Manchester United Transfer Rumours

19 Aug 2026 19:38:34
Just seen a post on X saying that the cameras started rolling for the Amazon series at United this morning. Same day that the we get some transfer news.

Wouldn't put it past them.

20 Aug 2026 06:09:11
And why not, they're paying for it!

20 Aug 2026 09:00:56
Filming started over a week ago, as I mentioned in a post, jokingly suggesting that the club will now bring players in.

19 Aug 2026 18:34:38
It looks like Baleba is going to be on his way soon, which will complete the midfield overhaul in just one window.

Going from a midfield selection of:

Casemiro, Mainoo, Ugarte, and Mount last season.

To:

Baleba, Tielemans, Santos, Mainoo, Ugarte and Mount this season.

That's a massive upgrade and with the ages of Santos, Baleba and Mainoo (21/22) that is a rebuild that should last for the next 5-10 years.

This is on the back of the rebuild in attack that we undertook last summer, signing Mbeumo, Cunha, and Sesko to add to the existing Amad, Bruno, Dorgu and Zirkzee.

It seems that each summer we are trying to focus the rebuild on one main part of the team.

Which means next summer will likely be a big focus on defence. Hopefully we sign a LB this summer, and Yoro and Heaven develop nicely this season.

But with both Martinez and Maguire out of contract next summer I would expect us to sign a couple of CB's and probably look to upgrade RB. With maybe another forward being signed as a fourth signing depending on how some of our younger forwards are developing.

While people can complain about the timings of transfers, it looks like the club have actually made serious steps forward last summer and this summer in the transfer market to rebuild this squad.

Personally, I really like the signings we are making under the INEOS regime. We look and act like a proper, professional club again. A club with a plan and a direction. I don't expect every transfer to work out, but if we can get 80% of them right then we will be back challenging again within a couple of years.

19 Aug 2026 23:36:08
You will please some of the people some of the time, shappy, but you won't please all the people all the time.
I also think we will sign a left back this window, and if space is created up top by a departure, a dedicated No 9 to support Sesko.
People are forgetting, I think, that Yoro and Heaven are 20 and 19 and high on the list of all time EPL teenage CBs. Yoro today v the scrawny kid of even 12 months ago are night and day. His physique has developed, and I think Heaven will be a monster in 12 months' time. I like the idea of de Ligt, Maguire and Martinez being the snr pros, allowing Carrick to bring the young guys in and out to look after their development.
With so many games, I can see 2 pairings rotating and dovetailing when required.


Same in midfield.
What fleet have done well is try to address it in a planned fashion with a pretty clear strategy, as you've outlined.
Some will never agree with the strategy no matter what it is.
Fans have put themselves in a really difficult position where they want the management to be hated and want them to fail because they oppose 90% of their decisions and ignore the 10% they do agree with.
But as fans, they do want the team to do well.
But because of the former, they will jump on any period of poor results because they want to blame the management. All reasonable rationale and any positivity is off the menu.
I can't imagine being in a position to want the team to win but have club management fail.

20 Aug 2026 11:38:25
Ken, I think some people have dug themselves into a position where they can't back out without having egg on their face. So, instead of moving on, they double down on that position, ignoring any and all evidence to the contrary.

I dislike the Glazers for the position they have put our club in, and I can see both the positives and the negatives from INEOS from their short stint so far. But, ultimately, I want the team to be successful, even if that means bigger dividends for the Glazers.

What I'm most impressed/happy with in this new ownership model is that we have made a lot of intelligent, data-driven, and just plain common-sense decisions around restructuring the club.

Woodward fell into the trap of believing his own hype, CEO of the "biggest club in the world". He was all about optics and how he and the club looked, rather than how we performed.

Whereas now, we have hired experts into key positions, we have a plan and contingencies, and we don't get distracted by fancy big names because signing them would look good.

We can see that the club have a clear profile of the kind of players they want to sign, a clear plan on how to address the squad overhaul, and they have committed to that plan and are seeing it through, not ripping it up and starting again at the first hurdle.

19 Aug 2026 10:52:51
Carlos Beleba fee agreed. 60 million.
I think that's a cracking buy.
Only 22 years old and he has been desperate to come to Man U since last season.
If we managed to get Lewis Hall from Newcastle I would say it's been a cracking transfer window for us.

19 Aug 2026 11:21:33
Where are you seeing that a deal has been agreed. Most reports suggest that they turned down a £60m +£5m bid, but that talks are ongoing.

19 Aug 2026 12:26:46
Redseven - wher edoes it say that the 60m plus 5m has been turned down?

19 Aug 2026 12:57:58
My first choice.

Think he will be an excellent signing and exactly what we need.

19 Aug 2026 14:45:02
Ornstein, who broke the story, said that the bid was below their valuation, and that talks were continuing.

By all accounts, it sounds like all of the parties involved want to make a deal happen, but from what I can see, no fee has been agreed yet.



Hopefully we can get this one wrapped up quickly. The sooner we can get him in and around the squad, the better.

19 Aug 2026 14:50:35
It doesn't matter, redseven. First bid usually is rejected, it's part of the process.

19 Aug 2026 18:19:50
It's good news. Seems a much better price and worth waiting for. Well done to those on the recruitment team.

