Manchester United

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England manager Thomas Tuchel on the inclusion of Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire in his squad: "Manchester United have had an outstanding run since Michael Carrick took charge and Harry and Kobbie have been a big part of that.

"As I said, this is the last camp before the trip to the US, so it's also my final chance to get to know new players, to learn about them and see how they fit in. Harry isn't a new player in an England shirt, of course, but he's new to me in this camp.

"I want to observe how he interacts with other players, see him on the pitch, understand what he's capable of, and gather enough insight to make clear decisions."

Chris Adams
BBC Sport journalist

The Premier League's draw specialists Bournemouth welcome Manchester United to Vitality Stadium on Friday night (20:00 GMT) with both sides seeking a positive result to take into the international break.

An uneventful 0-0 draw at second-bottom Burnley last week extended the Cherries' unbeaten run to 10 league games, the longest in the division, but it felt like an opportunity missed in terms of the chase for a European place.

Cherries drawing lots

The 14 draws recorded by Andoni Iraola's side this season are two more than any other team in Europe's top five leagues and five of those have finished 0-0 – again, a league-high tally.

Another stalemate on the Dorset coast would be their fifth in a row. No top-flight side has drawn as many consecutive matches since Fulham in December 2020-January 2021.

Bournemouth, in 10th place, are unbeaten in their last five against United and the teams played out a thrilling 4-4 draw at Old Trafford in November, when eight different goalscorers played their part in one of the most entertaining games of the season.

Since then, star man Antoine Semenyo has departed. He remains their top scorer and the Cherries have lacked a cutting edge in attack recently, drawing blanks in three of their last four.

They had 22 shots against Burnley without finding the net – the most they've ever had in a top-flight game without scoring – prompting Iraola to admit: "It's costing us a lot of points."

The Spaniard will be hoping the 500-mile round-trip takes its toll on the visitors. His side have won three of their four Friday night games in the league, while United have won just one of their five.

United's Champions League charge

Manchester United opened up a three-point gap between themselves in third and Aston Villa in fourth with a solid, if unspectacular, victory when the two sides met on Sunday.

A strong second-half showing gave head coach Michael Carrick five wins from five at Old Trafford in his second spell in charge, but he has found things a little trickier on the road, suffering his sole defeat against Newcastle United and relying on a late equaliser to hold West Ham United.

Portuguese playmaker Bruno Fernandes set up two goals in the Villa game to surpass David Beckham's club record of 15 assists in a single Premier League season. Now, with eight games remaining, he has the overall record in his sights.

The United captain, who has created six or more chances in each of his last three league games, has been involved in eight goals in his eight appearances against Bournemouth. He will need all his creative nous to unlock a home defence seeking its third clean sheet in a row.

With a 24-day wait until their next fixture, United and Carrick will be desperate to keep the feelgood factor going at a ground where they have lost just two of their eight away games in this competition (won four, drawn two).

England manager Thomas Tuchel has named his 35-man squad for the two friendlies against Uruguay and Japan in March.

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Manchester City), Aaron Ramsdale (Newcastle United), Jason Steele (Brighton & Hove Albion).

Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Marc Guéhi (Manchester City), Lewis Hall (Newcastle United), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur), John Stones (Manchester City), Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan).

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), James Garner (Everton), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace).

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, loan from Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur).

There are 13 players involved who weren't in the last squad back in November, while there's a first senior call-up for Everton midfielder James Garner and Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele.

We asked for your views on who Manchester United should sign in the summer to boost their midfield strength. Would you go for Sandro Tonali, Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, or do you think there is a better option out there? Would you try to sign more than one midfielder?

Here are some of your comments:

Mike: Re-sign Scott McTominay. He should never have been allowed to leave. Pure stupidity!

Bailie: I would say it's between Sandro Tonali, Carlos Baleba or John McGinn. Tonali is proven class and would be unstoppable with Bruno Fernandes, but he would also cost far too much. Baleba is unproven in a big team, but from seeing him in Brighton I fancy his chances of being good plus he would be cheaper compared to Tonali. McGinn is between the two in terms of class and price, but I think he would be too expensive for United.

Neil: We need legs in there and Elliot Anderson fits the bill. I Adam Wharton, but unsure about his workrate - great vision and passer, but a bit pedestrian. The one I'd go for is Ethan Ampadu at Leeds. He controls a game, quality passer and does it at international level and he is flying under the radar a bit. I'm surprised he's not in the conversation.

