Ahead of next season, Manchester United are expected to reshape their midfield into one capable of challenging on multiple fronts. There is a desire to replace Casemiro, who is leaving as a free agent, while the club also needs to upgrade on Manuel Ugarte, who has failed to click at the heart of United’s engine room. As a result, two, if not three, midfield signings may be needed to satisfy United’s transfer needs. Ederson closing in on move The Ederson deal is all but agreed; it is only a matter of when the announcement comes. With the Brazilian expected to be the first of several midfield arrivals, all eyes are on who follows him. Mateus Fernandes next There is talk of United now working on a deal for Mateus Fernandes, with ambitious West Ham United demanding as much as £80 million to sanction his move to Manchester. Should Fernandes arrive for such a staggering figure, it will be interesting to see whether United still push for another marquee midfield signing. Mason Mount eyes key role in Man United’s midfield rebuild As per The Sun, “Mason Mount, whose only starts under Carrick came away to Sunderland and Brighton in midfield last month, is willing to continue in that deeper role.” Well, after Ederson and Fernandes, do United really need to go all out for another midfielder, particularly given Mount’s push for a deeper midfield role? A midfield role is so demanding. Mount has demonstrated the technical ability to operate there, and when called upon, he filled in for Casemiro perfectly, arguably better than Ugarte ever managed. However, his showing against Brighton, impressive as it was, makes one wonder whether he can stay fit and replicate it. Can he remain available in a role that demands physicality? Injuries Mount’s undoing at United Injuries have been central to the Englishman’s struggles at United. If he can avoid them, the 27-year-old has the quality to become one of the Red Devils’ best players. It will be tricky, but the hope is that this role change brings with it the luck he needs to stay fit, redefine himself, and contribute meaningfully to United’s midfield, starting in a deeper role before gradually transitioning into a playmaker role and becoming the ready-made heir to Bruno Fernandes when the time comes. Featured image Gareth Copley 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’s forgotten man eyeing exciting new role under Carrick, it would save INEOS a fortune – report
United ramp up pursuit of red-hot PL talisman who blasted Tuchel for ruining World Cup dream – report
Manchester United face a fierce race with England’s elite clubs to sign Nottingham Forest talisman Morgan Gibbs-White this summer, according to a new report. Standout Star Gibbs-White has enjoyed a superb season at the City Ground, recording an impressive 15 goals and four assists in 37 Premier League appearances. Only four players scored more than the Forest talisman. With the Tricky Trees having experienced a revolving door of managers under the chaotic ownership of Evangelos Marinakis, the 26-year-old has been a constant – alongside Elliot Anderson – for the team to lean on as they battled relegation. In a defining run-in, with Forest facing West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur in the race to avoid the drop, Gibbs-White scored nine times in the final 10 matches, including a stunning hat-trick against Burnley. It was a major shock for Thomas Tuchel not to include the Stafford native in his England squad for the World Cup, given this remarkable run of form. However, the Three Lions boss has decided to stick rather than twist with his selection, much to the disappointment Gibbs-Wite, as well as Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw. Best deployed as an attacking midfielder but capable of playing out on the left and drifting in, Gibbs-White offers a potent pairing of physical and technical quality. His ability on the ball is evident, but he combines this with a relentless engine, a powerful frame, and excellent mobility. Eyed by England’s Elite It’s little surprise, therefore, that England’s top clubs, including the Red Devils, have expressed “serious interest” in Gibbs-White as a target, even with Forest having ruled out a summer sale. Sports Boom confirm United are “closely monitoring” the situation in Nottingham. EXCL: Morgan Gibbs-White is attracting serious interest from Aston Villa, Chelsea, Man United, Tottenham, Arsenal and PSG after a standout season at Nottingham Forest.🌳 No bids yet, but the battle lines are already drawn.👀 #NFFC @Ekremkonur https://t.co/OPd4AquuIC — Sportsboom (@Sportsboomcom) June 9, 2026 Tweet: “EXCL: Morgan Gibbs-White is attracting serious interest from Aston Villa, Chelsea, Man United, Tottenham, Arsenal and PSG after a standout season at Nottingham Forest. No bids yet, but the battle lines are already drawn.” The 20-time league champions are said to be “searching for a name that offers productivity in midfield” – with Gibbs-White a player who “directly meets this need.” Old Trafford chiefs also remain optimistic of striking a deal for Anderson, despite Manchester City leading the charge for the 23-year-old England international after opening formal talks. Meanwhile, Aston Villa are considered frontrunners for Gibbs-White, with Unai Emery “openly keen” on adding him as a potential replacement for Morgan Rogers, who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford. Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also keeping tabs, while European champions Paris Saint-Germain are even mentioned as a suitor. Final Thoughts Well-placed sources at the City Ground indicate Forest’s hierarchy are holding discussions over how “difficult it has become to keep Gibbs White” with this growing queue of admirers on the hunt for him. Whether United are willing to make a move for a player whose best position mirrors that of club captain Bruno Fernandes is another question, even if Gibbs-White ticks many of the boxes INEOS like. His versatility would allow him to play alongside the Portugal international on the left, before eventually inverting inside to take his place when Fernandes’ time in M16 finally comes to an end. It is better to have a succession plan in place before the King passes, after all. Featured image by Alex Livesey/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 have no interest in signing PL star despite claims of imminent offer from Red Devils – report
Whilst it is evident Manchester United are intent on improving their midfield options this summer, there could still be room for a surprise signing or two in other areas of the field should the right opportunity present itself. If United are serious about mounting a title challenge next season, there is no doubt they could do with a reliable centre-half of ready-made ability who can be fit and ready for action for the majority of the season. Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt look to have the perfect blend of qualities to build a formidable partnership at the heart of United’s back line, but simply cannot be trusted to go through a campaign injury-free. Therefore, if INEOS can strike a deal for a top-quality centre-back, it might just be the difference in United getting closer to Arsenal and Manchester City at the top of the table. Surprise name on the list shut down That being said, finding that player, particularly on a budget, is no easy feat, but a shock name was strongly linked with Manchester United on Monday night. The Peoples Person relayed that United were preparing an offer for wantaway Tottenham Hotspur skipper Cristian Romero. However, as per Manchester Evening News, United have no interest in signing the Argentina international. Whilst possessing certain qualities, Romero’s ill-discipline and overall disappointing performance levels over the last 12 to 18 months have left Tottenham at the wrong end of the table under his leadership on the pitch. Furthermore, the 28-year-old will be leaving the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium under the cloud of controversy that came after he returned to Argentina to watch his boyhood club rather than be in attendance for their crucial last game of the season to keep them in the division. Even if United fans are wishing for a centre-back before the season starts, it is doubtful they will be losing any sleep over missing out on a player who has shown such a lack of commitment to the club paying his wages. United can ill-afford to waste a chunk of their budget on a player who is not guaranteed to improve things at Old Trafford, and Romero would certainly be seen as a major gamble. Other priorities Whilst a centre-back addition would be nice, it is believed United are focusing on the left-back spot alongside the engine room for improvements this summer and see themselves as relatively well-stocked at centre-half. Despite the concerns around De Ligt and Martinez’s fitness, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro and the impressive Ayden Heaven will all be expected to play their part next season to ensure United enjoy a successful campaign. Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall looks the favourite to lighten the load on Luke Shaw, who, despite starting every league game last season, has struggled badly with injuries and, given the extra games this year, will need strong back-up. Hall looks every inch the long-term replacement for Shaw and if INEOS can get a deal over the line for the 21-year-old, they could have the left-back issue solved for the next decade. Feature image Warren Little 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 Conner Botterill Conner Botterill has been with The Peoples Person for three years. A lifelong red with degrees in Sport and Journalism and Philosophy and Psychology through the Open University. His favourite match attended was the unforgettable night in Paris in 2019 under the guidance of one of his idols, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Conner still believes he has a chance of making United’s first team through his 5-a-side career.