19 Aug 2026 18:22:07
Carlos Baleba Close – Is a Left-Back Now All Manchester United Need?

Manchester United appear to be on the verge of completing what could be one of the most exciting deals of their summer, with Carlos Baleba close to joining from Brighton.

Sky Sports reports that United are close to a full agreement, with a five-year contract already prepared and the 22-year-old expected to travel to Manchester ahead of a medical once the final details between the clubs are concluded. The overall deal is expected to be worth in excess of £60m.

If United get this completed around that sort of figure, I think it represents excellent business.

Baleba is only 22, already has extensive Premier League experience and gives Michael Carrick something his midfield has been crying out for: power, athleticism, recovery speed and the ability to carry the ball through pressure.

Perhaps most encouragingly, this isn't a name United have suddenly turned to late in the window. Sky Sports says Baleba has remained one of the club's leading targets, with United having enquired about him as far back as the January window.

He would join Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, completely transforming the midfield options available to Carrick. Tielemans arrived for £35m and Santos for around £50m earlier this summer.

Suddenly United can choose from the likes of:

Baleba – Santos – Tielemans – Mainoo – Bruno – Mount

That is a completely different midfield group from the one United entered last season with.

£60m+ for Baleba? I Think That's Very Good Business

Transfer fees have become ridiculous, but context matters.

United aren't potentially paying £60m-plus for a player approaching 30 with little resale value. They're buying a 22-year-old Premier League midfielder who could conceivably occupy the position for the next seven or eight years.

Brighton's valuation of Baleba was being reported at more than £100m only last summer, when United were also interested but unwilling to go anywhere near that figure.

Getting him now for a figure potentially much closer to the £60m mark therefore looks particularly attractive.

There will obviously be some concern over the ankle ligament injury he suffered during pre-season, but Sky reports that the problem is not expected to keep him out for an extended period.

Assuming the medical presents no concerns, this feels like exactly the type of signing United should be making.

Young.

Premier League proven.

Huge physical upside.

Still capable of improving significantly.

And bought for the team rather than because he is the biggest name available.



So What Do United Need Now?

For me, the priorities have changed considerably.

A few weeks ago I would have said:

1. Defensive midfielder
2. Left-back
3. Striker
4. Possibly left wing

If Baleba signs, I think that becomes much simpler.

1. LEFT-BACK – THE FINAL MAJOR PIECE

This is now comfortably the biggest remaining weakness in the squad.

Patrick Dorgu looks increasingly dangerous playing higher up the pitch, while Luke Shaw is currently the only natural senior left-back.

Dalot and Mazraoui can fill in, but United are back in the Champions League and will be competing across four competitions. Building the season around Shaw remaining available every week would be an enormous gamble.

Sky Sports reported only days ago that United still need a left-back following pre-season, while Carrick has openly said he wants further additions before the window closes.

Lewis Hall

Hall remains my preferred option.

He is 21, English, Premier League proven and has the technical ability to play as a conventional overlapping full-back or step inside and help control midfield.

The problem is Newcastle.

United have already made an enquiry and Newcastle have told them Hall is not for sale.

That doesn't necessarily mean the conversation is finished – particularly this late in a transfer window – but United would almost certainly have to make Newcastle an offer sufficiently large to force them to reconsider.

If the price isn't completely ridiculous, he's the one I'd push hardest for.

Myles Lewis-Skelly

This has now become much more interesting.

The Guardian recently reported that Lewis-Skelly has been offered to United, with Arsenal potentially looking for around £45m.

United are understood to be considering the possibility.

At 19, his upside is enormous.

He can operate at left-back but also has the technical qualities to play in midfield, which gives Carrick another tactical option.

£45m for Lewis-Skelly versus potentially considerably more to persuade Newcastle to sell Hall is a genuinely interesting decision.

If Arsenal are really willing to sell to United, I'd be looking very closely at it.

Antonee Robinson

Robinson remains another credible option and has been monitored alongside Hall.

He would probably provide the most immediate certainty: proven Premier League quality, tremendous engine and excellent going forward.

The downside is simply age profile.

Robinson is approaching 29 whereas Hall is 21 and Lewis-Skelly only 19.

If United are going to spend £40m-plus, I'd prefer them to secure someone capable of owning the position for the next five-plus seasons.

David Raum

The Guardian has also named RB Leipzig's David Raum among the players United could assess.

At 28 he would again be more of an immediate solution than a long-term investment, but he's an experienced attacking left-back and could become relevant if Hall proves impossible and United decide Lewis-Skelly isn't the right profile.

My left-back order

1. Lewis Hall
2. Myles Lewis-Skelly
3. Antonee Robinson
4. David Raum

Hall remains my favourite, but at a reported £45m, Lewis-Skelly suddenly becomes very tempting.



Do We Actually Need Another Striker?

A few weeks ago I would have said yes.

Now?

I'm increasingly thinking no – at least not this summer.

And interestingly, that appears to be where United themselves are heading.

Sky Sports reported that, as things stand, another forward is unlikely, with Marcus Rashford's return providing Carrick with another solution up front.

Rashford has been fully reintegrated under Carrick and travelled with the squad for the final stages of pre-season.

That changes the calculation considerably.

