes from Rob Edwards’ ranks.Along with the Molineux midfield talisman, MailSport claims the Red Devils have ‘discussed’ a potential move for Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams.The 26-year-old, who said it was an ‘honour’ to have been ‘compared to Joshua Kimmich’ during his spell in the Bundesliga, has racked up 69 Premier League appearances across four seasons in England.Tyler Adams has the EPL experience United desire(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)Initially, Adams spent a year with Leeds United before making the switch to the Cherries in a £20 million deal in August 2023.He has since, when fit, played an integral role at the heart of Bournemouth’s midfield, and is now one of Andoni Iraola’s most trusted lieutenants at the Vitality Stadium.A United States international, Adams is unlikely to be even contemplating a transfer elsewhere in the build-up to next year’s World Cup, where he’ll be looking to represent his nation on home soil under former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino.Read more: Gary Neville ‘staggered’ that Man Utd star has been kept at the club, he’s started every game this season
Diogo Dalot knows which Man Utd teammate could be a future captain – but Amorim’s ‘unconvinced’
Diogo Dalot believes Kobbie Mainoo has what it takes to be a future Manchester United captain.From the Old Trafford faithful’s perspective, they’d relish the idea of a homegrown prospect going on to don the armband for years to come at the heart of United’s midfield. 🚨🎙️ | Diogo Dalot asked who could be the future Manchester United captain within the current squad: “Kobbie [Mainoo].” [@SportsDirectUK] pic.twitter.com/mTzutXayrT — UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) December 6, 2025The main priority, however, is keeping him at the club in the first place.Kobbie Mainoo: The state of play in 25/26(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)Mainoo is one player who faces a hugely uncertain future in M16, having fallen out of favour since the start of the season.In the opening 14 Premier League matches, he has featured for a measly 171 minutes across the nine appearances he’s made, and has yet to start a game.Amorim came under fire this week for choosing to make four defensive substitutions in the second half of United’s clash with West Ham, which they went on to draw 1-1.None of his substitutions included Mainoo, meaning he was left on the bench as an unused option for the fourth time this term.Then, when addressing the media in his press conference on Friday, Amorim scoffed at the idea that the youngster would’ve been a more ‘offensive’ player to call upon over the Reds he chose. Kobbie Mainoo liked a post on IG about Amorim laughing in response to the question about him during press conference . pic.twitter.com/MBk1n7agQO — utdreport (@utdreport) December 5, 2025Amorim ‘unconvinced’ by Mainoo(Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)The Athletic have attempted to shed some light on the situation, suggesting Amorim ‘appears unconviced’ by the 20-year-old’s abilities.Additionally, with Mainoo currently angling for a winter loan move to increase his game time, Carl Anka said: “Were it not for Kobbie Mainoo’s lifelong love of Manchester United, he might be asking for a permanent move away from Old Trafford, rather than a temporary loan.” Ruben Amorim appears unconvinced by Kobbie Mainoo’s capabilities and the midfielder is now seeking a move in January. He has played for just 171 minutes in the Premier League this season. It’s a sad situation for player and fanbase – and makes @Ankaman616 wonder what the modern… pic.twitter.com/gdW4SFsQh5 — The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) December 6, 2025As things stand, Manuel Ugarte is Amorim’s preferred midfielder to utilise in place of Casemiro in the closing stages of games – despite United’s dreadful record of conceding goals with the Uruguayan on the pitch. Manchester United have conceded 14 of their 23 goals this season when Manuel Ugarte is on the pitch. pic.twitter.com/r4U1zpbGqa — utdreport (@utdreport) December 5, 2025
Gary Neville ‘staggered’ that Man Utd star has been kept at the club, he’s started every game this season
Gary Neville is said to be ‘staggered’ that Luke Shaw is still at Manchester United following an injury-plagued career in Red.The side’s win over Crystal Palace last Sunday marked Shaw’s 300th game for the club.However, according to Samuel Luckhurst, the defender was reportedly ‘sheepish’ about United making a fuss over the achievement, given it came during his 12th season at Old Trafford. In that time, the player, as per Transfermarkt, has been unavailable for a whopping 231 fixtures across all competitions.How Shaw is faring in 25/26(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Neville singled out Shaw for his lacklustre efforts during United’s 1-0 defeat to Everton on November 24 and, despite holding the utmost respect for him on a personal level, is in disbelief that his United tenure is still seemingly going strong.That being said, the 30-year-old has been able to stay fit since 2025/2026 got underway.He has started all 14 Premier League matches thus far, but does now face a battle to retain his spot at left centre-back amidst the return of Lisandro Martinez – another Red who can’t seem to catch a break with fitness layoffs.Why Shaw simply has to avoid injuries from now until the summer(Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)Shaw will be adamant about staying well-placed in Ruben Amorim’s estimations and, therefore, in the starting XI for the second half of the term due to the forthcoming World Cup in the summer of 2026.Having not been called up to the England setup since Thomas Tuchel succeeded Gareth Southgate at the turn of the year, Shaw will be well aware that he has to be in his absolute best form – and then some – if he is to have any chance of making the Three Lions’ final squad.The fact United are only playing once per week throughout the campaign certainly doesn’t bode in his favour, either.