CL juggernaut launches hijack of United’s move for midfield monster despite Wilcox flying in for talks – report
Manchester United’s plan to sign Mateus Fernandes is set to be rocked by Real Madrid’s latest decision, according to a report from Spain. Midfield Maestro Fernandes, 21, has enjoyed a superb debut campaign for West Ham United, despite Nuno Espirito Santo’s side being unable to stave off relegation on the final day of the 2025/26 season. Mateus Fernandes Premier League stats: 2025/26 Season Appearances36 Minutes per game84 Touches58.9 Key passes1.0 Accurate passes37.9 Interceptions 1.0 Tackles 2.9 Goals and assists 7 Source: Sofascore The Portugal international, who narrowly missed out on a place in the Seleção das Quinas’ squad for the World Cup, is an all-action dynamo, capable of playing across a variety of roles in midfield. Signed from Southampton last year for £42 million after the Saints faced the same descent into the Championship, West Ham are demanding around double that price this summer to part with their prized asset. The Hammers need to generate up to £150 million to cope with the effects of relegation. Fernandes is their most valuable asset, though flying full-back El Hadji Malick Diouf and Jarrod Bowen are other high-profile candidates to leave. Southampton included a 15% sell-on clause in the deal, further emboldening West Ham’s stance to drive the price as high as possible amid interest from a host of top clubs, including the Red Devils. Eyed by Europe’s Elite Fabrizio Romano reveals United’s hierarchy, led by sporting director Jason Wilcox, have held talks with Fernandes’ camp to assess the viability of a deal, while one inside source even claims club-to-club negotiations are underway. A £39 million deal has already been struck for Atalanta and Brazil enforcer Ederson, though the 26-year-old’s late call-up by Carlo Ancelotti will likely delay official completion of the move. United are intent on signing at least one more midfielder, with a third expected to arrive should Manuel Ugarte be sold. Fernandes appears the leading target at present, given pursuits of Elliot Anderson and Aurélien Tchouaméni have proven unfeasible. However, United are not alone in their admiration of the Olhão native, with Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain having both made advances. But Real Madrid have now stormed into the race as a late addition after José Mourinho was confirmed to be returning to the Bernabéu. Spanish outlet AS (as relayed by Sport Witness) claims Fernandes is a priority for Mourinho as the ‘Special One’ wants to inject more “commitment” into Real’s squad. Both parties share the same agent, Jorge Mendes, who is said to be working to help Los Blancos hijack United’s move, with the report concluding that Fernandes is now one of Real’s “top targets” and a “deal is underway”. Final Thoughts A Portuguese midfielder being chased, influenced by a trifecta of Jorge Mendes, José Mourinho and the allure of Real Madrid, is a difficult one for any club—even one the size of Manchester United—to compete with. However, sources at Old Trafford believe Mendes is playing up interest to extract a better deal for his client. There is understood to be confidence close to negotiations that Fernandes is most likely to become a Red Devil this summer, which would explain why INEOS are marching forward with a deal, despite West Ham’s exorbitant demands and the threat of hijack from the Spanish capital. Featured 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 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 hold talks to sign European Cup winner, Red Devils have a major advantage in the race – report
Manchester United are attempting to reach an agreement for their second midfield signing after finalising the deal to acquire Ederson from Atalanta. According to The Athletic, Mateus Fernandes is among the top names being considered, and United have held discussions regarding both the transfer fee and wages. However, West Ham United intend to demand £80 million for the Portuguese midfielder. As things stand, the Red Devils are not prepared to meet that asking price. Manchester United keen on Alex Scott The Athletic claims Bournemouth’s box-to-box midfield gem Alex Scott is another potential target. The technically gifted Englishman has earned plaudits for his ball-carrying ability and link-up play. However, Bournemouth are reportedly keen to tie the 21-year-old down to a new contract following his excellent season. They would be open to including a release clause worth around £75m in any new deal. However, Scott’s current deal is set to expire in 2028, and his suitors “might feel they have a chance to strike an agreement closer to £60 million this summer.” Talks held for Adam Wharton In addition to Scott, United have “held talks on Carlos Baleba, Sandro Tonali and Adam Wharton among others.” Wharton, in particular, has been on United’s radar since his rise at Blackburn Rovers in the Championship and has been compared to Michael Carrick by Rio Ferdinand. Over the last two years, the 22-year-old England midfielder has established himself as a key player at Crystal Palace. In possession, Wharton is considered one of the best players in the Premier League. However, there are some concerns over his athleticism. A separate report claimed that Wharton wants to join a Champions League club after helping Palace win the FA Cup and Europa Conference League. Accordingly, the player’s stance should give United an advantage in the race. Featured image Marc Atkins via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Vishal Singh Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!
