Apart from midfield, Manchester United have pressing issues to address both at the heart of defence and out wide on the left. Both Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt remain injury-prone while Harry Maguire, despite signing a new deal, is 33 years old. It would be a mistake for Michael Carrick to place all his trust in the veteran, knowing the Red Devils will play three times in a week. The same applies to the left-back spot. Luke Shaw did start all Premier League games this past term, but given his injury record, INEOS simply cannot afford not to strengthen in his position. Centre-back and left-back upgrades needed With Tyrell Malacia set to leave and Patrick Dorgu likely to play in a more advanced role, a new left-back needs to be signed. ESPN have revealed that the co-owners are aware that both Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw cannot handle three games in a week. This is why there are plans to reinforce the centre-back and left-back positions, along with the planned midfield revamp. “Central midfield is the priority. It’s an area of the squad which needed attention anyway, but particularly now after Casemiro’s departure. United will sign at least one midfielder, but it could be as many as three if the budget allows. Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw cannot be trusted “New permanent head coach Michael Carrick and the recruitment team are facing an issue in that, while the first XI needs strengthening, they also need more squad players to cope with the added demands of Champions League football next season. “Enquiries have been made about left wingers, central defenders and left backs. Luke Shaw is Carrick’s first-choice left back, but there are doubts about whether the 30-year-old will be able to handle three games a week next season. The same goes for 33-year-old Harry Maguire at centre back.” Bringing in three midfielders will take up most of the budget, so it remains to be seen how much is left over for the defence and left-back positions. The 20-time English league champions have Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven waiting in the wings to take over at centre-back. But both Harry Amass and Diego Leon remain raw, which means bringing in a left-back is a more pressing concern. Myles Lewis-Skelly and Lewis Hall are among the names being looked at by the club. 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 have “doubts” over these two veteran stars, Carrick has asked INEOS to bring in reinforcements – report
Euro club hijacks rival’s move for “exceptional” United star, talks underway to “finalise” deal – report
Besiktas are ramping up their pursuit of Andre Onana as a transfer war threatens to erupt in Türkiye for the 30-year-old goalkeeper, according to a new report. No future at Old Trafford Despite his personal ambitions of a return, Manchester United remain intent on selling Onana after he spent the season on loan at Super Lig side Trabzonspor. The signing of Senne Lammens last year left Onana as the third-choice under Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim, who had opted for Altay Bayindir to start the season before the 23-year-old Belgian was signed. And while the prickly Portuguese no longer resides in M16, the club’s hierarchy are steadfast in their decision to rid themselves of both Onana and Bayindir this summer. Trabzonspor are interested in keeping the Cameroon international after an impressive loan spell, which saw him lift the Turkish cup with a 2-1 win over Konyaspor. However, the Black Sea Storm will struggle to match United’s asking price, instead preferring to strike another loan deal. This has allowed Besiktas to launch a hijack, Fotomac reveals. Besiktas open negotiations The Turkish outlet claims Besiktas have “begun negotiations” with United over a deal, as they believe Trabzonspor will “not be able to make a satisfactory offer”. The Black and Whites, who were managed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for eight months last year, want to “finalise the transfer” if their rivals fail to progress in their own talks. The Red Devils’ preference is to sell Onana, but the report states there is growing acceptance this may not be possible as his salary will increase with the return to the Champions League. Consequently, INEOS are now “open to loaning the player out again,” despite their initial plan to force a permanent exit. Interestingly, Besiktas have also been strongly linked with a move for Bayindir. The 28-year-old Türkiye international, who played for Fenerbahce before his switch to Old Trafford, is understood to be close to agreeing a return to Istanbul. Final Thoughts Out of their two goalkeeping misfits, United are more concerned with sealing Onana’s departure than Bayindir, whose contract and price tag are commensurate with his role as back-up goalkeeper. The Cameroonian, signed from Inter Milan for £47.2 million in 2023 after being described as “exceptional” by Pep Guardiola, has proven to be one of the club’s worst pieces of business in recent years. If Besiktas are prioritising a deal for Onana at the expense of Bayindir, this will prove a welcome development for the hierarchy in M16 – even if it means finding an alternative home for the 6’6 Turk. Feature image Matt McNulty 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 line up surprise move for former PSG winger, explosive Frenchman is available for transfer – report
