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.
English forward agrees to leave PL rivals and join United despite interest from Europe’s top clubs – report

Manchester United have beaten two of Europe’s biggest clubs to the signing of a Liverpool prodigy. Earlier this month, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming United hold “strong interest” in Liverpool’s 16-year-old striker. However, the report also mentioned Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund as his suitors. Both Bundesliga giants sent scouts on multiple occasions to watch the young goalscorer. Manchester United to sign Liverpool youngster According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Manchester United have now won the race for Vincent Joseph. It is claimed that Joseph is set to leave Liverpool and join their fierce rivals after agreeing to put pen to paper on a scholarship deal in Manchester. Liverpool and England U16 striker Vincent Joseph is set to leave Anfield to join Manchester United after agreeing a scholarship deal at Old Trafford. #LFC #MUFC pic.twitter.com/g9zLw4syYY — Pete O’Rourke (@SportsPeteO) June 17, 2026 Pete O’Rourke posted on X: “Liverpool and England U16 striker Vincent Joseph is set to leave Anfield to join Manchester United after agreeing a scholarship deal at Old Trafford.” The physically imposing number nine made two appearances in the U18 Premier League last term, scoring an impressive three goals. Figures in Merseyside might be left annoyed with United given the Red Devils are also allegedly in the mix for the signing of Liverpool’s academy winger Isaac Konde. As per a separate report, contact between United and Konde’s representatives has already taken place. Manchester United overtake Liverpool in Mateus Fernandes race United’s recruitment team have also hampered Liverpool’s hunt for a midfielder this summer. A report covered by The Peoples Person suggested Liverpool expressed “genuine interest” in signing Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United. The Portuguese is viewed as a “serious prospect” and one who could “develop into a star at Anfield.” However, the Merseyside outfit are out of the race for Fernandes, who prefers to move to Old Trafford. The Mancunians are prepared to spend more than Liverpool to get a deal over the line for the dynamic midfielder. Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Latest Top Stories… 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!
United strike first as they look to beat PL rivals to the punch for dazzling World Cup goalscorer – report

Manchester United are looking to strengthen out wide, with Michael Carrick wanting a specialist to operate down the left flank. Crysencio Summerville has emerged as a concrete target, even though West Ham are proving a tough nut to crack during negotiations. A move for the Dutchman depends on INEOS’ ability to offload Marcus Rashford, but the co-owners seem confident of getting rid of the Mancunian if TEAMtalk are to be believed. They have claimed that the Red Devils have opened negotiations with the Hammers, launching a formal enquiry for the winger, who is lighting up the World Cup. United launch formal enquiry for Crysencio Summerville It has previously been relayed by The Peoples Person that the 24-year-old’s wage demands have meant there is very little chance for Serie A clubs to clinch a deal. That leaves Premier League clubs in pole position, with Tottenham Hotspur also interested in the former Leeds wide man. “Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have made moves to sign Crysencio Summerville from West Ham United, TEAMtalk understands. “The Hammers are understood to value the winger at around £50 million, a fee that reflects his potential and contract until 2029, although it may prove negotiable given their need to balance the books. Tottenham Hotspur are the main rivals in the race “Sources have told us that Manchester United have made formal enquiries and view Summerville as a prime candidate for the left-wing position, particularly if Marcus Rashford departs. We understand that the 24-year-old former Leeds star ranks highly in Manchester United’s data analysis. “Tottenham Hotspur also retain strong interest in Summerville. Sources have stated that Tottenham have contacted West Ham and see Summerville as a versatile attacking option, potentially as cover or an alternative to other targets.” West Ham will look to trigger a possible bidding war to extract the best possible price, but INEOS will be wary of such an attempt. The 20-time English league champions are also keen on Iliman Ndiaye and Yan Diomande should a move for Crysencio Summerville not work out. For now, United’s focus seems to be on agreeing a deal with West Ham for Mateus Fernandes amid a late push from Real Madrid as Michael Carrick targets a midfield overhaul. Feature image Julian Finney 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 close in on opportunity to re-sign incredible wing wizard as club greenlights 43m move – report