United already have:

Benjamin Šeško
Joshua Zirkzee
Marcus Rashford
Matheus Cunha
Bryan Mbeumo

with several of those players capable of operating centrally.

Šeško should remain the first-choice No.9 and continue developing.

If Rashford genuinely buys into Carrick's project again, there is little point spending another £50m-£70m on a Watkins or Mateta simply to add another body.

Rashford can play through the middle when necessary, Cunha can operate centrally, Mbeumo can move inside and Zirkzee has shown encouraging signs during pre-season.

That is plenty of attacking variety.

Save the money.

Give Šeško the opportunity to become the striker United bought him to be.

Give Rashford a clean slate.

And reassess the position next summer if necessary.



Left Wing Can Wait Too

The same argument applies on the left.

Dorgu has looked increasingly interesting further forward and Carrick clearly sees attacking potential there.

Add a reintegrated Rashford and Cunha's ability to start from the left and suddenly United aren't desperate for another winger either.

That gives them:

LW: Rashford / Dorgu / Cunha
CF: Šeško / Rashford / Zirkzee / Cunha
RW: Mbeumo / Amad

That is a very healthy collection of attacking options.

Rather than buying another winger simply because one is available, I'd rather United wait until next summer and decide what they actually need after a full season under Carrick.



Just Get the Left-Back

If Baleba crosses the line, I'm genuinely struggling to remember a recent United transfer window that has felt this coherent.

United haven't simply accumulated names.

They appear to have identified weaknesses and attacked them.

Andrey Santos adds energy, mobility and enormous potential.

Youri Tielemans adds experience, passing quality and control.

Carlos Baleba would add power, ball-winning ability and athleticism.

Rashford's return potentially removes the need to spend heavily on another attacker.

Dorgu's development further forward provides another attacking option.

Which leaves one glaring hole:

Left-back.

Get Lewis Hall or Myles Lewis-Skelly through the door and, for me, you can shut the transfer window.

There will always be another player supporters want.

There will always be another exciting name linked.

But at some point you have to allow a coach to work with the squad you've assembled.

A final window of:

Andrey Santos ✅
Youri Tielemans ✅
Carlos Baleba ⏳
Lewis Hall / Myles Lewis-Skelly ❓
Marcus Rashford reintegrated ✅

would be an exceptional summer.

Then it's over to Michael Carrick.

For the first time in quite a while, United wouldn't simply have a good starting XI.

They'd have a squad that looks capable of competing properly across the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.

Get the left-back and let's go.

19 Aug 2026 19:28:51
I'd agree with a lot of that, Philip.
I'd rather Rashford and/or Zirkzee moved on and we get a dedicated no9 to share the load with Sesko.
But if both refuse to leave, then we can only hope they do better than before.
Hall is very good, imo. Lost his place to Dan Burn towards the end of last season, so not sure what happened there.
Lewis Skelly has said he wants to play in midfield, apparently.

So would he want to come as a lb?
There are other very good options, as you say, and others, so we will get one.
Hall is 1st choice by the look of it, so reassuring is the right approach, as long as they have an option lined up, it might be last-minute. Com, but most of us can live with that without throwing out toys out of the pram.

19 Aug 2026 22:26:33
Square pegs, square holes required.

If Baleba signs, and I hope he will, he's the best option we could have hoped for this window for the DM role and aid that last week.

We need more specialists now. Left back is imperative. Hall is the only one I've seen play, so can't comment on the suitability of Salinas or Seys.



I do think we need another specialty striker, but I can't see us doing it this summer unless we sign Vlahovic for free and one of Zirkzee or Rashford leave.

20 Aug 2026 06:13:10
Square pegs, square holes? But Hall was still playing in midfield when he left Chelsea 2 years ago.

20 Aug 2026 07:20:36
That's probably why he didn't make it at Chelsea as he was played out of position.

19 Aug 2026 09:57:49
Baleba deal close according to Ornstein.

19 Aug 2026 10:21:34
It can't be, the owners don't have a clue and we are skint with no money to spend!

19 Aug 2026 10:36:05
If we can get him for around the 60-70m mark, then I think in time that will look like a good deal.

He's a great young player, with a massive ceiling on his talent. He had a phenomenal year the season before last, but struggled a little last season due to missing pre-season with an injury and the disruption around a failed move to us, along with the AFCON halfway through the season. He struggled to get any momentum and consistency.

I know some people will be down about this potential deal, due to his less than stellar season last time out. But, young players have ups and downs as they develop, and it makes a lot more sense to buy after a dip than after a purple patch.

He's the profile we need, strong, physically dominant, quick across the ground, great in the air, press resistant, hard working, mobile, can carry well through the lines, and is an underrated passer of the ball.

He's also EPL proven, and is left-footed (which opens up different passing lanes through midfield).

A few fans have been complaining about the lack of movement in recent weeks, but maybe the club were just waiting Brighton out. Maybe they were waiting for potential challengers for his signature to move on to other targets to ensure we can't be dragged into a bidding war (which Brighton tried to do last summer and we walked away).

If we do get this deal across the line, then I think we can probably rule out big money moves for players like Lewis Hall and Myles Lewis-Skelly as I doubt we'll spend 60m+ on another two signings before the window closes. Interestingly, Baleba himself has covered lb on occasion.

