Former France international Youri Djorkaeff has opened up about his failed transfer to Manchester United. Incredible career The highlight of the Frenchman’s career was winning the World Cup in 1998. He represented his national side 82 times, scoring 28 goals in total. The midfielder also played for clubs such as Inter Milan, AS Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain. Djorkaeff did spend four years in England towards the end of his career, however. He moved to Bolton Wanderers in 2001 before joining Blackburn Rovers in 2004. Chance to move to United Commenting on his move to Bolton in an interview with FourFourTwo magazine, he claimed his move was a bit of a gamble, but he stated, “I told Big Sam (Allardyce) that in 2001, I’d won the Confederations Cup with France. In 2000, the Euros. In 1998, both the World Cup and the UEFA Cup. In 1996, the Cup Winners’ Cup. This time I wasn’t chasing another medal, I wanted to take on the challenge of helping a club that was in real trouble.” No regrets The World Cup winner claimed that he was promised the opportunity to play every game at Bolton, and that was important for him as he prepared for the 2002 World Cup. Revealing that he also had offers from Liverpool and Manchester United, he explained, “that’s not something Gerard Houllier or Sir Alex Ferguson could have promised. I felt it was better to go to Bolton for 12 games because I wouldn’t lose my credibility.” He added, “then I could decide whether to stay or leave. In the end, I chose to extend my stay because I felt really good there.” Asked whether or not he regretted turning down United and Liverpool, he claimed, “not at all. I needed that Bolton experience in my life.” The Frenchman would retire in 2005 after a short spell in New York with the Red Bulls. 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.
“I felt it was better”: World Cup winner pinpoints why he turned down Sir Alex and United
“Not his best”: Local media tear into United star after heart-breaking defeat at World Cup
Manchester United winger Amad has had a strong end to the season. Season The Ivorian struggled for form somewhat after reverting to a winger role, having previously played as a wingback under Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim. Amad created a lovely goal for Bryan Mbeumo on the last day of the season against Brighton & Hove Albion. He also scored the winner in a pre-World Cup friendly victory over France for the Ivory Coast. The winger maintained this good form by scoring a goal off the bench to give his national side a victory over Ecuador at the World Cup. Match versus Germany The 23-year-old was rewarded for his strong efforts with a start against Germany in the Ivory Coast’s second group match. His blocked shot led to the Ivorians taking the lead through Franck Kessie, but they were pegged back and conceded a late goal, giving the Germans victory in the 94th minute of action. After the match, Amad spoke confidently about his team’s chances of making it into the next round of the competition. Media reaction Linf Drome commented that, “it’s true that starting Yan Diomandé on the right wing and then bringing on Amad Diallo in the second half, as against Ecuador, might have yielded a better result.” Another media outlet, SuperSport, was a bit more positive about the United man and claimed, “not his best performance, but he did produce two key passes and tried to create something on the right wing with seven progressive carries.” Amad and the Ivory Coast will need at least a point to qualify for the next phase, but a victory over Curaçao would guarantee qualification. They will next be in action on the 25th June. Amad stats vs Germany MetricValue Goals0 Expected goals (xG)0.3 Assists0 Expected assists (xA)0.17 Key passes2 Crosses (accurate)2 (1) Accurate passes17/18 (94%) Passes in opposition half (acc.)10/11 (91%) Passes in own half (acc.)7/7 (100%) Distance covered8.2 km Top speed31.2 km/h Number of sprints14 Running1.23 km (15%) High-speed running0.4 km (4.9%) Sprinting0.18 km (2.2%) Total shots1 Shots on target0 Shots blocked1 Big chances missed1 Touches35 Unsuccessful touches1 Dribbles (successful)5 (0) Possession lost10 Total carrying distance134.4 m Carries13 Progressive carries3 Total progression41.5 m Progressive carrying distance43.1 m Longest progressive carry16.4 m Def. contributions4 Tackles (won)2 (2) Interceptions2 Clearances0 Blocked shots0 Recoveries4 Ground duels (won)9 (2) Dribbled past0 Source: Sofascore Featured image Michael Reaves/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.