Manchester United face a fierce battle with Arsenal and Chelsea to bring back Alvaro Carreras as Real Madrid name their price for the 23-year-old defender, according to a new report. Bolstering the Backline The Red Devils’ priority is a major overhaul of their midfield unit, having already struck a £39 million deal for Ederson to become the first signing under Michael Carrick, and negotiations are underway to make Mateus Fernandes the second. But reinforcements on the left-hand side are also on the agenda, with targets identified at both full-back and on the wing. A final decision on which position to focus on will stem from where Carrick and his coaching staff believe Patrick Dorgu’s long-term future lies. If the 21-year-old Denmark international maintains his more advanced role next season, where he has cut a transformed figure, it will leave Luke Shaw as the only senior left-back in the squad. Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall is understood to be the leading target to provide competition to the 30-year-old Englishman, though there is also admiration in M16 for Arsenal starlet Myles Lewis-Skelly. Nevertheless, deals for either option will prove as costly as they are difficult, with neither of United’s rivals wanting to let their prized assets leave, especially to Old Trafford. This has led United to consider alternatives on the continent, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown and Alejandro Balde from Barcelona both under consideration. Brown has agreed personal terms with Bayern Munich, however, while Balde is determined to fight for his place at Camp Nou. But in an unexpected twist, Carreras – Real Madrid’s 23-year-old left-back, and formerly a Red Devil – is now expected to be available after the Spanish giant agreed a £52 million deal to sign Chelsea and Spain international Marc Cucurella. A Return to Old Trafford? United are “internally exploring” a return for Carreras, two years after the Ferrol native was sold to SL Benfica for £7.8m in a deal which included a 20% sell-on clause. This then paid dividends last summer after an impressive debut season in the Portuguese capital saw Real Madrid greenlight a €50m (£43m) raid for Carreras, which netted United around £8.7m as a windfall. With Cucurella set to be the first-choice left-back at the Santiago Bernabeu under Jose Mourinho, Carreras is understood to be open to an exit in search of first-team minutes, sparking interest in England. United are joined by Arsenal and Chelsea in their admiration of the Real Madrid defender, with Sports Boom revealing the Blues are “seriously considering” him as a replacement for Cucurella. The manager who brought Carreras to the Spanish capital, Xabi Alonso, has taken charge at Stamford Bridge and the prospect of combining forces once again “offers Chelsea a serious advantage against its rivals.” Both Arsenal and United are said to be “actively putting the situation of the player under the microscope”, though no official offer has been tabled by any of the three competitors. Real Madrid are understood to want to “regain the €50 million they paid for Carreras”, which makes him a much cheaper pursuit than either Hall or Lewis-Skelly. Featured image Angel Martinez 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.
European giants have held positive discussions with Bruno Fernandes’ agents over summer move, he is open to leaving United – report

Manchester United have already lost Casemiro, but one player they simply cannot afford to lose in midfield is Bruno Fernandes. The team captain broke the Premier League assist record last season, and without him, fans shudder to think what would have happened in the last few years, From chance creation to defensive diligence, you name it and the Portuguese superstar brings it to the table. This is why INEOS are contemplating smashing the club’s wage structure in order to keep the 31-year-old at Old Trafford for the foreseeable future. Bruno Fernandes yet to agree new deal His current deal expires next summer, but the Red Devils do have the option of extending it by a year. After last summer’s Saudi scare, the co-owners feel it is best to agree a new long-term deal. The United talisman‘s contract reportedly has a £57 million release clause for teams outside England, and one Champions League outfit is eager to trigger it this summer. 🦁 Galatasaray, Bruno Fernandes’in menajerleriyle yaptığı ilk görüşmeden olumlu sonuç aldı. Portekizli yıldız, kulübüyle anlaşılması durumunda Galatasaray’a transfer olmaya sıcak bakıyor. pic.twitter.com/lCcV5guzrT — Fanatik (@fanatikcomtr) June 17, 2026 According to Fanatik, Galatasaray have met with the Portugal international’s representatives and have had positive talks over a move. Bruno Fernandes is also open to a switch, provided the Turkish giants can agree a deal with the 20-time English league champions. Galatasaray have met his agents to discuss a deal “Galatasaray received positive results from its first meeting with Bruno Fernandes’ agents. The Portuguese star is open to transferring to Galatasaray if an agreement is reached with his club.” Galatasaray boast quite a few star-studded names and are also eyeing Fernandes’ United teammate, Marcus Rashford. However, the club captain has made it clear that he wants to stay in Manchester, as he sees the club moving in the right direction again under Michael Carrick. With Champions League football on offer again, it is difficult to see Bruno Fernandes leaving, especially for Turkiye. The report seems more like wishful thinking from the Turkish press. 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
Former United boss lines up as spoiler-in-chief to derail Ineos’ chase for “one of Europes best DMs” – report

