Manchester United

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Marcus Rashford is contracted to Manchester United until 2028.

His salary of £325,000 a week makes him the club's top earner at a time when minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is trying to stay on top of wage costs, which is, by some distance, the club's highest expenditure.

United's transfer activity has slowed since Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans joined them for £35m on 14 July.

While uncertainty over Rashford's future is not the entire reason for this, it is a basic truth that United's search for a left-sided attacking player, or another striker, will be affected if he stays at the club because he can play in both positions.

Equally, the amount United can pay in wages will differ depending on whether Rashford's salary is part of the overall bill.

Many fans are conflicted.

Plenty feel Rashford's fallout with Ruben Amorim over his performances in training was reflective of someone who no longer felt the joy of playing for his boyhood club.

Comparisons were made with his performances prior to his exit from United and those at Aston Villa, with England and then Barcelona.

Others think Rashford is too good to be discarded; a local lad who would benefit from an arm around the shoulder and is capable of making a significant impact in Carrick's team.

The secondary point to that is could United sign a player of similar standing for £26m, given that is the fee sources close to Rashford feel would not be exceeded given it had been agreed with Barcelona?

Read more about what happens next with Rashford here

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Manchester United have admitted they underestimated how many fans share account details and said their ticket touting investigation caused "distress" to some supporters.

The club launched the investigation last month after identifying accounts with suspicious activity, including one device that accessed 1,088 accounts.

However, some fans feared they could lose their season tickets without knowing why and after concerns were raised at a fans' forum on 30 July, United admitted they made mistakes in how they carried out the investigation.

BBC Sport's Manchester United reporter Simon Stone joined Radio Manchester to discuss the club's approach and apology.

"Manchester United are saying they didn't really appreciate how many fans covered supporters groups, they say they'd got in touch with fans if there'd been seven tickets on a particular device," he explained.

"The club would argue if you have a season ticket, you're responsible for that ticket, and the club obviously have processes in place where if you're not using that ticket then you're supposed to explain what is happening.

"Manchester United are clearly in a tricky spot, they're arguing you're not supposed to do this but we're not going to take action against you, because you're not the people we're trying to get, by taking this action we're trying to get the touts.

"Manchester United are saying unless there's evidence of touting, they will not take action against season ticket holders. United said there was a second lot of emails that went out the day after the World Cup final and that was the last lot of emails from the investigation.

"If you haven't had an email by now you're not going to. The club have said do what it says, respond within 14 days and if you've done nothing wrong no action will be taken."

Read more on the ticketing story

Manchester United entered this summer's transfer window looking to build on a promising campaign last season, in which they returned to Champions League football under the guidance of former midfielder-turned-head coach Michael Carrick.

The Red Devils' resurgence under Carrick has allowed them to rebuild their midfield with one of the league's standout players, Youri Tielemans, and to snatch the promising Andrey Santos from Chelsea's clutches.

And the attacking recruitment in previous seasons sees United well stocked with high-quality options, even if the future of Marcus Rashford has not been finalised yet.

However, options in defence are light, and reports of interest in Newcastle United's Lewis Hall will not come as a surprise to fans who are hoping for further reinforcements in this window.

Beyond the two midfield signings, the only other recruit this summer is back-up goalkeeper Karl Darlow.

Which areas of the squad would you like to see Man Utd improve in the final month of the transfer window? And is the current squad depth enough to build on last season's resurgence?

Get in touch with your views here

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Manchester United have announced plans for their first permanent matchday fan zone at Old Trafford.

The Paddock, a free-to-enter space with a capacity of 1,300 will be located 15 metres behind the Stretford End and will be open to ticket holders on home matchdays before and after games.

The club said the name was chosen after consultation with its Fan Experience working group and is a reference to the historic standing terrace next to the Stretford End.

The fan zone forms part of United's new partnership with a hospitality company, which will introduce things like self-service bars.

Director of fan engagement Rick McGagh said: "We are delighted that in partnership with Levy, we have implemented a wide range of changes to enhance matchdays, bringing greater choice and better service for supporters across the stadium - something fans have told us they want.

"The proposed fan zone is the latest example of our continued investment in the fan experience and facilities at Old Trafford."

The Paddock is due to open in the autumn, subject to planning approval.

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Danny Welbeck's move to Chelsea for an undisclosed fee, means the 35-year-old joins a very small list of players to have represented Manchester United, Arsenal and the Blues.

