Manchester United have identified Khéphren Thuram as a “priority target” this summer as Juventus set their asking price for the 25-year-old midfielder, according to a new report. Strong Start to the Summer The Red Devils have wasted no time in beginning an overhaul of a midfield unit that has been severely weakened by the departure of Casemiro. The inability of Manuel Ugarte to function as a successor to the Brazil international means he is likely to join him through the exit door should a suitable offer arrive for his services. In their place come reinforcements, with a £39 million deal already in the bag to sign Atalanta dynamo Ederson, and talks underway to add West Ham’s breakout star, Mateus Fernandes, to the mix. The Hammers will drive a hard bargain for the 21-year-old Portugal international, however, with a demand as high as £85m likely to be outside United’s reach, regardless of how highly rated he is by the recruitment department at Old Trafford. But the plan is to sign a third midfielder to help cope with the sale of Ugarte, whose £42.7m capture from Paris Saint-Germain two years ago ranks comfortably as the worst piece of business of the INEOS era. While United’s hierarchy’s preference is a Premier League-proven operator, the pursuit of Ederson shows they will strike abroad if a target – and, more importantly, his price tag – are deemed too good an opportunity to pass up. A Return to Italy? Sports Boom reveals United are set to return to Serie A after “designat[ing] Thuram as a priority target this summer”, though there will be competition for his signature from bitter rivals Liverpool. The France international’s profile is said to fit into Carrick’s plan “extremely well” – with good reason. Earlier in the season, Italian coach Giovanni Martusciello described him as “extraordinary”, having established himself as a key part of the Old Lady’s team. Standing 6’4 with an outstanding engine and good mobility for such a tall player, he is able to affect matches across all phases of play. A particular strength is his ball-carrying ability, where he can win possession and immediately drive through midfield with his potent pairing of size and skill. Four goals and five assists this year, with five and eight last season, show an ability to be decisive in the final third, with an outstanding strike in his locker. His obvious threat from set-pieces is another bonus, particularly with how corners and throw-ins have come to dominate in the Premier League. While Juventus have officially briefed Thuram is not for sale, the Italian giant is under pressure financially after missing out on Champions League qualification. Sports Boom claims well-placed sources indicate they would be open to offers in the “region of €50 million to €55 million” (£43-48m). In January, Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli saw a €50m offer rejected, while interest from Turkish rivals Galatasaray and Fenerbahce was also rebuffed. The player’s preference is to remain in Turin, but the Premier League is his desired location should he be forced to leave. Nottingham Forest have identified Thuram as an ambitious target after holding initial talks with Juventus, while Liverpool join United in monitoring the situation. Either of the north-west rivals would have little trouble dispatching the Tricky Trees should they choose to accelerate their interest, however. Final Thoughts Stylistically, Thuram appears tailor-made for the Premier League, while his age and experience also tick a lot of boxes. But the Frenchman is best deployed as a box-crashing No.8, meaning he would likely offer an alternative to Kobbie Mainoo, rather than an ideal partner for the 21-year-old England international. With West Ham digging their heels in over Fernandes, The Peoples Person believes Thuram is an alternative to the Portuguese maestro, who remains the ‘priority target’ in M16 this summer, given Elliot Anderson looks set to arrive on the blue half of Manchester. Feature image Alessandro Sabattini 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.