Manchester United have been surprisingly linked with Al-Ittihad winger Moussa Diaby. It has been widely reported that United’s preference is to recruit Premier League-proven players. However, the likes of Eli Junior Kroupi and Iliman Ndiaye are likely to be out of the club’s financial reach, given the priority is to overhaul the midfield. As such, the Red Devils have now set their sights on a former Premier League star. Manchester United in race to sign Moussa Diaby According to French publication MediaFoot, Manchester United are interested in Moussa Diaby, who has “not been forgotten” in Europe. The 26-year-old Frenchman moved to the Saudi Pro League from Aston Villa in 2024. He has enjoyed a prolific stint with Al-Ittihad, having been directly involved in 42 goals in 71 appearances. In England, Diaby showed a lot of promise under Unai Emery, impressing with his explosive pace and versatility. The dribbling wizard is a product of Paris Saint-Germain’s famed youth setup. He played for the French powerhouses 34 times. Now, he could return to Europe, with United, Inter Milan and AC Milan all keen on signing him. Diaby is under contract until 2029. However, it is understood Al-Ittihad would consider his sale if they receive a suitable offer. Aston Villa superstar on Manchester United’s radar United also admire Aston Villa’s current star attacker, Morgan Rogers. The versatile Englishman is highly rated by the club’s director of football, Jason Wilcox. Furthermore, Michael Carrick would like to reunite with his former Middlesbrough player. Villa are also open to parting ways with Rogers. However, they will demand a fee in the region of £80 million for the Englishman. This may force United to advance their pursuit of cheaper alternatives like Diaby. Featured image Yasser Bakhsh 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 zero in on award-winning playmaker after Carrick urges Wilcox to strike 25m deal – report
Manchester United are now ready to battle their Premier League rivals to sign Middlesbrough maestro Hayden Hackney, according to a new report. Midfield Rebuild Manchester United’s focus this summer is a major revamp in midfield. Casemiro‘s contract expires this month, while Manuel Ugarte will be sold if a suitable offer arrives. The club’s plan is to make up to three new signings to bolster the depleted unit – with the priority being a successor to Casemiro. Around £80 million has been set aside for this ‘marquee’ arrival, with £40-50m allocated for the second recruit and around £20-30m for the third. This has led United to reignite interest in Hackney as a target for this final spot, given the 23-year-old midfielder has only twelve months remaining on his contract at the Riverside Stadium. Southampton’s all-action dynamo Shea Charles, who was signed by sporting director Jason Wilcox during his time with the Saints, is understood to be another cost-effective option on the radar. But the Northern Echo claims the Red Devils are increasingly likely to “make a move” for Hackney – with INEOS “confident of beating off competition from any of their Premier League rivals” thanks to Michael Carrick. A Reunion at Old Trafford Having enjoyed a fantastic interim spell, Carrick was confirmed to be remaining in place at Old Trafford after agreeing a two-year contract to become the club’s permanent head coach. There has been some consternation amongst sections of the fanbase, however, with question marks over a manager whose only prior experience was two and a half years at Middlesbrough. But it is this connection with ‘Boro, where Carrick made Hackney a central pillar of his side, which United are banking on giving them the inside track to strike a deal. The Northern Echo reveals Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur are “expected to make formal moves”. Everton are also an admirer, while Nottingham Forest are understood to be keeping close tabs on the situation. However, the report states that the “prospect of linking back up with his former boss at Old Trafford [is] sure to appeal” to Hackney, with Carrick having “pushed the Redcar-born midfielder’s claims during post-season recruitment meetings.” Final Thoughts The combination of Hackney’s contract situation and Boro’s heartbreak in the final of the play-offs, which saw Hull City emerge as 1-0 winners from the £200 million showdown at Wembley last month, means a cut-price deal is on the cards. The Teessiders are aware they have to “cash in on the 23-year-old” and he “looks certain to leave” for a Premier League club, achieving the promotion his side were unable to do themselves. A fee in the region of £25m is believed to be the asking price, a reasonable one for an award-winning midfielder with his best years ahead of him. United’s hierarchy, led by Wilcox, will be hoping the prospect of a reunion with his former mentor at Old Trafford, and the chance to test himself in the Champions League, proves a more convincing sales pitch than the ones on offer at Selhurst Park or the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social 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.
