More reports from Italy are confirming Manchester United’s interest in Dusan Vlahovic, who’s widely expected to leave Juventus at the end of the season.

The 25-year-old joined the Serie A giants in January 2022 for circa €80 million, which is considered an astronomical transfer fee by the standards of the Italian top-flight. The Serbian is currently the league’s top earner, with a yearly net salary of €12 million.

However, the centre-forward hasn’t always been able to justify his hefty costs, with his stats taking a big hit in recent years, and his performances coming under great scrutiny.

And yet, Vlahovic has been Juve’s top goalscorer in every full campaign he spent at the club, and is even leaving the charts this term with four strikes to his name, despite having to share his starting role with new signings Jonathan David and Loic Openda.

Man United in three-horse race for Dusan Vlahovic

In recent months, the Bianconeri tried to extend the player’s contract, but to no avail. They then attempted to sell him in the summer, but they were equally unsuccessful on that front. Therefore, the management has resigned to losing the player’s services for free once his deal expires in the summer.

This situation has naturally piqued the interest of several top suitors around Europe. According to TuttoMercatoWeb journalist Niccolo Ceccarini, Man Utd are among three clubs vying for the player’s services, with the other two suitors being Chelsea and Bayern Munich.

What would Vlahovic bring to Man United

This obviously isn’t the first time that United are linked with Vlahovic, but with the player’s Juventus contract nearing its expiry date, the Premier League giants now have a golden opportunity to poach his services as a free agent next summer.

While Juventus are still hoping to sell Vlahovic in January, the striker’s three main suitors are all happy to wait until the summer, as none of them is prepared to negotiate a transfer fee in mid-season.

MUFC have already revamped their attacking ranks this summer, with Benjamin Sesko assuming the No.9 role. However, the club could do with a more experienced centre-forward who can rotate with the young Slovenian, especially if they manage to overcome their early-season woes and qualify for Europe next season.

Ruben Amorim had an interesting press conference ahead of what could be a vital match for his Manchester United career.

Following last weekend’s abysmal 1-3 defeat in Brentford, the Portuguese manager lost more supporters, while the disgruntled voices grew ever louder.

After the contest, Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe reiterated his backing for Amorim, but most accounts agree that INEOS are already studying their options, even though they haven’t opened talks with any potential replacement.

Ruben Amorim points the finger towards Man Utd legends & pundits

With his team lying 14th in the Premier League table, Amorim was once again forced to answer questions regarding his controversial 3-4-2-1 system which has been put under scrutiny since Day One.

The 40-year-old went on the counter-attack, accusing pundits and observers of turning his players against them with their constant chastising of this formation.

“I understand when people think ‘what would this team be like in a different system?’” said Amotim in his pre-match presser as quoted by the Manchester Evening News.

“Maybe this team would win more games. But if we don’t change certain things, we are not going to win titles, even if we change to 4-3-3 or 4-4-2.

“That is my point with the players. I don’t want to change your mind, but my players, I guarantee you, they are listening to all the opinions and they are putting that inside because we are not winning games. They have to believe in me. So my biggest problem is that my players believe in you guys when you say the problem with our team is the system.

Amorim was likely referencing a host of Man Utd legends who have pointed the finger towards his system, the likes of Wayne Rooney, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes.

“I get crazy about that, because we need to play the same way, with the same power, with the same intensity, with the same focus. If you do that, it doesn’t matter about the system.

“There is no one in the world who can read everything and listen to everything about people who understand football and not be influenced by that.

“So I try to listen and to see all the games because I know that I see the game more times than all those guys [pundits] together, because they have to see all the games in the Premier League and give an opinion.

“My opinion is completely different because I see the games, I see training, I understand my players, I understand what I’m doing and I follow my job this way because it’s impossible to survive in this club, listening to all the things.”

Amorim not concerned about losing Man Utd job

In the aftermath of Brentford’s defeat, Amorim was described as ‘lonely’ and ‘broken’ by Carrington insiders. However, the manager cut a more determined figure in the press conference.