United make “extraordinary” Serie A monster their new priority target, 48m offer will seal the deal – report
United going all out to sign Man City midfielder, talks underway to pull off sensational switch – report
Since INEOS took the helm at Old Trafford in 2024, Manchester United have demonstrated a renewed focus on adding the best young talent to the academy. Worldwide View The Red Devils’ academy is an integral part of the club’s history and identity. However, in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson malaise, the focus from the top down has been on the senior side. Exorbitant amounts of money have been wasted in a desperate attempt to improve the first team, while the youth sides have become something of an afterthought, despite the obvious value that can be found by taking a longer-term view. Ayden Heaven is the perfect example of this, having been signed from Arsenal by sporting director Jason Wilcox for just £1.5 million in January 2025. The 19-year-old centre-back, already an important member of Michael Carrick’s squad, is now worth well in excess of ten times that initial outlay. However, he was not the only capture from the Emirates to swap North London for the North East of England, with Danish striker Chido Obi making the same journey six months prior. Southampton starlet Harley Emsden-James did the same last summer. INEOS’s focus is not limited to England, however, with a number of exciting talents arriving on these shores from right across the globe, including Sekou Kone (Mali), Diego Leon (Paraguay), Cristian Orozoco (Ecuador), James Overy (Australia) and Enzo Kana-Biyik (France). None of these players have been signed for big money, but if even just one – as Heaven has already done – follows through on their initial promise, it will pay to have gambled on the rest. If two or even three make it, United’s senior squad will be significantly improved as a result of this more patient approach. Cross-City Raid As the joint raid for Heaven and Obi proved, INEOS have no qualms about targeting their bitter rivals to secure a highly rated youngster. They are aiming to repeat the trick with a pair of Liverpool attackers, Vincent Joseph and Isaac Konde. However, an even more ambitious plot is fully underway as United are going all out to sign Manchester City wonderkid David Eze – widely considered one of the best prospects in English youth football. The 16-year-old midfielder is an all-action dynamo, capable of playing a variety of roles in the middle of the pitch. He possesses outstanding ball-carrying ability, having drawn stylistic comparisons to Paul Pogba, but is equally strong defensively, according to an academy expert. The England under-16 international, who holds dual citizenship with Ireland, has also captained his country, showing leadership and work rate alongside his physical and technical attributes. Manchester City are keen to keep him at the Etihad, though he is not able to sign a professional contract until he turns 17 next year. This has allowed United to storm into the race, holding talks with his camp over crossing the divide from blue to red in Manchester. An inside source now claims Eze and his family have even been given a tour of Carrington as part of the courting process – a move which mirrors United’s failed pursuit of a then 16-year-old Jude Bellingham, before the Birmingham City star opted for Borussia Dortmund instead. A host of clubs are said to be “in the race for Eze’s signature, but United will be hoping they have done enough to sign him,” the source concludes. Final Thoughts The red carpet United have rolled out for Eze is not typical, but he is far from a typical talent, nor is it typical to swap the Etihad for Old Trafford. This is what makes this such an exciting move, as the Red Devils will be signing one of England’s most highly regarded youngsters while prising him away from their bitter local rivals. 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.
“If I was Michael …”: former teammate tells Carrick exactly what he should do about Marcus Rashford – exclusive
Legendary Manchester United and England defender Wes Brown says there will need to be “sorries on both sides” if Marcus Rashford is to reintegrate into the Manchester United squad. After a public bust-up with former manager Ruben Amorim, the academy graduate left United on loan, first to Aston Villa and then to FC Barcelona. The Blaugrana had an option to buy the England international outright for €30 million (around £26 million), but despite a good run of form in Catalunya, they signed Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon and passed on Rashford. With a year left on his contract at United and with Amorim now having been replaced by Michael Carrick, speculation has been rife around Rashford’s future and whether it could be at United. Brown has previously told The Peoples Person that he would like to see the Wythenshawe man back at Old Trafford. And today, in an exclusive interview hosted by BetGoodwin the morning after Rashford netted for England against Croatia, we asked him if he thought there was a chance that the 28-year-old could play for United next season. The way back to Old Trafford “He’s somebody that could easily come back in, he’s a homegrown player,” Brown said. “Yes, there might have to be discussions and there might have to be some sorries on both sides, but at the same time, there’s no reason that it can’t be sorted out because he’s in really good form.” “We know he’s got a year left and after that, who knows? And it’s a tough one. I mean, everyone thought Barcelona would take up that option, but obviously they went with Gordon.” “But at the same time, you know, he’s still our player. We’ve not forgotten what he can do. So it’s a tough one really, but the main thing is it is a different manager and I’m sure Michael [Carrick] would love to have him. I mean, it’s like having another weapon on that wing.” “I always say to everybody, to be the best in the Premier League, not just your starting 11, but the subs need to be very dangerous as well,” the former England defender continued. “And regardless whether he was playing or not, he’s a dangerous player to bring on. And I think that’s when you start challenging for leagues and and other stuff.” Would he take Rashford back if he was manager? “If I was Michael, I would, yeah, of course. But like I said, you don’t know, we don’t know what’s going to happen, we don’t know what’s happening behind the scenes … I’m sure if that’s not the case, there will be other big teams after this that will really look at it and you know, put their [hands] in their pockets to try and get him.” The World Cup as Rashford’s shop window Rashford’s impact when replacing Gordon on the left wing for England was almost instant, as he deftly struck the ball past Dominik Livaković to put the game out of Croatia’s reach. “I always like it in the World Cup, you always find out there’s 3 or 4 players that you think, who’s that? He’s good, you know. So everybody sort of plays well because they know people are watching, and they try harder. And that’s just in its nature, it’s the way it it’s the way it works. But Marcus is just carrying on how he finished at Barca, to be fair.” The next part of our exclusive with Wes Brown will be published tomorrow here on thepeoplesperson.com. Featured image Michael Steele via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Red Billy Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and two magazines and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy first saw United live in 1971, watching George Best, Bobby Charlton and Denis Law, before becoming a League Match ticket book holder from 1975/76 and a writer since 1995. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.
