Manchester United

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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Mateus Fernandes' future should become clearer over the next few days as Manchester United and Tottenham and battle it out to sign the West Ham midfielder.

Fernandes was not intended to be part of the first lot of Hammers players that returns for pre-season training next Monday.

However, it is anticipated a formal bid is close to being made which is likely to bring the situation to a head.

Fernandes is understood to have an open mind about where he goes, with his agent Jorge Mendes speaking to both Premier League clubs.

It is not thought there is an immediate need for West Ham to sell the player to comply with financial regulations, although manager Nuno Espirito Santo knows there will have to be departures following relegation to the Championship.

Manchester United have been keen admirers of the 21-year-old and remain in talks with West Ham. However, it has appeared Spurs were more likely to reach the Hammers' asking price, thought to be about £80m.

The priority at Old Trafford is strengthening the central midfield area and they have already agreed a £35m deal with Atalanta for Ederson, but his arrival has been delayed by a late call-up to the Brazil World Cup squad.

United's players are due to return for pre-season training on 9 July and so far, other than out-of-contract duo Casemiro and Tyrell Malacia, Michael Carrick's squad remains as it was at the end of last season, with no significant departures or arrivals.

The plan to sell Manuel Ugarte will now have to be shelved after his serious injury on World Cup duty with Uruguay. Meanwhile, striker Joshua Zirkzee is still at the club, and sources have dismissed rumours around the exit of midfielder Mason Mount.

Borussia Dortmund's Germany midfielder Felix Nmecha, 25, is ready to reject a move from Newcastle he prefers a switch to Manchester United. (Bild, via Sport Witness), external

AC Milan are ready to bid £21.5m for Mason Mount, but United do not want to sell the midfielder. (Mail), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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It feels like Brazil are on track, and a big part of that is down to Matheus Cunha. He is the key to a lot of what we are doing so well.

It is quite funny to be saying this because usually the Brazil public expects a classic number nine to be leading our attack, and Cunha is different to what the fans are normally looking for.

He is more of a nine and a half. Someone who can play like a nine, but also a 10 to link play and create for others.

So he is not like Ronaldo, Adriano or Romario, some of our great strikers of the past 30 years, but because he can also score goals - he has three so far at this tournament - he is not a playmaker, either.

Instead, he gives the team something that Brazil have maybe never had before, in terms of a centre-forward anyway.

In some ways, Cunha reminds me a lot of my old Liverpool team-mate Roberto Firmino in the way he is always dropping deep, and giving the defender marking him a doubt about what to do.

If the defender follows him, it gives more space and freedom to Vinicius Jr and Bournemouth's Rayan. If the defender leaves Cunha, then he has time to play between the lines, get on the ball and look for passes or shoot.

Cunha seems very happy and comfortable with his role, including the defensive side of it when he starts the press or plays almost like a number six in front of the midfield, and it seems to be working for the team in terms of the balance it gives to our attack.

Back home, more and more people are thinking Cunha is the answer and I just hope he continues like this.

Yes, other teams will know about him now, and what he does - but he is such a clever player, he will still not be easy to stop.

Read more on Cunha's impact for Brazil

A new episode of BBC Radio Manchester's The Devils' Advocate podcast has just gone live.

Gaz Drinkwater and Joe McGrath discuss new stadium plans, midfield injuries and why Kobbie Mainoo should be starting for England.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore all Manchester United content on BBC Sounds

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We're now into the knockout rounds of the biggest World Cup ever and we want to know who has grabbed your attention so far - especially with the summer transfer window a couple of weeks into being officially open.

Which player has raised your eyebrows? Who has exceeded your expectations? Has there been a player you had no knowledge of consistently impress you?

Ultimately, who would you realistically like to see lining up for your team in the Premier League next season?

This is your opportunity to show off your talent-spotting skills - the floor (pitch) is yours...

Tell us the players you want, with your reasoning, here

Enjoy the World Cup across BBC Sport

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From live TV coverage to highlights, analysis and reaction, our dedicated team will ensure you don't miss a kick of the biggest World Cup yet.

And there's more - the BBC has launched live match updates so you can see the score directly on your lock screen through the full 90 minutes and beyond.

This means you can keep track of every game wherever you are - whether you're on the move, at work, or away from a TV. With live match updates on your lock screen, the score is always just a glance away.

This feature will also extend into the 2026-27 Premier League season, so you're never out of the loop.

• Simple steps to set up live lock screen match updates from the World Cup

• How to get Premier League score updates

A new predictor game has been introduced to cover this year's World Cup, allowing users to pick what they think will be the result from every match.