The former Sporting CP manager expressed his desire to stay at United and help the club achieve his goals, while insisting that he’s more worried about than his job.

“Of course, it’s a dream to be here and I want to continue here and I want to fight for this. But what makes me suffer is to lose games, it’s not to lose my job. You fear to lose your job when you have to pay the bills and I don’t have that feeling.

“So it’s not the fear of losing the job. I don’t care. I’m telling you, when we finish the game and you can see me, I don’t care about my job. That hurt of not winning games or failing, that is the thing that hurts me the most.”

The under-fire manager would certainly want to turn the page, beginning with a timely win over Sunderland on Saturday. The match kicks off at 15:00 UK time.

INEOS reportedly believe they already have Ruben Amorim’s potential replacement at home, as Darren Fletcher becomes the latest name linked to the Old Trafford hot seat.

The Portuguese manager is enduring a miserable start to the season, losing three of the team’s first six Premier League fixtures, in addition to suffering a humiliating elimination from the Carabao Cup at the hands of fourth-tier side Grimsby Town.

While the club’s management continues to back the under-fire coach, both publicly and privately, many believe the latter is walking on thin ice. Amorim has also been described as ‘lonely’ and ‘broken’ by Carrington insiders, suggesting that the despairing 40-year-old is not too far away from his breaking point.

Man United considering Fletcher for post-Amorim era

At this stage, most accounts agree that Man Utd aren’t actively pursuing any replacement, but this hasn’t stopped them from taking a glance or two at the managers’ market. Some would argue that a defeat to Sunderland on Saturday would spell the end of the Portuguese’s time at United.

In recent days, several names have been mentioned as potential candidates. The list includes Oliver Glasner, Fabian Hurzeler, and Gareth Southgate, although the latter has reportedly ruled himself out of the race.

But according to The Sun journalists Katherine Walsh and Kealan Hughes, Fletcher’s stocks are on the rise,  especially after ‘dazzling’ the hierarchy with his impeccable professionalism and ‘excellent football’ since taking over Man Utd’s U18 side in the summer.

Darren Fletcher, a Man Utd loyalist through and through

The 41-year-old spent the bulk of his career at United. While he wasn’t always a regular starter, he was highly appreciated for his great ethic and dedication to the cause.

The Scot eventually left the club in 2015, embarking on late-career spells at West Brom and Stoke, before hanging up his boots in 2020.

Afterwards, he returned to Man Utd to serve as an assistant manager for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and was also collaborated with Erik ten Hag, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Amorim, before being appointed as U18 boss in recent months.

Napoli are reportedly sizing up a mid-season swoop for Manchester United wantaway Kobbie Mainoo, as per TuttoMercatoWeb.

There’s actually a realistic chance of the deal getting done, too, so long as INEOS sign off on his exit this time around.

When Mainoo asked to leave United in the final week of the summer window, Napoli were among his suitors. However, the board blocked his exit, instead informing him that he was expected to stay put and fight to reclaim his spot in the team.

Mainoo is out of favour under Ruben Amorim

He can only do so much with the minutes he’s granted, though. After being an unused substitute for the opening two matches, the 20-year-old was called upon to feature against Burnley on August 30, replacing the injured Mason Mount at half-time.

That remains his lengthiest cameo of the term, as he subsequently played 28 minutes in the Manchester derby, three minutes in the win over Chelsea and 24 minutes in last weekend’s defeat to Brentford.

It’s already been suggested by Fabrizio Romano that Mainoo would reiterate his desire to embark on a new venture in January if his situation hadn’t changed by that stage. With how things are looking, he’d have every right to request a half-season loan elsewhere.

Wantaway Mainoo could link up with familiar faces in Naples

Napoli poses as an attractive option for the midfielder, whom Casemiro has described as a ‘complete’ player, as he can reunite with former teammates Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund in Italy, as well as play alongside Kevin De Bruyne.

The reigning Serie A champions will be working to retain their title this campaign whilst also advancing as far as possible in the Champions League – and Mainoo could prove integral to that.

Antony has once again shed some light on the bitter end of his Manchester United tenure this year.