Rashford scores after Bruno’s Portugal draw
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Official: Former United youth captain who is a “modern centre back” signs for new club
Former Manchester United defender Jack Kingdon has found a new club. United career Kingdon came through the Manchester United academy, where he captained the under-18s in a trophy-winning campaign and also played for the under-21s. The centre-back joined Rochdale on loan and would play 16 times for the Dale before leaving Manchester United permanently last summer. He signed for Cardiff City under-21s, where he captained the Bluebirds. Kingdon represented the Welsh club three times, all in the EFL Trophy. The defender has also represented Scotland at youth level, playing once for the under-20s. Yeovil Town journey begins Yeovil Town’s official website has reported that, “Yeovil Town Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of Jack Kingdon from Cardiff City on a one-year deal with an option of a further year.” The site continues to read that, “Kingdon joins the Glovers having attracted interest from multiple clubs in the Football League and National League, with Yeovil winning the race for his signature.” Yeovil describe the Carrington product as someone who is a “modern centre-back” and “comfortable” on the ball. Welcome, Jack Kingdon! ✍️ We are delighted to announce the signing of Jack Kingdon from Cardiff City on a one-year deal with an option of a further year.#YTFC 💚 pic.twitter.com/Nl9kXb6mzv — Yeovil Town FC (@YTFC) June 17, 2026 Commenting on the move, Kingdon expressed his joy over this new chapter in his career. The 20-year-old explained that he was feeling “excitement” and that he was “raring to go and just get playing and mee the fans” as a Yeovil player. Commenting on why he believes the Glovers are the correct club for him, he explained, “I know they’re a big club, they used to be in the league, high up and just trying to get back up where we should be really.” The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.
We know what he is: Thierry Henry blasts ex-United ace for frustrating Bruno Fernandes in World Cup bore draw
Arsenal icon Thierry Henry has criticised Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo for putting personal accolades ahead of team glory. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was in the starting XI for Portugal, alongside Red Devils captain Bruno Fernandes, for their 1-1 draw against Congo in their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup group-stage tie. Portugal went ahead in the sixth minute through Joao Neves, but Yoane Wissa drew Congo level at the stroke of half-time, with the two teams going on to share the spoils. Ronaldo played the entire 90 minutes but registered just 25 touches of the ball. The former United man managed three shots, none of which were on target, did not register any dribbles, but won two of his three aerial duels. There was a particular moment involving Joao Cancelo and Fernandes after the break when Portugal had the chance to go ahead. However, the ball intended for the current United skipper was intercepted by Ronaldo, who lashed it wide. Following the game, Henry used this sequence of play to highlight where things went wrong for Portugal. United legend urged to put the team ahead of himself Speaking on Fox Sports, Henry insisted that Ronaldo must learn to put the team ahead of his personal glory. The Frenchman said: “One thing that is important people, please, at home: The team needs to score, not you need to score.” “Cristiano Ronaldo has been in that situation multiple times. If you make that run here, you make the defender make a decision to crash the six-yard box. But because he wants to score, he goes into the path of Bruno Fernandes.” “If he goes into the six-yard box — you’ve been in that situation, Alexi — you would’ve had to follow him, and it would’ve been a tap in for Bruno Fernandes. But because he wants to score, he goes into the path of the back pass. You see both players, and it’s easier for you to defend. That’s my thing: The team needs to score, not you.” Former United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic also echoed Henry’s sentiments, adding: “Normally, as a striker, you go from first post to second post to bring the defender with you to open the space for the guy behind. So, obviously you made the wrong choice here, Cristiano.” Portugal have to help Ronaldo Henry went on to point out that Ronaldo is no longer the player he was and that the Portugal team must provide him with better chances. He said: “If you play with Cristiano Ronaldo, the other guys need to do a tiny bit more in terms of running in behind and trying to help him because we know what he is right now.” “He’s not going to run into the channel. He’s not going to stretch a team. You need to feed him in the box in order for him to score goals. In the first half, they were very passive in terms of running in behind, because we all know he isn’t that type of guy anymore. If you want him to score, you have to feed