The game also features streaks, so make sure to check in each day and make your predictions.

• Play World Cup Predictor here (UK users only)

Ever wanted to see a World Cup match from every angle? How about a full-pitch tactical view? Or even see the match through the eyes of a player?

Well, now you can with Fifa World Cup 3D Experience, which is a UK-first that is only available on BBC Sport.

The interactive game experience gives viewers more choice to explore the match both in real time, highlights and full-match replays.

• Head here to get started

Finally, here are some more handy links:

• How to follow the World Cup across the BBC

• All the highlights and best video

• Beat the time difference and catch up on everything without any spoilers

• Take a dive into each of the 48 squads here

• Play our World Cup quizzes

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Since Manuel Ugarte's £50.8m arrival from Paris St-Germain in 2024 he has not reached the heights anticipated during his time at Old Trafford and his last appearance was when he started the home Premier League defeat by Leeds on 13 April.

It was widely anticipated he would move on this summer, either permanently or on loan.

Now those plans are in doubt after his injury at the World Cup, with thoughts at Manchester United focused on the wellbeing of the player.

United have prioritised strengthening their midfield this summer, with the expectation at least two or three new players would be added.

The club have already agreed a £35m deal for Atalanta's Ederson. However, plans for the 26-year-old to have his medical before the start of pre-season training on 9 July had to be scrapped when Ederson earned a late call-up to Brazil's World Cup squad.

Now the intention is for Ederson's medical to take place once Brazil's campaign is over and then the player to return to Carrington after the mandatory three-week rest period.

United had been keen on Elliot Anderson but backed out of discussions when the cost, both transfer fee and wages, they would have to pay to get him out of Nottingham Forest became clear.

Talks with West Ham over Portugal international Mateus Fernandes have yet to lead to an agreement over a fee, with Tottenham also keen on the former Southampton man.

United also rate Bournemouth's Alex Scott, who was one of four players who travelled with England for their pre-World Cup training camp despite missing out on selection in Thomas Tuchel's squad, and they had a bid turned down last summer by Brighton for Cameroon international Carlos Baleba.

It remains to be seen if a lengthy injury to Ugarte would affect the amount of money United have available to buy players.

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

Marcus Rashford finally got his chance to press his claim ahead of Barcelona's Anthony Gordon in England's World Cup win over Panama on Saturday and did enough to suggest Thomas Tuchel should keep faith with the Manchester United forward, who had a successful loan spell at Barca last season.

Rashford was England's dangerman in the first half and also had opportunities after the break, although he was sometimes let down by a lack of support and some wayward finishing.

"We tried and tried. Marcus was just unlucky," said Tuchel. "He is pushing and pushing like always. Every time I bring him on, he is super reliable.

"Everyone is trying. I'm not upset with players who try. You need a bit of luck, you need momentum and we will get there."

They were words that suggested Rashford will get another chance in the last-32 tie against DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday (17:00 BST).

Read more on Rashford and England's need to improve

Hit play below to hear more from Rashford or listen on BBC Sounds here

Midfielder Mason Mount has been offered to AC Milan for a potential reunion with former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim. (MilanPress - in Italian), external

However, there has been no contact between the clubs so far over a potential move. (Manchester Evening News), external

Monaco's French midfielder Maghnes Akliouche, 25, has told Manchester United and Liverpool that his priority is to join Paris St-Germain this summer. (Teamtalk), external

Marcus Rashford still wants a return to Barcelona after last season's loan spell, but the La Liga side are ready to wait until late in the summer transfer window to complete a deal for the forward. (Teamtalk), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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We asked for your views on whether Manchester United will have enough in their goalkeeping department for 2026-27, if Andre Onana secures a return to Turkish side Trabzonspor on loan.

Here are some of your comments:

Remy: As he is contracted until 2028, a permanent move would be preferable, but another loan would be fine as long as they cover his wages. Having him off our hands for another year is enough for me!

Nigel: It's a shame we couldn't sell him. I certainly don't want him back.

Tony: Goalkeepers at United have always had a problem. If they are our number one, they will rarely get a game and therefore look elsewhere. I would poach Jordan Pickford from Everton, he will relish the challenge with Lammens.

Mark: It should be Senne Lammens and Radek Vitek as the first-choice and second-choice goalkeepers. They can push each other. We don't need to be spending more money on a goalkeeper when other positions need strengthening.

Tim: We should try to get Angus Gunn in as our second-choice goalkeeper on a free - and keep Vitek if possible.