Free to do so: Club president says he will not stop 36 g/a United target from leaving
Manchester United are looking for a new left-forward this summer, but securing the signature of Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior will not be easy. The Red Devils enjoyed a strong second half of the campaign, scoring the most goals in the Premier League during that period. United found the back of the net 36 times in 19 Premier League games since the beginning of the year, two more than Arsenal and Manchester City. The Red Devils ended the campaign with 69 goals in 38 games, a huge improvement on their meagre returns of 44 goals in the 2024/25 season. The decision to invest heavily in attack last summer has proven to be a masterstroke, with Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo sizzling for the English giants. United are now looking to repeat the trick in midfield this summer as they prepare for life after Casemiro. However, attacking additions could also be on the agenda ahead of a season in which they will be expected to fight on multiple fronts. A previous report relayed by The Peoples Person stated that the Red Devils have been handed the chance to secure the services of Vinicius this summer. Vinicius ticks a lot of boxes for United Vinicius is among the most lethal attackers on the planet but will enter the final year of his contract this summer. The Brazilian is yet to commit his future at the Santiago Bernabeu, adding to speculation over his future and providing United with an opportunity to take advantage. The Red Devils are keen to add more guile and unpredictability to their attack and the 25 year old’s ability to unlock the opposition ticks a lot of boxes at Old Trafford. This season, Vinicius has registered 22 goals and 14 assists in 53 appearances for the LaLiga giants. Vinicius Junior Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played LaLiga36321668-2,825′ UEFA Champions League1413582-1,171′ Supercopa221-1-163′ Copa del Rey11—-90′ Total5348221411-4,249′ Source: Transfermarkt. There have been rumours of a rift between the Brazilian and Kylian Mbappe, with reports surfacing that Los Blancos could be open to his departure. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has now provided an update on Vinicius’ future. Real Madrid want Vinicius to stay Speaking to El Pais, Perez expressed a desire to keep Vinicius at the Santiago Bernabeu for as long as possible. He said: “There’s time (regarding the player’s renewal). I’d love for him to stay forever. He’s won us the last two Champions Leagues, and he’s very much identified with the club. Do you know who doesn’t like him? Those who aren’t Real Madrid fans.” When it was pointed out that a section of the home crowd had booed the Brazilian this summer, Perez added: “Some people are mistaken. They read certain newspapers and they put them in a certain situation… Vinicius is a star and I’d be delighted to have him always there.” The Real Madrid boss also rubbished claims that the player is demanding better financial terms to agree to an extension. He continued: “Nothing is needed. They say he asks for a lot of money, but it’s a lie.” “If he doesn’t want to be at Real Madrid and wants to sign with another club, he’s free to do so. I’m not going to force him into anything. Money won’t be the most important thing. It never has been.” Perez also addressed reports that Vinicius and Mbappe are not compatible on the pitch, concluding: “That’s nonsense. They’re the two best in the world. Vinicius has won us two Champions Leagues. But we shouldn’t get carried away. This idea that you can win a Champions League every year is ridiculous; winning six in 10 years is something no one has ever done.” Final Thoughts Vinicius’ proposed arrival could affect United’s dressing room, given that he will command colossal wages. The player’s tendency to get embroiled in controversy also suggests that INEOS would be better advised to continue with their Premier League-proven strategy instead. 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 now in talks to strike agreement with 52m star, he’s willing to reject PSG for Old Trafford – report
Manchester United are stepping up their efforts to sign Mateus Fernandes following West Ham United’s relegation to the Championship. Earlier this month, United seemingly focused on advancing talks with Ederson and Atalanta over the Brazilian’s summer move to Old Trafford. It is believed he will become a Red Devil unless “something crazy happens”. United are now working on putting themselves in a similar situation regarding the sought-after Fernandes. Manchester United pushing to sign Mateus Fernandes According to CaughtOffside, Manchester United are emerging as the “strongest contenders” for Mateus Fernandes. West Ham have placed a €50-60 million (£43.2-52m) valuation on the technically gifted midfielder, and it is added that this figure is expected to drop following relegation. The Hammers find themselves in a financial predicament, with many reports suggesting they need major sales to balance the books. As such, a sale of Fernandes this summer “appears increasingly likely” despite his long-term contract. United are monitoring the situation, as the Red Devils view the Portuguese youngster as a long-term solution in midfield. The 21-year-old could play alongside his idol, Bruno Fernandes, in the middle of the park. Talks with Mateus Fernandes accelerated It is claimed that United’s transfer committee has “accelerated talks” with the player’s representatives, and Fernandes himself is said to be attracted by the opportunity to play Champions League football. United face competition from Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea for the former Southampton gem. 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 However, recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming the Mancunians are Fernandes’ “first pick” ahead of the Emirates or the Parc des Princes, the homes of this year’s Champions League winners. Meanwhile, United have allegedly cooled their interest in Carlos Baleba due to Brighton & Hove Albion’s high valuation of the Cameroonian. As such, INEOS’s focus appears to be on Ederson and Fernandes for the time being. 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 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!
