Manchester United

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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Manchester United head to Finland on Friday afternoon to start their pre-season campaign against Championship side Wrexham in Helsinki on Saturday (16:00 BST kick-off).

United are not planning to announce their travelling party until just before departure, but with a combination of under-21 and under-18 group players on a separate trip to Germany for a couple of games on Friday, there have been some clues about who might be included in Michael Carrick's squad.

This week, United posted a series of pictures from training - 25 players were shown, including four goalkeepers.

Given Tyler Fletcher has returned to training this week as well after Scotland's World Cup campaign and Karl Darlow has joined United's goalkeeping ranks, that takes it to 27, which feels about right for a first pre-season game that will almost certainly see Carrick use completely different XIs in each half.

Star attraction was £48m midfielder Andrey Santos, who completed his move from Chelsea on 13 July.

Among the younger players pictured were defender Harry Amass, midfielders Jacob Devaney, Dan Gore and Toby Collyer, and striker Ethan Wheatley. They all spent at least part of last season away from Old Trafford on loan.

Midfielder Jim Thwaites, defender Dan Armer and striker Chido Obi were also pictured. They were part of the United side that lost the FA Youth Cup final to Manchester City in May.

Interestingly, JJ Gabriel wasn't shown and the fact the 15-year-old returned to training at Carrington less than a week ago may signal he is not quite ready yet for his first exposure with the senior squad.

Defender Matthijs de Ligt and striker Benjamin Sesko were not shown training on the actual pitches.

De Ligt had back surgery in May after missing the second half of the season, while Sesko didn't play again after being replaced at half-time against Liverpool on 3 May with what Carrick described as a "shin issue".

The World Cup has done a fantastic job of filling the Premier League void, but there is nothing quite like club football.

As the tournament in North America heads towards its climax and England supporters' disappointment sinks in, there is a Manchester United fanbase waiting for the 2026-27 season with anticipation.

So, it has got us thinking: what are you looking forward to most about club football resuming?

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Manchester United will target West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville, 24, if Marcus Rashford leaves this summer, with the Netherlands attacker costing about £30m. (Guardian - subscription required), external

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We asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit at Manchester United.

Here are some of your comments:

Luke: I would love to see goalkeeper Orlando Gill and midfielder Matias Galarza from the Paraguayan squad at Manchester United. Both showed a lot of fight and steel with some real quality - and neither looked like they have ego problems either.

Rich: From seeing Germany play, I think Nathaniel Brown would be a key signing for Manchester United this summer. He is class in attack with great crosses but also tracks back well and makes tackles. An ideal left-back.

Lisa: I would like to see us sign South African centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi. He was all-action and built like a tank. I would 100% take a chance on him - young, fast, hard-working and fearless.

Shane: I would like to see Richard Rios at Old Trafford. I think he has the quality in midfield to bring us back into trophy contention and I also think he would only cost around £35m to £40m.

Francis: Lionel Mpasi, the DR Congo goalkeeper, has got great instincts. He is for sure a great goalkeeper worthy of being at one of the big teams in Europe. Manchester United need to look into him as a replacement for Altay Bayindir.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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Manchester United have confirmed Manuel Ugarte's knee surgery has been a success.

Ugarte suffered cruciate ligament damage during Uruguay's World Cup defeat by Spain last month.

The 25-year-old is expected to be sidelined into 2027.

"Manchester United can confirm that Manuel Ugarte has undergone successful surgery to address a knee ligament injury," said the club.

"Ugarte will now begin the rehabilitation stage of his recovery and will be carefully managed by the club's medical and performance staff."

It had been anticipated Ugarte, who joined United from Paris St-Germain in a £50.8m deal in 2024, would move on this summer as the Old Trafford outfit reshape their midfield.

That will not happen as instead he tries to recover from what he has said is "the most serious injury a footballer can face".

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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Youri Tielemans' arrival at Old Trafford has been a bit of a slow burner - and another example of Manchester United's increased use of data around transfers.

Tielemans could have joined United when he left Monaco in 2019. He could also have moved when his contract ran out at Leicester City in 2023. On both occasions, United backed away - this time, they have not.

United repeatedly stressed they were prioritising the midfield areas this summer. It was also obvious they had multiple targets.

When Mateus Fernandes' planned move from West Ham fell through, Old Trafford officials continued to insist they were relaxed about the situation, even as fans started pressing the panic button.

The make-up of their midfield has always been seen as fluid.

Had Elliot Anderson come in, funds for additional players would have been stretched. That was also why United would not keep increasing their bid for Fernandes. They were determined to remain disciplined in their approach to the market and felt enough alternatives had been identified to fit their template not to stress.