Video: 0 tackles, 0% ground duels, x3 dribbled past: United outcast flops again at World Cup
Manchester United’s Manuel Ugarte started in Uruguay’s shock 2-2 draw with Cape Verde. Poor season The Uruguayan has had a poor season at Manchester United, struggling for any sort of consistent game time at Old Trafford under Michael Carrick. The player is certainly up for sale this summer, with Manchester United looking for at least £25 million not to make a PSR loss. Ugarte started in Uruguay’s poor 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia and was also given 70 minutes in the 2-2 tie with Cape Verde. Match versus Cape Verde Ugarte’s match started off poorly, as he picked up a yellow card inside the first 20 minutes of action. He did play a significant part in Uruguay’s second goal though, as his cross was met by a Uruguay attacker whose headed pass was finished by Agustin Cannobio. Ugarte made two key passes in the match, and 85% of his passes found their intended target. The midfielder also tried his luck to score his first World Cup goal for his nation, but he could not keep his effort on target. He was quite involved in the match, having 68 touches and carrying the ball forward progressively on two occasions. The central midfielder was poor in his duels, failing to attempt any sort of tackle. Ugarte also failed to live with the physicality of the Cape Verde midfield, losing all five of his ground duels. He was also dribbled past three times in the centre of the park. The 25-year-old did manage to win his only aerial duel, at least. Ugarte and Uruguay now have the unenviable task of having to beat Spain to secure their spot in the next round on Saturday, 27th June. Manuel Ugarte stats vs Cape Verde Goals0 Expected goals (xG)0.03 Assists0 Expected assists (xA)0.14 Key passes2 Crosses (accurate)0 (0) Accurate passes51/60 (85%) Passes in opposition half (acc.)38/45 (84%) Passes in own half (acc.)13/15 (87%) Long balls (accurate)1/3 (33%) Total shots1 Shots on target0 Shots blocked0 Touches68 Dribbles (successful)1 (0) Possession lost12 Total carrying distance265.3 m Carries27 Progressive carries2 Total progression132.3 m Progressive carrying distance53 m Longest progressive carry20.9 m Def. contributions1 Tackles (won)0 (0) Interceptions0 Clearances1 Blocked shots0 Recoveries2 Ground duels (won)5 (0) Aerial duels (won)1 (1) Fouls1 Dribbled past3 Featured 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 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.
Uniteds pursuit of 63 defensive gem under threat following major decision by PL rivals – report
Manchester United are monitoring several talented young footballers right now, including versatile Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong. However, it now appears that prising him away from Stamford Bridge this summer will be next to impossible. The Red Devils are gearing up for an eventful summer, with the midfield now at the centre of their transfer activity. A move for Atalanta’s Ederson appears to be all but complete, although an official confirmation is pending. The Brazilian is unlikely to be the only addition to the squad over the summer, with the English giants keen to further strengthen the middle of the park. There are plans to invest in attack and at left-back as well in preparation for the much-awaited return to the Champions League next season. While a new centre-back is not a priority at the moment, INEOS will be tempted to consider options, especially with Harry Maguire at the twilight of his career. A previous report relayed by The Peoples Person suggests that United have identified Acheampong as an option to replace the veteran defender at the Theatre of Dreams. An exciting talent Acheampong joined Chelsea’s academy in 2014 and was included in the Under-8 squad. His progress through the ranks was steady and impressive, and culminated in a first-team bow in May 2024. Since then, the Englishman has turned heads across the continent with his versatility. Last season, the 20 year old registered two goals in 30 appearances across all competitions, 14 of which were starts. Josh Acheampong Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League1781-1-663′ UEFA Champions League51—-193′ FA Cup421—209′ EFL Cup43—-230′ Total30142-1-1,295′ Source: Transfermarkt. Acheampong operated at centre-back and right-back for the Blues, but he is also capable of filling in at left-back. The 6’3” defender is physically imposing and comfortable with the ball at his feet, while also displaying impressive anticipation and positioning. His traits make him an attractive proposition for United, who are keen to build a backbone of youth to help usher in a new era at the Theatre of Dreams. A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person suggested that a move for the Englishman could be possible for around £25 million, but a contrasting update has now emerged. Chelsea consider Acheampong untouchable Speaking on the London is Blue podcast, journalist Ben Jacobs insisted that Chelsea will not consider Acheampong’s departure this summer. He said: “They are saying that he’s not for sale, they are saying he’s untouchable, they are saying that there’s no chance.” “But you’ve got clubs like Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United, and Bayern, who have all in the last year looked and tried to kind of develop those relationships on the player side in case anything becomes possible.” Acheampong is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2029, so the Blues are under no pressure to let him go. However, the final decision on the matter is likely to rest with Xabi Alonso, who is set to take charge of the London giants this summer. Final Thoughts With Matthijs de Ligt sidelined since December with a back injury and Lisandro Martinez’s fitness record not too great either, United’s need for defensive reinforcements may be more urgent than it appears. Acheampong’s possible arrival could provide more competition for the likes of Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro, and could sort out the Red Devils’ backline for the next decade. 🌟 @JacobsBen says Chelsea insist Josh Acheampong is not for sale despite Arsenal, City, Man United and Bayern showing significant interest. 🎧👉 https://t.co/aRD65hl6lP pic.twitter.com/DIpjYbx0tU — London Is Blue Podcast ⭐️⭐️ (@LondonBluePod) June 21, 2026 Feature image Justin Setterfield 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.