On deadline day last month, the forward’s three-year Red Devils stint came to an end when he signed permanently for Real Betis.

Antony had had his heart set on joining the Spanish outfit permanently since his loan spell came to an end last June – so much so that he rebuffed a host of other suitors, including Bayern Munich, to fulfil his promise to Manuel Pellegrini and return to Seville.

Antony to Los Verdiblancos: How the transfer came to fruition

Despite being desperate to make the move, it was delayed for a handful of reasons, primarily because Betis continuously failed to meet United’s demands in their approaches, and Antony was demanding his contract at Old Trafford be paid off in full.

United, of course, rejected such a request, staying firm in their stance that Antony could only be offloaded for a lump transfer sum before the window closed.

Betis were eventually made to put their money where their mouth is, submitting an offer worth £19 million upfront plus £2.5m in add-ons, as well as a 50 per cent sell-on clause for United.

It spelt the end of a truly lacklustre era for Antony and United, with both relieved to see the back of the other.

Antony chastises United environment… again

Now back plying his trade in a league more suited to his style of play, the 25-year-old has spoken out to criticise his former employers on numerous occasions already.

Earlier this week, he said: “They were very tough months in England, more than 40 days in the hotel, training separately. I feel like they disrespected me, but that’s not the point.”

He has now told ESPN Brazil: “I won’t mention anyone’s name here, but I think there was a bit of a lack of respect there, even a bit of rudeness too, with no one giving you a ‘good morning’, a ‘good afternoon’. Not even that. But, anyway, that’s in the past, I won’t give much importance to these things.”

Manchester United chiefs would now reportedly be open to facilitating Joshua Zirkzee’s exit, despite rebuffing numerous approaches for him over the summer.

Whilst the Dutch international has yet to find his most prolific goalscoring form in a red shirt, it hasn’t stopped clubs from vying for his signature.

Joshua Zirkzee: What happened this summer?

Fabrizio Romano revealed last month that several sides had been ‘insisting like crazy’ to prise Zirkzee from Old Trafford in the transfer window, including Juventus, who wanted to sign him on loan with an option to make his move permanent. 

Inter Milan and Napoli also expressed tentative interest, both of whom would provide the forward the opportunity to return to Italy, where he spent two seasons with Bologna.

Ultimately, both Zirkzee and United decided to continue together. He is contracted to the Reds until 2029, so it’s not as if they were under any pressure to facilitate his exit.

They may look to do so in the winter, though.

United U-turn on Zirkzee

According to a fresh report from CaughtOffside this morning via the Daily Briefing, INEOS are prepared to part ways with the 24-year-old prematurely in order to make space and raise funds for a new attacker.

Zirkzee has made only three Premier League appearances this campaign and has yet to start a game, making it pretty clear where he now ranks in Amorim’s pecking order.

In the opening six top-flight matches, he has featured for a total of just 74 minutes. He was an unused substitute against Chelsea and played a mere five minutes in the closing stages of last week’s defeat away to Brentford.

When United were knocked out of the Carabao Cup in the second round to League Two outfit Grimsby Town, the former Bayern Munich star was granted eight minutes to make a difference off the bench.

Zirkzee has accumulated seven goals and three assists in the 53 United matches he’s played thus far, so it’s safe to say he could be doing more to justify playing a more prominent role in Amorim’s plans.

A large quantity of Manchester United fans will be calling for Ruben Amorim’s head if they lose to Sunderland tomorrow.

Given how the Black Cats have fared upon their return to the top flight this term, that’s not too far out of the realm of possibility.

Régis Le Bris’s men, remarkably, sit fifth-placed heading into the clash at Old Trafford tomorrow afternoon, having not lost a game since slumping to a 2-0 defeat to fellow newly-promoted outfit Burnley on opening day.

They have overturned West Ham United, Brentford and Nottingham Forest, whilst drawing to both Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.

How Amorim’s Reds fare ahead of Saturday

United, on the other hand, have already sustained three losses in their first six matches of 2025/2026.

Last weekend’s disastrous showing at the Gtech Community Stadium culminated with Brentford claiming a 3-1 win, leaving the Reds 14th-placed in the table with a goal difference of minus four.