However, I suspect that means that we will move for a cheaper lb such as David Raum, Jorge Salinas or Joaquin Seys.

19 Aug 2026 10:48:16
We absolutely needed a Baleba-type. A real ground-eater.

I maintain my stance that Tielemans and Mainoo absolutely cannot play together. So it's:

Santos/Baleba
Tielemans/Mainoo

The big question is, is anyone ready for Mainoo to be our fourth best central midfielder and have fairly limited game time? Because no matter how many won't like that, it's going to happen...

19 Aug 2026 10:53:17
If we do sign him and sign a very good left back (I would pay for Hall), then it's another decent window. Like it or not, Rashford looks to be staying, so can cover at CF.

19 Aug 2026 10:53:42
Interesting signing. Looked amazing a few years ago, then last season was a bit rubbish.

Which Baleba are we signing?

19 Aug 2026 10:54:40
If we get Seys or Salinas along with Baleba, then we've had a pretty decent window.

Another striker would've been good, but not essential.

19 Aug 2026 11:04:20
Confirmed on Sky.

19 Aug 2026 11:16:06
Great signing. Think he was injured most of last season.

19 Aug 2026 11:18:04
Over the moon if this goes through. Excellent signing, good age, profile, and decent fee.

19 Aug 2026 12:40:46
I like this deal if our recruitment team told him to be rubbish last season to get the price down. If he was just rubbish last season, it's pretty high risk.

It would be nice to have a left footer in Midfield. 24/25 Baleba and Santol in Midfield are very robust, and they complement each other.

Baleba likes driving forward with the ball, Santos passes forward, they are both monsters at getting the ball back and covering ground.

As long as we get the 24/25 version, good signing.

10 Aug 2026 18:09:12
Latest name linked is the left back from Leipzig, David Raum.

Probably a load of made up rubbish. But I hope it's true, from what I've seen of him I think he could work wonders on the left.

11 Aug 2026 15:46:36
Skelly from Arsenal has also been linked now, he's been offered around, quoted 45 million fee.

Suits the model atm, young can play lb and cm.

Decent player with potential. Think anyone getting him will get a good deal if the price is the 45 million.

11 Aug 2026 16:44:54
Chelsea are already on it, no messing around from them.

11 Aug 2026 20:38:21
Not sure he would get in the Chelsea team on a regular basis. So, if he's going to sit on the bench, surely he'd be better off doing it for Arsenal.

11 Aug 2026 23:50:31
I'm not convinced, at the money they are talking, that he gets into our team regularly either. He is a cm and wants to play there. He is not a specialist left back, and I think that's what we need.


Hall, imo, has the chance to be a very good left back. I'm not convinced we won't get him, but if we don't, we do need someone else.
Amass, according to reports, is not doing enough to convince them he can step up.

12 Aug 2026 00:12:03
Agreed, Ken. He came onto the scene and never kicked on.

No way Arsenal sell this guy if he's good enough. Rather keep Shaw and Dorgu.

12 Aug 2026 09:18:26
Might just be me, but never really been impressed by Lewis-Skelly. He's one of them players that jumps into challenges and looks like a red card waiting to happen.

12 Aug 2026 10:29:08
I would be surprised to find him available for 45 million, I would expect him to be worth more in this market. The only way I could see Arsenal letting him go is for PSR/SSR/SCR reasons, due to him being pure profit.

As for the player, he is a very good young player, but he needs to play to continue to develop. He isn't the finished article, although his main weaknesses are things that may well be ironed out with age and experience.

For me, I watch a lot of these young players at big clubs and see many fail to develop because they just don't get enough chances. Yes, the real top guys will, but others could well do with dropping down to a smaller club and playing, rather than languishing in squads and getting occasional games and minutes.

15 Aug 2026 10:35:49
Oakbark, he probably should be worth more based on the current market, but he in one of the few players Arsenal can sell for a decent fee and raise profit from it, without seriously weakening their first team squad.

There are fewer clubs that he would be prepared to move to, and even fewer if them are in need of a LB/CM player right now.

Really it's just us for a long term replacement for Shaw, and Chelsea as a replacement for Cucurella. I doubt he'd move to Newcastle if they needed a replacement for Hall, Liverpool and City don't need a LB, they won't sell to Spurs, and none of the other EPL team have the money and draw to sign him.

We are the club that make the most sense, a history of developing young players, a need for a player with his ability/skill set, we need more home-grown players, we have the money and we are a club that he would consider leaving Arsenal for. However, United are not being run by the same clowns as before and they won't over pay for players, not even their first choice options.

Chelsea make slightly less sense as they've already bought two young LB's this summer, are not in European football (which might deter MLS from wanting to join them), and they've already spent a lot this summer and signed a lot of players. However, this is Chelsea and their entire transfer strategy seems to be to buy as many young players as possible. So they would almost certainly be interested in a possible deal. But it couldn't be at a silly price.

Which means that Arsenal cannot demand as high a price as say Newcastle could for Lewis Hall, as Arsenal want (maybe even need) to sell, whereas Newcastle don't.

Both players have a similar level of potential, although both are slightly different in profile despite both being brought up as midfielders through youth football but have found LB their position in senior football.