Only Scotland's George Graham has played for the three clubs in his playing career before Welbeck.

Unlike the England international, Graham played for Chelsea first, then Arsenal, followed by a two-year stint at Old Trafford.

Welbeck started his career at the Red Devils before a £16m move to the Emirates in 2014.

Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek is close to completing a permanent move to Middlesbrough.

Vitek scooped all the Bristol City Player of the Year awards last season but returned to United for the start of pre-season.

However, the 22-year-old made it clear when he spoke to reporters in Norway last month he expected to spend the season away from Old Trafford.

"I'm ready to go somewhere again and hopefully be number one," he said.

Middlesbrough are one of a number of clubs keen to sign the Czech.

It is understood if the deal does go through, Manchester United would look to have a hefty sell-on clause and a buy-back option included.

Former Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, 26, has agreements in principle with a number of clubs in Europe, Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, with the England international assessing his options. (Sky Sports), external

Manchester United see Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, 26, as a potential replacement for captain Bruno Fernandes if the 31-year-old Portugal international leaves Old Trafford. (Mail - subscription required), external

Manchester United and Chelsea are both interested in Bologna's 28-year-old Colombia centre-back Jhon Lucumi, who has also been subject of bids from Serie A clubs Juventus and Como. (Quotidiano Sportivo - in Italian), external

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

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Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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Shea Lacey was on the fringes of the first team towards the end of Ruben Amorim's time at Manchester United, sparkled immediately after the Portuguese's dismissal at Burnley, then got sent off in the FA Cup against Brighton.

Although it was the final game of the season - also against Brighton - before he played senior football again, he did score a hat-trick on Premier League 2 duty. This pre-season he has been one of United's best players.

He was outstanding against Atletico Madrid in Stockholm, winning the penalty Bryan Mbeumo scored to level and putting Atletico's defence on the back foot. Best at starting on the right and cutting in, expect to see a lot of him being introduced from the bench.

Read more on youngsters to watch at each Premier League club this season

Manchester United have admitted they underestimated how many fans shared account details before launching their ticket touting investigation and that it has caused "distress" to some fans.

United began the process last month, having identified a number of accounts they said had activity which warranted further investigation.

According to the club, in one instance, 1,088 accounts had been accessed on a single device.

However, it soon became clear a number of genuine fans were left fearing they were going to have their season tickets confiscated without knowing why.

United defended their actions in private but, after a fans forum on 30 July in which concerns were outlined, have now accepted they made mistakes in how they chose to execute their investigation.

"Manchester United accepts that the process may have caused distress for some loyal supporters, underestimated how common sharing account usernames and passwords was, and recognises that some fans may have felt they were being treated unfairly," the club said.

"We recognise that many supporters have shared account login details in circumstances they regarded as legitimate, and we did not anticipate the extent to which this was occurring."

United say a "satisfactory explanation" has been provided in a "substantial number of cases" and that restrictions had been removed from those accounts.

Read more on the ticketing story

Bryan Mbeumo's debut season at Manchester United was one full of ups and downs.

The Cameroon forward was announced as one of the Red Devils' marquee signings at a hefty £65m price tag in July 2025.

An opening-day defeat against Arsenal last season, followed by a draw at Fulham, and then a dramatic defeat away at Grimsby in the League Cup second round saw Mbeumo experience a baptism of fire.

However, the trials and tribulations of becoming a Manchester United player never got Mbeumo down.

When asked by BBC Sport's Manchester United reporter, Simon Stone, about whether he was surprised by the Red Devils' top four finish last season, Mbeumo replied: "I wasn't surprised, because it is a big club, we always aim big.

"We are trying to get ready for the first game of the season. We worked really hard at the training, so it is really important to have good results as well [in pre-season]."

The 26-year-old will soon experience Champions League football for the first time in his career.

So far in pre-season, Mbeumo has featured in all three games for Michael Carrick, playing 244 minutes, scoring two goals and creating one.

Mbeumo added that they are "starting to get into shape" and Carrick has implemented "good plans" into United's pre-season sessions.

Listen to more on Manchester United on BBC Sounds

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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There was chat around Ethan Wheatley and Everton at the weekend.

It seems Everton want Wheatley to go into their Under-21 squad as a development player.

I am not sure the England Under-20 forward is too keen on that idea, having had three loans into League One and Two over the past 18 months.