Instead of Fernandes' youth, they have Andrey Santos. Instead of Ederson's experience, they have Tielemans'.

It is possible he is slightly older than the initial targets but that minus is made up for by the significant pluses of Premier League experience and, if his signing announcement statement is to be taken at face value, a desire to play for Manchester United. These have both been viewed as key components for any signing, beyond the actual ability.

It has been a busy couple of days in terms of transfer announcements at Old Trafford. The key element is what happens now.

Tielemans is more of a number eight, someone to compete with Kobbie Mainoo. Santos is a six. At least one more midfielder is expected, a player with experience, capable of having an impact in the Champions League and who is likely to occupy a deeper role.

Read more about Tielemans' arrival at United here

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Manuel Ugarte suffered a knee ligament injury whilst at the World Cup with Uruguay and there have been several questions submitted via our Manchester United Ask Me Anything form about whether the Old Trafford club will be compensated for it.

The short answer is yes. The detail is more complicated.

The money doesn't come from Uruguay, it comes from Fifa's insurers. The actual detail states: "Players can receive up to $7.5m (£5.6m) per accident, paid daily for a maximum of 365 days after the first 28 days of absence. Payments are calculated on the player's fixed salary only, excluding bonuses or other variable pay."

It is not completely clear what Ugarte's salary is because most Premier League players will have bonuses and image rights included as part of their contract.

If he hits the threshold, though, it means United would get about £13,500 per day from 28 days after Ugarte's absence, which is also variable, depending on whether it starts when the injury happened – or when it was diagnosed.

Then there is the point at which Ugarte's absence ends. Is that when he plays again or when he can take part in team training and, in theory, be available for team selection?

If, for instance, the 28 days starts when Ugarte was injured, the compensation will start on 26 July. If he was out for a total of nine months, that would mean 244 days' worth of compensation - so £3.29m.

In short, United will be compensated, although I think they would have preferred the injury hadn't happened.

Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.

We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.

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Fenerbahce have signed English forward Mason Greenwood from Marseille on a four-year contract, with former club Manchester United entitled to receive a percentage of the fee.

The Turkish club state the transfer fee is 39m euros (£33.27m) but did previously advise it would be a total fee of 45m euros (£38.36m).

Greenwood finished joint-second behind Rennes' Esteban Lepaul in the 2025-26 Ligue 1 golden boot standings with 16.

The 24-year-old, who scored 48 goals in 81 appearances in all competition for Marseille, joined the French side from boyhood club Manchester United in a £26.6m deal in July 2024.

At the time, United said they had negotiated a "sizeable sell-on fee", which is thought to be around 40%, for the academy product.

After an internal inquiry, United ruled out Greenwood returning to the club despite charges of attempted rape and assault against him being dropped in February 2023.

He subsequently joined Spanish outfit Getafe on loan for the 2023-24 season.

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New Manchester United midfielder Youri Tielemans says signing for the club is the "culmination of years of dedication".

The 29-year-old joins from Aston Villa, subject to registration, on a five-year deal until 2031, for a fee of £35m.

Tielemans, who has returned from the World Cup after captaining Belgium to the quarter finals, made his senior debut for Anderlecht at the age of 16 and has now played 668 games for club and country.

Last season, he registered seven assists for Villa and helped the club to win the Uefa Europa League, scoring the opening goal in the final against SC Freiburg.

"It's hard to describe just how proud I am to join Manchester United," Tielemans told club media. "Signing for such a special club feels incredible, it is the culmination of years of dedication since I first fell in love with football.

"I have had the privilege of experiencing success in the game and it has only increased my determination to achieve more. The ambition from everyone at the club is extremely clear; we are all determined to push for the biggest trophies over the coming years."

Director of football Jason Wilcox added: "Youri has consistently been one of the most outstanding midfielders in the Premier League throughout the past seven years. He has all of the technical qualities, as well as the ambition and mentality, to thrive at Manchester United.

"Youri's consistency is exceptional, and he will add further composure, creativity and leadership to our squad. We are delighted to welcome a player of his influence and experience, both on the pitch and within the dressing room, as we continue to build a team ready to challenge for the biggest honours."

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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The initial reaction in Manchester United circles to news of Youri Tielemans' impending arrival was positive.

A former team-mate of current first-team coach Jonny Evans, Tielemans is noted for scoring Leicester City's winner in the 2021 FA Cup final and for Aston Villa in their Europa League final triumph over Freiburg in May.

"Well done to the recruitment team because £35m for him is a phenomenal signing," said former midfielder Nicky Butt as he discussed the Belgian's potential impact with ex-United team-mate Paul Scholes on The Good, The Bad And The Football podcast.