United announce new pre-season fixture date
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Bruno Fernandes sends clear message of support to United target as big-money summer move looms – report
Whilst the majority of the football world is gearing up for the 2026 World Cup, Manchester United’s hierarchy are working on the best way to navigate the summer transfer market and get the relevant players in and out of Old Trafford for the upcoming Premier League season. A raft of names have been linked with joining Michael Carrick’s squad for the new campaign, with many of them involved in the international tournament that gets underway this week. One of these is wantaway AC Milan star Rafael Leao, who has become a target for many European clubs after stating his desire to leave the Italian giants in this window. Rush of blood in warm-up game Leao is currently warming up for the World Cup with Portugal but did not get his preparations off to the best start, as he was sent off for throwing a punch at an opponent in the friendly game against Chile at the weekend. The show of ill-discipline will fortunately not cost the forward game time in terms of suspension, but will no doubt impact Roberto Martinez’s decision-making, with red cards in tournament football often resulting in irreversible damage. Portugal were otherwise impressive in the warm-up game, with United skipper Bruno Fernandes continuing his fine form at club level with a wonderful winning goal for his nation. As reported by The Mirror, Fernandes has since sent a public message of support to his teammate, who apologised for his outburst on social media after the game. Leao wrote on Instagram: “Regarding my expulsion. I simply wanted to protect my colleague, never with the intention of hurting the opponent! Thank you to all the Portuguese who came to Jamor, amazing atmosphere, we’re still together.” Bruno’s one-word response of “Together” showed solidarity with the 26-year-old, who will be desperate to impress in the U.S. to not just help his nation but secure a big move after the tournament. Premier League move wanted Leao has admitted he would love to play in the Premier League and believes his style would suit the English top flight as he looks for a “new challenge” outside of Serie A. “For my style of football, I think the Premier League or La Liga would make more of my talent, as a player. If a Premier League opportunity were to come along, I would be very happy,” he was quoted. It is understood Milan are willing to part ways with one of their star men and would accept a bid in the region of £43 million for a player who has two years left on his contract at the San Siro. Although erratic at times, the price looks decent market value for a wide man who, when on form, is undoubtedly one of the best in Europe. Additionally, United are in the market for a player of Leao’s profile but are heavily focusing on addressing their midfield issues before splashing any cash on the attack, which they heavily improved last summer. Turkish giants Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are hotly linked with making an official move, with Premier League champions Arsenal reportedly holding an interest too. It might be that the Milan magician’s relationship with Fernandes helps push a deal over the line in the coming weeks, with the pair clearly having each other’s backs on the national stage. Both players will be hoping for World Cup glory in the coming months and might find themselves playing together in red under the lights of the Theatre of Dreams if INEOS decide Leao is worth a gamble in the market. Featured image by Michael Regan/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 Conner Botterill Conner Botterill has been with The Peoples Person for three years. A lifelong red with degrees in Sport and Journalism and Philosophy and Psychology through the Open University. His favourite match attended was the unforgettable night in Paris in 2019 under the guidance of one of his idols, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Conner still believes he has a chance of making United’s first team through his 5-a-side career.