Manchester United’s hopes of signing Morten Hjulmand may be under threat, given the latest reports from Italy. It is no secret that the Red Devils want to reshape their midfield this summer. Casemiro has left, and Manuel Ugarte is one of the players the club needs to upgrade on. United, therefore, have every motivation to invest wisely and assemble a midfield Michael Carrick can rely on as his side battles on multiple fronts next season. Ederson is set to finalise his move from Atalanta following his medical after Brazil’s World Cup campaign, with a £35 million plus £3.8 million deal agreed for his Old Trafford switch. But the Brazilian is just one of at least three midfielders the Manchester Reds are hoping to sign this summer. A double midfield swoop remains anticipated. While the second signing could be Mateus Fernandes, the identity of the third midfielder is still unclear. Could be Morten Hjulmand Other than Ederson and Fernandes, Hjulmand could be that third midfield signing. The Sporting CP midfielder is expected to leave Lisbon this summer, and United have repeatedly emerged as his likely destination. During his time in Portugal, Hjulmand has established himself as “one of Europe’s best defensive midfielders“. He excels at controlling the tempo of a match, recycling possession and breaking up opposition attacks without needing to be overly aggressive, qualities Carrick could well be seeking in his Casemiro replacement. United have been persistently linked with his services, with the transfer speculation continuing even after Ruben Amorim’s exit. At one point, it seemed as though the former Sporting CP manager was actively pushing Ineos to sign the Dane. He has since departed, yet the 26-year-old remains wanted at Old Trafford. Now, as United consider finally moving for him this summer, Sky Sports Italy have revealed why Amorim, just appointed at AC Milan, may yet act as spoiler-in-chief in that pursuit. Amorim wants Hjulmand at AC Milan The Italian source reports: “Ruben Amorim era begins at AC Milan. The Portuguese has already defined his first transfer targets with the club, which could be two of his protégés. These are Morten Hjulmand, formerly of Lecce, who performed so well under him at Sporting (so much so that the coach wanted to bring him to Manchester, but the conditions weren’t right).” It will be interesting to see whether Amorim flips the script in the Hjulmand race. Before moving to Portugal, the midfielder turned out for Lecce in Italy, and he may yet be tempted to return to familiar surroundings under a manager he knows well. But would he truly turn down a move to the Theatre of Dreams? Like any top footballer worth his salt, hopefully, he understands that Man United come calling only once. So if they come for him, that is a move too good to turn down. Featured image Francesco Pecoraro via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.
United earmark two elite wing wizards to replace Rashford, Liverpool had better beware – Sky
Manchester United are hunting for a left-winger after Michael Carrick had to rely on makeshift options last season. Make no mistake, both Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu excelled down the left, but their best positions are not out wide on the left. The Brazilian is more of a support striker while the Dane is best suited to left wing-back or playing on the right. The Red Devils have moved on Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Alejandro Garnacho, which has left the squad without a specialist option on the left flank. United’s left-wing targets West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville has emerged as an option, but negotiating with the Hammers has proved far more difficult than INEOS initially expected. The Dutchman was not United’s first target, with the Red Devils admirers of Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye and Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig. However, Everton were reluctant to sell the Senegalese, as they attempted to persuade him to sign a contract extension at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. As for the Ivorian, Liverpool had overtaken the Old Trafford side, as United felt his cost was too prohibitive, especially considering the extensive midfield overhaul planned. Rashford out, Diomande or Ndiaye in? Sky Sports have a different take on this. They have claimed that should the 20-time English league champions manage to move Rashford on permanently, a move for either the Everton or Leipzig ace could become a reality. “Failure to move Rashford on would likely complicate any plans for United to sign a left winger. They have been exploring options in that position with RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye among the players that they are keen on. “West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville is the latest name to emerge as one of the wingers United have an interest in this summer.” Rashford’s status as an academy graduate means his sale will count as pure profit. Removing his £325,000-a-week wages from the books would also be a huge help, freeing up the funds required to launch a serious bid for their top left-wing targets. Feature image Stuart Franklin 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
5/11 long balls, 0 dribbles: United star produces subdued showing as his nation is held to frustrating World Cup result