"They needed to get a rocket on. If we want to compete in all four competitions we have to build a squad, not just a starting XI."

An erroneous post on X, in which a user claimed Tielemans had already played more minutes of football at the age of 29 than Scholes did in his playing career, grabbed plenty of attention on social media, but while it was incorrect, it did highlight the amount of football the Villa midfielder has played.

He made his senior debut for Anderlecht aged 16 years and 82 days and has now played 668 games for club and country.

That is over 100 more than Casemiro had done when he moved from Real Madrid to United in 2022.

Casemiro was 30 at the time and, after an excellent debut campaign, spent 18 months being told his career was finished as his performances dipped.

Observers defending United's recruitment team would argue Tielemans is more accustomed to the physical demands of the Premier League given he has played in England since joining Leicester from Monaco in 2019.

Last season, he was impacted by separate calf and ankle problems that restricted him to 35 appearances for Aston Villa - the lowest number during his time in England.

After impressing at the World Cup - including scoring a memorable 89th-minute equaliser against Senegal, then converting an extra-time winner from the penalty spot - his tournament came to a premature end when he was injured in the warm-up before the quarter-final defeat by Spain.

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We asked for your views on which players you're most excited to see in action during pre-season.

Here are some of your comments:

Steve: Michael Carrick has made a point of following the progress of academy players since taking over in January. I'm sure he'll give game time in pre-season to Shea Lacey, Jim Thwaites and JJ Gabriel. Looking forward to seeing all three, plus the progress of Ayden Heaven, who I predict will be an England player by the end of the upcoming season.

Ryan: Very excited to see Lacey and Gabriel, so hopefully they both get a chance.

Carl: I love pre-season and all the friendlies have their own merit, so bring them on. There are a lot of youngsters and it would be good to see how the likes of Lacey, Chido Obi and Sekou Kone fare, as well as the loanees from last season, especially Harry Amass.

Michael: Looking forward to seeing the new signings, Andrey Santos and (hopefully) Youri Tielemans. Would also like to see Gabriel and Lacey to see how they've developed.

Ash: It would be good to see Toby Collyer and Jacob Devaney make their cases to become regulars in our midfield. We need to make sure that the route from the academy to the first team remains open for the young players coming through. I'd also like to see Amass make his case to be Luke Shaw's back-up this season.

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Manchester United's latest signing Karl Darlow says he is "extremely proud" to sign for the club after leaving Leeds United on the expiry of his contract.

The 35-year-old goalkeeper made 38 appearances for the Whites and was their first-choice keeper last season as Leeds retained their Premier League status.

"I'm joining an excellent group of goalkeepers and I'm really looking forward to all pushing each other to ensure that we maintain the highest standards, which this club demands," Darlow said.

"This is a really special opportunity. Everyone can see what an exciting time it is for the club and I cannot wait to play my part in supporting my team-mates and helping to drive the group forwards."

Director of football Jason Wilcox added: "Karl has proven his ability to perform at the highest level. His work ethic and determined personality make him a really strong addition to our squad."

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Manchester United "have other areas to strengthen" this transfer window as they continue their pursuit of midfield recruits, says The Devils' Advocate podcast co-host Gaz Drinkwater.

Manchester City secured United's top target Elliot Anderson at the start of the window, they were unwilling to match Tottenham's bid for West Ham's Mateus Fernandes and, most recently, their move for Atalanta's Ederson collapsed after his medical despite agreeing a deal for the Brazilian at the beginning of June.

Now the club have signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea and are closing in on a deal for Aston Villa's Youri Tielemans, but Drinkwater believes United need to be putting their focus elsewhere.

"Left-back is a big one. Luke Shaw did very well last season and if he has the same season again then we don't need a left-back - but he's not going to, is he? And I'm not sure about his back-up," he said on the latest episode of the BBC Radio Manchester podcast.

"We don't actually have a left-winger unless Marcus Rashford is staying so maybe we keep Rashford, even though he's on a lot of money.

"And a centre-back has to come in because how long is Matthijs de Ligt going to be out for? So, if Rashford were to go, we need a left-winger, a centre-back and a left-back. Then we might be cooking."

Listen to the full episode of The Devils' Advocate on BBC Sounds

Roma have rejected an offer of 40m euros from Atletico Madrid for 25-year-old France midfielder Manu Kone, who is also a target for Manchester United and Liverpool are also interested. (Corriere dello Sport - in Italian), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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When the World Cup ends, regardless of who wins, we'll still have loads of great content every day as we build up to the new Premier League season.

We're already working on some exciting new things for 2026-27.

As well as all the fallout and reaction to the tournament, we'll quickly shift back towards club football, with pre-season coverage and all the latest transfer gossip and stories.