Bruno Fernandes explains how Carrick helped certain United players “find an escape” from Amorim – ESPN
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes admits he “wanted to have won more” during his six years at Old Trafford, but says he still dreams of returning the Red Devils to the summit of European football. Best Player in England Despite United’s chaotic season, which saw Michael Carrick replace Ruben Amorim at the halfway mark in January, Fernandes has enjoyed his best campaign in a red shirt. The Portugal international finished with nine goals and 21 assists in 35 Premier League appearances, breaking the assist record and winning Player of the Year, as he almost single-handedly propelled his side towards Champions League qualification. What makes this even more impressive is that he spent the first half of the season playing almost as a No.6 in Amorim’s much-maligned 3-4-2-1 system, racking up seven assists. When he returned to his rightful No.10 position, 14 assists in 18 games followed. But Fernandes never allowed his head to drop nor his commitment to the team to waiver in this unfamiliar setting. He ranked amongst the hardest-working midfielders in the league under Amorim, and has been supportive of his compatriot following the dismissal in January. Carrick’s appointment had a galvanising effect on United, with 12 wins, three draws and just two losses in 16 matches under the interim coach – the best form of any side in the Premier League, and sufficient for the Wallsend native to be given the job permanently. “I think he brought a very positive energy to the team, he tried to be very positive, because obviously we were in a moment of coaching transition, which is always a difficult time for the team,” Fernandes explains when asked by ESPN about Carrick. “He tried to be positive, obviously he brought new ideas and a different way of playing, which was also important for some players to find an escape to be protagonists again. And it’s been good, obviously, because the results demonstrate that too. We hope that we will continue to do so.” “My goal has always been…” Fernandes’s trophy haul as a United player – an FA Cup and a Carabao Cup – is not commensurate with his quality as a footballer, something he recognises himself. “Obviously, I wanted to have won more, it wasn’t quite what I had expected for myself and for the club. But I had very good times. We managed to reach some finals, some of them we won, others we didn’t.” The talisman, who is locked in talks with the club over a new deal, still has a “dream” of winning the “biggest competitions” with United: “My goal has always been to win the biggest competitions and the Premier League is part of it. And I still have that dream in me and I hope to achieve it.” “Of course, being in the Champions League, it’s the most important competition, let’s say, the competition where you can play against the most important teams in the world, in Europe. And it’s something that I want to do and I want to be at that level to play against the best and show that I can be at their level.” Final Thoughts Despite Fernandes fast approaching his 32nd birthday, he shows no signs of succumbing to the will of Father Time. His energy and enthusiasm are unrelenting, as is his work-rate off the ball, while his quality on it remains peerless in England. A hamstring injury over Christmas – which ultimately cost Amorim his job – was overcome with freakish speed. In short, the team’s captain and the beating heart of the club is not slowing down anytime soon; he has a dream to achieve at the appropriately named Theatre he calls home. If his teammates can come even close to matching their leader’s level, the trophy cabinet at Old Trafford will quickly need extending. Featured image by Molly Darlington/Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social 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.
Casemiro on the scoresheet for Brazil
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Dream World Cup call-up for Fletcher
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