United’s quest to land World Cup superstar under threat amid English club’s defiant stance – report
Manchester United have been delivered both good news and bad news from West Ham regarding their pursuit of two Hammers stars. It is well known by now that INEOS are fully focused on trying to land Mateus Fernandes to add to Ederson’s capture. The problem has been the London side’s adamant stance regarding their valuation and the entry of Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid into the race. In addition to the Portugal international, the Red Devils are also pursuing his teammate Crysencio Summerville as United look to bolster their wide options. West Ham’s latest stance on Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville The Dutchman has shone at the World Cup, which has resulted in multiple teams now chasing his signature, adding to United’s headache. According to TEAMtalk, the Championship side have taken a bold call on the futures of both Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville. West Ham’s new de facto owner, Daniel Kretinsky, is determined to bounce straight back up to the Premier League at the first attempt. While West Ham do need to raise capital, they will only sell the Portuguese midfielder, while aiming to keep hold of the Netherlands international as well as Jarrod Bowen, another of their in-demand stars. New owner determined to avoid mass exodus “Daniel Kretinsky is determined to avoid a mass exodus at West Ham United this summer and TEAMtalk understands the Czech billionaire believes only one major player – Manchester United and Tottenham target Mateus Fernandes – should be sacrificed to fund the club’s rebuild amid a big new demand from Jarrod Bowen. “However, sources have informed us that Kretinsky, now the club’s new de facto owner and driving force behind major decisions at the London Stadium, is keen to preserve the core of the current squad as West Ham look to bounce straight back to the top flight under Nuno Espirito Santo. “As a result, sources understand that Fernandes is the one player Kretinsky is prepared to cash in on this summer. That stance is particularly significant given the growing interest in Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville – the latter of whom has also emerged as a target for Manchester United in recent days. United have another challenge on their hands “As a result, we understand there is a genuine belief internally that Bowen can be persuaded to stay if the club resist the temptation to sanction multiple high-profile sales. The prospect of retaining both Bowen and Summerville, while generating significant funds through the sale of Fernandes, is increasingly viewed as the ideal outcome by those at the top of the club.” Whether West Ham can afford to retain Crysencio Summerville remains to be seen. The 24-year-old will definitely look to jump ship given the interest he is generating and the performances he is delivering for his country at the World Cup. 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 set astonishingly low asking price for in-demand star as INEOS look to avoid PSR loss – report
Manchester United are planning a complete overhaul of their midfield, with at least three players set to leave as INEOS look to bring in as many new signings. Casemiro has already departed, and Manuel Ugarte is expected to be next. The Uruguayan has been a major disappointment since his arrival two years ago. The 25-year-old has struggled to adapt to the pace and physicality of the Premier League, and Michael Carrick handed him only one start since taking charge. The Red Devils ended up losing that match, and it is clear that the Uruguay international cannot cut it in England, with Turkish giants Galatasaray long-term admirers of his. Manuel Ugarte: nobody ready to match United’s valuation Ruben Amorim’s arrival at AC Milan has meant the former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder has gained a new suitor. Despite not handing him too many minutes during his time at Old Trafford, Amorim feels Ugarte is perfectly suited to the slower nature of Serie A football. The 20-time English league champions have been demanding £30 million to sell him, considerably less than the initial £42 million they paid for