BBC Sport and teams across BBC Nations and Regions cover all 20 Premier League sides and we have dedicated club reporters, who will be travelling to bring you behind-the-scenes insights from pre-season tours.

We'll also have live pages for selected pre-season matches, as well as in-depth features and storytelling, giving you the latest updates before the new campaign.

Once the World Cup ends, some of the standout players will be hot property in the transfer market, with top clubs chasing their signatures.

Our reporters, including senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel, will be breaking the big transfer stories on our website and app.

We'll also have our daily transfer gossip column, wrapping up all the rumours from across the football world.

For fans of World Cup Predictor, a new weekly game will be launching immediately after the tournament, with five fixtures a week to predict the outcomes of. You'll be able to build up your streaks and share your results with friends and family.

Our quizzes will also continue to be available to play so you can test your knowledge of the beautiful game.

Our new Shorts tab in the BBC Sport app will be the home of sport videos with content throughout the week from your club, including explainers, pundit analysis, interviews and behind-the-scenes content. We'll also be starting to include more reaction from fans so you can see the latest hot takes and debate the biggest talking points from your club.

Live pages are going to get bigger and better with more interactive elements, more conversation and improved functionality. They'll have BBC Radio 5 Live audio commentaries for the Premier League and Champions League, as well as live video for FA Cup.

Remember, the best way to get all of this content is to download the BBC Sport app and follow your favourite teams and sports using the My Sport tab.

Once you've set this up, you'll have quick access to those pages at the top of your Home tab and we'll be able to serve you better, more personalised, experiences in future.

And when following your Premier League team, from the start of the 2026-27 season you'll also get Live Notifications, which give you score updates directly on your phone's lock screen during a match.

Read more about what content you can expect here

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We asked for your views Manchester United being in advanced talks to sign midfielder Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.

Here are some of your comments:

Adrian: Absolutely a good signing! Like this guy a lot and we should probably have gone for him when he left Leicester. I am starting to get cautiously optimistic!

Harry: We have seen with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo that having Premier League experience is key for players to start quickly and be valuable assets to the club from day one. We can't afford for players to be using a whole season to 'adapt to the league'. Tielemans knows the league well and has performed at the highest level consistently. He's a good signing at a good price.

Angus: This is a great signing, and a brave one in some ways. Those in charge didn't care about losing face over Ederson, who is untested in the Premier League, in deciding he either wasn't right or wasn't fit. Tielemans is a proven Premier League performer who captains his national side - costing a very similar amount of money.

Sazzy: We always curse Tielemans when he plays against us because he is such a big threat so, YES it would be great to have him onside!

Mike: A decent squad player given the number of matches we expect/hope to play this coming season. We still need that elite, world-class midfielder to replace Casemiro, though.

Kev: Bags of Premier League experience and a decent price. Not so long ago we were paying stupid money for average players. How times have changed!

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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Speculation around Ederson's Manchester United transfer collapsing was swirling over the weekend after initial reports last week claimed there was a problem because of a knee injury.

The 27-year-old midfielder had a full medical after initial tests in the United States had flagged an area of concern.

Ederson flew to England for the required tests, which took place in the wake of Brazil's World Cup last-16 defeat by Norway. Specialists were involved and the outcome has led to United backing out.

However, sources say the transfer could be resurrected later in the summer depending how the window develops for United, although the club would not be prepared to sanction any move at the previously agreed terms.

While club officials say they are sympathetic to the player, they feel they have to act in the best interests of United.

It is being stressed the move for Chelsea's Andrey Santos was not triggered by the issues with Ederson.

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New signing Andrey Santos has said "everything about Manchester United is special" and Michael Carrick is the "perfect coach" for the next chapter of his playing career.

The 22-year-old, who made 43 appearances for Chelsea last season, has signed a five-year deal at Old Trafford with a one-year optional extension.

"It is an incredible feeling to join a club that some of my biggest idols have represented," Santos told club media.

"Everybody told me about how ambitious the club is and the amazing environment that has been created here. I know just how strong the squad is and I cannot wait to fight together to compete for the biggest trophies.

"As a midfielder, I'm really excited to have the opportunity to learn from Michael Carrick. He is the perfect coach to help me take the next step in my career and push to achieve my dreams."

Santos spent the 2024-25 season on loan at Strasbourg, gaining first-team minutes and wearing the captain's armband on multiple occasions while scoring 11 goals and registering five assists.

United director of football Jason Wilcox added: "He was a key target for us in an important position, so we are delighted that he will join Michael's squad so early in pre-season.

"Despite already having extensive experience, leadership abilities and proving his talent at the highest level, Andrey still has enormous potential to develop further, and we cannot wait to see him flourish at Manchester United."