Nick: If Manchester United want a solid and experienced back-up goalkeeper, they should go for Stefan Ortega on a free transfer. He did a decent job at Manchester City for four years. Failing that, we should bring Sam Johnstone back to Old Trafford, providing Wolves don't want a daft transfer fee for him.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana is close to securing a return to Turkish side Trabzonspor on loan.

The deal is not yet agreed yet but sources say it is 90% done. There will be no option to buy within the agreement.

Onana made 29 appearances for Trabzonspor while on loan during the 2025-26 season, and while he was scheduled to return to United's pre-season in July, the 30-year-old knew there was no chance of ousting Senne Lammens as head coach Michael Carrick's first choice.

With Lemmens with the Belgium squad at the World Cup, the future of United's number two goalkeeper Altay Bayindir also uncertain and promising youngster Radek Vitek hoping to get a move before pre-season training starts, Carrick could have some inexperienced goalkeepers, plus veteran Tom Heaton, in his squad for the opening friendly against Wrexham in Helsinki on 17 July.

Will United have enough in the goalkeeping department for the season or do you think they should enter the market - and if so, who would you go for?

Get in touch with your views here

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History shows us why there is no need to panic about England's draw with Ghana on Tuesday, but it also underlines why it is important we immediately bounce back.

Since 2006, every World Cup winner has dropped points in their first or second group game - but what they have also done each time is go on to win their group.

I'm confident England will do that too, by beating Panama on Saturday, but I would not be surprised if Thomas Tuchel makes three or even four changes to his team after such a disappointing result and performance.

The biggest call for him to make is probably what he does with his wingers.

I didn't think Anthony Gordon or Noni Madueke were positive enough against Ghana, they didn't attack their defender enough when we got the ball to them out wide.

Their crossing was really poor as well, and often it didn't beat the first man. Our delivery from set-pieces wasn't great either, but in open play the service from the wingers was pretty much non-existent.

That's why I think Tuchel will change it up - and Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka have definitely done enough when they have come on in both games to get a chance to start.

What I want to see from both of them is more energy and more directness in one-against-one situations by trying to go past players.

There also needs to be more forward passing rather than taking the easy option by going sideways or backwards.

Read the full article here

Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn, 30, has emerged as a possible target for Manchester United after being released by Nottingham Forest. (Sun), external

Hull City have made United goalkeeper Radek Vitek a target after he impressed on loan at Bristol City last season. (Mail), external

Bruno Fernandes is set to stay at Old Trafford, with the midfielder telling some of his team-mates know he has no intention of leaving following interest from Saudi Arabia last summer. (Talksport), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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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:

Michael: Morocco'sAyyoub Bouaddi looks ready-made to replace Casemiro. He may only be 18, but if you're good enough, you're old enough. Another player I'd love to see at United is Norway's Antonio Nusa, a really exciting player who's comfortable on either wing, he would add another dimension to our attack.

Alistair: Scotland's Ben Gannon-Doak. Plays as a winger or midfield. Has Premier league experience. Is still only 20. Is nearly out of contract so should be a reasonable price. For some, the fact he was a Liverpool player may be a problem. But I would rather win matches and be entertained, he can definitely entertain. And he would certainly win matches.

Warren: Netherlands'Crysencio Summerville. Quick, exciting, highly skilled and dynamic. Brilliant off the ball too. Exceptional link-up play.

Josh: Switzerland'sJohan Manzambi is exactly the sort of young, athletic player that could complement Patrick Dorgu and Benjamin Sesko to build a great attacking team.

Aiden: I think we need USA's Antonee Robinson, who can provide pace and mentor players like Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven. He can rival Luke Shaw and give us more depth. Even though he is 28-years-old, I think we need depth and another option other than Shaw when we play more games next season.

Tell us who you have scouted here

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Despite still feeling "massively optimistic" about Thomas Tuchel's chances of being successful as England manager, former Three Lions defender Stephen Warnock has been left "surprised" with some of his selection decisions.

England were held to a goalless draw by Ghana at Boston Stadium on Tuesday night, knowing that victory would have confirmed a place in the World Cup's last 32.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily, Warnock said: "More than anything, I was surprised Nico O'Reilly didn't start in the left-back position because when you have a right-footed left-back, you lose that little bit of balance on the pitch.

"You can see the difference when O'Reilly comes on, England get more bodies into the box and it causes chaos.

"I've seen a clip of Declan Rice getting onto the team bus with a heavily strapped calf, so it might be that Thomas Tuchel rests one of his two central midfielders and goes for more attacking-minded players next time out.

"I wouldn't mind seeing Harry Kane through the middle with Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers either side of him, as either two number eights or two number 10s.