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes produced a subdued outing by his standards as Portugal played out a draw with DR Congo in their World Cup opener. Contained Portugal are widely considered one of the favourites to go all the way at the World Cup, so there was plenty of optimism within the ranks heading into their meeting with DR Congo in Houston. The Selecao got off to a dream start as Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Joao Neves broke the deadlock with a headed finish inside five minutes. But Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa drew his nation level with an equally brilliant header of his own on the stroke of half-time. Despite second-half chances falling to both sides, the game ended with the points shared, as neither could produce the decisive moment. Fernandes, fresh off a record-breaking season with United, started in midfield alongside Neves and his PSG compatriot Vitinha. It was a relatively muted display from Fernandes, who struggled to influence the match as he so often does for his club. His best moment came in the closing stages of the game when he fired a shot at goal, which narrowly drifted wide of the goal. To highlight Fernandes’ subdued game, the playmaker did not create a chance for 90 minutes. His first chance came in the 92nd minute of action. For 90 minutes Bruno Fernandes didn’t create a single chance. His first chance created came in the 92nd minute 😮 pic.twitter.com/1d2DRPBYmD — ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 17, 2026 Fernandes’ performance Fernandes managed two shots during the time he was on the pitch. He managed to find his teammates with 67 of the 77 passes he attempted (87% individual pass accuracy). Just one of his passes was a key pass. The 31-year-old connected successfully with five of the 11 long balls he pinged. He touched the ball 96 times and drew two fouls. Fernandes was solid defensively, winning five of the eight ground duels he delved into and both aerial contests he vied for. He also came away with the ball in two of his three tackles. Portugal are next in action on Tuesday when they face Uzbekistan. CategoryStat Defensive Contributions3 Tackles (won)3 (2) Ground duels (won)8 (5) Aerial duels (won)2 (2) Possession Touches96 Unsuccessful touches1 Dribbles (successful)0 (0) Was fouled2 Passing Expected assists (xA)0.55 Key passes1 Crosses (accurate)6 (2) Accurate passes67/77 (87%) Passes in opposition half (acc.)45/54 (83%) Passes in own half (acc.)22/23 (96%) Long balls (accurate)5/11 (45%) Shooting Total shots2 Shots on target0 Shots blocked1 (Stats obtained from Sofascore) Portugal vs. Uzbekistan kicks off at 9 pm. 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 Latest Top Stories… 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!
Former United boss planning to plunge a dagger into Carrick’s heart, INEOS have been offered an alternative – report

Manchester United’s midfield search has led them to Mateus Fernandes, but the chase has proved to be far more complicated than INEOS would have liked. West Ham remain stubborn regarding their valuation, with INEOS attempting to negotiate a lower fee. There is interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur as well, but the major risk is posed by Real Madrid. Jose Mourinho is reportedly a fan of his compatriot and, as per Defensa Central, he has identified the Portugal international as the ideal replacement for Aurelien Tchouameni. United were interested in Tchouameni, but moved on to Mateus Fernandes The Frenchman has been linked with a move to the Theatre of Dreams but both the midfielder and Real president Florentino Perez had categorically denied that the 26-year-old is up for sale. But Mourinho has different ideas. He remains open to sacrificing the former AS Monaco ace in order to get his hands on Mateus Fernandes. Interestingly, it should also be remembered that Tchouameni was involved in a major spat with Fede Valverde, and Mourinho would rather keep the Uruguay international over the Frenchman if push comes to shove. “Selling the French midfielder could be the ideal solution for Mourinho to acquire the West Ham player he has requested for his Madrid side. If Tchouameni stays, the sale is unlikely to go very far. Mourinho wants Mateus Fernandes, Real could offer Tchouameni to United “The Portuguese coach would prefer to keep the Uruguayan (Fede Valverde) over the Frenchman if forced to choose. Therefore, Mateus Fernandes is being considered as an alternative for the midfield.” United could potentially jump for Tchouameni, but then they would risk missing out on the West Ham star. That does not look likely at this stage. The 20-time English league champions remain locked in talks with the Hammers, with INEOS keen not to overpay. There is a general feeling that they will eventually get their man despite Real Madrid’s best efforts, with Mateus Fernandes keen to link up with Bruno Fernandes, whom he considers his idol. Feature image Julian Finney 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






