Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has explained how a conversation with former team-mate Darren Fletcher changed his view of Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese maestro has been an influential figure for the Red Devils since arriving at Old Trafford in January 2020. Largely considered one of United’s best signings in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, Fernandes has also been the Premier League’s supreme creator during his six-and-a-half-season stay. The 31 year old added another feather to his cap in the recently concluded campaign, registering the most assists (21) in a single Premier League season. Bruno Fernandes Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League35359215-3,068′ FA Cup11-1–90′ EFL Cup10—-45′ Total37369225-3,203′ Source: Transfermarkt. He was subsequently named the FWA Footballer of the Year, and also won the Premier League Player of the Season ahead of Declan Rice. While Fernandes is adored by United fans, he has been subject to criticism, especially from rival fans and former players, for his demeanour on the pitch. Rooney, though, has spoken glowingly about Fernandes in the past and recently provided an intriguing insight on the Red Devils skipper. Rooney was unsure when Fernandes arrived at United Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney explained how he was sceptical when Bruno Fernandes first arrived at Old Trafford. He said: “He did, yeah, I think his knowledge of football, you could see, is clear.” “And for me, when he first joined Manchester United, I was a bit unsure, if I’m being honest. And I think the perception was a lot of people who I speak to as well were like, ‘I don’t really like how he is on the pitch and stuff.’ I think a lot of people say that.” United’s record goalscorer went on to reveal that a conversation with former team-mate Darren Fletcher a few years ago changed his stance, adding: “But I remember speaking to Darren Fletcher, a few years back, over Bruno and Fletcher was telling me how good he is [as a player] and how good he is with the players and as a captain and stuff. So, then I was like, ‘Okay,’ that changed my mind […].” Fernandes has registered 107 goals and 108 assists in 327 appearances for the Red Devils to date. Wazza, meanwhile, scored 253 goals and set up 143 more in 559 games for the English giants. Those two, along with United legend Ryan Giggs, are the only three players to have registered 100 goals and 100 assists for the Premier League giants in their history. Meeting Fernandes left a lasting impression on Rooney Rooney also pointed out that meeting the Portuguese earlier this year left a lasting impression. He said: “[…] And then, obviously, when I met him a few weeks ago, he was brilliant, and not just with me, but everyone who was there, he was brilliant with everyone.” “That shows, obviously, he’s a leader; he thinks about football a lot [and] he takes it really seriously. And he wants to be better, the best he can, and he wants his teammates to be better, which I think is really important.” Fernandes is under contract at Old Trafford until 2027, but recent reports suggest that United are already working to tie him down to a new deal. Final Thoughts Fernandes recently acknowledged that he would have loved to win more trophies with United. If INEOS can invest wisely in the squad this summer, the Portuguese could be granted his wish in the upcoming season. Since Bruno Fernandes joined Man Utd, he has created more chances (670) and registered more assists (71) than any other player in the Premier League. Peerless playmaker. 🔝 pic.twitter.com/kH8oBkEQVT — Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) May 18, 2026 Featured image Steve Bardens 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.
80m “nightmare” at centre of United-Arsenal transfer tussle makes feelings clear over next move – BBC

A transfer battle for Morgan Rogers is growing fiercer by the day. The Aston Villa forward, once dubbed a “nightmare” for opposition by Roy Keane, looks set to change clubs this summer. Champions League qualification has done little to change his stance; Rogers remains intent on a new venture. Dangerous as a left‑winger or inventive as a No.10, he offers multiple ways to elevate any team. Michael Carrick believes Rogers could take Manchester United to the next level, and INEOS are prepared to push hard to make the deal happen. While the sizeable fee for the Englishman should be the main obstacle, it is not. Instead, the brewing transfer battle has emerged as the real stumbling block. Big Update on Morgan Rogers’ Summer Battle Sami Mokbel, writing in his BBC column, has discussed Rogers’ situation. The Arsenal transfer insider had this to say about the interest from the Emirates: “The interest in the 23‑year‑old is genuine, though the Gunners are not the only club in the running for Rogers, with Manchester United also monitoring the forward’s situation.” He added: “Rogers, according to multiple sources, is open to joining Arsenal ahead of next season.” Persuasion: United’s Secret Weapon Rogers’ openness to an Arsenal move does not entirely rule out a switch to Old Trafford. Yet it underlines how tricky the chase could be. Persuasion will be vital. Fortunately, United have Carrick to lean on. Before joining Villa, Rogers had been at Middlesbrough under the United gaffer. Having coached him at the Riverside Stadium, Carrick knows Rogers’ qualities first‑hand and already shares a working relationship with him. That bond could prove decisive, persuading the attacker to embrace a central role in his project. Should United land Rogers, it would be a transfer masterstroke. He is the kind of player with the X‑factor to turn a game on its head. For the 20‑time English champions, he could well become the ultimate heir to Bruno Fernandes. Featured image Dan Mullan 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 offered the chance to sign the “next NGolo Kante” for only 22m, INEOS have scouted him extensively – report