him.” On Wednesday, Ronaldo became the oldest outfield player to feature at the FIFA World Cup, and equalled Lionel Messi’s feat of featuring in six editions of the mega event. The Portuguese is now attempting to become the first player to score in six World Cups. Meanwhile, Fernandes, who is coming off a record-breaking season with United, also had a quiet game against Congo. However, things could have been very different had the 31 year old been afforded that one chance to turn the game in the second half. Bruno Fernandes Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League35359215-3,068′ FA Cup11-1–90′ EFL Cup10—-45′ Total37369225-3,203′ Source: Transfermarkt. Henry went on to hint at a growing tension between Ronaldo and the rest of his team-mates, concluding: “You saw the reaction of Bruno Fernandes behind, going like: ‘Let it roll, make a run, create space, so I can tap it in.’ And that’s my thing.” Final Thoughts Messi’s blistering start to the 2026 World Cup has put further pressure on Ronaldo. The Al-Nassr man, though, would be better advised to take a step back and allow Fernandes to become Portugal’s new talisman. Featured image Yasser Bakhsh 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.
“A euphoric feeling”: United fan favourite outlines exactly what it is like to step out at Old Trafford
Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo has produced an impressive turnaround this season. Rollercoaster Mainoo struggled to get into the Manchester United first team under head coach Ruben Amorim and almost joined SSC Napoli on loan. After the Portuguese head coach Amorim was sacked, Mainoo returned to the starting line-up and has not looked back. He became a regular again and signed a new deal last month. The elegant midfielder has also been called up to England’s World Cup squad in the United States of America. Matchday routine Mainoo has been speaking to the club’s official website and has given fans a sneak peek of what goes on in the United dressing room before a big match. When asked about what food he likes to take on board before a game, he said, “I don’t have a set thing of ‘I have to eat this’, but just whatever I’m feeling. If I feel I need a bit more energy, or if I think it’s going to be a tough and long game in terms of running volume, then it’s more carby. I’d have more pasta, something like that.” Mainoo also revealed that he will have a small breakfast on the day of a game, involving eggs, avocado or sourdough bread. He also revealed that he can eat a lot for breakfast if needed, so he will happily tuck into pasta at 9am if the team has a match with a 12.30 kick-off. Ride to match The England midfielder then explained that he liked time to himself on the coach to look at social media or listen to music. When entering the dressing room, he explained, “as soon as I get to the changing room, usually I’ll get changed pretty quickly. I’ll do some stretching for 20-25 minutes whilst listening to some music, then get a bit of treatment on the bed for a while, then after that my preparation is pretty much done. So I’ll just listen to some more music, if there’s a ball around I’ll have a kickabout, play a bit of two-touch maybe in the changing room, and then get ready to go out.” Interestingly, he also revealed that he always has a shot of beetroot juice before the match. He also revealed that many players will be having a kickabout in the dressing room and that Amad, who he sits next to, will always be kicking a ball about. Rituals Sports stars have a reputation for being a superstitious bunch, but Mainoo does not believe he falls into this category. He explained, “I’m not superstitious. I try to stray away from it because even if you’re not superstitious it’ll seep in, like, ‘I’ve done this so many times.’ Say I’ve done something on a matchday so many times in a row, I think: ‘Maybe I should just change it.’ Just to kick any sort of whiff of superstition out of the door.” Waiting in the tunnel The 21-year-old then described what it is like waiting to enter the Old Trafford pitch. He explained, “you can just feel the energy, you feel like you can touch the energy. It feels like the whole place is vibrating. It’s a euphoric feeling. There’s nothing else like it – seventy-plus-thousand people screaming and shouting for you to go and win this game, you’re walking out with your team-mates, your mates. It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe.” At half-time, he explained that he just tries to relax and get some “energy back into the lungs” ahead of the second half. After the 90 minutes has ended, Mainoo revealed that the squad is generally just relieved rather than happy that they got a win. He elaborated, “but I think after the game you’re just happy – relief – if we’ve won. It’s three points in the bag and then everyone’s happy. But we’re not trying to get too happy, we want to make it the normal to win games. The manager will speak after and then we move forward.” Featured image by Shaun Botterill/Getty The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.