Journo: Ruben Amorim ‘practically scoffed’ at the idea of playing ‘absolutely outrageous’ star in PL outing
Ruben Amorim’s responses to his treatment of certain players left fans with more questions than they answered in his press conference.The Manchester United boss addressed the media yesterday afternoon to preview Monday’s clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.However, the focus was still, understandably, on Thursday night’s lacklustre draw with West Ham, during which the Reds were leading until the 83rd minute when Soungoutou Magassa netted an equaliser to silence Old Trafford.Post-match, Amorim’s in-game decisions saw him come under fire for being too defensive-minded, with four of his changes on the night being reinforcements at the back.He was also scrutinised for once again leaving Kobbie Mainoo to watch the entire 90 minutes play out from the bench, being an unused option for the fourth time this campaign.Mainoo: The state of play amid Amorim rift(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)The 20-year-old is still awaiting his first Premier League start of 2025/2026, having accumulated only 171 minutes of action across the opening 14 gameweeks.When pressed on Mainoo’s continued absences, Amorim said yesterday: “I understand what you are saying. You love Kobbie.“He starts for England, but that doesn’t mean I need to put Kobbie (on) when I feel I shouldn’t put Kobbie (on).”Amorim also chuckled when one reporter suggested the midfielder would’ve been a more ‘offensive’ change to make in the second half over the Reds he opted for. Kobbie Mainoo liked a post on IG about Amorim laughing in response to the question about him during press conference . pic.twitter.com/MBk1n7agQO — utdreport (@utdreport) December 5, 2025Amorim ‘scoffs’ when encouraged to call upon high-flying young star(Photo via @SheaLacey10 on Twitter/X)Shortly after, when further put on the spot regarding his frequent omissions of high-performing academy talents, the United boss ‘practically scoffed’ (Samuel Luckhurst) at the idea of utilising coveted attacker Shea Lacey, 18, in the current run of fixtures – despite including him in the matchday squad for the last three outings.Lacey’s performances have seen him hailed as an ‘absolutely outrageous’ forward by MUTV presenter Liam Bradford.“Mercurial kind of player, a bit of a maverick. You never really know what he’s going to turn up and do,” Bradford told the panel ahead of United’s clash with Everton on November 24.“Sometimes, some of the stuff is absolutely outrageous.”
Former United attacker linked with stunning PL return after becoming a free agent – report
Manchester United have moved on quite a few famous academy graduates over the years. While quite a few have gone on to achieve great success, some have taken an unusual path in their career post their United journey coming to an end. Jesse Lingard is one of then. After leaving the Red Devils, the Carrington graduate spent a season with Nottingham Forest, before heading to Asia, to sign for FC Seoul. In his two seasons in South Korea, the Englishman managed 18 goals and 10 assists. A satisfactory return for the Seoul captain. FC Seoul adventure over But recently, he decided to mutually part ways with the K League side, with plenty left wondering why he took such a step at this stage of his career. But SportsBoom have revealed that two unnamed Premier League sides have expressed interest in signing the 32-year-old. Which explains why he is quitting in December, just days before the January transfer window opens. “Former Manchester United and England international Jesse Lingard is eyeing a spectacular return to the Premier League, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal. “Our sources have learnt that the 32-year-old midfielder/winger has had initial conversations with two Premier League clubs, both of whom who want to remain anonymous, as he looks to find a pathway back to the English top-flight. “Lingard, who has also played for Premier League sides West Ham and Nottingham Forest, announced earlier this week that he was leaving South Korean club FC Seoul by mutual consent. PL return on the cards “FC Seoul were happy for the club captain to terminate his contract despite impressing with 18 goals and ten assists across his 66 games for the club. “And that’s because Lingard has every faith he can strike a deal to return to Premier League, where he last played in July 2023 after his one-year deal with Forest was not extended.” Jesse Lingard has played 232 times for his boyhood club before enjoying a fantastic loan spell with West Ham United. He can play all across the frontline. With so many English top-flight teams struggling this season, he could still make an impact off the bench. It will be interesting to see which team he ends up joining. 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
‘I want us to be better in both boxes’ – Skinner previews Manchester United’s fixture against West Ham
Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner says that his side must be better in both boxes when they play host to West Ham United this weekend. The Red Devils face The Hammers at The Progress With Unity Stadium in Leigh on Sunday afternoon. Manchester United go into the game off the back of consecutive league defeats without scoring whilst opponents West Ham United are yet to keep a clean sheet. When speaking in the pre-match press conference, Manchester United boss Skinner said that his side must be better at both ends of the pitch, particularly in the final third. “Its one of those things where they might concede but you have to attack them to make them concede,” Skinner said when commenting on West Ham United’s defensive record. “If you watch our games, weve been really good in the build-up phases but we need to get back to that invasion part, we need to attack teams when were in their final third. “We expect West Ham to try and frustrate us but still press us high. Weve got to try and find the answer for that. “I want us to be better in both boxes, the little details; defend effectively, are we in the right positions at the right times with the right aggression and then I want to see the front-line invading. If we can have that, I have no doubt that the goals will flow fluidly.” Going on to give his analysis of West Ham United, Skinner highlighted the threats posed by their front-three whilst also commenting on their collective effort in the defensive side of their game. He said “Rehanne [Skinner] has been in the league for a long time in different positions and shes such a diligent coach. I think she will be disappointed with the results but their performances have picked up. Even against [Manchester] City, they were unlucky in moments. “Their front-three can unpick any defence. They have such quality in the way that they interact, so youve got to be really focused when defending against them. They also defend in their block at times, so you have to beat that. “We have to be ready. Towards the end of the last block, you saw the challenge of the turnaround in games whereas this one, we should be going in fresh and excited. Im looking forward to the challenge but we know Rehanne; she will have a plan to defend and attack in calculated ways and we have to overcome that.” Manchester United’s form before the international break was patchy and Skinner says that learnings can be taken forward into the next block. He said “There are loads of learnings. The [Manchester City] game is just part and parcel of being in the Champions League; the turnaround was one hour, we had one hour to coach the players. We understand that. “In the Wolfsburg game, we gave away too many simple goals. I think we assisted three of the goals, so thats something that we need to fix. “The players are back in today after international duty and thatll bring great energy. Theyll be ready to fix it and theyll be ready to go in this game.” Manchester United’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture against West Ham United kicks-off at 12pm on Sunday afternoon. About The Author Daniel Pentland I am the editor and owner of the WSL Full-Time brand which I launched in 2018. I am an accredited journalist with the FWA, SJA and AIPS. I have reported from various levels of men’s and women’s elite football since 2016.
‘We are here for business’ – Manchester United can’t show Wolfsburg respect says Skinner
Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner says that his side cannot give VfL Wolfsburg any respect when the two teams meet in the league phase of the UEFA Women’s Champions League on Wednesday evening. The Red Devils travel to Germany with a 100-percent record in this season’s league phase, although they are now coming up against a side that have previously won the competition back-to-back. VfL Wolfsburg have some iconic attacking players in their ranks including German international legend Alexandra Popp. When speaking in the pre-match press conference, Manchester United boss Skinner said that his side are capable of managing The She-Wolves’ attacking threats and that no respect can be offered to the Germans. “I believe in the team to be able to do that and I believe in the players,” Skinner said when commenting on managing VfL Wolfsburg’s threats. “When youre in this level of competition, you face many iconic forwards. Popp is one of the legends of the game in my opinion, so to see her qualities upfront and personal will be a challenge for us. “We are here for business and we want to make it as difficult as possible. These little romantic stories are a part of what makes the game beautiful but we have to approach it with no respect when were on the field. You give this team too much respect and theyll hurt you.” Manchester United were defeated 3-0 by Manchester City at the weekend but Skinner says that his players have picked themselves up quickly from that loss. He said “We were good against Manchester City in moments but we just had to be a little bit better in both boxes, so hopefully, we can rectify that tomorrow against a fantastic team like Wolfsburg. “We are really looking forward to it and the players are in great spirits. Weve played really well up until this part of the season, so we are looking to put in a really good shift tomorrow and looking forward to gracing this beautiful stadium with a good performance.” VfL Wolfsburg will play host to Manchester United at the Volkswagen Arena and Skinner highlighted the continued importance of playing big games in the best arenas. He said “I think its hugely important. Weve just played our first piece of history at Old Trafford in the Champions League, so to follow it up by coming to another iconic stadium is a privilege and something that we dont take lightly. “These stadiums deserve the best performances, so thats what we are going to try and give tomorrow. With our quality and the quality of Wolfsburg, I think itll be a really good game. “I think its really important for the growth of our game and the continued growth to be playing at this type of stadium.” Manchester United’s UEFA Women’s Champions League fixture against VfL Wolfsburg kicks-off at 5.45pm on Wednesday evening. About The Author Daniel Pentland I am the editor and owner of the WSL Full-Time brand which I launched in 2018. I am an accredited journalist with the FWA, SJA and AIPS. I have reported from various levels of men’s and women’s elite football since 2016.