Hall being nearly two years older, and more experienced is ahead of MLS in terms of his development and his performances right now. On the other hand though he has suffered a little bit with injuries.

Either one would be a great signing for us, the question is how much more value would we get from paying 75-80m for Hall over 40-45m for MLS?

In the short term Hall is the better option, has played well in a team that hasn't been at their best, compared to MLS having a great team around him to shelter him. Hall is the better defender, having been tested more than MLS. But does that make him worth paying the extra 35-40m for him? Nearly twice as much. While Hall is only the better short term option if he is fit and available to play (he has missed 34 games over the last two seasons for Newcastle due to injury).

Personally, I'd take MLS over Hall right now, he's cheaper (less pressure on him, and more to invest in other areas), he's more adaptable that Hall in my opinion, and more importantly, he is far less injury prone (with so many of our defenders suffering with regular injuries, I just can't justify signing another with a questionable injury record).

Plus we have a great track record of signing young Arsenal defenders and them doing well, thank Heaven(s).

16 Aug 2026 00:45:56
What about Truffert, surely he is up there for consideration if Hall is deemed 'overpriced'.

17 Aug 2026 11:44:22
To me, swallow our pride and bring back Carreras. The club messed this one up, surprise surprise.

17 Aug 2026 11:50:03
JBR, Truffert would probably be my first choice option, to be honest. I doubt he'd be all that cheap; probably around 40m, I'd imagine. What we probably should be doing is finding that "Truffert" player before they move to the EPL and their price tag doubles or triples after one or two good seasons.

We have been linked with a couple of young prospect LB's in Jorge Salinas and Joaquin Seys (19 and 21 respectively). What is interesting is that, when looking into them, they both have a similar profile (tall, physically strong, quick, good on the ball, play more as an inverted fullback rather than someone who typically bombs on and stays wide).



That profile makes a lot of sense, given we have Dorgu, who is played at LB as that stay-wide, high player rather than someone who inverts into midfield. It seems we want someone who is more of a direct replacement, in terms of style, for Luke Shaw.

08 Aug 2026 11:40:28
I’ve seen this name linked before but knew nothing of him. Marc Casado of Barcelona. Just read he’s set to leave them. Quick Google, 22-year-old defensive CM. Apart from name, age and position, anyone know much about him as a player? I imagine we’ll be linked because, why not, he’s a cm. 😂

08 Aug 2026 19:47:03
He's a good player, but physically he's quite small. It's not clear he'll adapt so easily to the EPL.

09 Aug 2026 08:27:33
I've not really seen much of him, perhaps ED001 could offer his thoughts on the player?

{Ed001's Note - I have not seen a lot of him to be honest mate.}

09 Aug 2026 09:11:41
We were linked with Casado previously about a year ago if I recall correctly.

09 Aug 2026 09:28:03
Thanks ED001.

{Ed001's Note - very welcome mate, sorry it is not much help.}

09 Aug 2026 11:06:31
As you would expect of any La Masia academy graduate, he's very technically gifted and intelligent on the ball. What he lacks, though, is physicality; he's only 5'7 and is fairly lightweight. He works hard, but is a little too easily brushed aside, which is why Barcelona are open to selling him, especially if they can replace him with Rodri. His sale would represent all profit, and he's a player they see more as a squad depth option rather than a current or future first-choice option.

They've even deployed him at RB at times as cover, and to discover if he could adapt to a less physically demanding position.

He's a good player, no doubt, but if he's too lightweight for Barcelona in La Liga, then he'll definitely struggle in the hustle and bustle of the EPL.

09 Aug 2026 10:53:09
No probs ED001, hows life in Dubai?

{Ed001's Note - all good mate, just looking forward to the season starting. How are things with you?}

09 Aug 2026 13:10:28
All good thanks ED001, so am i. Although I do hope United make some more signings, especially defensively.

{Ed001's Note - I am sure they will mate.

01 Aug 2026 21:01:20
Have to say I'm really disappointed in Welbeck going to Chelsea. I think he would have been a perfect signing for us. He's a very good forward, he's a Manc and would have happily come back and Sesko could have learnt a lot from him. 5 mill is a bargain.

02 Aug 2026 09:30:10
I sort of understand your point, Danny. However, he is 35, and I think Chelsea have bought him, and Henderson, because they want some old heads to impart knowledge to a very young squad. I'd be surprised if he starts very often.

02 Aug 2026 11:04:46
I have a very different feeling about Chelsea this time around.
I think they have appointed a very good coach. Henderson and Welbeck are very good additions on top of some other good signings. I think they will be better this season, especially with no European football to contend with.

02 Aug 2026 11:15:33
I think they've made the smart move to add some great experience to a very young squad for practically nothing in today's market.

I'd have loved to see Welbeck come home for a couple of years to help Sesko progress and add some experienced cover.

I assume we never really got involved, as I'd assume Welbeck would probably have chosen us over Chelsea if he had a real choice.



This means our club has other plans. I think they've earned the right to be trusted, and for us to wait and see what pans out.

If we get someone like Watkins for a reasonable fee, then letting Welbeck move to Chelsea unchallenged doesn't seem like such a bad idea. Let's see how the entire window pans out.