United PL-winning star seals impressive new Championship job days after leaving rival club – report
Former Manchester United player Phil Jones has already secured a new coaching role. Man United career Jones started his football career with Blackburn Rovers before transferring to Manchester United in 2011. He won the league title in 2013 and also lifted the FA Cup, League Cup, and Europa League during his time at Old Trafford. Jones also represented England a total of 27 times. The defender played 229 times for the Old Trafford club but rarely featured in any of his final four seasons, making just 13 appearances. He finally left the club in the 2022-2023 season before retiring. Post-playing career Jones began a coaching role at Manchester United in the 2023-2024 season, working with the club’s under-14s and under-18s. In February of this year, he joined Blackburn Rovers’ coaching staff under Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill. O’Neill left the role at the end of the season to focus on his international job, and Jones also recently announced his departure from his former club. It had already been reported by The Peoples Person that he was likely to take up a role with Sheffield United, and this has now come to pass. Sheffield United role The Yorkshire Post reports, “former Manchester United defender and Blackburn Rovers coach Phil Jones has been added to Chris Wilder’s coaching staff for next season – following last season’s disappointing Championship finish.” Commenting on the changes, manager Wilder stated, “after stabilising last season, we are now looking to inject some fresh ideas into the group, and a collective decision has been made to make some changes behind the scenes.” Talking specifically on Jones he said, Phil is a young coach who has played under some of the very best and is now forging his own pathway in coaching. He’s coming in tasked with helping throughout the team and he’s already gained some great experience coaching in the academy at Manchester United and with the first team at Blackburn last season. He is highly thought of at both clubs.” The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.
Video: United’s unwanted man reminds world of his talent with fine strike at the World Cup
Manchester United had one player in action for England against Croatia. Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw were controversially left out of the squad by Thomas Tuchel, and no United player was included in the first eleven. Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford both started on the bench, but only Rashford got a chance to shine as England defeated Croatia 4-2. Match Rashford replaced Anthony Gordon after 72 minutes and made a strong impression during his time on the pitch. He was played in on goal after a break, chopped back onto his right foot, and coolly slotted the ball into the bottom corner to give England a two-goal advantage and seal the first win of the group stage. Rashford failed to complete any of his dribbles during the match, and was also unable to complete any key passes. He did manage to carry the ball forward six times, with four of these being judged as progressive, helping his team get into attacking positions. Rashford made one clearance to help his nation hold onto the win, but was poor in his duels, winning none of his three attempts. Future Rashford will hope he has done enough to earn a starting spot on Tuesday when England face Ghana in the second match of their group. With FC Barcelona refusing to pay his €30 million release clause and United so far uninterested in their loan offer, Rashford’s future is very much up in the air. It seems that United clearly want to sell the player, as he has reportedly been made available for only £40 million to any club that is not Liverpool or Manchester City. There had been rumours that Michael Carrick may be open to a reunion, but this seems highly unlikely at this stage. Marcus Rashford stats vs Croatia StatValue Goals1 Expected goals (xG)0.06 Assists0 Expected assists (xA)0 Total shots1 Expected goals on target (xGOT)0.5 Shots on target1 Shots blocked0 Touches12 Unsuccessful touches1 Dribbles (successful)3 (0) Possession lost6 Total carrying distance74.7 m Carries6 Progressive carries4 Total progression40.7 m Progressive carrying distance59.3 m Longest progressive carry23.6 m Key passes0 Crosses (accurate)0 (0) Accurate passes3/5 (60%) Passes in opposition half (acc.)2/3 (67%) Passes in own half (acc.)1/2 (50%) Def. contributions1 Tackles (won)0 (0) Interceptions0 Clearances1 Blocked shots0 Recoveries2 Ground duels (won)4 (0) Aerial duels (won)1 (0) Dribbled past1 Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.