Wheatley is one of the young players Manchester United are willing to sell this summer.

Midfielder Toby Collyer - who already has 13 appearances for United to his name - also falls into that category, as does Dan Gore and goalkeeper Radek Vitek, plus defender Harry Amass.

In each case, United will be trying to cover themselves with sell-on clauses and buy-back clauses.

They have all impressed during the current pre-season campaign.

Midfielder Jacob Devaney is another who could go out this summer but United are looking at a loan move for him. Striker Chido Obi also has an uncertain future.

On the latest The Devils' Advocate podcast, BBC Radio Manchester's Gaz Drinkwater and Joe McGrath analyse Manchester United's youngsters' performances during pre-season alongside Stretford Paddock's Joe Smith.

McGrath feels Michael Carrick had added a wholesome feel across the club, which is helping integrate talent from the academy into the senior team.

"We have embedded this wholesome, 'We're Manchester United, we're going forward, and we have Carrick at the wheel'," said McGrath.

"There was a period of time that United, in certain transfer windows, had senior players in their squad, but they did not had the love for the club."

After losing their opening pre-season tie against Wrexham, United have beaten Rosenborg and Atletico Madrid - in games which have seen an influx of youth players throughout the team.

Drinkwater added: "We have got a lot of games this season, so we need these options."

He believes Shea Lacey, 19, is a "favourite" to have an impact in the upcoming season, but suggests 15-year-old JJ Gabriel should be given time to develop.

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

Fenerbahce are ready to break the bank to lure Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford, 28, to Turkey this summer. (Sun), external

Manchester United have told 22-year-old English midfielder Toby Collyer that he can leave this summer, with Championship clubs expressing an interest. (Sun), external

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

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Should a club build a new stadium or upgrade its current home in a bid to maintain some history? How significant is a new ground in terms of revenue generated? Will it move the needle?

BBC Sport has worked with football finance expert Kieran Maguire to consider the impact a new home has.

Take a look at your club's matchday revenue figures from 2024-25 below and get the full article here.

On the latest Devils' Advocate, Joe and Gaz are joined by the Stretford Paddock's Joe Smith to chat about pre-season so far and transfers.

They also discuss Marc Skinner's departure from Manchester United Women.

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

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Manchester United FC

It is clear Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants a new stadium to be the statement around his involvement at Manchester United.

Yet it is equally clear a new build, with a 100,000 capacity and a significant number of corporate areas, would generate far more than United get on a matchday now, which will help drive revenues and improve the senior squad.

There are other financial aspects though, which few will consider in the bigger picture.

The initial plans unveiled by Ratcliffe in March 2025 featured a huge canopy. That in itself will be costly, but in theory the overhang and what is underneath it will be in United's footprint - and the club will be responsible for it. Will the expense be worth the 'look'?

Construction could - in part - take place off site and be shipped in if club officials are to be believed. That is likely to cost less than doing all the work in Old Trafford.

And then having a new build where it is, down the road from their current ground, deals with the potentially thorny problem about where United would play if Old Trafford was closed for a period.

None of Manchester City, Liverpool or Everton's grounds are ideal from a security perspective. All have a lower capacity than Old Trafford and all would cost a lot to hire, even if it was desirable.

United's current plans mean they can simply move from one stadium to another.

Read more on the impact of building a new stadium here

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Former Manchester United forward Fraizer Campbell believes it could be "a big positive" for the club if Marcus Rashford wants to stay.

Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona, scoring 14 goals and providing 14 assists in all competitions as the Catalan side won La Liga.

However, the Spanish champions decided against triggering the £26m clause to turn his loan spell into a permanent move.

Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, Campbell said: "I don't know what's happening with him but if he is happy to stay, he wants to stay, you have Marcus Rashford in your team.

"That could be a big positive for us if Marcus wants to stay and he is at it again, because he can play on the left-hand side or he can fill in up front."

Rashford is contracted to the Red Devils until 2028.

Listen to Campbell's thoughts on Man Utd's attacking options on BBC Sounds here or by pressing play below

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United's squad for the high-profile pre-season friendly with Paris St-Germain in Gothenburg on 8 August will have a more familiar look.

Michael Carrick has been leaning heavily on United's academy for the three matches so far this summer, with 10 youngsters involved in the 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in Stockholm at the weekend.