him. INEOS are aware that there is no chance they can earn as much, and the Rossoneri are refusing to pay £30 million. According to The Sun, United need to earn £25 million from his sale to avoid a loss as per the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability rules. United forced to reduce their asking price for Manuel Ugarte “Ugarte’s United future is uncertain as the club is open to offloading the Uruguay international after two sorry seasons. “United would be prepared to move for a third midfielder if they can get Ugarte off the books but do not want to actively hawk him around as it could drive his valuation down. “Although United would require around £25m for Ugarte to avoid a loss under the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules, they could afford a small loss after the £40m sale of academy graduate Alejandro Garnacho and other minor academy sales last year.” Interestingly, The Peoples Person had relayed there is chance Manuel Ugarte stays on as the fourth-choice midfielder if United cannot earn a decent fee. Hopefully, this does the trick for United The former Sporting CP ace will want to avoid such a scenario and will be praying for Amorim to come calling following the World Cup. He has had a mixed start to the quadrennial showpiece, but a decent end to the competition might just see his value rise, which is something United are hoping for. 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
Panic stations for United as familiar rivals lodge bid to hijack deal for rising 22-yo star – report
Leeds have reportedly submitted an opening offer to sign Southampton midfielder Shea Charles, who is also attracting interest from Manchester United. United interest United are focusing on bolstering their midfield this summer and Charles is believed to be one of the players they are keeping tabs on. Michael Carrick’s side have been tipped to make up to three midfield signings. A deal has already been agreed with Atalanta for Ederson, who recently confirmed that he is just one step away from sealing his switch to Old Trafford. Negotiations with West Ham for Mateus Fernandes remain ongoing, but United are casting a wide net across the midfield market. Aurélien Tchouaméni, Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, and Carlos Baleba are all in the mix, while Charles, alongside Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney, features among the more cost-effective contingency plans. Charles made headlines earlier this season by scoring the goal that sent Arsenal crashing out of the FA Cup. He followed that up with a crucial match-winner against Middlesbrough in the Championship play-off semi-finals, although it didn’t count for too much due to the spygate affair that enveloped Southampton in the aftermath. A report covered by The Peoples Person last week relayed that Leeds were weighing up a £20m bid for Charles, in an effort to steal a march on other suitors, including United. Now, Simon Jones of the Daily Mail has revealed that the Yorkshire outfit has lodged the offer. Leeds step up chase Jones wrote on X, “Leeds have made a £20m-plus offer to Southampton for Shea Charles.” Leeds have made a £20m-plus offer to Southampton for Shea Charles — Simon Jones (@SimonJones_DM) June 21, 2026 This has been corroborated by TEAMtalk, who further note that the Saints have identified a replacement for the United target. It’s understood that Leeds and Southampton are locked in discussions to try and strike an agreement. In another blow to United, the report states that Charles is open to signing for Leeds. The 22-year-old is keen on playing in the Premier League and views the chance to play for Leeds as an attractive next step in his career. Leeds’ interest in the Manchester City academy graduate dates as far back as 18 months ago. His versatility is especially admired at Elland Road. In addition to central midfield, Charles can also be deployed at full-back or in the wider positions. Should United firm up their interest in Charles, it will be intriguing to see if they jump into the bidding and attempt to gain the upper hand over their familiar rivals. Feature image Leila Coker 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 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!