Manchester United are desperate to find a replacement for Casemiro before the start of pre-season while bringing in two more midfielders to add depth to a department ignored for far too long. Manuel Ugarte was signed for that express purpose, but the Uruguayan has flattered to deceive in his two-year spell so far. INEOS have seen enough and are keen to cut their losses with Atalanta’s Ederson seen as Ugarte’s replacement rather than the Brazilian‘s successor. Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest is reportedly on his way to Manchester City, while Sandro Tonali’s price and wage demands have meant a move remains out of bounds. Lucien Agoume back on United’s radar Outside the Premier League, Real Madrid’s Aurelian Tchouameni has been touted as a possible signing, but Los Blancos president Florentino Perez crushed the Red Devils’ dream with his recent statement. There was some news of the 20-time English league champions looking at Sevilla’s Lucien Agoume as a possible low-cost signing. His ball-winning prowess has earned him the moniker “the next N’Golo Kante“, which explains why plenty of teams like the former Inter Milan ace. Links with the Frenchman have re-emerged courtesy of Vamos Mi Sevilla FC, who have claimed that the Andalusian club have offered Lucien Agoumé to the Old Trafford side. Sevilla offering Lucien Agoume for a major discount Due to their financial situation, Sevilla have been forced to take such a major step, with United having the chance to sign the 24-year-old for around £22 million. That is indeed a steep price reduction, but United remain wary due to the France Under-21 international’s recent displays and his physical struggles. “Given the urgent need to raise funds immediately, the technical secretariat, led by sporting director José Ignacio Navarro, has set its sights on the British Isles. According to information obtained by VamosMiSevillaFC.com, the board of Eduardo Dato has contacted Manchester United directly to offer the transfer of one of their most internationally renowned players. “The club has conveyed to the British that there is strong interest from several European teams to force an auction. The board of directors value the footballer’s release clause at a figure close to 25 million euros. Doubts persist “Manchester United’s interest in the French midfielder is not a recent development. Although Lucien Agoumé’s profile fits the British entity’s plans, the operation generates some uncertainty among English analysts. “The French midfielder has completed a very poor final stretch of the season in the domestic championship. Scouts doubt his stamina, considering that LaLiga demands a much lower physical pace than the islands and the player has struggled to adapt.” It will be interesting to see if INEOS take the bait. Given the scout reports, it would be a surprise to see United pounce for Lucien Agoume despite the considerable discount. Feature image Fran Santiago 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 strike gold in pursuit of Vitinha 2.0 after club greenlights sale, Old Trafford is his “dream move” – report

Manchester United’s pursuit of Mateus Fernandes has taken another sharp twist as a further Premier League rival is now plotting to strike a deal for the 21-year-old midfielder, according to a new report. Eyed by Europe’s Elite There are few relegated players who attract as much attention as West Ham United’s maestro – but Fernandes is no ordinary talent. Already a Portugal international, though not selected for the World Cup squad, the Olhão native has enjoyed a superb season despite his side’s struggles. Signed from Southampton for an initial £38 million last summer after the Saints also suffered relegation, Fernandes has firmly established himself as one of the best young midfield talents in Europe. While West Ham United will drop down to the Championship next season, he is a player with the quality and skillset to play at the highest level of European football – as proven by the growing queue of elite clubs chasing his signature. The Red Devils are frontrunners after holding positive talks with Fernandes’ camp, in which he communicated a wish to play alongside his compatriot and namesake, Bruno, at Old Trafford. He is said to consider it a “dream move”. However, Manchester United are not alone in their admiration. Both Champions League finalists, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, have expressed interest, while Chelsea, Manchester City and Newcastle United are understood to also be in the race. TEAMtalk now reveals well-placed sources believe Liverpool are “ones to watch in the coming weeks” as the Merseyside giant is said to be “keeping a close eye on the situation”. One of the major attractions of Fernandes as a target was the belief West Ham United would be forced to accept a cut-price deal to generate much-needed funds ahead of their descent into the Championship. Some reports suggest they need to raise as much as £150 million, with the midfielder joined by key stars like Jarrod Bowen – also linked with a move to Old Trafford – and Crysencio Summerville in the shop window this summer. However, the Hammers are playing hardball over Fernandes, demanding £80 million to let him leave east London. A 15% sell-on clause included in the deal with Southampton is another factor driving this exorbitant price. West Ham United tells Fernandes he will leave TEAMtalk claims the hierarchy at the London Stadium have directly confirmed to Fernandes he “will be sold” despite their resolute stance. “Now, following talks with the club over his future, Fernandes has been told by West Ham United that he will be sold, sources have revealed. Manchester United and Arsenal have both already made contact with West Ham United and are actively weighing up formal bids for the 21-year-old.” The Hammers’ negotiating position is increasingly fragile, making the prospect of their £80 million valuation being met far from likely, regardless of the financial muscle of his various suitors. Instead, the report concludes there is “growing belief” they will be forced to compromise with “initial offers…anticipated to begin around the £60 million mark”, and there is full expectation of a sale. “The 21-year-old is considered as one of the best talents on the market this summer and despite the high valuation for what is now a Championship player, he will get a move to an elite side this window and prematurely end his one-year stay at the London Stadium.” Final Thoughts Fernandes is an outstanding midfield prospect, with the potential to become one of Europe’s most well-rounded operators. Combining hard yards and high-level technique, he ticks virtually every box – young, hungry, versatile, Premier League proven – INEOS are looking for. A former Manchester United coach, Neil Harris, even believes Fernandes has “levels” beyond his peers in England, namely Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton. Harris, who worked in the club’s academy for 21 years, considers the West Ham United starlet to be a “conductor” in the mould of his compatriots, Vitinha and Bernardo Silva – two of the best midfielders in Europe. If Manchester United can exploit the Hammers’ weak position to strike a cut-price deal for Fernandes, it will prove one of the best deals the club can pull off this summer. Featured image Clive Rose 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.