Unsurprisingly, speculation over Amorim’s job security has dominated the headlines this week, with some supporters questioning whether INEOS will call it quits this month, given an international break follows matchweek seven.

Numerous candidates are already being tipped to succeed the Portuguese coach, too, including the likes of Gareth Southgate, who’s a free agent, Andoni Iraola and Oliver Glasner.

What one journalist is hearing about Amorim 

However, Laurie Whitwell believes that the outcome of the Sunderland encounter will not dictate Amorim’s short-term future.

“I spoke with several knowledgeable people and was told that even if Man Utd lose to Sunderland, I don’t think the club will sack Ruben Amorim,” said the journalist on the Talk of the Devils podcast.

“Sir Jim Ratcliffe is the ultimate decision maker on this. He would take recommendations from Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada, the Glazers have a voice on this, but Ratcliffe is the one to decide on this, and he, I’m told, wants to actually give Amorim the full season.”

If Manchester United were to materialise their interest in Adam Wharton next year, they may be able to snap him up for a reduced fee.

The Red Devils’ interest in Wharton dates as far back as 12 months ago, when they identified him as a potential successor to Christian Eriksen and replacement for the ageing Casemiro.

Why United are yet to pursue Adam Wharton

However, United never went as far as tabling a bid or making a formal approach to the player. Instead, they prioritised reinforcements in alternative areas of the pitch, signing Patrick Dorgu in January of this year and adding an entirely new frontline to Ruben Amorim’s ranks over the course of the summer window.

It’s thought that, in 2026, INEOS will turn their attention to the middle of the park. Whether that’ll be in the winter or at the end of the season remains to be seen, although based on the high-spend period they’ve just overseen and the reduced budget from no European football, you’d imagine it’d be a more long-term plan.

Wharton could be on the move in 2026

They may also opt to wait until the end of the term due to a clause included in Wharton’s terms with Palace.

Assuming he doesn’t pen a new deal in the coming months, there will be a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ (Ben Jacobs) that’ll become active next summer, allowing him to leave for £60-65 million.

It’s certainly still an incredibly costly price, but there’s no doubt his suitors will be keeping tabs on how he fares in the Premier League and in the Conference League to determine whether such a fee is justifiable.

The coveted 20-year-old, hailed as ‘outstanding’ by compatriot Declan Rice, has already racked up 41 top-flight appearances since arriving at Selhurst Park in February 2024, and is regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in his position across Europe right now.

Ben Jacobs has suggested Ruben Amorim has fewer games to turn his fortunes around than Manchester United fans have been led to believe.

With October marking just one month shy of when the Portuguese coach succeeded Erik ten Hag in the dugout, he has recorded a whopping 17 Premier League defeats in that time.

He led United to their lowest-ever Premier League finish on record last season when they ended 2024/2025 in 15th place, and missed out on his first piece of silverware, as well as European football qualification, when losing the Europa League final 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur in May.

Why Amorim is at risk of suffering the same fate as Ten Hag 

Such woes have only continued into the current term, with United suffering three losses in their opening six league matches.

At the end of August, they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup in just the second round to League Two outfit Grimsby Town, giving them essentially just the FA Cup to play for from now until next summer.

Supporters had hoped that playing only one game a week would grant Amorim some respite and the chance to fine-tune his system in training with the squad, but that hasn’t proven to be the case just yet.

Expectedly, speculation over Amorim’s future has been rife in recent weeks, with several managers already being tipped to replace him in the event he is relieved of his duties sooner rather than later.

Jacobs reveals what he’s hearing about Amorim

Jacobs has suggested that may well be the case, too, as he told The United Stand this afternoon: “Ruben Amorim, I think, doesn’t have that many games to turn things around.”

Further, he added: “I’m not so sure, despite the fact that I respect other reports, that it’s as clear-cut as he’ll get a full season.”

“I think more likely, from speaking to people in and around the club, he’ll get 38 games split across two seasons and they’ll use that somewhat as a yardstick.”