02 Aug 2026 14:21:49
Same, I've been supportive of Welbeck returning for a few years but I thought that shipped had sailed. His improvement over the last couple of years has been remarkable. Deserved a World Cup place.



I don't love it, but Rashford, Mbuemo, Cuhna are all ok back up.

Perhaps we'll get Vini Jr or Alvarez instead. Not likely, but Watkins is rumoured; he offers that poacher profile we are missing.

03 Aug 2026 08:09:44
I like the Watkins logic, but I don't see the club spending £40m on a 30-year-old to be an impact player from the bench, do you?

03 Aug 2026 17:55:26
Utd Road
Vini or Julien? Zero chance if you ask me.
Both would cost 100+ million, with big wages.
It doesn't fit into this new approach the club has.

04 Aug 2026 21:47:32
If Danny Welbeck had never played for us before, and someone was suggesting we sign a guy who's 35 and going to be 36 later this year, with a goal-scoring record worse than a goal every four games over his career... how many here would agree with signing him?

05 Aug 2026 17:59:33
H94, I agree, unlikely. Rtp.

28 Jul 2026 13:56:47
Make of it as you will, rumours we are selling Harry Amass for £6m.

28 Jul 2026 15:02:45
I guess we'll be able to pay Rashy's wages for 4 months. :D

28 Jul 2026 15:29:32
I saw that earlier. Could be true, he had decent reviews last season, but missed the 2nd half. If they have had him in-house all pre-season and don't think he is ready for a couple of years at best, then move him on, with good clauses.

28 Jul 2026 16:29:13
He has a year left on his contract as well.

28 Jul 2026 16:41:16
I'm not sure we are selling him. The £6m figure quoted is what clubs believe he would be available for. Don't think we have received any bids yet!

Would be a shame as there was high expectation for him. The problem has never been ability, but physicality.

He was a big part of why Alvaro Carreras was sold.

Still, things do not always go to plan. Might be best for all parties if we get the right offer for us and him. As Ken says, make sure we have a good sell on clause, buy back and matching rights.

28 Jul 2026 16:49:26
I've read he's also stalling on not signing an extension. I imagine there's a bit of posturing from all parties going on. I expect, being 19, he wants assurances of 1st team involvement at some point and won't sign until he gets it, and the club won't guarantee that and making noise they're happy to sell if he doesn't sign.

28 Jul 2026 20:52:52
It will likely mean someone is coming in.
£6M might be the most he's ever worth. If he gets sold on, I'm sure we will get a buy back or sell on.

29 Jul 2026 07:07:12
Selling our younger players when there is a clear gap between their current level and what's needed for the first team is the way forward. As mentioned above, if there is a buyback involved, it's a no brainer. If the player develops to the standard required and we have the option at, say... £15m, then we would say we are getting a bargain, no?

29 Jul 2026 07:16:05
Will be good reason if sold.

30 Jul 2026 09:37:51
He's entering the final year of his contract and the club needs to decide whether to stick or twist with him. Either they offer him a long term contract with the view to him becoming first choice, or they sell him and buy the long term first choice option.

The problem is that we have a lot of inexperience in defence and down the left hand side. Which makes sticking with him a bigger gamble than it normally would be. If we had prime Rio and Vidic playing at CB and maybe a keeper who was in their late 20's then you stick with the young lad. But given we have a keeper with only one year worth of top level experience, and the likelihood that we'll have at least one of Heaven or Yoro playing at CB can we really bank on a 19 year old academy LB to cover for the likely injured Luke Shaw? That's very risky.

From the clubs perspective the ideal solution would probably be getting Amass tied down to a new long term contract then send him out on loan for another season while buying a top level LB to push Shaw into squad depth. Then Amass comes back to challenge the new LB next summer when Shaw's deal expires.

However, is that what Amass wants? Another year on loan while a new, probably expensive, LB comes in and has a year to establish himself while Amass is away on loan. Leaving him to come back to an established, top level LB probably in their early to mid twenties ahead of him and his pathway looking difficult into the first team on a regular basis.

Personally if his agent isn't looking at other options for him then they are failing to do their job. He has to put his career ahead of United having a solid back up plan, and I don't blame him for that. Which gives him very little reason to sign a new deal that could tie him down to a back up role for the next 3-4 years.

If he won't sign a new deal then the club have little choice but to sell him this summer and get something for him. That has always been our failing in the past, holding on to players until they leave on free transfer.

We also have Diego Leon who the club have faith in, while we aren't certain on where Dorgu will end up playing.

I expect that if the club are prepared to sell Amass then that's probably a pretty solid indication that we will sign a LB this summer. Lewis Hall is supposedly prepared to hand in a transfer request to push through a move this summer, although I wonder if that will change now that Howe has left Newcastle. As there are rumours of a falling out between the two of them.

The club will have a plan, with a bit of luck if we do sell Amass then hopefully there is a buy-back, first refusal, or a sell-on clause in any deal. Meaning that Amass can move on and continue developing in his career, while we retain the option to bring him back if that is the best option for us in the future, if not then maybe we make some extra money down the line when he moves on again (which is an almost certainty if he goes to a Championship club, as he will end up at a mid-level or even a European level club in the EPL in the future, I'm sure of that).