Thomas: United need to sign Bruno Guimaraes, as he is so consistent for Newcastle, and he has vital Premier League experience, which has really shown this season with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.

Graham: Man Utd must have enough money to prise Morgan Rogers away from Villa. Even if that's the only player they can afford, it would be better than signing 10 players across the whole squad. Everyone has their price!

Chris: I think Anderson and Tonali would be fantastic squad additions. Anderson as our new No.6 to replace Casemiro and Tonali to compete with Mainoo for the newly founded "No.18 slot."

Bournemouth have got an excellent record against Manchester United, who haven't beaten them home or away in any of their past five attempts.

United do look like a different team under Michael Carrick, and they have got some momentum as well as a Champions League spot in their sights.

But while Bournemouth used to be a team who I always fancied to score, and could be quite open, recently they have become a lot tighter at the back.

The Cherries have drawn their past four games, with three of those matches ending goalless, and the other one finishing 1-1.

They have now drawn 14 of their 30 league games this season - including a 4-4 thriller when these sides met at Old Trafford in December - and this smells of another draw to me.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Manchester United great Wayne Rooney reflects on the best midfielders he ever played with - from Steven Gerrard's dominance and how he would have wanted him at Old Trafford, David Beckham's quiet leadership and Frank Lampard's timing in the box.

United's record goalscorer looks at Roy Keane's authority, Michael Carrick's understated control and why Paul Scholes' football brain set him apart. There's high praise too for Park Ji-sung, the relentless engine who stopped Andrea Pirlo, and how players like Darren Fletcher and Owen Hargreaves played key roles.

Plus, which opposition midfielder stands out to Rooney? And what is his ultimate midfield line-up?

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

Manchester United are in advanced negotiations to sign Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes for about £69m, but renewed interest ​from Real Madrid threatens to complicate the move for the 28-year-old Brazil midfielder. (Reuters), external

Manchester United will reject Barcelona's efforts to extend the loan of England international Marcus Rashford, 28, for another season, telling the Spanish club to pay the previously agreed £26m or send the forward back to Old Trafford. (Mirror), external

Borussia Dortmund are interested in re-signing English forward Jadon Sancho. The 25-year-old, on loan at Aston Villa, will be out of contract at parent club Manchester United in June. (Athletic - subscription required), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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Manchester United's fans won't have a chance to see JJ Gabriel in Premier League action at Old Trafford this season, so a good proportion of the 2,516 who saw him feature in the 3-2 FA Youth Cup win over Sunderland on Wednesday made sure they got their selfies.

As he only celebrated his 15th birthday in October 2025, Gabriel currently falls foul of the Premier League regulation that players must be 15 by 31 August of the season in question to be allowed to play. In other words, they have to be in Year 11 at school.

That is what makes Gabriel such a special talent.

Despite being a Year 10 in school terms and, physically, much smaller than the vast majority of the players he is playing with and against, he still tends to stand out.

The victory against Sunderland that earned United an Old Trafford semi-final with Crystal Palace, who they also meet in the Premier League Under-18 Cup final at Selhurst Park next month, was not his best performance.

But he still produced a couple of magical moments. There was the first-time lay-off to Chido Obi in the first half that really should have led to United going in front. There was the perfectly weighted pass to Junior Brown that was smashed home superbly for the winner.

More thrillingly, there was the dazzling two-footed manoeuvre that took him into a shooting position at the end of the game.

That's why those fans were after their selfies at the end. It is why Gabriel's name was cheered the loudest when it was read out just before kick-off.

In August, he was in the directors' box with his family for the league opener against Arsenal. In December, he was pictured with Sir Alex Ferguson at the 1-1 draw with West Ham.

These events do not happen by accident. United know they must prove to Gabriel that he should commit his future to them.

They rolled out the red carpet last summer, when technical director Jason Wilcox was part of the delegation that spoke to Gabriel with a sales pitch that kept the Londoner in the north-west.

Nothing that has happened since will dissuade Europe's leading clubs from thinking Gabriel has talent they would quite like.

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BBC Sport's senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel has confirmed that a number six is the top priority for Manchester United in this summer's transfer window.