Wayne Rooney claims United’s breakout star is already one of the best in the Premier League
To say that Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens enjoyed a good debut season would be underselling just how convincing he has looked between the sticks at Old Trafford. The 23-year-old has excelled in his maiden Premier League season and appears to possess all of the qualities needed to become an outstanding goalkeeper for the club. Little was known about the shot-stopper before he arrived in Manchester last summer, and many fans and pundits thought the pressure of the role would prove too much for an inexperienced shot-stopper. However, Lammens has gone about his business with a quiet confidence, producing big saves when needed and showing a level of composure on the ball that far exceeds his years. The Belgian‘s performances have even prompted a flattering comparison from a former United captain and Premier League legend. A difficult role Gary Neville has often referred to Manchester United’s goalkeeper position as one of the hardest in football and, ever since Spanish shot-stopper David De Gea left the club, he has certainly been proven right. Andre Onana was signed from Inter Milan for a significant fee, with many believing his footwork and range of vision would be key to unlocking the way Erik ten Hag wanted to play. Unfortunately, though, the Cameroonian never looked comfortable in goal. He was rash, struggled to hold onto shots and, perhaps most surprisingly of all, his passing was sloppy. Across his two seasons as United’s first-choice goalkeeper, the former Ajax player made a staggering 22 mistakes leading to goals. His consistently poor performances led to Ruben Amorim dropping him at the start of last season and sending him out on loan, opting to give Altay Bayindir the chance to prove he was capable of being United’s first-choice goalkeeper. However, the Türkiye international did not have the quality required for such an important position and the Red Devils quickly delved into the transfer market for a replacement. A breakout season Lammens arrived at Old Trafford from Royal Antwerp in a deal worth an initial £18.1 million, including add-ons, and immediately appeared comfortable. He kept a clean sheet on his debut, a 2-0 win against Sunderland, and the starting shirt has been his ever since. Perhaps the most notable aspect of his game is his ability to claim balls from set-pieces, something both of his predecessors struggled greatly with. His shot-stopping has been tremendous too, having prevented 6.39 goals across the season. These eye-catching performances and incredible stats have not only seen him voted Premier League transfer of the season, but also caught the attention of Wayne Rooney, who recently compared Lammens to a goalkeeper who has shone in both the Premier League and on the international scene. Amongst the league’s best Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, United’s record goal-scorer said: “I think consistency is key, and I think you’ve seen with Pickford, Pickford’s been really good again this season. Lammens has been consistent and steady all season. For me, Donnarumma and Raya, they’ll be the two standout ones this season.” While Rooney went on to concede that Arsenal’s David Raya had been the Premier League’s standout goalkeeper in his opinion this season, he did state that Lammens had come close. “He’s done well, he’s come in, there’s a big pressure at Man United to go in and be a goalkeeper at Man United. But I just think Raya has been a level up.” Perhaps next season, Lammens can go one step further in Rooney’s eyes and be the best goalkeeper in the league with twelve months of experience of English football under his belt, though ranking amongst the top four in your position isn’t bad going for a newbie. Featured image Richard Heathcote 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 Mike Walsh Mike Walsh is an experienced freelance journalist who has written about a variety of topics over multiple years. He is very happy to finally be writing about the Red Devils, especially now that his favourite player, Michael Carrick, is in charge of the team.
Which shirt number is Kobbie going to wear?
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