While as fans it's always disappointing to see talented academy graduates leave the club, in truth I think we all know that we are more likely to have a success over the next couple of seasons with LB options of:

Hall or Truffert, Shaw, Dorgu and Leon.

Than options of:

Shaw, Dorgu, Amass and Leon.

If Amass leaves then I wish him well and I hope that we maybe see him back at United one day as a top class first choice LB option. We have to remember that the reason that fan run clubs more often than not fail is they cannot take the emotion out of the decision making process. It's easy as fans to condemn the club for letting a top young prospect leave the club, but ultimately that might be the best decision for all involved given the context.

30 Jul 2026 16:25:11
It might be that he's just not good enough?

01 Aug 2026 00:42:49
Lucky for us all that Shappy has it all figured out. 😆

27 Jul 2026 17:55:47
Posted this to another thread and updated: I'm working with someone professionally who also works with Utd. They mentioned a few bits that's ok to share:

Speaks highly of JJ. Unusual lad, but a nice lad. Very mature, but also can let his head drop. His family are very hands-on. It's crucial United keep them happy, to keep JJ. He will play this season. Promised.

Thwaites - good player, but not physically ready.

Devaney - top pro and player, very much in the mould of Fletcher Snr in attitude, really well thought of. One to watch. Fitzgerald was said to be similar.

Moorhouse - might have missed his moment, but seen as potentially better than the Fletcher twins. Could be a late bloomer or mid EPL player.

Obi - poor movement, flat-track bully at youth level, sent back to youth football as touch and ability not at the top level.

Gore - good player, probably missed his chance; injury wrecked early loans.

Main thing they're looking for physicality and off the ball.

He also mentioned they have been shocked by the reports from lads they've signed from City.

Utd do gym work, ball work, patterns and always have matches - lots of variety to build a complete player. They all learn at least 3 positions and play games in them.

Some of the ex City are blown away and loving it.

City is no matches, only play on match day. Everything else is systems and conditioning.

I was surprised but it's as they have the "best" players and don't focus on basics.

He also pointed out for all the ex City academy players there's not many who have done that well or look complete as a footballer. Also suggested Foden has never improved and Pep is considered a cheque book manager. He beats Nemcha though.

27 Jul 2026 19:13:22
Awesome, I love rumours like these. I don't think Obi will make it. He doesn't look great in the youth team. JJ is then one they think might be a generational talent. We shall see.

27 Jul 2026 20:12:53
Thanks utd road, great post.

27 Jul 2026 23:59:51
Thanks for the insight.

28 Jul 2026 10:25:01
If that's true. JJ will have to break away from his family at some point and get himself a top agent. Family will lead with their hearts, which isn't a bad thing, but it will eventually cause resentment in the player. The player will need to stand on his own feet at some point. That, to me, is a crucial part of a young player's development.

28 Jul 2026 10:33:25
You can't blame his parents for being protective over him at this stage though, the lad is 15 and people are saying he's a generational talent. He needs his feet keeping firmly on the ground.

28 Jul 2026 10:48:59
Exactly, the lad is 15. You try telling a 15 year old to do something, and they will do the opposite to prove a point. Keeping his feet on the ground is just as much United's job as the parents'. He seems mature for his age, which is a good thing. But is that due to the conditioning from his parents, or is he generally a good human being.

End of the day, he is a 15 year old lad. He needs to be allowed to be a 15 year old lad and make his own mistakes, and learn and grow from them.

That is part of life that people need to experience. We have a bad habit of overprotecting people, for better or worse.

Not to have his parents tell him how to do everything. I think the age of 13-18 is the most important part of a kid's life. In those 5 years, it tells what life that kid's gonna have as an adult.

28 Jul 2026 17:44:27
Bear in mind the name change, kid Messi videos etc. His parents are guiding him. Very hands-on.

It's good he has them in his corner.
It will be hard for United to meet every expectation, but they're doing everything they can.

I wouldn't judge his parents harshly. They have invested everything into the lad to give him one hell of an opportunity.

28 Jul 2026 21:04:05
If you were the parent of such a young boy, would you not be protective, knowing how clubs tend to look after their own interests first and foremost?

29 Jul 2026 07:19:26
As a parent, that child is everything to you, and I'm sure they will try to guide everything and be very protective, as he is their son and only 15.

He looks a fantastic young talent, and I am very excited to see where he goes.

29 Jul 2026 07:19:47
Great post, by the way, Utd Road. Keep those coming!

29 Jul 2026 17:24:13
Nice one, mate. 👍

30 Jul 2026 10:12:07
I would be very surprised if JJ Gabriel doesn't go on to become a top player, how high he goes though will be down to his mentality, the ability of those around him to keep him grounded, and a little luck.

Having the ability to play in the EPL and being physically ready for the demands of playing in what is probably the most physically demanding league in Europe if not the world is another thing entirely.

His body is still growing, and that makes him more susceptible to injuries, which can both derail his development, as well as potentially risking his long term fitness. Lots of players who started playing regularly at a younger than average age (in top flight mens football) end up having injury issues from their mid-twenties onwards.

If you look at our squad we have Shaw and MdL who were both regulars at 17 years old, both struggling with fitness. Michael Owen and Rooney are others who started picking up injuries and saw a drop off in performances in their late 20's. Jack Wilshere was another, as was Francis Jeffers, Jack Rodwell and James Rodriguez.