It is thought that those at the club are leaning towards a player with Premier League experience - although a midfielder from another league cannot be ruled out for certain.

England duo Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton are among those linked with a move to Old Trafford, along with fellow Premier League stars Sandro Tonali and Carlos Baleba. Elsewhere in Europe, Atalanta's Ederson is believed to have impressed some at the club.

It also cannot be ruled out that United will sign more than one number six, especially if out-of-favour Manuel Ugarte departs this summer.

There are two factors which will prove crucial in the club's decision making - Champions League qualification and who the next permanent manager will be.

Read the full piece about United's midfielder hunt here

Tell us what you would do. Would you go for one of the players named above or do you think there is a better option out there? Would you try to sign more than one midfielder?

Get in touch with your views here

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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Some good news for Manchester United fans. Shea Lacey has been pictured at training.

The images were posted by the club on Thursday but were taken on Wednesday and it is thought Lacey took a full part in the session.

The 18-year-old impressed in a couple of first-team outings around the turn of the year but was then sent off in the FA Cup defeat by Brighton in January.

He has not played at all since scoring a hat-trick in a Premier League 2 win at West Brom on 2 February. The reason for his absence has not been clarified, although it is thought to be injury related.

In addition to the senior side's trip to Bournemouth, United have a Premier League 2 encounter at Reading - they still have a chance of finishing top with three games of the regular season remaining, which suggests Lacey might get on the pitch.

Image source, Getty Images

We are getting to the stage of the season where every Premier League team is managing injuries in their squad as the sheer volume and intensity of games begins to take its toll.

But who has been most affected by injuries across the campaign so far?

Ben Dinnery, from Premier Injuries Limited, has provided the data below, showing the number of domestic injuries each top-flight team has suffered, defined by a player missing at least one Premier League game.

The data has been taken from the opening weekend up to and including 18 March.

Despite this table listing domestic injuries, it is unsurprising that the top three of Arsenal, Chelsea and Aston Villa have all competed in European competition, with the Gunners still fighting on four fronts and the Blues also coming off the back of a much-shortened pre-season following their Club World Cup victory.

Perhaps more surprisingly, however, is the fact Arsenal's 31 domestic injuries so far comfortably leads the way, illustrating the strength and depth available to Mikel Arteta to still have his side nine points clear at the top of the table.

The graphic below shows Tottenham lead the way for days missed by injured players, illustrating the issues faced by Thomas Frank, who had to cope with long-term absentees including Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison.

Both West Ham and Brentford are in the bottom three for domestic injuries and days missed through those injuries, while Arsenal and Villa are in the top three for both.

Chelsea drop down the table when looking at days missed, showing they have predominately suffered from short absences spread throughout the squad.

It is worth pointing out that Newcastle's two longest absences this season - Emil Krafth (120 days) and Yoane Wissa (88 days), who had not yet even trained with his new side, resulted from injuries picked up on international duty and are not factored into the figures.

Manchester United have a clear interest in Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali but Newcastle United would demand a fee of more than £100m if they decide to sell the 25-year-old. (The i), external

United could look to pick up Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, 29, from Besiktas, with goalkeeper Altay Bayindir moving in the other direction. (SporX - in Turkish), external

Meanwhile, Barcelona will look to keep forward Marcus Rashford on loan for another season to avoid paying a £26m transfer fee. (Mail), external

Juventus have been told they can sign Joshua Zirkzee for as little as 25m euros (£21.6m) but are also open to considering a loan with an option to buy the forward. (Tuttosport - in Italian), external

Finally, Borussia Dortmund believe they can persuade United winger Jadon Sancho to sign for a third spell at the Bundesliga club. (Times - subscription required), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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Bristol City head coach Gerhard Struber said he would "love" to keep on-loan goalkeeper Radek Vitek beyond the end of this season.

The 22-year-old joined on loan from Manchester United in the summer on a season-long loan and has gone on to establish himself as their first-choice keeper and one of their best and most consistent performers.

Vitek has kept 10 clean sheets in 33 Championship appearances but Struber said the club have had to look at options to replace him, while also holding out hope of potentially re-signing him for 2026-27.

"I would love that Radek stays here," Struber told BBC Radio Bristol.

"On the same time we have to look really deep right now - now's the time we can search and be creative also for loanees or a permanent deal.