Liverpool legend performs surprise U-turn on United ace whose quality is incredible
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has forced Liverpool legend Graeme Souness into a U-turn after a historic campaign. The former Scottish midfielder was famously critical of the Portuguese following the Red Devils’ 7-0 defeat to Liverpool in March 2023. Speaking after the game, Souness said: “He is obviously not a leader, it’s as plain as the nose on the end of your face he is not a leader. His attitude when they went 3-0 down at Liverpool was appalling.” “Fernandes you’ll see be a star when they are on top, when they are on the front foot and he is creative, he’s a real talent, but he showed a side to him [during the 7-0 defeat by Liverpool] that day at Anfield which was very unattractive.” Fernandes’ tendency to wear his heart on his sleeve has been heavily scrutinised in recent times as well, but there is no denying that he remains one of the world’s crème de la crème. The Portuguese Magnifico further established that fact last season, when he was at his creative best. Fernandes was crucial to United’s third-place finish Fernandes operated in two different positions in the two halves of last season, but still managed to register the most assists (21) in a Premier League campaign. Having operated as a deep-lying playmaker under former head coach Ruben Amorim, the 31 year old was reinstated in the No. 10 position by Michael Carrick in mid-January. The Portuguese proceeded to inspire United to a third-place finish in the Premier League, helping bring Champions League football back to Old Trafford next season. Fernandes finished the campaign with nine goals and 22 assists across all competitions. Bruno Fernandes Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League35359215-3,068′ FA Cup11-1–90′ EFL Cup10—-45′ Total37369225-3,203′ Source: Transfermarkt. Fernandes’ on-the-pitch behaviour has drawn criticism for ages, and he was recently embroiled in a war of words with United legend Roy Keane. However, the Irishman has since revealed that the two have resolved the feud over a chat. The Premier League Player of the Season and the FWA Footballer of the Year was recently hailed by club legend Sammy McIlroy. It now appears that Fernandes has managed to win over a former foe as well. Souness performs Fernandes U-turn In his column for The Telegraph, where he assessed Portugal’s World Cup chances and hailed United legend Cristiano Ronaldo, Souness also reserved special praise for Fernandes. He wrote: “Then you move on to Rúben Dias, Rafael Leão, Matheus Nunes – top, top players. Bruno Fernandes is in there, too.” “I remember watching him when Liverpool spanked Manchester United 7-0 in March 2023 and I wondered how on earth he could ever be viewed as a leader, as he just gave up.” “I hated seeing his histrionics and the gesturing he did to his own team-mates but, fair is fair, he is coming off a season in which he dragged his team into the Champions League – his 21 assists were worth 24 points, the difference between United finishing third and 14th. His quality is incredible.” Souness even went on to claim that the Portuguese maestro would not have looked out of place at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola. He added: “Fernandes would have been right at home in a Manchester City managed by Pep Guardiola, he’s a difference-maker and he accepts responsibility.” Fernandes, though, had a quiet day at the office on Wednesday, 17 June, when Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by Congo in the 2026 World Cup. Final Thoughts Souness’ assessment is further proof of what a special player United have in their locker room. Fernandes’ contract, though, expires at the end of next season, but a recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that the club are already working to hand him a new deal. Featured image by Molly Darlington/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.