JJ will need protection and guidance to ensure that his development is optimal to allow him to gain experience, grow as a player, and protect his body as it develops. As well as being shielded from the risks of fame and fortune while he's too immature to handle it. He will need a good group of people around him, family are great, but young lads have a tendency to rebel against their families during their teens and early 20's. That is a time where they tend to value the opinions of their friends more than that of their parents and older more experienced adults (especially those in positions of authority). Sir Alex was very good as pairing young players up with a first team player to act as a mentor, to be a confidant, a role model. He would make sure they shared hotel rooms on trips, have lockers next to eachother etc. Hopefully there is someone Carrick can pair JJ with who can be that mentor and role model in the first team. Someone to be a voice of reason when the risk of fame and fortune threatens to pull him off the path.

I expect he'll get some minutes during pre-season, and maybe even some in the first team this season (most likely in the cups, or maybe a few sub appearances towards the end of the season in the EPL). When he does get games expect the media hype to be crazy with hyperbole, which for a lad who hasn't even sat his GCSE's will be difficult to deal with.

30 Jul 2026 20:11:55
Ta Angel, I won't see them for a few weeks, but will ask about the new scholars.

Shappy, injury prevention, burnout, and physicality of men's football are things I'm told the club are trying to manage, but he wants the opportunity, knowing the risks.

I don't want to say too much on who told me, they're not a big shot. But he pretty much raised all your concerns fwiw.

24 Jul 2026 13:32:35
Read last week, and it’s very difficult to know what to believe and what not to at this time of the year, so usually best to talk all stories, reports, whatever, with a pinch of salt. But one that has interested me was one story that United wanted Baleba’s agents and Baleba himself to push or agitate for a move to United before the club would explore and then take this forward.

I guess this is to give the club a better start position in negotiations. Well, it appears today that this is/has happening/happened, with stories coming out the agents have contacted United and Baleba saying a move to United last summer was a dream. As I say, take with a pinch of salt, but potentially one to watch.

24 Jul 2026 14:15:14
Ports - It sounds like he is desperate to come to United, but Brighton are no mugs when it comes to transfer fees. They will command top dollar, and I don't think that United will pay their valuation. They allegedly want north of 80 million for him.

24 Jul 2026 15:27:51
It's quite possibly one of those transfers that can wait a while. We do now have 2 new midfielders. Mount acquitted himself reasonably well last year, and with Mainoo and Bruno, there's the core of a solid squad, albeit yet to prove itself. So there's no desperation at play for the time being.

I think Tielemans will be used in the creative role should we be deprived of Bruno through injury. And it will be interesting to see how they mesh together. I think he may be even more effective than Bruno at finding those incisive forward passes for forwards to run on to, which may suit Mbeumo more. About 1/2 of Bruno's assists last year were from set pieces, many of which went to Casemiro.

That's probably not reproducible, so goals are going to have to come from other sources.

The question then is, do Brighton want to hold on to a player by holding out for a sum no one will give them after last season's dip in form, and then have him underperform again, further reducing his value, or cash in for a decent price and profit. A deal really ought to be doable at £75m or less... That is, assuming United are even interested. Somehow those players we failed to get during our initial phase of interest, and then finally get acquired, don't turn out too well. Hargreaves? Sancho? As indeed do those players who supposedly wanted to go to City but we scuppered the deal.

24 Jul 2026 15:53:08
Mount acquitted himself reasonably well last year - you must have been watching a different Mount. He had two or three half decent games.
54 games in 3 seasons.
He's been an absolute waste of money at 55 million pounds.
He's basically cost us a million pounds a game so far.
We won't be able to give him away due to his injury record.

24 Jul 2026 16:41:15
I watched pretty much every game last year. When Mount started, or mostly came on, we played better. The link up with the forwards and Bruno was better.

24 Jul 2026 16:57:11
From an ability perspective, I think Mount gets some unfair criticism. From an availability perspective, it's definitely been a frustrating transfer.

24 Jul 2026 21:28:09
Mount is a fine player and would be a huge asset to us if he was able to stay fit, but he can't, unfortunately. Great engine, gets around, very clever, has a good eye for an assist and a goal, but rarely starts or is able to stay fit.



I feel very sorry for him that it just hasn't happened here. I would love to see him stay fit.

24 Jul 2026 22:08:18
Madrid have come in for Rodri, which, if it happens, means Tchoumeni could be back on.

25 Jul 2026 10:00:06
I think if Rodri moves, then they'll sell one of Camavinga or touch my nanny.

Camavinga never really pressed on, sadly - Tchou is a much better player.

25 Jul 2026 11:57:46
The thing that puts me off these Madrid lads is the fact that they would much rather prefer to stay at Madrid given the choice.

25 Jul 2026 16:23:07
For your sake Eric, I hope it's the former!

25 Jul 2026 20:43:08
I hope we still away from Camavigna. He needed Ancelotti and Modric putting him in the right place. He would have Carrick and Mainoo here.

27 Jul 2026 11:41:19
All being said, I still think the club covets Baleba most, and they're waiting on Brighton to move his asking price into a more acceptable range.

28 Jul 2026 20:58:08
I'd agree with them. He would be the one I'd like to see sign.