However, Belgium duo Senne Lammens and new signing Youri Tielemans returned to training last Thursday and this week should see four more World Cup stars back at Carrington.

Portugal pair Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, Brazil's Matheus Cunha and Morocco's Noussair Mazraoui are all due back – which will leave England's Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo, plus Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez as the only remaining players to rejoin Carrick's squad.

With the travelling numbers reducing anyway given players are starting to get more minutes – Mason Mount, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven played the full 90 against Atletico – it will provide an insight into Carrick's thinking for the campaign that lies ahead.

United are still looking at their midfield options, although Mount has arguably been player of pre-season so far and has looked excellent in the number eight role alongside new arrival Andrey Santos.

There is also a vacancy on the left, where there is interest in Newcastle's Lewis Hall, albeit with an acknowledgement it would be a very difficult transfer to complete – the view now is that youngster Harry Amass will leave, either on loan or permanently.

Potentially, there could be a striking reinforcement to take some of the pressure off Benjamin Sesko, who is continuing his recovery from a shin problem but is expected to be fit to feature in the opening Premier League game at Hull.

Wales goalkeeper Karl Darlow is still to see action as a United goalkeeper. The former Leeds man had a small procedure at the end of the season and is yet to start training with the main goalkeeping group.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United defender Leny Yoro is aiming high.

United improved dramatically under Michael Carrick over the second half of last season to seal a third-place finish and a return to the Champions League.

While many fans are concerned about a relative lack of signings given only Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos and Belgium World Cup star Youri Tielemans have arrived at the club so far, inside Old Trafford there is optimism about what lies ahead.

A 2-1 comeback win against Atletico Madrid in Stockholm was an impressive third pre-season game, with Shea Lacey and Mason Mount standing out.

Yoro thinks United should be targeting a Premier League title tilt.

"Of course," he said. "We are Manchester United. I know we have the potential to do it.

"The mood is really good. We work hard outside the pitch and there is a good vibe around the camp. The target is to win trophies and be at the top."

United beat off competition from Real Madrid and Paris St-Germain to sign Yoro as an 18-year-old in 2024.

The £52m fee underlined the potential United's recruitment team saw in the player.

So far, that hasn't quite been fulfilled.

Yoro has been featuring at right-back in pre-season and struck an effective partnership with Lacey in Sweden until the forward was replaced after an hour.

"Centre-back is still my position but obviously, if I can be on the pitch, right-back or centre-back, I will play as well as possible," he said.

"I know my potential and know I can do much more.

"Sometimes people forget I'm still 20. I still love to learn and still love to improve. I hope this season is going to be a big step for me."

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter in Stockholm

Image source, Getty Images

Amad Diallo's return from World Cup duty brings with it a significant degree of expectation.

While Ivory Coast did not perform brilliantly in the United States, going out in the last 32, Amad impressed with his two goals at the tournament.

That was as many as the 24-year-old managed all last season for the Old Trafford outfit.

Add in his three-goal haul at the Africa Cup of Nations and Amad's form at international level was significantly better than for his club.

Indeed, until the final day of the campaign at Brighton, he didn't even manage an assist for Manchester United from the point at which he left for Afcon in December.

There were not many players at the club whose form dipped after Ruben Amorim was axed, but Amad was one of them. It was a contributory factor in the change in formation.

The wing-back position highlights defensive work - and Amad is good at that, as he showed against Atletico Madrid.

Starting on the right of a three-man attack, Amad's first two dribbles were towards his own goal after nipping in to win possession, and he did it again before half-time when he was replaced.

Amad also inadvertently played a significant role in United going behind, when he tried a little trick in flicking a pass back to Leny Yoro, playing his team-mate into trouble.

The unintended consequence was the free-kick Yoro conceded trying to deal with a difficult situation, the corner that followed, and then a goal as Arnau Ortiz floated a cross from the left side of United's penalty area, which beat everyone and ended up in the far corner.

Amad was a threat at the other end, though.

His low free-kick was saved by veteran goalkeeper Jan Oblak after it had taken a deflection as it passed through the wall.

It was Amad's industry that also allowed United to win possession just outside the Atletico penalty area and start the move that ended with the excellent Shea Lacey crossing for Bryan Mbeumo to head wide.

As a first appearance of pre-season, it was perfectly acceptable - but Amad will know his levels will need to improve on last term.

Read the full match report here