"It also wouldn't surprise me if he starts Marcus Rashford on the left-hand side as his cameos so far have been hugely impressive. When you're looking for a player to get in behind or get in 1-v-1 situations, he has been key.

"Noni Madueke did very well in the first half, but I was surprised Tuchel didn't bring Rashford on a little bit earlier. Giving a player 10 minutes in a game like that just isn't enough.

"Djed Spence, who is playing with the wrong foot constantly, was also playing very predictable balls to Anthony Gordon, which was making it very difficult for him to find the space or get in behind.

"I understood why Tuchel picked Spence initially, but I thought he was taking him as a right-back not a left-back. Right now, I can't understand how Lewis Hall isn't in this squad. It is nothing against Spence, I just don't think left-back suits him.

"That being said, I am still massively optimistic with this manager."

Listen to Football Daily on BBC Sounds here

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BBC Radio Manchester have released the latest episode of The Devils' Advocate podcast and this week, they have discussed the future of Marcus Rashford.

Host Joe McGrath believes the 28-year-old might have to settle for a squad role if he returns to Manchester United, but that he would be welcomed with open arms after his loan spell with Barcelona.

"We're in a position where I believe, the right people are in the right places at the club for Marcus Rashford to return," McGrath said.

"I think Michael Carrick is the perfect manager to welcome Rashford back, sort of dust off the cobwebs a little bit of how he went, and reassure him that he is going to be used a lot. If Carrick does want him in this next 2026-27 season, he will be surrounded by Kobbie Mainoo and other English players who will obviously welcome him back.

"And you could see it as if he just went on a little sabbatical for a year in Spain, brushing up on culture and scoring goals and let's not forget – winning a league. Not many English players can say that they've won La Liga.

"He's finally won a league title and he had to leave his boyhood club to do it but he is a firepower and if he does return, then what can we promise him? Because I don't think we can promise him week-in week-out football.

"You will get minutes on the pitch but will you be our starter?"

Listen to the full discussion and more below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore all Manchester United content on BBC Sounds

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

It's the ultimate shop window: a World Cup with 48 teams - all packed with players eager to show what they can do on the biggest stage.

With the transfer window now open, BBC Sport journalists have been taking a look at some of the key names being discussed.

Image source, Getty Images

Fulham's Antonee Robinson could come into Manchester United's thinking if they decide their left-sided options would be best bolstered by a more defensive player.

Robinson is a key figure in the USA team and completed the full 90 minutes against Paraguay and 80 minutes of their match with Australia.

Brighton have already had a couple of bids turned down for Tottenham defender Luka Vuskovic.

The 19-year-old started Croatia's World Cup opener with England in the heart of a three-man defence, but was replaced 20 minutes after half-time as Thomas Tuchel's side dominated.

Vuskovic wasn't completely to blame for Harry Kane getting a free header for his second goal, but the youngster was nearest the ball as Kane got a free run at it and wasn't able to get beyond John Stones as he tried to leap to challenge.

Manchester United and Arsenal are tracking 22-year-old Bournemouth and England midfielder Alex Scott, but any successful move could cost about £60m. (Mail), external

United also are expected to launch an official approach for West Ham and Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes, 21, in the coming days. (Teamtalk), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Ghana and Chelsea legend Michael Essien joins The Wayne Rooney Show as the pair the pair discuss their favourite battles on the pitch, England's chances in the World Cup and the resurgence of Kobbie Mainoo.

Watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

As England get ready to continue their World Cup campaign against Ghana at 21:00 BST on Tuesday, BBC Radio Manchester has been looking at 21-year-old Kobbie Mainoo's journey to Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions squad this summer as part of BBC Local Radio's Homegrown Heroes series.

Listen on BBC Sounds here or by pressing play above

Find more from the Homegrown Heroes series on BBC Sounds

Manchester United have taken a significant step towards a new 100,000-capacity stadium by buying the majority of the land needed to build it close to their current home at Old Trafford.

There had been few signs of any movement since minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe unveiled his grand vision in London in March 2025.

However, talks around land acquisition have been going on behind the scenes.

According to sources, United have now acquired a triangle of roads (located between Wharfside Way, Europa Way and John Gilbert Way) that connect close to the car parks behind the Stretford End, which gives them a 25-acre site sufficient for their new stadium.

• Read more here

Meanwhile United have decided not to enter the EFL Trophy or National League Cup for the 2026-27 campaign.

United sources say they have taken the decision because of a combination of returning to the Uefa Youth League following the senior side's qualification for the Champions League and running a slightly smaller than normal professional development phase group of players, who transition between the under-18 and under-21 sides.

1. Read more on the EFL Trophy decision