"We have to be really open-minded and not close the door about maybe we could only loan - [it's a] very big motorway where we drive and search for a goalkeeper but hopefully, maybe, Radek will join us another year."

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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All eyes on the Football Association's social media accounts on Friday morning when Thomas Tuchel announces his latest England squad for the friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.

Apart from Marcus Rashford, who is on loan at Barcelona, Tuchel has not named a Manchester United player in any squad since taking charge just over a year ago.

Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo will hope that changes.

All three have impressed since Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim through to the end of the season in January.

Tuchel has previously suggested they could be in contention.

Carrick has not spoken to anyone at the FA. But he hopes his players make it.

"I'd love to see them picked for this one and for the summer," he said.

"I don't have any influence on that, but the way they're playing, they have put themselves in the picture and given themselves a chance.

"They are playing well enough to warrant a place."

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has been speaking to the media before Friday's Premier League game against Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium (kick-off 20:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Carrick confirmed Lisandro Martinez is "a lot closer" to a return and could be available after the international break, while Patrick Dorgu is "further down the line" and Noussair Mazraoui is ill but should be OK for Friday. The situation with Matthijs de Ligt is "frustrating" for the player but they are "working as hard as we can" to get him fit.

• Asked about Mason Mount's current fitness levels, he responded: "Starting would be too much at this point, from training time and the exposure he's had. It's brilliant to have him back, he's a fantastic player and great to have around the group. The break coming up is a good time for him."

• After two wins in their past seven away games, Carrick said it is "just form and results" and they don't pay too much attention to it: "We've had some good results at home, that doesn't mean that is fixed and we can move on to something else. It's been nice to win at home and play at Old Trafford with a real feeling of confidence and for the supporters to feel that. But we're not having a major difference in preparation or mindset."

• On Kobbie Mainoo's form: "You can always improve on a lot of things. Just the age he's at, there is so much more to come and develop, that's the stage he's at in his career. He's doing really well, not having a lot of football, to come in and play a run of games, he found his rhythm quickly and his natural flow."

• Carrick is expecting "a real mix for the group" over the international break and the following week off. He acknowledged they will "have to be flexible to come out the back of it in good shape", adding: "We're mindful of it for sure. It's unique in some ways, having the week after the internationals to prepare. Normally it's a rush to get everyone back as quickly as possible."

• With an apparent calmness around the club right now, the United boss said "sometimes it needs to be calm and stable, sometimes it needs to be on edge and a bit tetchy", but they want to be "measured and calculated" to get the balance right.

• On Bournemouth test: "It's a tough game, a tough place to go. They're on a really good run of form, but it's a difficult game. Going there, we've had a good run, the boys are in good shape, but always a difficult game - we know that. Really well-coached team and good energy so we know we'll be in for a game."

Listen to more from Carrick on BBC Sounds here or by hitting play on the clip above

Got a question about Manchester United? Get in touch here and we'll put it to our experts

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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After Friday's trip to Bournemouth, Manchester United don't have another match for 24 days, when they play Leeds at home.

It is an incredible situation, even allowing for the fact there is an international break as part of that and underlines what a season looks like with no Europe and when you have been knocked out of both domestic cups at the earliest possible stage.

European qualification is virtually certain next season after a run of seven wins in nine games since Michael Carrick took charge.

It is a spot in next season's Champions League that is the key aim for United now though.

Carrick has chosen to preview Friday's trip to Bournemouth today, so media commitments don't cut across Thursday training and travel.

United have only won one out their last three away games – and two in seven going all the way back to the victory at Wolves on 8 December – so it will be interesting to see what Carrick thinks the reasons for that are when he speaks to the media in a bit.

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Manchester United YouTuber Tom Cooney prefers that Michael Carrick be given the opportunity to stay as head coach.

The former midfielder was offered the role on an interim basis in January, replacing Ruben Amorim - United's 10th manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

Carrick has led the Red Devils to seven wins in his first nine games at the helm - form which justifies a chance as permanent manager, Cooney says.

"Let's have a look at him over the course of 12 months rather than on an interim basis," he told BBC Radio Manchester's The Devils' Advocate podcast.

"At the moment, everything is a risk.

"If you're Ineos, with the mistakes that have been made so far, if Carrick carries on winning games at a better rate than anyone and gets us into the Champions League, do you want to change that?"