United ready to sell award-winning academy star for just 10m in bizarre judgement call – report
For far too often, Manchester United have struggled when it comes to moving on academy graduates. They have either held on to young stars for longer than required, resulting in his market value tanking due to lack of minutes, or have loaned him out too many times in the hopes of the player finally coming good. A cursory glance at United’s Premier League rivals will show how ruthless they are when it comes to selling homegrown stars and how they always end up earning more than a decent fee. INEOS have taken heed, and a marked improvement was noticed last summer. It seems the trend is set to continue this window as well, as they chase pure profit to balance the books. Radek Vitek could stay as a backup United could be about to earn a sizeable fee as they look to offload Radek Vitek, fresh off of a stunning loan spell at Bristol City. The 20-time English league champions do need a backup to Senne Lammens, with both Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir set to be shown the door. Tom Heaton has agreed to a new contract, but he is unlikely to be the backup to the Belgian. Many would have liked to see the Czechia Under-21 international take up the slot. However, that would have meant the 22-year-old would mainly play in a few cup games, with Michael Carrick likely to stick with Lammens for all the big games. Radek Vitek wants regular game time, as United reveal their asking price At his age, Radek Vitek is desperate for regular minutes, and according to Alan Nixon, United are reluctantly ready to move him on instead of agreeing another loan exit. INEOS have slapped a £10 million price tag on his head, with multiple Championship teams vying for the goalkeeper’s signature. Whether United include a sell-on clause or even a buyback clause remains to be seen. It will be a tough pill to swallow for both the keeper and the club if a permanent exit does occur. INEOS also need a homegrown replacement in order to satisfy UEFA rules, which is why Sam Johnstone has emerged as an option. The Wolverhampton Wanderers ace came up through the United academy, which makes him eligible. 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
Fantastic news for national team as United star eases injury fears with timely return to training – report
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has handed England a timely lift ahead of their World Cup encounter with Ghana. Rashford fears A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that England were sweating the fitness of Rashford after he appeared to have sustained an injury during the nation’s opener against Croatia. Rashford was named on the bench, with England boss Thomas Tuchel preferring to start new Barcelona boy Anthony Gordon. But Rashford outshone Gordon as he came on to score England’s fourth in their 4-2 triumph. Rashford produced a cool finish to wrap up the victory in Dallas. It’s said that the Carrington academy graduate complained of a tight hamstring after the final whistle. Fellow substitutes, including Kobbie Mainoo, played in a practice game against MLS club Kansas City on Thursday, but Rashford did not feature. This sparked further fears that his injury could be serious. However, The Guardian reveal that Rashford is set to be fit and available to Tuchel for selection against Ghana. Rashford boost According to The Guardian, Rashford trained with his England teammates on Saturday, which will come as fantastic news to the Three Lions. The newspaper says that Rashford was moving freely as Tuchel led the training session. He was also joined by Declan Rice, who is another one who was suspected of having sustained an injury. Rashford will be hoping to start ahead of Gordon when England face Ghana on Tuesday. One player not yet ready to start is Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka. The winger remained indoors at England’s Kansas City training base to follow an individual programme, which leaves Noni Madueke as the strong favourite to retain his place in the starting XI. England vs. Ghana kicks off at 9 pm. 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 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!
Galatasaray take drastic step to block Osimhen exit as links to a sensational United transfer continue – report
Amid suggestions that Manchester United have reignited their interest in Victor Osimhen, Galatasaray are preparing a bold move to ensure he stays beyond this summer. Osimhen interest United have been persistently linked with Osimhen over the years, yet a deal has never quite come to fruition. That was certainly the case last summer, when a transfer failed to materialise yet again, prompting United to turn their attention to Benjamin Sesko instead. Sesko enjoyed a superb maiden campaign in England. He finished the 2025/26 season with 11 Premier League goals to his name. No player scored more top-flight goals than the Slovenian in the second half of the season. But with uncertainty surrounding the future of Joshua Zirkzee and United’s desire to secure back-up or competition for Zirkzee, Osimhen’s name has unsurprisingly popped up again. The Nigerian superstar bagged 15 goals and an additional five assists in 22 Super Lig appearances for Galatasaray last season. Across all competitions, he managed 22 goals and eight assists. A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Osimhen is a “priority target” for the Red Devils. Atletico Madrid were also said to be eyeing him, as they make contingency plans in the event of Julian Alvarez’s departure. Alvarez is wanted by Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. Last week, CaughtOffside claimed that Osimhen features on United’s five-man attacker shortlist that also includes Jean-Philippe Mateta, Dusan Vlahovic, Robert Lewandowski and Eli Junior Kroupi. However, according to Levent Tuzemen, Galatasaray have no desire to part ways with Osimhen. Bold move Levent Tuzemen says that Galatasaray are preparing a powerful gesture to convince Osimhen that his future lies at the club. Galatasaray’s plan is to give Osimhen the captaincy ahead of next season, effectively making him a cornerstone of the project under head coach Okan Buruk. This is also connected to the unresolved status of captain Mauro Icardi, who is approaching the end of his contract. In the event of his departure, Osimhen is slated to become captain, followed by Lucas Torreira as vice-captain and Abdülkerim as third choice. Galatasaray are hoping to make Osimhen feel truly valued, in the hope that he will ultimately rebuff interest from the likes of United. Featured image Ahmad Mora 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 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!