With a win over top-four contenders Aston Villa, United took a step closer to securing Champions League qualification.

For the first time in more than a decade, United aren't taking part in European competition this season after finishing the 2024-25 Premier League campaign in 15th place.

In this context, Cooney believes sticking with Carrick is more sensible than taking a chance on someone new.

"If you think about where we were 12 months ago, it's a big turnaround," he said.

"I'd be stunned if he didn't get the job. It'd have to be an exceptional candidate who became available for you to say: 'Thanks, Michael, but we can't turn this opportunity down.'

"And I don't see that coming. Everyone you'd look to move to is a bit of a risk, in light of Carrick doing so well."

Listen to the full podcast 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

Alex Turk
Fan writer

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Many will not admit that Bruno Fernandes has been the Premier League's best player this season, but his status as a Manchester United icon is undisputed.

United's captain delivered when the lights were the brightest again to inspire a potentially season-defining victory over Aston Villa.

Defeat by a direct rival after stumbling at Newcastle would have severely damaged dreams of a Champions League return.

Yet it couldn't have transpired much better, even more so in between dismal home results for Chelsea and Liverpool.

Fernandes once again showcased why, Champions League next season or not, United must retain his services.

Another pinpoint set-piece delivery for Casemiro's seventh goal of the season - Fernandes has assisted five of those, making it the Premier League's most deadly combination this term.

But his perfect pass for Matheus Cunha's Stretford End strike was one of his finest in a United shirt.

Glorious, unmatched vision and execution that sets the Portuguese playmaker apart from all who play in his position.

Fernandes' 16 league assists is double the total of his closest competitor, Rayan Cherki.

In fact, it is the most assists any United player has ever produced in a Premier League season, overtaking David Beckham's 15 from the 1999-00 campaign.

Fernandes also joins elite company in Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney as the only three Red Devils players to reach 100 goals and 100 assists in the Premier League era.

He may not boast the silverware Giggs and Rooney relentlessly collected under Sir Alex Ferguson, but he is not out of place in that trinity of attacking class.

The primary question that dominated the Villa build-up was how United would react to a first taste of defeat under Michael Carrick?

We got a satisfying answer at Old Trafford on Sunday. An even bigger question will continue to linger for a while longer, though.

What does life after Fernandes actually look like?

It's a harrowing inevitability in the next few years. I'd say enjoy him while you can, but it's impossible not to!

Find more from Alex Turk at Turk Talks FC, external

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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New Manchester United head of academy Stephen Torpey has heaped praise on current Under-18 coach Darren Fletcher.

The former United and Scotland midfielder took over following the exit of Adam Lawrence at the end of last season, after twin sons Jack and Tyler had moved out of the age group.

Fletcher has guided United to second spot in the Premier League North table and into the Premier League Under-18 cup final, where they will face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park next month. On Wednesday, they will attempt to beat Sunderland at Old Trafford to book an FA Youth Cup semi-final meeting with Palace, also next month.

In addition, Fletcher stepped in for two games as interim boss of the senior team following Ruben Amorim's dismissal in January.

Torpey said: "I've known Darren for years and he's always come across as a really amazing and clever guy, studious in terms of football and obviously passionate about the game and Manchester United in particular.

"He's a real leader at the club."

Fletcher made 342 appearances across a 12-year stint at United, before joining West Brom and then ending his career at Stoke.

He has had a number of roles at United, but his ambition has always been to coach and was keen to step back into the Under-18 fold rather than stay within the senior group when former team-mate Michael Carrick was appointed to the end of the season.

"Darren's on his own journey now in terms of developing himself as a future head coach," said Torpey.

"Working in the Under-18s has given him the opportunity to learn and evolve as a person and a coach or tactician, whatever that area would be.

"He's been superb. It's great to have someone who's a club legend with us in the academy. The boys are the ones benefiting from that."

Watch former Premier League defender and manager Russell Martin discuss how Manchester United's midfield dynamic has changed and improved under Michael Carrick.

"There's more balance," he told BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.

"Bruno is playing in that position now where he can affect games in more of a free role. Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro are playing much closer together so there is much more central progression with the ball.

"It is something Michael and his Middlesbrough team were very good at - overloading midfield and trying to hurt teams in the middle of the pitch.

"In possession, with the ball, the team looks so much more balanced."

Listen on BBC Sounds